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Happy Thursday, North OC Digest!

Hope your week’s winding down nicely.

Whether you’re figuring out where to eat this weekend, looking for a new coffee spot to obsess over, or just scrolling for something fun to do, we’ve got you covered.

Again, my mission is to make OC more enjoyable for all those who already reside here.

I believe that it’s so easy to believe that OC is boring and mundane. So I want to bring the latest and greatest things to do right here in our cities.

Let’s get into it!

Here’s what’s inside today:

  • The most authentic Thai food in North OC

  • Coffee flights for all you indecisive folks out there

  • An adoptable dog named after my favorite fruit

  • And 20+ events to round out the week

Now let’s get into this week’s picks 👇

— Mark Yi

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Restaurant of the Week: The Kebab Shop

Think Chipotle… but for kebabs

If you like food that’s fast, customizable, and consistently good, The Kebab Shop fits right into that lane.

You walk in, build your plate or wrap, pick your protein, sauces, and sides — and somehow it still tastes way better than “fast casual” has any right to. It’s quick enough for lunch, filling enough for dinner, and light enough that you don’t feel wrecked afterward.

That’s why people keep coming back.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • Chicken & Beef Kebabs — juicy, well-seasoned, and reliable every time

  • Gyro wraps — warm pita, flavorful meat, and all the right textures

  • Plates with rice & veggies — filling but still balanced

  • Garlic & tzatziki sauces — the kind you end up putting on everything

  • Fresh ingredients — simple, clean, and consistently solid

It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s just really good, really convenient food. The kind that quietly becomes part of your weekly rotation.

📍 3405 E Imperial Hwy, Bldg F, Brea, CA 92823
🕓 Daily: 10:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Cafe of the Week: Enchanted Coffee

This might the BEST coffee drinks in all of OC…

Enchanted Coffee has quietly built a loyal following, and if you ask regulars why, the answer usually comes fast:

The New London.

It’s their most popular drink by far. Smooth, balanced, slightly sweet, and ridiculously easy to love. The kind of drink people drive out of their way for, recommend without hesitation, and compare against everything else they try afterward.

Calling it a stretch contender for the best coffee drink in Orange County might sound bold… but once you try it, you’ll get why people even start bringing LA into the conversation.

The vibe helps too. Enchanted Coffee is cozy, welcoming, and perfect for studying, hanging out, or just slowing down for a bit. And while this feature is about the Brea location, it’s worth noting they also have spots in Santa Ana and La Mirada — so there’s usually one not too far away.

Here’s what people keep coming back for:

  • The New London — their signature drink and an absolute must

  • Spanish Latte — smooth, lightly sweet, and comforting

  • Matcha & specialty lattes — balanced and well-made

  • Pastries & light bites — easy pairings for a long coffee sit

  • The atmosphere — calm, cozy, and easy to settle into

If you’re the type who loves hunting for that drink (the one you compare everything else to) this is a stop you shouldn’t skip.

📍 260 W Birch St, Suite D4, Brea, CA 92821
🕓 Mon–Thu: 7:00AM – 9:00PM
🕓 Fri–Sat: 7:00AM – 10:00PM
🕓 Sun: 7:00AM – 9:00PM

🐶 Adoptable Dog of the Week: Mango

Meet Mango: 1-year-and-8-month-old Husky mix with a gentle heart and a sweet, curious soul.

Mango might be a little shy when you first meet him, but give him a moment (and a few pets) and you’ll quickly earn some kisses in return. He’s the kind of dog who warms up fast once he knows he’s safe — leaning into you for affection and quietly soaking up the love.

At 56 pounds, Mango enjoys exploring his surroundings and heading out for walks, making him a great companion for relaxed adventures and daily strolls. He’s curious, affectionate, and ready to keep growing more confident with the right person by his side.

Mango is currently at OC Animal Care and is available as a foster-to-adopt, so you can see if he’s the perfect fit for your home. His Pet ID is A1916871 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site), and you can also catch him on YouTube.

If you’re looking for a sweet, loyal companion who just needs a little love to truly shine, Mango might be the one. 🥭🐾

Want to e-meet Mango right now? You can watch a video of him 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:

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Exciting Events:

Music 🎵

  • Collective Soul with Special Guest Max Gomez | Varies, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: City National Grove of Anaheim

    • Description: Rock concert featuring Collective Soul and Max Gomez.

  • Stayin’ Alive – One Night of the Bee Gees | Varies, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: City National Grove of Anaheim

    • Description: Bee Gees tribute show featuring Stayin’ Alive.

  • Priscilla Block – Things You Didn’t See Tour | 7:00 PM, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Music Hall at House of Blues Anaheim

    • Description: Country music concert featuring Priscilla Block.

  • ERNEST: Live From the South Tour | 7:00 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Music Hall at House of Blues Anaheim

    • Description: Country music concert featuring ERNEST.

  • British Rock Royalty Starring Brody Dolyniuk | 8:00 PM, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A tribute to classic British rock legends.

  • Minería Symphony Orchestra of Mexico | 8PM, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

    • Description: Symphonic works exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Latin America.

  • Tchaikovsky & Strauss | Varies, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Long Beach Convention Center

    • Description: Long Beach Symphony performance featuring works by Tchaikovsky and Strauss.

Community Fun🎆

  • Drew and Deison Afualo: Two Idiot Girls Live | 8:00 PM, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Live podcast and comedy show with Drew and Deison Afualo.

  • Kevin Smith | 7:30 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: An evening with filmmaker and comedian Kevin Smith.

  • Tacarra Williams | 9:45 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Live stand-up comedy with Tacarra Williams.

  • Ashley Gavin | Show times vary, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Brea Improv

    • Description: Live stand-up comedy with Ashley Gavin.

  • All Star Comedy Thurs | 7:45 PM, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: A lineup of all-star comedians.

  • All-Star Comedy | 7:30 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: A lineup of all-star comedians.

  • Saturday Night Slam | 7:00 PM, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Laugh Factory Long Beach

    • Description: The laughs don’t stop all night long.

  • All Your Friends – Indie Dance Party (18+) | 8:00 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim

    • Description: Indie dance party for ages 18+.

  • The Orange Home Grown Farmers & Artisans Market | 9AM-1PM, January 31 (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 31 (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 Simon & Garfunkel Story | 7:30 PM, January 29 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A concert-style theater show about the legendary folk-rock duo.

  • The Simon & Garfunkel Story | 8:00 PM, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

    • Description: A concert-style theater show about the legendary folk-rock duo.

  • The Notebook | Show times vary, January 27 - Feb 8 (Tickets)

    • Location: Segerstrom Hall

    • Description: The new musical based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks.

  • Sweeney Todd | Show times vary, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

    • Description: The dark, witty, Tony Award–winning musical thriller.

  • Sweeney Todd | Show times vary, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts

    • Description: The dark, witty, Tony Award–winning musical thriller.

  • The Great Race | Family performance, January 31 (Tickets)

    • Location: Samueli Theater

    • Description: A family-friendly performance celebrating Chinese New Year.

  • Los Angeles Boat Show | Varies, January 30 (Tickets)

    • Location: Long Beach Convention Center

    • Description: Large-scale boat show featuring various vessels and exhibitors.

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