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

Celebrate the Season in Style at RJB Restaurants’ Coastal Favorites

By Greer Wylder

December 16, 2024

Russ Bendel’s seven coastal hotspots are ringing in the holidays with festive custom cocktails, indulgent culinary creations, and a rewarding gift card program. Visit Olea in Newport Beach, Sapphire and The Pantry in Laguna Beach, Ironwood in Laguna Hills, Bloom in San Juan Capistrano, and Vine and Parlor in San Clemente for the ultimate yuletide cheer!ELFING AROUNDInspired by the holiday classic Elf, celebrated mixologist Inga Tantisalidchai has crafted “Elfing Around,” a seasonal cocktail exclusive to Olea in Newport Beach. This festive drink features Papa’s Pilar blonde rum with bright vanilla and citrus notes, paired with Shanky’s Whip for a hint…

Mercado Mesa: A New Culinary Experience at Paseo 17

By Greer Wylder

December 11, 2024

Mercado Mesa has officially opened at Paseo 17, the newly reimagined boutique retail destination at the corner of East 17th Street and Westminster in Costa Mesa. Founded by Orange County local Summer Tarango, creator of Mercado Laguna, this vibrant market celebrates the beauty of everyday life with premium ingredients and carefully selected gifts. Mercado Mesa elevates the prepared meal experience, offering a variety of gluten-free options made from Summer’s signature homemade recipes.The store features a thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal produce, local provisions, and deliciously balanced meals—whether ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook. All meals are crafted with care in Summer’s Table Kitchen, located…

714 Holiday Market at Anaheim Packing District

By Greer Wylder

December 11, 2024

Experience the magic of the season at the 714 Holiday Market in Farmers Park at the Anaheim Packing District on Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15, from 1–5 p.m.Spend the afternoon browsing local vendors, savoring delicious food and festive holiday drinks, and enjoying a joyful atmosphere the whole family will love. It’s the perfect opportunity to shop, dine, and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit. Visit anaheimpackingdistrict.com/calendar for more details!440 S. Anaheim Blvd. in Anaheim.

Elevating the Art of Cocktails: SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar Unveils a Bold New Menu

By Greer Wylder

December 10, 2024

SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar, the celebrated New American restaurant in Costa Mesa, unveils an exciting new cocktail program crafted by award-winning mixologist Gabrielle Dion. Renowned for her inventive approach to mixology, Dion has curated a vibrant collection of craft cocktails that beautifully enhance SOCIAL’s dynamic dining experience.The refreshed cocktail menu blends premium spirits with unexpected ingredients, showcasing Dion’s artistry. Highlights include the tropical-inspired Sherry Colada, featuring Jamaican rum, Amontillado sherry, coconut, and lime, and the bold Big Fig Energy, a creative mix of Occitan gin, fig, lemon, and cinnamon foam. For those who prefer spirit-forward drinks, selections like the…

Bar Becky Brings Italian-American Innovation to Long Beach Exchange

By Greer Wylder

December 10, 2024

Chef Johnathan Benvenuti, a Huntington Beach native and Hell’s Kitchen finalist, has joined forces with Michelin-star restaurant veteran and sommelier Jason Scarborough to open Bar Becky, a vibrant Italian-American restaurant at Long Beach Exchange (LBX).Bar Becky, which began as a series of pop-ups at LBX before opening earlier this year, serves dinner nightly and now offers weekend brunch. The restaurant is a heartfelt tribute to Benvenuti’s late mother, Becky, whose influence inspired his culinary career.With a scratch kitchen focused on seasonal ingredients from local farmers and artisans, Bar Becky’s menu is ever-evolving. Highlights include housemade focaccia, fresh pasta, and a…