Dry January Comes for Us All

This is the first Friday send off of the newsletter, which is the perfect time to test your resolve of your new diet and fitness routine.

Due to a light week news-wise, we will be taking a look at what to Watch, Eat, Drink and Do this weekend in Newport Beach & Costa Mesa. We will not be held responsible for any broken New Years resolutions as result of this article.

In today’s Buzz:

• Nate Bargatze Tours Socal

• The best bars for Dry January (and which ones to avoid)

• The best places to try out your new running shoes (we will be speed walking)

Let’s dive in!

Jon Dougher, Back Bay Buzz

WHAT TO WATCH

This week we watched The Order, a dark and brooding crime drama that follows a lone FBI agent (played by Jude Law) through 1970s Pacific Northwest as he investigates a domestic terror group. It’s the perfect antidote to your Hallmark special holiday hangover.

• The Order. Starring Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult. Don’t miss it. (Netflix)

• Squid Game. You thought your holiday family get together was chaotic? wait until you see game three. (Netflix)

• Your Friend, Nate Bargatze. Nate is having a moment, having just released his Nashville Christmas special and launching a national tour (SoCal dates below). Family friendly comedy at its finest. (Netflix)

• The Brutalist. Starring Adrian Brody? Count us in. (Theatres)

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

• Little Billy’s Cafe. Expect a full writeup of our stop at Little Billy’s soon. This tiny cafe serves elevated breakfast staples as well as burgers, lunch bowls and probably the best chicken club sandwich i’ve ever had. Check out their menu here.

For Dry January:

Taking a break from partaking? The below drinks have been tested by our illustrious (and very pregnant) field correspondent and received top marks:

• Best Virgin Marg: Playa Mesa. Playa Mesa whips up a virgin watermelon margarita that is well above average. Pairs well with the white fish ceviche. Check out their menu here.

• Best Phony Negroni: AhbA. If you are on safari from Campari, AhbA (The Camp) makes a Phony Mezcal Negroni that really takes the edge off. The only difference between this Negroni and a real Negroni is this one actually tastes good. Menu.

• Best NA G&T: P1ONEER (Newport Blvd & Mesa). The non-alcoholic spirits are getting out of control. P1ONEER is an intimate speakeasy that also serves several craft ($16) mocktails. Their ‘Gin’ n Tonic is heavy on the juniper with just the right amount of heat.

• Best Dry Brunch Spot: Zinqué This Lido village staple is a great spot for brunch, dry or not. However, their selection of NA Prosecco, Mimosas and Aperol Spritz places it firmly on the top shelf for the sober crowd that still enjoys Sunday Funday. Menu.

Where to avoid for Dry January: Pretty much any Irish pub on the Peninsula. If you try ordering a mocktail at Malarky’s you will be asked politely but firmly to leave.

Drink to avoid for Dry January: The Cobra Clutch. This easy and underrated tequila cocktail is a great way to get rid of that bottle of Absinthe you never use. This drink will knock you off the wagon faster than typhoid fever on the Oregon Trail. Recipe here.

WHAT TO DO

• Get your sweat on at Nike Training Studio. Nike is offering a free class for those that need a kick start to their New Years training regimen. Their unlimited training membership comes in a little pricey at $225/month, but hey, it’s cheaper than ozempic. Located on Irvine Ave in Costa Mesa. Book your free class.

• Take a hike. Crystal Cove State park is like the Runyon Canyon of Orange County. Perfect for hiking dates and #newyearnewme selfies. If you need to test the tread on your new Hoka Speedgoats, there are half a dozen trails to choose from ranging from easy to challenging. Great ocean views and plentiful parking make this one a no-brainer for getting outdoors early this year. Trail Map.

• Give Back. Participate in native plant restoration at Irby Park in HB. Hosted by the Surfrider Foundation. We will try to post more non-profit and beach cleanup activities as 2025 calendars get updated. Check out the Event Here.

EVENTS COMING UP!

• Farm and Craft Farmers Market

  • If you enjoy your granola extra crunchy, or you identify as an Almond mom, this ones for you. The Paseo 17 monthly farmers market features produce, prepared foods, crafts and more. Takes place on the first Friday of every month. Be sure to grab a coffee at Milligram to sip while you gorp.

    • 9am-1pm, 234 E 17th St, Costa Mesa

• Nate Bargatze Tours SoCal

  • Funny and family friendly don’t often go together, but Nate’s honest takes on marriage, parenthood and life on the road are objectively funny. Watch his latest special on Netflix (“Your Friend, Nate Bargatze”) and then catch his next act live at the Brea Improv or Irvine Improv. Tickets are going fast.

• OC Winterfest will continue until Sunday, January 5th.

  • OC Winterfest is held annually at the OC Fairgrounds and includes Ice tubing, ice skating, snow play and a light show. Get Tickets Here.

• Back to the Future, The Musical at Segerstrom Hall

  • This one looks quirky. How did they get a whole-a$$ Delorean onto the stage? Get Tickets Here.

WEATHER

Friday

50 🌡️ 63 I ⛅️ I 0% Rain I 5mph (4 knots)

Saturday

49 🌡️ 62 I ⛅️ I 0% Rain I 6mph (5 knots)

Sunday

47 🌡️ 67 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 5mph (3 knots)

Water temp = 58º

Water temperature readings taken from Balboa Harbor the night before publication

FAMILY FRIENDLY

• Home Depot Craft Day - Saturday January 4th - 9am

  • Home Depot hosts craft days for the kids the first Saturday of every month. This Saturday’s craft will be a Piggy Bank 🐖 

  • Location: Home Depot #6664 on Harbor

  • Click here to sign up

LIVE MUSIC 

Friday

• Sega Genecide - The Wayfarer - 10pm

• DJ Night - Cowboys and Poodles (The Camp) - 7pm

Saturday

• David Rosales - The Lido Deck (Lido Village, under the flagpole) - 12:00pm

• DJ Night - Cowboys and Poodles (The Camp) - 7pm

• Long Beach Dub with Capital Dub and Pool Surfers - The Wayfarer - 8pm

Sunday

• Lexi Algar - The Lido Deck (Lido Village, under the flagpole) - 12:00pm

Thanks!

Please ignore any typos, our editor is on 3 hours of sleep from caring after our field correspondent’s newborn.