Newport Beach Magazine: December 2017/January 2018
Notes From the Editors
As a self-proclaimed superfan of all things shiny and metallic, I was very excited to read “Shimmer and Shine” (page 22), which details how silver has taken over the runway and the streets this winter. Although I personally believe this trend is valid year-round, the holidays are a perfect time to break out those glittering pieces to add a bit of pop to your ensembles for all occasions—whether it’s in the office or at a holiday party. Check out this article to learn more about how to start the season with a twinkle in your eye and some sparkle in your wardrobe.
This elegant BEBE EMBELLISHED CHOKER NECK JUMPSUIT features hand-laid crystals on the bodice and wide-leg pants for a sophisticated look and comfortable wear, $795, at Alice & Olivia by Stacey Bendet, Fashion Island.
Diamond Awards at the Priceless Luncheon | Photo by Ann Chatillon
Out & About
Charity pursuits and coastal happenings
Priceless Luncheon
Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women & Justice hosted its fifth annual luncheon Sept. 16 to raise funds and awareness to help end human trafficking. The event took place at Island Hotel and brought together more than 300 community leaders, supporters and anti-human trafficking advocates. The Priceless Luncheon raised $225,000, which will allow GCWJ to provide scholarships for human trafficking survivors, as well as host educational conferences and engage organizations that care for victims.
The luncheon featured John C. Richmond, who is founder of the Human Trafficking Institute, as a keynote speaker. Richmond is nationally recognized for his work fighting human trafficking, but he wasn’t the only honoree highlighted at the event.
Diamond Awards were presented to community members to commend their protection and defense of survivors. Recipients included Childhelp affiliate Patti Edwards for the Lifetime Achievement Award; Joyce Capelle, CEO of Crittenton Services for Children and Families, for the Outstanding Individual Award; and a child sex trafficking survivor and advocate, Oree Freeman, for the Young Leader Award. The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force was also recognized as an outstanding local organization. (vanguard.edu)
Opening night of the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. | Photo by Nick Koon
Ebb & Flow
Keeping current on the coast
A Social Space
A fountain with a reflection pool and water arching up to 24 feet in the air—illuminated at night with colorful LED lights—as well as shaded seating, a picnicking area beneath a grove of trees, and two stages are among the features of the newly unveiled Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The grand opening, which took place Oct. 28, was filled with music, dance and family-friendly activities to celebrate the debut of this impressive, 56,100-square-foot outdoor space designed by architect Michael Maltzan. The area’s transformation also includes a new open-air eatery, Center 360, which is geared toward serving theatergoers and locals. The plaza will offer free programming on its community stages throughout the year, including live music, movies, festivals and other activities before shows at Segerstrom Center. Even when performances are not taking place, it’s a spot for all to enjoy while relaxing during a break from either work or play. (scfta.org)
Chef Amar Santana at Vaca in Costa Mesa | Photo by Sarah King
Taste of the Town: Dine Sides
In the Hall
“Top Chef” finalist and Orange County resident Amar Santana, who is the executive chef and owner of Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach as well as Vaca in Costa Mesa, is preparing to open a third dining establishment with his business partner Ahmed Labatte in late 2018. This new concept will feature a global food hall, appropriately named The Hall, at South Coast Plaza.
The eatery will include a Mediterranean grill, which will serve made-to-order salads, kebabs and shawarma, as well as grab-and-go options including sandwiches, pastries, coffee and juices. There will also be a full-service crudo bar, a charcuterie and cheese station plus, of course, wine and cocktails. The dining area will consist of casual and communal seating with high-top bar seats, low tables and sofas for ultimate relaxation. There will also be a small retail space for patrons to take a piece of the action home with them. (800-782-8888; southcoastplaza.com)
Delicious offerings from Center 360 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts | Photo by Todd Porter
Center Stage
The latest spectacle at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts is not a performance (although there are certainly plenty of options in that regard), but Center 360, an outdoor cafe that is perfect for a quick bite before a show or brunch during the week. This restaurant is a new concept by chef and Patina Restaurant Group founder Joachim Splichal. The executive chef is Greg Stillman, who once worked at the acclaimed French Laundry in Napa Valley and also helms the kitchen at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge, which is situated directly across from Center 360. The eatery features two separate menus: breakfast and lunch on weekdays as well as lunch and dinner on the weekends and during performance hours (staying open for 1 ½ hours before and after shows).
Both menus feature California fare with an international influence. The weekday menu has morning staples such as breakfast sandwiches; Favacado toast with an avocado spread, fava beans, watermelon radish and shaved bonito flakes; as well as fresh fruit and a selection of pastries. Options unique to the performance menu include the OC street tacos, a flatbread with Gruyere cheese, tomato jam and salami, Guinness-battered fish and chips, plus a variety of speciality cocktails.
The menus also have a few overlapping items such as the sesame-togarashi-crusted ahi tuna salad with soy-ginger vinaigrette and the chickpea falafel with pickled pink turnip and tahini sauce. There is also a full coffee and espresso bar, draft beers and wine by the glass. (714-556-2122; patinagroup.com/center-360)
