Good morning, Orange County. Thrive OC is back to keep you in the loop with the latest happenings, local gems, and must-know news.

In today’s Thrive OC:

• Restaurant of the Week: An oceanfront dining experience at the Ritz

• A Newport Beach institution closing after 55 years

• Exciting plans for a new event space in OC

• Swallows Day Parade & Festival of Whales

• OC live music lineup

Let’s get into it.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Raya at Ritz-Carlton Dana Point

For an unforgettable upscale coastal dining experience, head to Raya at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point.

Why it’s special: World-class Latin-inspired cuisine with breathtaking ocean views. Chef Richard Sandoval blends vibrant Latin flavors with sustainable seafood and farm-to-table ingredients.

👀 What to order:

• Scallops & Crispy Pork Belly – Served with a cherry tomato plum glaze and mojo butter.

• Chipolte Miso Cod – Melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

• Signature Cocktails – Their margaritas and craft drinks are top-tier.

📍 Where: 1 Ritz-Carlton Dr, Dana Point, CA

📞 Reservations: (949) 240-2000

💡 Pro Tip: Make a sunset reservation to catch an incredible Pacific Coast view while dining.

🏄 Local News You Should Know

🍝 The Spaghetti Bender in Newport Beach Is Closing After 55 Years

It’s the end of an era for one of Newport Beach’s most beloved restaurants. The Spaghetti Bender, a family-run Italian eatery since 1969, will close on March 2.

🏡 A neighborhood staple: Originally opened by Joyce Hoskinson, the restaurant became a go-to spot for both fine dining and casual family meals. Generations of OC locals grew up loving their homemade pasta, legendary meatballs, and red-and-white gingham tablecloth charm.

📅 Final chance to visit: With only one week left, tables are filling up fast, so make reservations ASAP if you want one last meal at this historic spot.

📞 Reservations: (949) 645-0651

🏇 San Juan Capistrano Planning New Equestrian & Event Spaces

The San Juan Capistrano City Council is considering a proposal to revamp 65 acres of open space near the 5 Freeway into a multi-use equestrian and events venue.

👀 What’s planned?

• Equestrian caretakers’ residences & farm-stay cottages

• An agricultural farm stand

• A venue for weddings, wine tastings, and live entertainment

📅 What’s next? The proposal now moves to the planning commission for review before construction begins.

🐎 Upcoming Event: Swallows Day Parade & Festival – March 22, 2025

It’s almost time for San Juan Capistrano’s biggest event of the year—the 65th Annual Swallows Day Parade & Mercado Street Fair!

🎭 What to Expect:

• Old West meets SoCal charm with horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, and community groups.

• NEW THIS YEAR: The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales are making their first-ever parade appearance!

• Live music all day at the new River Street Marketplace until 11 PM.

📍 Where: Downtown San Juan Capistrano

🕚 When: Parade starts at 11 AM, but arrive early—street closures begin at 10 AM.

💡 Pro Tip: Parking is limited, so consider taking the train to the event.

And don’t forget… The Festival of Whales is next weekend!

The 54th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales is set for March 7-9, 2025, featuring a brand-new carnival, whale-watching excursions, live music, and a special paddle-out ceremony.

📍 Where: Dana Point Harbor

🎟️ Details & Tickets: Festival of Whales

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

Looking for live tunes? Here’s what’s happening:

Friday, Feb 28:

• Alza Italian Kitchen (Rancho Santa Margarita) – George Fryer, 6:00 PM

• Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Wilfax, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

• Bigshots Billiards Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – Porcupine Soldiers, 8:30 PM

• Brio Tuscany Grille (Dana Point) – John Fullwood, 7:00 PM

• Cali Costa Restaurant & Cantina (Dana Point) – Lele Rose, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Gibroni’s Pizza (San Clemente) – Tribute Night! Supersonic LA, Coldplay USA, Cheers for Fears, Kids of Charlemagne, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

• Knuckleheads (San Clemente) – Danny Osborne, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• StillWater Spirits & Sounds (Dana Point) – 80s All Stars, 9:00 PM

• The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – G Love & Special Sauce, 9:00 PM

• The Drake (Laguna Beach) – Lola Kristine Duo, 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM

• Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – Smooth Sounds of Santana - Santana Tribute, 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

• Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – No Doubt, Beastie Boys, Linkin Park Tributes, 5:00 PM

• House of Blues Anaheim - Main Room (Anaheim) – Goldfinger, 6:00 PM

• La Santa (Santa Ana) – AC/DC Tribute, 9:00 PM

• The Observatory (Santa Ana) – The White Buffalo, 7:00 PM

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🙌 Rep OC & Support Local

We’re expanding beyond merch! Check out our brand-new lineup of beauty essentials and must-have OC-inspired gear—from anti-aging skincare to bold, smudge-proof mascara, plus fan-favorite tees. Every purchase supports Thrive OC and helps keep this newsletter running! Oh, and FREE shipping on all orders! 🎉

💛 Want to support but don’t see anything you like? You can still help keep Thrive OC going! Donate here.

Or, take your OC experience to the next level—join Thrive OC VIP for exclusive discounts, VIP event access, and insider perks while supporting local businesses!

Your support means the world—thank you for being part of the Thrive OC community! 🙌

📢 Got a Tip? Want to Advertise?

Know a cool event, restaurant, or business that should be featured? Reply to this email.

And if you loved this newsletter, forward it to a friend 👇

Thanks!

Thanks for reading Thrive OC today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who you think could Thrive in OC.

P.S. We value your thoughts, feedback, and questions - feel free to respond directly to this email!

… and if you enjoyed this email, be sure to thank the person who forwarded it to you and subscribe to get your own copy!