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

Piping hot deals

By Greer Wylder

December 28, 2009

Cold weather is always a compelling reason for a bowl of hot soup. And nowhere might it be hotter than at Gyu-Kaku in Huntington Beach. While the popular Japanese-Korean BBQ chain is known for its yakiniku or chargrilled meats, a must-try is the goma negi udon ($8)—the savory noodle soup arrives bubbling from a substantial stone bowl so thick and heavy that the broth won’t grow tepid before the last slurp. It will warm you from head-to-toe! The Happy Hour at Gyu-Kaku is also beloved by locals: from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to closing, enjoy $3…

Turkish Delights

By Greer Wylder

December 08, 2009

Hooray for another Turkish eatery in Orange County. If you’re a fan of perfectly spiced kebabs, hummus, eggplant dips and doner—tender meat that’s sliced off a rotating spit—you’ll enjoy the fare at Spinner’s Turkish Kebabs in Fountain Valley. Locals are raving about the Halal-certified restaurant and its flavorful offerings, from kofte (a ground meat patty seasoned with parsley and mint) and spicy chicken kebabs to the shawarma (shaved meat tucked in lavash or pita sandwich)—all reasonably priced, too. Don’t forget to nab some baklava to finish your meal on a sweet note and some house Turkish tea, which is complimentary.…

Hippie taco heaven?

By Greer Wylder

December 04, 2009

Ah, the little hippie taco stand that could. Locals will tell you that Taco Loco in Laguna Beach has become a little hole-in-the-wall icon of the picturesque seaside town. Purists may decry the Californianized Mexican fare, what with offerings like the blackened mushroom and tofu taco ($3) to calamari nachos, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less enjoyable. Perhaps the most popular item there? The blackened mushroom and tofu burger—just a basic a square of tofu with sauteed mushrooms that’s made thoroughly satisfying with a scoop of avocado pico de gallo and healthy douse of hot sauce ($6). Then head…

Sweet treats at Italian Tomato

By Greer Wylder

December 04, 2009

The name might conjure up images of pasta dishes, but the glass displays full of pretty cakes and pastries would tell you different at The Italian Tomato in Costa Mesa. The little bakery is one of many popular Japanese food stalls at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Costa Mesa. There you can find unique Japanese-Italian-French confections, from Green Tea Tiramisu to Tart Pudding Cake (a white sponge cake with fresh fruits and a layer of tangy pudding), to the house-favorite Today’s Cake, which is white cake layered with delicately crispy phyllo dough, fruit and cream. Try the Mont Blanc, a creamy and…

Seaside Caribbean magic

By Greer Wylder

November 30, 2009

Gentlemen, look no further if you want to take your date to one of OC’s most romantic restaurants: Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen in Laguna Beach. The seaside gem has been a favorite among locals for years and for good reason. Strings of twinkling lights around the restaurant lend an intimate vibe, but it’s the fiery island-inspired dishes and deliciously strong cocktails that make for a sultry experience. You’ll find that owner Eva Madray is an exceedingly gracious host—don’t miss her rum cocktails like the Brown Suga, which is rimmed with a dusting of cinnamon or the Mango Tango, a mango martini…