We keep it fresh with suggestions that change every issue - local bites, outdoor escapes, new pop-ups, summer concerts, and much, much more. Just the good stuff, in and out in 3 minutes. Let’s dive in.

☕ Coffee Crawl

The Rise of the Tahini Latte

Artisanal coffee with bold, trendy flavors like tahini, cardamom rose, pakola patchouli and strawberry matcha.

We heard tahini lattes were trending in New York, so we went on the hunt, and found just one spot in South OC serving them.

Tucked inside a low-key office building in Foothill Ranch, Sabr Coffee is setting its own trends with bold, inventive flavors.

Jason went for the tahini latte - nutty, rich, and smooth; while my pick was the cardamom rose - delicate, floral, and just sweet enough.

The wildcard? The Pakola Patchouli, which somehow channels fizzy floral soda vibes in the best way. Bonus points for the strawberry matcha - it’s almost too pretty to drink. Almost.

Sabr Coffee, 27121 Towne Centre Dr, Lake Forest. Open daily. sabrcoffeehouse.com 

🐶 Dog Date

South OC Pet Expo

What:  A pet-friendly fest with adoptable dogs, local vendors, demos, and an on-site vaccine clinic.

Why: Need shots? The clinic might beat your vet’s prices and if you're thinking about adding a dog to the family - skip the breeder. Shelters are full of amazing pups who need homes. You’ll save money, and you’ll save a life.

Details:  April 27, 10:00am - 2:00pm. Lake Forest Sports Park. lakeforestca.gov

🪷 Secret Garden

Bloom Therapy in Laguna Niguel

Niguel Botanical Preserve is an under-the-radar 18-acre garden with plants from all five Mediterranean climate zones.

It’s peak bloom season, and this tranquil hillside escape is perfect for a 60–90 minute stroll among drought-tolerant beauties, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Peaceful and gloriously uncrowded. 

Crown Valley Community Park, Laguna Niguel. Open daily. Free. niguelbotanicalpreserve.org

🎶 Live Music Highlights 🎶

Electronic beats to chill to…
Poul Pedersen Barnoa Wine Company, San Clemente

Alt-rock piano with Pacific Symphony…
Ben Folds Segerstrom Center, Costa Mesa

Beethoven piano sonatas…
Kirk Morgan DoHo Cafe, Dana Point

Folk tunes and acoustic guitar…
Kim Johnson The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Scroll down for more music hot spots »»»

Tap REPLY … tell us your favorite restaurant or go-to watering hole - we’re always up for checking out new spots.

(Also, by replying, this puts us in your Inbox & not spam)

🎵 Live Music Schedule 🎵

Call before you go, just in case.

Alza Italian Kitchen, Rancho Santa Margarita
4/26 – Hardcore Troubadours, 6:00pm
4/27 – Wilfax Music, 11:00am

Barnoa Wine Company, San Clemente
4/26 – Poul Pedersen, 6:30pm – 9:30pom

BeachFire Bar & Grill, San Clemente
4/26 – Babylon Rockers, 2:00pm
4/27 – Iris & the Shade Duo, 2:00pm

Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill, Lake Forest
4/27 – Country Sunday Line Dancing, 8:00pm

Center Bar & Grill, Foothill Ranch
4/26 – Hellcats, 6:00 PM – 9:00pm

Cook's Corner, Trabuco Canyon
Sat. 4/26 – Monkey Puddle, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Sun. 4/27 – Soundcake, 12:30 PM – 3:30pm

Dana Point Yacht Club, Dana Point
4/27 – Mike O'Bryan, 12:00pm

Daily's Sports Grill, Rancho Santa Margarita
4/26 – LED Hot Fighter, 8:00pm

DoHo Café, Dana Point
4/26 – Robin Alley, 4:00pm – 7:00pm
4/27 – Kirk Morgan, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Evan's Gourmet, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Dan Forster, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
4/27 – Jackie Pember, 11:00am – 2:00pm

Gibroni's Pizza, San Clemente
4/26 – Rockstallion, 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Hennessey's Tavern, Dana Point
4/26 – The Creepers, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
4/27 – Live Music, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Hennessey's Tavern, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Live Music, 9:00pm – 1:00am

Knolls Restaurant, Laguna Niguel
4/26 – TightRope, 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Knuckleheads, San Clemente
4/26 – Bike Night with Tyranis and Supper, 5:00pm – 11:55pm
4/27 – Michael Mays Quartet, 12:00pm – 5:30pm

Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar, Dana Point
4/26 – Terri Smit, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Marine Room Tavern, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Live Music, 9:00pm – 1:00am
4/27 – Live Music, 8:00pm – 12:00am

McClain Cellars, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Rick Paul, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

Mozambique, Laguna Beach
4/26 – DJ Bobbito the Chef, 9:00pm
4/27 – Reggae Sunday: Bob Marley Tribute, 7:30pm

Neighbors Bar & Grille, Laguna Hills
4/27 – Blind Melody Trio, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

New OC Tavern, San Clemente
4/26 – Jerry Duty, time TBD
4/27 – Reggae Sundays, 1:00pm – 4:00pm

Our Place, Lake Forest
4/26 – EOD, 8:00pm – 11:00pm

Pub Thirty-Two, Mission Viejo
4/26 – Scott Gronsky, 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Sammy's Original, Lake Forest
4/26 – Steel City, 7:00pm – 10:30pm

Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa
4/26 – Ben Folds with Pacific Symphony

San Juan Hills Golf Club, San Juan Capistrano
4/26 – Fernando Noronha, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Scarlet Kitchen & Lounge, Ladera Ranch
4/26 – Will Breman, 6:00pm – 9:00pm

StillWater Spirits & Sounds, Dana Point
4/26 – Jakobs Castle, 3:00pm; The Bright Siders, 9:00pm
4/27 – Grateful Jam, 2:00pm

Sunsets Bar & Grill, Capistrano Beach
4/26 – DJ Blizze, 9:00pm

Swallow's Inn, San Juan Capistrano
4/26 – The Apes, 2:00pm – 6:00pm; Coyote Rebel, 9:00pm – 1:00am
4/27 – Tricia Freeman Band, 2:00pm – 6:00pm

Tavern At The Mission, San Juan Capistrano
4/27 – Mike Hamilton, 11:30am – 3:00pm

The BrewHouse, San Juan Capistrano
4/27 – Rob Gallas, 4:00pm

The Cellar, San Clemente
4/26 – Shawn Jones, 2:00pm – 5:00pm & 7:00pm – 10:00pm

The Cliff Restaurant, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Tricia Freeman Band, 6:00pm – 9:00pm
4/27 – Anesha Rose, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano
4/26 – Piano Men: Generations, 9:00pm

The Drake, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Amanda Castro Band, 6:30pm – 10:3opm
4/27 – Bryan Cabrera with Ron Kobayashi, 5:30pm – 9:30pm

The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
4/26 – Kim Johnson, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
4/27 – Chris James, 4:00pm – 8:00pm

The Rib Joint, Dana Point
4/26 – Summertime Johnny & the Summertones, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
4/27 – The Retreads, 5:00pm – 8:00pm

The Rush Bar and Grill, Lake Forest
4/26 – High in the 80's, 9:00pm – 12:00am

Trevor's at the Tracks, San Juan Capistrano
4/26 – Jeff Brinkman, 11:00am
4/27 – Babylon Rockers, 11:00am; Michelle Mangione Trio, 2:00pm; Helena Holleran Duo, 6:00pm