Retail Therapy: Hunt for a pair at Prey
Fashionista catnip: Shoes of Prey, the Australian innovators of the design-it-yourself shoe, just launched an in-store design studio at Nordstrom Fashion Island — Southern California’s first. To celebrate the launch, company co-founder Jodie Fox will conduct a complimentary “shoe school” from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the store, where she will give tips on designing the perfect pair and detail how Shoes of Prey are made. Stop by to design your own gorgeous (and surprisingly affordable) custom shoes using a variety of colors, materials, heel heights and styles. You can handle the materials and try on size samples to ensure the perfect fit. Shoes of Prey also launched a new late-1960s-inspired collection by “Mad Men” costume designer Janie Bryant this week. Information: shoesofprey.com.
Foodie fiesta: Avila’s El Ranchito is celebrating its 40th anniversary this month with weekly Throwback Thursday menu deals at its Balboa Peninsula location, 2800 Newport Blvd. On April 2, enjoy original prices on Mama Avila’s chicken broth, rice and avocado soup ($5.45), a taco/enchilada combination plate ($5.95), and pork chile verde ($7.45). Information: avilaselranchito.com.
Culture vultures: The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, will host a roundtable discussion in its Samueli Theater on “Art and Collecting Now in Southern California” at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Getty Museum director Timothy Potts will speak with Orange County Museum of Art director Todd D. Smith, Los Angeles artist Samara Golden, and Paul Schimmel of the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel gallery. New York Times culture reporter Robin Pogrebin will moderate. Tickets are $25. Get a $5 discount with the promo code GETTY at checkout. Information and tickets: nytlookwest.com.
Eggcellent idea: South Coast Collection (SoCo), 3303 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, will host its fourth annual Spring Fling from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Bring the family to enjoy face painting, a petting zoo, live music, egg hunts, bingo and more. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will offer activities like Easter egg making. For a full list of activities, visit bit.ly/SOCO4SpringFling.
Surf bunnies: Does someone in your life want to find a paddleboard in his or her Easter basket? Hobie will hold its warehouse sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at 32921-A Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. Enjoy savings on clothing, shoes and gear for guys and girls, as well as deals on stand-up paddleboards. Information: facebook.com/hobiesurfshops.
“Play ‘Freebird’”: The 4th St. Market, 201 E. 4th St., Santa Ana, will host an interactive concert with Pacific Symphony musicians from 7 to 10:30 p.m. April 2. Audience members will compete in a music trivia game to select the music that the musicians will play on the spot. Information: (714) 755-5799 or PacificSymphony.org.
New dog on the block: Burntzilla, a mashup of two beloved Orange County food trucks (the Burnt Truck and Dogzilla), will host a grand opening on Sunday at its new location, in Irvine’s Walnut Village Center, 14413 Culver Drive. Everything on the menu is under $5 at Burntzilla, which serves up modern American comfort food like fried chicken sliders, mini hotdogs and mini ice cream sandwiches. Sunday, enjoy free food and beverages from 10 a.m. to noon. A balloon artist and magician will perform for the kids from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who purchase at least $10 worth of items Sunday will be eligible to participate in a raffle for a big-screen TV. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Irvine Public School Foundation. Information: (949) 392-5995.
Novel noodling: AnQi, near Bloomingdale’s at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, is celebrating National Noodle Month with five special noodle creations ranging from $8 to $22 through April 6. The five dishes include zucchini tagliatelle with mushrooms; butternut squash in kale soba noodle salad; roasted duck ramen; steak chow fun; and Hanoi ramen. Information: (714) 557-5679 or anqibistro.com.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at candicebaker@gmail.com.