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

Telefèric Barcelona Brings Spanish Flavor to Fashion Island

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2026

Newport Beach has a new spot for tapas and paella. Telefèric Barcelona, the family-owned Spanish restaurant group behind eight other California and Arizona locations, has opened its ninth U.S. restaurant at Fashion Island.The Padrosa family, siblings Xavi and Maria, trace the concept back to their original restaurant in Sant Cugat, Spain, which opened in 1992. The brand made its U.S. debut in Walnut Creek in 2016, and 2026 marks a decade of growth stateside, with recent openings in Scottsdale and La Jolla leading up to Newport Beach.The menu, led by Executive Chef Óscar Cabezas, leans into family-style sharing. Expect patatas…

Europa Village Unveils Lucia at the Cave, a New Wine Cave Cocktail Lounge

By Greer Wylder

August 20, 2026

Europa Village Wineries & Resort in Temecula Valley has opened Lucia at the Cave, a new cocktail bar and lounge tucked inside the resort's Vienza Cave. The concept is the newest addition to Europa Village's food and beverage lineup, bringing a polished cocktail destination to the winery's underground setting.Named for the Latin word for "light," Lucia balances elevated design with an inviting atmosphere. Custom furnishings, a central chandelier and a grand bar anchor the space, giving the subterranean cave a refined, moody feel suited to intimate dates or small gatherings. Guests can order specialty cocktails alongside Italian small plates.Standout cocktails…

Mercado González Brings Mexican Marketplace Experience to La Habra

By Greer Wylder

August 20, 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,…

Pacific Wine & Food Classic Returns to Newport Beach in September

By Greer Wylder

August 20, 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…

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…