Corona del Mar Today: Mystery gardener tends to Orchid Avenue tree wells
A Corona del Mar man has once again turned empty tree wells on Orchid Avenue into sunflower-filled gardens.
Last summer, the man (who has declined to speak to reporters or have his name released by those who know him) cultivated empty tree wells near Rose Bakery Cafe, planting them with sunflowers and corn.
The man tended the plants daily, watering them by hand from a bucket.
This year, it appeared the man had abandoned his gardening volunteerism, and for most of the spring and summer, the tree wells were again empty.
But this fall, sunflower plants blossomed in two of the tree wells.
The man has again been visiting his plants daily to water them, employees at nearby businesses said.
*
F.I. Starbucks to serve wine later this month
The Starbucks at Fashion Island could launch its Starbucks Evening menu — complete with wine and savory snacks — as soon as Oct. 19, a spokeswoman said in an email.
“We can confirm that the Starbucks location at Fashion Island at 137 Newport Center Drive will soon offer our Evenings menu, which includes a curated assortment of wine and craft beer along with shareable small plates perfect for the evening hours,” the spokeswoman said. “Starbucks Evenings offers our customers a place to unwind in the evening, to grab a coffee, or glass of wine and bite to eat. We’re targeting the week of October 19, though can confirm as we get closer to that date.”
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued the license on July 29.
In February, the Newport Beach zoning administrator issued a minor use permit that would let the relocated Starbucks sell beer and wine.
The Starbucks, which moved to a location at 137 Newport Center Drive after relocating from near R+D Kitchen, currently sells the usual coffee drinks, pastries, teas and sodas.
*
Carol Rachelle moves to rent larger space
The Carol Rachelle boutique is planning a move into a larger space in the former Francis-Orr Stationery space at 2823 East Coast Highway.
The shop will be renamed C Dobbs and will sell women’s and men’s apparel along with specialty gifts and accessories, according to signs at the shop.
“Beautiful new products are arriving from Europe for our Grand Opening in October!” the shop’s website states. “In addition to our women’s garment collection, we will be unveiling an expanded offering of men’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, handbags, shoes, specialty gifts, and custom couture dresses.”
Francis-Orr closed this summer after 25 years in business in Corona del Mar; read our story here.
The Carol Rachelle boutique opened in 2013 in the former Delano Wear space at 2801 East Coast Highway. The Delano boutique opened in 2012 and replaced the controversial I Heart Puppies pet store, which drew animal rights protesters to Corona del Mar during its eight months in business.
*
Luggage shops opens new digs
Daniel’s Luggage & Shoe Repair has relocated, taking over the space formerly occupied by Felicity Couture Bridal.
Daniel’s Luggage Repair has reopened at 3135 East Coast Highway. The business, which has been operating in Corona del Mar since 1968, had been located at 3601 East Coast Highway for 16 years before relocating in 2011.
The same year, Felicity Couture Bridal moved from a location on Fernleaf Avenue to 3135 East Coast Highway. The business website indicates the shop now operates online with a location in Aliso Viejo.
Corona del Mar Today appears Sundays in the Daily Pilot. Read daily updates at coronadelmartoday.com.