APPLES & ORANGES TO CELEBRATE RE-GRAND OPENING ON AUGUST 25


The Not For Profit Boutique Showcasing Local Artists Expands Store
& Moves To New Location In The OC  Mart Mix
Costa Mesa, CA -- Apples & Oranges (A&O), a not-for-profit store front showcasing local artists, has moved and expanded its boutique in The OC Mart Mix.  To celebrate, A&O will host a grand re-opening on August 25, from 5pm-9pm.  Featuring live music, treats by For Cake Sake, guests will also have a chance to meet and greet local artists (3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa).  
The goal of Apples & Oranges, which opened its first retail location at The OC Mart Mix in November 2011, is to give local artists a place to display and sell their work and in turn they give back 10% to the charity of their choice. Apples & Oranges is run by a team of volunteers and interns who are passionate about pouring into the artistic community in Orange county. “Creating a place that gives back and props up in as many venues as possible, A&O is not about making a monetary profit but making a profitable influence in the lives of our artist and the community,” says Cindy Avilla, A&O’s proprietor.
With everything from handcrafted jewelry, soap, and pillows to paintings, clothing and more, the artists featured in Apples & Oranges, include:
STUDIO SUZAN
Kenton Michael Designs
Andrea Luna Reece
Halo Jak
So Succulent
Jacaranda Creations
Eclore Soaps
Cause 2 Be
Corkculents
Tree Swing
Cotton Treats
Punjammies
Tag Home Designs
Help Ink
DEDO Frames
Nostalgic Woods
with more to come...

The Artist at Apples and Oranges give back to the following charities:
44 women for Children
International Princess Project
Dwelling 222
Susan B Komen foundation
Jacaranda Creations
Bam Gam
Boxer Rescue LA
Liberty House
SIM
And many more...
MORE ABOUT APPLES & ORANGES
Apples & Oranges is a non-profit boutique that offers artists, designers, and charitable organizations a space to showcase their products with a purpose.  At Apples & Oranges you will find artisans with passion, love, and a heart for others; along with the desire to see change, restoration, beauty, and strength grow in human kind. By having a place to display their product, they have the opportunity to make a difference with every purchase.  With every purchase, a 10% donation is made to another non-profit.
A&O supports a community of like-minded people; creating a venue to support the dreams and visions of artist to bring about intentional compassionate change in our world. We bring the community unique, hand-crafted products that give back and inspire the next generation of growth.
In each fruit there are seeds. When just one small seed takes root, with proper light, water, and nurturing, it can become something so rich and beautiful; a tree ready to bear fruit and harvest its full potential. It just takes a little seed, some love and nurturing and an opportunity to grow; to bring something so life giving that it can’t be compared to anything else; it is like apples and oranges.
Apples & Oranges
Give. Nurture. Grow. http://www.facebook.com/OandAstore

Saddleback Publishing Partners with CHOC Children's to Immunize Kids Against Illiteracy Donating More Than 10,000 Books to Their "Reach Out and Read" Program

Saddleback Publishing is a great company doing great things in their community and for struggling, delayed and at-risk readers in classrooms nationwide. Check out this announcement of their latest partnership to get kids reading!!

 

 

Committed to supporting struggling and delayed readers at every stage in their development, Costa Mesa-based Saddleback Publishing has partnered with CHOC Children’s to “immunize” children in Orange County against illiteracy through their donation of over 10,000 books to the CHOC- sponsored “Reach Out and Read” Program. “Reach Out and Read” promotes early literacy and school readiness with a research-tested, evidence-based model that is proven to help children develop the language skills they will need to learn to read and succeed in school.

"The team at Saddleback is extremely excited to donate books to our friends at CHOC in support of such an effective and worthwhile program such as ‘Reach Out and Read’,” says Arianne McHugh, President of Saddleback Publishing.  “Literacy is a crisis across the U.S. and we are committed to doing everything we can to get the books and tools into the hands of children who need them to help them succeed.”

"We are so pleased to have a local partner assist us in providing books to children in need," says pediatrician and leader of CHOC’s “Reach Out and Read” program, Dr. Mark Colon. "As statistics have shown, the earlier we can get children reading, and more importantly kids and parents reading together, the better chance we have of making a lifetime reader out of that child." 

CHOC’s “Reach Out and Read” program is designed to put books into the hands of underprivileged children during their wellness visits at CHOC clinics across Orange County.  Due to their wide range of titles and resources, Saddleback’s donation of books has allowed Dr. Colon and his staff to not only provide books to early readers, but also to create opportunities for conversation with tween and teen patients about such topics as drugs, gangs, sexual activity and orientation and many other relevant topics addressed in Saddleback’s award-winning urban fiction collections.

ABOUT REACH OUT AND READ
Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by providing pediatricians new books to distribute children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.

Reach Out and Read builds on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers to develop critical early reading skills in children, beginning at 6 months of age. The more than 4 million families served annually by Reach Out and Read read together more often, and their children enter kindergarten better prepared to succeed, with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills, and a six-month developmental edge over their peers.

ABOUT SADDLEBACK EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHING
Saddleback Educational Publishing, a second-generation family company and certified woman-owned business, kicks off its 30th anniversary with nineteen YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Awards (2011-2012) for its high interest, low reading-level series, Urban Underground. Saddleback was also recently awarded their first Silver Medal for their Urban Fiction title, Unchained, from the Independent Publishers Book Awards, their latest series Lockwood Lions was also a finalist. With their award-winning urban fiction, adapted low-level classics, graphic novels, audio books and SMART Board Lessons for the Classroom, Saddleback continues to lead the secondary education market with innovative ways to reach reluctant learners.  www.sdlback.com


ABOUT CHOC Children’s
Named one of the best children’s hospitals by U.S. News & World Report (2012-2013) and a 2011 Leapfrog Top Hospital, CHOC Children's is exclusively committed to the health and well-being of children through clinical expertise, advocacy, outreach and research that brings advanced treatment to pediatric patients. Affiliated with the University of California, Irvine, CHOC’s regional healthcare network includes two state-of-the-art hospitals in Orange and Mission Viejo, several primary and specialty care clinics, a pediatric residency program, and four centers of excellence - The CHOC Children’s Heart, Neuroscience, Orthopaedic and Hyundai Cancer Institutes.




VIEW WINE BAR & KITCHEN HIRES CHEF JOHNNY CHURCH



THIS NEW URBAN KITCHEN, CHEESE SHOPPE AND WINE BAR TO OPEN AT THE MARKET LV

Las Vegas (Summerlin), NV – View Wine Bar & Kitchen, a new urban kitchen to open at The Market LV, located in Tivoli Village, is proud to announce Chef Johnny Church as the Executive Chef.  With a modern take on a neighborhood hangout, the restaurant will be the cornerstone of the View Wine Bar & Kitchen, which will also include the View Wine Bar and View Cheese Shoppe. 

  “As one of the nation’s best chef’s, we are thrilled to have Johnny Church on our team at the View Wine Bar & Kitchen at The Market LV,” says hospitality veteran Bill Feather, the owner of View Wine Bar & Kitchen and former President of Planet Hollywood. “We are excited to open this September and I know that Johnny’s innovative style will resonate with our guests, and will quickly make View Wine Bar & Kitchen a top tier Vegas eatery that can’t be missed.”   

“I’m really excited to be returning to Las Vegas to be a part of the View Wine Bar & Kitchen from the ground up,” says Chef Johnny Church. “My vision is to use the freshest ingredients available to produce affordable gourmet dishes that will ensure customer satisfaction for lunch and dinner in the View Restaurant and the View Cheese Shoppe.”

The View Dining Room (open for lunch and dinner; 11am - 1am) will feature a strong commitment to fresh, inventive fare and inspired ingredients, with a focus on seasonal dishes. Featuring a cutting edge wine selection and a rotating wine list, couple with artisanal beers, the View Wine Bar menu will also concentrate on offering affordable gourmet snacks and offer live piano music nightly.

With an intense cheese inventory coupled with the finest meats, the View Cheese Shoppe (open 10am - 10pm) will also be a one-stop-shop for the best sandwiches, salads, and vegetables, showcasing the finest ingredients.  Guests are encouraged to enjoy a glass of wine with their cheese at the Cheese Shoppe bar, or take it to go to share with family and friends at home.

www.Viewwinebar.com

ABOUT JOHNNY CHURCH

Johnny Church heard his call to the culinary arts while working at his mother’s restaurant in Flint, Michigan, at the tender age of 12.
Chef Church’s rapid ascent in the culinary industry began in Las Vegas, where Wine Spectator Magazine named him one of the city’s “Rising Chefs.” As sous chef, he helped oversee operations at several establishments, including:Turnberry Place working under German Master Chef Stefan Kauth; Charlie Palmers Aureole at Mandalay Hotel and Casino; Andre’s at Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino; Alize, at the top of the Palms Hotel and Casino; Paris Hotel and Casino’s Eiffel Tower Restaurant with Joung Song and Jean Joho.

Continuing his ascent, Chef Church became chef de cuisine at AJ’s Steakhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. While there, he was named one of the “Top Chefs de Cuisine” in Las Vegas by Las Vegas Life Magazine.  As Chef Church's extraordinary talents emerged the culinary world began to take notice.  Recruited as an integral part of Bradley Ogden’s opening team at Root- 246 in Solvang, California, he was quickly given Executive Chef.  Then, Michael Mina named him the Executive Chef title at XIV in Los Angeles.  Currently Johnny is a Chef for Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares.  Johnny Church is now the Executive Chef at View Wine Bar and Kitchen.

ABOUT THE MARKET LV
Located within the beautiful Tivoli Village in west Las Vegas, The Market LV features a curated collection of local entrepreneurs, artisanal dining and purveyors of fine goods within a hip, modern locale, which is a distinct departure from the standard mall or the crowded gallerias on the strip. The collective vibe of The Market LV provides opportunities for quality, boutique brands, who may not otherwise have a retail presence, to set up shop and reach the public in a very intimate setting.  Designed to be a one-stop shopping destination for everything from one-of-a-kind finds to celebrity-favorite brands and cocktails to dessert, The Market LV will be a destination for the most distinctive shoppers from around the globe.

The Market LV
www.themarketlv.com
420 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite #150
Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm
Sunday  - 11 am-6 pm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Market-LV/315834995098455
Twitter: @themarketlv

FASH BASH at FASHION CAMP OC at THE OC MART MIX

Fashion Camp OC - Fashion Camp is a creative learning space for kids, teens and adults.  Offering fashion classes in creating, designing, sketching, styling and of course, sewing, Fashion Camp OC is the brain child of Erin Bianchi, a 20-year fashion industry veteran, who also offers week-long camps that highlight all aspects of fashion, and encourage creating thinking. www.facebook.com/fashioncampoc

Bloomberg BusinessWeek Writes About Baby Boomers, Burnham USA and Huntington Harbour Village

Check out this great story from Bloomberg Businesweek called "Remodelers Aim for Aging Boomers" that includes an interview with Scott Burnham of Burnham USA about their new community in Huntington Beach for those over 55.


Also, see what people are saying online about Karen Klein's article here.

http://www.hhvillage.com/

Meet The Owners Of The Gourmet Food, Wine, And Coffee Shops At The OC Mart MIX





Offering a new kind of shopping destination, the gourmet food shops and owner-operated retail boutiques are drawing the crowds at The OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa, CA, a modern market place for gourmet foods, coffee and wine with over 30 retail shops under one roof. It’s Orange County’s answer to the Ferry Building in San Francisco.   

Below is more about the food, wine and coffee shops and their inspired owners, including N’iceCream, We Olive & Wine Bar, Portola Coffee Lab, Savory Spice Shop, The Cheese Shop, Local Fare and the soon-to-be-open, Shuck Oyster Bar. Even though all are independent, the shops often collaborate on dishes and specials.  N’iceCream incorporates Local Fare’s toffee and Portola’s coffee into their gelato and recently, five shops created the Wafflegato, a dessert only offered at special events or times (See below for more on Waffelgato), while We Olive & Wine Bar offers Moo Mondays, with We Olive wine and cheese from The Cheese Shop.

The LA Times and OC Register both just featured The OC Mart Mix, which opened in 2011, with the LA Times calling the center “cool shopping in Costa Mesa.” Southwest Airlines, in its Spirit Magazine, said “aficionados of the offbeat, head back to Costa Mesa to visit The OC Mart MiX” and Sunset Magazine called the center, “the best reason to pull off the 405”.


N’ICECREAM

Christian Toxboe and Laura Neilson, husband and wife duo hailing from Denmark, came to the US in 2008 and have since opened four  N’iceCream shops specializing in freshly-made organic gelato and sorbet. Every morning, they are hard at work making 16 batches from
scratch, while offering over 150 different flavors that they rotate between. Some of the company’s most popular flavors include: Salted Caramel, Raspberry Basil, Lemon Olive Oil, and Stracciatella. N’iceCream gelato is made in their signature style, a bit lighter than what most gelato stores serve. Choosing to add less cream and sugar, the flavors of the gelatos and sorbets are not masked by the fat and sugar content in the product. A N’iceCream gelato or sorbet will always have a clean and crisp taste, and it is their goal is to use as many natural ingredients as they possibly can.  All the gelatos are based on organic milk and they never add any color or artificial sweeteners to their products. The sorbets are dairy free and fat free, and are made with fresh local produce that follows the seasons.  Check out the company website www.Ilovenicecream.com, where you can see what flavors have been made in the different shops, what time they have been made and you can subscribe to your favorite flavor. www.facebook.com/NiceCreamUSA; www.twitter.com/NiceCreamUSA



SAVORY SPICE STOP

Recently featured in the Orange County Register, Laura Shute, co-owner of two Savory Spice Stop shops, one in Corona del Mar and the other in Coast Mesa, CA at The OC Mart Mix, features 400 herbs and spices and more than 140 unique blends, organic selections, extracts and spice ware at her shop. Laura Shute has literally spent the last 2 years up to her elbows in herbs and spices.  

At Savory Spice Stop, the herbs and spices are hand-blended, ground fresh weekly, free of additives and preservatives and are gluten-free. One of the wonderful things about the shop is spices are available for as little as a 1/2 ounce for a recipe or up to pounds of an herb or spice if that's what is needed.  Customers can smell and taste all of Savory Spice Stop’s spices.  Everyone at Savory is knowledgeable and helpful about the company’s products and with more than 40 different spice collections and gift boxes, that are fully customizable, they have the perfect gift for everyone.  

Knowing the ins-and-outs of the more than 400 spices she carries in her shops, Laura dispenses spices, knowledge and advice on a daily basis. An avid home cook, Laura, with her partner Randy Morton, got into the spice trade in 2010 bringing the shops to Southern California so that people could see what a difference freshly ground spices can make in their meals.  Laura regularly speaks as an expert on spices including; history, lore, uses and health benefits.  Laura lectures at the shop, at private events including St. Jude's Hospital Wellness Center.  Laura is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

THE CHEESE SHOP


The Cheese Shop offers specialty cheese, accoutrements and more, is one of three shops for owner Dawn Mednick, who also has The Cellar in San Clemente, CA and The Loft Wine Bar in Las Vegas, NV.  The Cheese Shop, which just opened at the end of January, offers a unique selection of domestic cheeses, charcuterie, gourmet accoutrements, home goods, and daily grab-and-go sandwiches. www.cellarcheeseshop.com; http://www.facebook.com/?sk=welcome#!/OCCheeseShop;  Twitter: @OCCheeseShop  Find out more about The Cheese Shop from The Daily Pilot.


LOCAL FARE

NEW – Local Fare sells delicious and healthy marinades, sauces, pastas, sweets and pantry essentials sourced mostly from suppliers within California.  Additionally, Local Fare offers an eclectic mix of tabletop items, kitchenware and giftware for any occasion. Owner: Sheri Metzler http://pinterest.com/localfare/  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Local-Fare/256909367739610



WE OLIVE AND WINE BAR

We Olive & Wine Bar – Owners, Deb and Phil Brooks aren't new to the olive oil business. They opened the We Olive in Belmont Shore in January 2009 and now are happy to have opened one of the first We Olive & Wine Bar at the OC Mart Mix. It  has been a dream of the Brooks family to have a wine bar one day, so were delighted when asked to not only do our olive oil tasting bar at The Mix but also a wine bar. Offering complementary olive oil tasting, wine by the glass and also wine flights, Debby and Phil strive to bring small artisan olive oil producers from California and feature small boutique wines as well. Guests  enjoy complementary olive oil and balsamic with a glass of wine or order one of the delicious tapas plate featuring some of We Olive’s wonderful gourmet foods, as well as a variety of extra virgin olive oils, flavored oils, and vinegars that can be refilled at a discount.  Here is a great video about We Olive & Wine Bar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjjv1ex7knA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/We-Olive-Wine-Bar-at-the-Mix/189365611109765; www.twitter.com/weolive&winemix; http://www.yelp.com/biz/we-olive-costa-mesa

·        

Moo Monday: $4 off our three cheese plate (3 cheeses chosen from The Cheese Shop @ OCMartMix, two tapenades, bread and nuts)
·         Tasting Tuesday: $8 for a sampling of one of our cheeses, extra virgin olive oils, wine and bread for dipping that make a tasty pairing
·         We Olive Wednesday: $3 off our wine flights - makes it $8 white flights, $9 mixed flight, and $10 red flight (3 wines at a 2oz pour)
·         Sangria Thursday: $5 glass of fresh sangria (no more $1 tacos, if anyone asks, and we are hoping to replace it with something soon)
·         Live Music Friday: Live Music from 6-9 featuring a rotation of talented local musicians 
·         So Co Saturday: Farmer's Market open from 9-2 with gourmet food trucks, We Olive mimosas $5 a glass from 10-3, Live Music from 5-8 featuring a rotation of talented local musicians
·         Sunday Funday: Happy hour all day 

SHUCK OYSTER BAR

OPENING SOON - Shuck Oyster Bar - Shuck Oyster Bar from the dynamic foodie duo, Noah Blom and Leonard Chan, is a spot for people to mingle, glasses to clink, oysters to shuck, and mouths to slurp.  Pleasantly proper without pretension, magically modern and comfortably clean. Delicious decadence dealing dastardly flavors of fantastic freshness. The stars of the Shuck show will be seasonal oysters from all over our green and blue sphere, including impossible to find oysters. The supporting cast will be ranging from handpicked clams and mussels, a couple of happy chowders, a flawlessly grilled cheese sandwich that will make you weep from childhood memories, and some crisp and fresh salads to gnaw on. Libations will include delicious local brews, a few bubblies to choose from, and of course, perfectly mixed mimosas.  For those with a sweet tooth, look for Shuck to sling out pure cane sugar sodas. Leonard already runs The Iron Press and Noah is about to open Arc, both restaurants are a stone’s throw from their collaboration on Shuck.  http://shuckoysterbar.wordpress.com/





PORTOLA COFFEE LAB

The uber-popular third wave coffee house, Portola Coffee Lab is making its mark on coffee drinkers. Coast Magazine recently called Portola’s following, “Coffee Religion”.  LA Weekly says, “the shop is on its way to becoming one of the best coffee roasters in Southern California. No exaggeration.” And Orange County Register recently said that Portola “approaches the creation of coffee like a science.” 

 Portola Coffee Lab is just that, it is a Lab. It is a third-wave coffee house, cafe, and micro roaster. It is a place where the science of coffee is taken seriously from the coffee crop to the cup. Portola experts visit coffee farms, bring the coffee back to the shop, roast it themselves on the clean-air coffee roaster, and then expertly trained baristas custom craft every single cup right in front of you in a way that truly features what the farmers and Portola’s coffee roastmaster have put into the coffee.

Freshness matters. One of the main things that is unique about Portola is that every cup of brewed coffee is brewed to order. The husband/wife owners, Owners Jeff and Christa Duggan focus on freshness, which is key to enjoying their amazing coffee. The flavor that is unleashed after they roast is intense and complex, designed to be savored within weeks, not months. To best showcase this freshness, Portola is using several unique brewing methods that highlight the inherent flavors of each coffee. Whether it is from the brand new BUNN Trifectas, the Sci-fi-looking Siphon Bar, or the amazing Slayer Esperesso machine, you’ll get an education and experience that is as unique as the beans themselves.


MORE ON WAFFLEGATO, which will be offered next on August 10th at the SOCO Outdoor Cinema event, featuring the movie The Artist, Live Music, Food and more.




Nirve Bicycles At The OC Mart MIX


Nirve at The Mix is Nirve's
premiere store with comfort bicycles and accessories. Nirve is committed to
offering high quality construction and materials in all their products. With
original frame designs and graphics, Nirve bikes will carry you in style and
comfort for years to come. We make bicycles that are fun and easy to ride,
both for pleasure and for short trips that you might otherwise make in your
automobile. Riding a bicycle is great exercise, good for the environment,
and you can do it in style . . . on a Nirve. 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nirve; 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/nirvebicycles; 
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/nirve/
www.nirve.com
www.theocmartmix.com


Deer Lovely And Whiskey Tango 1977


 
Deer Lovely, founded in 2007, by Sarah and Mike Dowdell,
recently opened a men's concept shop called Whiskey Tango 1977. Deer Lovely
was born from the desire to provide feminine, colorful, bohemian styles at
exceptional prices. A love for combining the old with the new, mixing
patterns and layering has led to Deer Lovely's signature style. The Deer
Lovely Boutique is an independent retailer that offers a uniquely curated
selection of clothing and accessories. Inspired by our favorite items, Deer
Lovely believes in the beauty and excitement of finding those special pieces
that you have in your closet for years. 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deerlovelystore; 
Blog: www.deerlovely.com/blog; 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/deerlovelystore;
www.theocmartmix.com


Alexander Gray Eyewear

Alexander Gray is a shop composed of small independent eyewear companies from around the country, brands that actually shape the direction of the eyewear industry. Alexander Gray's focus is to provide customers with something different than the usual selection of "designer" sunglasses you might find at your local mall.  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlexanderGrayOC;
 Twitter: www.twitter.com/alexandergrayoc