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

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

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2026

Orange County is about to get a little sweeter. Levain Bakery, the legendary New York City bakery famous for its six-ounce cookies, is opening its first Orange County location in early September at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The new shop will bring the brand's signature cookies, breads, pastries and coffee to the community, marking Levain's fourth Southern California location and the next step in its steady retail expansion.Levain celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, and this opening introduces its handcrafted cookies, breads, pastries and neighborhood bakery feel to a new group of fans. The bakery will sit inside Fashion…

Mercado González Brings Mexican Marketplace Experience to La Habra

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2026

Northgate González Market is bringing its acclaimed Mercado González experience to La Habra, transforming one of the company's longest-standing neighborhood stores into a culinary and cultural destination inspired by the mercados found throughout Mexico.Building on the success of the flagship Mercado González in Costa Mesa, the reimagined La Habra location will blend the everyday convenience of grocery shopping with authentic Mexican food, artisan goods, live entertainment and gathering spaces that celebrate the richness of Mexican culture."For decades, our La Habra store has proudly served generations of families while supporting community partners like Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, The Gary Center,…

Habana Turns the Lights Down for Weekly Candlelight Dinners

By Greer Wylder

August 17, 2026

Wednesday nights just got warmer at Habana at The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. The Cuban restaurant has launched La Candela, a candlelight dinner series held every Wednesday starting at 4 p.m., exclusively at the Costa Mesa location.More than 600 candles set the scene throughout the dining room and garden patio, creating a glowing backdrop for a date night or a relaxed dinner with friends. La Candela features Habana's full regular menu alongside a handful of special dishes, including stuffed tostones filled with ropa vieja, roasted pork and shrimp for $18; sea bass a la plancha, pan-seared and served with…

Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Beach in September

By Greer Wylder

August 16, 2026

One of Southern California's most beloved culinary events is back, and it's stepping into an exciting new chapter. The Pacific Wine & Food Classic returns Saturday, Sept. 12, to Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach.This year's festival is produced under the leadership of Tricia Cook, a longtime member of the event team who has helped shape it since day one and has now taken the reins. Cook brings a deep understanding of the event's legacy along with a fresh vision for where it's headed, and she's committed to keeping the elevated food, wine and hospitality experience that has made…

Jonathan Alcala Named Executive Chef at Temecula Creek Inn

By Greer Wylder

August 14, 2026

Temecula Creek Inn has named Chef Jonathan Alcala as its new Executive Chef, bringing a lifelong love of California cuisine, hyper-seasonal ingredients and community-driven dining to the beloved Southern California retreat. In his new role, Alcala oversees all culinary operations across the property, including Corkfire, Temecula Creek Inn's signature garden-and-flame restaurant, as well as special events and immersive culinary programming.Alcala arrives at Temecula Creek Inn after most recently serving as Executive Chef at Carter Hospitality Group, where he led culinary operations for more than two years. Before that, he was Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Director at Mount Palomar…