The Dose

¡Hola Vaca!

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By Greer Wylder
December 29, 2015

Easily the most highly anticipated restaurant to open in Orange County, in 2015, is Vaca. The new Spanish-influenced culinary concept from Ahmed Labbate and chef Amar Santana, also from Broadway By Amar Santana in Laguna Beach, just opened Saturday in Costa Mesa. Vaca offers traditional Spanish cuisine, but with chef Santana’s creative twist. "Our goal goes far beyond paella and bocadillos. We will bring Barcelona, Madrid, Andalucía, Sevilla and the Basque to Orange County - just as Broadway has reinterpreted food and drink in Laguna," said Santana who is also competing on Bravo's “Top Chef” now. Vaca focuses on small…

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New Year’s Eve Dining in OC

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By Greer Wylder
December 28, 2015

Still weighing options on where to ring in the New Year on Thursday night? Here are some top local options for low key celebrations to an all out night with live music, dinner and a Champagne toast at midnight! Lucca Café in Irvine On New Year’s Eve, Chef Cathy Pavlos at Lucca Café in Irvine is offering a tantalizing menu filled with incredible specials like Mini Black Canyon Beef Wellington, Lobster Bisque, Clams, the Bronx style, and much more! The celebration starts early so you can ring in the New Year on East Coast time! Open from 5 p.m. to…

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Modern and Chic | The House Salon

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By Greer Wylder
December 23, 2015

The House Salon, Mission Viejo's newest luxury hair salon is more a chic and modern residential home, then a typical hair salon. Founders Andrea Swanson and Jayne Flinn wanted to bring a luxury salon to South Orange County inspired by the community of stylists and colorists to showcase their talent and creativity. Visitors to The House are welcomed by a fireplace, which brings warmth to the salon and offers a cozy, yet modern, space for men and women. The House Salon offers a team of 11 stylists and color specialists including owner and stylist, Andrea Swanson.  Services include cuts and…

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Making Our List, and Checking it Twice

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By Greer Wylder
December 22, 2015

There are just a few days left to get your shopping done, so we want to help. We’ve compiled a last minute top 10 holiday gift guide for all. You can also search our archives for other great ideas, but these are the freshest picks. And, from all of us at Greer’s OC we’re wishing you the very best holiday season. Now let’s shop: 1. A staycation at Surf & Sand Resort and Spa in Laguna Beach. This season, Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach lets you give the gift of luxury. Treat that special someone on your list…

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LA Based American Tea Room Arrives in OC

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By Greer Wylder
December 21, 2015

Beverly Hills based American Tea Room, the best place to find more than 200 rare teas by the glass, and shop, sip, dine, and socialize in a contemporary atmosphere, just opened its first OC location at Fashion Island. (The Beverly Hills location is undergoing a renovation and will re-open in 2016, and its second shop recently opened in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District.) At Fashion Island’s location you can explore all 200 global tea varietals through an Interactive Tea Zone. Teas are displayed in color-coded tubes, which you can open and smell. Simply scan the bar code on the tube, and you can find out such…

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