Blog
NEP Café Redefines Modern Vietnamese Dining with a Bold New Chapter
04.07.25
As the Vietnamese American community marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese immigration to the United States in 2025, Kei Concepts proudly unveils a revitalized vision for NEP Café. First launched in 2020 to share the essence of Vietnam with those unable to travel during the pandemic, NEP Café now offers a dynamic interpretation of modern Vietnam — vibrant, evolving, and deeply rooted in tradition.
From its inception, NEP Café has been dedicated to bringing the authentic flavors of Vietnam to Orange County’s Vietnamese American community. Now, it embarks on an exciting new chapter, blending cherished traditions with innovative dishes and a reimagined dining experience inspired by Vietnam’s culinary evolution. This refresh captures “Vietnam as it is now,” honoring its rich cultural heritage while embracing its modern culinary spirit.
The journey continues in Fountain Valley, with an expansion to Irvine already underway. Guests can savor a thoughtfully curated menu that pairs beloved staples with inventive new offerings. Iconic dishes like Seafood Ceviche and Egg Coffee remain, while the refresh marks the return of fan favorites such as Bone Marrow Pasta and Salted Egg Yolk Pasta. The signature Banh Mi Chao now offers customizable options like Laughing Cow cheese, truffle butter, Chinese sausage, and extra bone marrow for a personalized touch. New additions, including Xoi Ga Roti, Ribeye Banh Mi Chao, Curry Crab Omelet, and an array of desserts, embody the bold and vibrant flavors of contemporary Vietnam.
This revitalized menu underscores NEP Café’s unwavering commitment to quality ingredients, authentic flavors, and a welcoming dining experience for both loyal patrons and first-time visitors.
With this exciting refresh, Kei Concepts reaffirms its dedication to creating unique culinary experiences that celebrate the depth and diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. NEP Café invites the community to join in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and embracing the future of Vietnamese American culture.
NEP Cafe has locations in Fountain Valley’s Little Saigon (10826 Warner Ave.) and Irvine (14346 Culver Dr.) and is open daily for brunch and dinner daily. For more information or visit the website.
Blog
Book Club with Bruce Cook Featuring Born in OC Rescheduled for April 10
04.04.25
The Balboa Island Museum in Newport Beach is hosting its first-ever Book Club event, now rescheduled for Wednesday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m. Emmy Award-nominated writer and producer Bruce Cook will moderate the evening and lead a conversation with me about my new book, Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California.
Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are $20 for museum members and $25 for non-members. RSVP by calling 949-675-3952.
Born in OC goes beyond Orange County’s reputation for surf and reality TV to shine a light on the creativity, innovation and diversity that define this community. The book celebrates the real people—artists, entrepreneurs, visionaries—who are making a difference not only in Orange County, but throughout Southern California and around the world.
Born in OC is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through booksellers nationwide.
Balboa Island Museum is located at 210 Marine Ave. in Newport Beach.
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from the blog
- 10.02.25 – Newport Beach Becomes Global Beach Volleyball Capital Oct. 7–12
- 10.01.25 – Laguna Cliffs Hosts Harvest Moon Sound Bath
- 09.30.25 – Puesto Celebrates National Taco Day with Golden Ticket Giveaway
- 09.29.25 – Pumpkin Palooza Returns to Discovery Cube OC This October
- 09.29.25 – Zov’s Debuts New Brunch Menu Inspired by Family Traditions
- 09.26.25 – Segerstrom Center Expands Feel Good, Do Good Donation Drives
- 09.25.25 – GLOW Coalition Hosts First Fundraiser for Save Newport Nature
- 09.24.25 – Ilissa Michele Jewelry: Purpose-Driven, Handmade, and One-of-a-Kind
- 09.21.25 – Your Business. Our Audience.
- 09.19.25 – Irvine Barclay Theatre Celebrates 35th Season With Free Block Party
- 09.16.25 – Seconds at PCH Food Week Returns to 2ND & PCH
- 09.13.25 – Pasta Sisters Marks 10 Years With $8 Pasta Day
- 09.12.25 – Wrap Up by Valerie Perez Unveils Luxe Robe Collection for Fall
- 09.11.25 – Sgt. Pepperoni’s Partners With CHOC for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- 09.11.25 – Concert Shines Light on Mental Health
- 09.10.25 – Bruxie Introduces Dubai Chocolate Shake
- 09.09.25 – Is it Real or Fake? JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles Explores Food Replica Culture
- 08.26.25 – Celebrate California Wine Month at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa
- 08.26.25 – Musco Center Hosts Free Heartbeat of Mexico Festival Sept. 14
- 08.24.25 – Rufus Wainwright Brings Solo Tour to Musco Center Sept. 12
More Daily Doses
- 09.29.25 – Pacific Airshow Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 3-5
- 09.26.25 – Mastro’s Brings Its Iconic Dining Experience to Irvine Spectrum
- 09.25.25 – San Francisco Ballet’s Frankenstein Comes to Segerstrom Center
- 09.19.25 – 26th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Lineup
- 09.16.25 – Tastemakers of Orange County Returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- 09.16.25 – Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns September 20
- 09.15.25 – The Market Place Opening Celebration
- 09.12.25 – Segerstrom Center Welcomes Yearlong Karon Davis Installation
- 09.08.25 – Pacific Symphony Opens 47th Season with Rachmaninoff and Sibelius
- 09.08.25 – Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market
- 08.24.25 – An Evening at The Lido Theater to Benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation
- 08.20.25 – Seafolly Opens First U.S. Flagship in Corona del Mar
- 08.16.25 – Stone Groove Stillhouse Brings World’s First Audio Distillery to Anaheim
- 08.14.25 – Harvest Restaurant Showcases Seasonal California Cuisine
- 08.06.25 – ClubSport Aliso Viejo Debuts Recovery Upgrades and New Friends Membership
- 08.05.25 – A Taste of Japan in Irvine: Izakaya Osen
- 08.01.25 – Bubble Blast Brings Summer Fun to The District
- 07.24.25 – Exciting Additions at Anaheim Hills Festival: Egg Tuck, Story Bar + Kitchen, and More!
- 07.21.25 – Gala of the Stars Returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 07.17.25 – Beats & Brews: Outdoor Concert Series at The District at Tustin Legacy
