Restaurateur Piero Selvaggio of Santa Monica’s Valentino, which closed after 47 years, has made good on his plan to open a new restaurant in Orange County. That restaurant is Louie’s by the Bay in Newport Beach, which takes over the space formerly occupied by The Ritz Prime Seafood. 2801 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663
A new cafe has opened at The District in Tustin in the spot that used to be Peet’s Coffee. Utopia Euro Caffe serves coffee, pastries and Turkish specialties such as menemen. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, February 2. To commemorate it, they are giving away a free rose croissant and latte to the first 100 people. 2489 Park Ave, Tustin, CA 92782
A crepe maker called Mr. French Crepe has opened in the Wholesome Choice food court in Irvine. Both sweet and savory crepes are offered, starting at $6.99. 18040 Culver Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
A new build-your-own poke bowl restaurant called Poki Cat has opened in Mission Viejo. It’s part of a chain that has five other locations throughout the Southland. Along with the poke bowls, sushi burritos are offered. 23981 Alicia Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
A Japanese restaurant called Eatsighting has opened in Brea. The menu runs the gamut of Japanese dishes, including ramen, sushi, donburi, yakisoba, udon, and three Japanese-styled burgers. 1617 E Imperial Hwy, Brea, CA 92821
Before becoming an award-winning restaurant critic for OC Weekly in 2007, Edwin Goei went by the alias “elmomonster” on his blog Monster Munching, in which he once wrote a whole review in haiku.