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

Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente

By Greer Wylder

December 02, 2025

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Charbel Hayek brings his signature Mediterranean artistry to San Clemente with the debut of ILYA on December 4, 2025. Hayek is known for his dynamic, modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine at Los Angeles favorites Ladyhawk and Laya, as well as his celebrated appearances on “Top Chef.” He blends the relaxed elegance of Orange County with the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean coast.Hayek has captivated diners through his charismatic creativity and deep culinary heritage. Ladyhawk was named Best New Restaurant by Los Angeles Magazine, securing his place among the region’s most exciting young chefs.With ILYA, Hayek continues…

Holiday Cheer at North Italia

By Greer Wylder

December 01, 2025

North Italia is lifting holiday spirits this season with special menus and festive promotions through the end of the year.Bar North Pole: Nov. 28 through Dec. 31Participating restaurants are offering a limited-time Bar North Pole experience with a lineup of eight new seasonal drinks, including six cocktails and two zero-proof options. Each beverage will be available for $10 during launch weekend from Nov. 28 through Nov. 30.• Naughty List Cocktails: Sweater Weather with Pinot Grigio; Jingle Bell Rock with Aperol; Sleigh Ride with vodka; Santa’s Nightcap with rye; Rudolph’s Replacement with tequila; The Naughty List with vanilla vodka• Nice List…

Coastal Holiday Magic at Paséa

By Greer Wylder

December 01, 2025

The holidays are just around the corner and Paséa Hotel & Spa is filled with festive experiences and local flavor. Conveniently located in the heart of Huntington Beach, Paséa becomes a holiday hub for locals each winter, bringing seasonal energy and coastal charm to Southern California.From family traditions to festive nights out, it is where the community comes together to celebrate the season.Experience holiday magic with events including:Holiday Igloos (Now through Jan. 11)Cozy up in a private igloo overlooking the Pacific and sip seasonal cocktails under the stars. These limited-time, poolside domes offer a fireside escape perfect for date nights,…

Puesto Goes Seed-Oil Free and Launches New Winter Menu

By Greer Wylder

November 28, 2025

Puesto, the family-owned Mexican-American restaurant group known for its award-winning tacos and modern take on Mexico City cuisine, is celebrating a major milestone this winter. The restaurant has introduced new seasonal dishes and has officially transitioned to a fully seed-oil-free operation at every location.Puesto is the first Mexican restaurant group to eliminate all industrial seed oils from its kitchens. Every dish, from tacos and salsas to chips and fried favorites, is now crafted without seed oils. Since its debut in Southern California in 2012, Puesto has been committed to ingredient integrity, including hand-pressed organic non-GMO blue corn tortillas and wild-caught…

QUA Brings Contemporary Chinese Cuisine to Fountain Valley

By Greer Wylder

November 27, 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.…