casadeanada

Casa de Onda Brings Modern Mexican Fusion and Coastal Cool to Triangle Square

June 22, 2025

Now open at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa, Casa de Onda is a sophisticated new destination for Mexican American fusion, coastal-inspired cocktails, and al fresco dining under the stars. Translating to “house of vibes,” the restaurant debuted Saturday, June 21, with nightly dinner service and a live DJ starting at 8 p.m.

Designed with a Tulum-inspired aesthetic, Casa de Onda features one of the largest patios in Orange County, with palapas, firepits, and lush greenery. The indoor space is modern and serene, with a palette of soft grays, white, and black, accented by limewash finishes and atmospheric lighting in seafoam blues and greens.

The bold, Latin-rooted menu is crafted by Executive Chef Ryan Perez, a SoCal native and California Culinary Academy alum whose resume includes Bouchon Beverly Hills, CUT, 5 Feet, Alan Wong’s, and Bottega in Yountville.

Standouts include Shrimp & Grit Frites with chipotle ranchera sauce, Oaxaca Mole Braised Short Rib, and Asada Vampiro Tacos with a burnt cheddar crust. Dessert gets a twist with Tres Leches Cake topped with yuzu curd, praline, and fresh raspberries. Guests can also enjoy vibrant shareables like Shrimp Ceviche with mango-lime vinaigrette, Loaded Nachos, and a Chips & Salsa Flight.

Cocktails are playful and polished, with house infusions and regional spirits. Highlights include La Jefa (a luxe margarita with Don Fulano Blanco), La Tóxica (jalapeño tequila, cucumber, mint), and Bad Bunny (mango, pineapple, carrot, tajín). A curated selection of tequila and mezcal, wine, and bubbly spritzes round out the drinks menu.

Casa de Onda is located on the upper level of Triangle Square at 1870 Harbor Blvd. in Costa Mesa. Open for dinner nightly at 5 p.m. and lunch on weekends starting at noon. Brunch launches later this summer.

Reservations and more at casadeonda.com or call (949) 612-2349.

besttendergreensjune

Tender Greens Unveils Seasonal Summer Menu Inspired by Local Harvests

June 18, 2025

Tender Greens, the Los Angeles-based restaurant known for its elevated seasonal fare, has launched its new summer menu—highlighting fresh, vibrant produce and bold, ingredient-driven flavors. Guided by California’s local harvests and regional growers, each dish reflects the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence.

New seasonal offerings include:

Grilled Sea Bass Plate — Simply seasoned with sea salt and herb oil, served with a choice of two sides

Summer Longevity Bowl — Grilled sea bass or braised beans with heirloom tomato panzanella, charred eggplant labneh, roasted fennel and fingerling potatoes

Seasonal Vegetable Plate — A rotating medley of summer squash, sweet peppers, French green beans, mushrooms and more, with two sides

Summer Harvest Salad — Stone fruit from Family Tree Farms, blackberries, goat cheese, pistachios and caramelized onions over baby lettuces, dressed in golden balsamic vinaigrette

California Bowl — Salmon or chipotle barbecue chicken with roasted corn salsa, cilantro lime brown rice, cabbage slaw, queso fresco, pepitas and lime crema

Watermelon Agua Fresca — A refreshing seasonal sip to pair with any meal

This season's menu is rooted in partnerships with California farms, including Valdivia Farms—renowned for heirloom tomatoes—and Family Tree Farms, known for its exceptional stone fruits.

Tender Greens has two Orange County locations in Irvine:
Irvine Spectrum – 530 Spectrum Center Drive
UC Irvine – 4237 Campus Drive, Suite B165

To explore the full menu or order online, visit TenderGreens.com.

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Strickland’s Ice Cream Marks One Year in Costa Mesa

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, rotating “Flavor of the Day” offerings, and the same iconic milkshakes and Arctic Twisters.

Upcoming June flavors include Sweet Red Bean, Nutella Chip, Paradise Trios, Andes Cool Mint Fudge, and Orange Pineapple. Summer must-tries include Dubai Taro, Reese’s Cup, Snickers, and Oreo with fresh banana.

Milkshake Mondays are a local favorite, offering a free size upgrade from 3 to 7 p.m. every Monday (limit one per customer).

Strickland’s Costa Mesa is open daily, with extended hours on weekends:
Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 12:30–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 12:30–10 p.m.
(714) 887-4218

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Greer's OC
Blogger | Journalist

Since 1993, Greer has been writing about fashion, dining and trends in Orange County, as a popular columnist for the Los Angeles Time Community Newspapers (Daily Pilot, Coastline Pilot and HB Independent) and now as founder of Greer’s OC.

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