Shopping is a high art in the South Coast area of Costa Mesa.
With last year's expansion of the Orange County Performing Arts Center — including a concert hall designed by architect Cesar Pelli and a 46,000-square-foot plaza with a sculpture from Richard Serra — the visual and performing arts may be grabbing the spotlight.
GETTING THERE
From Los Angeles, take I-405 south and exit at Bristol St. Turn left onto Bristol, then make a right on Town Center Dr. to reach the OCPAC and South Coast Repertory.
GOOrange County Performing Arts Center Five stages for music and dance, including the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which opened in September 2006 and is home to the Pacific Symphony. If you can't catch a concert, peer through the 87-foot glass façade into the atrium for a glimpse of the constellation chandelier of silver pendants tipped with Baccarat crystals. INFO: 600 and 615 Town Center Dr.; 714/556-2787.
South Coast Repertory Nationally known for developing new works from playwrights, some who've gone on to win Pulitzers. Cesar Pelli also designed this theater's 2002 expansion, including its contemporary façade. INFO: 655 Town Center Dr.; 714/708-5555.
Public art More than a dozen works of public art are the area's hidden gem. Don't miss Richard Serra's imposing new Connector, a steep tower on OCPAC's plaza (free; on Town Center Dr.). At dusk, visit Isamu Noguchi's California Scenario sculpture garden (free; Anton Blvd. at Park Center Dr.). Tucked between two office buildings, the 1.6 acres are filled with abstract works that represent the state's landscapes.EAT
Pinot Provence Braised rabbit leg and escargot served in rustic French decor. INFO: $$$; in Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd.; 714/444-5900.
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| Joe Schmelzer |
| Sip a P-tini — a pomegranate martini — at Aire Global Cuisine. |
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Ango Tei The tiny local favorite won't take reservations, but friendly service and tasty sushi make it worth the wait. INFO: $$$; 675 Paularino Ave.; 714/557-2696. Aire Global Cuisine Grab a Low Self Esteem cocktail (Maker's Mark and peach liqueur) at this trendy spot. INFO: $$$$; 2937 Bristol St.; 714/751-7099.
HAPPENING IN OCTOBER 2007
At South Coast Repertory (714/708-5555), three plays are running in rep in October.
At OCPAC's Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the Pacific Symphony (714/755-5799), hosts three programs in October.
Opera Pacific (800/346-7372) stages La Bohéme at OCPAC's nearby Segerstrom Hall.
Also in Segerstrom Hall, Fall for Dance (714/556-2787) showcases a variety of dance companies and styles.
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