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From Thai Brunch to Soufflé Pancakes: Irvine’s Hottest New Breakfasts

Issue # 0563

Author

Joshua Tjia
05 Feb

In this Irvine Insider Issue . . .

😁 Laugh of the Day

🌤️ Irvine Weather

🍿🎶🎨 Music, Art, Comedy & More: February Happenings in Irvine

🏓🎉 Irvine Celebrates Opening of Eight New Pickleball Courts in Woodbridge

💗🎬 Classic Romantic Comedies Return to Regal Through Feb. 28

💕🥐 February App Deal: Buy One, Get One Free Rolls at 85°C Bakery Cafe

👧🏻🍿 Date Night for You, Movie Night for Them: Parents’ Night Off at Woodbridge

😷 Simple Steps to Reduce Cold & Flu Spread at Work

🪺 Build Nest Boxes, Support Birds: Learn About Bluebird Conservation Efforts in Orange Country

🌸🏮🌸 Celebrate Lunar New Year With a Photo Stop at Culver Plaza’s Pergola

🎼🎼 Upcoming High School Music Calendar

🐹 Tiny Pets, Big Personality: Meet Adoptable Hamsters in Irvine

🤽‍♀️ Anteater of the Week: Women’s Water Polo Standout Lauren Hett Shines at Triton Invite

🏀🏐🎾⚽️ UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

🏐 Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Picks Up First Win of 2026

🏀🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS

🏈⚽️🤺 Crean Lutheran Athletes Sign National Letters, Headed to Top Colleges

🏈🎾 High School Athletics Calendar

🚓🚨Irvine Police Department Arrests Irvine Resident in Child Sexual Abuse Investigation

🍏🥭🍑 Local Farmers Markets

🌟🏪🎉Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

📅📅 Lots of Local Events

📞💡 Useful Contact Information

Why did the skeleton call off the wedding?

His heart wasn't in it.

We hope this joke brings some laughter to your day! 😁

Music, Art, Comedy & More: February Happenings in Irvine

February in Irvine is packed with art, comedy, music, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun. From museum exhibitions to farmers markets to ice skating, there’s something happening for all ages and interests.

  1. Art Exhibitions – Enjoy two exhibits at the UC Irvine Langson Museum interim gallery that explore California’s infrastructure, culture, and landscapes. (Ongoing | imca.uci.edu)

  2. Meet the Author: Christine Alemshah – Children’s story time and meet-and-greet with the Filipina-American author celebrating creativity and multicultural storytelling. (Feb. 22 | Pretend City Children’s Museum)

  3. Preservation Hall Jazz Band – The legendary New Orleans jazz group returns to Irvine for an evening of timeless, soulful music. (Feb. 22 | Irvine Barclay Theatre)

  4. Improv: Maz Jobrani – Enjoy smart, globally inspired stand-up from the internationally known comedian. (Feb. 13–15 | Irvine Improv)

  5. Guided Mountain Bike Ride – A family-friendly, 5-mile ride through Saddleback Wilderness with gentle terrain and local history. (Feb. 14 | letsgooutside.org)

  6. Farmers Market – Weekly certified farmers market with fresh produce, artisan goods, and gourmet food. (Sundays | Stonegate Elementary School)

  7. Art Journey: Limestone Canyon – A guided backcountry tour featuring canyon views, sunset light, and time to photograph or sketch. (Feb. 15 | letsgooutside.org)

  8. Improv: Leanne Morgan – Southern charm and laugh-out-loud humor about family life. (Feb. 28 | Irvine Improv)

  9. The Ten Tenors – A 30th-anniversary concert blending opera, pop, and rock favorites. (Feb. 7 | Irvine Barclay Theatre)

  10. Ice Skating – Open skate sessions, lessons, and rentals available at Great Park Ice. (Check February schedule | greatparkice.com)

Irvine Celebrates Opening of Eight New Pickleball Courts in Woodbridge

Eight new lighted pickleball courts are now open at Mike Ward Community Park in Woodbridge following a February 3 ribbon-cutting event.

  • The project adds shade structures, seating, hydration stations, restroom upgrades, landscaping, and sound-dampening barriers.

  • Courts will be available for a mix of reservations, programming, and drop-in play from dawn to 10 p.m., with reservations opening soon at yourirvine.org.

  • The new courts bring Irvine’s total to 30 citywide.

Classic Romantic Comedies Return to Regal Through Feb. 28

Classic rom-coms are making a limited-time return to Regal this February, now through February 28. Love is in the air as Regal screens a rotating lineup of nostalgic romantic favorites—from beloved classics to dramatic love stories—playing on the big screen for a short time only. Check the Regal website for the daily movie schedule and grab tickets before these romance favorites leave theaters again.

February App Deal: Buy One, Get One Free Rolls at 85°C Bakery Cafe

Love is in the air at 85°C Bakery Cafe 💕 This February, 85°C app members can enjoy a one-time Buy One, Get One FREE deal on select rolls. Purchase one set (2 pieces) of a Taro Roll or 85C Roll, and get another set (2 pieces) FREE—perfect for sharing or treating yourself. Don’t miss out on the sweetness!

Date Night for You, Movie Night for Them: Parents’ Night Off at Woodbridge

Parents are invited to enjoy a night out while kids have a fun evening at Parents’ Night Off, hosted by the Woodbridge Village Association. The event takes place Friday, February 13, from 5:30–10:30 p.m. at the Woodbridge Community Center and is open to children ages 3–12.

Advance registration is encouraged at rec.wva.org.

Simple Steps to Reduce Cold & Flu Spread at Work

Cold and flu viruses can spread quickly in shared workplaces, but a few simple habits can make a big difference.

Tips:

  • Wash hands often or use hand sanitizer

  • Stay home if you’re feeling sick

  • Clean and disinfect shared surfaces regularly

  • Avoid close contact when symptoms appear

  • Encourage healthy habits across the workplace

Build Nest Boxes, Support Birds: Learn About Bluebird Conservation Efforts in Orange Country

An easy way to support local wildlife and enhance Orange County’s parks and greenbelts is by helping increase the population of Western Bluebirds through the installation of nest boxes. The Southern California Bluebird Club offers guidance and support for this effort and invites interested community members to attend monthly meetings, held online or in person on the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. at the Irvine Ranch Water District offices in Irvine, to learn more about getting involved.

Celebrate Lunar New Year With a Photo Stop at Culver Plaza’s Pergola

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Culver Plaza with Pose Under the Pergola, a festive photo-friendly display available all day from February 16 through March 3. Located near the restaurant row—including Junbi Matcha & Tea, Panda Express, Pokeworks, Katsu Bar, and more—the picturesque pergola offers a beautiful backdrop to capture moments of joy, family, and togetherness during the season.

Upcoming Northwood High School’s Music Calendar

  1. February 11-14: Musical -Mean Girls, NHS Theater

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://timbmusic.org/events/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School's Music Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.whs-music.org/

Upcoming Woodbridge High School’s Vocal Music Calendar

  1. February 26-28, TBD: Cinderella, WHS Performing Arts Center

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://woodbridgechoirs.weebly.com/calendar.html

Upcoming Irvine High Choral’s Music Calendar

  1. February 21: CSUF SSAA Festival, CSU-Fullerton

  2. February 25-28, 7:00 PM: Seussical, IHS PAC

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.ihschoralmusic.org/calendar.html 

Upcoming Portola High School Music’s Calendar

No further events scheduled for this month.

For the latest updates or additional details, please visit https://www.phsmusicbooster.org/buy-ticket

Tiny Pets, Big Personality: Meet Adoptable Hamsters in Irvine

Hamsters may be tiny, but they’re full of personality and can make a great first pet with the right care and gentle handling. They’re a fun way to learn responsibility while enjoying a curious, charming companion. Meet the adoptable hamsters at the Irvine Animal Care Center during weekday adoption hours (11 a.m.–4 p.m.).

Learn more at cityofirvine.org/animals.

Anteater of the Week: Women’s Water Polo Standout Lauren Hett Shines at Triton Invite

Junior attacker Lauren Hett earned Anteater of the Week honors after leading UC Irvine with 15 goals across four games at the Triton Invitational, including two five-goal performances and a standout showing against UC San Diego. She now leads the team with 29 goals this season as the Anteaters head to LMU on Friday, Feb. 6.

UCI Anteaters Upcoming Home Games

Men’s Basketball

  • Thur, Feb 5 – vs Cal State Bakersfield, 7:00 PM

Women’s Basketball

  • Sat, Feb 7 – vs Santa Barbara , 2:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Wed, Feb 11 – vs USC , 6:00 PM

Irvine Valley Men’s Volleyball Picks Up First Win of 2026

Irvine Valley men’s volleyball earned its first win of the 2026 season with a straight-sets victory over Antelope Valley, hitting an impressive .418 at home. Freshman Conor Engelbrecht led the way with 12 kills.

🏐⚽🏀 Upcoming home games for the IVC LASERS 

Women’s Beach Volleyball

  • Fri, Feb 6 - vs Moorpark, 10:00 AM

  • Fri, Feb 6 - vs Grossmont, 12:00 PM

Women’s Flag Football

  • Sat, Feb 7 - vs Simpson University, 12:00 PM

Baseball

  • Fri, Feb 6 - vs Cerro Coso, 1:00 PM

  • Sat, Feb 7 - vs Cerro Coso, 12:00 PM

Men’s Volleyball

  • Fri, Feb 6 - vs Moorpark, 6:00 PM

Men's Basketball

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Riverside, 5:00 PM

Women's Basketball

  • Tue, Feb 10 - vs Riverside, 7:00 PM

Crean Lutheran Athletes Sign National Letters, Headed to Top Colleges

Crean Lutheran High School held a national signing ceremony, celebrating eight student-athletes who officially committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Signed Athletes:

  • Sasha Pugh – Chapman University, Volleyball

  • Bryce Coleman – Columbia University, Football

  • Rian Gaeta – Arizona Christian University, Soccer

  • Katelynn Welch – Concordia University Irvine, Soccer

  • Jack Fedro – Azusa Pacific University, Tennis

  • William Lim – Yale University, Fencing

  • Anthony Jones – University of Oregon, Football

  • Mark Ricks – Delaware State University, Football

High School Athletics Calendar

**

Updated With February Schedule

Upcoming Irvine High School’s Varsity home games:

February 2026

Friday, February 6

  • Wrestling, Boys - PCL Finals

  • Wrestling, Girls - PCL Finals

Wednesday, February 11

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Montebello

Thursday, February 12

  • Beach Volleyball, Girls - 3:30 PM vs Esperanza

Irvine Police Department Arrests Irvine Resident in Child Sexual Abuse Investigation

Irvine Police Department detectives arrested 63-year-old Irvine resident Ruediger Luzian Aldred Smith, also known as “Rudy Smith,” on February 3, 2026, in connection with the sexual abuse of a child. The investigation began on January 30, 2026, following a report of alleged abuse at an apartment on Cardiff, where a female child stated the abuse occurred over a two-year period while she was under Smith’s care. Smith was booked at the Orange County Jail. Detectives believe he may have had unsupervised contact with multiple children and are concerned there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Steen at [email protected].

Irvine’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you’re a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! “Irvine Insider” is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our city. Let’s collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special.

Click the link below and fill out the Local Business Spotlight Application Form to be featured and let’s celebrate the spirit of Irvine together!

Irvine Insider is sent to a local audience of Irvine residence Monday through Friday with 50% - 60% open rate. Our newsletter is a great way to reach Irvine residents.

  • Kaiser Permanente Irvine Farmers Market

  • Saturday Farmers Market at Mariners Church Irvine

    • When: Saturday, 8 AM - 12 PM

    • Where: 5428 Bonita Canyon Dr, Irvine, CA 92603

  • Great Park Certified Farmers Market

  • Manassero Farmers

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 4:30 PM

    • Where: 33 Irvine Valley, Irvine, CA 92604

  • Tanaka Farms

    • When: Daily, 9 AM - 5 PM

    • Where: 5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612

    • More Info:Tanaka Farms

February 7 Edible Gardening Workshop 10 - 11:30 AM

February 7 A Concert for Valentines 4 - 5:30 PM

February 7 The Ten Tenors 8 PM

February 12 Free Grocery Food Box 9 AM - 12 PM

February 14 Hide & Squeak 6th Anniversary 11 AM - 2 PM

February 14 - 15 Modern Makers Mart: Woodbury Town Center 10 AM - 4 PM

February 15 America 250 3 PM

February 21 IUSD Recycling Event 9 AM - 12 PM

February 21 IRWD Community Tour 10 AM - 2 PM

February 21 Lunar New Year 8 PM

February 26 - 28 From Mozart to Mahler 8 PM

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