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

Working for Poke

By Greer Wylder

September 06, 2016

Poke concepts are popping up all over Orange County, and if you are a fan of the food trend—you’ll appreciate the newest New York-based Pokéworks that opened its first SoCal location at Culver Plaza in Irvine. Pokéworks specializes in customizable poké bowls, poké burritos and poke salads. You can choose from protein options such as ahi tuna, salmon, seared albacore, shrimp, scallops, chicken and organic tofu. And then, you can add cucumber, edamame, blanched kale, shiso leaves and diced mango. Lastly, the toppings range from avocado and sesame seeds to roasted macadamia nuts and wonton crisps. Pokéworks is at 15333…

Modern Mexican Cuisine at Anepalco

By Greer Wylder

July 10, 2016

Chef Danny Godinez at Anepalco is on a major roll—he’s elevating Mexican cuisine in Orange County and beyond. He grew up in Acapulco and cooked alongside his mom at her restaurant since he was a young child. She instilled in him that cooking from scratch was the only way to go and her influence stuck. He’s worked at some of the best kitchens in Orange County and already has two thriving restaurants in Orange under his belt: Anepalco Café on Main Street, and Anepalco at the ALO, an Ayres Hotel on W. Chapman Avenue. And, he’ll be opening El Mercado…

American Grill Meets Sushi

By Greer Wylder

May 22, 2016

The thriving and award-winning grill concept, Kona Grill just opened its first California location across from the Yard House at Irvine Spectrum Center. The new Kona Grill has a 1980’s Vegas lounge-style vibe, lots of blue lighting, an expansive bar and a custom focal point aquarium. It specializes in made from scratch American cuisine with a modern spin, award-winning sushi with fresh seafood flown in daily, as well as steaks, crafted cocktails and seasonal menus. Signature dishes include Macadamia Nut Chicken with a pineapple-papaya marmalade, Miso-Sake Sea Bass and a passion fruit crème brûlée. Sushi options include Salmon Wasabi Sashimi, with…

SeaSalt Woodfire Grill ‘Farm-to-Fire’ Grilling in Huntington Beach

By Greer Wylder

May 22, 2016

After years of perfecting Santa Maria-style barbecue to her liking, Alicia Whitney, owner of the award-winning SeaLegs Wine Bar and her team just opened SeaSalt Woodfire Grill in Huntington Beach. The fantastic lumberjack breakfast and grilled meat concept specializes in “farm-to-fire” grilling made famous by mid-19th century settlers in Santa Maria Valley on the California central coast. Thanks to SeaSalt Woodfire Grill, you can enjoy a modern interpretation of the feasts that 19th century California ranches put on for their vaqueros as well as family and friends. It’s introducing the tasty, smoky, hearty flavors to Orange County. “Pitmasters’ live-fire grilling…

ARC Owners Open New Concept: Restaurant Marin

By Greer Wylder

April 12, 2016

Restaurant Marin is the latest concept to open from award-wining chef Noah and Marín von Blöm, the same duo who brought us ARC at SOCO in Costa Mesa. The sophisticated yet casual restaurant is adjacent to ARC, and next month, the von Blöms will unveil, The Guild Club, also at SOCO. Restaurant Marin serves breakfast all day, lunch, dinner and dessert from 7 a.m. to midnight daily. Marin created the stunning design of her namesake diner; it features contemporary and vintage elements unlike any other local eateries. She chose antiqued mirrored panels, vintage windows, pressed sea glass tables, handmade Italian tiles, stingray leather booth seating, and…