Happy Tuesday, North OC Digest!
Alright… deep breath.
Christmas is officially over, the decorations are coming down, and that weird post-holiday “what day is it?” feeling has fully set in.
But hold on — we’ve just got a few more days until we can party again. 🥂
To help bridge the gap between post-Christmas sadness and New Year’s celebrations, this week’s edition is stacked.
We’ve got 15+ events to keep you busy, plus two absolute heavy hitters for food and coffee that are perfect excuses to get out of the house before the countdown begins.
Now, in today’s edition:
This restaurant that somehow keeps getting bigger (and busier) every time I go
The cafe that might serve the best drink in OC (maybe even LA… yeah, I said it)
A sweet adoptable pup who deserves her fresh start in the new year
And a packed events list to carry you straight into New Year’s Eve and beyond
One quick favor before we dive in 👇
If you enjoy this newsletter, share it with someone you think would love it.
If three people sign up through your link, you’ll get the North OC Starter Pack — a curated list of 30+ of the best restaurants, cafes, and things to do in North OC. If you’ve been to most of these spots, congratulations… you’re officially a true North OC local.
Alright, let’s survive the in-between days together.
— Mark Yi
Restaurant of the Week: VOX Kitchen
Every time I come here, they’ve somehow gotten bigger
I swear every time I’ve eaten at VOX Kitchen, something’s changed. More space. More people. More buzz. It honestly feels like they’re constantly expanding — and that alone tells you how popular this place has become.
VOX Kitchen is part of the Kei Concepts family, and if you know that group, you already know the rule: they literally never miss. Sup Noodle Bar, Gem Dining, INI Ristorante, Vox — it’s hit after hit. VOX Kitchen is no exception.
They’re so popular that they recently opened a brand-new location at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, which feels like the most natural next step for a restaurant that’s been packed for years.
Here’s what people keep coming back for:
Lomo Saltado — easily the most talked-about dish. Tender steak, fries, and rice with bold flavor that hits every single time.
Garlic Noodles — rich, buttery, and addictive. One of those dishes everyone orders “for the table” and then secretly wants to keep for themselves.
Chifa Fried Rice — smoky, savory, and comforting with that perfect wok-char flavor people always mention.
Lychee Lemonade (free refills) — gets its own shoutout in reviews for being refreshing and dangerously easy to drink.
Note: These are the hours for this week since it’s New Years!
📍 16161 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
🕓 Sun–Tues: 10:00AM – 9:00PM
🕓 Wed: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
🕓 Thurs: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
🕓 Fri-Sat: 10:00AM – 10:00PM
Costa Mesa location:
📍 3333 Bear St, Ste 118, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (South Coast Plaza)
🕓 Mon–Tues: 11:00AM – 9:00PM
🕓 Wed-Thurs: 11:00AM – 6:00PM
🕓 Fri-Sun: 11:00AM – 9:00PM
Whether you’re hitting the Fountain Valley original or checking out the shiny new South Coast Plaza location, VOX Kitchen is one of those places that proves popularity doesn’t happen by accident. It’s consistent, it’s comforting, and it always delivers.
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
Cafe of the Week: Little Ox Coffee
This might be the best drink in OC (maybe even LA)
Little Ox Coffee sits just past the Downtown Fullerton area — close enough to be convenient, but tucked away enough that it’s easy to overlook if you’re not looking for it. And honestly? That makes finding it feel even better, because this is some of the highest-quality coffee I’ve had in OC.
Let’s start with the headliner: the Salted Cream Vanilla Latte. I don’t say this lightly — it’s genuinely in contention for best coffee drink in Orange County (and yeah… maybe even LA). Perfect balance, not too sweet, insanely smooth. It’s one of those drinks you keep thinking about after you leave.
And then there’s the sleeper hit: the Hojicha Latte. If you’re into hojicha at all, this one is special. Deep, roasted, nutty, and incredibly clean — easily some of the highest-quality hojicha I’ve ever had.
Period.
Here’s why people keep coming back:
Salted Cream Vanilla Latte — elite tier. Full stop.
Hojicha Latte — rich, roasty, and shockingly good if you want something less sweet.
Genji Matcha Latte — reviewers rave about this one for its smooth, rich, high-quality matcha flavor with no clumps and zero bitterness — some call it one of the best matcha lattes in OC with a perfectly balanced earthy taste and creamy texture.
Beautiful space with a greenhouse-style area and a large community table that’s perfect for studying or working.
A calm but social vibe — equally great for locking in solo or catching up with friends.
Note: These are the hours for this week since it’s New Years!
📍 217 N Euclid St, Fullerton, CA 92832
🕓 Mon–Tues: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
🕓 Wed: 8:00AM – 3:00PM
🕓 Thurs: Closed
🕓 Fri–Sat: 7:00AM – 7:00PM
🕓 Sun: 8:00AM – 7:00PM
If you’re new to the Fullerton cafe scene, Little Ox is one of those “you kinda have to try it at least once” spots — and fair warning: you’ll probably be back.
Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!
🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Nala
Meet Nala — a 2-year-old Siberian Husky with a curious spirit and a heart full of love.
She can be a little shy at first, but give her a moment and she’ll sniff out a new friend in no time. Once she warms up, Nala is all smiles — playful, affectionate, and happiest when she’s getting to know the people around her. At 58 pounds, she’s got that classic husky energy without being overwhelming.
If you’re looking for a dog who’s sweet, social, and ready for her next chapter, Nala might be your girl.
Nala is currently hanging out at OC Animal Care and is ready to schedule a playdate with her future family. Her Pet ID is A1862751 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site).
Want to e-meet Nala right now? You can watch a video of her here!
Exciting Events:
Music 🎵
Salute to Vienna New Year’s Concert | 8:00PM, December 30 (Tickets)
Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Segerstrom Center for the Arts), Costa Mesa
Description: A big, festive New Year’s concert packed with waltzes, overtures, and that classic Vienna vibe
KC and The Sunshine Band | 8:00 PM, December 30 (Tickets)
Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos
Description: Pure “get up and dance” nostalgia — if you want a fun, high-energy night out, this is it
Danzig Sings Elvis | 9:00 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
Description: Exactly what it sounds like — a wild New Year’s Eve option if you want something very different.
NYE Jazz From: JH Factor Trio (Jazz Pop) | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Anaheim MAKE
East Coast Countdown & Music From: Full Tilt Boogie at Packing House | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Red NOT Chili Peppers (Tribute) | 7:00 PM, January 3 (Tickets)
Location: House of Blues Anaheim, Anaheim
Description: A crowd-pleasing tribute night — great if you want live music without overthinking it.
Community Fun🎆
Marrakesh NYE Party | 6:00PM-11:50PM, December 31 (Free for Dine-In Customers)
Location: Anaheim Packing House
Winter Fest OC | Ongoing through Jan 4 (Tickets)
Location: 88 Fair Dr. Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Description: SoCal’s biggest winter festival transforms the fairgrounds into a holiday wonderland — think ice skating, snow tubing, lights, carnival rides, holiday market booths, food & drink, and family entertainment.
The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 3 (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 3 (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🥂
Ducks vs. Sharks | 7:00 PM, December 29 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim
Description: Classic weekday sports plan — loud, fun, and honestly one of the easiest “group hang” options
Ducks vs. Lightning | 1:00 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim
Description: Midday hockey on NYE — perfect if you want to do something festive without staying out late.
Ducks vs. Wild | 7:30 PM, January 2 (Tickets)
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim
Description: A strong “first weekend back” move — start the year with a live game instead of another couch night.
New Years Eve Comedy Bash | 7:30 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
Description: Big NYE lineup and a proper “let’s laugh into midnight” kind of night.
New Years Eve Comedy Bash | 10:00 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach, Long Beach
Description: The later show if you’re actually trying to make it feel like NYE.
Finesse Mitchell, Rob Haze | 7:30 PM, December 31 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv, Brea
Description: A comedy pick that’s a little more “tight club night” than big NYE blowout.
Disney On Ice Presents: Let’s Dance! | January 1-4 (Tickets)
Location: Long Beach Arena
Description: Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy as they remix Disney hits and bring fan-favorite stories - Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, and Moana - to life with cutting-edge skating, acrobatics, and dazzling effects
Marcello Hernandez | January 2–3 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv, Brea
Description: 4-show run — great option if you missed NYE but still want a fun weekend night.
David Spade | 6:00 PM, January 4 (Tickets)
Location: Brea Improv, Brea
Description: Sunday night “treat yourself” comedy with a headliner everyone knows.
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