Art of going out

Lolita Harper

Costa Mesa may not technically be a city by the sea but it’s full of

revelry if you know where to be. Some of those places, for a

fun-filled weekend, might be:

* 6 p.m. Friday: Head to Z’Tejas for drinks. Sit inside and watch

whatever sporting event happens to be on or relax outside under the

cool, setting sun. The brightly colored and helpful servers will

indulge you with your beverage preference from ales to tequila shots.

Might as well enjoy the delicious food while you are there.

* 9 p.m. Friday: Catch a show at Edwards Cinemas in Metro Pointe.

* 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday (early birds only): Drive around the

city visiting various garage sales. Check the Daily Pilot classified

for listings. With the wide variety of colorful characters in the

city, dozens of treasures are just waiting to be discovered.

* 9 a.m. Saturday: Head to The Sidewalk Cafe on Newport Boulevard

for breakfast for under $10. Drink your delicious lemonade from jars

and sit on eclectic furniture. The walls are covered with family

photos and the servers are bright and friendly.

* 11 a.m. Saturday: What fun is summer without the perfect

wardrobe? South Coast Plaza is your one-stop-shop for all that is

“in” this season. Mainstream stores like the Gap and exclusive shops

like the Chanel Boutique promise to satisfy the tastes of nearly

every fashion aficionado. Also check out the coolest grilling gadgets

at Brookstone.

(Take a break from your shopping and grab a bite at one of the

plaza’s delicious eateries. You must refuel.)

* 3 p.m. Saturday: Venture across the street to the cultural

center of the city. View public works of art such as the Naguchi

Gardens at Two Town Center. Marvel at some of the county’s best

architecture in the towering buildings that surround you.

* 7 p.m. Saturday: Spark up the barbecue and throw on your

freshest, juiciest cuts of meat, poultry or seafood. Or check out

Santa Monica Seafood for the catch of the day or head over to

Garduno’s Deli for meats and side dishes. Both are on 17th Street.

* 10 p.m. Saturday: Call a cab, you are going out! Do “the L” pub

crawl along Newport Boulevard and 17th Street. Each venue has a

distinct flair from the meat market at the Yardhouse; trail-mix crowd

at Goat Hill; locals at The Helm; dancing at Pierce Street; the

alternative crowd at Little Knight; and the artsy crowd at La Cave.

(Goat Hill, The Helm, Little Knight and Pierce Street all have pool

tables.) Want more of a club scene? Tell your driver to head toward

Memphis or Detroit Bar (both in Costa Mesa)

* 10 or 11 a.m. Sunday (depending on your night): Brunch at Plums

on 17th Street. Chose from a scrumptious variety of breakfast dishes

including omelet’s, salmon hash, fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit,

ranging in price from $5 to $10. For an additional $5.95, add your

choice of refillable mimosas, champagne, bloody marys and other

specialty cocktails.

* 1 p.m. Sunday: Travel west to Fairview Park and take advantage

of one of the city’s most precious gems (be careful of burrowing

owls), Walk the natural trails, take a ride on the model train or

watch members of the Harbor Soaring Society navigate their model

airplanes. The park offers hours of active fun under the beautiful

Southern California sun.

* 4 p.m. Sunday: Go home and shower.

* 5 to 6 p.m.: Grab a light salad at Mother’s Cafe, ranging from

$4 to $8.

Other ideas: Take a bike ride along the Santa Ana River Trail,

take your dog to the Bark Park, check out the O.C. Marketplace or

pamper yourself with a facial, manicure or pedicure.