Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a little breather from the monotony of the day and conducting a meeting off site.  Now, the whole point of this is to stay productive- just in a prettier, more enjoyable setting.  So whether you’re entertaining a client, having a pow wow with your team or just meeting over some food, where you go shouldn’t be overcrowded or too noisy.

One of my favorite places to have lunch meetings with my clients is The OC Mix in Costa Mesa, CA.  It’s a medley of amazing restaurants, with plenty of options.  Even better, there’s usually an abundance of outdoor seating and parking, making getting in and out, and back to the office, easy.

Our usual routine consists of lunching at one of two places.

My first choice is always Taco  Maria.  OH MY.  This is simplicity at it’s best.  They have a small menu but everything on that menu is like a little treasure.  There are no frills.  No rice, beans or garnish. You’re served two tacos per plate. And EVERYTHING is absolutely delicious.  I don’t eat meat except for seafood, but I’m always told their steak is incredibly amazing. Every time I’ve gone, I always get the same dish – the Jardineros, which are mushroom chorizo tacos.  Yes, they make a chorizo out of fragrant mushrooms and surround it with chunks of fried potato, delicate cilantro, pickled onions and a dreamy cream sauce. Best vegetarian tacos ever.  EVER.

Our other top pick is Green Leaf Gourmet Chopshop.  Much more casual, with a huge menu and just as enjoyable. I love their kale side salad with tangy lemony dressing that I can never replicate at home.

Speaking of kale. Have you ever had a Pina… KALE-ada? If you’re new to juicing or have always wanted to get into it but are just plain terrified of downing liquified greens, you have got to try this. It’s so tart, tangy and nothing like what you’d expect from a green drink. Green Leaf has a full juice bar so you can order a Pina-Kale-Ada all on its own or with the rest of your meal. Since the drink is so popular, they usually have bottled ones out, that they still make fresh, to keep up with the demand – those go fast though.

After lunch, we always head over to Portola Coffee Lab. It doesn’t matter how full we are, we can’t help it.  It’s just necessary. They brew coffee in that sexy, scientific way where their bar looks like a steam punk lab of brass and beakers.

Some afternoons we go to The OC Mix for our last meeting of the day just to indulge in an ice coffee from Portola. Coffee and outdoor patio seating – well, that’s just the best medicine for a rough day.

On the rare occasion when it’s too late in the day for coffee… I repeat. This is rare. There’s tea at Seventh Tea Bar. They have cool, refreshing tea blends and even do the full-on afternoon tea party with the works – mini sandwiches, scones, spreads… Best of all, they have a yummy variety of macarons.

I mean. How does this not make you happy?

Enjoy your meetings everyone! Happy eating while working.