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

An Olive Oil Oasis at Fashion Island

By Greer Wylder

December 20, 2013

Fig & Olive at Fashion Island in Newport Beach is officially opening tonight for dinner. It's the second West Coast Fig & Olive, joining its Melrose Place/West Hollywood and New York City locations. Owner and founder Laurent Halasz created Fig & Olive Newport Beach as an inspiration from the coastal regions in the South of France where he hails from. Executive Chef Pascal Lorange’s menu is focused on optimum ingredients from hand-select farmers and its signature ingredient of olive oil. Lorange and Halasz traveled throughout Italy, Spain, and the South of France to discover premium olive oils and recipes for…

Let’s GO! Red O

By Greer Wylder

December 17, 2013

Orange County already boasts its fair share of sophisticated Mexican cuisine from the likes of non-TV celeb chefs such as Chef Carlos Salgado at Taco Maria at SoCo; Chef Deborah Schneider at Sol Cocina in Newport Beach and Solita Tacos and Margaritas opening Dec. 26 at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach; and Chef Gabbi Patrick's at Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen in Old Towne Orange. Not to mention the machine at Javier’s that’s hands down the best people watching scene in Orange County. And now, celeb Chef Rick Bayless, most known for PBS’ “Mexico One Plate at a Time” and Bravo’s “Top Chef…

Crispa Crepes Expands Menu

By Greer Wylder

December 02, 2013

Craving made-to-order sweet or savory crepes? At Crispa Crepes in Northpark Plaza in Irvine you can choose from more than a dozen delicious sweet and savory crepes, or try new items that include “The Kick”, a savory crepe with carnitas, chili sauce, tomato, black beans and cilantro; and Raspberry Bomb, a sweet crepe with fresh raspberries, marshmallows and homemade chocolate hazelnut spread. Crispa Crepes also added tofu as a meat substitute in the savory crepes. Each Savory Crepe comes with a complementary side salad of organic mixed greens with homemade vinaigrette and sweet crepes are sprinkled with powder sugar and…

Selanne’s Sophisticated Steakhouse

By Greer Wylder

November 19, 2013

When Selanne Steak Tavern opens Friday in Laguna Beach, Orange County will be in for a treat. Selanne Steak Tavern is a new sophisticated upscale steakhouse unlike anything else we’ve seen. Owners Anaheim Ducks' forward Teemu Selanne and partner Kevin Pratt went all out to transform a historic 1934 home on the Pacific Coast Highway, formerly French 75, into a light and airy two-level restaurant with a warm tavern-style bar and a beautiful outdoor patio with ornately pierced lanterns. Selanne Steak Tavern features New American cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Joshua Severson, formerly at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. The…

Ladera Ranch Opens New Burger Concept

By Greer Wylder

November 06, 2013

Kobe beef burgers are the rage at the newest burger concept to arrive in Orange County, BLK Burgrz (pronounced Black Burgers), will be celebrating its opening Friday in Ladera Ranch. Its contemporary American menu specializes in Kobe beef burgers served sizzling tableside, craft cocktails, and an extensive wine list. There’s a humidor for cigars to be enjoyed on the patio, and a dozen TVs inside and out so you can’t miss a sporting event. The menu features burgers and sliders made with Kobe beef, and Kobe beef blends with mild or spicy sausage, lamb, topped with a peppercorn crust, or…