Greer's OC

Dining

QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley

11.14.25

Kei Concepts has opened its newest concept, QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine, in Fountain Valley. It is a special restaurant, unlike anything else in the Kei Concepts family. Chef and founder Viet Nguyen created QUA as a tribute to family, memory, and the flavors that shaped his life.

“For years, I created what people asked for,” says Nguyen. “This time, I’m sharing something from my own life. These are the dishes I grew up eating — meals shared with family, neighbors, and friends. The flavors that shaped me.”

QUA honors Nguyen’s grandmother, Vũ Thị Lan, who raised ten children on her own after fleeing Northern Vietnam. Her simple, nourishing meals are the inspiration behind the restaurant’s warm approach to dining. Her values of resilience, care, and togetherness guide everything QUA serves.

The menu draws from Chợ Lớn, Saigon’s historic Chinatown, blending Chinese cuisine with Vietnamese influence. Dishes are served banquet style to encourage conversation and sharing. The menu has two parts: Vietnamese Chinese staples such as roast meats, oyster pancakes, hủ tiếu noodles, and Hainanese chicken rice, along with a rotating selection called Grandma Vũ’s Menu that highlights dishes she once cooked for her family.

An inventive cocktail program and seasonal pantry items, including mooncakes, Tết sticky rice cakes, saté paste, kaya jam, and dessert kits, complement the menu and story.

With 9,000 square feet, 15 foot ceilings, and seating for nearly 190 guests, QUA is designed for lively gatherings. A 32 seat bar forms the energy of the room with private dining spaces and a patio surrounding it. Award winning HBA led the interior design with botanical textures, jewel tones, and Nguyen’s family photographs that celebrate everyday life and heritage.

In Vietnamese, QUA means “to overcome,” a reflection of resilience and cultural identity.

“This isn’t about business strategy,” Nguyen says. “It’s a love letter to my parents — and to anyone who knows what home tastes like.”

Kei Concepts, the Orange County group behind SÚP Noodle Bar, VOX Kitchen, NEP Cafe, and more, continues to push pan Asian dining forward while building community and supporting local innovation.

Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed

16121 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley. (657) 300-8391

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The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre

11.12.25

Festival Ballet Theatre presents its beloved holiday production of The Nutcracker at the Irvine Barclay Theatre from December 6 through 24, 2025. This family favorite enchants audiences of all ages with breathtaking sets, dazzling costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s timeless score, bringing the magic of the season to life.

Under the direction and choreography of Artistic Director Salwa Rizkalla, this full-length traditional production features Festival Ballet Theatre’s professional dancers, exceptional young performers from across Southern California, and world-renowned guest artists.

Guest Artists

Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 1 p.m.
Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia, New York City Ballet
Dec. 13 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 14 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Tyler Donatelli and Angelo Greco, Houston Ballet
Dec. 20 at 1 and 6 p.m.; Dec. 21 at 1 and 6 p.m.
Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, Joffrey Ballet

A Special Holiday Tea Party Experience
Before select performances, guests can enjoy a festive Tea Party in the Barclay’s Jade Room. The elegant event begins one hour prior to showtime and includes gourmet finger sandwiches, petit fours, and scones with tea and lemonade. Adults may enjoy a glass of champagne, and children will delight in meeting characters from The Nutcracker, including Clara, as they share the story behind the ballet. Each guest will receive a party favor and photo opportunities will be available.

Tickets for the Tea Party are limited and must be purchased in conjunction with a Nutcracker performance. The option to add the Tea Party appears after selecting performance seats while tickets remain.

Tickets and more information can be found here.

Irvine Barclay Theatre
4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Ticket Office: (949) 854-4646
Hours: Mon–Fri, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sat–Sun, Noon–4 p.m.

Photo Credit Skye Schmidt Varga

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