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The following list is compiled of a few of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Newport Beach. Being a trainer in the area, I often frequent these places for lunch and dinner. I recommend them not only for their amazing Mexican food, but also because of the healthy choices that they all offer. Eating out doesn’t have to be detrimental to your nutrition and diet. These places offer a variety of great tasting Mexican food that won’t impact your waistline too much. Remember, moderation is key to keeping off the lbs.

1.Javier’s – Awesome food and great atmosphere. The cocktails are also excellent – great Cadillac margaritas. One of the top Mexican Restaurants in all of Orange County. The crowd is always full of energy and it’s a great place to meet people or get together with friends on a Friday or Saturday night. Also a great place for Sunday brunch.

2.El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant – Great authentic Mexican food with a quiet atmosphere and great crowd. Prices are good and it’s a great place to go for a casual lunch or dinner. This is the place to be for Taco Tuesday, as the line is usually out the door and $5 will get you all you can eat taco buffet. Easily the number one Taco Tuesday joint on the Peninsula.

3. SOL Mexican Cocina – Simple, Fresh Food, thats Full of Flavor mixed with a modern, upbeat atmosphere. Another great place to grab some lunch at. The seafood tacos and burritos are outstanding, not to mention they have best collection of exquisite tequilas.

4. Baja Sharkeez – a great sports bar with awesome Mexican food. This is a great place to go to hang out on a Sunday afternoon and watch the game while munching on chips and salsa and drinking Corona’s. A great place to go with friends with a lively environment.

5. El Torito Grill – I like to go here for the Sunday brunch. There is so much food there and they make excellent omelets. It’s reasonably priced and the atmosphere is always hoppin. They also make great margaritas!

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Hiking is a great way to get some exercise while also taking some time to clear your mind and enjoy nature. Having grown up in Orange County, I’ve had the privilege of being able to hike on some of the most beautiful trails along the Pacific Ocean. With that being said, let me share with you a few of my favorite trails from around Orange County.

My all-time favorite trail to hike, is Crown of the Sea trail to big and little Coronal, Crystal Cove in Corona del Mar.  There is no better view of the ocean than from here and the huge cliffs right off the beach give you an amazing bird’s eye view of the beaches and all its wildlife.  The tide pools are among my favorite – trekking out on to the rocks to check out all the  crabs and other little critters that live in the cracks of the rocks.  I grew up in Laguna Beach (specifically Victoria Beach) where my parents still live and I have always loved the sea.  I will never leave and plan on spending the rest of my life right here in the beach cities of Orange County.

My second favorite place to hike is the West Bluff Trail at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve.  This area is teeming with wildlife – home to over 200 species of birds not to mention an absolutely gorgeous view of the bay.  The trails are easy to follow and they even have guided tours once a month.  The best part of this trail is the Interpretive Center on the northwest side of Upper Newport Bay.  There is an education center for visitors where you can learn all about the California wetlands and all the species of wildlife in the bay.

I could spend all day on here talking about all the other amazing trails there are but instead I will leave it up to you. Get out there and explore some of what Orange County hiking has to offer. If you have a good recommendation for a trail in Orange County, please post a comment below and tell us about it! I’d love to hear about some of your experiences and some of your favorite trails!

Cheers!

-Jack

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Looking for a great seafood place to try? Look no farther! Below I have compiled a list of my Top 5 all time favorite Seafood Restaurants in Newport Beach. Having been around the water for all of my life, I’ve had the privilege of having some amazing seafood. Newport Beach has its fair share of Seafood Places, but these ones are above and beyond the rest. So If your looking to take some one out on a date or just enjoy eating the freshest seafood, check out my list and let me know what you think.

1. Bluewater Grill – Located right on the water off of  Lido Park Drive, Bluewater Grill gives you that one of a kind feel. It has the best Ahi Tuna I have ever had, and I’ve had m fair share of Ahi!  The Atmosphere is exceptional with a tasteful décor, right on the harbor.  It’s not a big place, so it’s a great place to take a date for a quiet dinner for two.
2. The Cannery – Some of the best oysters and muscles in all of Orange County.  This is a rustic environment, that always has lots of energy there with a great crowd.  This is a great place to go on a Friday night for drinks and hanging out with friends or a date. Their Balboa Sundae is to die for! =)
3. Tommy Bahamas Restaurant – This place has a huge menu with lots of different fish to choose from as well as many other dishes besides seafood.  The restaurant is quite large and has a great bar area for meeting friends and having a drink.  I highly recommend the sea bass, It’s excellent here.
4. Rusty Pelican – Located right in Mariner Mile. The Rusty Pelican is a great place to go for a casual dinner. The fish is delicious and they have a great selection. The fish is always fresh and the service is spectacular.
5. Chart House – Located right next door to the Rusty Pelican, The Chart House Chain knows good seafood! They have the best seafood chowder and halibut in town.  The service is great and it is reasonably priced.  This is a great place to go for a good seafood dinner any day of the week.

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