A new sushi bar called Omakase by Gino has opened in the spot that was formerly Gu Ramen and Paninoteca Maggio before that. The restaurant serves only a multi-course omakase which runs $95 per person (UPDATE: the price is now $105 person and includes an uni pasta dish). 10 spots are available per seating. 304 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92701
A new pizza joint serving pizza, pastas, and subs called Pania Pizzaria has opened in Lake Forest. Wings and dessert are also offered. 23624 El Toro Rd, Ste A, Lake Forest, CA 92630
A birria specialist called La Super Birria has opened in Santa Ana inside Dulceria Carasol. Expect bowls of traditional birria and taco birria de res served with consome. 1041 W First St, Santa Ana, CA 92703
Nimmarn Thai Cuisine is now called Kanok Thai Bistro. Thai restaurant staples such as pad Thai and tom yum are served, but also seafood specialties like “Ginger Pompano” and “Panang Soft Shell Crab.” 1450 Baker St, Ste C, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
A new Korean restaurant called Sonamu has opened in Anaheim. Specialties include soondubu (soft tofu) and galbi tang (short rib soup). 3010 Lincoln Ave, Anaheim, CA 92801
Before becoming an award-winning restaurant critic for OC Weekly in 2007, Edwin Goei went by the alias “elmomonster” on his blog Monster Munching, in which he once wrote a whole review in haiku.