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

Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

By Greer Wylder

November 05, 2025

Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort invites guests to savor the season by the sea with live entertainment, special savings, and a cozy fall menu.The resort’s popular Concerts Under the Stars series returns November 29 with ABBA Under the Stars, a lively evening of nostalgia and music beneath the coastal sky. Guests who dine or enjoy drinks onsite that night will receive complimentary parking with a $30 food and beverage purchase, making it an ideal Thanksgiving weekend escape.To celebrate the start of the holiday shopping season, the resort’s Black Friday Sale begins November 10, offering up to 30% off stays of…

Culinary Dropout Opens in Old Towne Orange

By Greer Wylder

November 03, 2025

Culinary Dropout, the modern eatery known for its scratch-made dishes, inventive cocktails, and relaxed, playful energy, just opened in Old Towne Orange. The new restaurant marks the concept’s 16th location nationwide and its second in California, following its Southern California debut in Del Mar earlier this year.Created by Arizona-based Fox Restaurant Concepts and restaurateur Sam Fox, Culinary Dropout is built around a passion for classic comfort food and a focus on fresh ingredients made in-house daily.Guests can expect signature dishes that showcase that philosophy, including:• Soft Pretzels & Provolone Fondue – Warm, freshly baked pretzels served over an open flame…

Chef Charbel Hayek to Open ILYA in San Clemente

By Greer Wylder

November 03, 2025

Acclaimed chef and restaurateur Charbel Hayek brings his signature Mediterranean artistry to San Clemente with the debut of ILYA on December 4, 2025. Hayek is known for his dynamic, modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine at Los Angeles favorites Ladyhawk and Laya, as well as his celebrated appearances on “Top Chef.” He blends the relaxed elegance of Orange County with the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean coast.Hayek has captivated diners through his charismatic creativity and deep culinary heritage. Ladyhawk was named Best New Restaurant by Los Angeles Magazine, securing his place among the region’s most exciting young chefs.With ILYA, Hayek continues…

Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo

By Greer Wylder

November 02, 2025

Prime Pizza is bringing its California take on classic New York-style pizza to Orange County with the opening of its first location in Mission Viejo on Monday, Nov. 3. The shop is currently open with limited hours as the team prepares for its grand opening celebration.To celebrate, Prime Pizza will give away merch and serve free slices from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (limit one per person) on Nov. 3 at its newest shop at 24420 Alicia Parkway.Founded in Los Angeles in 2014, Prime Pizza is known for its authentic New York–style pies made with premium ingredients. Each pizza starts…

North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond

By Greer Wylder

November 02, 2025

North Italia has launched its new Fall and Winter menu at all locations nationwide, including its Orange County restaurant in Irvine where we dined this week. The seasonal update brings back fan favorites, introduces new chef-driven dishes, and adds fall twists across brunch, lunch and dinner.New seasonal highlights include the Italian Short Rib Lumache with grana padano crema and horseradish gremolata, the Sunday Night Lasagna with braised short rib and Italian sausage, and the Prime New York Steak Tagliata served with wild arugula and shaved grana padano. Brunch brings a refreshed Morning Market Board featuring a caramelized onion frittata, burrata,…