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
- 05.06.26 – BURN Expands to Newport Beach With New Waterfront Studio
- 05.05.26 – Alabaster International Debuts in OC with ‘Her Light & Legacy’
- 04.29.26 – ILYA Welcomes Sunday Brunch to San Clemente
- 04.28.26 – Mastro’s Plans Mother’s Day Brunch in Irvine and Costa Mesa
- 04.28.26 – Mother’s Day Style: Matching Moments for Moms and Minis at Famous Footwear
- 04.28.26 – Riverdance 30 Brings a New Generation to Segerstrom Center
- 04.27.26 – March for Babies Returns to Irvine May 2
- 04.25.26 – Classic Packards Take Center Stage in Newport Beach
- 04.23.26 – Spring Menu Arrives at The Park Club California
- 04.23.26 – SpiceQuest Brings the Heat Home
- 04.20.26 – Honda Center Serves Up Playoff-Ready Menu for Ducks Fans
- 04.17.26 – A Night of Fashion and Giving in Newport Beach
- 04.13.26 – A Night at Knife Pleat Paired With South Coast Repertory’s Eat Me
- 04.13.26 – Sender One Expands With New Aliso Viejo Location
- 04.13.26 – Bluewater Grill Celebrates 30 Years With New Seafood Cookbook
- 04.13.26 – SOMBR Brings Fall Arena Tour to Anaheim’s Honda Center in October
- 04.12.26 – A Film Festival Putting Neurodivergent Talent Front and Center
- 04.08.26 – Rove Costa Mesa Now Open With Fast Charging and Lounge
- 04.05.26 – Floral Park Home & Garden Tour Returns April 25–26
- 04.03.26 – Earth Month Eco Challenge Returns to Discovery Cube Orange County
More Daily Doses
- 04.29.26 – Mother’s Day Dining Across Orange County
- 04.29.26 – La La Land Kind Cafe Grand Opening at Irvine Spectrum
- 04.29.26 – J Ruby: A Colorful Creative Find in South Laguna
- 04.28.26 – A New Chapter for Zov’s in San Clemente
- 04.23.26 – A Coastal Spa Experience Arrives at Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
- 04.23.26 – David Spade Takes The Lido Theater Stage
- 04.20.26 – Arrive in Style. Leave the Driving to Us.
- 04.19.26 – Candace Bushnell Brings One-Woman Show to South Coast Repertory
- 04.18.26 – A Coastal Weekend of Wine, Food and Ocean Views
- 04.16.26 – Icons of Napa Valley Wine Dinner Returns to Henry’s Coastal Cuisine
- 04.13.26 – An Evening of Connection and Compassion in Aliso Viejo
- 04.08.26 – A Mother’s Day Gathering with Costa Mesa History
- 04.06.26 – Spring in Full Bloom at South Coast Plaza
- 04.05.26 – Taste of Napa Comes to Huntington Beach and Returns to Napa Valley
- 04.01.26 – A Taste of Italy Arrives in Corona del Mar
- 03.30.26 – STAUD Arrives at South Coast Plaza
- 03.27.26 – South Coast Plaza Easter Dining Picks
- 03.26.26 – Easter Brunch and Dining in Orange County
- 03.26.26 – OC Fashion Week Arrives at My Sister’s Closet With Designer Adolfo Sánchez
- 03.19.26 – Highball and Naisho Omakase Debut in Costa Mesa With a First-of-Its-Kind Dual Concept
