COFFEE ON THE COAST If the bright red trim doesn ’ t catch your eye , the large “ Beverages ” signs will : BEAR COAST COFFEE opened its doors at 1391 S . Coast Highway , next to Coast Liquor , in December . Specialty drinks include vanilla nutmeg , horchata or lavender caramel lattes as well as drip coffee , matcha , cold brew , cappuccino , espresso , cortado and more . The Laguna shop also has a breakfast menu , serving up avocado toast , bowls , breakfast sandwiches and pastries from Chaupain Bakery ; an afternoon lineup will soon follow as well . Aside from the coffee and food items , the new location offers a spacious interior with plenty of seating and WiFi , ocean views and a dedicated parking lot — plus it is pet friendly . Bear Coast prides itself on its philanthropic efforts , often supporting the local Pacific Marine Mammal Center as well as providing clean water to coffee farmers that the company sources its java beans from . The Laguna location has been years in the making , marking the brand ’ s fourth coffee shop in south Orange County . ( 949-516-2060 ; bearcoastcoffee . com ) — Ashley Ryan

HOT POT HOT SPOT The owner of Number 3 Restaurant in north Laguna has changed concepts to DAI MEI EXPRESS HOT POT , which also has a Dai Mei Hot Pot location in Irvine . Choose from hot pots with tiger prawns , lamb and seafood , or fatty beef belly and seafood . All three options round out the ingredients with mussels , clams , beef sausage , potatoes , tomatoes , onions , mushrooms and corn . There are also three shrimp pots called Seafood Special , Shrimp Lover and Salmon Frenzy , all served with rice . In addition to shrimp , each adds corn and potatoes while the Salmon and Seafood options also include seared salmon ; the latter builds on that with New Zealand mussels and clams . Under the menu ’ s Classic Three section , the eatery also offers a salmon salad , Hot Pot French Dip — steamed beef on a French roll topped with caramelized onions — and the Madison Burger , a throwback reference to Madison Square & Garden Cafe , which used to occupy this space at 320 N . Coast Highway . The historic building still maintains the nicely landscaped patio wrapping around the restaurant . ( 949-549-4817 ) — Sharon Stello

Chocolate at Montage Laguna Beach

FOR THE LOVE OF CHOCOLATE A display of chocolate decadence — an extravagant showpiece of housemade chocolates and confections — will be displayed in the LOBBY LOUNGE at Montage Laguna Beach from 2-5 p . m . on Feb . 10 in honor of Valentine ’ s Day . Visitors may enjoy the lobby ’ s ocean views and live music , then partake in an indulgent tasting menu with a glass of Champagne and five pieces of chocolate . Later that night and on Feb . 14 , from 5-10 p . m ., a

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : ASHLEY RYAN ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF BEAR COAST COFFEE ; COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

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