Blog

MEAT UP BBQ HOSTs Chef Cody Storts POP-UP
08.28.19
One of O.C.’s most beloved brunch spots is returning for one day only at Meat Up BBQ in Placentia, on Sunday, Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! Chef Cody Storts will host a GRITS Pop Up inspired by one of his favorite concepts he’s ever worked on.
Diners should expect versions of classic GRITS dishes including:
- Dr. Pepper Pork Shank
- Shrimp & Jalapeño Cheddar Grits
- Thai Pancake Balls with Pork Cutlet
- PB&J Pancake Balls
- Blue Crab Tostadas with coconut, avocado mousse, and pomegranate
- Jalapeño & Cheddar Grits + Eggs & Tomatillo Pico
- And possibly Chicken Skins, too, with Jalaberry jam … he’s working it out!
Storts is a longtime O.C. chef who has worked with more than 30 concepts in Orange County. He stepped away from the kitchen full time earlier this year to spend more time with his family, including a newborn.
While working now at Chef’s Warehouse, Storts has kept up a frequent schedule of pop-ups, including a Cannabis Supper Club event, Fried Chicken & Whiskey at The Bowery, “Bad Ass BBQ” at Pour Company, with GRITS next.
Meat Up BBQ is owned by Luis Flores, owner of O.C.’s original sausage food truck The Viking Truck. The restaurant serves hickory-smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip and more, plus an array of sandwiches, burgers and 25 tap local craft beers.
Seating will be first-come-first-served, and the pop-up will occur from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meat Up BBQ is at 1450 N Kraemer Blvd. in Placentia. 714.983.7558
Blog

STEM School for Autistic Children Opens its Doors in Orange County
08.27.19
The Help Group, the largest, most innovative nonprofit of its kind serving children and young adults with special needs, officially opened its doors to STEM3 Academy and The Learning Center in Irvine.
The school is the only K-12 school in the nation that provides STEM curriculum to students with social and learning differences such as autism or ADHD. The new Irvine campus offers a unique curriculum that is tailored to each student’s individual strengths and needs.
STEM3 Academy is the only K-12 school in the nation to provide STEM curriculum to students with social and learning differences while The Learning Center supports both special needs and general education K-12 homeschooled students in academic and non-academic subjects.
Under the umbrella of The Help Group, STEM³ Academy, with two campuses in Los Angeles, provides students with a high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other social and learning differences the opportunity to maximize their potential. STEM3 Academy customizes its approach and curriculum to each student's individual strengths and needs. It offers robust science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses, as well as opportunities for students to fully explore the humanities. The school also leverages partnerships and mentor programs with leading businesses to offer students real-world interaction and first-hand knowledge of potential career paths.
The Learning Center offers Orange County's K-12 homeschooled students classes that are small enough to tailor instruction to the individual needs and interests of students in order to drive their success and passion. Students are encouraged to take risks in ways that broaden their understanding and develop their confidence through projects, discussions, collaboration, and research.
With deep experience in curriculum design and student instruction, The Learning Center provides creative, rich and diverse experiences, which honor the strengths and support the challenges of its students.
STEM³ Academy and The Learning Center are at 17861 Von Karman Ave., in Irvine.
To learn more about STEM³ Academy, visit stem3academy.org. To learn more about The Learning Center, visit thglearningcenter.org.
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