AS THE DAY CONTINUES

There are two huge shopping centers in Irvine. I wanted to visit both of them to compare. I shuttled to the Southcoast Plaza, which I would describe as being most upscale with top named stores as well as some in the middle. It's more "mall" than shopping center as accept for crossing over to another group of shops, it's all indoors This is serious shopping!

The second floor has an area called Access, a VIP lounge. You can hang in there for refreshments or just relaxing for awhile. There is even one room with a recliner in case you are in need of a nap. It was there that I met Werner Escher, the head of marketing. Lynn Kozlowski who assists writers like myself then escorted me around to view and point out many of the shops.

Southcoast Plaza is adjacent to the Orange County Performing Arts Center where I go the next day.

Back to the Embassy Suites to relax before dinner. I chose to eat at the nearby Marriott Hotel's restaurant Elements 102. There is a sushi bar just outside of the restaurant in the lobby. I therefore ordered a sushi roll...a California roll with seven different fish. Had a bottle of sake with it. This time I had a chicken dish for an entree and a fresh chopped fruit over sorbet for dessert.

ON TO IRVINE

It's on to Irvine after leaving Long Beach where I checked into the Embassy Suites Hotel. Got a room near the top floor making for a longer glass elevator ride and view of their atrium. Although they have a hot breakfast and evening Manager's foodie, I didn't have an opportunity to try either with my busy schedule. Love the room but also couldn't take advantage of the frig, either.

One great thing about the hotel is that they have a shuttle service that takes you up to 3 miles when available.

The first place that I went was the Barclay Theatre on the campus of UC Irvine. Although I was unable to view a performance, I did get a backstage tour. The theatre is located on the campus but is not part of UC Irvine. There is a sort of fountain/waterfalls in front.

Across the way from the campus is a small complex of restaurants and a few shops called University Center. I had heard good things about one restaurant called Britta's Cafe, so lunch it was. Britta Pulliam is the owner and chef as well as waiting tables. She marinates a variety of olives as an appetizer. Olives grown in California!

I had a salad with chicken, persimmons, goat cheese, spicy walnuts and pomegranate dressing. Ice creams made on the premises. Best vanilla I've had being a chocoholic. Love the espresso. Take concord grapes, turn them into a sorbet!