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

POOL PARTY AT THE ISLAND!

By Greer Wylder

June 15, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Can you imagine enjoying a lazy pool party and barbecue on Sunday afternoons where you don’t have to do the shopping, cooking or cleaning? Then head over to The Island Hotel Newport Beach on Sunday afternoons where families swim from 3-5 pm. and then enjoy a posh and delicious barbecue buffet from 5-9 p.m. Last summer, my family lounged at the Island Hotel’s tropical pool area (with loungers, towels, jacuzzi and poolside service) for a long and relaxing swim. While the adults ordered refreshing cocktails, the kids were in summertime heaven splashing in the water. After two…

Only the Freshest!

By Greer Wylder

June 14, 2011

When it comes to buying produce in Fountain Valley, Smith Farms is about as old-fashioned as it gets. For a split second, you might even forget that you’re in Orange County. Minus its proximity to tract homes, Smith Farms looks like a rural produce stand with a varied selection of organic produce: tomatoes, potatoes, mangos, avocados, bananas, and a new crop of red, yellow and white onions, as well as extra fancy Haas avocados, Ruby Bliss seedless watermelons, strawberries, corn, lettuce, squash and broccoli. Behind the stand you can also go out into the field and shop from fresh fruits…

Memphis: Family-Friendly Retro!

By Greer Wylder

June 13, 2011

Review by Sheryll Alexander Memphis Costa Mesa is part retro hot spot and a family-friendly Southern-inspired eaterie. Hipsters congregate inside the rather dark space, which gives it some mystery and romance. Memphis is an impressive place to buy a potential lover a drink to sip and savor. Speaking of drinks, don’t miss ordering up a cocktail at Memphis. We recommend a classic mojito, margarita or hand-shaken martini. Just remember Memphis is a fusion between classic Southern and fresh California cuisines. You can order fried chicken, meatloaf and jambalaya; and its California bent, means that Memphis is always a good place…

TAKE DAD TO BRUNCH!

By Greer Wylder

June 12, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander Want to take your father or your husband (or both!) to a really cool Father’s Day Brunch? Here’s a list of father-friendly brunches and meal deals in OC: Father’s Day Barbecue Brunch at The Catch The Catch in Anaheim is a perfect spot to enjoy brunch with a sports-loving father. This all-you-can-eat brunch costs $34.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and $12.95 for children ages 3-10. Served from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., this sumptuous brunch features fresh seafood on ice, salads, fruits, omelettes, pastas, Belgian waffles and chicken enchiladas, plus a pit barbecue on the patio…

LA CREMA WINE DINNER AT VUE!

By Greer Wylder

June 02, 2011

By Sheryll Alexander One of the top wineries in the world, La Crema is hosting a wine dinner at the Laguna Cliff Marriott’s fabulous Vue restaurant on Thursday, June 9, starting at 6 p.m. (Seating is limited so call 949-487-7516 or the resort’s concierge at 949-487-7577 to make reservations.) This extravagant six-course dinner (see menu below) costs just $90 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity) and features the fine local and international ingredients, which are paired with exclusive La Crema wines. Vue’s La Crema Wine Dinner Menu Heirloom Tomato Salad Avocado Pearls, Mache, Tangerine Oil, “Minus 8” Balsamic…