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

One Night, Five Courses, and a Top Chef Canada Champion at Balboa Bay Resort

By Greer Wylder

July 20, 2026

Balboa Bay Resort is bringing something special to Newport Beach this summer. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the resort will host an intimate chef's dinner with Coulson Armstrong, winner of Top Chef Canada and Culinary Director of Toronto's Our House Hospitality. Tickets are $415.90 per person and available on Eventbrite and at balboabayresort.com.Armstrong is one of Canada's most compelling culinary voices. He serves as Executive Chef of the celebrated Prime Seafood Palace, where he works alongside restaurateur Matty Matheson, and his Season 12 win on Top Chef Canada earned him fans well beyond the industry. But what shaped his cooking most…

VEA Newport Beach Debuts Chef Angelo Sosa Summer Menu

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

VEA Newport Beach, A Marriott Resort & Spa, has partnered with chef, restaurateur and "Top Chef" alum Angelo Sosa for a limited-time summer collaboration running July 14 through Sept. 30.The partnership brings two concepts, Beso Burger and Taqueria Amada, to dining venues across VEA Newport Beach, the coastal resort known for its sweeping Pacific Ocean views.Beso BurgerAvailable at Edge Bar (Monday through Thursday, noon to sunset; Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to sunset):Beso Burger, $28: a single smashed prime beef patty with Beso sauce, American cheese, pickles and crinkle-cut fries on a toasted brioche bunBeso Shake, $12: a signature French…

Flea Style Brings Its Hat Bar Concept Home to Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

July 14, 2026

Flea Style, the brand that turned a flea market side hustle into a roughly $18 million experiential retail business, is opening its first West Coast location: The Original Hat Bar in Laguna Beach.Founder Brittany Cobb bootstrapped the company from the ground up, growing it about 50% year over year and, along the way, creating a category of retail that didn't really exist before: part styling bar, part vintage shop, part experience. The brand got its start in Texas, but Cobb is an Orange County native, so the Laguna Beach opening marks a homecoming as much as an expansion.The launch also…

Via Lido Plaza Hosts Stars, Stripes & Summer Celebration July 17-18

By Greer Wylder

July 13, 2026

Via Lido Plaza is celebrating summer with Stars, Stripes & Summer, a family-friendly community event taking place July 17 and 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.The festivities begin Friday, July 17, when visitors can take advantage of in-store promotions and get a head start on completing a Via Lido Plaza Merchant Passport.Passports can be picked up at the customer service table located next to the new mural behind Via Lido Drugs, facing West Marine. Participants who visit merchants throughout the center and collect passport stamps will be entered into an opportunity drawing for gift cards and prizes…

Casa Romantica’s Summer Lineup Features Concerts, Movies and Family Fun

By Greer Wylder

July 12, 2026

With several events already sold out and summer in full swing, Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens is continuing its busy season with concerts, outdoor movies, family programs, workshops and cultural events throughout July and August.Set against the backdrop of its historic home and sweeping Pacific Ocean views, the San Clemente landmark is offering a variety of experiences for all ages.The summer concert series continues July 15 and 16 with the Blue Breeze Band performing Motown, R&B, soul, funk and blues in the courtyard. Reserved tables have sold out, but general admission tickets are still available.On July 17, the Coffee…