Haidilao Hot Pot, a branch of the upscale Chinese hot pot chain, has opened at Irvine’s Diamond Jamboree. It takes the spot of The Balcony Grill & Bar. 2710 Alton Pkwy., Ste 215, Irvine, CA 92606.



Cha for Tea has opened a new store in Woodbridge Village Center, its second in Irvine and fourth in Southern California. The menu features the usual line-up, including crispy chicken and an assortment of juices, teas, and boba drinks. 4600-4784 Barranca Pkwy., Ste 4740, Irvine, CA 92604.



Bon Epi, which closed its location at Diamond Jamboree in Irvine, has reopened in Tustin and rebranded itself Bon Epi Macaron. It takes the space of Halfsies Donuts, which shuttered last year citing a remodel that never took place. 13812 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA 92780.



100 North Kitchen + Lounge has opened in the space that used to be Tuscany Club in Downtown Fullerton. The menu features produce sourced from Anaheim’s Renewable Urban Farm. 100 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832.



Drill’d Ice Cream, a new ice-cream concept that uses a giant drill bit to mix in toppings into your soft serve, has opened in Fountain Valley. 18279 Brookhurst St., Ste. 2, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

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.