Archive for May 2007

If you feel like eating a wholesome Japanese meal without shelling tons of cash for it, Sango Sushi is a must. This mom and pops style restaurant offers a variety of delicious appetizers and meals, many of which can be ordered in combination with one another.

Some items you will find on the menu include various types of beef bowls, noodles, curries, appetizers (e.g., gyoza, tempura, sesame chicken, baked scallops, etc.), a la carte choices (e.g., chicken and salmon teriyaki, sashimi, pork cutlet, etc.), combination choices (e.g., beef teriyaki and tempura, salmon teriyaki and tempura, etc.), salads, side orders (e.g., edamame, miso soup, rice, etc.), and sushi.

Sango Sushi is ideal for those on the go because of its quick service and cheap menu - about $6 for a meal. To top it off, the food tastes great. I highly recommend the crunchy roll sushi, yum!

Weekends are usually a lot more hectic than the weekdays. Expect the possibility of a crowd, but don't worry because the restaurant functions like a dine and dash joint. You won't wait long.

If you're in the southern Orange County neighborhood, you can't afford not to visit Soka University of America (SUA).

With construction completed a little over 6 years ago, SUA is definitely eye candy to any person who passes through the small and conservative town of Aliso Viejo. One can't help but notice the campus's 103-acres of stunning Tuscany, Italy feel, which is surrounded by 4000-acres of wilderness park.

Although SUA is a private university, its campus is open to the public during the day. Many nearby residents take advantage of its beautiful scenery by taking daily walks with friends, family, and other loved ones. If you keep your eyes open, you might just catch some rabbits and deers along the way. Local college students also take advantage of the public hours by visiting SUA's Ikeda Library, which contains a 225,000-volume capacity. There is also a large internet access distribution, including wireless access. If you get hungry after your walk, go to SUA's bistro cafe, where they serve an eclectic variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals. If fortunate enough, you might catch Sushi night, yum! If you check SUA's calendar ahead of time, prepare for one of its many marvelous student show cases and international festivals.

If this is your first time hearing about SUA, you may be wondering what this university is all about. SUA is a private, non-profit liberal arts college, which opened in 2001. "The mission of Soka University of America is to foster a steady stream of global citizens committed to living a contributive life." SUA's educational system is based on a student-oriented one, thus offering an exceptional 9:1 student to faculty ratio. A university founded upon Buddhist principles of peace, culture, and education to foster global citizens is nothing short of idealism, yet its practical, hands-on training (e.g., mandatory study abroad, internships, senior thesis research papers, etc.) prepare students students for graduate school and the real world.

To learn more about Soka University of America, visit the Soka University Website

If you happen to be in Orange County, near the Irvine area, take advantage of the Irvine Spectrum Center. Whether it's a night out with family, friends, or a date, the Irvine Spectrum Center offers a plethora of fun and entertaining activities for people of all ages. From movies, children's fashion, adult fashion, restaurants, book stores, beauty stores, to specialty shops, you name it - the center has it all.

For a relaxing time out, enjoy the Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 & IMAX Theatre, which offers one of the best movie going experiences with its recently renovated facilities. Nothing beats watching the latest IMAX movies with stadium seating and updated surround sound systems - all from an eight-story movie screen.

If you want to add a little romance to the event, take your honey on the Spectrum Ferris Wheel. There's no better way to impress your date.

If you're looking for more of a boys or girls night out, Dave and Busters is a must. One can describe it as an adult version of Chucky Cheese. Dave and Busters offers a variety of adult entertainment, including a restaurant, bar, pool tables, and tons of arcade type games. They even have a genes machine, which produces a picture of what your baby will look like. The most exciting part of it is that you can choose your baby's race, regardless of what race you and your partner are. The machine basically takes you and your partner's facial structures and combines them with the chosen race.

If you want to experience a more upbeat evening, party until the late night (well, until about 1:30am anyways) at either Crazy Horse or Yard House, although the latter is a bit less brouhaha-ish. Both bars usually have a $5 cover charge.

Lastly, if you're just looking to get some quality shopping done, enjoy from the numerous stores that the Spectrum has to offer, including Forever 21, H&M, and an array of other eclectic clothing stores.

Whatever kind of entertainment you're looking for, Irvine Spectrum will most likely offer the service. As an outside shopping mall and entertainment center, one can't help but enjoy the experience under a nice sunny day or under a warm, clear night.

Fine dining on a date is always romantic, especially when the restaurant is located on the oceanfront. The idea of being with someone privately with all your preferences catered is always romantic.

A great romantic experience will have the following characteristics: preferences catered, exclusivity (being alone with someone where no one is bothering both of you) and a great ambiance. With all these ideas in mind, nothing beats the fine dining and restaurants offered in a resort hotel.

The Balboa Bay Club and Resort in Newport Beach meets all of those criteria. With a friendly staff and a very posh atmosphere, the price is surprisingly affordable. The resort is also accessible to great restaurants like 930 Sushi (Japanese), Dolce Ristorante (Italian) and Margaritaville (Mexican) to name a few. A great restaurant will always complement the romantic date that you are planning ahead.

After dinner you can enjoy each others' company with a few drinks while talking about sweet nothings at Beach Ball in Newport Beach, a small and cozy place where you can enjoy a little bit of privacy from the outside world. It offers a wide variety of drinks and entertainment that you can both enjoy. If you prefer not to go to a bar after your dinner, you can always enjoy a stroll on the Pier together. The pier is a great place to just be with one another, enjoy the sunset, and hold hands.

Going out on a date in Anaheim is always fun. You can start off your day at the theme park and end your night at the bars with live music and dancing.

Knott's Berry farm offers a variety of rides that both you and your date can enjoy. Walking around their various theme parks brings out your inner child and really provides for a great time.

If both of you are health buffs, spending an afternoon at the spa is a fantastic idea. Spas in Seal Beach (Complexions Day Spa) or Laguna Niguel (Pura Vida Day Spa) will refresh you inside and out. If you have access or membership you can always bring a date to the Spa and Fitness Club in Costa Mesa. The service there is excellent.

You can also go outdoors with someone. Orange County has numerous preserves and parks that will cater to a variety of activities. You can also go to beach and enjoy the waves. Huntington and Laguna Beach has great waves that both of you can enjoy surfing. The sun, sea and sand in this County are very nice for everyone to just stay at the seashore and enjoy the view of the waves.

At nightfall, both of you can enjoy the Clubs and dance the night away, or you can always go to a karaoke bar and sing a duet. Loffler's in Anaheim has karaoke and games for both of you to enjoy and have fun with.

If you plan ahead, a great and fun date is always guaranteed. Going out together in Orange County is never a dull moment. The activities are endless, the options are great, and prices are always in reach.