I visited Irvine, California once before, during the pandemic I think… and did a modeling photoshoot in the park as that was deemed safe at the time. I’ll try to dig those pics up to post sometime soon for you all too see my bleach blonde hair because my niece dyed it purple with undertones of blue one crazy night when the world lost its collective mind. You can read all about my adventures to get to Destination Irvine on my Marriott Irvine Spectrum post if you like! But this one will talk about all the things I did outside the resort style hotel. Armed with a fat Uber gift card, I thought this would be an easy workaround for my current condition of – as my friend said – energy level of maybe 75 percent Cass through no fault of my own.
It turns out when your body is healing and you have to do lots of mental math of calculations of scheduling the Uber rides just right so you can make your next itinerary destination and have time to create content and get to the next one is probably not as crazy as driving in California, but a close second. I met SO many drivers – all men ironically – one even asked me for coffee and was a book publisher, or so he said. They all complained about the same thing: the cost of living in Irvine or just California in general. My eyeballs about bugged out of my head when a man driving a Tesla with a windshield crack told me he has a three bedroom apartment for $3700 and that was a good deal. His whole family works just to pay rent – the wife and two kids. He then sped through a red light like a bat out of hell and delivered me to the wrong address where I walked yet another mile. Maybe it was me telling him the Phoenix, Arizona cost of living that set him off? Either way, I was glad I arrived safely even if in zombie mode. A lot of them had the same end result – of moving so they are not working to pay rent, rinse and repeat. A lot of happy Californians seemed to had family there first, securing houses before prices became $1 million for a shack.
It’s honestly what kept me from moving to the West Coast. Full disclosure: Phoenix was my second choice. Just like Philly was my second choice to New York City. Unless you get a rent controlled apartment in NYC, it’s like living in an overpriced box and not worth it. Yes, I miss the East immensely but it’s only nostalgia I learned the summer I spent the month of July in West Philly. But back to California: Irvine is a city in Orange County and was once was just a bunch of office buildings. It’s now becoming its own subculture with restaurants and things to do literally as part of the office buildings and then some!
Centrally located in the heart of Orange County, John Wayne Airport is like 10 minutes away from where I stayed. Much like NYC, it is a cultural melting pot of every skin tone and background which equates into a robust culinary scene. As most of the locals will tell you, Irvine is mostly owned by developer Irvine Company starting in the 1960s with a master-planned community with pools and parks. Irvine’s over 23 hotels offer a full range of price point options pretty close to the beach . Let’s explore some award-winning, globally-inspired cuisine, eclectic entertainment venues and diverse shopping options. First things first after checking into my hotel is lunch, always a great way to start any press trip!
Places to Eat in Irvine, California
Order all the dumplings at JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings for lunch! Paired with some green tea with mango infusion for that galactic feel, this was the best way to start the day for me with the media trip to Irvine, California. Don’t be intimidated by the menu, just ask Chris for his helpful advice and eat your way through like Yoshi would do! They have everything else under the sun on the menu as well and always full with locals so you know it’s good. Drool over the pics below and menu at jajiaozi.com.
My second Uber ride from the airport landed me at JA Jiaozi in Irvine, California.I was so excited for this as I was two hours late for lunch at JA Jiaozi.Even though it was afternoon, it was still packed at JA Jiaozi.A peek toward the kitchen buzzing at JA Jiaozi.They have their own house made sauces here which slapped at JA Jiaozi.Mango green tea is park of the Galaxy drinks and my new favorite infusion at JA Jiaozi. I’m literally drinking a boba one as I type this!Spicy dumplings that were so decadent at JA Jiaozi.These were easy to snarf down and perfect with sauce at JA Jiaozi.The colorful crew at JA Jiaozi was also delightful.The soup dumplings were a bit tricky for me but I got the hang of it with some help. Just pinch to top and place on a spoon and drink the soup out sounds easy at JA Jiaozi.If you have no clue what to order just tell Chris your favorite flavors and he’ll hook it up at JA Jiaozi.
Since I was running behind, I gobbled those dumplings down and was on my way out super fast! Next stop, a very short visit to Mason Park with the fluffiest grass in Irvine, California. Also known as William R. Mason Regional Park, it is one of the largest parks in Southern Irvine and is loaded with 3 miles of paved trails that circle the 9-acre lake and extend into the 123-acre wilderness area. A great place for a picnic and grounding down into nature offering views of the lake, playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, an amphitheater, and shade trees. Some of the trees were already kissed by autumn too signaling spooky season is near!
Things to Do in Irvine, California
Better known as Mason Park, there is a lovely lake here in Irvine, California.And a fountain too at Mason Park!To the right of the lake at Mason Park.A sign about bats which would have been cool to watch at night at Mason Park.Insert picnic basket here at Mason Park. This family knows the scoop!I saw these birds which are foreign to me at Mason Park.These two seemed not phased by me being near at Mason Park.There’s many paths to walk, a little bridge and more fun to be had at Mason Park.Heads up, Mason Park does have a car fee which is kind of a bummer. There was parking outside of this gate however!
I soon learned that whatever tough grass that must be a cousin of hay is all over the West Coast (and Vegas) I am allergic to – Irvine not as bad as Vegas but man, this gal can’t have any fun. Fortunately it was back to the hotel to get ready for more exploring so a scrubbing shower helped a lot. Soon I was clean, changed and ready to check out Irvine Spectrum Center which is chock full of any and every shop you can imagine.
I entered the busy chaos with my Uber driver questioning why I’m not walking from the nearby 1 mile away Marriott Irvine Spectrum where I was staying and me trauma dumping all over him. Sorry bro! But he legit got me to the closest drop off so a win is a win. I’ll take ’em where I can get ’em nowadays.
I loved the old school carousel at Irvine Spectrum Center.The walkways were immaculately maintained and everyone was having a good time. I felt so safe and soon found out it was one of the safest cities in the USA!Notice the attention to detail at Irvine Spectrum Center.Fortunately signs were everywhere but I still got lost later at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Ride the Ferris Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center! This massive outdoor mall was poppin’ on a weekend night full of food, fun, family and shopping at all of your favorite stores. It’s so safe, friendly and everyone was helpful, especially trying to grab some posed photos. Definitely make it a plan to swing by Irvine Spectrum Center when you visit Irvine, California! It was a little overwhelming for me at this time of the day as I was fading physically and mentally but I meandered though and this ride gave me some excited life.
My first view of the Ferris Wheel at the Irvine Spectrum Center was impressive.I got this VIP pass which didn’t do much so to go first so just grab regular tickets at Irvine Spectrum Center.Soon the oversized oranges were heading my way at Irvine Spectrum Center.And I was up, up and away at Irvine Spectrum Center for some cool vantage points.Worth the ride for the views alone at Irvine Spectrum Center.In each direction it looked cool at Irvine Spectrum Center.If you must face a direction, face away from the plaza at Irvine Spectrum Center.It’s cool to see the depth of the valley at Irvine Spectrum Center.Saying hello to my neighbors at Irvine Spectrum Center.Looking down to the shopping plaza at Irvine Spectrum Center.They made sure you’re buckled in first and foremost at Irvine Spectrum Center.One last look at the Ferris Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center before dinner. I loved that!Don’t use Google Maps at Irvine Spectrum Center! It sent me like a car to the entrance.I then saw this sign for dinner and went to the place attached which was a lively Mexican restaurant and I was like ummm isn’t this supposed to be an Italian joint? Haha! Fortunately they sent me in the right direction.I was happy to see low key Cucina Enoteca was my designated dinner spot.Originally they had me on the patio but I was in dire need of AC and dark spaces at Cucina Enoteca.Luckily for me, they had a whole wall of wine or five blocking the light in the back at Cucina Enoteca.As we moved further back, the happier I got at Cucina Enoteca.I was seated off the the right at Cucina Enoteca which was dark and moody. I loved it!Hard to read in the dark but easy to drink was this amazing wine list at Cucina Enoteca. The prices are low because this is a bottle shop AND restaurant.
An outstanding wine, seafood and pasta dinner at Cucina Enoteca! Part of the shopping extravaganza and buzzing Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine, California, this boho space offer a chill, dark and electic vibe away from the SoCal outdoor mall chaos outside. A modern California-inspired Italian kitchen meets charming bohemian eatery in one of Orange County’s only retail wine shop and restaurant-in-one concepts. And that means wine prices you will not find in any other restaurants! I’m talking Paso Robles wine for a steal from the California wineries monthly featured list. Every bite was better than the last and that pasta is to die for – they also make fresh wood fired pizza too! Learn more about this progressive brand on urbankitchengroup.com.
Part of my mental confusion, I kept thinking a carafe was a glass and left wine to waste after this amazing Chardonnay Blend from Anderson Valley at Cucina Enoteca. Who am I????? Spring Cassie would never waste wine.I almost took a spoon to this burrata at Cucina Enoteca it was that good.The tuna and salmon crudo was out of this world tasty at Cucina Enoteca. I gobbled it down fast!And the octopus was sheer perfection at Cucina Enoteca! I always feel guilty after watching My Octopus Teacher but not enough…My white wine looking fine at Cucina Enoteca. It was so crisp and clean!Because pasta – and fire oven pizza is their jam, I had to try the pesto rosa which was also amazing at Cucina Enoteca. Even cold!A Paso Robles I really enjoyed and is my new favorite red at Cucina Enoteca.On my way out, I noticed these fun wine walls with long table in the middle at Cucina Enoteca.A vibe of the dining room at Cucina Enoteca.The bar began popping as the sun set at Cucina Enoteca. This place is certainly my vibe!Waiting for my Uber, this sunset caught my eye after leaving Cucina Enoteca. But alas, I was not done yet. One more stop to Hive & Honey Rooftop Bar on the top of where I was staying, Marriott Irvine Spectrum. I made a whole other blog post about that stay!
After all that rooftop jazz and attempting to stuff in even more food – dessert – since I skipped it at dinner, I was dead. And by dead I mean my body was like what the actual hell Cass. So meds and to bed I went while watching The Notebook and crying myself to sleep. Oh, the glamorous life I lead! Fortunately, I felt much, much better and well rested in the morning and ready to move this beat up body some more. But first… more food!
The SoCal brunch spot is at The Goldfinch Restaurant! Located in Irvine, California, this space tucked into an office center is such a beautiful, glowing vibe with an accent on the patio of a fire wall. Dripping in glowy gold colors and marble, it’s luxury dining at an affordable price even for Southern California standards with $25 bottomless mimosas, a wide array of food options and NA mocktails. I was absolutely obsessed with the non-alcoholic espresso martini which had just as much love as an alcoholic one and perfect flavors, it will get you going for sure! Paired with lobster enchiladas, thick bacon, the tastiest fried potatoes and guava juice, this had all the makings of a perfect Sunday brunch.
The Uber driver dropped me off on the corner and if I didn’t know better I would think he was wrong at The Goldfinch Restaurant.Too eager to get going, I was there before it opened at 10 a.m. at The Goldfinch Restaurant. So I did a walkabout down the street.I bet the hummingbirds love this street near The Goldfinch Restaurant. Even with office buildings galore, the greenery was glowing.First one inside on a Sunday at The Goldfinch Restaurant!Even the ceiling is a vibe at The Goldfinch Restaurant.The back patio at The Goldfinch Restaurant.The namesake artwork near my booth at The Goldfinch Restaurant.Guava juice and water to start at The Goldfinch Restaurant.Always ask consent when taking photos of people! This bartender didn’t seem to mind at The Goldfinch Restaurant.Behold the breakfast of champions right here at The Goldfinch Restaurant!Espresso martini but make it NA is my new favorite drink at The Goldfinch Restaurant.There’s also a fire wall that flanks the back patio at The Goldfinch Restaurant. My goth gal waitress made sure I saw this thank you dear!
Places to Hike in Irvine, California
After I got all caffeinated, it was time to walk it off at Bommer Nature Trail. Some fabulous ladies stopped me to inquire about these yoga leggings so I thought I’d share them too. Part of the ecological park system in Irvine, California, it is a nice break to enjoy nature and get some exercise, which is an important part of the Cali lifestyle. Come early when it’s still overcast then go part of the way down Shady Canyon Trail at the least till you get to the view of Shady Canyon Golf Course. I didn’t get that far this time but certainly on my way to hiking mountains again someday! Take a walkabout as long or as little as you like but go early before that sun sizzles your skin.
Not to be confused with Boomers, it is Bommer Canyon Trail. There seems to be free parking here too!A person takes a break at the base of Bommer Canyon Trail.I wasn’t really sure where I was going but this seemed to be it at Bommer Canyon Trail, according to Google Maps. Cell phone reception was very weak here so beware this ride share warning!Up a windy dirt road I went at Bommer Canyon Trail. It wasn’t terribly elevated so not too challenging for a walkabout.The first bridge I ran into at Bommer Canyon Trail where the bikers rolled through.The terrain reminds you that yes this is desert still and to stay on the trail at Bommer Canyon Trail.The path of green leads the way at Bommer Canyon Trail.What we consider weeds are part of this delicate ecosystem at Bommer Canyon Trail.I made it up a little further at Bommer Canyon Trail.Until this opening and then my turn around spot as my energy dwindled and the sun came out at Bommer Canyon Trail.Everyone was super friendly and this biker wanted his pic taken at Bommer Canyon Trail!I think this was his friend who zoomed past me in the video at Bommer Canyon Trail.A heads up about the terrain at Bommer Canyon Trail. Please respect Mother Nature!Some plants in bloom on Bommer Canyon Trail. From the hiking trail to a festival next!
Festivals in Irvine, California
Reserving energy for the Fiesta Latina En Irvine at the Great Park was a good idea! Fiesta Latina en Irvine honors the many generations of Latin Americans who have positively influenced and enriched the nation, society and community. Falling on Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s an opportunity for Irvine residents to learn about the history, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic Americans through music, food, language, literature and art. This free event is open to all ages with food trucks lining the paved area near the carousel and big orange ballon in the sky!
A giant helium balloon takes guests on a ride at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. It’s the only marker I knew when getting lost on the huge soccer fields!Towards the trees I went, looking for hints of a festival.And popped out to the land of food trucks at Fiesta Latina en Irvine.Drawn to mariachi music as usual, these guys were cooking at Fiesta Latina en Irvine.A full day of open air activities awaits guests at Fiesta Latina en Irvine.A piñata waits to be broken at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. It brought back a childhood memory of me having one similar! Mom lived in Arizona before I was born…Artists sold their wares at Fiesta Latina en Irvine and I fell in love with a pair of handmade clay earrings… can you guess which ones are mine now?The smell of leather drew me into this booth and somehow we are already connected on Instagram at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. What a small world!The cutest books for children at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. I love a good goth vibe!The hot sun and pavement had me parched and a strawberry lemonade helped hydrate at Fiesta Latina en Irvine from Cali Delights.I got the last mahi mahi tacos from Barcelona On the Go at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. They were super fat and stuffed!I found a shaded spot to sit and eat in the trees behind the food truck at Fiesta Latina en Irvine. These bacon wrapped dates were decadent but too much food, I couldn’t keep up! One of the food truck guys came and sat near and also discussed his desire for a storefront but the price…
After this, I went back to the hotel in dire need of a shower and a lay down as me and my bestie call it. I lowered those vampire blackout shades, rolled over and about two hours later rose alive-ish again. Man oh man, those naps were juicy but absolutely necessary as the body and mind fatigue is real. I couldn’t have functioned without them! So after getting ready, it was time for dinner already. This time shifting gears to Korean BBQ!
A Korean BBQ that has beef even better than my beloved bulgogi! At GOOYI9.2 the food keeps coming until you say when with fresh side options of all your Korean favorites including white kimchi, vegetables and more delicious flavors. At GOOYI9.2 located in Irvine, California, “gooyi” means “grill” in Korean and Number 9 in Korean = “goo” while Number 2 in Korean = “yi” Therefore, GOOYI 9.2 = Goo-yi Goo-yi! Enjoy grilling Korean barbecue right if front of your face while you drool at the delicious and perfectly marinated meat. Definitely next level Korean BBQ!
On this half awake Uber ride, the driver wanted to practice my Spanish and I said sir I’m not even awake yet! Door to door delivery comes in clutch at moments like this.This sign greets you as you enter GOOYI9.2.Very casual inside GOOYI9.2 in Irvine, California with a lot of family meals happening.The display of endless sides that my fun server brought me at GOOYI9.2. I gobbled down that salad because I so needed it and more!Then you pick your meat at GOOYI9.2. They did not have bulgogi but did have another marinated steak at GOOYI9.2.But first a pot of jasmine tea to wake me up at GOOYI9.2.First she comes out with this tall seemingly small BBQ and then loads it up at GOOYI9.2.The meat starts cooking and then sizzling at GOOYI9.2.Then the meat scissors come out and chopping to perfection at GOOYI9.2. She was camera shy and again, I asked consent and that her hands would be only in photos. She was happy about that! Notice the gloves.And then you have a perfect plate of succulent meat and veggies, it was melting in my mouth and sweet at GOOYI9.2. I couldn’t finish it but wanted to take it with me but also had an activity after this and sadly left steak behind. Who am I?!The reason I couldn’t take my steak along at Your Great Park!
Orange County Great Park features an antique carousel and a giant, anchored helium balloon with a smiley face. Visitors can pay to ride the balloon up for aerial views and it’s free for children. With 1,300 acres, Great Park, as locals call it, is recognized as one of the most modern metropolitan parks in the world. The carefully designed Great Park pays homage to the military history of this legendary air base while creating exceptional experiences for a new generation. It is a non-aviation reuse of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
Float high in the sky on the Great Park Balloon! Great Park’s iconic attraction, this huge orange Pac-Man has the ability to soar 400 feet above Irvine, California offering 360 degree views that span 40 miles on a clear day. It’s $10 for adults and free for kids! Parking is free and it’s closed Monday through Wednesday. Sign your waiver and fly free high up in the sky on one of the largest tethered helium balloons and the first of its kind in the United States. It’s also environmentally safe, non-polluting, and virtually silent standing 118 feet tall with a volume of 210,000 cubic feet! the Balloon flies 6 to 16 passengers at a time based on flight conditions. Flying at an altitude up to 400 feet, it is always tethered to the ground by a steel cable with the strength of 99,000 pounds, making it a safe and fun experience for everyone.
Before you ride, you have to go to the visitor center at least 30 minutes before and pay $10 for adults. Some art hinting at its past.I went down to watch them test it out at Great Park Balloon and enjoy the sunset.Up, up, up it goes into the sky and testing the wind at Great Park Balloon. All clear to ride and soon we were entering the gates below.Up close, this thing is a beast at Great Park Balloon. This family’s son was having a meltdown saying he was scared so the dad went alone, thank goodness.Looking up inside the giant balloon at Great Park Balloon. Merica!Soon we started lifting up, make sure to hold onto the rails at Great Park Balloon. This was the 7 p.m. ride which was ideal for sunset.The shades were giving painting vibes with Great Park Balloon.Looking straight down, I kept repeating don’t drop the camera at Great Park Balloon.Now you can see the endless sports fields at Great Park Balloon.Beauty in every direction at Great Park Balloon minus the parking lot!Looking back towards Great Park was wild. Perception is everything!I think this was the peak of the Great Park Balloon experience.Soon we were drifting back down at Great Park Balloon.And back down to the ground where the antique carousel was in full effect at Great Park.The prettiest picture of sunset vibes at Great Park.When I swung back to Marriott Irvine Spectrum, I grabbed these two golden nuggets to get me going in the morning. Also to take my meds and make my stomach happy! It worked and I’m a new fan of both brands.I was up and at ’em to I Heart Pancakes in Irvine, California!
The best pumpkin pancakes I’ve ever had at I Heart Pancakes! Call me a basic bitch in the fall all you want, I’m here for ALL the pumpkin spice and these pancakes delivered thick and fluffy and with the perfect amount of pumpkin and spice. For protein, the world’s largest steak and cheese omelette, enough for two or three people! With my drink goblin selection of a huge orange juice, water and endless tasty coffee with oat milk, it’s a brunch lovers dream come true and super cute too. You can even sit on a stack of pancakes – with your pancakes! With locations in Irvine and Santa Ana, they are open until 2 a.m. with a fat diner style menu. They really do flippin love serving up pancakes! Come for the love, stay for the stacks – or even crêpes. Check out the drool worthy menu at iheartpancakes.com.
The interior of I Heart Pancakes is adorable and Instagram worthy!I was early as usual to meet my date for breakfast, Misty, from Destination Irvine at I Heart Pancakes.And behold the best pumpkin pancakes ever at I Heart Pancakes! I would seriously go back just for them.This steak and egg omelette is about a foot long at I Heart Pancakes! We shared it and still didn’t finish it all.I gobbled, gabbed and was out the door and in the Uber to Newport Beach, California next! You know I love a mermaid.
I’ve been wanting to get my toes in the sand for months and months but have been tethered to home mostly the whole summer as I have endless appointments. So this was divine! I was a happy gal and didn’t want to leave. Newport Beach, California is a total vibe! So relaxed and carefree… it’s where I want to be.
Newport Beach is the quintessential coastal city in Southern California! Known for its huge, boat-filled harbor, Balboa Peninsula has 2 piers, Newport Beach Pier (where I was dropped off to explore) and Balboa Pier. Don’t miss the Balboa Fun Zone, an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and ocean views. Other local beaches include the Wedge, known for its big waves, and Corona del Mar State Beach. Another nice thing about California beaches is they support their local mom and pops! So keep that in mind when shopping for souvenirs too. I only had time to dip my legs into the Pacific Ocean this time but was contemplating submerging myself and drip drying all day it was that good! Beaches, as they should – are free here too so stay and play all day if you like! Learn more at visitnewportbeach.com.
Say hello to this metal lifeguard at Newport Beach, California.Ben Carlson lives forever with this flower too at Newport Beach, California.The air smelled like fresh ocean with a tinge of fish at Newport Beach, California.All the fishing you can do at Newport Beach, California.I walked out to the end of the pier at Newport Beach, California. And caught a video for you to zen out to!A view in the opposite direction at Newport Beach, California.A lone bird rests on the pier boardwalk in Newport Beach, California.I tried to capture the clear color of the water here at Newport Beach, California. Pristine!Looking out at the end of the pier at Newport Beach, California at a tiny sail boat.This bird and I had a thing going for a minute at Newport Beach, California.He seemed to have flown off but lingered for another photo at Newport Beach, California.Fishing tools left behind at Newport Beach, California.Lots of fishermen and women at Newport Beach, California. They also had metal sinks to rinse off your catch.Soon I was itching to get in that water at Newport Beach, California.A view of the pier Newport Beach, California.Feet in the Pacific Ocean at Newport Beach, California.This was the weirdest experience of these women walking talking about libtards at Newport Beach, California. It’s giving MAGA…This is where the residential houses begin in Newport Beach, California.And also the lifeguard stations seem populated in Newport Beach, California.Imagine how much these beach houses go for in Newport Beach, California! A gal can dream.This was a clear sign at Newport Beach, California.The grand schlep of stuff to the beach is never fun but easier with help at Newport Beach, California. Trucks await cleaning daily.Determined not to spend money at any greedy corporate conglomerates, I was happy to find PJ’s Surfrider who supports California businesses in Newport Beach, California.And they have these rad sales every day for both men and women in Newport Beach, California!To remember my love of the ocean, a Puravida ring to remind me in Newport Beach, California.Feeling faded already, I needed more caffeine in Newport Beach, California.So a large iced matcha with oat milk hit the spot at Newport Coffee Co. in Newport Beach, California. Always support local!Irvine was recently ranked number two in the nation for park systems and no one seems to know about it! Both Uber drivers were impressed with the San Joaquin Marsh and didn’t even know it existed. So a hidden gem indeed does exist off the main drag.
Irvine Ranch Water District’s San Joaquin Marsh is a hidden gem in the heart of busy Orange County. More than 300 acres of coastal freshwater wetlands, half of which have been restored to a natural state, exist as this wildlife sanctuary. The rest of the acres are quality habitat and are not in need of restoration. The marsh has become one of Southern California’s most notable nature respites with 12 miles of walking trails, and has free parking to boot. The welcome center is very welcoming with cold water bottles, salty and sweet snacks to keep you going and is genuinely happy to help. It was getting to be that sizzling time of day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for me that burns my skin and my brain too apparently. So I did a speed walk through and then rested on the porch before heading back to the hotel.
To the butterfly garden first at San Joaquin Marsh. I did see one on my way back!Lots and lots of trails wind around this space and would make a nice zen morning walk at San Joaquin Marsh.A small island with some birds perched in San Joaquin Marsh.Some foreign to me plants or veggie of some sort for wildlife to enjoy at San Joaquin Marsh.The marsh surrounds the walking trails perfectly at San Joaquin Marsh. Wear sunscreen and bring water!So you have a map of how large this space is at San Joaquin Marsh.Some houses are tucked back toward the entrance and some available for public use at San Joaquin Marsh.Back inside the welcome center, I saw a huge hawk at San Joaquin Marsh.I’m hoping someday an owl visits me in Phoenix at San Joaquin Marsh.If you want unique souvenirs, this is also a great spot at San Joaquin Marsh. A bat pin anyone?There’s a whole store full of fun finds at San Joaquin Marsh.Sitting out on the porch was a peaceful vibe at San Joaquin Marsh. I only wish I had a clone!A late lunch at Trade Food Hall was next for me and I was curious about this place.An open air cafeteria drew a lot of people for lunch at Trade Food Hall. A super trending mom & pop is Bao Chick at Trade Food Hall in Irvine, California so I was there for it.This guy is TikTok viral at Trade Food Hall! He was very motivated to sell me chicken at Bao Chick and I did enjoy a free sample.I ordered the steamed dumplings and coconut water at Bao Chick which combined with the heat of the day was perhaps too much for me. Next time, crispy fried chicken in the cooler evening for sure!On my list for later was dessert at Chewie & Mellow but since it was next door, I delved in early!Inside Chewie & Mellow it was so pink and colorful.A tiny shop with big taste at Chewie & Mellow.They only take digital orders at Chewie & Mellow and this sounded dreamy.It came in a little to go bag but I had enough time to gobble it down while waiting on my Uber and it was soooo good at Chewie & Mellow. You can choose your desired sugar level too! This was before dumping coconut milk into it.
After that busy bee morning of zooming around by foot and Uber, can you guess what happened next? You got it… another dead to the world nap. This time I didn’t feel as zombie like afterwards so that was good. Since I had eaten light comparative to the other days, by the time I arrived to dinner that night I was hungry and it’s a good thing I was!
Girl dinner but make it a seafood sampling at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar! This is your sign to take yourself on a date – no partner, no friends – just you. With happy hours daily, this is totally doable even if you’re on a budget. We absolutely loved tasting all the fresh fish here served every which way you can imagine. Solstice is a Modern-American Restaurant featuring ingredient-driven cuisine inspired by the season in the heart of Irvine, California in Orange County using farm fresh ingredients and flavors inspired by the Pacific Ocean. With a menu inspired by what is in season, the location is very convenient inside the middle of the outdoor The Boardwalk Office Complex with complimentary valet parking. Peep the menu at dineatsolstice.com.
Located in the middle of an office complex, Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar is ideal for happy hours.Walking inside the Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar, a small but very strong hostess who I spotted moving tables on her own.Views to the left inside Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. I was in the table closest to the glass door.Views to the right inside Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.The bar filled up fast as the night went on at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.And the whole scene inside Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar with open kitchen.If you love wine, they have that too at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.A watermelon margarita but make it mezcal was so refreshing and light at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.Sea bass crudo was a delight at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. I was determined to eat the Pacific Ocean on this trip!Spicy tuna tar tar was so delicious, I wanted to just eat it with a spoon at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. A theme I see!Perfectly in season watermelon and feta salad refreshed my soul at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.Because I am from the East Coast, I am obsessed with crab cakes – and French fries at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar.This is how a crab cake should look and taste at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar! No fillers. And the fries were perfect!I asked for a small side of this but a huge plate of decadent seafood risotto arrived at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. I took it home with me!The waitress suggested a Midnight Mezcal however the flavor was off at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. It looked super cool though!After some encouragement, I ordered this strawberry yuzu butter cake that was outstanding at Solstice Seasonal Kitchen & Bar. One bite and a box to go!
Because I clumped the previous activities together, I had a low key night. I thought about going back up to Hive & Honey rooftop bar as they invited me back anytime however alcohol is an inflammatory and my body was clearly rejecting it so I opted for a sloth night instead. Which then gave me a super productive morning, getting some work done and making some posts before I even left for the airport. That’s the thing people don’t see (minus my bestie) is it’s a LOT of work… during, after for about a week or more following a press trip. That said, this is clearly a winning place and I’m looking forward to going back next time more healed, enjoying some champagne on that rooftop, swimming in the ocean, hiking trails and exploring more flavors of Irvine, California. It really is surprisingly SoCal! And with that, I leave you this funny art below.
My first giggle of the day was this artwork at the John Wayne Airport! Mom’s Heaven by Leonard Suryajaya.
