OC Wino
  • OCWino
    • About
    • Contact
  • Pours
  • Food
  • Entertaining
  • Adventure
  • Finds

Playing in the mud at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

8/14/2014

0 Comments

 
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.
Picture
Picture
 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.
Picture
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
0 Comments

Girl's Night Out at Mozza

7/2/2014

1 Comment

 
Another lucky night with Ms. Pearl! We decided on Mozza Newport Beach, a go-to spot of the OC.
Transplanted from Los Angeles, this delicious italian pizzeria has delicious appetizers and even more phenomenal pizzas. 
Nancy Silverton started with the concept in Los Angeles on Highland and Melrose. Starting with the Pizzeria Mozza then later launching the Osteria Mozza and completing the trifecta with Chi Spacca, Silverton decided to bring the concept to Newport Beach. It truly is a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.
Grace is our adorable server who helped us pair our wines with our ridiculous amount of food choices. Ms. Pearl asked for specifically since she was hosting the dinner.
Picture
It is a must to start with a dirty martini. They come with smooth bright green olives that taste like butter. Seriously, it's the best martini in town.
Picture
My favorite starters on the menu are the meatballs, bone marrow, and my new favorite Shishito Peppers with Mozzarella cheese.
To cleanse your palette, the arugula salad is a delicious respite before you order your massive amounts of pizza.
Picture
My favorite pizza is the white pizza with the fennel sausage. My son's favorite is the meat lover and my daughter's favorite is the margarita.
Picture
Some like to sit at tables, I prefer the bar. Particularly the wine bar or the pizza bar.
I also understand that their whole roasted chickens are to die for, however I've been too full every time to even try them.
It's great to try their many desserts. Going with a crowd lends you the capacity to sample so many delicious flavors.
Bar none, their Buffala Mozzarella is so delicious with their bread baked in olive oil. 
Picture
Picture
The haricots verts and the shishito peppers are new additions to the menu, however they kill it with the addition of the addition of buffala mozzarella. 
Picture
You definitely need to do a spin class a day after, but it is a great to spend a meal with friends.
Reservations are requested.
Picture
We ended our meal in a secret location drinking limoncello to settle our stomachs and top off the evening.

Mozza Pizzeria at 800 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA
FMI: Find their website here
1 Comment

A Simple Party with my Neighbors

6/25/2014

1 Comment

 
Last Saturday, I invited the Kramers and the Smiths for dinner. There was going to be five of us and I needed to prepare in advance since I had an adventure planned all day Saturday afternoon. Friday was my day to get things done. I needed to get flowers, set the table, and prepare my menu. 

I had decided earlier in the week that I would be too pressed for time to cook for this crowd. Joni Peterka, a well known in home chef in Orange County, prepared the most delicious chicken and mushroom goat cheese roasted asparagus lasagna and a delicious salad of greens, cranberries, pistachios, and sliced oranges with a kalamata olive vinaigrette. 
Picture
"My" specialty lasagna
Nana Kramer started our meal off with delicious bruschetta. We drank Golden Eye Pinot, Rombauer Chardonnay, and started the evening off with delicious tequilas and scotch.
Picture
 It went off without a hitch and somehow they believed I made it all. They asked me for the recipe and now I have no clue how to respond. 
We finished the meal with a delicious lemon cake from Susie Cakes. 
Picture
The table setting was simple but elegant, incorporating my grandmother's stemware and my mother's sterling silver. 
Compliments to Joni and myself for pulling off a great dinner party!
Picture
If you want Joni to help you cater your next party, you can reach her at (949) 646-5069.
1 Comment

Massive Pour at Sol Restaurant

6/24/2014

0 Comments

 
Lunching with my friend Miss Pearl on manic Monday, we decided to drop into Sol in Newport Beach for a salad and a pour. They serve their pours in 3 oz (which is just a waste of time), 9 oz, and bottles. We opted for the 9 oz to accompany our tortilla soup and mixed greens salads. Eric was our waiter and brought us tastings of different wines. 
Miss Pearl had a pinot, while I had the Lincourt Chardonnay. It was an amazingly hefty pour.
Picture
9 oz of Lincourt Chardonnay
0 Comments

Rockin' out with The Sarcastics

6/24/2014

0 Comments

 
One Thursday a month, it's so much fun to go to the Back Bay Tavern behind Whole Foods to see the band, The Sarcastics. Matt Marshall, Matt Magiera, Gary Grainger, and Brett Grainger keep the crowd rockin'. They have a following, both old and new, enjoying the music. It appeals to both my generation and those young millennials. 
Picture
Brett, Gary, and Matt x 2
Back Bay Tavern offers a full menu of delicious food and great small plates. Check out their wine pour. This nice glass of Rombauer Chardonnay is $13. Can't beat the price with entertainment in tow. They usually play from 6:30-9. It is a great way to start off your Thursday night!
Picture
Look at this Rombauer hefty pour for $13!
Picture
Martha, Kane, and the OCWino share a great pour
FMI about Back Bay Tavern click here
0 Comments

Happy Hour in Laguna Beach with the OCWino Team

6/19/2014

0 Comments

 
This past Tuesday, I took my tech girl Shelby out on the town to check out some of the best spots for happy hour in Laguna Beach. We went to some great new places, judged some pours, and even bought a bottle of wine!

We started our late afternoon jaunt at Laguna Wine, Coffee, and Specialty Foods. We first got distracted with their amazing selection of wine glasses, olive oils, and gifts. This OCWino got excited over their collection of Riedel Wine Glasses, and overjoyed when I found a beer stein with a wine glass inside.

After checking out the shop, we moved over to their wine tasting section. The store has something that could only be described as a wine tasting vending machine. First you can purchase a $10, $20, or $50 card. You enter the card into either the white or red side of the machine, and make a selection of which wine within the case you would like to sample. Place a glass underneath a spout, press your chosen button, and have a perfect amount of wine to taste dispensed. Each wine varied in price slightly, but we were able to sample about 6 wines for $20. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, quick to offer suggestions based on our palette preferences and show us their estate wines.
Picture
Our favorites included Butter, a nice chardonnay, Meomi, a pinot noir, and Neyers, an aromatic merlot. I decided to purchase a bottle of the Neyers since the bouquet and taste were both incredible.
Picture
Next stop was the newly opened Tortilla Republic and Margarita Bar, located on South Coast Hwy. The restaurant has two other locations in West Hollywood and Hawaii. We first came to the bar with the expectation for Happy Hour pricing. However we learned their happy hour menu was still getting developed and would be released in the coming month. However we were content ordering their wonderful margaritas and appetizers despite the extra dinero.

The friendly bartenders made a whole range of margarita specialties for us ranging from our favorite Sweet Chile Margarita, a spicy Jalapeño, the "Perfect", Cucumber Lavender, Spicy Pomegranate, and Hydration, which blended in coconut water. We got all our margs made skinny to cut back on sugar and calories. These drinks were not strong, so we were able to try a lot and save room for the great food.
Picture
The Sweet Chile Margarita
Jalapeño Margarita
Cucumber Lavender Margarita
Hydration Margarita
Spicy Pomegranate Margarita
To counter the tequila, we ordered many reinforcements. First, we started with a salsa tasting, which included a salsa mesa, salsa de tomatillo fresca, and salsa de payaya habenero. Armed with a basket of freshly baked chips, we finished the colorful and flavor packed dips easily. 
Picture
Next came the Flautas de Pollo. Our bartender recommended them and we were not disappointed. Initially, I remarked how they were too beautiful to eat. However after our first bite, we dove in and demolished the delicious and savory treat.
Picture
We ended our mexican feast with a Queso Fundito. We weren't exactly sure what the dish would be, but since it had the words cheese and fun in it, we assumed it would be awesome. The ramekin filled with hot spiced cheese and fresh tortillas did not disappoint.
Picture
It was hard for us to leave to catch the sunset since our bartenders were so fun, especially Mark who gave us free drinks! 
Picture
My tech guru and our Tortilla Republic Bartenders
Disaster struck as we hit The Deck for sunset. Just as we sat down at the bar, an overhead seagull left a present on my freshly blown out do! People say it is a sign of good luck, but that unexpected surprise could have come a day earlier!

The Deck wasn't too crowded as it can be on the weekends, but it was a great place to watch the sunset, drink a final cocktail, and make new friends at the bar with Laguna locals. An OC musician, Kevin Miso, serenaded the patrons with the sounds of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and some other beach-y classics. Overall, a great bar for a beach town.
A Custom Raspberry Lemon Cocktail
A Skinny Silver Surfer
As we finished our night, we headed back to Shelby's home in North Laguna, and enjoyed a slice of pizza, a final pour, and great conversation with her family.
Picture
FMI on Laguna Wine Coffee and Specialty Foods, click here
FMI on Tortilla Republic, click here
FMI on The Deck, click here
0 Comments

Two Fine Pours at Tannins Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano

6/14/2014

0 Comments

 
What a big night... my eighth grader McCall graduated with her class at St. Margaret’s.  
After the event, we decided to have a pour at Tannins across the street from school. Since the parents have all survived the tuition bills for 9 years, a Kettle One Martini was in order.  
Picture
Bartender, John Lanieski, who is also an actor, made an absolutely delicious and smooth pour.
Picture
The red wine was also a very nice pour later in the evening.    
Picture
0 Comments

Two of my Favorite Pours: Pahlmeyer and Goldeneye

6/10/2014

2 Comments

 
Picture
Pahlmeyer is one of my new favorite chardonnays. It is a little less heavy than the cougar crack Rombauer. 
I'm not a big fan of Pinot Noirs since they tend to be a little chalky in flavor and finish. 
However Goldeneye is smooth, full bodied, yet light. 
These are my two picks of the month.
Picture
Birthday girl Wendy... talk about an incredible wine palette
2 Comments

Old Pours Out, New Pours In: A Pour at The Winery

6/10/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
I think most of us locals were sad to say goodbye to The Villa Nova. Our friend Charlie Dale and his family had the restaurant for many years. I think most of us from Newport grew up at this local joint.

The Winery, which originally opened in Tustin, just opened their second location in The Villa Nova's old location. They did an extensive remodel, and have turned it into quite the fancy joint. As you can well imagine, The Winery has been very controversial within both the old and new Newport scene. I definitely had my reservations when I stepped foot in the bar.

Picture
The bar scene was a sausage fest. Why is it that all the men sit around the bar, and all the ladies sit at tables? It harkened back to the days of middle school dances. 
Picture
My friend, OC local Bob McDonald, bought me a delicious glass of Kistler Chardonnay. For a delicious $26 glass, the pour sustained me throughout the hour. The pour in the photo looks small, but I'm pretty sure I took a couple sips before I remembered I needed to take a photo.

The wine list is extensive and I would definitely have another pour here. Go with a coed group and it might be fun.
0 Comments
    Picture

    OC WINO
    

    Isn't it frustrating when you go to a nice restaurant, order a glass of wine, and get three sips for $26. 
    OC Wino is here to cut through the BS.

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    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.

    Search Blog

    Categories

    All
    Adventure
    Amaree's
    Anaheim
    Asian
    Aubreys Alley
    Balut
    Bar
    Barbecue Lamb
    Bar Method
    Bartenders
    Beach
    Beauty
    Beauty Tips
    Best Christmas Gift
    Birthday
    Blackberrys
    Bravo
    Brunch
    Burger
    Burrito
    Burritos
    Butcher
    Butter
    Caffeine
    Cakes
    Capri
    Catering
    Champagne
    Chardonnay
    Cheese
    Chicken
    Chili
    Christion Dior
    Cleanse
    Coats
    Coffee
    Commerce
    Cooking Class
    Corona
    Costa Mesa
    Country
    Crowd Pleaser
    Crystal Cove
    Curry
    Day Trip
    Desserts
    Dim Sum
    Dog
    Downtown
    Downtown LA
    Drinks
    Dude Ranch
    Eggs
    Entertaining
    Essentials
    Etsy
    Fashion
    Fifi Venezia
    Fig & Olive
    Filipino Food
    Finds
    Fishing
    Food
    Food Truck
    Fried Chicken
    Graduation Gifts For Girls
    Hair
    Handbags
    Health
    Hipcooks
    Hip Shoe
    Home
    Horses
    Iced
    Irvine
    I-Spa
    Italian
    Jack Winn
    Keepsakes
    Kid Travel
    Kim
    K&M
    Korean
    Laguna Beach
    La Minerva Hotel
    Little Saigon
    Living Juice
    Long Beach
    Los Angeles
    Margaritas
    Martini
    Mexican Food
    Meyer Lemon
    Modern Ensemble
    Mozzarella
    Music
    Nachos
    Newport
    New York City
    OC Fair
    OC Housewife
    Ocwino
    Orange County
    Oyster
    Oyster Farms
    Oysters
    Paella
    Palmeyer Chardonnay
    Panini
    Party
    Pasta
    Peaches
    Picnics
    Pizza
    Porchetta
    Potatoes
    Pours
    Pueblo
    Ramen
    Raspberrys
    Recipe
    Record
    Restaurant
    Salad
    Salon
    San Francisco
    San Juan Capistrano
    Santa
    Santa Ana
    Seafood
    Shelby
    Shoes
    Shopping
    Shopping Capri
    Shops
    Shuck
    Sliders
    Slow Cooked Pork
    Soup
    Spa
    Spicy Chinese
    Steak
    Suglasses
    Summer
    Sun Valley
    Sushi
    Susie Cakes
    Taco María
    Tacos
    Tequila
    The Bar Method
    The Deck
    The Mix
    The Row
    The Winery
    Tomales Bay
    Towels
    Truffles
    Tustin
    Valentines Day
    Vegetables
    Waxing
    Welcome
    Wine
    Workout
    Wyoming

    Archives

    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.