Anqi by Crustacean

Do you like the idea of ambient lighting, stunning interiors, mouthwatering food and a fashion runway in the middle of a restaurant? Me too!

If you venture into Orange County, you too can experience this fun restaurant. Anqi is a spin off of the Crustacean restaurant in Beverly Hills. Yes, 50 miles from Beverly Hills is an equally swanky, atmospheric restaurant with the same Vietnamese fusion dishes that Crustacean is known for. Both restaurants are upscale, but the price point is what separates the two restaurants. The prices at Anqi are a little more recession friendly than Crustacean, but you will have the same amazing dining experience. My friend and I found the ambiance absolutely perfect.

A crystal stream and rocks are under this 60 foot fashion runway, which is a functional dining area when fashion shows aren't taking place. Pretty cool, right?

There were numerous drink and appetizer options. The chicken potstickers are a popular item to try here and our server recommended a Lavender Blackberry Mojito. I asked her if they could make me a non alcoholic version of this drink and I was thrilled when they were able to accommodate me by making a mocktail version:-)

This drink had the essence of lavender,muddled blackberries, mint leaves and lime. There was not an ounce of alcohol in this drink and I was still sipping and smiling:-)

The space is expansive with tones of red, orange and black

Great place for date night or to have a nice dinner with friends

This summer greens salad was a great way to start our meal. This salad has squash, manchego cheese, a mixture of salad greens and olive croutons

The infamous garlic noodles and prawns. FULL of fresh garlic flavor

The well stocked bar. I was so impressed that the staff made me a delicious mocktail.

This beautiful space on the photo above is a part of the secret kitchen at Anqi and comes by way of the Chef's table. This special spot must be booked in advance for a minimum of 8 people who will have access to the private dining room, dedicated servers and staff apart from the other diners at the restaurant.

 

 Guests at the chefs table can also request to see the secret kitchen by pressing a button in this room and when the chef grants access the frosted glass clears offering a peak inside the infamous secret kitchen, which is hidden inside the main kitchen and only accessible to the An family, the chefs and employees with more than 10 years service at the restaurant. 

My dining companion passed on dessert, but I don't think any dining experience is complete without a sweet treat to round out the meal. This dessert came highly recommended and me being the chocolate fiend that I am., well, I just couldn't say no. I just couldn't.

You wouldn't have either. 

 

This chocolate dome cake was garnished with blackberry sauce drizzle, hazlenut brittle port reduction and homemade Bailey's Irish Cream Ice Cream and it was absolutely scrumptious.

I highly recommend Anqi, but strongly recommend reservations since the restaurant fills up quickly during the evening and at peak hours.

Anqi

3333 Bristol Street

Costa Mesa, CA

714-557-5679

Sunshine

Hi Loves! It has been a month since my last blog post, but I really needed a vacation. These photos are from a couple of weeks ago, but I was just too busy to post them.  Looking forward to a fun summer with my son who is on summer vacation at the end of the week. The weather has been very strange lately. Dark, cloudy and overcast with no hint of the sun until well into the day. Yellow always makes me think of springtime and it is definitely one of my happy colors.

Blazer: Chadwicks, White T-shirt:: H&M, Jeans: Macys, Purse: Vintage Ralph Lauren,Shoes: BCBG Paris

 

 I love jewelry and I think the silver is a great accent against yellow

You all know about my animal print obsession

I am so excited about summer. Lots of great things happening!

Have an amazing week!

Petals Spring Tea

Happy Sunday Loves! Yesterday I experienced a beautiful Spring Tea. I worked very hard with a dear friend to bring her vision of community outreach to fruition. We made it our mission to reach the afflicted, the ignored, the rejected, the abused and the hurt. Women from all walks of life and of various ethnicities came together for a time to be renewed and refreshed in the spirit. 

 I am so overjoyed that the women had a great time because some of the people that we thought were on our team and counted on seemed to intentionally try to sabotage what we were doing. 

They flawlessly executed moves from the how to be trifling users manual with old classics like: not following through on what they said,showing up late for set up and all kinds of other sandbox behavior. I am getting better at dealing with these kinds of people, but in my mind,  I couldn't help but think, "we are trying to help people and this is what you do? For real? Let me tell you, its hard loving people that treat you unlovely.

In spite of a few mishaps, It didn't stop my laughter or wearing a million dollar smile because the positive far outweighed the negative.

 Hat: Elegant Hats Boutique, Shirt: JC Penney, Skirt: Sheinside, Clutch (old) Shoes: Charles David

I love the vintage look of this skirt and it is so fun and whimsical. It has a great fit, but I will need to have it tailored to fit my waist since it is a tad too big.

I love going to teas and having tea parties. Do you ever go out for high tea?

I don't wear a lot of patterns, but polka dots, stripes and animal prints are among my favorites

My gorgeous friends

 This beautiful lady and I have been friends since we were 12. She has truly proven through action that she has got my back no matter what. When others turned on me, or did me wrong she was always there and has been consistently the same person since I have known her. Sometimes you can know people for years and that does not mean they are really your friend, but this doll has been with me through hell and high water. In this era of fake friends, it is refreshing to know I have a few gems around me.

Such a blessing to have such great ladies around me

I made the decor very pink girly and feminine. Perfect for high tea

shoe selfie:-)

These mini quiches were so tasty

We had so many delicious desserts on our sweet shoppe table. It was a big hit!

Don't these look good?

These were so good

This adorable little princess was drawn to me and was by my side throughout the day

Had such a lovely time. 

 This beautiful lady and I have a great friendship and we share a mutual love of fashion and the finer things in life

And this is what peace that surpasses all understanding and happiness looks like

Its always a great time for high tea