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

Ospi Costa Mesa Brings Southern Italian Flavors to Orange County

By Greer Wylder

January 27, 2025

Chef Jackson Kalb, known from Top Chef Season 19, has expanded his Memento Mori Hospitality group to Orange County with the opening of Ospi Costa Mesa at Paseo 17—a newly reimagined upscale center at East 17th Street and Westminster in Costa Mesa. Opened last month, this marks Memento Mori’s first Orange County location and the second Ospi outpost.Kalb’s culinary journey started at just 13 years old as an apprentice at Melisse (2 Michelin stars) in Santa Monica. Before earning a degree from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, he sharpened his skills at world-class restaurants, including Joël Robuchon (3 Michelin…

Support LA: An Evening of Giving at Westwood Coast

By Greer Wylder

January 27, 2025

Westwood Coast at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa is teaming up with local realtor Holly McDonald of Compass Real Estate to host Support LA, a donation event benefiting wildfire relief efforts. Join them on Wednesday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and help make a difference.All donations collected will go to the Wilshire Rotary, and as a thank-you, every guest who brings a donation will receive a complimentary cocktail and appetizers from Westwood Coast.Requested Donation Items:New hair products for men, women, and childrenNew toiletries for teen boys and girlsNew youth undergarments (underwear, undershirts, socks, etc.)New women’s black leggings (sizes…

Lunar New Year Afternoon Tea at Knife Pleat

By Greer Wylder

January 24, 2025

Knife Pleat welcomes the Year of the Snake with a special Lunar New Year-inspired Saturday Afternoon Tea Service. Michelin-starred Chef Tony Esnault and restaurateur Yassmin Sarmadi invite guests to experience this elegant offering in the Penthouse at South Coast Plaza.Available on Saturdays, January 25, February 1, and February 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m., the menu features delightful treats such as mini Mooncake, Black Sesame Ball with Mandarin Filling, Chocolate Gold Coins, and more, paired with a selection of expertly curated teas.For an elevated experience, caviar and champagne may be added to the tea service. Seating is limited, and…

The Crack Shack Kicks Off the New Year with Bold New Flavors

By Greer Wylder

January 24, 2025

The Crack Shack is welcoming the new year with an exciting lineup of bold, flavor-packed offerings crafted with premium ingredients. Located on Costa Mesa’s vibrant East 17th Street—renowned as a foodie destination for its diverse and noteworthy restaurants—The Crack Shack continues to elevate the fast-casual dining experience with chef-driven creations designed for culinary adventurers. Even the humble chicken nugget gets a gourmet twist, with the 6-Piece Nugs made from fresh, free-range Jidori chicken, delivering fine dining precision in every bite.This season’s special bowl, Downward Dog, now features a vibrant mix of maple-roasted yams, pine nut crumble, shaved Brussels and broccoli…

Wild Strawberry Café Opens in Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

January 23, 2025

For 14 years, Wild Strawberry Café has been a cherished European-style café in Newport Beach, with three locations in the Fashion Island area. Now, the family-owned business is growing as Milena, daughter of founders Natasha and Alex, opens a new location in Laguna Beach—taking over the former Koffee Klatch space.Milena is thrilled to expand the family brand, bringing her passion for community, freshness, and Wild Strawberry’s Healthy Eating, Healthy Living philosophy to Laguna Beach.Wild Strawberry Café is known for its organic coffee, fresh-baked goods, breakfast burritos, omelets, wraps, sandwiches, vibrant salads, and a commitment to using no seed oils. “Our…