Indulge in these mouthwatering Halloween creations. No tricks involved. The only thing harder to avoid in Halloween season than witches and vampires is a sweet tooth. Good luck getting to November without you or your kids freely sampling from the candy basket. And sorry, this story isn’t going to make...
Best Birthday Cakes Patty’s Cakes and Desserts Family-run Patty’s Cakes and Desserts has been in business for decades and has thousands of rave reviews across the biggest sites online. The birthday cake section alone offers enough variety to fit just about any type of party. Prefer cupcakes? They got you...
(Photo Courtesy of Bracken's Kitchen) Local chef Bill Bracken took hardship and transformed it as a way to feed those in need in Orange County. It all started in 2011 when the recession was at its worst. Chef Bill Bracken lost his long-lived career cooking for the Four Seasons Hotel...
The boardwalk on the bluff at Moonstone Beach is the best reason to stay at one of the inns on this stretch of coast in Cambria. Memories mix with new discoveries when the writer visits his old stomping ground on the Central Coast. I’ve been a little reluctant to recommend...
(Photo Courtesy of Madison Amirehteshami) Mission Bay offers vacationing families access to the very best of San Diego. School’s out for summer and most families are in need of a getaway — something fun for the kids that will keep parents from pulling their hair out planning and budgeting for...
Sunset at Grand Solmar Land's End Resort At the tip of Baja, going chic to chic for a week, and learning the wahoo Watusi “You see, Sweetheart, you can always tell where the fish are by looking at the birds. You find fish where they are diving into the water....
(Photo Courtesy of Churrino Gourmet Churros Gelato) Churrino Gourmet Churros Churrino Gourmet Churros & Gelato has opened its second SoCal location in the Collage Culinary Experience. Founders Nicolas Silva and Kelvin Tan first brought the authentic flavors of their home countries Brazil and Burma to America in 2019 with their...
(Photo Courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara, Carlsbad) Beyond LEGOLAND and sandy beaches, a great resort is transformed into something extraordinary. Ranging from laid-back to luxurious, Carlsbad has many looks: venture beyond Legoland and you’ll find some of SoCal’s most beautiful beaches, three waterfowl-packed lagoons to explore, dozens of easy-walking trails,...
Wrap things up with variations of the pita found in Orange County. This Mediterranean-style sandwich can be stuffed with spit-roasted lamb, chicken shawarma or falafel. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites here and even included a recipe for shawarma you can make at home. Daphne’s California Greek Daphne’s...
Oh my gourd, it’s hard to believe that PSL (pumpkin spice latte) season is already upon us. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy the unmistakable taste of autumn that don’t involve a latte. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe The Hello Kitty Grand Cafe has you covered when it comes...
Given the circumstances, we could all use a little comfort food right about now. Fried chicken to the rescue! Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fried chicken has been among Chef Ryan Adams’ signature dishes for years. We’re lucky he decided to base an entire restaurant concept around his crispy creation. Buttermilk Fried...
Stay hydrated and refreshed during the hot season with one or more of these frozen drinks you can enjoy with your family. Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen Cha Cha’s Platinum Mojito is our favorite version of the white rum cocktail. Platinum rum, fresh lime juice, cane sugar and plenty of mint...
PICK OF THE MONTH: Virtual OC FairEven though the traditional in-person OC Fair isn’t occurring this year, you can still get a fairly terrific fair experience through the magic of the Internet. With content available on ocfair.com all summer long, this virtual version presents an entertaining array of performances, contests,...
PICK OF THE MONTH: Knott's California Marketplace Knott’s Berry Farm’s first public “attraction” was its roadside stand, so it makes sense that, during its 100th anniversary, Knott’s re-opens its Marketplace first while exiting its pandemic hiatus. Folks now can go to Marketplace stores and restaurants (like Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner...
Summertime is synonymous with grilling burgers. But if you can’t take the heat, try one of these beefy bites in Orange County. If you are looking to fire up your own burger, we’ve got VaKA Burger’s recipe for their OG burger. And don’t forget to check out Orange County Restaurant...
We can all admit there are things we’ve been missing while sheltering in place. Adult beverages doesn’t have to be one of them. Plenty of local restaurants are offering beer, wine and cocktails for delivery and takeout along with your favorite dishes — just in time for Father’s Day. Stowaway...
During my time running a restaurant, I learned that the work is stressful and profit margins are slim. It’s still some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done. Guests became friends and employees became family. During this pandemic, local restaurants need our help — as they help us. We’ve...
We all need some extra TLC these days. Is there anything more comforting than a soft, gooey peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Whether you’re 4 or 40, it’s always a treat to find this classic on your plate. Check out how these local restaurants are putting a spin on PB&J,...
A weekend of culture, kisses and kayaks proves it: couples that paddle together stay together. By Randall Tierney An aerial view of La Jolla, with the breakwater in the foreground. This gem of a seaside village called La Jolla is endlessly scenic, with hilly ocean bluffs and sandy beaches, and...
Lil’ Chef School in Irvine celebrates 10 years of teaching local children a passion for cooking. Tracey Doty started cooking with her mom and grandma at a young age. When she was still in elementary school and around the holidays, they would spend the whole day cooking during a given...
A heart-shaped box full of chocolate is romantic, but predictable. Here are some unique ways you and your family can enjoy chocolate this Valentine’s Day. The Dirty Cookie If your family digs milk and cookies, try a cookies-and-cream cookie shot from The Dirty Cookie. A soft, chocolatey and chewy cookie...
We bet you’ve heard of açaí and you’ve probably heard it’s healthy for you too. But you might still be wondering, “What exactly is açaí?” And, “Am I even saying it right?” (It’s pronounced ah-sigh-EE.) Açaí berries grow on açaí palm trees in South American rainforests and look a lot...
Planting a native garden can benefit the family as well as local wildlife. Have you ever seen the cedar waxwing bird, with its crest, black mask, clear shades of yellow and rust, and feathers so smooth they don’t look like feathers? If not, you probably haven’t been hanging around toyon...
In-N-Out That’s right, OC’s favorite burger chain serves hot cocoa. In-N-Out’s tightly edited menu includes a cup of hot cocoa reportedly made with Ghirardelli Chocolate and freeze-dried marshmallows. Honesty, drinking hot cocoa out of a palm tree-adorned cup is about as California as it gets. Bonus points if you are...
Seaside Bakery Situated near the Newport Beach pier for more than 25 years, Seaside Bakery is an OC classic. Open 24 hours, you’ll find cake doughnuts, puffy yeast doughnuts and even crullers and old fashions. But they haven’t been open all these years without learning some new tricks, too. Cronuts...
If a staycation is on your summer itinerary, we have some beverages to help you feel like you are on island time. Twisted Tiki Orange County’s newest Tiki Bar can be found at the McFadden Public Market in Santa Ana and the space is designed to be a “true taste...
Slater’s 50/50 Slater’s 50/50 is known for their burgers (comprised of 50 percent ground beef and 50 percent bacon) but they are also frying up some pretty tasty chicken wings, too. Available in classic or boneless, Slater’s wings are hand-breaded and fried twice. Choose from Nashville Hot, Thai Sriracha, Honey...
Each of these two family getaways is a six-hour drive from OC—one-tank road trips—but the similarities end there. Off-season (summer) lodging at the Four Seasons in the Sonoran desert of Scottsdale allows for world-class luxury at a reduced rate. A stay at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz offers the...
Ways & Means Oyster House Serve Mom an ocean view with her bottomless mimosa at Ways & Means Oyster House. Tucked inside Pacific City in Huntington Beach, Ways & Means serves a seafood-studded brunch with Maine lobster Benedict, shrimp avocado toast and crab huevos rancheros. Mother’s Day Brunch will be...
Coloring and hiding Easter eggs is a fun family activity, but these family-friendly restaurants will have you on the hunt for a different kind of egg. Deviled eggs are deliciously easy to enjoy (and make with all those leftover Easter eggs). Take a cue from these inspired deviled eggs served...
St. Patrick’s Day may have started as a religious festival day in Ireland, but cultures all over the world have adopted traditions and customs to celebrate the day. Nearly all of them involve the color green. Here are some green treats you can find in Orange County that are a...
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to show the sweeties in your life how sweet they are. And there are plenty of places in Orange County to help you get your sugar fix. Treat your kids (or spouse) to any of these unique desserts for a happy heart day. Honey...
Beetology Beat cold and flu season the natural way with Beetology, a new line of craft beverages that are organic, cold-pressed and made from 100 percent pure goodness. Beets are a nutrient powerhouse and these tasty drinks are the perfect way to get your veggies in on the way to...
A Restaurant “Classically hip” since 1926, this classic Newport Beach restaurant has been serving up a fine dining experience for over 90 years. This December, come on in to enjoy their one-of-a-kind holiday cocktail The Maple Kind, which combines Woodford rye with maple, black walnut and orange flavoring then finished...
The Clay Oven Treat your family to something a little different this Thanksgiving with a Tandoori Turkey from The Clay Oven. For the past 26 years, this much-loved Irvine establishment has been preparing its herb and spice marinated birds in a tandoor oven, which retains the moisture but lowers the...
Sensitive Sweets Skip the allergens, not the sweets! Dietary restrictions should never mean missing out on Halloween treats, which is why Sensitive Sweets is dedicated to serving up the most delicious and adorable goodies in Orange County that everyone can enjoy. These boo-tiful creations are gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, soy-free, peanut-free,...
Summer’s over, right? Time to delve into school and extracurriculars. It’s back to the workplace, back to “normal life.” Sure. Sort of. But why should we let our school and work calendars run our lives to the point where we don’t feel there’s room for spontaneity, fun breaks and glimmers...
Burntzilla Burntzilla is the product of a merger between two popular Orange County food trucks: Burnt and Dogzilla. This family-friendly restaurant has taken the best flavors from both trucks and created a fun and delicious menu of comfort food served in bite-sized portions. Slider options include everything from the classic...
The annual OC Fair is back at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds with an eclectic assortment of the most unique eats for the entire family to stuff their faces. Here are six of this summer’s must-tries. Spaghetti Donut No, it’s not spaghetti on top of a donut; it’s donut-shaped spaghetti. This...
Whether it’s girls’ night out or family bonding time, these OC cooking and baking classes will make you feel like a domestic goddess with fun, food, and laughter. Sweet Crumb Bakery Every little girl dreams of owning a pet unicorn, and while they can’t be bought, they can be made....
Competition is fierce but the aloha spirit presides over this event on Maui for young dancers, the Hula O Na Keiki. According to our annual Parenting OC Reader’s Choice survey, Maui was the top choice for the family vacation. One reader explained its popularity by saying it’s a place that...
Treat dad with one of these fun and delicious OC-based Father’s Day events, complete with servings and entertainment fit for a king. Pelican Grill Already have Father’s Day plans this year? No problem because rather than celebrating for just one day, Pelican Grill, part of The Resort at Pelican Hill,...
From ice cream to churros to ice-blended drinks, cure your sweet summer cravings with one of these. Honey and Butter Macarons The creature macarons are inspired by its owners’ two things they love most – animals and macarons. This summer, the shop will launch a cool-looking Corgi in Sunglasses Macaron,...
Chef and father of three Max Schlutz combined his love for his family with his love for food by creating healthy gourmet dishes that even his baby and twin toddlers gobble up. The Executive Chef and Partner at Sessions West Coast Deli in Newport Beach, Huntington Beach and Irvine shares...
Where Moonstones, kayak paddles, otters and elephant seals compete with Hearst Castle for attention. The time was when families traveled to the San Simeon area solely to tour Hearst Castle and take in views of the dramatic Central Coast shoreline. Don’t get me wrong, those are still around and as...
The Food & Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure might sound like it’s for adults, but Disney makes sure there’s plenty of things to do for children too. One of those offerings for kids is a chance to learn how to bake the right way at an event called “Jr....
Plan ahead to get everyone fed. If you find cooking to be time-consuming and messy, you may be one of the many people who stray away from the clatter of greasy pots and pans. This leads us to the inevitable, take-out or drive-through, which is a major disadvantage for the...
Q: [School Ages] What are the best ways to limit sugar in my child’s diet? A: You should not eat sugary foods. It’s that simple. Our bodies don’t need them, our teeth don’t want them, and our brains go haywire when we ingest them. Still, we shovel in the sweet...
Newly donated mobile cooking station at Children’s Hospital of Orange County allows its patients to have fun with cooking. Families and patients of the Children’s Hospital of Orange County will learn about nutrition, how to cook simple snack recipes, basic kitchen skills, and engage in fun cooking competitions alongside some...
Touching down in Kona, you might be confused as you exit the plane. But yes, that is the whole airport and yes, you would be correct in observing that most of it is outdoors. This is just the start of the charming quirks of the largest of the Hawaiian islands,...
Sometimes it just gets to be about the parents. This month, we know how hard you will work to make your little ones’ holidays amazing so we are bringing you a more mature collection of foodie finds. So carve out a bit of time and celebrate like a grownup! Prego...
This neighborhood favorite has been operated by long-time local residents for over 50 years. Three generations of the Learakos family have brought heart to the table, every night, but perhaps never more so than Monday evening, October 9th. When the tragic Anaheim Hills wildfire broke out, many Anaheim Hills, Tustin...
Best Inclusive for Little Ones Heading out to a beach vacation with little ones isn’t exactly a stress-free option for travel when the surf rises. However the natural geography of Provodenciales and its shallow shelf makes it an ideal spot to splash and have fun with the kids, without concern...
It’s National Seafood Month! When parents are trying to broaden the culinary horizons of their little ones, sometimes the easiest path is to reach them where they are at — make food fun. Let the chefs at Benihana apply a little peer pressure as they toss, flip, volcano’fy and sizzle...
October is here and that means one important night to a kid: Halloween. And with Halloween comes every parent’s worst nightmare: CANDY! Many parents groan as they think of the sugary loot our littles bring in from the festive fall night. How can you best celebrate this holiday and navigate...
This postcard perfect beachfront resort lies where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. With cliffside tiers down to the water, these luxury digs have panoramic views over tranquil infinity pools to the crashing waves below. Sophisticated décor worthy of the JW brand adorns public areas and the well...
This issue’s Foodie Jr. is celebrating our Readers’ Choice Award winners in the oh-so-delicious category. If you haven’t enjoyed the below OC faves, you are missing out! Best Pizza Place Blaze Pizza 3 Year Winner If you’re looking for yummy oven-roasted pizza with made-from scratch dough and fresh, artisan ingredients,...
Downtown Disney in Anaheim [Editor’s note: As a parent of a picky eater, I can sympathize with the plight of those fighting the good fight when it comes to mealtime. So we planned an entire page dedicated to making food extra enticing.] You might have passed by this Downtown Disney...
This article originally appeared on MommaChef.com. It has been reprinted here with permission. Looking for simple and tasty recipes for you and your family? Momma Chef features dozens of delicious dishes featuring no more than six ingredients and requiring no more than six minutes of prep time. What could be...
Coastal Kitchen’s location dates back to 1928, operating as a cafe to PCH travelers between LA and San Diego. Mike and Christina Grant now serve fresh, simple flavors of food done right. “I was the son of two working parents,” says Mike. “I was taught to lend a hand and...
The Chill List If climbing temps have kids climbing the walls, let off some steam with these cool options for summer fun. Seven New Water Slides at Knott’s Soak City One of OC’s best places to chill out just got cooler, with seven new slides making a total of 22...
When your bag of tricks is nearing that mid-summer empty point and you can’t handle hearing one more “I’m boooored” it’s time to bust out the big guns…theme parks. Amp up the fun with these overnight extenders to turn your long day into a long weekend to remember. Disneyland and...
Located inside the Anaheim GardenWalk, chase a day of park fun or just treat dad to a delicious fresh seafood feast of inspired bites and enticing cocktails in a vibrant dining room that features Roy’s signature exhibition kitchen. Classic dishes like the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi in a savory browned...
When you want to treat your family’s guest of honor with a little escape to celebrate, you don’t have to go far for a memorable family trip. The Garland North Hollywood | www.TheGarland.com This retro chic iconic Hollywood boutique hotel sits in the heart of LA. Once a hideaway for...
Pacific City is the hot new spot to take in the views of Huntington Beach, indulge in retail therapy and sip a craft cocktail at a rooftop lounge before seeking a delish dinner at one of the many eateries and cafes. The only recipe better than that for treating Mom…is...
Sometimes a vacation feels like anything but, for parents. Schlepping beach toys over dunes, making endless rounds of sandwiches, picking up around campsites to avoid nighttime wildlife visits, packing-unpacking-repacking on roadtrips… maybe it is time to set sail to an escape where someone else makes the bed, entertains the kids,...
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is a special sort of place, tucked in a box canyon, it feels swept away from the traffic and hustle of Orange County. This is the sort of place where kids take in the otherworldy air of serenity and breathe a little easier. Parents worried...
When it comes to baking and cooking, parents know there are times that we just want to get the meal prepared without the helping hands of our sweet children -- because we know that just doubles our prep time! But a recipe my kids love making with me — and...
When you want to get your Valentines on, skip the crowded airports and long security lines. A quick escape is just what the love doctor ordered for parents needing to decompress from the chaos of family life. The Ranch at Laguna Beach Coastal cool reigns at The Ranch at Laguna...
It’s Date Night in OC, and not just any date night…Valentine’s Day! Here are our picks for a great night out. SOL Cocina Bare your SOL to your significant other this Valentine’s weekend. In addition to Executive Chef Deborah Schneider’s award-winning regular menu, guests can enjoy Valentine’s Dinner Specials on...
Irvine area OC’ers have been excitedly awaiting Los Olivos’ latest addition, a familiar hotspot for those enjoying the San Diego Marina or La Jolla’s laid back food scene. Now, they can share this fresh look at Mexican with their own families. “When launching Puesto with my brother and cousin, much...
How easy is it to make dinner while holding a 4-year-old on your hip, calming a 7-year-old throwing a tantrum and helping a 12-year-old with his homework? Sound familiar? Well I have finally mastered a way to serve a fabulous meal with little effort and few ingredients. My recipes are...
Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach The innovative menu at this picturesque dining spot features contemporary American fare — a sort of accomplished Cali-comfort food. Sunday Night’s Southern Supper offers roasted salmon, six different side dishes, and warm biscuits for the table to share while the Family Kitchen features an active cooking...
When it comes to what makes the meal for Christmas, many might argue it is the classic turkey, others might vote for ham — but what truly matters is having the family gather around and spend quality time…while feasting till their buttons pop! A rather unwanted side dish that often...
There’s no city that screams “holiday” like New York. And for those parents with kids in middle school or teens who can’t miss exams or sports practice, holiday break might be the only time you have a long enough break to make it worth the trip. Here’s our visual round...
Many disputes over OC’s best sunset-spotting location could be solved with a simple visit to the front deck of Sapphire in Laguna Beach. (The expanse of glorious pinks and oranges over the endless sea renders one speechless, making it tough to make coherent arguments.) Diners also might find it difficult...
November brings Disney’s latest movie princess, ‘Moana,’ to the Hawaiian resort. Located on the leeward side of Oahu, the resort was built to let the beachfront in. Disney could have placed Aulani in the middle of a godforsaken desert, and it would be considered a world-class resort, and millions would...
As we ramp up into the hectic fall weekends filled with soccer tournaments and football games, hours spent scouring a massive shopping center for just the right Halloween accessory for our little ghoul or boy, the Irvine Spectrum seems like a great spot to get everything knocked off the list...
Frightfully Easy Entertaining Planning a party and feeling overwhelmed by all the little goblins and ghouls you’ll have to cater to? We’ve got you covered with trick’d out treats and pages of impressive, but super-simple ways to celebrate the season. Dracula Donuts Krispy Kreme Donuts, Chocolate Chips, Plastic Vampire Fangs...
September is National Food Safety Education Month and STOP Foodborne Illness (stopfoodborneillness.org), the leading national advocate for safe food, is shining the spotlight on ways to keep school lunches safe. Keep your kids healthy with these tips. Keep in mind the bacteria danger zone. Bacteria grow rapidly in the temperature...
We elect Sir Bruno Serato one of the best guys in OC. Not only does his Anaheim White House come in tops for a great Italian menu and charming ambiance, he does an abundance of charity work helping out the families of our local communities. Knighted by the nation of...
Discover Norse Legends aboard the ms Koningsdam of Holland America Line The Queens Lounge Deck, featuring the BB King Jazz Club is the place to hear some royally good tunes. Mexican and Pacific coastline cruises are a great option for fun in the sun, beach time and serious margarita tasting...
Oh What a Beautiful Morning! You probably knew smoothies could be a quick and easy start to your morning (especially once school kicks in and things get hectic), but did you know the superfoods you can stash in these yummy breakfast shakes can help you look gorge This Radiant Hair...
Our apologies to those vegetarian and vegan readers, we promise to have something just for you coming up soon (as in, next paragraph!). But when it came to reading about this particular new OC eatery, our minds stopped registering words when we got to “Bacon Bar”. We are fans of...
A June Oasis While Palm Springs might not seem like an obvious trip to make in the heat of June, this jewel in the desert is an easy one-tank trip to a whole other world. Here are a few reasons we love it for a School’s Out or Father’s Day...
Fine dining in an Alpine forest while enjoying panoramic views of the Coachella Valley might sound farfetched, but dining at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Peaks Restaurant during restaurant week, is just one of the many ways you can sample the best of the region with the family at a fraction...
These dads not only bring home the pancetta, they fry it up in a pan. Meet Orange County’s culinary talents, and their tots. Chef’s lives tend to be rather hectic, between long hours in the kitchen, the responsibility of looking into the future (often by analyzing the past) to manage...
We don’t blame you if you were inspired by our Chef Dads of OC. Or if you want to nudge your non-cooking significant other, be that mom or dad, towards the kitchen. We decided to make it easy to kick off a culinary celebration in your own home with these...
The Magic Trick to Meet Your Goals It’s almost always bikini season in OC, but with the kids about to hit the waterparks and invites to family pool parties rolling in, a little maintenance never hurt anyone. Rather than deprive yourself of favorites because they might not be on your...
Let mom relax, and not worrying about little hands dumping the fresh, ahem, squashed orange juice into the duvet, by taking her out for a hearty meal in a memorable setting. Don’t disappoint, call ahead at all of these picturesque options for reservations. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Newport...
This gastropub is a true haven for culinary-minded parents who want to venture into the land of gourmet, kids-in-tow. Familiar classics, amped up with sophisticated spins, will have kids pigging out on truffle fries and loving the lamb burger. This cozy spot does get busy, so if you are schooling...
Picky eaters meet their match, “Waffles? Yay!” But here’s the catch… These Belgian grids are gateway cakes! Palate benders! Dessert fakes! Not all sweet, but still they’ll eat, When modern meets a classic treat. We do so like them, topped with lox, and pole-caught tuna from the docks. Gruyere, Swiss...
Newport Beach | www.solcocina.com This hotspot boasting coastal Baja-inpired cuisine, featuring authentic flavors reminiscent of surf trips and street carts served up in surrounds with a decidedly upscale flair, is helmed by James Beard nom’d Executive Chef & Partner Deborah Schneider. Chef Deb is not only an award-winning cookbook author...
The Ultimate Family Ski Getaway There’s a wonderful indefinable energy about Colorado’s Beaver Creek Ski Resort, something akin to getting a family hug by a destination. Swoosh your way into this easy peasy one-stop spot that has everything you need to build memories and some serious quads from the world...