Happy Thursday, North OC Digest!
Hope your week is wrapping up smoothly and you’ve got something fun (or relaxing) lined up this weekend. If not… we got you covered!
This edition is packed.
We’ve got BBQ, bakeries, and boxers (actually a pit bull!) AND 20+ events for you to fill your plans with.
Quick reminder: this newsletter exists to make North OC feel smaller, friendlier, and more fun to explore. Whether you’re here for food recs, weekend plans, or just something good to scroll through with coffee, I’m glad you’re here.
Now, in today’s edition:
A Restaurant of the Week with 10,000+ yelp reviews
A bakery with bread that’s almost too cute to eat… almost
A lovable adoptable pup who deserves her forever home
And 20+ events for you to close the week with a BANG 🎇
By the way…
Last week, we asked if you’d be interested if the North OC Digest hosted local events… and the response was overwhelming.
A lot of you said yes — which honestly got me pretty excited. It’s clear there’s real interest in taking this community beyond the inbox and into real-life hangouts around North OC.
So this week, I want to go one step further and learn what kind of events you’d actually show up for.
(Your answers help make sure we plan things that are genuinely worth your time.)
👇 Quick poll below
Which of these would you join if we hosted them?
Alright, let’s get into it 👇
— Mark Yi
A quick note from me
Hey yall! It’s Mark, the creator of the North OC Digest.
First — North OC Digest will always be free.
That’s not changing.
I started this newsletter because I genuinely love running it — finding great food, events, and things worth doing around North OC, and sharing them with people who actually live here. I work on this most nights because it’s fun, and because I care about this community.
That said, I’ve also noticed something interesting.
A lot of you are interested in AI. Many of you have subscribed to AI newsletters that we’ve partnered with. And with AI moving fast and popping up everywhere, I’ve heard from more than a few people who feel curious… but also a little overwhelmed.
At night, I work on the North OC digest.
During the day, I work at an AI company. Before that I spent time at UC Irvine researching and teaching AI literacy — helping people understand how these tools work, what they’re good at, and where their limits are.
So I figured I’d offer something to this community.
I put together a 10-day AI 101 email course. Short, approachable, and designed for normal people (not engineers). Just 5 minutes a day. No jargon. Just enough to help you understand what AI is, what it isn’t, and how to use it without feeling behind.
Everyone who joins the course will start together on Monday (1/19/26).
This is completely optional.
The newsletter stays free.
This is just something extra for anyone who’s interested.
If that sounds useful, you can check it out here:
Thanks for reading, and thanks for being part of North OC Digest. I really appreciate you being here.
Restaurant of the Week: Craft By Smoke & Fire
You Can’t Ignore This BBQ Spot
Craft By Smoke & Fire is one of those restaurants that is impossible to ignore. With 10k+ Yelp reviews, a packed dining room almost every night, and a prime Downtown Anaheim location, it’s clearly become a local favorite.
This is not a quiet, low-key BBQ spot. It’s energetic, social, and built for celebrations, group dinners, and nights out where the table is full and the plates are even fuller. Big flavors, big portions, and food that’s meant to be shared.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
Brisket & Short Rib — rich, tender, and the most talked-about items on the menu
BBQ Platters — huge portions that make ordering family-style the move
Brisket Quesadillas & Sandwiches — cheesy, indulgent, and crowd favorites
Craft Cocktails — strong pours that pair perfectly with the smoky food
The vibe — busy, lively, and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a fun night out
If you’re looking for a place where the energy matches the food and every order feels like a statement, this is it.
📍 195 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
🕓 Mon–Wed: 11:00AM – 9:00PM
🕓 Thu: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
🕓 Fri: 11:00AM – 12:00AM
🕓 Sat: 10:00AM – 12:00AM
🕓 Sun: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
Cafe of the Week: Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe
This Bread Is Almost Too Cute To Eat… Almost
If you’ve seen this place on TikTok or Instagram, you already know the vibe.
Perfectly shaped buns.
Glossy finishes.
Pastries that look like they belong in a display case… or your camera roll.
Okayama Kobo has gone viral for how cute the baked goods are — but what keeps people coming back (and standing in line) is that the taste absolutely lives up to the looks.
This is Japanese-style bakery done right: soft, fluffy bread, delicate flavors, and everything baked fresh daily. There’s almost always a line, especially in the morning.
And somehow, it’s still always worth it.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
Salt & Butter Rolls — soft, airy, lightly savory, and dangerously easy to eat more than one
Curry Pan — crispy outside, warm and flavorful inside, a fan favorite for a reason
Matcha & Specialty Breads — beautiful, balanced, and not overly sweet
Seasonal pastries — rotating options that make every visit feel different
The aesthetic — yes, they’re adorable… but they’re also genuinely excellent
This is the kind of bakery you stop at “just to look” and leave with a full tray and zero regrets.
Go early if you can, popular items do sell out.
📍 155 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805
🕓 Tue–Sun: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
🕓 Mon: Closed
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Gordy
Meet Gordy — a 5-year-old Pit Bull with nonstop energy and an even bigger heart.
Gordy is all about fun. She’s playful, affectionate, and powered almost entirely by love and enthusiasm. One minute she’s doing zoomies and showing off her silly side, and the next she’s curled up close, soaking up all the cuddles she can get.
At 47 pounds, Gordy is the perfect mix of active and snuggly — ready for playtime, walks, and then a well-earned nap right by your side. She’s the kind of dog who brings joy into a room just by being herself.
Gordy is currently at OC Animal Care and can’t wait to meet her future family. Her Pet ID is A1800238 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site).
If you’re looking for a loving, playful companion who will keep you smiling and then snuggle in close, Gordy might just be your girl.
Want to e-meet Goldie right now? You can watch a video of her here!
By the way…
If you like our newsletter, we’ve gone out and found a few newsletters that readers of the North OC Digest enjoy reading themselves!
Here’s the list of what readers just like yourselves are also reading:
The Scene: South OC - Sign up for a curated roundup of hidden patio bars, best happy hours, secret gardens, local trails and everything worth doing in South Orange County.
The Hustle - Get the 5-minute newsletter keeping 2M+ innovators in the loop. It’s simple. We make it easy for you to make smart business decisions fast.
Eric Seto Investing - Investing Newsletter for people (45-65) who are looking for a faster retirement. The goal is to make a better return investing in blue chip companies.
The Rundown AI - Get the latest AI news, understand why it matters, and learn how to apply it in your work. Join 1,000,000+ readers from companies like Apple, OpenAI, NASA.
TLDR AI - Keep up with AI in 5 minutes. Get the most interesting AI stories and breakthroughs delivered in a free daily email.
Exciting Events:
Music 🎵
Micki Free | 7:30 PM, January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Description: Live musical performance by Micki Free.
Thursday Night Jazz: JH Factor Trio | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 15 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Live jazz-pop performance by the JH Factor Trio.
Stella Cole (Multiple Performances) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Description: Viral vocalist performing classics from the Great American Songbook.
Shelley Conducts Stravinsky’s Firebird (Pacific Symphony) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Description: Orchestral performance featuring Stravinsky’s Firebird.
Parliament Funkadelic feat. George Clinton | 7:00 PM, January 16 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall
Description: Legendary funk group live in Anaheim.
Live Set from DJ Crisanto Santa Ana | 6:00–9:00 PM, January 16 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Free live DJ set with chill Friday-night vibes.
Zebrahead | 6:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – Music Hall
Description: Punk-rock performance by Zebrahead.
Bo Napoleon | 7:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim – The Parish
Description: Live performance by Bo Napoleon.
Live Music from Bianca Varner (Soul/R&B) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 17 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Soul and R&B live set by Bianca Varner.
Acoustic Soul from Dree Mon | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 17 (Link)
Location: Anaheim MAKE
Description: Acoustic soul performance by Dree Mon.
Live Music from Darden (Americana) | 7:00–9:00 PM, January 18 (Link)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Description: Americana live music performance by Darden.
The Firebird | January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
Description: Stravinsky’s The Firebird brought to life with sweeping orchestration.
Community Fun🎆
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 17 (Free)
Location: 303 West Palm Avenue, Orange, CA 92866
Description: The Certified Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market sources farmers from the Southern California region who hold a California Certified Producers Certificate (CPC), keeping produce local and fresh.
Buena Park Farmers Market | 9AM-2PM, January 17 (Free)
Location: 8000-8092 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA
Description: This busy farmers market runs year-round every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to flowers and leather goods.
Special Events🥂
The Wiz (Multiple Performances) | January 13–18 (Tickets)
Location: Segerstrom Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Description: Tony Award–winning musical reimagining The Wizard of Oz with soul, gospel, rock, and funk.
All Star Comedy | 7:45 PM, January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Comedy showcase featuring a rotating lineup of comedians.
Mark Normand (Multiple Shows) | January 15–17 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv
Description: Five stand-up comedy shows featuring Mark Normand.
Dr. Laurie Santos (Distinguished Speaker Series) | January 15 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
Description: Talk by Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast.
All-Star Comedy | 7:30 PM & 10:00 PM, January 16 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Two shows with different stand-up lineups.
Ducks vs. Kings | 7:00 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center
Description: Anaheim Ducks take on the LA Kings.
Lowrider Super Show | January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Convention Center
Description: Massive lowrider car show with custom builds and culture.
Saturday Night Slam (2 Shows) | 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM, January 17 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: Back-to-back comedy showcases packed with nonstop laughs.
Mike Epps (2 Shows) | 6:00 PM & 8:30 PM, January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv
Description: Stand-up comedy shows featuring Mike Epps.
Sunday Funnies | 7:00 PM, January 18 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Description: A Sunday night wrap-up featuring some of the funniest comics.
How was today's newsletter?
Thanks for reading the North OC Digest! Let’s chat again on Tuesday!