Now that the flood gates to Cuba have started to open, it was only time that I began a culinary Cuban adventure before I book my future trip. And what better place to start then at Habana at The Lab for my best buds birthday dinner.
A face lift and some good shabu shabu.
No I am not actually talking about my face, I am talking about my new blog. While it is still under construction, I thought why not give everyone a sneak peak. So here it is. The new “The Local List.” I even bought a domain name and everything. Please let me know what you think!!!
Eureka: How UCI got cool.

Gyu-Kaku: the gift that keeps on giving.

An odd place for a happy hour.
Good Morning Gents and Ladies. It’s my favorite day of the week – Thursday. Why you ask? Well once upon a time it meant the start of the weekend: toga parties, bar crawls, etc. Now it is one more day to the weekend, but I can see the light; I am finally happy that the weekend is so close; and I am not exhausted from an entire week of work. Plus Friday is really just a short work day anyway right? (Sorry work, I am absolutely kidding about that…)
Things to do This Weekend
Sorry I have been MIA again, a packed schedule at work plus a long weekend in San Francisco (post to come soon) means I have zero time for an outside life…and then I got sick. However, this weekend is too packed with good stuff not to let you in on it.
1. The Copper Door (one of my favorite bars in the OC) is FINALLY serving food. If you love craft beer, this bar is a must. Although dingy, dark and probably dirty, the vibe is a fun underground club with lots and lots and lots of beers on tap. Their new menu is American- cuisine and currently all items are priced under $10. Can you believe there is such a place?? Anyway, I am dying to go check it out.
2. The new Irvine Improv opens with Umami Burger. Irvine Improv has always been a little low brow, especially when you have to spend money on 2 items of either a horrible cocktail or really bad food. However, fret no more. Umami Burger will be served at all shows, beers are actually fairly decent, and if you fancy girl, they have bottle service (I mean really?). The Improv also has opened up in a new location at the Spectrum, so hopefully it is bigger and better. I am checking it out this weekend so I will let you know!
3. Costa Mesa Restaurant Week! Although restaurant week is not always my favorite, it is a great way to try places you normally cannot afford. And Costa Mesa has some of the best restaurants in the OC. Check out the selection here: http://www.travelcostamesa.com/costa-mesa-restaurant-week/. It starts today and only lasts a week, so plan your meals accordingly!
4. Orange County is hosting its own music festival this weekend. The Pacific Festival is being held at the Dunes this Saturday. If you didn’t catch Holy Ghost at Outside Lands this past weekend, they will be finishing up the night. Tickets are $75.
Hope the weather is great this weekend, because we have a lot of things to do!
A hidden treasure.
If you are in the Costa Mesa/Newport/Santa Ana area, or need a break from shopping all day at South Coast, I would recommend happy hour here. It’s not crowded, its friendly service (most of the time), and the price is just right.