a visit to Sapori Italian Restaurant

 

We had the most amazing holiday dinner this week at one of our all-time favorite Italian restaurants, Sapori Ristorante. One of the true hidden gems of Newport Beach for authentic Italian food.

 

Not only do they have all the traditional pasta dishes you could imagine, they also have so many delicious seafood, poultry and meat options. We opted for a starter of the Shrimp in White Wine and Garlic Sauce. Very good!! 

For dinner I selected the Filet Mignon with Porcini Mushrooms and a Cognac Cream Sauce, while Willy had one of the specials of the evening, the Grilled Branzino served with a side of Angel Hair Pasta. All very, very good! 

In fact, I think it was the best steak I’ve ever had!!

 

For dessert, we couldn’t decide between the Tiramisu and the Creme Brulee, so we had both!

 

They offer the coziest dining experience on their outdoor patio, where the beautiful fireplace takes center stage. During Christmastime, the restaurant feels very special and so festive!

My husband and I arrived early to make sure we got a nice seat next to the warm fireplace.

 

In addition to the cozy patio, they also have a beautiful indoor seating area, which also opens up to the bar and more informal pizzeria restaurant.

 

Whether you dine in for pizza, or order takeout, the pizzas are authentically made the Italian way!! Is there any other way that pizza could be more delicious?

Pizzeria Sapori has it’s own menu… check it out HERE!

Conveniently located on Bayside Drive between Newport Beach, and Corona del Mar, I would recommend this restaurant whole-heartedly to all my friends! 

Have you ever eaten here?  

Sapori Ristorante is located at 

1080 Bayside Drive

Newport Beach, CA 92660

949-644-4220

 

ciao fabiana

 

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the best ideas for Christmas greenery

 

One of the things I love most about living in southern California is all the lovely citrus that we get during the winter months.

 

The oranges came directly from our backyard, and not only are they a delicious variety of navel orange, but they also make for a cute display on my little Christmas tree when they’re sliced and dried in the oven.

 

Simple twine does the trick for arranging them on a little noble fir tree like this. 🍊🌲

Mixed greens garland and fresh tree are from Armstrong Garden Center. The Moët champagne bucket is from my collection. 

Whenever I see a vintage champagne bucket while out thrifting, I grab it. They're so handy for so many things!

 

If you’re looking for a lovely hostess gift idea, how about a beautiful glazed terracotta pot filled with culinary herbs? Perfect timing with the holidays just right around the corner.

 

I got everything I needed at Armstrong’s including this lovely Italian-style pot, and I filled it with some of my favorite herbs, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

 

While cooking during the holidays, these flavorful lovelies are right at your fingertips. Just snip a few sprigs and add to your turkey or favorite side dish. 🤍🌿

 

Here’s one of the wreaths on our front doors. We have double doors, so I always like to get a pair of matching wreaths. 

These lush evergreen wreaths are from our local Armstrong’s, which is just a few blocks away. I then added a trio of  antique-looking bells on each wreath. 

I love the way they softly clang upon our arrival. I knew the look I was after for this year’s doors, so luckily Amazon had just the right ones!   

ciao! fabiana

 

 

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cottages & bungalows in laguna beach

I’m so excited for this lemony fresh issue to be out! Back in March, on St. Patrick’s Day to be exact, I went on my first official styling job in over a year. Laguna Beach, coastal style, working with Kelly and Bret... sounded perfect for an entrée back into the world of magazine projects. 

 

So here we have it, “The Sweet and Sunny Seaside”. The feature starts on page 108 of Cottages & Bungalows' newest edition known as the annual “Coastal Issue”.   

 

Here’s a behind the scenes snapshot of what you see on the first page of the layout. I brought in lemons from my garden and lots of beachy accessories to add to homeowner Carmelit’s already adorable place. 

 

Fun coastal cottage was the look we were after. Fresh and sunny to match this amazing California seaside location.   

 

 

I don’t know if it was because it was St. Patrick’s Day, but this English Green pillow was making me so happy in that dining space. Isn’t it pretty? 

 

Summertime decorating really comes alive with fresh flowers, fruit and veggies accenting bits and pieces of daily life. I just want to sit right down and enjoy a nice juicy strawberry. 

 

This cabinet from Tuvalu home was my favorite thing to style that day. We used Carmelit’s white dinnerware to highlight this rustic piece. Lemons, daisies and a few treasures from the sea finish off the look. 

 

Here’s a fun detail I shot on photo day. I just love those bright graphics on the tomato cans. Aren't they’re the perfect vessels for a handful of daisies? 

Straight off the page of the magazine, this is the final shot of this little alfresco breakfast under the grapefruit tree. As a nod to the history of California, this vintage Mexican blanket picks up the bright colors of the polka dots on the tablecloth. 

 

I love how these two pages look together. The colorful sprinkles on the macarons really echoes the tablecloth.  

Kelly snapped this photo as we're finishing setting up the table. Those just-picked grapefruit are out of this world! 

Who wouldn't love to have their morning coffee out here?

Fun details... 

Loving these linen napkins... 

Such a lovely subtle floral print on a really nice heavy weight linen fabric. They’re one of my favorite finds from Fete Home, and I also have them in the red and pink colorway. This seashell embellished placemat is from Arthur Court. The green goblets are vintage, and part of my collection. 

And here’s my favorite page of the layout, that cabinet! I could style this so many ways... maybe we could do a fall or Christmas look next time. What do you think? 

 

Do you have this issue yet? It’s really packed full of great design ideas... a great summer read for the beach or poolside. 

 

ciao! fabiana 

 

 

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Quite often, time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one-day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites.  

 
My favorite “Tablescaping Essentials”*. 

 

 

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