At the new ice cream parlor called Polar Playground in Huntington Beach, shakes, floats, and sundaes are served. But the most popular item might be cotton candies that are at least three times larger than a human head. 16891 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Mediterranean Guys–a fast-casual where you can build bowls, plates, and wraps from chicken, gyro, falafel, and steak–has opened in Santa Ana. Hummus and baba ganoush are also offered as toppings. 2274 E 17th St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
A Hawaiian fusion restaurant called ‘Ai Pono Cafe had opened in Costa Mesa. Dishes include ahi katsu on brown rice and an Asian pear and arugula salad with chicken. 350 Clinton St, Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Taqueria El Nuevo Perico has opened in Orange. Tacos, huaraches, tortas, burritos and mulitas are on the menu along with burgers, teriyaki, and club sandwiches. 3702 E Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92869
A new Japanese restaurant called Hako has opened in Irvine. Among the specialties offered are various udon dishes, soba, and tonkatsu. 4790 Irvine Blvd, Ste 103, Irvine, CA 92620
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.