Kimberly Luu of According to Kimberly Gives us the Grand Tour
My blog According to Kimberly is a life and style blog that was created to share my passion for fashion, food and travel along with some life lessons. You may frequently spot me wearing a maxi dress while traveling the world or exploring new food destinations. Tustin Union Market
On this particular adventure, Iām checking out The District at Tustin Legacy. Honestly, this place has it all. Whether Iām craving some golden, crispy French fries (whatās up Five Guys?), a Neapolitan shake from In-N-Out or a refreshing treat from Itās Boba Time, The District is my go-to destination. Or if youāre on a healthy grind, Bowl of Heaven has eight kinds of aƧaĆ bowls plus refreshing juicesāthe Heart Beet uses lemon, apple and beet to give your juice an extra boost. One of these heavenly bowls is an excellent finish to a session at nearby Caffe Yoga.
Beyond food, The District also has plenty of shopping options. For that perfect pair of ripped jeans, The Denim Lab never disappoints and if Iām looking for boutique fast fashion, then Iāll head to Jasper Plum. You canāt go wrong with their selection of patterned ponchos and floral dresses. Youāll also find iconic kicks at Vansāa pair of classics or slip ons make essential elements of Southern Californian style. For guys or anyone looking to get active, Sports Treasure is another not-to-miss spot. To finish off your style mission, head to Ulta to get the best beauty supplies or take a few tutorials at Fashion Camp.
Pinotās Palette
At Pinotās Palette, you can access your inner artiste with a little liquid encouragement. Follow the instructorās lead or paint to the beat of your own drum, all while sipping on a great selection of wine and craft beer. The calendar is also always filled with special class deals such as $5 mimosas on Sunday and $4 wine on Thirsty Thursdays.
Bowlmor Orange County
Bowlmor has 30 lanes of striking fun (glow-in-the-dark bowling makes for an eye-catching Instagram, by the way). Bowlmor has just the right amount of retro surfer kitsch and if hitting the pins isnāt quite your thing, thereās a luxury sports bar, billiards and ping pong.
Thereās also a new hotspot inside The District to add to your foodie list: Union Market, a massive building filled with lots of delightful goodies inside for both kids and adults. Once you walk inside, you canāt help but notice polished concrete design juxtaposed with wooden dĆ©cor, making for a cozy, right-at-home feeling. You can immediately tell that this place is unlike any other and it will quickly steal your (hungry) heart away.
The Kroft
Reinventing comfort food, The Kroft was created with a āfarm-to-tableā concept utilizing fresh ingredients. Their popular porchetta sandwiches showcase slices of pork with crispy skin that gives it that perfect crunch when you bite into the sandwich. Itās so good and definitely one of my favorite things to eat here! Also, check out their tasty chicken sandwich, pulled pork poutine fries and flavored lemonade.
The Dirty Cookie
Remember those childhood days of dunking cookies into your milk? Well, now youāve got the cookie shot: a cookie formed into the shape of a shot cup filled with your choice of milk.
Front Porch Pops
Gourmet popsicles on a stick anyone? Whether youāre craving something fruity or creamy, they have a variety of flavors here including strawberry lemonade, mango pineapple and dark chocolate sea salt. Also try their creamsicles (50/50 bars) for fun flavors like blueberry lemon creamsicle and root beer float. Then top off your popsicles with chocolate, sprinkles, nuts or coconut shavings!
Central Bar
Situated in the center of the marketplace, Central Bar gives off definite cool vibes. Itās the place to go if you want to just relax with a craft cocktail for a casual date night out. Hint hint: Their blood orange martini is really good. Try it!
Portola Coffee
Looking for a little caffeine kick? Grab a coffee from Portola Coffee and watch them do the latte art! Itās a great spot to meet up and hang out with friends.
Spice&Tulips
Upgrade your kitchen with unique spices and custom floral arrangements from Spice&Tulips. You may even discover a new Turkish-inspired spice to complement one of your dishes.
The Shangri-La
After eating, burn off some calories while doing some hardcore shopping. At The Shangri-La they carry a variety of handmade, dainty jewelry thatās perfect for layering.
Churning the Tables: With fresh ingredients sourced straight from Italy, the ice cream from Churned Creamery is also at the top of our list of cool spots at Union Market. Check out their CroCream, a croissant ice cream sandwich.
Oh Snap!:Ā Union Market partnered with Woodsnap to present Focal Point, a photography exhibition. Woodsnap prints photographersā work on birch wood canvases, creating a distinct look that gives the colors a filter you just canāt recreate on Instagram.
Follow along for more of my food adventures online (@kimberly_luu) and at AccordingtoKimberly.com!
Written By: Kimberly Luu Get to Know The District at Tustin, Union Market with Blogger Kimberly LuuĀ Tustin Union Market
Photographed By: Kolini Faagata
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
