Irvine resident Jerrod Maruyama, the creative force behind “Hipster Mickey” and other kawaii Disney characters, is stepping out of the studio to share his ultimate local dining recommendations. Known for bringing whimsical charm to global audiences, Maruyama is celebrating the debut of his latest personal animation project, “Little Corgi Cuties,” by spotlighting his five favorite culinary stops across Orange County for summer.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
“Creator of cute” Jerrod Maruyama is a prolific artist whose signature illustrations have left a global imprint. The Irvine resident’s artwork famously adorned Shanghai Disneyland Park for its grand opening in 2016, and his talent has fueled limited-edition handbag collaborations with Dooney & Bourke, illustrated children’s books, and a popular Disney housewares collection. He also created exclusive “Lilo & Stitch” merchandise for Aulani, A Disney® Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii.
This summer, Maruyama released a celebratory “Winnie the Pooh” piece honoring the book’s 100th anniversary as well as fresh “Toy Story” illustrations, corresponding with the film’s fifth installment.
His newest venture, “Little Corgi Cuties” debuted as a personal project featuring adorable canine characters in 30-second animated cartoons. Merchandise such as plushies and apparel will launch soon.
“It’s been a long process and a lot of work,” says Jerrod Maruyama, who developed the series right here in Irvine. “I am excited to finally have it out in the world.”
While seeking inspiration for his character designs, Maruyama frequently explores his Orange County neighborhood. To help guide your next outing, here are his five favorite picks across The Irvine Ranch:
WHAT TO ORDER: “Iced LVTM is my go to order. But I mix it up every now and then with a Mint Chocolate VTM”
The iced LVTM is Blk Dot Coffee’s signature Light Vietnamese Coffee made with espresso and sweetened with house creamer. It’s a less caffeinated and less sweet version of the Original VTM™ Coffee.
BLK DOT COFFEE
Alton Retail Center
15342 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92618
Crystal Cove Shopping Center
7958 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, CA 92657
Irvine Spectrum Center
924 Spectrum Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
The Bluffs
1314 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660
The Market Place
13788 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA 92602
WHAT TO ORDER: “Shaky Shaky beef [tenderloin glazed with soy-butter and served with tomato fried rice, watercress salad, and chili-salt & pepper dipping sauce] is a classic. The Black Rice is fantastic and huge! It’s definitely for sharing.”
Served with shrimp, scallops, baby octopus, mussels, mapo pork and lap cheung, the rice is finished with lime leaf aioli and fried okra.
WHAT TO ORDER: “Everything is great. But, I get the Fluffy Soufflé pancakes every visit. Best to go with someone so you can share multiple items.”
BURNT CRUMBS
Los Olivos Marketplace | Irvine Spectrum
8549 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, CA 92618
WHAT TO ORDER: “I always get the Original with an order of the LARB Popcorn Chicken [made with dark meat and served with a lime aioli dipping sauce] to share, and an order of fried chicken skins if I’m being really naughty.”
Rooster & Rice is known for its khao mun gai, Thai-style chicken and rice. It’s listed as “The Original” on the menu.
WHAT TO ORDER: “I always get Tonkotsu Ramen with the thick noodles. Don’t forget the sides. I usually get cucumber crab salad [with yuzu dressing] and an order of garlic, soy marinated crispy chicken.”
The tonkotsu ramen is topped with pork chashu and garnished with spinach, green onion, bean sprouts, and seaweed. Each bowl is served with half of a perfectly soft boiled egg.
