Hello Back Bay Besties, happy Friday!

That wasn’t so bad. We were prepared for another week of Portland-esque weather but it turned out to be unexpectedly pleasant. As a PSA for our readers, we are giving our writer and (feckless, but endearing) editor the week off for Thanksgiving next week, so we will see you again December 1st ⛄️ 

To our new readers—welcome! The Back Bay Buzz delivers just the right amount of news and events for locals in Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. No crime, no politics, no spam—just the good stuff. We scan newspapers, blogs, social media, business journals, and Google alerts so you don’t have to.

In today’s Buzz:

• Uchi coming to Newport 2026

• Costa Mesa’s incognito wine bars

• Day of Indulgence at The CAMP

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Uchi is coming to Newport Beach (2026)

Austin’s Hai Hospitality is bringing chef Tyson Cole’s cult-favorite Uchi to 2510 West Coast Hwy. Expect Cole’s non-traditional take on Japanese: rotating omakase, curated hot/cold tastings, sushi/sashimi/makimono, yakimono and tempura—plus a few Newport-only dishes. Uchi already has die-hard fans in West Hollywood, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami and Scottsdale; NB lands next in 2026 (with Charlotte to follow). In Cole’s words: OC’s fine-dining scene was a must—now we get the Hama Chili and more, right on the harbor.

Costa Mesa’s Secret Wine Bars

There is a national shortage of “third spaces” in America, but Costa Mesa is not one of those places. Third spaces, traditionally a place outside of home and work that allow people to gather, unrushed, to socialize and enjoy their surroundings, are disappearing as businesses try to navigate increased costs and competition for limited commercial space. Starbucks notably removed their power outlets in an attempt to limit time spent in-store by the laptop set. But local coffee shops in Costa Mesa are fighting back, introducing expanded menus and even alcoholic offerings in a firm attempt to bring people back to stay. Among many, Costa Mesa’s thriving culinary scene is one of the reasons we love this town, and we are glad that the coffee shops are catching onto this trend to expand their horizons and offer a place to wind down, chat with friends and maybe even enjoy their favorite vino. Long live the Third Place.

• Check out Costa Mesa’s newest Coffee Shop: Long Black (Soft Opening)
  📍320 Bristol St Suite A

  Costa Mesa, CA
   Info

• Moonlight Market at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 22 November

  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Aromatic Candle Bundling Workshop - The Lab
  Sunday Nov 23rd
  10:30am-1:30pm
  Info

• Day of Indulgence at The CAMP Costa Mesa
  “Complimentary Yoga Classes, Live Music, Tarot Card Readings, Workshops, Reiki, Massages..”

  Sunday, 23 November

  11:00 am - 4:00 pm

UPCOMING:

• Holiday Market - Costa Mesa Ceramics
  Saturday Dec 6th
  11am-4pm
  Info

• Artisan Marketplace - Environmental Nature Center (Newport)
  eco-friendly, handmade, one-of-a-kind creations
  Sun Dec 7
  11am-4pm
  Info

• Awakened Lifestyle Expo - Norma Hertzog Community Center
  Sun Dec 7th
  9:30am-9pm
  Info

• All CHOC Guilds Holiday Tree Luncheon - The Westin South Coast Plaza
  Sun Dec 7th
  10am
  Info

• Newport Beach Boat Parade Guide
  Click Here for the Guide
  Register your boat here

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 65º
Suit Rec: Spring suit

THIS WEEKEND:

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Snowfall, Music, and Lights at Fashion Island Newport Beach

  Friday, 21 November

  5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Santa's Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops Irvine

  Friday, 21 November

  9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  Info

• FREE Yuletide Breakfast at Bass Pro Shops in Irvine

  Saturday, 22 November

  9:00 am - 10:00 am
  Info

• Moonlight Market at Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach

  Saturday, 22 November

  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  Info

• $2 Holiday Train & Carousel Rides at South Coast Plaza

  Saturday, 22 November

  5:00 am - 8:00 pm
  Info

• Reading in the Redwoods in Newport Beach ($5-$7 - Registration Required)

  Saturday, 22 November

  10:00 am - 11:30 am
  Info

  
  

FAMILY PLAN AHEAD:

• Dream Glow Fest at Wild Rivers Waterpark ($25-$36)

  Nov 14th - Dec 31st

  4:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  Info

• Wild Tales Storytime, Hike, and Craft in Newport Beach (RSVP!)

  Friday, 28 November

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

• Fire & Lights Festival - Newport Dunes
  Friday Nov 28th
  Info

• Tree Lighting - Balboa Bay Resort
  Sunday Nov 30th
  5pm
  Info
  

• Snoopy House - Costa Mesa City Hall
  Fri Dec 12-19th
  5:30-8:30pm
  Info

• Holiday Hootenanny - Salty Bear Brewing
  With Little Folk Club Sing-a-long
  Sat Dec 13th
  4-6pm
  Info

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor took his wine bar research a little too seriously.

PS: Feel free to let me know any feedback or inside scoops you have for the newsletter. Just reply to this email, I read every one. Thanks!