Happy Tuesday, North OC Digest!

Is it just us… or is anyone else itching for it to be Christmas already? The end-of-year slowdown is almost here, and we’re fully in cozy season mode.

As always, we’ve rounded up some great eats, drinks, and things to do around North OC to help you make the most of this in-between week before the holidays really kick in.

Our mission stays the same: make OC more enjoyable for the people who already live here. Because even when things feel quiet, there’s still plenty happening!

You just have to know where to look

👀 👀 👀

Now, in today’s edition:

  • A Vietnamese-Peruvian spot that just gets what you’re craving

  • AND the cafe that turned matcha into an art form

  • 15+ events for you to enjoy this week!

— Mark Yi

Restaurant of the Week: OMELI Kitchen

A spot that just gets what you’re craving

Omeli Kitchen is one of those spots in Fullerton that’s been around for a bit, but if you know, you know. Tucked along Chapman Ave, right next to CSU Fullerton, this Vietnamese-Peruvian fusion spot is always busy and for good reason. Whether it’s dinner, a late-night bite, or a post-hangout meal, Omeli is always a safe bet.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • Rich and comforting pho with deep, flavorful broth

  • Lomo saltado with tender steak, fries, and rice that always hits

  • Crispy popcorn chicken and egg rolls that are perfect for sharing

  • Garlic noodles and shaken noodles that are simple but addicting

📍 2466 E Chapman Ave Fullerton, CA 92831

🕓 Daily: 11:00 am – 1:00 am

If you’re craving something warm, filling, and full of flavor (especially late at night), Omeli Kitchen has to be on your list.

Cafe of the Week: Vivot Craft Cafe

The cafe that turned matcha into an art form

Vivot Craft Cafe in Downtown Fullerton is that place everyone’s talking about if you’re into matcha. From mango matcha to blueberry lavender, ube matcha, and their legendary Matcha Einspanner, people keep posting drinks that look as good as they taste. The energy here is always buzzing — folks studying, chatting, or just taking their time with one of the cafe’s creative matcha creations.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • Creative matcha drinks with flavors like mango, ube, blueberry lavender, and pandan

  • The Matcha Einspanner — rich, creamy, and a fan favorite

  • Matcha flights if you can’t decide on just one

  • Strong Vietnamese coffee and other tea drinks like hojicha for non-matcha drinkers

📍 115 E Commonwealth Ave, Unit A, Fullerton, CA 92832
🕓 Mon-Wed: 8AM - 11PM
🕓 Thurs-Fri: 8AM-12AM
🕓 Sat: 8:30AM - 12AM
🕓 Sun: 8:30AM - 11PM

If you’re a matcha lover (or trying to become one) and want something beyond a basic latte, Vivot Craft Cafe needs to be on your list.

Exciting Events:

Music 🎵

  • Jane Lynch’s A Swingin’ Little Christmas | 7:30 PM, Dec 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: Comedic holiday concert featuring Jane Lynch performing swing classics with a festive twist.

  • Pacific Symphony – A Rat Pack Christmas with Tony DeSare | 8PM, December 19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

    • Description: Ring in the holidays with Pacific Symphony and vocalist Tony DeSare performing a festive Rat Pack–inspired concert full of seasonal favorites and classic swing tunes — a smooth and elegant way to celebrate the season.

  • Dave Koz & Friends Christmas Tour 2025 | 8:00 PM, Dec 19 & Dec 20 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and friends deliver smooth seasonal jazz favorites.

  • Los Angeles Symphony Christmas Concert | 7:00 PM, Dec 21 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A festive orchestral holiday performance from one of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras!

  • Pacific Chorale – ’Tis the Season! | 7PM, December 22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (Costa Mesa)

    • Description: A beloved OC holiday concert presenting choral favorites and festive classics to get you in the spirit — perfect for all ages.

Community Fun🎆

  • 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.

  • Christmas Jazz Night | Dec 19 | 5PM–8PM (Free)

    • Location: 7561 Center Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

    • Description: Come down to Old World Village, shop at the Christmas Market for your holiday gifts and enjoy the holiday cheer with food and drinks while listening to amazing JAZZ MUSIC performed by various artists from Orange County. .

  • OC Farmers Market | 9AM-1PM, December 12 (Free)

    • Location: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D

    • Description: Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau certified farmers’ market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.

  • The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, December 20 (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, December 20 (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🥂

  • Comedy Juice Featuring Matt O’Brien & More! | 8PM, December 16 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Kick off the week with stand-up comedy featuring Matt O’Brien, Julia Hladkowicz, and more — a fun night of laughs to beat the winter chill.

  • Bill Burr Live | 7:30 PM, Dec 18 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: One of stand-up’s biggest names brings his live comedy tour to Cerritos Center.

  • Comedy Confidential Featuring Steve Furey & Friends | 8PM, December 17 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: A lineup of hilarious comedians takes the stage for a night of sharp wit and nonstop laughs.

  • Ducks vs. Stars | 7:00 PM, Dec 19 (Tickets)

    • Location: Honda Center

    • Description: Anaheim Ducks play Columbus in a fast-paced hockey matchup.

  • Ducks vs. Blue Jackets | 7:00 PM, Dec 20 (Tickets)

    • Location: Honda Center

    • Description: Ducks battle the Blue Jackets.

  • NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | 1:30PM & 6:30PM, Dec 21 (Tickets)

    • Location: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

    • Description: Now in its 33rd year, the North American tour unites world-class talent from renowned ballet capitals across the globe, featuring all-new choreography this season by acclaimed Ukrainian choreographer, Viktor Davydiuk.

  • Ducks vs. Kraken | 7:00 PM, Dec 22 (Tickets)

    • Location: Honda Center

    • Description: Ducks battle the Seattle Kraken in another evening game.

Thanks for reading the North OC Digest! Let’s chat again on Thursday!

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