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

New Natural Store

By Greer Wylder

December 12, 2012

Avanti Café just launched Avanti Natural Store to make it easier to order their delicious vegan cookies and other gourmet organic treats made daily at their kitchen. (We’ve never tasted better snickerdoodles in our lives, and they’re vegan!) It’s also a perfect time to order holiday treats to share with friends and family. Choose from tangy oat chew cookies, brownies, chocolate truffle cookies, vegan snickerdoodle cookies, vegan chocolate chip pecan cookies, and mix ‘n’ match spices and salts such as its margarita salt that rims the glasses of Avanti’s award winning margaritas. As a special for Greer’s OC readers, you…

Smashburger Opens

By Greer Wylder

November 20, 2012

Smashburger, the self-proclaimed “better burger” restaurant is opening its first Orange County location today in the food court at the Shops at Mission Viejo on Wednesday, Dec. 5, in Aliso Viejo. You can create your own juicy burger or enjoy one of Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes, along with a Haagen-Dazs shakes, sides and special menu items like the OC Smashburger, a 100-percent Angus Beef burger topped with grilled sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions, baby arugula, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo on an egg bun. Their “secret” is in the “smash,” a fresh Angus beef that’s smashed on a 400-degree flat grill…

Try Bruxie

By Greer Wylder

November 08, 2012

Bruxie’s Old Town Orange flagship location turns two this week, and in honor of the occasion it will hold a “birthday fundraiser” Thursday benefiting the Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire and the Wounded Warrior Project. Stop by and savor Bruxie’s signature gourmet waffle sandwiches seasonal shakes and floats made with real Wisconsin frozen custard and Bruxie will donate 10% of all sales from its locations in Old Towne Orange, Brea Downtown and Rancho Santa Margarita to the designated charities. Bruxie specializes in authentic Belgian waffles, as well as salads, locally produced old-fashioned cane sugar sodas, real Wisconsin frozen custard, shakes, sundaes…

Free Tastings at Mother’s

By Greer Wylder

November 07, 2012

Mother's Market and Kitchen is hosting free holiday tastings this month starting with their organic and imported cheese tasting on November 8. If you have never been to Mother's, it is a treat to walk in and get your senses blasted by the fresh produce, blended juices and apparently, quite a selection of cheese. The casual evening will not only include domestic and imported cheeses from sheep, cow and goat milk, but there will also be C-Salt Chocolate and local jams to try. Reservations are a must so email sharonr@mothersmarket.com or call 800.595.6667

Muy Sabroso

By Greer Wylder

September 10, 2012

Craving a fresh and healthy fast casual Mexican spot? Tortillaz in Irvine fits the bill, serving healthy alternatives of Mexican classic dishes by offering wheat tortillas, brown rice, cage free eggs in its breakfast burritos ($5.50), and always grilled black Angus beef, grilled white meat chicken, Wahoo grilled fish, and fresh homemade salsas and sauces. Go for the grilled Wahoo fish taco combo with cabbage, sprinkled with Monterey jack cheese, pico de gallo and cilantro sauces, and served with choice of two sides white or brown rice, black or pinto beans, seasonal vegetables or seasoned corn ($5.25); or when you’re…