Culinary Dropout, the modern eatery known for its scratch-made dishes, inventive cocktails, and relaxed, playful energy, just opened in Old Towne Orange. The new restaurant marks the concept’s 16th location nationwide and its second in California, following its Southern California debut in Del Mar earlier this year. Created by Arizona-based Fox Restaurant Concepts and restaurateur Sam Fox, Culinary Dropout is built around a passion for classic comfort food and a focus on fresh ingredients made in-house daily.

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Prime Pizza is bringing its California take on classic New York-style pizza to Orange County with the opening of its first location in Mission Viejo on Monday, Nov. 3. The shop is currently open with limited hours as the team prepares for its grand opening celebration. To celebrate, Prime Pizza will give away merch and serve free slices from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (limit one per person) on Nov. 3 at its newest shop at 24420 Alicia Parkway.

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Chef Zach Ficke, executive chef and owner of Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria in Costa Mesa, is one of Orange County’s most talented and ambitious young chefs. Born and raised in Aliso Viejo, Ficke’s passion for cooking started early. While studying business economics at UC Irvine, he ran an underground dining club in his dorm, selling tickets to multi-course dinners he created himself. Realizing business school wasn’t his path, he transferred to a culinary school in Chicago and later earned a bachelor’s degree in food service management in Providence, Rhode Island.

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The District at Tustin Legacy is getting into the fall spirit with two festive events this October: the Halloween Boo Bash and the Fall Cocktail Tour. Families are invited to the annual Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Promenade. The free, family-friendly celebration features trick-or-treating, music, creepy crafts, balloon twisters, face painting, and a special meet-and-greet with Labubu. Costumes are encouraged, and guests are welcome to explore The District’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment before or after the event.

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