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

A Taste of Japan in Irvine: Izakaya Osen

By Greer Wylder

August 05, 2025

Since opening in Irvine in 2022, Izakaya Osen has brought the energy, artistry, and soul of a traditional Japanese izakaya to Orange County—while elevating the experience with pristine ingredients, refined technique, and warm hospitality.At the helm is Chef Damon Cho, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef whose background includes time at Nobu, Tao, and Four Seasons Hotel. After launching his first restaurant in San Francisco in 2008, Chef Cho opened the original Izakaya Osen in Silver Lake in 2017. The Osen Group now includes locations in Silver Lake, Irvine, and the omakase-focused Omakase by Osen—also in Silver Lake—with future expansions planned for San…

Hotel Maya Celebrates 50 Years as a Long Beach Icon

By Greer Wylder

July 27, 2025

This summer marks a major milestone for one of Long Beach’s most beloved waterfront landmarks. Hotel Maya, now newly independent, is celebrating its 50th anniversary—a half-century of hospitality that blends coastal California charm with Latin American influence.Since opening in 1975 as the Queensbay Hilton, the 199-room resort has become much more than a hotel. Nestled on 14 lush acres with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the downtown Long Beach skyline, and the Queen Mary, Hotel Maya has welcomed generations of travelers and locals alike. Over the years, it has been the setting for weekend getaways, business retreats, and unforgettable…

Exciting Additions at Anaheim Hills Festival: Egg Tuck, Story Bar + Kitchen, and More!

By Greer Wylder

July 24, 2025

Anaheim Hills Festival is thrilled to welcome Egg Tuck, the beloved LA-based breakfast sandwich concept, to its first Orange County location. Opening on Tuesday, March 18, Egg Tuck will serve its signature soft scrambled egg sandwiches on fresh brioche buns, alongside egg burritos, fluffy egg tots, fries, and in-house brewed coffee. Guests can find Egg Tuck next to T-Mobile at Anaheim Hills Festival (8150 E Santa Ana Canyon Road), with daily hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Egg Tuck joins other exciting new dining options at the center, including Story Bar + Kitchen, which is now open, and Nothing Bundt Cakes,…

Studio Mediterranean Debuts at Montage Laguna Beach with Reimagined Coastal Dining Experience

By Greer Wylder

July 12, 2025

Studio, the signature restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach, has reopened as Studio Mediterranean—offering a fresh culinary and design identity inspired by the purity of Mediterranean ingredients and California’s coastal bounty.Perched cliffside with panoramic views of the Pacific, Studio Mediterranean blends the elegance of fine dining with the relaxed spirit of the seaside. The seasonal menu highlights responsibly sourced seafood from Greece, Spain, Italy and the California coast, along with fresh produce from regional farms such as The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano and Sam Cobb Date Farm in Desert Hot Springs.Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Dennis Efthymiou, a…

World Taste Returns to Anaheim Packing District July 16

By Greer Wylder

July 12, 2025

Food lovers, get ready to take your taste buds on a global adventure. The Anaheim Packing District—home to Orange County’s original food hall—is celebrating its fifth annual World Taste on Wednesday, July 16, from 5 to 9 p.m.Guests will explore an international tasting experience while enjoying live music, trivia, sketching with craft beers in hand, and more. Each ticket includes seven tastes from participating eateries across the Anaheim MAKE Building, Packing House, and Farmers Park. New this year: a Tiny Taste Ticket with four tastings, perfect for kids or lighter appetites.Use code greer for 5% off tickets purchased online through…