If keeping busy is a New Year's resolution, then the following will certainly get you going. (Relatively) New places are finally celebrating their shiny selves in Brea, Irvine and Costa Mesa. Hit up one, or cruise by all. Guess it depends on how hungry you are?
From the North, a spot that used to house Lascari's off Imperial Highway is now a joint known as Tempo Urban Kitchen (same ownership). Eaters seeking a meal with a hint of molecular gastronomy should pull up a chair. Their most requested item: tableside liquid nitrogen ice cream service. We prefer their upbeat cocktail program. They've got a thing going on this Thursday today at noon. Ribbon cutting and appetizers for all during this midday mixer.
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Next up is the relaunch of Nekter Juice Bar's original 17th Street home in Costa Mesa. The biggest chain reaction of the trio, their expansion/makeover is the perfect excuse to hand out free smoothies between the hours of 7 and 11 a.m. on Friday. The first 25 early risers receive a goodie bag. $25 gift cards will be rewarded to the first 50 in line. And their one day cleanse can be purchased for $35 (normally $48).
Over off Sand Canyon and 405, the third branch of Johnny's Real New York Pizza “the way it's s'pposta be” is tucked into Quail Hill's shopping plaza. Their gig will go on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday. Entertainment and giveaways are a secondary reason to attend. Families will want to show support, as a portion of all sales will be donated to Irvine Public Schools Foundation. When you inevitably see him, be sure to say hey to Johnny!
Tempo Urban Kitchen is located at 1060 E Imperial Hwy in Brea, (714) 529-2900; www.tempourbankitchen.com.
Johnny's Real New York Pizza is located at 6721 Quail Hill Pkwy in Irvine, (949) 823-1900; www.johnnysrealnypizza.com.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.