Retail Therapy: Ruby’s expands, offers freebies
Sweet surprise: Ruby’s Diner Inc. will begin offering Santa Cruz ice cream favorite Marianne’s at its Southern California locations, beginning with a rollout at its Laguna Beach diner. Pop by from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday or 2 to 8 p.m. Monday at 30622 S. Coast Hwy. to receive a free junior scoop. In addition, Daddy Date Nights are slated for 4 to 8 p.m. June 3 and 10. Kids ages 12 and younger will eat for free and receive a free junior cone with the purchase of an adult cone. On June 15, Father’s Day, dads will receive a free cone. Menu options will include Ruby’s customary shakes, sundaes and other desserts, as well as to-go cones, cups, sundaes and hand-packed pints. The Huntington Beach diner and 17th Street location in Costa Mesa will receive the new ice cream in the near future. Information: (949) 497-7829 or rubys.com.
Bargainistas rejoice: The Metro Pointe retail space vacated by Loehmann’s, which shuttered its brick-and-mortar retail locations earlier this year, is being replaced by an Off 5th — the outlet arm of the Saks Fifth Avenue department store empire. Sign up at saksoff5th.com to receive coupons and sale notifications. (Psst: Still love Loehmann’s? The company now operates a web-only retail model at loehmanns.com.)
Fashion on a roll: The Irvine Spectrum Center will hold the OC Fashion Truck Meetup from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at its Giant Wheel Court. Area fashion trucks (think boutiques on wheels) will display their wares alongside the center’s own boutique pop-up shops on Saturday, with special offers from 7 to 9 p.m. Information: shopirvinespectrumcenter.com.
California cuisine: Adventurous foodies should flock to Pinot Provence, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa. It has launched a new Market Tasting Menu created by executive chef Alfonso Ramirez. The rotating five-course tasting menu will be available during dinner service each Thursday night through August. Ramirez will source out the freshest ingredients each week at a local farmer’s market, then prepare a meal around them. The repast is available for $75 per person; a $40 wine pairing supplement is available. Information: (714) 444-5900 or patinagroup.com/PinotProvence.
Superior sandwiches: Popular Los Angeles fast-casual restaurant Mendocino Farms opens its first Orange County location at 11 a.m. May 30 at 450 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Get on the email list to learn the sandwich special of the day, or select from its most popular offerings, including the not-so-fried chicken sandwich, pork belly banh mi, and the kale Caesar salad. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Information: (949) 548-2500 or mendocinofarms.com.
Breezes and treasures: The new McFadden Open Air Market will debut from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Local artisans will gather every fourth Thursday through September to sell their wares at the base of the Newport Beach Pier, at 21st Street and West Balboa Boulevard. This month, enjoy art by impressionist painter Ilona Martin, pieces by jewelry maker Linda Beck of Nueva Vida, and fun finds and creations by Stephanie Lane from Stuff by Steff, including antiques and repurposed gifts and décor. Information bit.ly/NBMarket.
For budget brides: Love Anthropologie’s bridal line, BHLDN (pronounced “beholden”), but hate the prices? TJ Maxx has begun offering BHDLN bridal gowns on its website, tjmaxx.com. No word yet on whether the line will be carried in local stores, but drop us a line if you spot any.
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.