News Summary
Orange County’s Food and Beverage Fest brought together nearly 600 guests for a vibrant celebration of culinary creativity at South Coast Plaza. Featuring over 20 local restaurants and beverage companies, attendees savored unique dishes and refreshing drinks while enjoying a lively atmosphere. The event showcased the area’s diverse culinary scene, with highlights including the debut of Lotteria, a new fast-food spot offering exclusive items to locals. This festival not only emphasized local flavors but also highlighted the expanding presence of Asia-based businesses in the community.
Orange County Celebrates Local Flavors at Vibrant Food and Beverage Fest
Orange County recently came alive with an incredible celebration of culinary creativity at the Food and Beverage Fest held at the prestigious South Coast Plaza. Nearly 600 guests turned out for this vibrant occasion, showcasing the best in local restaurants, beverage companies, and lifestyle brands that the area has to offer. It was a feast for the senses, and what better way to indulge in the local flavors!
A Flavorful Gathering
The event was packed with flavors, featuring standout bites and drinks from over 20 local favorites. Attendees had the chance to sample delicious offerings from some of Orange County’s most notable restaurants, including the much-loved Paradise Dynasty, artisanal Francium Chocolate, delightful AhbA, and fresh & vibrant Verde. Each restaurant brought their A-game, delighting visitors with unique culinary treats.
Refreshing Beverage Selections
No festival is complete without a thrilling selection of drinks, and this event certainly did not disappoint. Guests were treated to refreshing sips from popular brands like SKORPIOS 1618 Tequila, exotic Empress Gin, zesty Dulce Vida Tequila, and the delightful Knox & Dobson. To top it all off, Mission Craft Cocktails kept the thirst-quenchers coming, ensuring everyone stayed hydrated while mingling and having a blast. For those needing a quick bite, Rove & Recharge by Gelson’s provided snack options that were just the right fit for the lively atmosphere.
Photo Ops and Festivities
Adding a special touch to the day, a fantastic photo opportunity was set up by Brandhustle Design, with a fun photobooth sponsored by Keck Medicine of USC. Guests had a great time snapping memories, capturing the vibrant energy of the event as they mingled and enjoyed the festive atmosphere.
Lotteria Makes Its Mark
In exciting news, Lotteria made its Orange County debut on August 11 with its famous marinated bulgogi burgers at its new location in Fullerton. This was a much-anticipated launch, with its grand opening set for August 14. The fast-food chain, which was founded in 1972 by Shin Kyuk-ho, has grown immensely, boasting over 1,600 locations worldwide. Known for its innovative menu, Lotteria offers unique fast-food dishes that go beyond the norms, including shrimp burgers, fried chicken, and the famous Jeonju Bibimbap Rice Burger. Enthusiastic patrons can expect Orange County-exclusive items at this new spot.
Wider Trends and Community Highlights
The food fest is part of a broader trend of Asia-based businesses expanding their reach into the U.S., a movement that has brought wonderful additions like Knotted dessert cafe and Bread, Espresso & bakery to the community. This rich tapestry of flavors enhances the local dining scene and offers residents a taste of global cuisine right at their doorstep.
Additional Local News
In other food-related news, the OC Health Care Agency has been actively publishing a weekly list detailing restaurants that have been ordered to close or have been allowed to reopen. The list includes local gems like Christy’s Donuts in Fullerton and Signature Thai Bistro in Yorba Linda, keeping residents informed about their favorite dining spots.
Lastly, the OC Fair has been showcasing culinary arts with its contests, highlighting family competitors like the Aubele family, who have claimed multiple wins since 2016, bringing even more joy and pride to the local community.
With an explosive mix of flavors, creativity, and community spirit, Orange County’s Food and Beverage Fest proved to be not just an event but a celebration of local culture and delicious fare!
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Orange County Restaurants Shut Down by Health Inspectors
- Wikipedia: Food Festival
- Eater LA: Lotteria Opening in Orange County
- Google Search: Orange County restaurant trends
- Locale Magazine: Oldest Restaurants in Orange County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- OC Register: Orange County Restaurants Shut Down by Health Inspectors (July 17-24)
- Google News: Orange County food events
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
