Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

The 24th Annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) Lineup

By Greer Wylder

September 29, 2023

The 24th edition of the Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) just announced its exciting lineup of 91 films hailing from 19 countries. The festival, scheduled from October 12 to 19, 2023, will feature an array of premieres, including 14 World Premieres, 14 U.S. Premieres, 6 North American Premieres, 15 West Coast Premieres, and 5 Southern California Premieres.Notable selections include three Netflix titles showcased as Centerpiece films: 'May December,' directed by Todd Haynes and starring Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, and Charles Melton; 'NYAD,' directed by Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, featuring Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, and Rhys Ifans; and 'Rustin,'…

Empowering UCI Students Through the Gift of Music

By Greer Wylder

September 29, 2023

UC Irvine students with a passion for music, regardless of their major, now have an exciting opportunity to apply for scholarships, all thanks to a generous $100,000 pledge from The Drake Gives, a charitable organization founded by Alec Glasser, a distinguished commercial developer and restaurateur. “We believe that music is a fundamental part of the soul and it can be applied in many different contexts,” Glasser says. These scholarships are aimed at supporting students who envision integrating music into their future careers.Glasser, the proud owner of The Drake Restaurant in Laguna Beach, traces his own musical journey back to his school…

Santa Ana Dedication Day: A New Beginning in Affordable Home Ownership

By Greer Wylder

September 29, 2023

On Saturday, Sept. 30, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County is uniting volunteers, sponsors, and community members for a momentous occasion - Santa Ana Dedication Day. This event will be a celebration of hope and progress as two deserving local families will be presented with the key and mortgage to their brand-new Habitat OC homes. For these families, it's a remarkable shift toward achievable home ownership.The vibrant celebration will unfold in the charming historic French Park in Santa Ana, specifically at two incredible Habitat homes on Lacy Street, showcasing the fruit of relentless construction efforts for hardworking Santa Ana families.…

Flavors of Egypt Event at Europa Village

By Greer Wylder

September 24, 2023

Experience Egyptian cuisine at Europa Village on Friday, September 29, from 6 to 9 p.m. The evening celebrates Executive Chef Hany Ali's heritage — Flavors of Egypt: A Culinary Journey.Chef Hany presents a Mediterranean feast paired with fine European wines. The outdoor ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable evening, complete with live entertainment including a talented henna tattoo artist.The menu includes:Mediterranean Muhammara Dip: A blend of roasted red peppers, walnuts, breadcrumbs, garlic, and olive oil.Whole Roast Lamb: Accompanied by tzatziki sauce and toasted pita bread.Kofta Kebabs: Savor chicken and beef kebabs bursting with taste.Falafel: Delight in garbanzo beans mixed…

The 2023 Newport Beach Film Festival Opening & Closing Night

By Greer Wylder

September 21, 2023

The highly anticipated 2023 Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) has just revealed exciting details about its upcoming edition. Kicking off on Thursday, October 12, the festival's opening night will feature the Los Angeles Times Envelope screening of "The Absence of Eden," directed by Marco Perego and starring the talented Zoe Saldaña. This event will take place at Edwards Big Newport.Continuing the cinematic journey, the festival will conclude on Thursday, October 19, at the Port Theatre, showcasing Focus Features' "The Holdovers," directed by the esteemed Alexander Payne. It's the 24th edition of this renowned film festival, promising an extraordinary in-person experience from…