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Wednesday
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Sunny. Mild.
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82°F/
57°F
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Thursday
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Haze. Mild.
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78°F/
57°F
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Friday
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Passing clouds. Mild.
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77°F/
57°F
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EXPLORE O.C. | | | | | | | 4500 MacArthur Blvd
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-2053
949-476-2001 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. Enticing bambú is the signature restaurant of this luxurious hotel, known for its pyramidal shape and atrium-like common areas. The restaurant, set in the center of the main atrium, is surrounded by palm trees and fresh flowers. As a result, it's like something out of a storybook and is just the scene for a romantic tryst for two. One of its most well-attended events is Sunday's champagne brunch, a feast of carved meats, sushi, made-to-order omelets, luscious desserts, crepes, and seafood. Adult $59, child (12 and under) $30.
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| Champagne French Bakery Café1120 Irvine Ave
Newport Beach,
CA
92660
949-646-0520 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. This quaint bakeshop is an ideal stop-off during an afternoon shopping spree. Since the late '80s, Champagne has impressed customers with Parisian-style atmosphere and a refined menu of breakfast dishes, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Of course, what really draws the well-heeled crowd are fresh-from-the-oven baked goods, which include everything from breads and pastries to cookies, pies, and cakes. There are several Orange County locations, including one at Woodbridge Center in Irvine (949-653-6828).
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| 690 Newport Center Dr
Newport Beach,
CA
92660-6494
949-760-4920 | | | | | Description: NEWPORT BEACH. The Palm Terrace, the signature restaurant of one of Orange County's most exclusive hotels, is locally renowned for its elegant, unpretentious setting and Californian-Mediterranean menu. Coral-toned walls, fresh-cut flowers, European furnishings, and a unique collection of modern art set the tone for an unforgettable meal, whether it's a romantic dinner or a much-needed early morning boost. As "DiRoNA" and "Wine Spectator" have surmised, the Palm Terrace is a special place. .
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| 686 Anton Blvd
Costa Mesa,
CA
92626-1988
714-444-5900 | | | | | Description: COSTA MESA. An ideal dining destination for the pre-theater crowd, Pinot Provençe sits in a posh hotel lobby. Elegant and suave without being pretentious, the restaurant recollects a French country manor, thanks to a plank ceiling, working fireplace, fresh-cut flowers, and rustic yellow walls with stone accents and green trim. The menu, a poetic ensemble of French-Mediterranean dishes, dazzles guests and local critics with seared red mullet, bouillabaisse, and a napoleon of braised veal cheeks and wild mushrooms. Reservations are strongly suggested.
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| 369 E 17th St
Costa Mesa,
CA
92627-3270
949-722-7586 | | | | | Description: COSTA MESA. A wise alternative for busy folks who want much more than run-of-the-mill burger-joint fare, Plums is Costa Mesa's version of a neighborhood eatery. Although it's located in a strip mall, the cafe features fine New American cuisine with a Pacific Northwest lilt, including terrific fresh seafood. Patio dining is available, and reservations are accepted.
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| 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach,
CA
92648-5307
714-960-7873 | | | | | Description: HUNTINGTON BEACH. The Hilton's award-winning restaurant lets guests enjoy continental-inspired fare inside, surrounded by palm trees and Mediterranean-styled decor, or al fresco on the enchanting garden patio with breathtaking views of the ocean and the beach below. Brunch at Shades is an upscale affair a lavish buffet with fresh fruit, omelets, pastries, and the like. Adults $39; children 12 and under $15. Reservations are accepted but aren't necessary.
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| 647 W 19th St
Costa Mesa,
CA
92627-2715
949-642-0629 | | | | | Description: COSTA MESA. This groovy taco stand is an easy pit-stop for grabbing a quick lunch without spending a bundle. Far from standard fast-food fare, Taco Mesa pleases locals with delicious yellowtail or salmon tacos, vegetarian burritos, and spicy tamales. Breakfast is also offered all day. Additional locations can be found in Mission Viejo (949-472-3144), Orange (714-633-3922) and Ladera Ranch (949-364-1957), not to mention Newport Beach's sister restaurant, Taco Rosa (949-720-0980).
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| 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach,
CA
92648
714-845-4776 | | | | | Description: HUNTINGTON BEACH. Signature restaurant of the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, The Californian has won over more than a few critics. Its setting affords views of a lovely courtyard garden, a reflecting pool, and even the Pacific. Adding to the restaurant's romantic allure are linen-covered tables, ochre walls hung with contemporary art, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace. The menu offers several tasty twists and turns: South Pacific ono with green bamboo rice and Thai coleslaw, California cioppino with handmade brandade gnocchi, and breast of Sonoma Muscovy duck with port wine-strawberry gastrique.
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| 203 Marine Ave
Balboa Island,
CA
92662
949-675-5542 | | | | | Description: BALBOA ISLAND. Casual Wilma's has long been a favorite of folks who inhabit tiny Balboa, a teardrop of an island in Newport Bay. The community's charm and attitude are seemingly worlds away from day-to-day mainland travails. What makes this family-owned restaurant so special? Well, although it's a neighborly place where the word "stranger" has no meaning, in truth, it all comes down to the food. Wilma's serves outstanding home-cooked fare all day long, from hearty Mexican scrambles and seafood omelets to dinner specialties like meat loaf, pot roast, and charbroiled flat-iron steak. Patio seating is available year-round.
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