Prepare yourself...

It's time to eat!!!


Beginning January 21st, some of the most popular Newport Beach restaurants are opening their doors for Restaurant Week! It continues through January 27th and all involved offer price-fixed three course menus for VERY REASONABLE prices. Check out the participants!
For example, Amelia's Restaurant on Balboa Island is offering a phenomenal menu that includes 3 menu choices. (For reservations click here or call 949.673.6580)


Mangia, mangia!

Ride for a Cause

"Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway."

- John Wayne

Since 1985, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation has been committed to groundbreaking cancer research and education at the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI).  Patients from over 40 foreign countries and 48 states in the US have come to JWCI for assistance in the management of difficult cancer problems. 

To raise money, JWCF has hundreds of committed "team" members who independently host events. Tomorrow there will be a Mountain Bike Ride in Foothill Ranch, starting and finishing at the Oakley headquarters. There will be a Wahoo's truck there serving breakfast burritos and a raffle with lots of fun auction items.  All proceeds will benefit the research and eduction of the JWCI.

 I will continuously post local events that Team Duke members are hosting. If you want to check for yourself, feel free to check the John Wayne Cancer Foundation website.

‘Twas the midst of the holidays and the Chargers just lost,

 The rain was coming down and there was a rainy layer of frost.

 It was much to my surprise that I made it into the theater,

 My heart felt instant warmth from the array of candy canes and glitter.

But really… it was a crumby day. The weather was cold and wet, I was running late and I couldn’t help from being in a drab mood. I should have known that my evening was going to change for the better when I pulled into the Grove of Anaheim and was fortunately directed to a premium parking space at no extra charge. Umbrella in hand, I quickly ran to the entrance and found my seat.

On this particular night, the Anaheim Ballet  was performing The Nutcracker, a heartwarming story of a little girl and her doll. Together, they live out her dreams that include graceful dancers, concerto masterpieces and seasonal decorations that tantalize all of the senses.

The lights dimmed and with the first strum from the symphony, the stage came to life and I felt warm inside. Really! My heart was filled with excitement and the child within me was sitting on the edge of her seat watching every detail move across the stage. Just before the intermission, I enjoyed what was going to become my favorite part of the performance. Slowly sneaking across the stage were dancers dressed as mice and then finally an oversized character that pranced around holding his hunk of cheese. What fun! The show included humor and the talent was incredible within this local company.

Not to be overlooked, the venue was an especially perfect fit for this act. The Grove headlines famous artists, cover bands, comedians, and some specialty plays. For an additional price, concert go-ers are able to include dinner with their ticket and settle in well before the crowds arrive. I remember years ago, I attended a New Years Eve concert and opted for the dinner package. The food was enjoyable and it was a memorable event.

Orange County has many venues, but few offer comfortable seating with the option to come early and be served. I’d highly recommend visitors and locals stop into the Grove for a performance; whether it be a musical act or something more thoughtful, like a ballet performance. My evening with The Nutcracker started off my holiday season on a high note and I’ll be sure to return again for more fun in the future.

Quack-tastic!

On a daily basis, the employees of Live Nation are entered into a drawing for tickets to random events. Just recently a friend of ours/employee of Live Nation got an email notifying him that he was the lucky winner of 2 tickets to a Ducks game at the Anaheim Honda Center. He wasn’t able to attend; ironically, because it was a day game and he had to work. Fortunately enough for Ben and I, our wonderful friend forwarded us the offer and we cleared our schedule to attend our first NHL game!

We drove up a few minutes before the puck hit the ice and joined the masses through the crosswalk and into the chilly arena. Quickly, we were directed into a private elevator and we were escorted to a premium level lounge that offered service throughout the game. Ben and I were in hockey heaven!

Although our home team was not victorious, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thanks Live Nation!

SOUTH COAST PLAZA'S GIFT FOR YOU!

While you’re out holiday shopping at South Coast Plaza you can come home with a coveted Tiffany & Co. crystal vase to keep, or give as an ideal holiday gift. It works like this: Simply present $850 or more in same-day receipts for purchases made Dec. 1-9 at any of South Coast Plaza’s boutiques or restaurants to receive a complimentary Tiffany & Co. crystal vase. You can redeem the gift at two designated South Coast Plaza locations.  (*Offer excludes purchases made at department stores: Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Sears and Bloomingdale’s, The Orange County Performing Arts Center and The Westin South Coast Plaza. One gift per person, per day, while supplies last. The vase cannot be returned or exchanged at Tiffany & Co. Purchases of South Coast Plaza Gift Certificates are not eligible for this offer.) 3333 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa.     714.435.8571 ****Post is courtesy of Greer's OC! Thanks Greer for this awesome tip.