Greer's Blog

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Jonathan Alcala Named Executive Chef at Temecula Creek Inn

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By Greer Wylder
August 10, 2026

Temecula Creek Inn has named Chef Jonathan Alcala as its new Executive Chef, bringing a lifelong love of California cuisine, hyper-seasonal ingredients and community-driven dining to the beloved Southern California retreat. In his new role, Alcala oversees all culinary operations across the property, including Corkfire, Temecula Creek Inn's signature garden-and-flame restaurant, as well as special events and immersive culinary programming.Alcala arrives at Temecula Creek Inn after most recently serving as Executive Chef at Carter Hospitality Group, where he led culinary operations for more than two years. Before that, he was Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at Mount Palomar…

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Silver Oak Comes to the Pier: 21 Oceanfront’s One-Night Wine Dinner

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By Greer Wylder
August 08, 2026

At the base of the historic Newport Pier, 21 Oceanfront is hosting a Silver Oak Wine Dinner on Tuesday, Aug. 18, at 5:30 p.m., and it's shaping up to be one of the most anticipated evenings on the peninsula this month.The restaurant sits inside the landmark McFadden Building, one of the oldest structures on the Balboa Peninsula and a site that helped shape Newport Beach in its earliest days. Over the years, the building has been home to a string of beloved dining rooms, including Alley West, The Ritz and The Rex, each leaving its mark on the space. Since 1991,…

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Prince St. Pizza’s Black Currant Big Apple Pie Lands in Costa Mesa

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By Greer Wylder
August 07, 2026

Prince St. Pizza is bringing something new to summer's final stretch, and Orange County gets a taste of it right here at home. The Costa Mesa location at Triangle Square is one of the stops for the brand's first-ever nationwide dessert pizza, available now through Aug. 31.The Black Currant Big Apple Pie Pizza pairs the cozy, familiar flavor of apple pie with a black currant drizzle and McCormick Black Currant Finishing Sugar. It's a pie that leans into bright, tart berry notes while still delivering that classic end-of-summer sweetness, the kind of dessert that feels like it belongs at a…

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8th Annual Gourmet by the Bay Returns to Newport Beach

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By Greer Wylder
August 07, 2026

Newport Bay Conservancy will host its 8th Annual Gourmet by the Bay dinner and auction on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Muth Interpretive Center in Newport Beach.The evening kicks off with wine, beer, a featured cocktail and live music, all set against sweeping views of the Upper Newport Bay. Do or Dine Catering will handle dinner, Tap Truck Orange County will pour the drinks, and Bristol Farms will provide appetizers and desserts. Guests can also browse the event's silent auction while mingling with fellow supporters of the bay.Newport Bay Conservancy is a nonprofit dedicated to…

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Library Foundation Brings the Voice Behind Williams’ Music to Witte Hall

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By Greer Wylder
August 07, 2026

The Library Foundation of Newport Beach is bringing a rare treat to Witte Hall this month: an evening with the person who spent years researching the life of John Williams, the composer behind some of the most recognizable film scores ever written.Arts journalist and educator Tim Greiving will speak Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. as part of Newport Beach Art Week. Greiving is the author of the first full biography of Williams, whose Oscar nomination count remains unmatched in Motion Picture Academy history.Williams' scores have shaped generations of moviegoing, including "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," "Jaws," "E.T.," "Jurassic Park," "Schindler's…

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