Russ Bendel, the Orange County restaurateur who has launched one beloved concept after another, has opened his eighth restaurant. Creekside Restaurant & Bar in Rancho Mission Viejo is a relaxed neighborhood spot serving thoughtfully prepared American fare. The dinner-only restaurant opened Monday, Oct. 12. Located in Sendero Marketplace, the 3,000-square-foot space seats 120 between the dining room, bar and patio. The covered patio holds up to 60 for private events.

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Mark your calendars, film lovers. The Newport Beach Film Festival announced that Oscar-nominated director and writer Tony Gilroy's "Behemoth!," starring Pedro Pascal, will close the 27th annual festival on Thursday, Oct. 22. The festival runs Oct. 15-22.

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Soft, delicious and popular at every location, the Monster Cookies at Wild Strawberry Cafe have earned local recognition, are trending on TikTok and sell out daily. Flavors include chocolate chip, strawberry matcha and gluten-free peanut butter. They are available at all three Newport Beach locations and the Laguna Beach location.

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The 27th Newport Beach Film Festival opens Thursday, Oct. 15, with "Frampton," an intimate documentary portrait of rock icon Peter Frampton. The screening begins at 7 p.m. at Big Newport, Screen 1. Frampton and director Rob Arthur will take part in a live Q&A afterward.

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