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

VOX Kitchen Brings Modern Chifa Flavor to Aliso Viejo

By Greer Wylder

August 30, 2026

Kei Concepts is opening a third VOX Kitchen location in Aliso Viejo on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The new restaurant brings the brand's Modern Chifa cuisine to South Orange County for the first time.VOX Kitchen opened in Fountain Valley in 2017 as one of Kei Concepts' first restaurants. It has since grown into one of the group's best-known names, with locations in Fountain Valley and South Coast Plaza. The concept is built on Chifa, the culinary tradition blending Chinese and Peruvian influences, with a menu known for bold flavor and multicultural roots.The 3,298-square-foot Aliso Viejo location will seat close to 80…

Zov’s Mediterranean Restaurant Set to Open on 17th Street in Costa Mesa

By Greer Wylder

August 30, 2026

Zov's is coming to Costa Mesa. The Mediterranean restaurant will open at 428 E. 17th St., in the former Playa Mesa space, in late 2026. The move follows the brand's debut in San Clemente earlier this year.17th Street's dining choices are getting better and better, with Ospi, Oak & Coal, Tabu Shabu, Salt & Lime and many more. Zov's joins a strip already known for independent, chef-driven spots. The Costa Mesa location will carry the same family hospitality that has defined the brand since it opened nearly 40 years ago.Zov Karamardian opened the first Zov's in 1987 with her husband,…

Sweet Arrival: Levain Bakery Opens First Orange County Location at Fashion Island

By Greer Wylder

August 29, 2026

Levain Bakery opens its first Orange County location at Fashion Island in Newport Beach on Friday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. The New York bakery, known for its six-ounce cookies, will bring its full lineup of cookies, breads, pastries and coffee to the fourth Southern California shop in its growing footprint. For longtime Levain fans and anyone with a soft spot for a good cookie, this is a big one. The wait for a taste of the cult favorite right here in OC is almost over.The first 100 people in line Friday will get a custom Levain Bakery Newport Beach…

Outpost Kitchen Refreshes Menu for National Better Breakfast Month

By Greer Wylder

August 29, 2026

As National Better Breakfast Month arrives this September, there's no better time to embrace mindful morning meals with fresh, nourishing ingredients that set the tone for successful days.Outpost Kitchen in Costa Mesa makes celebrating National Better Breakfast Month effortless and enjoyable with a refreshed menu including new craft dishes made from organic, locally sourced ingredients.Known for its wholesome approach to breakfast, brunch and lunch, Outpost Kitchen serves flavorful meals that keep guests feeling their best long after the morning ends. Launching this week, the refreshed menu reflects the restaurant's ongoing pursuit of innovative, high-quality offerings inspired by Earth's best ingredients.A…

OCAPICA’s Tastemakers of Orange County Celebrates 10 Years of Community-Driven Cuisine

By Greer Wylder

August 26, 2026

Tastemakers of Orange County returns for its 10th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.The annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), brings together more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs to showcase Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine. Proceeds support OCAPICA's programs in mental health and health services, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.“Ten years ago, OCAPICA faced an uncertain future due to the financial crisis and…