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

Turkish Cuisine at Its Best

By Greer Wylder

October 24, 2014

The next time you head out for a Costco run in Fountain Valley, consider stopping by Istanbull Grill that’s in proximity to the behemoth Costco center, but across the street on Newhope. This place is unassuming from the outside, but inside you will find some of Orange County’s best Mediterranean cuisine. The portions are generous, the food is delicious and the prices are so reasonable. You’ll start with warm pita bread served with fresh olive oil and sundried tomatoes. And, we highly recommend the falafel; the babaganoush, a dip like hummus, but made with eggplant instead of chickpeas; and sigara…

Dine and Drink at Social Costa Mesa

By Greer Wylder

October 07, 2014

The new SOCIAL Costa Mesa on West 19th Street is a chef and ingredient-focused restaurant with locally-sourced produce and meats set in an open rustic atmosphere with reclaimed wooden tables and leather booths. SOCIAL’s team, restaurateur Andrew Dorsey, former Playground Chef Jeffrey Boullt, Chronic Tacos co-founder Dan Biello, and entrepreneur Mac Carlson are on a mission to provide Costa Mesa with a go-to place that has something for everyone: shared plates, weekend brunch, late-night bites, seasonal menus, indulgent entrees, as well as handcrafted cocktails. Chef Boullt has worked for award-winning chefs such as Eric Greenspan, Tory McPhail, Suzanne Goin, as…

MESA’S Shining Starr

By Greer Wylder

September 24, 2014

Easily one of the chicest, lounge-like restaurants--the retractable open air ceiling, nightly entertainment and ambience is incredible--in Orange County, MESA at the Camp in Costa Mesa, is also a great dining spot with a new Executive Chef Niki Starr Weyler who has worked in some of the best kitchens in OC, including French 75, Charlie Palmer’s and Broadway by Amar Santana. Chef Niki is slowly incorporating at taste of Niki to the menu, while keeping the die hard favorites that MESA regulars love, such as the tempura green beans served with eel and green goddess dipping sauce, margherita pizza, house…

Urban Seoul 2.0 at Irvine Spectrum Center

By Greer Wylder

September 04, 2014

Urban Seoul, a popular Korean fusion restaurant just opened its second location in Orange County, at Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine. Its original location opened two years ago at Diamond Jamboree in Irvine. Local restaurateurs Bronnie Lee and Chef Kacy Jun’s are inspired by SoCal’s culinary melting pot at Urban Seoul 2.0 with popular dishes blending flavors of Asia and Mexico, and a nod to the street food scene. All dishes cost $10 or less which considering the ingredients, amazing dishes, and modern ambience, is a great deal. Some of our favorite dishes include the chorizo fried rice; Wagyu Loco…

Spiciest City

By Greer Wylder

August 29, 2014

We just discovered Spicy City in Anaheim Hills, an upscale Chinese restaurant with both American style Chinese foods and traditional Szechuan dishes to satisfy all tastes. The Anaheim Hills location was formerly Mandarin Taste and is now owned by Tony Xu who hails from Hunan, China. He's bringing a love for his mother’s cooking to Spicy City. He also has a location in Irvine on Culver Drive. Whether you want to stop by for a lunch buffet or order off the lunch and dinner menu, you can dine on Chinese favorites such as egg rolls, hot and sour soup, Kung…