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

Love at First Bite: Valentine’s Dining in Orange County

By Greer Wylder

February 11, 2025

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with unforgettable dining experiences at some of Orange County's most romantic restaurants. Whether you prefer ocean views, Michelin-starred tasting menus, or cozy brunches with bottomless mimosas, these special offerings are sure to impress your loved one.HAVEN CRAFT KITCHEN + BAR — ORANGEEnjoy a three-course prix-fixe dinner in charming Old Towne Orange, featuring fresh, awe-inspiring ingredients. Highlights include Hamachi Crudo with avocado mousse and Passion Fruit Crème Brulee. Couples can share an 18oz Dry-Aged Ribeye. Brunch lovers can indulge in Bananas Foster Bread Pudding French Toast and bottomless mimosas on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3…

Pepper Lunch Expands to Irvine Spectrum with a Sizzling Grand Opening!

By Greer Wylder

February 02, 2025

Orange County is about to welcome its second Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born, fast-casual DIY teppan restaurant, opening at Irvine Spectrum Center on Friday, February 7. Known for its signature “sizzle-it-your-way” experience, the brand has expanded to over 530 locations in 17 countries since debuting 30 years ago. It's original OC location opened in 2018 at Diamond Jamboree in Irvine. At Pepper Lunch, guests take the lead in their dining experience, blending traditional Japanese flavors with a modern do-it-yourself teppan concept. The menu features bold, high-quality ingredients at an affordable price, with most dishes priced under $20.The restaurant’s offerings complement the diverse…

Stonefire Grill Supports Wildfire Relief with Meal Donations and Fundraising Match

By Greer Wylder

January 29, 2025

Stonefire Grill, a beloved Southern California restaurant group with 13 locations across Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and San Bernardino counties, is stepping up to support those affected by the recent wildfires. The restaurant will match donations up to $10,000 collectively, with all proceeds benefiting the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region through Round It Up America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit facilitating charitable contributions.To encourage community participation, anyone who makes an in-person donation at Stonefire Grill on February 3—National Carrot Cake Day—will receive a voucher for a free slice of its incredible carrot cake.Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Stonefire Grill is…

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Incredible Dining Experiences at South Coast Plaza

By Greer Wylder

January 29, 2025

Ring in the Year of the Snake with symbolic dishes, festive cocktails, and exclusive dining experiences at South Coast Plaza’s renowned restaurants. From special prix fixe menus to creative collaborations and limited-time offerings, here’s where to celebrate:TERRACE BY MIX MIXChef Ross Pangilinan presents a three-course prix fixe menu with Asian fusion flavors, available through February 9 for $60 per person (exclusive of tax and gratuity).First Course: Crab & Shrimp Toast with brioche, herbs, spicy aioli, sesame seeds, and Asian vinaigrette or Pork Belly Bao Buns with hoisin, Korean chili cucumber, and chives.Main Course: Chilean Seabass with soy ginger chicken broth,…

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…