North Shore Poke Company, one of the first poke stores to open in Orange County, has added a restaurant in Mission Viejo–its third in OC and seventh overall. 23052 Alicia Pkwy. Ste B1, Mission Viejo, CA 92692
Black Market Meal Prep, a meal delivery service business, has opened in the spot that was once Xa Sweet & Savory Cafe in Orange across from CHOC. 424 S. Main St., Orange, CA 92868
Raw Bar by Slapfish has opened in Huntington Beach. Along with oysters, chilled and smoked seafood, this Slapfish spinoff offers pressed sandwiches, clam chowder, and salads. 19694 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
The Sun Vegan has opened in the same hidden spot Vegan Cuisine occupied in Fountain Valley. Vietnamese vegan food is still served. 11743 Edinger Ave., Fountain Valley, CA 92708
A biryani specialist called Bawarchi Biryani, which is a part of a bigger nationwide franchise, has opened in Lake Forest. 23809 El Toro Rd., Lake Forest, CA 92630
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.