We interviewed Ryan Garlitos of Irenia Supper Club less than two months ago. At the time, his response to when his next pop-up would be went something like, “We hope to have our next supper club sometime in January, but we will have a better idea after the new year.” We now know why he waited so long to follow up.
Gustavo broke the news of The North Left closing late last month. Not even a week later, Irenia Supper Club reached out to announce their upcoming brick-and-mortar. The address: the exact space vacated by The North Left. Despite the shift in restaurants happening at 4th Street Market, we believe this is even more significant. Why? Modern Filipino cuisine in SanTaana. The food most non-Filipinos only experience by going to a friend’s family party (or hitting up their nearest Seafood City) is ready for its close-up.
In under a year, Garlitos turned an idea of cooking for friends into one of the places we are most looking forward to this year. We attended the last pop-up back in November, and can speak for his talent. Congratulations, Ryan! That conversation with your sister about opening a restaurant (instead of applying to business school) is almost to fruition. Is it too soon to request a permanent longsilog option on the menu?
Irenia will be located at 400 N Broadway in Santa Ana. Follow them at @irenia_restaurant on Instagram or Facebook at facebook.com/ireniarestaurant.
A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.