Lifestyle

Lifestyle

Al Fresco Finds

OC dines outdoors at new and expanded spaces As restaurants struggle to survive, cities and landlords are pivoting to allow new and expanded outdoor dining options. An entire block of Forest Avenue in Laguna Beach has been closed to driving and parking, dedicating the public space to dining, shopping, and promenading.  With restaurants among the industries most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, new and expanded al fresco dining opportunities are opening in many areas of […]

Lifestyle

Summertime, and the Grillin’ is Easy!

The first in a series celebrating Orange County chefs as they garden, grill, and entertain in their own backyards | Photos by Brett Hillyard Most of us are cooking, grilling, and eating at home much more than we were a year ago, with admittedly mixed results. Those with the requisite palate, skill, and experience post magazine-quality photos of delicious homemade gourmet dishes daily (we see you Moira, Adrienne, Jamie, and others). The rest of us […]

Lifestyle

Essential OC

Photo Essay by Brett Hillyard The Covid-19 crisis has confirmed that heroes live and work among us. Some sought the risk and reward of dangerous work,  while others had essential status thrust upon them.  One of the most revelatory aspects of the ongoing pandemic  is how quickly we have come to appreciate what is truly essential in our lives. Many we already knew about. First-responders, doctors, nurses, and scientists. Others, we’ve come to more deeply […]

Lifestyle

Modern Mexico

A new wave of cool is crescendoing across Mexico, taking hotels and homes into new architectural terrain. By looking to Mexico’s rich past as well as its future, a group of pioneering architects, designers, and hoteliers is redefining Mexico’s very own luxury groove. Mandarina The Riviera Nayarit may not have the name recognition of other Mexican resorts, which is entirely by design. Mandarina, a new low-environmental-impact, high-luxury resort and residential development takes full advantage of […]