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Greer’s OC: Coffee bar Theorem now open

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Once again, Jeff and Christa Duggan, the husband and wife team behind Portola Coffee Lab at OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa, are bringing Orange County a new coffee experience unlike anything we’ve had before: a dedicated slow bar to explore the wonders of coffees.

Their new Theorem, an intimate barista-driven and six-seat bar, next to Portola Coffee Lab just opened with hours from 1 to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Take a seat (after you’ve made a reservation) in the dimly lit Theorem bar and you’ll be treated to about 30 to 45 minutes of private tastings of up to six traditional and innovative coffee creations such as a barrel-aged Kyoto old fashioned, and a signature iced coffee with fermented coffee from Bali, that’s not only slow brewed, but barrel aged in oak for six months, then served with a Muscavado simple syrup, house-made coffee bitters, and an orange peel garnish.

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Pique your coffee interests by tasting coffee flights that vary in origin, body, acidity, roasts, processing and more. Manager and barista extraordinaire Truman Severson will most likely be behind the bar brewing, steaming, pouring and even whipping up ice cream made to order with liquid nitrogen for a spin on a traditional Italian Affogato. Much like a wine bar, you’ll be able to explore the notes, nuances and flavor profiles of each coffee, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of Portola’s mission to further introduce Orange County to a passion for artisanal hand-crafted coffees. Reservations are available online at https://www.portolacoffeelab.com/theorem.

Theorem by Portola Coffee Lab is in the OC Mart Mix at 3313 Hyland Ave. in Costa Mesa.

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Katsuya offering locals night

Laguna Beach residents can now enjoy Katsuya By Starck’s Monday Local’s Night and take 50% off every menu item each Monday including cocktails and sake. The award-winning Katsuya menu created by Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi offers unique rolls and tempting sushi and sashimi platters, as well as signature dishes like crispy rice with spicy tuna, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and miso-marinated black cod. The debut of Monday’s Local’s Night is Katsuya’s way to thank Laguna Beach for their support and for making the restaurant a popular dining spot.

Other nightly specials include Tuesday Tastings with a $35 tasting menu with optional wine pairings; Thursday’s In Good Spirits with cocktail specials; and Kids Night on Sunday’s, with children 12 and under dining free with an adult dinner purchase.

Katsuya by Starck Laguna Beach is at 858 S. Coast Hwy. in Laguna Beach. For reservations, call (949) 7930-4030, or email katsuyalaguna@sbe.com.

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Brides-to-be, get ready to crawl

You’ve heard of a pub crawl, well here comes one for brides. The inaugural Corona del Mar Bridal Walk is a special event from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, complete with a petal-laden carpet and a chance for brides-to-be to wander through Corona del Mar and visit participating merchants to learn about wedding trends and see the latest in beautiful wedding dresses, jewelry, party favors, venues for parties and ceremonies, invitations and more.

The walk starts at 1 p.m. at the Port Restaurant and ends at Five Crowns where prizes will be raffled during a reception from 4 to 5 p.m. For registered attendees, there will also be appetizers, cocktails and a fashion show from The White Dress in the wedding garden.

Event sponsors and participating merchants include Andrea’s Couture for mother of the bride gowns, Beach Candy for custom bathing suits (look out for the Rastarita truck serving drinks), Bella Bridesmaid, Bliss Home design, Christopher and Company Salon, Corona del Mar Florist, CoronadelMarToday.com, Five Crowns, Francis Orr Stationery, Mark Patterson Jewelry, Port Restaurant, Sheldon Gate for jewelry, Sherman Library and Gardens, The White Dress, Jabulani Yoga, Tony Florez Photography and Vin Goat for artisan cheese and catering.

Brides can register online at https://www.cdmbride.com or from noon to 1 p.m. Sunday at the start of the walk at Port Restaurant, 440 Heliotrope Ave.

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Sole Comfort helping those in need

With the devastation that Hurricane Isaac caused along the Gulf Coast, forcing many to abandon their homes immediately, Soles 4 Soles is stepping forward to offer relief.

The charity collects shoes and works with local agencies to bring shoes to those who need them most. You can help support their efforts by donating gently worn shoes to Sole Comfort at Corona del Mar Plaza in Newport Beach. Throughout the year, Sole Comfort regularly collects footwear for Soles 4 Souls. And, if you bring in a pair, you’ll receive a $10 gift card off their selection of shoes, sandals, boots, handbags and accessories.

Sole Comfort is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It’s in Corona del Mar Plaza, at MacArthur Boulevard. and Pacific Coast Highway. in Newport Beach. For more information, call (949) 644-5939.

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Chefs for Scholarships is back

You can help deserving students in need of educational funds by attending the seventh annual Chefs for Scholarships from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Golden West College in Huntington Beach. At the family-friendly event, more than 30 local restaurants, wineries and breweries will be serving delicious foods and drink samples.

There will also be entertainment and opportunity drawings with a grand prize drawing to win an iPad (32G), and a $100 Apple gift card.

Children can have fun playing games on a mobile video game theater with Xbox and Wii, and with balloon art, face painting, and magic. Last year’s event helped provide funds for 22 scholarships, including five scholarships for returning combat veterans. A few participating restaurants are: Duke’s Huntington Beach, Lugggatti’s Italian Grill, Mangiamo Gelato Caffé, RA Sushi, Red Table, Simply Layered Cake Design, Slapfish, Sodexo, Golden West College, Whole Foods Market-Huntington Beach, Zapien’s Salsa Grill & Taqueria, and Zimzala Restaurant at the Shorebreak Hotel.

Tickets cost $40 adults, $20 for students with ID; (at the event: $45 adults/$25 students) children 12 and under are free.

For additional information on the event, or to purchase tickets to the event, call the Foundation Office at (714) 895-8316, or visit https://www.chefs4scholarships.com. Golden West College is at 15744 Goldenwest St. in Huntington Beach.

GREER WYLDER writes Greer’s OC for the Huntington Beach Independent each Thursday and the Daily Pilot and Coastline Pilot each Friday. She’s the founder and president of greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining, music, events and trends. Her blog can be viewed https://www.greersoc.com and she can be contacted at greer@greersoc.com.

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