img_20200728_160959

Out of the visionary mind of real estate developer Shaheen Sadeghi came The Lab. Located on Bristol in Costa Mesa, it is promoted as an anti-mall. It is everything that a large mall isn’t – creative, visually appealing, and a little off-center – quirky and fun!! You enter from the parking lot through an arbor of shrubs and shiny CDs. I have never walked through this without encountering at least 2 or 3 other people taking selfies.

 

Immediately to the right is Habana, a delicious Cuban restaurant where the bartender mixes killer Mojitos. There area vintage stores, Nook Coffee Bar, The Den (with bohemian vibe), the vegan Seabird Kitchen, Buffalo Exchange, Urban Outfitters, small boutiques, and lots of space to gather together (maybe not right now) or sequester in a hidey hole with your computer.

 

This is a very welcoming place. Its bright and cheerful and caters to prospective tenants who offer something a little different.

 

Unusual art pieces from local artists is a unique addition – the latest being the Selfiesaurus featuring work from a recent poetry contest. The winner is a close friend and a true Renaissance woman, Charlene Ashendorf. I brag all the time that I know her.

 

The Other Thing – Across the street  from The Lab is The Camp. Also developed by Sadeghi, this is a blog for another time.