readers’ picks

THE CELLAR IN FULLERTON
submitted by Heather in Newport Beach
The Cellar is an amazing, romantic French restaurant in the heart of downtown Fullerton. They serve the best lobster bisque in all of Orange County and the hot Grand Marnier souffle is to die for. Perfect for any special occasion, The Cellar's underground ambiance was created by the same craftsmen who designed Disneyland "Pirates of the Caribbean" attraction. The impressive, extensive wine list features more than 1400 selections from around the globe and service is sophisticated without being stuffy. They also have a great late night happy hour on Fridays featuring drink specials and complimentary appetizers. The Cellar Restaurant is a culinary gem not to be missed! 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton. 714.525.5682.
www.cellardining.com

A BOUTIQUE FOR THE SOUL
submitted by Danielle in Anaheim Hills
A Boutique for the Soul is a showcase of women-owned business in a boutique-like setting. Each boutique is professionally catered allowing for the hostess to enjoy their boutique while ensuring that the guests are taken care of. Boutiques are held in either a home or a women-owned business with 10-20 women business owners offering merchandise such as purses, skin care, jewelry, household items and décor, children's items, wellness products and more. The goal of the organization is to build and enhance awareness of these businesses through facilitating boutiques throughout the state, marketing directly to the consumer and allowing for a warm, fun-filled evening with friends to gather, shop, and build relationships. Please join us 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug 2 at South West Nutrition and Wellness for our inaugural event. Southwest Nutrition & Wellness at 2664 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa. RSVP at 949.631.5226
www.boutique4thesoul.com

CUSTOM MADE COLOR COORDINATING MEN'S APPAREL
submitted by Nelson Wade in Newport Beach
Men looking for assistance in color coordinating fabrics with custom made to measure suits, custom shirts, ties and more can contact Nelson Wade, a visiting tailor, who provides consultations on coordinating fabrics, and design styles for clients in the OC.
www.nelsonwade.com

THE CROW BAR
submitted by Jackie King in Long Beach
The Crow Bar is a great new restaurant in Corona Del Mar on the Pacific Coast Highway. They serve fabulous food, fabulous drinks and I love the Villeroy & Boch crow plates they have for sale! $75/each. The chef's pairing of flavors is wonderful and the price is just right. Their flatbreads are to die for too! 2325 E. Coast Highway, in Corona del Mar. 949.675.0070
www.thecrowbarcdm.com

BEST SPA-SKIN DEEP
submitted by Sarah in Huntington Beach
I think Skin Deep Rocks! The service is always consistent, their prices are very reasonable: $55 massages and facials. I love them and refer everyone I know. They are also huge contributors to the community and education! 7862 Warner Ave Suite 101 in Huntington Beach. 714. 841.3313
www.eskindeep.com

GABBI'S MEXICAN KITCHEN
submitted by claudia ackley in Huntington Beach
Gabbi's Mexican Kitchen on Glassell in Orange has great decor and a fascinating combination of flavors on the menu. I go there whenever I can. 141 South Glassell Orange. 714.633.3038
www.gabbimex.com

WINNOW GALLERY & GOODS
submitted by Victoria in Laguna beach
It's an eclectic shop off Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach that sells homemade products from all over, including candles, pottery, pillows, Swan Island blankets, artisan salts and olive oil. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 pm. Wednesday through Saturday. 124 Tustin Ave. in Newport Beach 949.645.3225

THE BEACH HOUSE
submitted by Stephanie in Laguna Niguel
The Beach House of Laguna Beach serves the BEST breakfast! If you are lucky enough to sit out on the patio, you are directly above the sand with the water right there--talk about a view! One day we saw dolphins and another a man with a remote-controlled boat. It is always the best! 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane in Laguna Beach. 949.494.9707
www.thebeachhouse.com

BOUTIQUE4THESOUL
submitted by wendy wise in Costa Mesa
I am a woman business owner & love the idea of all women owned business supporting each other! I am having an event at my Wellness Center to help other women live their dreams! Thanks! Love your site! Wendy Wise at 714.851.8899
Boutique4theSoul.com

PATINA - THE BEST BOUTIQUE
submitted by Jessica in Newport Beach
Patina is my favorite clothing boutique in Costa Mesa. It's such a cute store with the nicest and most helpful sales people. You can find cute cheap head bands to classic evening dresses. They often have trunk sales too. They recently added Tyler Rose swimwear--the cutest swimsuits. It's definitely worth checking out. 178 Wells Place in Costa Mesa. 949.548.1930.
www.patinaboutique.com

CARMEN PARKS BOUTIQUE
submitted by Susan in Huntington Beach
This great little shop off Main Street in Huntington Beach is not only owned by two super-friendly ladies, it has all of my favorite brands, like Michael Stars, Splendid and Velvet. And I have even found some new favorites in their large selection of trendy and classic clothing! Stop by, and you are sure to walk out with something great! 201 Main St # D in Huntington Beach. 714.374.9100

LAZY DOG CAFE
submitted by Sophia in Huntington Beach
My pick is a great place called The Lazy Dog Cafe. The atmosphere is casual but friendly. The food is great and I always leave with a to-go-bag since the servings are so generous. Excellent service too! I can go there for a date night or take the kids. They have a Southern fried chicken salad that is my favorite, and I love the salmon with mashed potatoes. The decor of course is dog lovers heaven! 16310 Beach Blvd. in Westminster. 714.500.1140
www.lazydogcafe.com

DALI BOUTIQUE
submitted by Betsy in Huntington Beach
Dali Boutique in Huntington Beach is a true find! Tucked away in a shopping center slightly off the beaten track, it offers unique items from well known designers, with new items every week! They have great accessories, handbags and shoes too - all very reasonably priced - a great selection of trendy denim. The Dali Girls are fantastic and exceptional at picking out the perfect items for you. My favorite Saturday morning? Get my mani/pedi and then walk next door to Dali for some great shopping. Dali Boutique, at Seacliff Village in Huntington Beach. 7151 W Yorktown Ave, #106 714.969.2111.

SPAGHETTINI ROTISSERIE & GRILL
submitted by Gina in Huntington Beach
Hey! Little known find...Martini Mondays at Spaghettini in Seal beach! Half price martinis in size large and steel drum music from 5 to 8 p.m. I know it's on the border but it is in the OC !! 3005 Old Ranch Pkwy in Seal Beach. 562.596-2199
www.spaghettini.com

VEGGIE GRILL
submitted by Lisa in Newport Beach
The Veggie Grill in Irvine and hands down has the best vegetarian fare served in this area. Even my meat eater friends find it tasty! I'd like to see this business grow into having more locations...please check them out if only for the grub. 4213 Campus Drive in Irvine. 949.509.0003
www.veggiegrill.com

BLUE CORAL SEAFOOD
submitted by Jocelyn Chu in Newport Beach
I highly recommend Blue Coral Seafood at Fashion Island for its ambiance, food and drinks! I would suggest the blue crab cake, lobster en fuego, Chilean sea bass, blue coral cioppino and sea scallops. You cannot go wrong with their selection of drinks either! Make sure you leave room for dessert. My personal favorite is the molten chocolate cake! Bon appetit! 451 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. 949.856.2583
www.bluecoralseafood.com

PLUMS CAFE
submitted by Stephanie in Newport Beach
Amazing breakfast spot that focuses on fresh foods and flavors. We send all of our out-of-town guests there for a breakfast bite, which usually turns into a daily stop during their vacation. Try the French toast - superb! 369 E 17th St. in Costa Mesa. 949.722.7586
plumscafe.com

MEMPHIS IN COSTA MESA
submitted by Cynthia in Dana Point
Memphis has the greatest atmosphere and amazing food to boot. The service is pretty stellar (from my experience) and the menu offers the best salad in OC: the blue corn chicken salad. And the cornbread is divine! Two thumbs up! 2920 Bristol St Costa Mesa. 714.432.7685
memphiscafe.com

BLANCA ON LIDO
submitted by Lisa in Corona del Mar
Everyone needs to go by OC's hottest new restaurant, Blanca. It has the best waterfront location, cool, sleek vibe and the food is amazing! Great little hidden spot with an amazing view! 3420 Via Oporto in Newport Beach. 949.673.0414.
www.blancanewport.com

DESIGNER CLOSET IN COSTA MESA
submitted by Donna in Garden Grove
This gem offers a small boutique atmosphere and discount prices on lots of coveted brands: Ella Moss, Joe's, Sevens, Scoop, C+C and many others priced at least 30% off department prices and often more on sale. If I'm in the mood for California casual, but don't want to pay hundreds of dollars I hit this place first! 1450 Baker St # A1 Costa Mesa. 714.825.0490

JONATHONS COASTAL LIVING
submitted by Erika in Huntington Beach
I love Jonathons Coastal for home furnishings and fine gifts. I always find what I need there and although it looks like a fancy store, their prices are very reasonable! 19370 Goldenwest St. in Huntington Beach. 714.374.0915

BEST SPA IN HB
submitted by Suzie in Huntington Beach
Skin Deep in Huntington Beach is the best, spa I have ever been to! The staff is the best, and Rose and Julieanna are the best facialists I have ever been to! I have been coming back ever since. I love this spa! 7862 Warner Ave Suite 101 in Huntington Beach. 714.841.3313
www.eskindeep.com

HEAVENLY COUTURE - GET GREAT FASHION ON A BUDGET
submitted by Lisa in Coto de Caza, CA
You have to love Heavenly Couture with a location in The District at the Tustin Legacy. You will never need to look at a price-tag because everything is $17.95 and jeans just $24.95. They have some great brands like Miss Me, Romeo and Juliet Couture and much more just to name a few. Every time I go in there I don't leave empty handed!! It's perfect to find a dress to wear that evening on a date, a casual shirt to hit up the beach with or a great work outfit. There is something for everyone. 2479 Park Avenue in Tustin.
www.heavenlycouture.com

TALEO'S MEXICAN GRILL
submitted by Ilene in Anaheim Hills
Taleo's Mexican Grill has the best upscale Mexican food around. Everything is good, but I especially like the carnitas. The tres leches cake and flan are to die for. It has great service as well. Taleo Mexican Grill at 3309 Michelson Drive in Irvine. 949.553.9002

ALDO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT IN ORANGE
submitted by Joseph in Orange
It serves great food, a very classy look, and the lunch specials are fabulous! And very inexpensive. It offers top service and the owner is usually there to greet guests. The best spot in Old Town Orange. Full bar too. # 190 S. Glassell St. in Orange. 714.516.1690

THE COUNTER
submitted by Catherine in Irvine
The JUCIEST gourmet hamburgers you will EVER meet! The staff is lovely and the food is to die for...the fries are delicious, the shakes are refreshing, and their brownie is sinful...The Counter Burger is the perfect end to your perfect day at the beach. Woodbury Town Center at 6416 Irvine Boulevard in Irvine. 949.336 7272
www.thecounterburger.com

SENSATIONAL SYDNEY MICHELLE
submitted by Kim in Costa Mesa
Sydney Michelle is my pick for my favorite boutique. Norma is fantastic! It's one stop shopping dresses, shorts, great t-shirts, unique shoes, bags and jewelry. Norma will get to know you taste, what looks good on you and she really cares about her clients. 307 Marine Ave Newport Beach. 949.673.2150
www.sydneymichelle.com

5 SEAS BALBOA ISLAND
submitted by Carrie in Costa Mesa
I was walking around Balboa Island last Sunday and found this great little shop Five Seas. Great selection of denim, casual and dressy clothing. Something for everyone. Best part is, they have great deals if you join their email list. I added my name and I already received and email about their insider sale this weekend. GREAT FIND. Check it out. Very friendly staff as well! 224 Marine Ave in Newport Beach. 949.673.1955

LEGALLY NANNY
submitted by Marilina in Mission Viejo
I highly recommend Bob King to anyone who is hiring a nanny. He was a huge help to my husband and I when it came to navigating the process of hiring our nanny legally. He helped us understand the difference and benefits of legally hiring her and assisted us in every aspect of the process. He is also there for you when tax time comes around and helps immensely in that process as well....Huge thanks to Bob - your services were truly excellent!
www.legallynanny.com

BEAR FLAG FISH CO
submitted by CL in Costa Mesa
The GREATEST fish market and grill has opened on 31st St in Newport Beach. We went and had grilled albacore, brown rice, salad, and salmon poke (The best I've ever tasted!) And the bread and desserts are AMAZING! 949.673.3470