Happy Tuesday, North OC Digest!

We’re well into January now, huh.

2026 has officially taken full effect.

And honestly, there are few better ways to ease into it than a warm bowl of ramen… followed by a short drive for some really good coffee and an even better vibe.

This week’s edition leans into exactly that kind of comfort. We’ve got a ramen spot that keeps things simple and satisfying, a café that’s easy to post up in, an energetic adoptable pup, and a full slate of events happening around North OC.

As always, this newsletter exists to make North OC feel smaller, friendlier, and more fun to explore. Whether you’re planning ahead or just enjoying the scroll, I’m glad you’re here.

Here’s what’s inside today:

By the way…

We’ve been talking to all of you over the past few weeks about North OC Digest hosted local events. And again, the response has been pretty resounding.

It’s clear there’s real interest in taking this community beyond the inbox and into real-life hangouts around North OC.

We want to see what price range you would be willing to commit to if we hosted an event!

👇 Quick poll below

Alright, let’s get into it 👇

— Mark Yi

Kitakata Ramen Ban Nai is proof that ramen doesn’t need to be complicated to be excellent.

No gimmicks. No overthinking. Just rich, flavorful broth, high-quality noodles, and tender chashu done the right way. All at a price that actually feels reasonable for how good the bowl is.

This is the kind of spot people quietly swear by. You come in craving ramen, you leave satisfied, and you already know you’ll be back.

Here’s why it works so well:

It’s the kind of place you take someone when you want to say, “Trust me this one’s solid.”

No explaining required.

📍 8012 La Palma Ave, Suite C-11, Buena Park, CA 90620
🕓 Mon–Fri: 11:00AM – 3:00PM; 5:00PM – 10:00PM
🕓 Sat: 11:00AM – 10:00PM
🕓 Sun: 11:00AM – 9:00PM

Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!

In-sīt Coffee is one of those cafés that just works. The space is clean, calm, and modern. Perfect for studying, getting work done, or settling in with friends without feeling rushed.

The drinks hold up too. This isn’t a “cute space, average coffee” situation. People genuinely come back for their go-to orders.

And the location makes it even better. In-sīt sits inside The Source in Buena Park, so once you grab your drink, you’re steps away from CGV Theater, shops, and some of the best Korean food courts in OC. It’s very easy to turn this into an afternoon (or night) plan.

Here’s what people consistently order and love:

Between the study-friendly setup, dependable drinks, and everything around it, this is the kind of café you choose when you don’t want to rush off anywhere else.

📍 6930 Beach Blvd, Ste L301 (3rd Floor), Buena Park, CA 90621
🕓 Mon–Sun: 9:00AM – 10:00PM

Click Here: To view the full menu and plan your visit!

Oslo is always ready to move. He’s active, enthusiastic, and would thrive with a family that enjoys staying on the go. Long walks, runs, hikes, or play sessions? Oslo’s in. Think of him as the personal trainer you didn’t know you needed — always motivating you to get outside and keep moving.

Beyond the energy, Oslo is a smart guy. He’s a quick learner who would love some training or “school” time to sharpen his skills and pick up new tricks. He’s the kind of dog who enjoys having a job to do and people to learn alongside.

Oslo is currently at OC Animal Care and is available as a foster-to-adopt, making it easy to see if he’s the right fit for your home. His Pet ID is A1858489 (search by Pet ID on the OC Animal Care site), and you can even see him in action on YouTube.

If you’re looking for an active, intelligent companion who’s ready to learn and adventure with you, Oslo might be your perfect match. 🐾

Want to e-meet Goldie right now? You can watch a video of her here!

Click here for more information on Oslo!

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:

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