Greer's Blog

oceansuperr

Books We Loved: Ocean Adventures and an Imaginative Princess

Image
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…

Continue Reading
pacificsymponyyy

Pacific Symphony Unveils Star-Studded 2026-27 Pops Season

Image
By Greer Wylder
July 01, 2026

Pacific Symphony has announced its 2026-27 Pops Series, featuring a lineup packed with Broadway stars, holiday favorites, iconic film music and internationally acclaimed performers. Curated by Principal Pops Conductor Enrico Lopez-Yañez, the season includes performances by Idina Menzel, Cody Fry and Pink Martini, along with original productions celebrating James Bond films, sci-fi movie music and a concert presentation of Chicago. The season opens Nov. 6 and 7 with Tony Award-winning Broadway star Idina Menzel, best known for originating the role of Elphaba in Wicked and voicing Elsa in Frozen. Holiday favorite Cody Fry returns Dec. 18 and 19 for his orchestral…

Continue Reading
voxkitchennnn

What’s New at VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza

Image
By Greer Wylder
June 30, 2026

VOX Kitchen South Coast Plaza is celebrating its first anniversary with the debut of a new spring and summer menu featuring a collection of dishes, cocktails and desserts inspired by the restaurant's signature Chifa style.Created by Kei Concepts and Chef Viet Nguyen, VOX Kitchen blends Cantonese influences with the bold flavors of Peru. Since opening at South Coast Plaza, the restaurant has become known for its creative approach to cross-cultural cuisine.New menu additions include Corn Ribs topped with spicy mayo, crema, queso fresco and lemon pepper seasoning; a Hamachi Tostada with pico de gallo, sweet potato purée, avocado and yuzu…

Continue Reading
selanneee

Selanne Steak Tavern Celebrates 10 Years of Wine Spectator Recognition

Image
By Greer Wylder
June 29, 2026

Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach has once again been recognized by Wine Spectator, earning the publication's 2026 Best of Award of Excellence for the 10th consecutive year.Co-owned by hockey legend Teemu Selänne and businessman Kevin Pratt, the restaurant is known for its extensive wine program, which includes a 3,000-bottle cellar and more than 400 wine selections from leading wine regions around the world.The wine program is led by Advanced Sommelier and Wine Director Vito Pasquale and is particularly strong in California and French wines. Guests will also find an extensive by-the-glass program, rare bottlings and highly allocated wines, including…

Continue Reading
moviemondays2026

Segerstrom Center’s Y2K-Inspired Movie Mondays Return This Summer

Image
By Greer Wylder
June 26, 2026

Relive the Y2K era this summer as Segerstrom Center for the Arts brings back its popular Movie Mondays series with a nostalgic lineup of late ’90s and early 2000s favorites on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza.Returning for its 18th year, the complimentary outdoor movie series begins July 6 with The Parent Trap, followed by Men in Black on July 13, How to Train Your Dragon on July 20, The Lizzie McGuire Movie on July 27, and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl on Aug. 3.Guests may arrive beginning at 5:30 p.m., with pre-show activities from…

Continue Reading