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Favorite thing: Bristol Farms is an upscale California based market with gourmet culinary goodies and some of the freshest produce around. The Newport Beach location at the Corona del Mar shopping plaza (close to Fashion Island) is one of the premiere locations. New renovations have been made and will be fully realized by the fall of 2012.
Living up to its motto of being an "extraordinary store", BF combines as an exclusive grocery with full service cafe, deli, bakery, coffee shop (Peet's coffee and tea), winery and floral shop. Each section is quite impressive and in addition, a dedicated demo department lets the grazing public sample gourmet treats, often imported cheese and hors d'oeuvres. Have your choice of caviar here as well as very fine wine (some bottles are a few hundred dollars and more!), delights from fresh sushi bar and more basic offerings like peanut butter and jelly.
Locals especially flock in for the fancy, delectable cupcakes in the bakery. My favorite is the Strawberry Shortcake but anyone is just amazing. What's best is that the treats have been voted as the best in Orange county and cost less than the Sprinkle's varieties that are across the way in the plaza.
Though not as much of a celebrity draw as its West Hollywood sister store, there have been sightings of some famous names, especially in sports, including local Lindsay Davenport of tennis fame, Tony Gonzalez (NFL veteran) and several Angels baseball players. Other names that stop in for weekly groceries include Vanna White of Wheel of Fortune fame and Vanessa Bryant (Kobe's wife).
Consider BF a good place to pick up posh, fancy items for a picnic at the Corona del Mar beach.
http://www.bristolfarms.com
Fondest memory: various food events/demo at the market. Get yummy free food samples and even wine tastings at some events. I attend an event in 2012, sampling the scrumptious cinammon french toast (pictured) and met locally famous chef, Jamie Gwen.
Updated Jan 25, 2013
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Favorite thing: Talk of Politics!
In this city of the very "blue" (Democrat) state of California, one sees mostly "red" (Republican). NB/Corona del Mar residents are not reticent to lash against "hefty lefty-influence" in their town. But for those who are blue, don't fret, N.B. will welcome all, especially if you have the money to spend! Democrats are outnumbered here about 2 to 1. Lavish "red" political bashes here in swanky hotels and other spots especially when Election Days comes around. U.S. presidential candidate, Mitt Romney made a campaign stop at the Balboa Bay Club, off PCH in June '12.
Updated Oct 2, 2012
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Favorite thing: Not a Favorite thing necessarily- just a thing...
Despite Newport Beach's population being spread out and in the tens of thousands (about 70,000+), N.B. has a village feel. The city is made of signifcant, individual parts that are quite walkable- there is Balboa Island, Newport Coast, Corona Del Mar (a big community almost stand by itself on the south end), Eastbluff, West Newport , the Lido, Mariner's Village. The subdivisions really go on and on if you consider the exclusive residential neighborhoods.
Particularly, Newport Coast is a community of exclusivity, mostly with multi-million dollar mansions (Kobe Bryant has 3-4 here alone), lush green acres and super maintained landscape. Luxury cars continuously rolling down the streets here. You can play the "Mercedes/BMW/Range Rover" car count game as I do. Count how many of each passes on Coast Highway (and after about 10-20 min, and you will have a good number of each) and see who comes out ahead! If you are not filthy rich (or at least a little rich), don't drive a fancy sportscar or SUV or can't afford to shop upscale, well, you would have a hard time to appreciate what this part has to offer.
Updated Aug 7, 2012
Favorite thing: Weather: For all of those who enjoy mild sunny days, be sure to come here, as NB and CdM enjoy mild temperatures throughout the year. The average high temp in summer is a ....whomping... 75 degrees F (24 C)! There is almost always a great, chilly breeze at night, so yes, bring a jacket or coat with you. Even in summer, the sun tends to take time to come out here, often surfacing at his peak 2 PM in the afternoon (14:00).
Written Nov 7, 2011
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Favorite thing: Its Subduedness!
Though the city of Newport Beach is rather prominent with its richness and numerous activities, the beach area is rather subdued. This is the contrast of another beach city of, notably, Santa Monica.
Written Aug 31, 2005
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Favorite thing: My sister said that renting a yacht was cheaper than what it would cost to have the reception at a regular hotel. The party was on a yacht and it sailed around the harbor for 4 hours. Most people thought it was cool.
The company renting out the yachts is called Adventures at Sea.
Updated Feb 17, 2004
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Favorite thing: Little bridges!
Goldenrod Bridge - 1928
Find this sweet little walkways as you make your way to or from the beach at Corona del Mar. Take Goldenrod Avenue from Coast Highway!
Written Sep 7, 2011
Favorite thing: I was living in North Promontory Points Apartments in Newport Beach. The view of my balcony was seeing on the picture I have published above.....
Written Aug 26, 2002
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