Best Of Orange County: Week Of September 1
There's nothing better than starting your week with a national holiday; two awesome music festivals bookend this week giving you plenty of motivation to make it through another workday. In addition, midweek breaks at brand new restaurants provide a tasty relief from the grind with NFL kickoff starting your Thursday nights off right. Let's get to it, Orange County.
Monday, September 1
Long Beach Funk Fest
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.queenmary.com
Head to the 2014 Long Beach Funk Fest at the Queen Mary's Waterfront Events Park for a full day of funk music at its best. DJ Dam-Funk, who has collaborated with Madlib, Kyle Hall, inc., Ras G. and other notables, will be performing live on the main stage at 6pm, followed by the icon of funk, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic at 7:30pm. Additional artists include Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Katdelic, The Meters Experience, and many more. Live art, dancing, and a Kid's Zone will be offered as well.
Tuesday, September 2
Restaurant Opening: CUCINA enoteca
Fashion Island
951 Newport Coast Dr.
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 861-2222
www.cucinaenoteca.com
CUCINA enoteca recently opened its doors in Newport Beach's Fashion Island, the fourth CUCINA branded restaurant to hit the SoCal dining scene. Staying true to the rustic Italian fare created by Executive Chef Joe Magnanelli, the restaurant features Italian favorites with a California twist including pastas, antipasti, pizzas, small plates, and daily specials. In addition, the diverse wine program boasts more than 250 diverse bottles, available to purchase to go, or to enjoy with the meal for a minimal corkage fee. The bohemian inspired interior, designed by Urban Kitchen Group principal Tracy Borkum, is equally relaxing, airy, and perfect for a peaceful evening.
Wednesday, September 3
Restaurant Opening: Urban Seoul
Irvine Spectrum
71 Fortune Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 727-1900
www.urban-seoul.com
Visit the Spectrum and head to the center's newest culinary establishment: Urban Seoul. The popular Korean fusion restaurant draws inspiration from the melting pot of SoCal and Korean culture and includes nods to light California fare, spicy Mexican street food, all with a strong Asian focus. Popular dishes include chorizo fried rice; a quesadilla made with grilled chicken, melted cheese, kimchi sour cream sauce rolled in a spicy kimchi pancake; and the Korean pork belly tacos, topped with scallions and picked onions served in a fresh tortilla.
Thursday, September 4
Celebrate Opening Day of NFL Football: Del Frisco's Grille
620 Irvine Spectrum Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 341-0376
www.delfriscosgrille.com
Are you ready for some football? Kick off the start of the NFL season with burgers and brews at Del Frisco's Grille at Irvine Spectrum. A specialty menu has also been created for the kick-off, and will continue throughout the 2014 football season. For just $18.50, diners can enjoy the Prime Cheeseburger (with a blend of chuck, brisket, and short ribs topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and sloppy sauce on a brioche bun), choice of fries (including the Grille's Original Fries, Sea Salt & Parmesan Fries, or Sweet Potato Frites), paired with a pint of craft beer. Touchdown!
Friday, September 5
Keith Urban in Concert
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
8808 Irvine Center Dr.
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.keithurban.net/tour
Get your modern country rock on as you head to tonight's Keith Urban concert at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. The "American Idol" judge and country megastar will sing from all four albums including his newest, FUSE. Listen for hit songs such as his most recent release "Little Bit of Everything," "We Were Us", and classics like "Without You". VIP tickets score an exclusive meet & greet with Keith Urban and the rest of the band so make sure to spend a little extra for those if you're a big fan!
Saturday, September 6
Party at the Races
Los Alamitos Race Course
4961 Katella Ave.
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
(714) 820-2800
www.losalamitos.com
Spend a Saturday at the racetrack with a special Party at the Races taking place tonight at the Los Alamitos Race Course. In addition to the thrill of live thoroughbred racing, you can enjoy a free Elton John cover band concert after the last race. Looking for a luxurious experience? Consider the Vessels Club overlooking the finish line.
Sunday, September 7
Huntington Beach Food, Art, & Music Festival
Beach Blvd. & Pacific Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92605
www.hbfest.com
Wrapping its final day of the three-day Huntington Beach Food, Art, & Music Festival, this outdoor extravaganza is a best bet for your Orange County weekend. Nationally acclaimed and local musicians will hit the stage while you dine on the finest BBQ across North America, sample wine, stroll past numerous artists, and enjoy the family fun zone. Musician highlights include Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Michelle Branch, Blues Traveler's John Popper, Jefferson Starship, Jim Peterik from Survivor, Bill Champlin of Chicago.
