Levain Bakery opens its first Orange County location at Fashion Island in Newport Beach on Friday, Sept. 4, at 8 a.m. The New York bakery, known for its six-ounce cookies, will bring its full lineup of cookies, breads, pastries and coffee to the fourth Southern California shop in its growing footprint. For longtime Levain fans and anyone with a soft spot for a good cookie, this is a big one. The wait for a taste of the cult favorite right here in OC is almost over.

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Tastemakers of Orange County returns for its 10th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Julianne & George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. The annual event, produced by and benefiting the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance (OCAPICA), brings together more than two dozen distinguished Orange County chefs to showcase Asian and Pacific Islander-inspired cuisine. Proceeds support OCAPICA's programs in mental health and health services, youth development, housing assistance, policy education and protecting immigrant communities.

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The dining lineup at Katella Commons just keeps getting better. OCVIBE, the 100-acre development wrapping around Honda Center, announced five new dining concepts joining the 50,000-square-foot market hall set to open in early 2027. This latest round brings a genuinely exciting mix of Mexican, Filipino, Chinese and Italian flavors, and several of the operators have deep roots right here in Orange County.

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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 this festival a true signature of Orange County's culinary scene.

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