Take Note

By Natalie Nieto and Sara Hall

Artfully Curated For You

A revolutionary industry leader for unique and innovative stone, luxury tile, and plumbing products, Ann Sacks creates a flawless conjunction of form and function allowing for vivid storytelling within the home. Founded in 1981, Ann Sacks has built its reputation with experienced designers by focusing on the innate beauty of eco-friendly materials to create tranquility within each space. Ann Sacks is now open at SOCO and The OC Mix, the ultimate design and culinary experience. annsacks.com | IG: @annsacks

Hair-apist

As an experienced hair guru, Ana Paz has achieved milestones in the hair industry for over 15 years. She gradually climbed her way up from freelancing and renting stations to becoming a renowned beauty professional and owner of The Salon by Ana Paz Hair at SOCO and The OC Mix. She strives to individualize all services to cater and connect with each client, while providing premium hair care products, luxury hair tools, and handmade hair accessories. Prospective clients can book appointments online for a full-service salon experience offering hair coloring, cuts, and styling services. anapazhair.com | IG: @anapazhair

Scary Bites

A concept that started as a food truck committed to quality food and exceptional service, this new storefront at SteelCraft Bellflower is Burger Monster’s second brick and mortar location. The eccentric burger stand fearlessly focuses on serving handmade menu items made with top-of-the-line ingredients such as buttery brioche buns, which are baked each morning, and scratch-made sauces that complement the all-natural Angus chuck beef. Burger Monster’s delicious array of classic horror film-themed burgers and sides conjure up spine-chilling flavor combinations bringing a fun twist to SteelCraft’s dining mix. burgermonster.net | IG: @ocburgermonster

Mimosas, Eggs Benedict, and French Toast, Oh My!

Paragon Café has launched a new classy, full-scale restaurant at SOCO and The OC Mix. Known as simply Paragon, this restaurant fulfills every Sunday brunch desire with luxurious dishes such as the cinnamon-crusted bananas Foster French toast. Chef Dean Isom brings true talent and passion to each mouthwatering dish and holds his flavors to the highest standard, as the fresh ingredients seen on each plate are sourced from local farmers markets and served at peak quality. The restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience with reimagined breakfast and brunch classics, a gorgeous craft cocktail array, and live music. paragoncafeoc.com | IG: @paragoncostamesa

Summer Kool Down

The newly established Koolberry concept was created by Kat Vacharabul, owner of Hangry Belly, a fierce burger joint also located at SteelCraft Long Beach. Koolberry brings a selection of fresh acai bowls made with 100-percent fruit and all-natural, locally sourced ingredients, as well as well-dressed milkshakes and handmade treats. Instead of just focusing on acai, Kat wanted to expand the brand and offer homemade desserts made with real, quality ingredients. Koolberry is now open at SteelCraft, just in time for the upcoming summer season. koolberry.square.site | IG: @koolberryx

Trash Reimagined

Discarded brooms, bottlecaps, and beach toys. Others may call it trash, but Ron Yeo calls it art. The longtime Corona del Mar resident is a self-admitted “collector,” and his unique artwork started as he picked up plastic during his morning beach walks. He soon became a “mini recycling center” and converted his architectural office on Jasmine Avenue into an art studio. Others refer to his work as junk art or urban art, but he calls it fun. With so much hate and anger in the world, he tries to create something that has the power to astonish and delight. “My art gives everybody the chance to smile,” Ron says. By cleaning up the beaches, he’s had a positive impact on the environment and hopes his art inspires people to rethink plastic debris. “I think that every time someone looks at my art creations, it makes them aware of our throwaway society, our landfills, and the pandemic plastic ocean pollution problem,” Ron says. “We can do better. … No one can do everything, but everyone can do something to help ignite a global revolution to end plastic waste by creating art.” yeocapart.com | IG: @yogayeo42