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

Telefèric Barcelona Brings Spanish Flavor to Fashion Island

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2026

Newport Beach has a new spot for tapas and paella. Telefèric Barcelona, the family-owned Spanish restaurant group behind eight other California and Arizona locations, has opened its ninth U.S. restaurant at Fashion Island.The Padrosa family, siblings Xavi and Maria, trace the concept back to their original restaurant in Sant Cugat, Spain, which opened in 1992. The brand made its U.S. debut in Walnut Creek in 2016, and 2026 marks a decade of growth stateside, with recent openings in Scottsdale and La Jolla leading up to Newport Beach.The menu, led by Executive Chef Óscar Cabezas, leans into family-style sharing. Expect patatas…

Europa Village Unveils Lucia at the Cave, a New Wine Cave Cocktail Lounge

By Greer Wylder

August 20, 2026

Europa Village Wineries & Resort in Temecula Valley has opened Lucia at the Cave, a new cocktail bar and lounge tucked inside the resort's Vienza Cave. The concept is the newest addition to Europa Village's food and beverage lineup, bringing a polished cocktail destination to the winery's underground setting.Named for the Latin word for "light," Lucia balances elevated design with an inviting atmosphere. Custom furnishings, a central chandelier and a grand bar anchor the space, giving the subterranean cave a refined, moody feel suited to intimate dates or small gatherings. Guests can order specialty cocktails alongside Italian small plates.Standout cocktails…

Habana Turns the Lights Down for Weekly Candlelight Dinners

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2026

Wednesday nights just got warmer at Habana at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. The Cuban restaurant has launched La Candela, a candlelight dinner series held every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m., exclusively at the Costa Mesa location.More than 600 candles set the scene throughout the dining room and garden patio, creating a glowing backdrop for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. La Candela features Habana's full regular menu alongside a handful of special dishes, including stuffed tostones filled with ropa vieja, roasted pork and shrimp for $18; sea bass a la plancha, pan-seared and served with…

Jonathan Alcala Named Executive Chef at Temecula Creek Inn

By Greer Wylder

August 14, 2026

Temecula Creek Inn has named Chef Jonathan Alcala as its new Executive Chef, bringing a lifelong love of California cuisine, hyper-seasonal ingredients and community-driven dining to the beloved Southern California retreat. In his new role, Alcala oversees all culinary operations across the property, including Corkfire, Temecula Creek Inn's signature garden-and-flame restaurant, as well as special events and immersive culinary programming.Alcala arrives at Temecula Creek Inn after most recently serving as Executive Chef at Carter Hospitality Group, where he led culinary operations for more than two years. Before that, he was Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at Mount Palomar…

Anaheim White House Marks 39 Years With Italian-Style Anniversary Dinner

By Greer Wylder

August 11, 2026

Anaheim White House Italian Steakhouse is turning 39, and the historic restaurant is celebrating with a special Italian-style anniversary dinner on Sunday, Aug. 16, starting at 6 p.m.Space is limited for the multicourse evening, priced at $95 per person or $150 per person with wine pairings, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by calling 714-772-1381.Chef and owner Sir Bruno Serato, known both for his upscale restaurant and his humanitarian work, will greet guests throughout the night and share stories from his career.The reception opens with a spread of tray-passed bites: polenta gorgonzola made with creamy polenta and imported…