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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ENCINITAS, CA PERMIT NO. 53
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THE RANCHO SANTA FE NEWS
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MAKING WAVES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
VOL. 10, N0. 14
July 11, 2014
Back as president, Boon addresses board, attendees By Christina Macone-Greene year,” said Boon. “I would
“You don’t always have to strive for innovation, but you always want to better yourself,” says Bertrand Hug, who oversees two award-winning restaurants in Mille Fleurs in Rancho Santa Fe and Mister A’s in San Diego. Photo by Bill Reilly
Mille Fleurs nearing 30 years in the Ranch By Christina Macone-Greene
RANCHO SANTA FE — When an award-winning restaurant maintains its prestige year after year, it offers a true testament regarding the person who is dedicated in overseeing its operation. At the Mille Fleurs helm, is the highly regarded restaurateur, Bertrand Hug. For those who know him, Hug’s name is synonymous with dining excellence. Born in Southwest France, Hug was an ambitious son of humble farmers. He pursued his higher education in economics at
the University of Toulouse. While immersed in postgraduate studies, Hug eventually arrived in the U.S., and to support himself while in school, he worked in the restaurant industry. “I started working as a busboy, then a bartender, and then a waiter,” Hug said. And that’s where it all started. Eventually, his focus in banking shifted to fine dining. When his friend and client, Norman Eisenberg, mentioned the probability of opening a restaurant in La Jolla, Hug made a bee-
line for the west coast. In 1973, Hug became the managing partner of Le Cote d’Azur. Since then, he’s owned several restaurants. Still, it wasn’t until 1985 when he purchased the Mille Fleurs property in Rancho Santa Fe – a location he was eyeing for years. Mille Fleurs has received high praise from numerous media outlets such as the Wall Street Journal naming it as the “Top 100 Restaurants in America,” and voted as the “Top 25 Restaurants in America” in both Food and Wine Mag-
azine and Gourmet Magazine. This recognition didn’t come easy — it took persistence and diligence. “I always loved food and my mom instilled in me this will to succeed,” Hug said. “I always wanted to be the best; and, to this day, 30 years later, we are on our way but we still have to be better.” This perspective has kept Hug at the top of his game to enhance the dining experience for his guests. For some restaurateurs who have reached the top
RANCHO SANTA FE — As board members settled into their seats, many attendees were interested in how the meeting would proceed. It was the first meeting of the board’s new fiscal year. Following a heated campaign, Ann Boon was reinstated as president, Craig McAllister served as vice president, and newly elected board member Kim Eggleston secured a spot as treasurer. Nearly five months ago, Boon was removed from her presidential position in a 5-2 vote among the Rancho Santa Fe Association Board. “Welcome to the first meeting of our new fiscal
like to welcome our returning board members and especially welcome our first new board member,” said added, referring to Eggleston. Addressing both the board and attendees, Boon went on to say she hoped that this initial meeting would focus on a renewed commitment to work together on the many issues and projects they have been working on this past year and those which are still in progress. Boon wanted everyone to know of the current projects the board was involved and that they would make the organization run TURN TO PRESIDENT ON A14
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Polo Club celebrates ‘First Responders Day’ By Christina Macone-Greene
RANCHO SANTA FE — As always, polo in Del Mar is the place to be on a Sunday afternoon. While all were excited to watch the Pan-American Cup Finals, the mood shifted during the break when announcer, Steve Lewandowski, handed over the microphone to The Oceanside Police K9 Officer’s Association. Game dedication was in honor of “First Responders Day,” which also included Del Mar Lifeguards, San Diego Fire Rescue, and all first responders. While emergency vehicles rolled onto the field, including the police K9 patrol cars, Oceanside police officers Anis Trabelsi and Sam Hay were there with their K9 partners, Max and Gonzo. While Hay did a short obedience phase with Gonzo, demonstrating the importance of obedience in police line work, the action skyrocketed when the protection segment entered the picture.
Officer Sam Hay with his K-9 partner Gonzo Photo by Susan White
Both Max and Gonzo impressed the crowd. Volunteering his time that day, decoy and professional dog trainer, David Greene, acted as a suspect in pursuit when each officer de-
ployed their dog after him. In one “staged” scenario, Greene snatched a woman’s purse that was standing on the sideline; and, as he ran across the polo field, Trabelsi remotely opened his car
door and Max launched out and apprehended Greene upon command. Wearing a padded sleeve, Greene caught each dog. Polo watchers were amazed with the speed, force, and agility from these police dogs. Handlers, Hay and Trabelsi, also provided narratives while everyone was watching. Polo attendees were very supportive in their donations to The Oceanside Police K9 Officer’s Association, a charitable organization and a subsidiary of The Oceanside Police Officer’s Association. Lewandowski told the crowd, “The Oceanside K9 Officers Association thanks you for being here this afternoon. This nonprofit, established by the officers in 2013, bridges the gap for the K9s healthcare, training tools, and retired police dogs.” He continued, “In TURN TO RESPONDERS ON A15
Tickets are still available to attend the RSF Community Center’s benefit summer Supper Club Dinner event July 12. Photo courtesy RSF Community Center
Community Center readies for dinner benefit By Christina Macone-Greene is a fundraiser,” said Linda
RANCHO SANTA FE — The RSF Community Center is readying for its annual summer Supper Club Dinner event. Ranch residents Douglas Dolezal and Tulug Kenaoglu are hosting this summer evening soiree underneath a star lit sky at their hilltop home. Dolezal, a local designer, is thrilled to be taking part in this supper’s theme, a “Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The event is scheduled for July 12 and tickets are still available. Proceeds from the event support the RSF Community Center. “We appreciate the support because it really
Durket, executive director at the RSF Community Center. As a nonprofit, the community center does rely on their events, programs and classes to keep the nonprofit flourishing. Durket went on to say while residents swttep forward to host the dinner, the community center is involved with arranging the theme, menu and entertainment for the evening. This dinner will consist of an English cuisine, punctuated by a heartier fare. “Our mission is to TURN TO DINNER ON A15