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French Florist Opens New Boutique in Mission Viejo

November 25, 2025

French Florist, known for vibrant handcrafted flower arrangements, is celebrating the grand opening of its Mission Viejo boutique on December 4.

During the soft launch period, customers will receive 20 percent off purchases. The opening celebration from 4:30 to 5 p.m. features a ribbon cutting, food, drinks, music, and complimentary arrangements.

Local franchisees Alan Fu and Annie Hong are bringing their passion for creativity and community to South Orange County. Alan has more than 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, working with world-class designers and developing a sharp eye for aesthetics. Annie gained her expertise through her event planning business in China and continues to build her floral design talents.

For details or to place an order, visit frenchflorist.com or call 949-520-6665. 

The boutique is located at 24000 Alicia Parkway in Mission Viejo.

Additional Orange County locations include:

Costa Mesa
1741 Newport Blvd
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
949-535-3088

Orange
3624 E. Chapman Ave
Orange, CA 92869
Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
714-941-6500

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Festive Holiday Dining at Paseo, Céntrico and Naples in the Downtown Disney District

November 24, 2025

Patina Group is bringing holiday cheer to its celebrated dining destinations at the Downtown Disney District in Anaheim. Guests can enjoy seasonal menus, festive cocktails and special culinary experiences at three standout locations: Paseo, Céntrico and Naples Ristorante e Bar.

At Paseo, Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán presents vibrant Mexican cuisine rooted in heritage and elevated with modern technique. Next door, Céntrico offers an energetic open-air bar and cantina with handcrafted cocktails and authentic dishes created by Chef Gaytán. Naples Ristorante e Bar features the best of Italian dining with classic Neapolitan pizza, handmade pastas and fresh, seasonal salads.

Paseo’s Cocina Navideña: A Holiday Heritage Celebration
Executive Chef Rudy Lopez invites guests to take part in a festive culinary experience that shares beloved Mexican holiday traditions through storytelling and flavor.

Each session includes live demonstrations of seasonal favorites:
• Tamales, traditionally prepared and simple to recreate at home
• Churros, crisp and warm with cinnamon sugar
• Ponche Navideño, served with tequila for guests 21 and older

The evening begins with signature chips and salsa.
Dates: Dec. 13 and Dec. 20
Time: 2 p.m.
Price: $70 adult, $55 child
Reservations required. Book here. 

Holiday Cocktails and Seasonal Dishes at Paseo, Céntrico, and Naples Ristorante e Bar

At Paseo:
• Coco Navidad
• Ponche Navideño
• Mexican Hot Chocolate

At Céntrico:
• Berry MexMas
• Frosty Fiesta

Seasonal Specials:
• Snowman dessert with orange mousse and rosemary and gruyere ice cream
• Chicken Tamale with mole rojo and pickled vegetables
• Tamales de Rajas with Mexican cheese blend and pickled vegetables

Naples Ristorante e Bar: Breakfast with Santa and More

Naples is celebrating the season with family events and flavorful holiday additions to the menu.

Featured cocktails:
• Santa Margarita
• Skrewball Christmas Cider

Dish highlight:
• Diwali Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, blending Italian craftsmanship with bold spices

Location and Hours

Paseo
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m.
Monday through Friday: 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m.
paseoanaheim.com

Céntrico
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Sunday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
centricoanaheim.com

Naples Ristorante e Bar
1550 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, CA 92802
Sunday through Thursday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
naplesristorante.com

quaconcepts

QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley

November 23, 2025

Kei Concepts has opened its newest concept, QUA Contemporary Chinese Cuisine, in Fountain Valley. This distinctive restaurant stands apart in the Kei Concepts family. Chef and founder Viet Nguyen created QUA as a tribute to family, memory and the flavors that shaped his life.

“For years, I created what people asked for,” says Nguyen. “This time, I’m sharing something from my own life. These are the dishes I grew up eating — meals shared with family, neighbors, and friends. The flavors that shaped me.”

QUA honors Nguyen’s grandmother, Vũ Thị Lan, who raised ten children on her own after fleeing Northern Vietnam. Her simple, nourishing meals are the inspiration behind the restaurant’s warm approach to dining. Her values of resilience, care, and togetherness guide everything QUA serves.

The menu draws from Chợ Lớn, Saigon’s historic Chinatown, blending Chinese cuisine with Vietnamese influence. Dishes are served banquet style to encourage conversation and sharing. The menu has two parts: Vietnamese Chinese staples such as roast meats, oyster pancakes, hủ tiếu noodles, and Hainanese chicken rice, along with a rotating selection called Grandma Vũ’s Menu that highlights dishes she once cooked for her family.

An inventive cocktail program and seasonal pantry items, including mooncakes, Tết sticky rice cakes, saté paste, kaya jam, and dessert kits, complement the menu and story.

With 9,000 square feet, 15 foot ceilings, and seating for nearly 190 guests, QUA is designed for lively gatherings. A 32 seat bar forms the energy of the room with private dining spaces and a patio surrounding it. Award winning HBA led the interior design with botanical textures, jewel tones, and Nguyen’s family photographs that celebrate everyday life and heritage.

In Vietnamese, QUA means “to overcome,” a reflection of resilience and cultural identity.

“This isn’t about business strategy,” Nguyen says. “It’s a love letter to my parents — and to anyone who knows what home tastes like.”

Kei Concepts, the Orange County group behind SÚP Noodle Bar, VOX Kitchen, NEP Cafe, and more, continues to push pan Asian dining forward while building community and supporting local innovation.

Wednesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Monday and Tuesday: Closed

16121 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley. (657) 300-8391

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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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