Trend Watch: Orange Theory Fitness comes to Newport
There’s nothing like a good butt-kicking, and I had my own on a recent Friday morning, thanks to the newly opened Orange Theory Fitness in Newport Beach.
The hour-long class was a mix of rowing, treadmill, floor exercises, lunges, arm and core work, all while wearing a heart monitor to show how hard you are pushing it.
“During the 60-minute workout, you will perform multiple intervals designed to produce 12 to 20 minutes of training at 84% or higher of your maximum heart rate, which translates to Zones 4/5,” according to the website. “This program design produces EPOC, which is the workout ‘after-burn’ effect, meaning that our interval training design produces a 200- to 400-calorie increase to your metabolism 24 to 36 hours after your workout.”
Staff echoed that thinking and model, encouraging us to push ourselves at key moments throughout the workout.
“Simply put, this workout is designed to torch calories both during and after the training session,” said Marc Thomas, owner of the Newport location, in an email. “To reach these target zones, we use heart rate monitoring technology, and in every 60-minute session, we combine cardio training [power walking, jogging, or running] with various strength training exercises [including rowing, bodyweight suspension straps, dumbbells, medicine balls, BOSU balls, and other floor exercises, etc.], so that clients get an effective full-body workout in each time they visit.”
The group classes are taught by certified instructors and change constantly — no two workouts are the same, Thomas said — so you don’t feel like you’re doing the same workout over and over. The Newport Beach location is the first in California, with others scattered throughout the U.S.
Other benefits touted: Participants can burn up to 1,200 calories between a 60-minute session and the 36 hours afterward thanks to the EPOC effect, according to a news release.
The results of how hard you worked out are emailed to you so you can keep track of your progress.
Having a 60-minute workout that’s broken up into different pieces keeps the class lively and fast. And trust me, I still felt the effects of the workout days afterward. Not sure if you can hang? There are options so the workout is tailored to your fitness level.
First class is free for newbies. Classes range from $8 per hour to $25 per hour depending on the membership or package selected, Thomas said. Orange Theory is at 1040 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. For more details, call (949) 630-0555.
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Tailored menu arrives at Fish Camp
Fish Camp in Huntington Beach is taking its menu concept a step further, offering 700 customizable combinations tailored to guests’ preferences.
The offering works like this: Diners pick their seafood from a variety of freshly-caught fish, such as Alaskan halibut, mahi mahi and swordfish; then they choose between the way they’d like to have the fish served: salad, sandwich, taco or general plate; and finally they choose how they’d like the fish to be cooked: grilled, blackened, barbecue-spice rubbed or crusted.
The restaurant prides itself on offering fresh seafood at reasonable prices in a beachside setting, according to the news release. The new menu is now available, and average prices range from $10 to $13. Fish Camp is at 16600 Pacific Coast Hwy; (562) 592-2267.
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Dogs will storm the red carpet
Newly opened Top Dog Barkery in Newport Beach is rolling out the red carpet for your pooch at its opening party from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 23 and 24.
There will be a puparazzi taking photos of you and your pal, doggie door prizes, hors d’oeuvres and a “Best Dressed” Top Dog Contest at 1 p.m. each day, with the winner receiving a grooming gift certificate, according to a news release.
Guests who RSVP at https://www.topdogbarkery.net will receive a free sWAG bag filled with doggie treats.
Top Dog Barkery sells dog treats that are baked fresh daily on site. It also sells grain-free dog food such as Taste of the Wild, Sojos treats, Bowswer dog beds, Tuffy Toys and Dogla dog collars, among other products, the news release said.
Top Dog Barkery is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It’s in Corona del Mar Plaza at 924 Avocado in Newport Beach; (949) 759-3647.
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Taco Asylum celebrates two years
Taco Asylum is celebrating its second anniversary with new menu offerings by partner and Executive Chef Greg Daniels, including non-traditional tacos, soups, sides and entrees, according to a news release.
From 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, the public can sample the menu additions during a two-year anniversary taco social hour. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be bought at tacoasylum.brownpapertickets.com. VIP tickets cost $35, which gives you early event entry at 6 p.m. and the first chance to taste the food. The event is for 21 and older.
“Since opening, we have introduced several tacos as limited-time specials, and the response generated led us to introduce new items, many that go beyond tacos,” Daniels said in a statement. “Our tacos have gained a loyal following over the past two years from those looking for an interesting and unique flavor experience, so we wanted to launch the new menu by giving our fans an opportunity to be the first to sample. Expect tacos featuring rabbit, smoked beef tongue and lobster, and dinner entrees such as flatiron steak and Skuna Bay salmon.”
The restaurant also offers more than 30 canned beers, six rotating drafts, select large-bottle beers, Sofia Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine, all-natural non-alcoholic beverages and freshly made aguas frescas. A Happy Hour is offered from 2 to 6 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily at the Camp, 2937 S. Bristol St. between Native Foods and Ritual JuiceBox. More information is at https://www.tacoasylum.com or (714) 922-6010.
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Cooking class for youth
Help your child become a mini-chef with Seeds Arts and Education Inc.’s Little Chefs Cooking Class from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 16 at Top of the World Elementary School, 21601 Treetop Lane, Laguna Beach.
The class, for children ages 5 to 10, is taught by Chef Linda Elberet of the Basement Table. The kids will make and take home recipes for snacks and simple dishes they can make themselves, with a focus on using what is in season, in a local garden or at a farmer’s market, according to a new release. Kitchen safety will also be emphasized. The drop-off class is $30. More information and registration is at seedsed.org/little-chefs-cooking-class.
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New wine debuts under Purple Corduroy
Purple Corduroy Wine, started by three Laguna Beach natives, has debuted its latest blend, 2011 Blonde Siren Winemakers White Wine Blend, for $16.
The wine is the second varietal by Purple Corduroy and made with “a beach lifestyle in mind,” according to a news release. Its makeup is 61% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Viognier, 9% Chardonnay, 6% Muscat Canelli, 3% Roussanne, 3% Gewurztraminer, 2% Vermentino and 1% Semillon.
Think about pairing it with seafood, shellfish and Thai, Asian Pacific and Mexican dishes, the winemakers said. Pick it up at Laguna Beach Wine Gallery and other spots, which can be found at https://www.purplecorduroy.com.
ALISHA GOMEZ is the managing editor of the Coastline Pilot and Huntington Beach Independent. She can be reached at alisha.gomez@latimes.com or (714) 966-4618.