The O.C. Mix in Costa Mesa, CA

I get bored doing the same things over and over. Sure I have favorite things I like to do, but I am always looking for something new.

My friends and I decided to get together for a nice night out local, here in South Orange County. I suggested meeting at the O.C. Mix, which is right off the 405 Freeway and Hyland in Costa Mesa, California.

The O.C. Mix is a collection of one-of–a-kind shops and restaurants gathered together. There is a big, one story building that houses men and women apparel kiosks, a bar accessories store for your home, a spice shop, a coffee lab (which, by-the-way, is always crowded), and many other interesting small shops that you can browse in and restaurants you can eat in.

Surrounding this inside building are more restaurants and shops, along with art galleries and home décor shops. The landscaping alone at the O.C. Mix is something to admire. It is all California native, drought tolerant plants. The plants and grasses are landscaped so beautifully in pots and bedding, that it gives me grand ideas on how to beautify my own home.

Oh how I digress!

Back to my night out…

Two days before our planned outing. I called the Cellar Cheese Shop, located inside the O.C. Mix. I ordered a charcuterie board with a Spanish theme (you know, meat and cheeses that are produced in Spain) enough for the four of us. I asked if they could deliver our appetizer to We Olive & Wine Bar, which is located directly across from their shop, as we wanted to drink some wine along with the charcuteries as a precursor to dinner. No problem, apparently they do that all the time.

We met at the wine bar and sat outside and sipped and nibbled until our reservation at Pueblo was ready. Now Pueblo surrounds the inside building and is quite small so a reservation is a must. Pueblo calls itself a modern, Spanish Tapas eatery. (See how I tied in the Spanish charcuterie board, with the restaurant?)

Our server directed us on what and how much to order. They are known for their Queso Fundido, which is charred goat cheese, black truffle and honey, all melty and gooey! It lived up to the hype, Yum.

We ordered the Pulpo a la Gallega (grilled octopus, fennel, fingerlings, olive and bacon), Ceviche de Camarones (shrimp, red onion, citrus and cilantro), Costillas de Credo (pork ribs, grilled beans, candied chile and almond). All were equally delicious and interesting. Don’t be afraid to order something out of your comfort zone. Food from Spain is not something southern Californians are used to eating. After a couple glasses of wine, (Cava, Anyone?) you might be a little more adventurous. Guess what? The first bottle of wine you bring in, they do not charge corkage. It helps, as their wine list is pricey.