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Kiss Me, I’m Irish
Things are about to get Costa Messy...


St. Paddy’s Day is one of those special holidays—like Super Bowl Sunday—where you technically have work the next day, but let’s be real: you’re not making it in. If you kept it local to Costa Mesa or Newport, you’ve got plenty of places to keep the party going well into the night. Just don’t come crying to us when your boss Slacks you at 9:50 a.m. and you’re still wearing a top hat and green sequins.
In today’s Buzz:
SideStreet Cafe Closes after 32 years
Newport TV Fest Announced
ICYMI: Pub map
This Week’s Events
Let’s dig in!
Jon Dougher, Back Bay Buzz

Side Street Cafe Closes After 32 Years

You know the food is 🔥 If it’s “cash-only”…
After 32 years of serving hearty breakfasts and building relationships with regulars, Side Street Cafe in Costa Mesa will close its doors for good on Sunday, March 16. Owner Diane Beach, who opened the family-run cafe in 1992 after pivoting from a career in construction, made the tough decision to retire at 72. Despite the cafe's success, including a loyal staff and community support, the strain of the pandemic and the desire to pursue new chapters in life led to the closure. Diane and her family, who have worked together for decades, will miss the community they've cherished but look forward to new beginnings. We are going to miss what are arguably the best hashbrowns in Orange County!
Newport Beach TV Fest Slated for June

The inaugural Newport Beach TV Fest is set to debut this June, expanding Newport Beach’s presence in the entertainment industry by celebrating the evolving world of television. Organized by the team behind the Newport Beach Film Festival, which has been a major fixture in October for over two decades, the new TV-focused event will spotlight a diverse mix of scripted series, documentaries, and digital-first content. The festival will feature screenings at the historic Lido Theatre, alongside industry panels, networking events, and discussions with top creators and executives. With its reputation for attracting Hollywood talent and fostering international film industry connections, the Newport Beach Film Festival’s parent organization is positioning this new event as a major platform for TV innovation. The festival aims to make Newport Beach a premiere destination for the film industry outside of Los Angeles.
We have requested Press passes for the Back Bay Buzz, so hopefully we will be able to get you the inside scoop. If you know anyone on the NBTVF planning committee please raise your hand 🖐️. Our editor will not be attending, he has been banned from all press junkets since the incident.
☘️ICYMI: All the Irish (and Irish Adjacent) Pubs Mapped

Ok, Montreal knows how to party.
We already published this map on Friday’s send, but are leaving it here just in case you missed it. There is still ~18 hours to have a green beer and wear perhaps the kitschiest outfits of any holiday. We know that not all of the bars and restaurants on this list are technically “Irish”, however they are all joining in the Irish festivities for the weekend. Join us for a green beer or two at one (or all, depending on your grit and ambition) of the premier public houses in the best two cities in Orange County.
🔈️ Have an event, story or business you think should be included in the newsletter? Reply to this email or send us the scoop at [email protected]

This Week:
☘️ St. Patricks Day at Malarky’s - Malarky’s - Monday 3/17 6am- 2am (you can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning) - Info
🧑🌾 Tustin Farmers Market - Wed 3/19 9a-1p - Info
🥬 Costa Mesa Farmers Market - OC Fairgrounds - Thu 9a-1p - Info
🏕️ Summer Camp Expo - Orange Coast College - Saturday 3/22 12-3pm - Tickets
UPCOMING:
🍕 Half-Off Pizzas - Stag Bar - Every Tuesday - Dine-in Only - Info
🐰 Easter Bunny @ the Atrium Lawn - Fashion Island - 3/21-4/19 Mo-Sun 11am - Info
⛳️ Hoag Classic Golf Tournament - Mar 16th-23rd - Tickets
🥫 St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Packing Party - Volunteer to help sort and pack food from the ongoing food drive in partnership with Project Hope Alliance - Sunday 3/23 11:45a - RSVP
🍷 OC Wine & Food Festival - Laguna Beach - Sat 3/29 3-6pm - Info
🧺 Farmers Market Pop-up - The Lab - Fri 4/4 10-2pm - 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
🛥️ 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
❤️ Know anyone who would appreciate the Newsletter?
✨ Share the love and earn sweet S W A G ✨
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3 referrals = A cookie from Crack Shack
5 Referrals = Back Bay Run Club Socks (They are really cool socks)

Monday
50🌡️ 61 I 🌦️ I 35% Rain I 16mph 🌬️
Tuesday
48🌡️ 62 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 12mph 🌬️
Wednesday
49🌡️ 67 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 7mph 🌬️
Thursday
52 🌡️ 64 I ☀️ I 0% Rain I 8mph 🌬️
🌊 Water temp = 57º

🌈 Rainbow Plate Crafts - Donald Dungan Library Costa Mesa - Wed 3/19 - Info
🧱 Lego Wednesday - Mariners Library (Newport Beach) - Wednesday 3/19 3-4pm - Info
🤖 CreateSpace - Donald Dungan Library - Thu 3/20 3:30-4:30pm - Info
🥾 Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP! - Fri 3/21 10am - Info
PLAN AHEAD:
🍑 Baby Wearing Barre - Newport Peach - Fri 3/21 10am - Info
🎶 Little Lido Music Class w/ Magic Steps - The Lido Deck (Lido Village) - 3/30 10:30a

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Machine kit with Bulbous and Tempest Cleanse - The Wayfarer - 8pm - Tickets
Thursday
Grateful Jam - Wayfarer - 8pm - Tickets
Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor was pinched so hard for not wearing green he has lost all feeling in his fingertips.

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