Grab some lunch at Taco Maria, then visit the rest of these specialty shops at OC + The Mix in Costa Mesa.
at the west end of Bridge of Gardens in the impressive South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Ask to be seated on the covered terrace under a mix of green plants and beautiful lights, where my dinner included the most flavorful chimichurri rice I’ve ever tasted. Be sure to leave room for dessert. The restaurant is wellknown for its tropical verrine — a coconut panna cotta topped with toasted macadamia nuts and coconut, a scoop of ube/ mango sorbet and a swirl of passion fruit glaze. It’s light, fruity and the perfect complement to your meal. For something quicker, try Krisp, a casual coffee and
smoothie bar in Irvine where baristas are true artists — from the creative foam on your hot drink to the imaginatively sliced vegetables on your avocado toast. A GLASS ELEVATOR. Skip the overpriced hotels near the amusement parks and get a better sense of Orange County in a neighboring city. I stayed at Hotel Irvine, whose owners recently invested millions of dollars in renovations to create an environment where both international and local guests feel welcome. It’s colorful, upscale, friendly and grand. My first night I wandered through a ballroom reception filled with hundreds of brightly-colored saris. Later, I walked past the Red Bar, where everyone was caught up in an Oregon-USC football game. While eating dinner at the hotel restaurant, I enjoyed the view onto the patio and outdoor fireplace. The next day, I took advantage of the warm temperatures to wander the backyard and sit in a cabana by the pool. INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT. Everyone knows California is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and it’s evident in Orange County. One of my favorite ventures was to Diamond Jamboree Plaza in Irvine, a wide collection of Asian restaurants and stores. Want a fruity tea, hot bowl of noodles or Korean barbecue? This shopping area has it all. My favorite was a stop in 85 Degrees, a Tawainese bakery and café with self-serve cakes, breads and other island delights. Visit northwest50plus.com for more details and links to help you plan your own trip to Orange County. ☸
Creating environments where moments of joy, independence, and wellness are the focus each and every day
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We promote health, comfort, security and style with services including: • Person Centered Care • Registered Nurse on Staff • Nutritious Home-Style Cuisine • Daily Recreation & Wellness Programs • Weekly Housekeeping & Laundry • Transportation
2853 Salem Ave SE, Albany, OR 97321 | www.waverlyplacealc.com 14 NORTHWEST 50 PLUS SOUTH VALLEY | MARCH 2020
