Greer's Blog

topchefcanada

One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort

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By Greer Wylder
July 08, 2026

Balboa Bay Resort is bringing something special to Newport Beach this summer. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the resort will host an intimate chef's dinner with Coulson Armstrong, winner of Top Chef Canada and Culinary Director of Toronto's Our House Hospitality. Tickets are $415.90 per person and available on Eventbrite and at balboabayresort.com.Armstrong is one of Canada's most compelling culinary voices. He serves as Executive Chef of the celebrated Prime Seafood Palace, where he works alongside restaurateur Matty Matheson, and his Season 12 win on Top Chef Canada earned him fans well beyond the industry. But what shaped his cooking most…

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bonitaart

A True Full-Circle Moment: Artist Brothers Use ChatGPT to Help Create Bonita Canyon’s 50th Anniversary Mural

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By Greer Wylder
July 08, 2026

Shelby and Sandy, two brothers and professional artists, are returning to Bonita Canyon Elementary in Irvine with a meaningful mission: creating a mural to celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary.For the artists, the project is deeply personal. Bonita Canyon is the elementary school they attended as children, and returning to the campus as working artists has made the mural feel especially significant.“Coming back to our elementary school to create this mural was incredibly meaningful because it’s where so much of our creativity first began,” Shelby said. “Being able to contribute something lasting for the school’s 50th anniversary feels like a true…

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costamesahistorical

Join Me at the Costa Mesa Historical Society Speakers Program

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By Greer Wylder
July 06, 2026

I'm honored to be the featured speaker at the Costa Mesa Historical Society's upcoming Speakers Program on Sunday, July 12.During the presentation, I'll share stories from my book, Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California, and discuss what I've learned from interviewing many of the people who have helped shape Orange County. The book features 50 individuals whose creativity, leadership, and vision have left a lasting impact on our community.I'll also talk about my journey as the founder and publisher of Greer's OC, the inspiration behind the book, and the importance of preserving local stories…

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oceansuperr

Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess

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By Greer Wylder
July 06, 2026

I don't typically review children's books on Greer's OC, but when two beautifully written and illustrated books arrived recently, I couldn't resist sharing them. Better yet, I had the perfect test audience: my grandchildren.The first, Ocean Superheroes by Gabrielle Raymond McGee, takes kids on an underwater adventure while teaching them about the amazing creatures that help keep our oceans healthy. From tiny plankton to whales, the book introduces young readers to real-life ocean heroes and shows how even small actions can make a difference.My grandchildren were fascinated by the ocean facts and colorful illustrations, and I loved that they were…

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IVI Vision Pops Up at Rails in Fashion Island

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By Greer Wylder
July 06, 2026

Looking for a new pair of sunglasses this summer? IVI Vision is bringing its latest collection of made-in-Japan eyewear to a special pop-up at Rails in Fashion Island on Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Known for its quality craftsmanship and timeless style, IVI Vision will be showcasing its newest sunglasses and readers while guests enjoy a Summer Shopping Celebration hosted by Rails. The event will include sips and sweets, along with the opportunity to explore Rails' latest swimwear collection with guidance from an in-store stylist.Guests who purchase two Rails pieces during the event will receive 20% off…

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