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

Waterfront dining at its best

By Greer Wylder

January 08, 2010

There is such a thing as a restaurant with the total package: The Dock Restaurant in Newport Beach features pristine views of the bay, an intimate alfresco dining patio and elegant fare. The Dock is the latest reincarnation of its beloved predecessor, Le Quai. Located right on the bay in historic and charming Cannery Village, The Dock boasts waterfront dining in a relaxed setting ideal for weekend brunch with the girls or family and romantic dates. Look for Mediterranean-infused offerings such as braised short ribs with polenta; New Zealand lamb loin with couscous and a mint emulsion, and grilled romaine…

Old-time favorite: Zlaket’s in Garden Grove

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

Talk about history—Zlaket’s in Garden Grove has been around since 1927 and more than eight decades later, it still retains that wonderful small town market feel. The family-owned deli has remained a favorite among residents for its selection of high quality meats, deli foods and catered goods. Zlaket’s is also known for having what might be the largest selection of old-fashioned soda pop in Orange County—they carry nearly 30 kinds of bottled soda, including Bubble Up, Frosties, Filbert’s, and more! Classic sandwiches are $6 to $7; for the meat gourmand you can find leg of lamb stuffed with ortega chiles,…

Belgian feast: Brussels Bistro in Laguna Beach

By Greer Wylder

January 03, 2010

Get an authentic taste of Belgian cuisine right here in Orange County - in downtown Laguna Beach to be exact. Just walk down a short flight of stairs to the below-ground brasserie known as Brussels Bistro. Once inside the brick-walled eatery, the atmosphere is usually lively and boisterous, filled with patrons tucking into classic Belgian favorites like savory pommes frites (the Belgians are famous for their fries!), crock of mussels and of course, throwing back plenty of Belgian beers like Chimay. Find other Belgian specialties like Flemish asparagus, cheese croquettes with gray shrimps from the North Sea, traditional waterzooi (a…

A Taste of France in Newport

By Greer Wylder

December 28, 2009

Transport yourself to France with a meal at Pescadou Bistro in Newport Beach. Once inside the warm and inviting restaurant, tucked away on Newport Boulevard, you might actually forget you’re in Orange County. Owners Jacques and Olga de Quillien are gracious hosts of the longtime eatery—they’ve been offering their popular Blackboard Specials (3-course dinners for $29) before the prix-fixe craze hit restaurants in the area. The Onglet steak, with shallots in a red-wine reduction ($21), is steak done right and the magret, a roasted duck breast with a green peppercorn sauce, is another stellar pick ($25). Photo via OC Register.…

Piping hot deals

By Greer Wylder

December 28, 2009

Cold weather is always a compelling reason for a bowl of hot soup. And nowhere might it be hotter than at Gyu-Kaku in Huntington Beach. While the popular Japanese-Korean BBQ chain is known for its yakiniku or chargrilled meats, a must-try is the goma negi udon ($8)—the savory noodle soup arrives bubbling from a substantial stone bowl so thick and heavy that the broth won’t grow tepid before the last slurp. It will warm you from head-to-toe! The Happy Hour at Gyu-Kaku is also beloved by locals: from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to closing, enjoy $3…