JUSTIN RUIZ
DILLON SHOE
Co-Founder / Brand Director Collaborative Media LLC / Pacific Festival LLC
Digital Marketing Manager, Shift Digital
MONDAY: CrossFit Second Chance, then to my office, a creative space I share in Westside Costa Mesa. Lunch generally serves as two meals, as I frequent Tabu Shabu, and if you’ve been you know how big those dishes are! www.facebook.com/CrossFit2ndchance | www.tabushabu.com
TUESDAY: In Hollywood at Dim Mak Records, working on the Eastside of the strip. If you were ever in those parts, I’d recommend Barbrix, and their pork belly anything. www.barbrix.com
LA CAVE
WEDNESDAY: Back to CSC, then to Pie-Not for a tasty Daisy & Babe Sag Roll. After that, back to my office on the Westside. El Toro Bravo is the spot on those afternoons. I can’t stray from the carnitas tacos, chips (all the local restaurants use these guys’ stock) and frijoles, which hold me over before stopping by LA Cave to enjoy an evening with Modern Disco Ambassadors. www.followmda.com www.pienot.com | wwwlacavecostamesa.com
THURSDAY: Join me Thursday evenings stage side at Casa in Costa Mesa for an evening of craft cocktails and eclectic programming, showcasing live pianist Jacques Vanders, resident DJ, Patrick Dylan and special unannounced guests. Ladies, order an Easy Street at this spot, gents be sure to rsvp nightly–the door is run tight. www.casacostamesa.com FRIDAY: CSC gets me started once again, early lunch at Lotus Café in Newport for the best Pho; then, back to the grindstone at my shop on the Westside, working on Pacific Festival and other productions. If I stick around, I’m back to Casa in Costa Mesa, enjoying drinks and conversations with old and new friends; it’s an unassumingly refreshing good time. www.pacificfestival.com
MONDAY: Nothing like starting the week with a clean, easy and fresh meal from North Shore Poke. The poke is on par with every bowl I have ever tasted in Hawaii, and they carry all flavors of Hawaiian Sun drinks. Those who have tasted them, know what I’m talking about. www.northshorepokeco.com
TUESDAY: On Tuesday escape to Mexico. Taco Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the week, and you can’t ever go wrong spending it at SOL. The vibe is good, the food is great, and they make a mean Jalapeno margarita. Enjoy the worry-free lifestyle like a local at this great spot. www.solcocina.com WEDNESDAY: Looking for a taste of Australia but unable to leave the country for the night? Pie-Not has excellent meat pies and veggie meals for those with a taste for adventure. The service is friendly and the environment relaxed and lowkey. I highly recommend the Bundaberg ginger beer. www.pienot.com THURSDAY: Venture over to the District at Tustin Legacy. Grab sake and a roll at RA’s happy hour. Their prices are great, and the sushi is always fresh. After dinner, head upstairs for some bowling. That’s right folks! Bowlmor is a classy joint for a guaranteed good time. www.rasushi.com www.bowlmor.com
FRIDAY: Since I work near Laguna, I like to catch the sunset on the way home from work. What better place to vacation than in your own backyard? The Rooftop in Laguna has some of the best real estate in Orange County and is a great spot to cap off the workweek. Try the Mojito. They even add a real stick of sugar cane. www.rooftoplagunabeach.com
SATURDAY: A day to play! Peddle to the metal on our Sole Bicycles over to Eat Chow on the Eastside of Costa Mesa, my girlfriend’s favorite spot. Apparently it has some of the best Muesli she’s ever tasted and equally great outdoor seating we both enjoy so much. (there’s not enough of that in our city). www.solebicycles.com | www.eatchownow.com
SATURDAY: I like to keep Saturdays basic and worry free. Haute Cakes is a great way to start the day. From there, I get some surfing in. After a long day in the sun, I might cause a little trouble somewhere. www.hautecakescaffe.co/
SUNDAY: Long walks with my golden retriever, daydreams of a soft-top revolution
SUNDAY: It’s a bit of a drive, but after one look at the Bloody Mary complete with a
and lots of leisure… oh!? Unless there’s a day-rager going on called, Brunch, a seasonal underground event series hosted at Mesa, which is one not to be missed. www.dontcare.com
huge prawn and green beans, you will understand the love that is put into the food here. I am from the South and eternally crave soul food. Ramos house has nailed it. Sit back on the front porch and take it all in, it was a good week. www.ramoshouse.com