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

Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa

By Greer Wylder

October 20, 2025

Chef Zach Ficke, executive chef and owner of Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria in Costa Mesa, is one of Orange County’s most talented and ambitious young chefs. Born and raised in Aliso Viejo, Ficke’s passion for cooking started early. While studying business economics at UC Irvine, he ran an underground dining club in his dorm, selling tickets to multi-course dinners he created himself. Realizing business school wasn’t his path, he transferred to a culinary school in Chicago and later earned a bachelor’s degree in food service management in Providence, Rhode Island.After returning to Orange County, he rose quickly through the…

Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour

By Greer Wylder

October 19, 2025

The District at Tustin Legacy is getting into the fall spirit with two festive events this October: the Halloween Boo Bash and the Fall Cocktail Tour.Families are invited to the annual Halloween Boo Bash on Saturday, Oct. 25, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Promenade. The free, family-friendly celebration features trick-or-treating, music, creepy crafts, balloon twisters, face painting, and a special meet-and-greet with Labubu. Costumes are encouraged, and guests are welcome to explore The District’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment before or after the event.Throughout October, The District is also partnering with OC Foodies to present the Fall Cocktail Tour.…

Wahoo’s Marks 38 Years with Free Community Celebration in Costa Mesa

By Greer Wylder

October 19, 2025

Wahoo’s will celebrate its 38th anniversary with a free community event on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at its original Costa Mesa location, 1862 Placentia Ave. The celebration will feature live music, giveaways, and a chance to meet the brand’s founders, Wing, Ed, and Mingo Lam.The first 100 guests who bring a pet supply donation for local nonprofit The Good Pawject will receive free tacos, a limited-edition Wahoo’s × Girlfriends T-shirt printed on-site, complimentary CaliWater beverages, and special giveaways from event partners.Guests can enjoy live music from Girlfriends, Orange County’s breakout band, along with photo opportunities and…

Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine

By Greer Wylder

October 16, 2025

I’ve been on a mission to try more local restaurants that I haven’t experienced before, and Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin has been at the top of my list. It’s a buzz-worthy spot and for good reason. The restaurant has earned Michelin recognition three years in a row, in 2022, 2023 and 2024.This Tustin location opened earlier this year, while the original Chiang Rai Thai has been winning over diners in Long Beach for years. Word is definitely out, as the restaurant is almost always packed. Hot tip: join the waitlist on Yelp before you arrive. You’ll need to be…

Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest

By Greer Wylder

October 16, 2025

Authentic Afghan cuisine isn’t easy to find in Orange County. Ever since I tried the incredible dishes at Kor Kitchen in San Luis Obispo, I’ve been on a mission to find Afghan food closer to home. Gratefully, I discovered Chili Chutney Afghan Restaurant in Lake Forest, new to me but serving loyal guests since 2009.This family-owned restaurant brings the comfort of home-cooked Afghan meals to Southern California, using recipes passed down through generations. Afghan cuisine reflects a rich blend of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian influences, known for its aromatic spices, long-simmered stews, and beautifully balanced flavors.At Chili Chutney, signature…