This site developed by Big Blend Magazine™. copyrighted since 1998. No part of it may be reproduced for any reason, with out written permission from Big Blend Magazine, P.O. Box 6201, North Hollywood, CA 91603. Opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily that of this publication or any of its staff. We reserve the right to edit submittals. All subject matter is intended for general information only and not to be take as personal advice in any matter. Although every effort is made to be accurate, we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies or plagiarized copy submitted to us by advertisers or contributors.

Big Blend Magazines            Big Blend Radio Shows            Big Blend Marketing            Contact Us

Click Here to Listen

Big Blend Radio Interview

Linda Kissam discusses
Irvine, CA

Off the Beaten Track Vacation in Irvine, California

By Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva'

The really smart traveler heads off the beaten track and away from the tourist traps of the world’s big cities to uncover some amazing attractions. From little-known markets to hidden wineries and culinary schools; looking beyond well-known destinations to discover the less-explored side of small cities makes a whole lot of sense to me, and may just help bag you one of your most memorable vacations ever.

Southern California’s San Diego and Los Angeles are one of the world's most touristy cities and for good reason. Visitors are enthralled with their symbolic sights.  After all, isn’t that what a holiday is all about? Not so much, I think. Sure it’s fun to see Disneyland, Legoland, Hollywood and Sea World, but there's a whole lot more to an area than mouse ears, tacos and fancy malls.

Just a few miles down the road from either San Diego, Los Angeles or the John Wayne Airport is one of coolest hidden gems in the area, Irvine.  

Long known for its business acumen, Irvine is reinventing itself into a vacation haven of trendy restaurants, upscale hotels and specialty activities that are likely to engage even the most “been there, done that” sophisticated traveler.  From cosmopolitan shopping, to hiking, to   bird-watching, international ballet, world-class golf, balloon rides, bike riding and one of the most diverse dining scenes on the West Coast, Irvine has it all. The best part is it’s all packed into the space of about 45 square miles and everything you want to do is less than 15 minutes apart. With the price of gas, Irvine certainly has my attention. This vibrant city, it is a multi-ethnic cultural hothouse and bastion of the new, the exotic, and the  trendy just waiting to be discovered.

Base yourself at Irvine’s only AAA four diamond property, the Hyatt Regency Irvine.  Centrally located just a few minutes (and a free shuttle ride) from John Wayne Airport, stylish guestrooms, well-appointed amenities, a variety of dining options, and outstanding service make Hyatt Regency Irvine the perfect hotel for the leisure traveler. You’ll be inspired by a refreshing swim in the pool and get recharged in the fitness center. Hyatt Regency Irvine offers a contemporary resort-style atmosphere where you can relax, meet, connect, dine and celebrate.

Sometimes it’s when you go from the legendary to the lesser known that the experience really stirs to life. The arts scene, the culinary options, mild year-round temperatures and the active outside lifestyle buzzes with excitement and new-found treasure. You’ll need to think differently about what makes a good home to a quality experience.  Many of Irvine’s best gems are located in business parks.  On the outside you may see a business park, but the inside will whisk you away to adventures you never imagined existed. Make your own schedule and reservations or a knowledgeable Hyatt concierge will be happy to assist you.

Head off the beaten track in Irvine and try...

A cooking class and wine bottling at The Wine Artist: The Wine Artist is a boutique winery specializing in corporate events, private parties & custom labeled wine. With over 2,500 square feet, this elegantly decorated Tuscan winery holds themed based cooking classes.  Small groups find themselves immersed in perfectly orchestrated Italian, Spanish, French, Indian and Thai themed (to name just a few) classes.  Bring your appetite. Come to class in comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes and be ready for a hands on experience under the gentle and encouraging tutelage of chef owner MJ Hong. Perfect for the least skilled to the true foodie, this is a one- of-a- kind cooking adventure. It is not a cooking demonstration; each guest is fully engaged in the chopping, stirring, sizzling, and seasoning of all dishes…and in selected classes the bottling of wine to take home.  At the end of the class get ready to taste the fruits of your labor.  Portions are huge.  No one goes home hungry or bored. About $75-$100 per person.

Lunch or dinner at Pizzeria Ortica: Self-proclaimed as being "obsessed with pizza” Chef David Myers serves up Neapolitan-style pizza and the rich, rustic flavors found in southern Italy—tender antipasti, vibrant salads, hand-made pastas and wood-fired pizza. Traditional cooking techniques are paired with fresh, locally sourced ingredients plus select wines and stylish cocktails. The eatery featuring an 800-degree wood burning oven is located at South Coast Plaza and is open for lunch, dinner (including a family-style special,) and a late night happy hour with a comprehensive wine list and cocktail program. You can trust the traditional techniques recreate classic Italian making Pizzeria Ortica a “best choice” destination for locals and tourists alike. Affordable a la carte fare ranges from $6 - $25. Come as you are.

Irvine Resources

Destination Irvine: www.destinationirvine.com

Hyatt Regency Irvine: http://irvine.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-irvine

The Wine Artist: www.thewineartist.com

Pizzeria Ortica: www.pizzeriaortica.com

Qzina Institute of Chocolate & Pastry: http://qzina.com/content/qzina-institute-chocolate-pastry

Diamond Jamboree: www.diamond-jamboree.com/  

A Bean to Bar experience at Qzina Institute of Chocolate & Pastry: The Qzina Institute is a new world-class training and Research & Development ( R & D) facility for chocolate and pastry professionals, but is open and available to the public. At the Institute, employees, customers and food enthusiasts learn professional skills, tricks and techniques from Qzina's experienced staff, suppliers, talented and experienced guest pastry chefs, and master chocolatiers. True foodies, chefs, pastry geeks and chocolate aficionados will be inspired. Think state-of-the-art training center, demonstration auditorium, R & D test kitchen, a showcase of industry leading brands, an outlet store and  a fascinating Bean-to-Bar Chocolate tour where you learn how chocolate is made from scratch. Using only the finest select and exotic Cacao Beans sourced by Qzina, you are invited to make your own chocolate, right from the bean. Learn how to select beans and other ingredients, micronize (sterilize and light heating), break beans, winnow (separation of bean from shell), refine your cacao into cacao mass, mix with other ingredients, and conch your own chocolate. If your timing is right, you might even be able to take a class.  This is truly a unique and engaging experience.

The Diamond Jamboree experience: For those of us who love to lunch and shop, this is the place. It’s a distinctive Southern California destination that brings together a variety of cuisines and international flavor from around the world. Diamond Jamboree is a vibrant, bustling retail center conveniently located at Alton Parkway and Jamboree Road, where Irvine’s business and residences meet. Featuring a range of services and dining destinations to please every palate, the center is representative of its Asian community. This is the kind of place you could spend a good 4 hours discovering.  Come hungry, dress casually, wear comfortable shoes.  While every shop has merit, I highly recommend you dine at SWSH Shabu Shabu and have dessert or coffee at 85°C Bakery Café.  

Featuring ultra-fresh Japanese cuisine SWSH is an interactive dining experience.  Expect a beautiful plate of fresh vegetables and thinly sliced meat which you will submerge, under the direction of friendly wait staff in boiling kombu (kelp) water seasoned to your particular taste.  The homemade ponzu and goma dipping sauces and sukiyaki and kombu soup bases add the spice to a delightful meal.  Outstanding food, service and affordable prices.

85°C Bakery Café is Taiwan’s famous bakery and coffee house sensation. As I understand it, it is wildly popular, just like our American Starbucks. Expect to wait in line as this place is really busy with locals. Grab a pair of tongs and a tray, pick out your favorite bakery treat and head off to the counter to order a coffee or fruit drink.  The salted coffee drink was amazingly addictive.  Consider taking a gorgeous cake back to your room or to share with friends.  This place is unique, don’t miss it.

Linda Kissam 'Food, Wine & Shopping Diva' is a professional travel, food, and wine writer based out of Southern California. Through her persona as The Wine Chix www.WineChixs.com  and her Web site www.AllInGoodTaste.info, she specializes in easy, breezy destination stories sharing her favorite things about the places she visits.