The Neighborhood Cup Aliso Viejo Gets New Owner: A Pastry Chef

There’s a new owner at the Neighborhood Cup who is busy baking homemade pastries and delectable goods that are leaving patrons wanting more.

Christine Chung is a professional pastry chef who took ownership of the Neighborhood Cup on December 16. The quaint, intimate coffee shop and cafe is nestled next to the Aliso Viejo Library at 1 Journey.

A former advertising executive, Christine decided to trade her business suit for a chef’s jacket and went to culinary school. Today, she is busy making cookies, breakfast pastries, cupcakes and other specialty treats. The cafe also serves gourmet coffee, sandwiches and soups.

Christine, who enjoys making chocolate bon bons, truffles and cake, is excited about her new Aliso Viejo venture.

“I plan to retire from this place and wanted to create a neighborhood landmark and a ‘Cheers’ type of environment where I know everyone’s name and get to know families and just offer a great place where people want to gather,” she said.

Christine said she plans to serve “high tea” on certain days and will offer cake and cookie decorating classes in the future. For now, though, she’s busy catering to patrons and folks who wander in from the library.

The Neighborhood Cup is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.  The cafe is closed on Sunday.

For more information, call 949-716-5100.