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

Kei Concepts Expands ROL Hand Roll Bar with New La Habra Location

By Greer Wylder

July 31, 2026

Kei Concepts is bringing its popular ROL Hand Roll Bar to La Habra, marking the hospitality group's third location for the brand and its latest step in a steady expansion across Orange County.The new restaurant will join existing ROL locations in Fountain Valley and Irvine.At about 2,450 square feet, the La Habra spot will seat 32 guests around ROL's signature hand roll counter, giving diners a front-row view as chefs prepare each order just before it's served. The layout draws from the Fountain Valley location's modern, intimate design, keeping guests close to the action and highlighting the craftsmanship and immediacy…

Palm Springs Gets a New Reason to Stay and Stay Awhile

By Greer Wylder

July 29, 2026

Palm Springs' famed Palm Canyon Drive just got a stylish new anchor. Thompson Palm Springs, by Hyatt, has paired up with downtown newcomer Bar Issi to give visitors a fresh way to experience the desert: a secluded resort escape by day and a lively coastal Italian dining scene by night.Perched above downtown with sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Thompson Palm Springs delivers the kind of desert calm that feels far from everything, even though it's right in the middle of it all. Guests will find lush, open-air walkways, two cabana-lined pools and firepit-warmed lounges made for slowing down.…

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LJ’s Lounge Brings Soul-Infused Dining and Music to Triangle Square

By Greer Wylder

July 24, 2026

LJ's Lounge has opened at Triangle Square, bringing elevated Southern-inspired comfort food and a lively music scene to Costa Mesa. The restaurant serves dinner on weekdays and brunch on weekends, with plans to add breakfast and lunch daily in the coming weeks.Black and veteran-owned by Orange County native Kenneth Jackson, LJ's is named for his mother, Linda Jean. The weekend brunch series, Soul to Sole, features a DJ spinning old-school music on Saturdays and live gospel and jazz on Sunday mornings that transition to reggae by evening. A full entertainment calendar is coming in August.Jackson developed the menu with chef…

VIII by Selanne Unveils Summer Tasting Menu

By Greer Wylder

July 23, 2026

VIII by Selanne, the intimate tasting-menu restaurant next to Selanne Steak Tavern, has introduced a new summer menu celebrating California's seasonal harvest through a multi-course dining experience.Available for a limited time, the menu highlights premium seafood, locally sourced produce and expertly prepared meats, with each course designed to capture the freshness of summer and reflect VIII's contemporary approach to fine dining.Executive Chef Vince Terusa and his team open the experience with an assortment of canapés, including king crab tartelette, beef tartare and pomme dauphine, before moving into California Coastline, a seafood trio of bay scallop, bluefin tuna toro and Misty…

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…