The Irvine Ranch is a premier destination for the next generation of food lovers. To prepare for Mother’s Day, we asked local kid connoisseurs to spotlight the dining experiences they love sharing with their moms. From refreshing matcha treats to elegant cabana dates, here are their top picks for a memorable May celebration.
AFTERNOON TEA SERVICE
HELLO KITTY CAFE
Irvine Spectrum Center
860 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
WHAT TO ORDER: Afternoon tea service. This family-friendly, prix fixe experience features a curated selection of sweet and savory treats served with a pot of tea.
THE VIBE: Whimsical, pink-hued elegance.
“I would take my Mommy to the Bow Room [at Hello Kitty Café] for afternoon tea. My favorite is mango iced tea. The chocolate cup is great, too! It has fresh strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate, and a picture of Hello Kitty on top. There are also dishes my mama likes. The cucumber sandwiches are good. It was the first time I had them and they were mind-blowing!” – Isabella, 4th Grade
SOFT SERVE & TAIYAKI (Ah-BOONG)
SOMISOMI
Irvine Spectrum Center
640 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
WHAT TO ORDER: Matcha soft serve ice cream in a Taiyaki (fish-shaoped) cone. This playful treat features creamy matcha soft serve swirled into a warm, fish-shaped waffle cone with your choice of filling, such as Nutella, custard, or red bean.
THE VIBE: Cheerful and customizable.
“I want to take my mom to SomiSomi because she loves their matcha ice cream. I like it when she eats things she enjoys because when she’s happy, it makes me happy. Also, I really like SomiSomi because of the sugar!” – Amelia, 6th Grade
LAVA CAKE & ICE CREAM
RED O TASTE OF MEXICO
Fashion Island
143 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, CA 92660
WHAT TO ORDER: Red O’s magical dessert combo with lava cake and salted caramel ice cream.
THE VIBE: Sophisticated coastal getaway.
“I had the best time at Red O! I enjoy everything, but my favorite dish is the Magical Dessert combo of lava cake and salted caramel ice cream. The cheese quesadilla was a close second. Along with the amazing food, I love the experience of dressing up and sitting in a cabana. It feels so special to be at such a beautiful place and the real highlight was getting to have a special date with my mom!” – Mireya, 4th Grade
