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Good morning, Orange County. You’re reading Thrive OC, your local guide to the best food, events, and hidden gems across the coast and beyond. Here’s what’s on deck:

• Holiday Markets & Tree Lightings Begin

• Midweek Wine Nights & Farmers Markets

• Free Art Museum Admission

• Major Food Recalls to Know

• Trains Now Running on San Juan’s New Bridge

Let’s dive in.

— Dave Berry

🍽️ Restaurant of the Week: Fogo de Chão (Irvine)

Craving a night that feels like a celebration? Fogo de Chão serves nonstop tableside cuts of sizzling steak, lamb, and chicken, carved by gaucho chefs and paired with a stunning Market Table of fresh salads and sides. Sip a caipirinha, soak in the lively atmosphere, and come hungry.

Where: 623 Spectrum Center Dr, Irvine | Phone: (949) 398-1500

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📅 Upcoming Events 🎉

Laguna Art Museum, Free Admission Experience (Now–Nov 30)

Explore California art all month long. Free entry throughout November (7 days/week). Pro tip: plan a visit during Art + Nature Celebration Week (Nov 1–10) for outdoor art and special programs. Museum hours vary through Nov 30 | 307 Cliff Dr, Laguna Beach | Event Info

Wine Down Wednesday, Anaheim (Nov 12)

Midweek wine, bites, and live tunes at California Vintage Wine Bistro (30% off all bottles, dine-in). 5:00–9:00 PM | 1925 S State College Blvd, Anaheim | Event Info

Dana Point Harbor “Merry Kiss Me” Lights (Nov 12–Jan 4)

Holiday lights are back—self-guided, free, and photogenic as ever. Nightly, Nov 12, 2025–Jan 4, 2026 | Dana Point Harbor | Event Info

OC Farmers Market, Costa Mesa (Nov 13)

Certified market with produce, flowers, fresh fish, and hot lunch options (tamales, tacos, more). Free admission & parking. 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D, Costa Mesa | Event Info

Merry Market Pop-Up, Tustin (Nov 13–15)

A curated holiday shopping pop-up with festive finds and giftable goods. Times vary | The Market Place near Panda Express, Tustin, CA | Event Info

Mermade Market, San Juan Capistrano (Nov 14–16)

Beloved hand-curated makers market returns to River Street Marketplace—great for unique gifts. Fri 9–6, Sat 9–5, Sun 9–5 | 31856 Paseo Adelanto, SJC | Event Info

The OC Book Fair, Old Town Tustin (Sat, Nov 15)

Indie booksellers, author talks, signings, panels, kids’ activities, and more. 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Old Town Tustin | Event Info

OC Cocktail & Spirits Show, Costa Mesa (Sat, Nov 15)

Tastings, demos, and industry experts—perfect for the cocktail curious or seasoned sippers. 3:00–7:00 PM (GA $65; parking $12) | OC Fair & Event Center, Huntington Beach Building | Event Info

Chefsgiving at Pendry, Newport Beach (Sat, Nov 15)

Thanksgiving-inspired small plates from top OC chefs, wine, and live entertainment; Tickets include a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank (21+). 6:30 PM | Pendry Newport Beach | Event Info

Outlets at San Clemente Tree Lighting (Sat, Nov 15)

Kick off the season with live entertainment and the big tree lighting experience! 5:00 PM | Outlets at San Clemente | Event Info

🏄 Local News You Should Know

Trains Rolling Over the New San Juan Creek Bridge

After ~17 months of work, OCTA and Metrolink shifted passenger service onto a brand-new bridge in San Juan Capistrano, replacing a 1917 structure. The upgrade boosts safety, improves flood protection, and lowers maintenance on the busy LOSSAN corridor. The old bridge will be dismantled next spring.

OCTA Trains are now traveling on the new railroad bridge over San Juan Creek! This marks a major milestone in OCTA’s partnership with Metrolink to enhance rail safety and reliability across Orange County.

Nationwide California-Grown Peach Recall (Listeria Risk)

Moonlight Companies recalled certain California-grown yellow & white peaches sold Sept 16–Oct 29, 2025 at major retailers (Trader Joe’s, Target, Costco, Whole Foods, Walmart, Kroger). “Washington” or “Organic” labels are not included. If in doubt, toss and sanitize surfaces. Consumer line: 855-215-5017. Read the official FDA notice for codes and labels.

Nationwide Prepared Pasta Meals & Deli Pasta Salads Recall (Listeria Risk)

The FDA/CDC investigation into ready-to-eat pasta meals has expanded. Check your fridge/freezer—affected items include brands sold at Trader Joe’s, Albertsons, Kroger, Sprouts, Giant Eagle, and others. Follow the FDA page for product lists and dates; when in doubt, discard and clean.

🌟 OC Trivia: Did You Know?

Laguna Art Museum traces its origins to the Laguna Beach Art Association, founded in 1918, and remains one of the oldest museums in California dedicated exclusively to works by California artists.

Think you know OC? Reply with your best trivia, and we might feature it next!

🎶 Live Music This Weekend

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

Friday, November 14:

1. Barnoa Wine Company (San Clemente) – Mike Silvestri, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm

2. BeachFire Bar & Grill (San Clemente) – Telesound, 8:00 pm

3. Bigshots Billiards (Lake Forest) – Back to the 80s (Rock/Pop Fridays), 9:30 pm

4. Los Molinos Beer Co. (San Clemente) – Delaney Miller & Eli Crane, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

5. The Coach House (San Juan Capistrano) – Common Sense, 9:00 pm

6. The Rush Bar & Grill (Lake Forest) – Live Forever (Oasis Tribute), 9:00 pm - 12:00 am

7. Campus JAX (Newport Beach) – 80z Allstars ft. Dawn Johnson, 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

8. Bayside Restaurant (Newport Beach) – Ron Kobayashi Band, 6:30 pm - 11:30 pm

9. Garden Amp (Garden Grove) – All American Rock Show (Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, The Killers Tributes), 5:00 pm

10. House of Blues (Anaheim) – That Mexican OT: Recess Tour - Part 2, 7:00 pm

11. Spaghettini (Seal Beach) – K-Tel All Stars: A Tribute to the 70s, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

12. The Harp Inn (Costa Mesa) – Flashback Heart Attack, 9:00 pm - 12:30 am

🌦️ 7-Day Weather Forecast

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset in OC

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