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Strickland’s Ice Cream Marks One Year in Costa Mesa

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By Greer Wylder
June 17, 2025

Strickland’s Ice Cream is celebrating its one-year anniversary in Costa Mesa, continuing to win over Orange County fans with its rich, small-batch flavors made fresh daily using vintage machines from the 1930s.Originally founded in Akron, Ohio in 1936, Strickland’s is known for its ultra-creamy texture, achieved with old-school machines that produce dense ice cream with minimal air. The Costa Mesa shop, located at 1835 Newport Blvd., marks the brand’s return to OC after the longtime Irvine location closed.The new location was opened by Neil Liu, a former Strickland’s fan turned owner, who’s brought back the nostalgic magic—complete with real ingredients,…

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Catalina Museum for Art & History Presents Work by Sonia Romero

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By Greer Wylder
June 15, 2025

The Catalina Museum for Art & History is now showcasing From Los Angeles to Catalina: The Art of Sonia Romero, an intimate and visually rich exhibition by celebrated Los Angeles-based artist Sonia Romero. On view through October 12, 2025, the exhibition features Romero’s iconic silkscreen prints, paintings, and a new site-specific piece capturing the nostalgic charm and layered cultural history of Catalina Island.Romero, known for her intricate paper cutting, printmaking, and mixed-media paintings, spent summer 2024 in Avalon connecting with the local community. During her stay, she led museum workshops and explored the museum’s extensive archive of vintage Catalina ephemera,…

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RJB Restaurant Group Expands Parlor and Olea Footprints

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By Greer Wylder
June 14, 2025

Orange County restaurateur Russ Bendel continues to grow his collection of popular dining destinations, recently expanding two of his standout restaurants: Parlor Woodfire Kitchen & Cocktails in San Clemente and Olea, Cellar. Craft. Cook in Newport Beach. Each gained more than 1,200 square feet of new space, the result of creative thinking and impeccable timing.Parlor’s Lower LevelWhen Parlor opened in San Clemente last July, the building’s underused lower level served only as storage. But as the restaurant quickly gained a loyal following—and increasing demand for more bar and private dining space—Bendel and his team saw an opportunity to transform the…

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Jan’s Health Bar Expands to San Diego, Introduces New Smoothies and Summer Menu Favorites

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By Greer Wylder
June 14, 2025

Jan’s Health Bar, the iconic fast-casual concept with more than 50 years of history in Southern California, is celebrating a milestone year of growth and innovation.Owner Poppy Holguin—who first started working at Jan’s as a teenager and purchased the flagship location in 2010—has spent the past 15 years thoughtfully expanding the brand while staying true to its founding mission from 1972: making healthy food both enjoyable and approachable.Today, Jan’s operates seven locations across Southern California, including a recently opened store in Long Beach. This week, the brand enters the San Diego market for the first time with its newest location…

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Taste of Japan Brings Food, Culture and Entertainment to Anaheim GardenWalk

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By Greer Wylder
June 11, 2025

Taste of Japan returns to STC Anaheim GardenWalk from Friday, June 13, to Sunday, June 15, offering a weekend of Japanese food, culture and entertainment. Now in its sixth year, the free, family-friendly festival draws more than 100,000 attendees annually.More than 100 top Japanese vendors from Southern California will fill the GardenWalk with authentic street food, traditional meals, and curated merchandise. Festival-goers can explore Oishii Yokocho, a popular street food alley featuring eateries such as Kagura, Takoyaki Tanota, Midoh and more.The main stage will feature daily live entertainment, including traditional Japanese drumming, martial arts, anime showcases and pop culture performances.…

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