Renzo Macchiavello, known for his Renzo’s A Taste of Peru that closed seven years ago in Irvine, has resurrected his eponymous restaurant in Lake Forest. The menu features his greatest hits, including ceviches and lomo saltado. 24354 Muirlands Blvd, Lake Forest, CA 92630
The people behind All That BBQ has opened All That Shabu, an all-you-can-eat shabu shabu restaurant located in the same 99 Ranch Market-anchored plaza in Irvine. Prices start at $19.99 per person for a weekday lunch; $26.99 for a weekday dinner; and $28.99 on weekends. 15315 Culver Dr, Ste 145, Irvine, CA 92604
A new Korean bento box purveyor called Nabi Bento has opened in Santa Ana’s Hutton Centre. The restaurant offers bentos and bowls with proteins ranging from bulgogi to tofu. 2 Hutton Centre Dr, Ste 201, Santa Ana, CA 92707
17 Cafe Ramen in Irvine is now Mooji Ramen. The menu offers several bowls of ramen and an assortment of Chinese meal specials, noodles and stir fries. 4250 Barranca Pkwy, Ste Q, Irvine, CA 92604
A new branch of Hiccups, the teahouse that also serves Vietnamese food, has opened in Santa Ana. Another store is anticipated to open soon in Fullerton. 3390 S Bristol St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
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.