TOGETHER WITH

Hello Back Bay Bon Bons, Happy Monday.

We hope you had a great weekend and Superbowl Sunday. We lean away from sports reporting here at the Buzz, but hope both teams had fun. The ads were…something. At every major sporting event we are reminded of our editor’s alarming sports betting addiction, but he is highly functional so we are holding off on the intervention for now.

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:

• New Pizza Spot in the heart of Costa Mesa

• Valentine’s Week Recs

• Crafternoon at the library

— Jon Dougher, Publisher, Back Bay Buzz

Mr. Moto Pizza to Open on 17th

After more than a year of just sitting there, Mr. Moto is finally beginning preparations to open this month. If you’ve driven down 17th Street lately, you likely spotted the new signage and outdoor chairs popping up at 259 East 17th Street. Our "boots on the ground" recon confirms the San Diego favorite is officially making its Costa Mesa debut.

While an "official" grand opening date is still being played close to the vest, the arrival of this award-winning chain is a big win for local pizza fans. Founded in Pacific Beach back in 2015, Mr. Moto is famous for perfecting the New York-style thin crust, its mascot: a mustachioed, dapper character, and its founder’s high-energy marketing (which once included a full holiday musical).

What to order:

• The Stuffed Garlic Knots: These aren't your average side dish; they’re legendary and come stuffed with things like jalapeño or pepperoni.

• The "Piece of Art" Pie: A fan-favorite topped with burrata, basil, and a drizzle of spicy honey.

After expanding into Irvine recently, it looks like they’re ready to plant roots in the heart of our community. Keep an eye out for those "Open" flags—it looks like we won't have to wait much longer for a slice. They are going to have to work very hard to compete with Pitfire, Mountain Mike’s, Als, and neighborhood favorite Pizza Bakery.

Eat for a Cause: Support German Shepherd Rescue of OC!

Join us for a delicious meal that makes a difference. When you dine at Descanso Restaurant from Monday, Feb 9th – Thursday, Feb 12th, the restaurant will donate 20% of your total bill directly to the German Shepherd Rescue of OC.

How to participate: Simply show a photo of the flyer above to your server when you pay, and Descanso will contribute 20% of your check to the rescue!

• Where: Descanso Restaurant (1555 Adams Ave #103, Costa Mesa)

• When: Feb 9 – Feb 12

UPCOMING:

• Newport Needlepoint Club Meetup - Newport Needlepoint
  “2026 is the year for Grandma hobbies”
  Tuesdays 6-8pm
  Info

• Trivia Night - Bootlegger’s Brewery
  Tuesdays 7-9pm
  Directions

• Free Yoga Class - Seed Peoples Market
  Wednesdays @ 10am
  Info

• Baby Goat Yoga - Tanaka Farms
  Saturdays 10am (Hana Field)
  Info

• Galentine’s Week at Habana
  Gal’s Menu, Drink specials
  February 7th-13th
  Info

• Candlemaking Workshop - Semi Tropic Wines
  Wednesday Feb 11th
  6-9pm
  Info

• Open Play Mahjong - Coffee Dose (Costa Mesa)
  Wednesday Feb 11th
  6:30-8:30pm
  Info

• Annual Run Club Valentine’s Party - Helmsman Alehouse
  Wednesday Feb 11th
  Info

• Cookie Decorating - Helmsman Alehouse
  Thursday Feb 12th
  7pm
  Info

• Love is Dead Emo Night - Wild Goose Tavern
  Roses are Red, Violets have bled, It’s Emo Night and LOVE IS DEAD.
  Emo Anthems + themed cocktails
  Info

• Galentine’s Day at the Lab
  Friday Feb 13th
  3pm-7pm
  Info
  

• Galentine’s Day - The Lab
  Friday Feb 13th 3-7pm
  Info

• Valentine’s Day Dinner ($89/Person) - Tanaka Farms
  Saturday Feb 14th 6-9pm
  Info

• Valentine Book Swap - OC Books and Bows (Mission Viejo)
  Sunday Feb 15th
  12-2pm
  Info

• Vintage Pop-Up - 512 31st Street, Newport Beach
  Monday feb 16th
  11am-sold out
  Info

• Raising Canes Grand Opening - Newport Blvd Location
  February 24th

• Intro to Mahjong - Shop Prairie (Newport)
  Thursday Feb 26th
  5:30-8pm
  Info

• Overland Expo 2026 - OC Fairgrounds
  March 14-15, Sat 9-5, Sun 9-4
  Info
  
  

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH OC?

Check out our great partner newsletter:

🌊 Water temp = 62º
Suit Rec: Spring suit/Full suit 3/2

THIS WEEK:

• Mom Meetup at Bill Barber Park in Irvine

  Monday, 09 February

  9:00 am - 10:30 am
  Info

• Crafternoon at Newport Beach Central Library

  Tuesday, 10 February

  4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
  info

• Family Game Night at Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library

  Tuesday, 10 February

  4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
  Info

• FREE Seaside Kids Concert with Zach Churchill at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach

  Thursday, 12 February

  10:30 am - 11:15 am
  Info

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

  Friday, 13 February

  10:00 am - 11:00 am
  Info

Worth The Drive:

• Mommy & Me Crafts at Chick Fil A at the District in Tustin

  Saturday, 07 February

  8:00 am - 10:00 am

  Info

• Free Plant Cutting and Scion Wood Sharing Event - Irvine Great Park
  “You can also bring gardening items you no longer need i.e. books, sprinkler fittings, chemicals, old tools, pots etc.“
  Saturday Feb 7th
  10:30-12pm
  Info

• Tiny Tots, Little Sprouts at the Ocean Institute - Dana Point
  Spring Session March 2nd-April 23rd
  Info

Plan Ahead:

• OC Uke Fest - Campus Jax
  Sunday Mar 22nd
  Info
  

Thanks! Please ignore any typos, our editor is nowhere to be found since placing a series of ill-advised prop bets on New England.

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!