If you ever find yourself in or near the city of Brea, chances are you won’t see much of a nightlife to speak of. You can always head to downtown Fullerton for some fun, but if you are inclined to stay in the area, I highly recommend that you check out Diamonds Billiard Club in Brea. Located next to the Brea Mall, Diamonds is home to many throughout the week.
The decor of Diamonds lends itself to classiness, with dim lighting (not too dim), music (jukebox), and relaxing (plenty of booths with upholstered furniture for eating or just hanging out with friends). The staff is mellow and friendly, and the food is decent as well. It’s a great place to go with friends or with a date. Tip well, and the bartenders are likely to reward you with some stiff drinks.
Be sure to bring your drivers license. The bouncer at the door doesn’t allow anyone under 21 into the establishment at night. This “diamond in the rough” is located on the third floor of a shopping structure right across from the Embassy Suites. Parking can be found underground in the parking structure below the Embassy Suites. If you want more of a laid back atmosphere, try going on a Tuesday or Wednesday. If you want a fun environment, try going on a weekend night. Whatever the choice, Diamonds is sure not to disappoint.
It’s almost that time of year again – time for the Orange County Fair. Held every summer at the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, this event has something to offer for everyone. In 2007, the dates of operation are July 13th to August 5th. In the past several years, nearly one million people have attended the fair each year.
In addition to the petting zoos, carnival style games, and rides that you will see at just about any fair, the OC Fair also has some additional entertainment. The Fair has had motorcycle jumpers, along with other acts in the past. Although you will deal with crowds and some unfamiliar barn scents, the fair is a good place to bring the kids or a date. If you’re bored easily, you can check out the other entertainment nearby at night within easy walking distance of the fair.
About as equally impressive as the fair is the musical talent attracted to the nearby Pacific Amphitheatre. This year, "Weird Al" Yankovic is scheduled to perform in addition to She Wants Revenge, Willie Nelson, and Kenny Loggins. Of course, the venue is open year round for concerts and other events.
If you haven't been to Slide Bar in Fullerton, you should be relieved that you don't know what you're missing. If you knew, you would have to go. So please, if you want to remain blissfully ignorant, close this window now.
Still there? Okay, here's what you should know about Slide Bar. It opened for the first time in the summer of 2005 in Downtown Fullerton. It is co-owned by members of the rock group Lit. On any given night, you might see your favorite band playing there. It's a fun atmosphere.
You want to know more? Slide bar is the place to be in Fullerton. The entire joint is decorated with rock n' roll paraphernalia (No Doubt, Social Distortion, and many more) and good tunes are always blasting over the sound system. Slide bar also has an 80's style arcade, where you can revisit your love of Pac-Man and other 80s games. The patio is where most people tend to hang out though. Although crowded on most nights, the patio is where everyone goes to mingle and have a good time. It is also where the stage is located.
The owner's regularly invites friends and bands to come over. After a few drinks, they are enticed to get up on stage for an impromptu performance. The owners have a good working relationship with the House of Blues, so if you are looking to guess at who might be dropping in that night, take a look at the House of Blues lineup for the night. Celebrities also show up from time to time. Don't be surprised to see Dennis Rodman at Slide Bar.
Slide Bar doesn't only have good music and a good night scene. They are also rumored to have excellent food. They are open during the day as well, and offer free wireless internet. Make sure to try the Mac & Cheese - they're famous for it.
The best weeknight to go is Thursday. However, be prepared for long lines and a packed crowd if you go on a weekend. It's an unfortunate byproduct of being famous. If Slide Bar is not your speed, check out some of my other reviews for Downtown Fullerton. Other bars within stumbling distance include Heroes, Stadium, Revolution, Rockin' Taco Cantina, Continental, and Back Alley.
Check out their MySpace page for upcoming events and more information.
It would be nearly impossible to discuss shopping centers in Orange County without naming South Coast Plaza. This 2.8 million square foot shopping center is home to more than 280 stores, many of which fall in the luxury and ultra-luxury category. Brands such as Sak's Fifth Avenue, Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, and Valentino have a presence at South Coast, which has over 24 million visitors annually. But don't assume this is only a fashionista's paradise. South Coast is also home to many small boutique and specialty stores as well.
You will never be at a loss for places to check out or things to see at this gigantic shopping center. In addition to plenty of shopping, South Coast has plenty of restaurants, as well as a food court. If you still have energy after a day at the mall or want to head out for a night on the town, there's always the Edwards Cinema located upstairs.
The mall will soon be finished with its current remodeling, which is rumored to cost as much as $30 million. South Coast is certainly the "jewel" of Orange County shopping. For a detailed listing of stores and a map directory, check out their website.
If you're an avid fan of fine Cajun cooking, you'll truly appreciate the many flavorful dishes of Jack Shrimp. As a New Orleans themed restaurant, some scrumptious and mouthwatering (literally) southern dishes follow. Jack Shrimp is most famous for its, well, what else? Shrimp! Personally, I find the Jammin Jambalaya plate, a specialty of the house, an utter delight of rich spices and zest. The best part is its back door prices, which makes it an everyday lunch and dinner favorite.
Although Jack Shrimp is a Cajun specialty restaurant, it definitely does not discriminate against salad and sandwich lovers. Jack Shrimp's menu contains lots of variety, including southern inspired appetizers, salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups, pasta, and house specials. If you love Cajun dishes but can't handle too much spice, don't sweat it - many of Jack Shrimp's plates come non-spicy.
Craving some Jack Shrimp yet? Experience this authentic and tasty Louisiana cooking for yourself - you'll be hooked, guaranteed. As my mottos goes, "Once you go Jack, you never go back."
