One of the most delicious Chinese Restaurants I have every experienced. The fresh fish and the amazing sauces will draw me back for more. My Foodie friend said this would be a culinary treat and it was a great tasting frenzy. Read More
 Shannon Beador, #1 OC Housewife. I have known Shannon for over 20 years. She is up for the challenge to win E's Best Housewife award. Since she has been on the OC Housewives, it has been a ritual in our house to watch the show every Monday night and get our fill of the craziness. Shannon is real. She believes in a holistic and toxic free lifestyle. She is a great mom and wife and plays Bunko like a competitive champ. It is clear why she is a favored housewife. "The Oc is full of secrets, but I have nothing to hide." -Shannon Vote for her here on the link below (voting closes tomorrow at 5 PM PT): http://www.eonline.com/news/576244/best-housewife-ever-is-down-to-the-final-2-ladies-vote-for-the-winner-now Betty's Boot Camp may sound like a work out place, but it's actually a training camp for the bitches' bitches. Betty has trained Ari and now has taken on the task of training Bentley Cash. If you're frustrated with potty training, she boards your dog and gets a jump start on crate training, sit, stay, come, and "leave it". She runs group classes, individual trainings, and boarding. She's the nicest and most positive trainer I've ever met! Whether your dog is 13 weeks like Bentley or 2 years old, she can get them trained. How can she not? She walks around with a fanny pack full of dog treats! Check out her work with Bentley below!
Betty with Bentley Cash and his new best friend, an english bulldog puppy! Betty's Boot Camp, you can reach her at (949)257-3986 or bedogtrainer@gmail.com
What a treat to have my friends Johnna and Shelby celebrate my birthday at this legendary spa. We hopped in the car after our workouts and headed out on the 91 freeway. It is a quick 40 minute drive from the OC. It is a very reasonable spa and relaxing to spend the whole day with friends, while enjoying the benefits of the natural hot springs and lounge chairs. I actually read two magazines. It is tough to get the OC Wino to relax but it worked.
Lounging by the pool, we had a nice bottle of wine, relaxed, and struck up funny conversations with the other patrons and even pulled a prank or two. Then we headed towards Club Mud. We slathered the mud all over our bodies and laid in the sun to let it dry. Afterwards, we rubbed the dry mud off and our skin felt like a baby's bottom. Speaking of babies, you must be 16 years old with parental supervision to visit the Spa. Sorry McCall. This is the Retox food intake we enjoyed. Everyone was eating these huge plates of Nachos. Realizing the spa was known for them, we decided on a single serving to test them out. Cheese sauce is not my thing but Jalapeños are and they were quite good. Didn't try this artful cupcake but the picture turned out good.  A little wine stop was necessary on the way home. Did you know if you buy a six pack of wine at Pavilions you get 10% off? The only redeeming quality for that God forsaken market. Glen Ivy Hot Springs, located in Corona, California
Wow, look at Chef Molly go! She created an art piece that you can eat!  First, she smeared Lebne (a mixture of strained Lebanese Yogurt) with fresh herbs over a stainless table, then on top she added food stations of Beetroot cured salmon, assorted pickled and dressed thinly sliced vegetables with squares of Tahini Bread. The result was a self-serve bar of healthy treats. It was so creative and the mix of flavors was delicious. Trained at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, Chef Molly has recently relocated from San Francisco to the OC. I always love meeting people who share my love and passion for food. The party was terrific. It had great pours, cocktails, and friendly wait staff in addition to the fantastic and really masterful nibbles. It was great meeting Molly and I can't wait to work on something together with her soon. I told her how picky I am and she absolutely wowed me. Thanks for including the OC Wino.!  Chef Molly, 23552 Commerce Center Drive, Suite S, Laguna Hills, California 92653
714-863-2457 Every year I look forward to going to the OC Fair. For the rides? Are you kidding me? No thank you. I'm strictly all about the fare at the fair. After getting jacked by buying a used ticket off of someone leaving the fair, we were ready to hit the wine bar! As usual, it was super crowded and hot. Luckily, my brother had saved us a great table in the shade, so we were ready to start sampling! A few blurry hours later, the kids arrived with their selection of the best fair foods. Every year I leave it up to them to pick their favorite greasy treats. Here we go... The rides scare the crap out of me, but I don't mind checking out the fantastic lights. Trust me, I know who puts those rides together...
Next event at the fair: Demolition Derby tonight with my Trucker girlfriends!! Stay tuned, more fair food to follow! Local Lagunatic Erin O'Neal has launched a really sophisticated and cool beach towel line. RubyMint, named after her daughter Ruby, offers yarn dyed beach towels. They offer luxurious cotton towels that have fun fringed hems and intricate designs. The OC Wino recently gifted a few to Ms. Pearl, a real connoisseur of chic, who absolutely loved them. 
You can check what local stores carry them or purchase the towels online at www.ruby-mint.com
4th of July weekend is a crazy time to have a party. I'm a little crazy so I decided, why not? Goodness knows it's Sunday Funday! Ophelia has been working with our family for 16 years, and I just recently heard that her husband loves to cater events with his amazing street tacos. So I decided to drag some of my good foodie friends along for the ride. With not too much arm twisting, they showed up eagerly to try the fare. Not sure how much food he was going to bring, I threw out a couple simple appetizers, including Mom's famous gazpacho, and my friend Nana brought a delicious salad with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and toasted almonds. 
Some of the party crew: Kane and Martha, Lauri and Marc, Jordi and Johnna
Carlos and Ophelia showed up with an amazing spread. They featured carne asada, carnitas, and el pastor tacos. They served the most delicious refried beans and rice with all the accoutrements. They bring everything in, cook to your liking, pack up the leftovers, store them in YOUR fridge, and leave without a grain of rice left on the floor. Really a great team and a great way to casually entertain. 
Carlos and Ophelia at work!
For a Sunday, we went through a few bottles of tequila, wine, and cervesas. Thanks again Trent for graciously rallying and getting an extra ice bag for me in the middle of the party! 
Sometimes you don't need to spend a bunch of money on flower decorations for your party. I went around my garden and picked oranges, tangerines, and fig branches to add some decorative touches to the party.
We ended the night with an array of alcoholic popsicles that wowed the crowd and got them a little looser. The remaining partiers finished with a hilarious game of Card Against Humanity, a party game for horrible people. Games that challenge your brain are always fun at the end of the night, especially when things aren't so PC. 
Pro Tip: Always have help in the kitchen for a party whether you are serving for 15 or 50. Thank you Katie for all your help
Carlos's company is called Tacos Evas, and you can call to book him at (949) 233-7209 Roger Vivier is the best to find your summer flats. They have rubber soles, which make them easy to walk around in, and are so comfortable. They are great quality, and although they are quite the investment, last forever. I've had my pair for the past three years and they still look brand new. The store in South Coast Plaza is wonderful and the staff, including manager Debbie Pontillo, are extremely helpful.   Lauri Wax checking out a fun bright pair Click here to go to the Roger Vivier website
 Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses These fun tequila shot glasses are affordable and will make a great addition to your bar. They are $30 and carved from high quality Himalayan pink salt. Since they are already salted, no need for extra baggage on your crazy 4th of July adventure. Find them here  Moonshine Making Kit Want to channel those crazy kids on the peninsula? Make some moonshine! This kit includes easy to follow directions, 3 bottles of essences (cherry, peach, and apple pie), and your very own Moonshine jug! For anywhere from $45-$75 you too can make your own booze! Other booze kits are Rum for $75, Bourbon Beer for $45, and Gin for $50 Find the kit here  Wine Sack
This is the perfect way to tote around your wine without getting in trouble for an open container. The sleek bag features an airtight spout and room for a few icepacks if needed. You can even "slap the bag" and make those college kids proud (or uncomfortable). Find this here |
OC WINO
Isn't it frustrating when you go to a nice restaurant, order a glass of wine, and get three sips for $26. For me, enjoying a great lifestyle is key. The OC Wino will guide you to the best pours, restaurants, recipes, entertaining tips, travel, and great finds around the world. Come explore with me.
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