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

Less Attitude, More Gratitude in Newport Beach

By Greer Wylder

February 22, 2016

Café Gratitude, the famed San Francisco based all organic and vegan restaurant, opened a new sister restaurant and concept in Newport Beach, aptly named Gratitude. Gratitude differs from its sister locations in Los Angeles and San Diego; it specializes in seasonally-driven dishes from chef Dreux Ellis, and organic cocktails crafted by Jason Eisner, from Café Gratitude's Mexican counterpart, Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. It’s open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an adjacent Gratitude To-Go space for take-out. Gratitude is located at Castaway Commons on Westcliff Drive, a new boutique dining, shopping, fitness and wellness destination from the same…

In Pizza E Vino Veritas

By Greer Wylder

February 22, 2016

Orange County is home to some incredible Neapolitan pizza eateries and we can put Pizza e Vino in Rancho Santa Margarita on the top of that list. It’s off the beaten path, unless you’re lucky to live near Lago Santa Margarita, near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. Pizza e Vino is hardly new; it opened in 2008 and was the first OC restaurant to pass a stringent test by the foremost authority on Neapolitan pizza: Naple’s Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. Pizza e Vino is certified as a true Neapolitan pizzeria. What does it take to make the cut?…

The All New Tangata Dishes Up Lunch at the Bowers Museum

By Greer Wylder

January 08, 2016

Looking for a great new lunch dining spot for the New Year? Acclaimed Joachim Splichal of Patina Restaurant Group recently unveiled the redesign and new menu of Tangata at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Even restaurant critic Brad A. Johnson at the OC Register gave it a glowing review last month. The new space, in the museum's Mission-style courtyard, reflects the architectural style of the museum with a clean and modern aesthetic. Executive chef Donald Harris is offering an extensive menu featuring Pacific Rim influenced dishes with California flair such as Korean Marinated Skirt Steak with sesame glass noodles,…

Halal Guys Arrive In Long Beach

By Greer Wylder

January 04, 2016

New York’s food cart with a cult following, Halal Guys recently opened its second West Coast fast casual location in Long Beach. It’s first location opened in Costa Mesa in October. It’s known for its gyro sandwiches, chicken-and-rice platters and delicious mystery white sauce. You can also order delicious French fries, hummus, tahini and pita, olives and baklava. The NYC-based concept signed a deal with Fransmart known for building other popular concepts such as Five Guys, to bring 50 franchised units to Southern California. The Halal Guys grew from a modest food cart on the streets of New York City…

Saint Marc Pub, Cafe, Bakery & Cheese Affinage Opens in Pacific City

By Greer Wylder

December 29, 2015

Quite possibly the best dining concept ever: part bacon bar, bakery, cheese shop and bar, is the new Saint Marc Pub - Café, Bakery & Cheese Affinage -- a flagship restaurant at Pacific City in Huntington Beach. Saint Marc has something for everyone. A well-curated selection of craft beer in a can, expertly handcrafted cocktails served in red SOLO cups and 32 wines on draft. The bacon bar features a wild variety of flavored cuts (including wild cherry, tender belly habanero and chocolate), while the cheese lovers can choose from more than 100 international selections. The café and bakery serves caffeinated drinks…