OK, the first weekend of Spring could not have been any better. 68º and sunny with a slight coastal breeze had us dreading the inevitable other shoe that is May Gray and June Gloom. Still, there is lot’s to do in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa as we hard launch our SS25 fits into the social meat grinder that is Spring Break. Are Birkenstocks still cool? Should we hold on to our skinny jeans? Quid est Veritas??

In today’s Buzz:

• Jimenez Dominates the Hoag Classic

• Harpers BBQ Coming to CM

• This week’s events

Let’s dig in!

Jon Dougher, Back Bay Buzz

Miguel Jimenez Cleans Up at the Hoag Classic

While it is a longstanding policy of ours to never trust a man with a ponytail, it appears there is an exception if you are betting on the results of one of Orange County’s premiere Golf tournaments. ​Miguel Ángel Jiménez clinched the 2025 Hoag Classic title at Newport Beach Country Club with a final-round 4-under-par 67, finishing at 15-under 198 for the tournament. This victory marks his second PGA TOUR Champions win of the season, following his earlier triumph at the Trophy Hassan II in February. ​

Jiménez entered the final round tied for the lead with Fred Couples at 11-under. He delivered a bogey-free performance on Sunday, securing the win with a birdie on the par-5 18th hole. Stewart Cink shot a 6-under 65 to tie for second place at 14-under 199, alongside Sweden's Freddie Jacobson, who carded a 4-under 67 in the final round. ​

The top five was rounded out by South Korea's Y.E. Yang, who finished fourth at 13-under 200 after a 5-under 66, and a three-way tie for fifth at 12-under 201 among Michael Allen (68), Steven Alker (67), and Ernie Els (67). ​

Fred Couples, who shared the 36-hole lead with Jiménez, struggled in the final round, shooting an even-par 71 to finish tied for eighth at 11-under 202. ​His colorful remarks on the 18th hole made for a very entertaining par 5.

With this victory, Jiménez not only secures his 15th PGA TOUR Champions title but also ascends to the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings. ​

The 2025 Hoag Classic featured a $2 million purse, with Jiménez earning the winner's share of $300,000.

Harper BBQ Comes to Costa Mesa

We are pleased to announce that another BBQ joint will be joining the Costa Mesa culinary scene, with Harper Barbecue slated to open Thursday March 27th at 125 Cabrillo street in Costa Mesa. Harper will focus on defining a new breed of “California BBQ” that will not only include crowd pleasers like brisket and sausages, but also include fresh seafood options smoked in Harper’s signature style. It appears Beachpit BBQ is no longer the only barbecue option in the neighborhood and we are here for it. Also browny points for the retro interior style and irresistibly wearable merch.

This Week:

• 🌮 Taco Night Special - Palenque - Sunday -Thursday - Info

• 🐰 Easter Bunny @ the Atrium Lawn - Fashion Island - 3/21-4/19 Mo-Sun 11am - Info

• Tustin Farmers Market - Wed 3/26 9am-1pm - Info

• Costa Mesa Farmer’s Market - OC Fairgrounds - Thu 3/27 9am-12pm - Info

• Don’t Tell Comedy Club - Costa Mesa Location TBD - Sat March 29th 7pm - Tickets

UPCOMING:

• OUTDOOR YOGA AT THE CAMP - Friday 3/28 - 9am-11am - Info

• 🐰 Easter Bunny @ the Atrium Lawn - Fashion Island - 3/21-4/19 Mo-Sun 11am - Info

• Fourth Fridays Vintage Market on the Lido Deck - Lido Village - Fri 3/28 12-5pm - Info

• 🍷 OC Wine & Food Festival - Laguna Beach - Sat 3/29 3-6pm - Info

• Farmers Market Pop-up - The Lab - Fri 4/4 10-2pm - Info

• 🎧️ Silent Disco(chella) - Seagerstrom - Sat 4/4 7pm - Info

•  Japanese Food and Culture Fest - OC Fairgrounds - April 4-6 - Tickets

• 🍷 OC Wine Fest (21+) - OC Fairgrounds (The Hangar) - Sat 4/12-Sun 4/13 - Tickets

• 🗝️ All-Island Garage Sale - Balboa Island - Saturday April 12th 7:30a-1p - Info

• Air|water Porsche Experience - OC Fairgrounds - Sat 4/26

• 🛥️ Newport Beach International Boat Show - Want to hobnob with some bajillionaires? Check out the Newport Beach International Boat Show (NBIBS, s’cyute) and be sure to invite us out for a sunset cruise once you lock down a sugar zaddy - May 2nd-4th - Tickets

• Newport Beach TV Fest - June 5-8 - Info

• 🏃 OC Marathon - OC Fairgrounds - Sat-Sun 5/3-5/4

• 🍕 Half-Off Pizzas - Stag Bar - Every Tuesday - Dine-in Only - Info

Monday

56🌡️ 73 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 8mph 🌬️ 

Tuesday

58🌡️ 67 I ⛅️ I 10% Rain I 8mph 🌬️ 

Wednesday

56🌡️ 65 I ⛅️ I 20% Rain I 7mph 🌬️ 

Thursday

52🌡️ 67 I ⛅️ I 20% Rain I 7mph 🌬️ 

🌊 Water temp = 57º

• 🐇 Animal Showcase with ENC - Newport Beach Central Library - Tue 3/25 4-5pm - Info

• 🥚 Easter Eggstravaganza - Irvine Park Railroad - Tue 3/25 10a-6p - Info

• 🎸 Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Zach Churchill - The Lido Deck (Lido Village) - Thurs 3/27 10:30a

• 📖 Storytime - Lido Village Books - Thu 3/27 10-10:30am - Info

• 🩰 Ballet Playdate at Tutu School Newport Beach - Friday 3/28 3:30pm-4:30 PM - Info  

• Little Seedlings Storytime - Sherman Library and Gardens (CDM) - Fri 10-10:30am - Info

PLAN AHEAD:

• Bike Skills Workshop w/ Bike Course & Free Helmets - Sat 4/5 10am-2pm - Info

• Little Lido Kids Club: Music Class with Zach Churchill - The Lido Deck (Lido Village) - Thurs 3/27 10:30a

• Little Lido Music Class w/ Magic Steps - The Lido Deck (Lido Village) - Sun 3/30 10:30a

Monday

• Pallbearer with Cinder Well and Divinorum - Wayfarer - 8pm

• Comedy Night - The Harp Inn - 8pm

Tuesday

• Trivia & Taco Tuesday - Wayfarer - 8pm

• Singer Songwriter Night - The Harp Inn - 7pm

Wednesday

• Happy Rabbit, garbagebarbie, Magdalene - Wayfarer - 7:45pm

Thursday

• Will Brahm with The Tim Ditty Jazztet - Wayfarer - 8pm - Tickets

Plan Ahead:

• Chelsey Sanchez (Acoustic) - The Camp (courtyard) - Wed 4/16 11am-1pm

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor got carpal tunnel feverishly researching how golf works.