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 20, 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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Voluspa Brings Luxury Home Fragrance to Irvine Spectrum Center

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By Greer Wylder
July 17, 2026

Luxury home fragrance brand Voluspa has opened its newest boutique at Irvine Spectrum Center, bringing its signature candles, diffusers, fragrances and home scents to the popular shopping destination.The new store features Voluspa's full collection, including its handcrafted coconut wax candles, reed diffusers, perfumes and the brand's latest summer fragrances: Nāpali Passion Fruit, Kalahari Watermelon and Tahitian Coconut Vanilla.Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.Voluspa is located in Suite 747 at Irvine Spectrum Center, 747 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine.For more information, call (949) 522-5627.Image Courtesy at Irvine Spectrum…

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VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu

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By Greer Wylder
July 14, 2026

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, has partnered with chef, restaurateur and "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa for a limited-time summer collaboration running July 14 through Sept. 30.The partnership brings two concepts, Beso Burger and Taqueria Amada, to dining venues across VEA Newport Beach, the coastal resort known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views.Beso BurgerAvailable at Edge Bar (Monday through Thursday, noon to sunset; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset):Beso Burger, $28: a single smashed prime beef patty with Beso sauce, American cheese, pickles and crinkle-cut fries on a toasted brioche bunBeso Shake, $12: a signature French…

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Amorelia Cocina Artesanal Brings the Flavors of Michoacán to Laguna Beach

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By Greer Wylder
July 13, 2026

Amorelia Cocina Artesanal has opened in Laguna Beach, bringing the flavors of Michoacán, handcrafted cocktails, and a vibrant gathering place to South Coast Highway.The new restaurant features Mexican-inspired cuisine influenced by generations of family recipes from Morelia, Michoacán, paired with fresh coastal ingredients and thoughtful presentations. The dining experience is designed around great food, warm hospitality, and creating opportunities for people to connect.Amorelia also plans to serve as a hub for culture and community, with live music on Thursday evenings, jazz nights, Latin dance events, DJ-hosted gatherings, live art activations, culinary experiences, and other community celebrations throughout the year.For co-owner…

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Via Lido Plaza Hosts Stars, Stripes & Summer Celebration July 17-18

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By Greer Wylder
July 13, 2026

Via Lido Plaza is celebrating summer with Stars, Stripes & Summer, a family-friendly community event taking place July 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.The festivities begin Friday, July 17, when visitors can take advantage of in-store promotions and get a head start on completing a Via Lido Plaza Merchant Passport.Passports can be picked up at the customer service table located next to the new mural behind Via Lido Drugs, facing West Marine. Participants who visit merchants throughout the center and collect passport stamps will be entered into an opportunity drawing for gift cards and prizes…

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