Up with Art: Party with LOCA

Stuck for an idea for a unique birthday party -- for kids or grown-ups? It doesn't get any more "Laguna" than throwing a LOCA Art Party!

LOCA (Laguna Outreach for Community Arts) is a local non-profit that makes art an everyday, accessible occurrence. The organization, under guidance by prez Sean McCracken, is branching out in new, exciting ways, and art parties is one of them. Check it out: LOCA will send one or two professional artists (don't worry, they are fabulous and have LOTS of experience with kids) to your house with all the materials and media needed to guide each guest through a fun, high-quality art project. The take-home party favor is literally a work of art -- way better than throwaway plastic toys! LOCA provides this unusual, memorable service at their cost. Get in touch with Sean at 290-5317 or at sean@welivethedream.com.

Learn more about LOCA at www.locaarts.org.

Nirvana Ahead: 50 Percent off all food for 5 days!

This Saturday, March 15 the grand opening of Laguna's new Nirvana Grille, its second location, will benefit Friendship Shelter. Get a sneak peek a day before the "official" opening on the 16th!

Owners Lindsay Smith-Rosales, named one of the “Great Chefs of Orange County," and her husband, Luis Rosales, formerly of the Ritz Carlton and the Montage will present her signature hors d’oeuvres and a distinctive Nirvana cocktail created exclusively for the restaurant by sponsor Ketel One Vodka.

The city’s Chamber of Commerce will kick the event off with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Be part of the festivities -- call the shelter at 494-6928 for info.

And get this: the restaurant will offer 50 percent off all food and no corkage for the first five days (Sunday, March 16 to Thursday, March 20). Reservations are required.

From Jit Fong of the OC REGISTER: "I visited Nirvana Grille’s Mission Viejo restaurant in October 2006, shortly after it opened, and I was completely sold on its light, yet solidly flavored dishes. The strip mall location seemed too low-key for such a great kitchen, but that was part of the restaurant’s charm, too."
The new restaurant is located at 303 Broadway, Laguna Beach. 949-497-0027. Regular hours beginning on March 24 will be Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday 5-10 p.m., and Friday-Saturday 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Closed Mondays.
The existing restaurant is at 24031 Marguerite Parkway, #C, Mission Viejo. 949-380-0027.