The Block at Orange - Things to Do in Orange County 21

Skateboard Park, Movies, Shopping: A Hot Spot for the Orange County Youth – The Block at Orange!

The Block at Orange or simply the “Block” is a shopping mall and entertainment center near Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium. Many of OC’s youth like to come and visit the Block because of its emphasis on youth culture.

The retail shops and entertainment is geared toward the youth market, where you’ll see stores like the Virgin Megastore, Hollister, and American Eagle here.

Inside The Block, there is also Van’s Skateboard Park. One of the few public skateboard parks in Orange County. You can challenge yourself to a tough skateboard or roller blade ride here, or bring your kids for them to enjoy. The Van’s Skateboard Park does rent out helmets and other gear to keep you safe. Of course, you are free to visit and just watch some of the crazy skateboarder go at it inside the skate park. Some of them are really good.

Aside from shopping and the skateboard park, there is also a bowling center, a Borders, and a Dave & Buster’s to spend a night of entertainment. There is also a huge movie theater here, the AMC 30, so you’ll always expect to see a crowd at The Block.

The Block is great for all occasions whether it be families, friends, and casual dates.
Some of the stores I love at The Block are the Hawaiian, Hilo Hattie where you can buy all sorts of Hawaiian clothes and gifts. And I also like the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet store here as well.

A bit outside the mall, you’ll find a TGIF and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. And how can anyone forgo a fresh glazed doughnut from Krispy Kreme on any given day? They are to die for! :)

The Block at Orange is a youth oriented mega-entertainment and shopping center in Orange County! I hope you have the chance to visit soon!

The Block at Orange
20 City Boulevard West
Orange, CA 92868
http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1236

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Things to Do in Orange County 11

Major League Baseball in Orange County! Become a fan of The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim!

It is almost the start of the baseball season! And in Orange County, that means going out to watch the Angels baseball game in Anaheim.
As you may know a few years ago, the Anaheim Angels changed its name to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It’s a bit weird since they’re in Orange County. But that is what it is now. I personally don’t like the name…

The Angels Stadium is conveniently located right off the 57 freeway. It will likely be about a 15-20 minute drive from most areas of Orange County. Next to the Angels Stadium, you’ll find the Anaheim Pond where the Anaheim Ducks play. Disneyland is also very close by to the Anaheim Stadium as well.

Some of the cheapest tickets that you can buy at the Anaheim Stadium will cost only about $7-9 a seat. And if it’s not a popular Angel’s game, you will most likely be able to buy the tickets at the door. The door ticket price will save you a few bucks on service fees that ticket agencies usually charge. Of course, if it is a popular game or if you want good seats, you may need to buy it ahead of time or use services like StubHub or RazorGator to buy it off a season ticket holder. Craigslist is also a good place to look as well. I’ve seen people sell tickets dirt cheap here because the game is tomorrow and they can’t make it.

There are some days that the Angels will give out a free hat, accessory, or a commemorative mug, so be sure to check out some of these games on their website to get a little freebie. We went on a day last year when there was a fireworks show, and that combined with some hot dog and beer was great!!

The parking was $10 last time I went. But they do change the prices around quite frequently. If you want to save some money, you can dine at a nearby restaurant prior to the Angel’s game and walk to the stadium. I did this before, and it was about a 10 minute walk. The car wasn’t towed either.

So I hope I got you excited enough to go check out an Angels game this year. Get a hot dog, a beer, and watch the game. Yes, the American pastime! It’s always fun to sing “Take me out to the ball game” at the 7th Inning too.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
http://losangeles.angels.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=ana


RazorGator - Buy Hard-to-Get Tickets

Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen - Things to Do in Orange County 1

JAZZ Kitchen: Cajun Food at Downtown Disneyland!

The Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen is an extremely popular Cajun Food restaurant in Downtown Disney.


What is Cajun Food?

Well Cajun Food is a Southern local food using three main ingredients - onions, celery, and green peppers. Sometimes referred as the "Holy Trinity." The "Holy Trinity" has some associations with the French Mirepoix, subsituting the carrots for the green peppers.

Cajun food will often cook using the three ingredients (onions, celery, and green peppers) with rice to cook up very delicious dishes. Some of the most representative Cajun food are the Jambalaya and the Andouille. Jambalaya is made using the Holy Trinity with some meat and chili power cooked in rice. The Adnouille is usually made with sliced vegetables, meat, and sausages to make a truly delicious dish. Gumbo is also another famous dish and its standout ingredient is the OKRA.

Originally, Cajun food have used local ingredients that were abundant, and hence you see many Cajun food being cooked with Crayfish and other uncommon ingredients. In the past, Cajun food was cooked using frogs and alligators as well! Nowadays, you will enjoy Cajun food alongside a variety of seafood and cornbread.

Well, back to the restaurant. The Jazz Kitchen has all sorts of great food, and I enjoyed everything that I ordered there. Its got a live jazz band playing after 6:30PM everyday, and you can listen while sipping a nice cocktail at the bar.

The best part about this restaurant? You can even see fireworks there too! The fireworks show starts at around 9PM everyday, so if you have plans to visit this restaurant, make sure to get reservations around that time. And ask for the terrace seats so that you'll have a great view of the fireworks. 

Good food, good music, and fireworks. Located at Downtown Disney in Orange County.  You really can't go wrong at the Jazz Kitchen!

Jazz Kitchen
1590 South Disneyland Drive
Downtown DisneyR DistrictAnaheim, California 92802
http://www.rbjazzkitchen.com/