The summer edition of the magazine is here! Peruse some of our favorite destinations and travel-related recommendation. Subscribe for future issues to head straight to your inbox. Don't miss out on ideas galore for where to travel next and what to do there. Ready to subscribe? Click here

Another takeout win, and this time from a new spot in town. Kazan opened its doors late 2019 helmed by chef and owner Ryu Isobe, the brainchild of Tatsu Ramen restaurant on Melrose Avenue and Sawtelle Blvd, who moved on from Tatsu, and is now doing his own signature style. The focus is on homemade Japanese style soba noodles and everything is homemade fresh daily. 

Costa Mesa‘s community of large and small businesses are trying to make a difference to their fellow residents. Together, they have donated thousands of pounds of food, helped feed families that have been laid off or furloughed during this health crisis and are raising funds to support and give back to frontline workers in healthcare and law enforcement while getting through the COVID-19 crisis together. With many businesses having to shutter during this time, others are doing whatever they can to stay in business, raise funds and help each other. Following are a few Costa Mesa stories of businesses giving back, and locals helping locals. 

Since we are mostly confined indoors and can only opt for takeout or have food delivered, here’s a great deal from Ono Hawaiian BBQ if you feel like some tropical vibes are needed. Find a location near you and order ahead for pick up or drive over to find what you’d like. They have some great BOBO (buy one get one free) offers going on at the moment. I tried out a few different chicken and rice plates. Each portion comes with a hefty serving of sticky white rice and Asian salad – certainly enough for one hungry diner. 

​The chicken versions vary based on plates, so you have options such as the BBQ chicken, chicken katsu, grilled chicken breast or teriyaki chicken. each of them cooked to perfection and well paired with the salad and rice. They have a few other fish and beef options available as well, and plenty of sauce options to take the meal up a notch. I also went for some musubi appetizer which is not pictured here (it was that good I gobbled it up) – again a great portion size as each order comes with two handy pieces - of meat, teriyaki sauce and solid block of steamed white rice all happily wrapped in seaweed. 

​And to complete the experience, Hawaiian Sun drinks, which I loved by the way for their light fruity flavors unlike soda. I chose the two flavors below so need to try more flavors the next time around. Glad to have a location just a few minutes from me and hope to head back soon, maybe on another rainy day when a hot meal is on my mind. Next time, I am heading for the beef and fish. If you’ve eaten here, let me know your recommendations. Now is a great time to show support for local businesses that have had to recalibrate to new modes of operations but are still staying open to cater to our needs! 

Read the new edition of the magazine here and subscribe for future issues to head straight to your inbox! Don't miss out on ideas galore for where to travel next and what to do there. Ready to subscribe? Click here

Read the new edition of the magazine here and subscribe for future issues to head straight to your inbox! Don't miss out on ideas galore for where to travel next and what to do there. Ready to subscribe? Click here

Located at the corner of Beverly Boulevard and N. Orlando Ave, Mandarette Chinese Café has been serving up delicious traditional Chinese cuisine with a modern twist for the past 35 years. For their anniversary, the West Hollywood mainstay, just down the street from the Beverly Center, has announced four new fall menu items. Owner Ken Yang’s culinary journey started from a little town just north of Taipei, where his father started his traditional training in the kitchen at the young age of 13, and that expertise is highlighted in all the dishes here. 

Grab your passport, hop in the nearest hot air balloon and soar over to The Raymond 1886 where the adventure of a lifetime awaits as you take a journey across libations by experiencing The Raymond 1886’s “Around the World” New 2019 Fall Cocktail Menu!

The Four Seasons Resort Orlando presented a media lunch by Executive Chef Fabrizio Schenardi and Capa Chef Gabriel Massip for Los Angeles press members at Culina in the Four Seasons Beverly Hills to introduce some of the highlights from their resort at Walt Disney World in Florida. ‘A Taste of Magic’ included select plates for a three-course tasting extravaganza.

​The Lexus All-Star Chef Classic with BBVA hosted the Spanish Masters Dinner this year with Ellen Bennett acting as master of ceremony for the evening. The five course dinner was an extravagant affair with chefs and their teams preparing in real-time and the whole operation performed in front of the dinner audience, along with four large stadium screens airing the whole shebang from start to finish. Sort of dinner and a movie but at a whole other level.