AhiPoki, a poke chain with a heavy presence in Arizona that’s expanding to at least 30 locations in California, has opened in Tustin. The menu features the usual assortment of cubed fish in an assembly line but also offers sushi burritos called Ahirrito and musubis stuffed with Spam or unagi. 15040 Kensington Park Dr. Ste 210, Tustin, CA 92782
Mr. Matcha, a soft serve ice cream purveyor, has opened in the spot left by Kiyomizu, the sushi hand roll joint in Downtown Santa Ana. This is the second location of Mr. Matcha, whose original store is in Garden Grove. Flavors offered include matcha and black sesame. Ice-blended drinks as well as traditional matcha is also served. 305 East 4th St. Ste 105, Santa Ana, CA 92701
iSnö Café has opened in the space that used to be Menchies in Irvine. The dessert shop focuses on three products: Snö•ya, a shaved snow; Crö•ya, stuffed croissant pastries; and Brü•ya, specialty blended drinks. 15333 Culver Dr. Ste 360, Irvine, CA 92604
A tea shop called T-milk has opened in Orange that tops its drinks with “cheese cream puffs” and tiramisu. 162 N Glassell St. Ste A, Orange, CA 92866
A restaurant called Mamón that’s affiliated with the owners of Inka Mama’s has opened in Foothill Ranch. The menu features your choice of roasted chicken, pork, tri-tip, or salmon that’s served with a salad and one side. Hot sandwiches made with the same meats are also offered. 26676 Portola Pkwy. Ste D, Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
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.