Orange County October 2016

HOME/AWAY Edition

NATE BERKUS

HOME BODY

A’MAREE’S

Contributor Call Out PHOTO BY:

TRAVIS MCCOY travismccoy.com @travis_mccoy_photography Beauty Expert - Pose-itivity The Wedge Newport Beach DATE TAKEN: JUNE 24, 2016

12 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

LOCALE MAGAZINE | 13

THE TEAM

A NOTE FROM OUR

PU BLISHER ERIK HALE PUBLISHER + FOUNDER erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e

ASHLEY SMITH COO/Co-Founder ashley@localemagazine.com | @ashleyelainexo ART REILLY KAVANAUGH Art Director + Designer reilly@localemagazine.com | @reillyek EDITORIAL KILEY COLEMAN Production Manager kiley@localemagazine.com | @kiley_notminogue ALANA ARONSON Editor alana@localemagazine.com | @alana_aronson TAMARA PHILIPS Editor tamara@localemagazine.com | @tamarakahooya JORDAN LIGONS Editor jordan@localemagazine.com | @justjayyL SALES & MARKETING MIKE TODD SMITH Market Manager mts@localemagazine.com | @miketoddsmith JASON KOSKY Market Manager jason@localemagazine.com | @locale_jason BRIANNA ROMANO Partnerships + Marketing Director brianna@localemagazine.com | @briannabanawna DAVID LOWE Market Manager david@localemagazine.com | @Diggs310 FINANCE VALERIE KERR Accountant accounting@localemagazine.com DISTRIBUTION RICK RAMIREZ & ROBERT JONES

THE CONTRIBUTORS “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”

—William Morris “Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.”—Matsuo Basho When I am on my couch I wish I was at the club, and when I am at the club I wish I was on my couch.

I can’t wait to go on vacation, and I can’t wait to get back home.

Does anyone get conflicted like this when weighing the comforts of home versus the appeal of going out or traveling?

This issue should remedy both your instincts to nest and to fly the coop.

Our Home/Away issue offers advice on nesting from our super stylish cover feature Nate Berkus and inspiration on building a stylish empire from Jonathan Adler. Our Home (Away From Home) guide is essential to being the perfect host, and was shot at an amazing Laguna Beach hillside mansion.

We then tempt you off the couch with an amazing day on Catalina, a VIP trip to Vegas and 10 of our favorite new local restaurants.

You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Unless you want to.

WRITERS ANGELA HATCHER @hatcherangela | BLAKE PINTO blakepinto.com BOBBY ANAND @bobbysanand ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING literarilyemc.com | @el2aine ELIZABETH NUTT elizabethnutt.com | JEANETTE SWANSON KATIE ARNOLD the-style-riot.com | @TheStyleRiot LYNDSAY MARVIN thebalancedbrunette.com | @thebalancedbrunette MELISSA MITCHELL melissaLmitchell.com | @melissaaliana | MOLLY BROOKS @mollybrooks NICOLE HAKIM sultanvilebetrayer@tumblr.com | @nikkicola24 PRISCILLA NG mkikkerko.weebly.com | @mkikkerko SIERRA EVERETT @_sierrarae | TIFFANY TRAN @thetiffanytran YOLIE LIANG @yeezolie PHOTOGRAPHERS AMANDA PROUDFIT proudfitphotography.com | @amandaproudfit ANDREA DOMJAN andreadomjanphotography.com | @andrea_domjan_photography ANDREW PETRICH andrewpetrich.com | @andrewpetrich BRET ROBERTSON bretrobertson.photography | @bretrobertson BRIAN CHAN brianchanstudios.com | BRIANNA MOSS missmossphoto.com | @breezymoss BRADLEY BLACKBURN BApictures.com | @bapictures_com DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS nobleandrews.com | @nobleandrews DANNY LIAO dannyliao.com | JOSIE GONZALEZ qsphotography.com | @josgonzales NATASHA LEE bynatasha.net | @talktonatasha PATRICK MARTIN patrickmartinphoto.com TAE KWON taekwonphoto.com | @taekwonphoto TRAVIS MCCOY travismccoy.com | @travis_mccoy_photography FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T S CARLY SANDOVAL classyyetsassygirl.blogspot.com | @carlyeemariee CYNTHIA MOLINA @cynthiadiaries DESI AGUILAR desiagu.wix.com/stylist | @desidesidesi JACKIE ROSE jackierosestyle.com | @jackierosestyle KAREN PATTERSON kreatifphotography.com MELISSA SOUZA havenst.com | @melissasouzastyles REBECCA ARAOZ tailoredtantrums.com BEAUTY STYLISTS BRI OROZCO @bri_oro BRIAN BOND brianbond-mua.com | @brianbondmakeup BRIE LEACH CROUSE briedoesmakeup.com | @briedoesmakeup BRIANNA HERNANDEZ | HEATHER BALAAM hbmua.com | @hb.makeupartist JENNIFER MAU @beautycrave83 | JULIE LAZAIRE GARNIER SONIA RESHETNIKOVA soniareseh.com | @soniaresh *For full information on our contributors go to www.localemagazine.com/about

ERIK HALE PUBLISHER

14 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

LO CAL E MAG A Z I N E 2755 Bristol St Ste 295, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949.436.8910 • www.localemagazine.com @localemagazine • #localemagazine

LOCALE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS October 2016 T H I S I S S U E : Home/Away

186

194 Room & Board

Setting the Table

Flight Plan Choose to Fly in Style—and Land Feeling Better Than You Did Taking Off

Home Room 101 A Mix of Traditional and Modern

166

Home Profile

A Home Décor Empire Jonathan Adler’s Happy Accident Turned Career

189

Escape: Vegas

V.I.P Very Important Palace

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171

Home/Away Guide

HOME (Away From Home) Our Guide to Nesting, Being the Perfect Party Host and Making Away Feel Like Home

200

Su Casa

Living Lush Luxury Apartment Homes for the On-The-Go Lifestyle

LOCALE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS October 2016 30 40 44

Native Knowledge Where to be Monday-Sunday

STYLE/BEAUTY

48

Pour Vida Latin Flavor

Localendar

Pour the Love

20 Events to Fall For

Creativity, Skill and Latin Flare with Chef Jimmy Martinez

Insta-Wow Home Businesses We Love

124

EAT/DRINK

86 50

Home is Where His Story Begins Interior Designer Nate Berkus Designs to Share a Personal Journey

Eat Expert

Come Together, Dine Now

Family Man

Dr. Robert Kessler Shares His Love for Business and His Daughters

All That Glitters is Goals

GO/DO

142

Dr. Kessler

Fashion Spread Go High-Fashion With These Diamonds in the Buff

Cover Story

114

Do Profile

Like it Was on Purpose Planks USA Repurposes Old Material Into Amazing New Creations

58

Restaurant Round Up

Love at First Bite

10 New Restaurants to Experience in Orange County

138

70

POPPYjack Shop’s Courtney Herman is a Girl in Demand

Restaurant Marin

Modern-Day Diner

Andrew Dorsey Pays Close Attention to His SOCIAL Surroundings

An Artfully Crafted American Classic

82

Stag Bar + Kitchen

Stag Party

Poppy Jack Shop

Handwritten Heroine

146

Catalina

Catalina Dreamin’

Explore Life Outdoors on Catalina Island

Completely Revamped, Stag Bar + Kitchen is Rewriting History

102 61

Beauty Expert

148

Pose-itivity

The Beach Never Looked Better

Aerial Lynn Inspires Others With Yoga and Words of Positivity

Meals Deconstructed

Gastro Gurus

Photo Essay

Point of View

Your Favorite Local Meals, Piece by Piece

98

London Coin

Timeless Treasures

London Coin Galleries Mission Viejo’s Timeless Pieces

156

Creative Carafes

Sip, Paint, Repeat

Make Multitasking Fun With Creative Carafes

162

Project Giving Light

110

74

Drink Expert

In Grape Demand Main Street Wine Company is Huntington Beach’s Hottest Wine Bar

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117

Polished Perfect

by Twila True

That’s What She Said

Start a Riot Stale Gift Ideas? The Style Riot Has Your Holiday Go-Tos

159

Music Feature

Living Legend The Legacy of The Detroit Bar Lives on Via The Wayfarer

Nailed It!

Fall in Love With Twila True’s Seasonal Nail Colors

Spreading the Sunshine Project Giving Light Gifts Underprivileged Children a Birthday Surprise

®

All rights reserved © 2016, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without express written prior permission of the copyright owner.

LOCALE MAGAZINE

ph: 949.436.8910 | fax: 949.682.4807 info@localemagazine.com Locale Magazine is printed by SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING 13650 Gramercy Pl, Gardena, CA 90249 | 310.323.0112 | www.southwestoffset.com

COVER

Photographed By: Natasha Lee, bynatasha.net | @talktonatasha Model: Nate Berkus, nateberkus.com | @nateberkus Location: Amaree’s, 2241 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 | amarees.com Styled By: Desi Aguilar, desiagu.wix.com/stylist | @desidesidesi Grooming By: Brie Leach, @briedoesmakeup Artwork By: Pierce Meehan, piercemeehan.com | @piercemeehan

Making THE ISSUE

We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Nate Berkus for this cover shoot on such a lovely summer California day. A’maree’s in Newport Beach was the perfect spot to shoot Nate with the clean design and large floor-to-ceiling windows to let the light in.

Nate brought his wardrobe with him to style this entire shoot. So, you’ll really see his true relaxed personality and style shine through these photos—especially relaxed because he was shopping through various A’maree’s knick knacks in between looks.

Natasha Lee had a blast shooting Nate. “My vision for the shoot was a casual California aesthetic that reflects Nate’s roots in Orange County. A polished but effortless vibe, as if spending an afternoon getting to know Nate at home,” Natasha says. “In addition to the portrait shots, my goal was also to capture less guarded moments as Nate is talking off camera, or laughing and smiling—letting his charming and genteel personality shine through.”

To capture this, Natasha used a Hensel Integra with a beauty dish at the lowest setting for a subtle pop of light in the dressing room setup, a Westcott Photo reflector to bounce fill on the outdoor shots, and a Canon 5D Mark III with 2470 2.8 version 2.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

TOP FLIGHT

Ò Very chill night time vibes near cool shops in The Lab. Gypsy Den serves desserts but I get their hummus platter and an iced vanilla chai latte.

I may hang out and thrift shop at Buffalo Exchange, which is my favorite way to find “new” clothes. www.gypsyden.com

EXPERT: Jocelyn Harper CREDENTIALS: Flight Attendant

Ò After body pump class at 24 Hour Fitness, I love Guppy House in Irvine for a relaxed evening. It has great lighting and decor, and an extensive Boba drink menu. I adore the very Spicy Beef Hot Pot, Shrimp Fried Rice and Thai milk tea. myguppyteahouse.com

Ò I am away from home often, so when I am in town I love quality time with friends. I was introduced to my favorite steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris in Anaheim. Last time, I had the Petite Fillet, Lobster Mac & Cheese, and grilled asparagus with red wine. After, I may hit SOCIAL in Costa Mesa.

It has the most unique, delicious drinks and it’s a fun place to meet up with people after a date.

Ò Anaheim is the brand new Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles location. Relaxed and open late. There isn’t anything inherently healthy there, but that isn’t the point. Something about their waffles is next level. I get the #18, which is a thigh and a waffle, and I add a coffee.

ruthschris.com socialcostamesa.com

roscoeschickenandwaffles.com

“ Ò Great Mex in Costa Mesa will always be my college favorite taco place. The same cashier has been there since I went to Vanguard University a few years ago!

It is very casual, nestled into a small parking lot.

I always get one chicken taco and one Mexican street taco with a Corona and lime.

After, I may hit SOCIAL in Costa Mesa.

It has the most unique, delicious drinks and it’s a fun place to meet up with people after a date.

”

Ò When we fly into John Wayne Airport, the crew stays at the Holiday Inn Santa Ana Airport. After a long day of flying, I choose the Panini Restaurant and Lounge that is located inside the hotel.

Whether you choose a glass of white wine or a margarita, the bartenders are friendly and it’s the perfect place to relax after a day in the friendly skies.

Ò I love Saddle Ranch, Costa Mesa’s bottomless mimosas on Sunday after a busy weekend. It’s always fun to drink and watch people ride and fall off the mechanical bull. They also serve giant cotton candy that’s perfect for Instagram.

thesaddleranch.com/costamesa

greatmexgrill.com

PHOTO BY: Tae Kwon

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

GAINING INTEREST EXPERT: Ben Alvarado CREDENTIALS: Lead Region President of Southern California, Wells Fargo

Ò My family loves to catch a movie and when possible we go to one of the several locations in and around OC at Cinépolis. The snacks delivered to the comfy recliners make it a perfect way for us to spoil ourselves on special occasions.

cinepolisusa.com/laguna-niguel

Ò Managing stress is an important part of having a healthy lifestyle which is why I start out my mornings working out or attending a cross-fusion class at Equinox Fitness Club. Trainers Doug and Tammy are awesome!

Working out and being with friends is a great way to have fun and clear my mind before coming into work. equinox.com

Ò Wow Bento serves some of the best poke around!

Off the beaten path, the unassuming restaurant specializes in Japanese and Hawaiian seafood.

A colleague and friend works right around the corner, so we plan our meetings around grabbing lunch together. wowbentoca.com

Ò Over the past 15 years I have purchased seven bikes from Jax, for both my family and myself. I just purchased a new bike from them, which I broke in at the Wells Fargo sponsored Tour of Long Beach. I appreciate Jax’s passion for great service and their enthusiasm for riding, which they share with customers. jaxbicycles.com

Ò Baja Fish Tacos’ small chain serves fast, fresh and healthy Baja style food and is a favorite for my family as we travel around Orange County and Southern California for my son’s and daughter’s club soccer tournaments. As a family favorite, if there is one nearby we plan our day around eating there.

Ò Kona, our yellow Lab, loves to play in the ocean. This is a great way to spend a Saturday morning at Dog Beach in Huntington Beach. There are a couple of spots nearby where my son and I surf after enjoying dog beach with the family. huntingtonbeachca.gov

“

In addition to riding road bikes, I also enjoy mountain biking and trail running.

Right now my favorite trails are El Moro Canyon Loop Trail and the Whiting Ranch trails.

”

Ò In addition to riding road bikes, I also enjoy mountain biking and trail running. Right now my favorite trails are El Moro Canyon Loop Trail and the Whiting Ranch trails. They are central to friends and we love the challenging trails which are marked with easy signage. ocparks.com/parks/whiting

bajafishtacos.com

PHOTO BY: Patrick Martin

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Photos - Bearflag: Julie Jones

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

DESIGN DIVA EXPERT: Brooke Wagner CREDENTIALS: Owner, Brooke Wagner Design

Ò I’m most likely meeting a client at SOCO. Quick meeting at Famosa Tile then head over to PIRCH for plumbing fixture selections. Have you tried their lavender lemonade?!

It’s the best. southcoastcollection.com

Ò Back at it! I love Monday mornings because I start off with volunteering in my son’s first grade classroom.

Afterwards, I may stop

by Zinc Cafe and grab a healthy-ish breakfast bar.

I generally reserve the majority of my Monday to work with the designers and project managers in the office and prepare for the busy week ahead. zinccafe.com

Ò During a hectic week, I still try to make time to stop by local boutiques and one of my favorites is Juxtaposition Home. On any given Wednesday, I know I will find something that fits one of my projects perfectly. On my way out, I have to stop

by Bear Flag Fish Co. and grab a couple of fish tacos—they’re my favorite!

Ò Sports, sports, and more sports! With three kids between the ages of 7-11 you can find us at water polo or soccer games, swim meets, etc. In between games, I always try to stop in at the Mariners Church parking lot farmers market. I stock up on fresh eggs and produce for the week.

juxtaposition.com bearflagfishco.com

Ò Tuesday consists of site visits, (construction sites mainly). One of my favorite things about my job is watching a jobsite transform into a beautiful house. After that, I swing

by Bamboo Bistro for a quick lunch and head back to the office. vietbamboobistro.com

Ò In the morning, you may find me at the Thomas Lavin Showroom finding the newest design products and selecting new fabrics for projects. Most likely more Bamboo Bistro takeout for lunch...Have I mentioned how much I eat there?! Then back to the office to finish off the day with more meetings, meetings and meetings. thomaslavin.com

“

On my way out, I have to stop by Bear Flag Fish Co. and grab a couple of fish tacos—they’re my favorite!

”

Ò Family day! Whether it’s walking around Balboa Island or the cliffs of Crystal Cove, we love to get outdoors and spend time together. I finish off the week by cooking with my family and enjoying their company around a yummy dinner! balboaisland.com

PHOTO BY: Tae Kwon

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BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

WITH FINESSE

Ò End of the week. Finish out in the clinic. Catching up on paperwork and dictations from the full week. Reviewing the schedule for the week to come, confirming surgical plans, reviewing challenging cases with my practice partner or my father. Making sure to reach out to patients with recent surgery that may have questions so that they are at ease through the weekend. A reward for an early finish may be a trip to Fig and Olive for a quick after-work get together with friends.

EXPERT: Mark D. Gaon, MD CREDENTIALS: Plastic Surgeon, Finesse Plastic Surgery

figandolive.com

Ò Kick off the new week!

Wake up sleepy kids, make a quick breakfast and pack lunches. Grab a coffee and bagel to go at PDM and drop off my youngest to elementary school, then off to the office. Finish in time to drive out to Polo practice to watch my eldest.

Dinner with the family, maybe at Bear Flag and then prep for tomorrow’s surgery cases before bed. pdmcafe.com bearflagfishco.com

Ò Surgery day. Early start means no rides from dad for the kiddos. Some days, cases are at various local hospitals, other days at local surgery centers.

Pandora Radio is set to classic rock or 80’s so I can sing along and drive the OR staff crazy by always managing to mangle the lyrics. After a long day in the OR, a quick trip to the gym clears the head in time to go pick up my middle son from water polo practice.

Ò Hump day brings a combination of clinic and surgery. My staff has to constantly be on me to keep moving. I tend to get caught up in patients’ stories and end up going overtime. Those patients that ask a lot of questions get answers with my drawings on the backs of their charts or on the exam table paper covers. Somewhere there is a file of my old artwork the MA’s threaten to have bound up for me. If, with luck, there is an early finish, I might have time to be barbeque master for family dinner. And for dessert—Roy’s lava cake is my all-time favorite.

Ò Get a lazy start, read the paper and grab breakfast for the family.

Take a drive over to the equestrian center to watch my wife and son school the horses and keep them in tip-top competition shape. Watch my oldest son clear jump after jump while holding my breath, always waiting for the big fall (he never does—he’s like a little monkey on horseback).

Some Saturdays it’s Polo practice, others it’s jumpers and cross country practice. In season, it’s time to hitch up the trailer and do some traveling.

roysrestaurant.com

Ò Mirror image of Tuesday. I love being able to work out threedimensional puzzles in real-time with a little time pressure thrown in. If there is a student, a new nurse, or a new PA around, I’m happy to take a minute or two to remark or teach anatomy or technique.

Never a dull moment!

After surgery, back out for a quick trip to the gym and then to water polo practice. And maybe I’ll have time to stop by Muldoon’s Irish Pub (my favorite) for a brew. muldoonspub.com

“

Summer-like weather brings Crystal Cove beach days, and frequent visits to Shake Shack.

”

Ò Dad’s day to relax.

Summer-like weather brings Crystal Cove beach days, and frequent visits to Shake Shack.

When the tuna are within reach, you’ll find me out there trying to catch a few. Other lazy Sunday activities will include movies, Netflix marathons, and trips to the grandparents’. A quick run to get the blood going often precedes a long afternoon siesta. Also a good day to catch up on some reading for work and for pleasure. rubys.com/locations/ newportcoast

PHOTO BY: Patrick Martin

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Photos - Bearflag: Julie Jones

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

LOCALE ndar

20

EVENTS TO FALL FOR

WRITTEN BY: NICOLE HAKIM

NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE

christmasboatparade.com ¢ Bring the ocean and Christmas together with the Newport

Beach Boat Parade. From Dec. 14-18, the harbor will be filled with any type of vessel—from large to small—each decorated with lights, Christmas carolers and animated scenes. Also enjoy the “Ring of Lights” where waterfront homes, businesses and yacht clubs get into the holiday spirit.

LAKERS VS. PHOENIX SUNS

hondacenter.com ¢ On Oct. 21, satisfy the

basketball lover in you by attending the Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns game at the Honda Center. You can guarantee a great time by grabbing a beer and representing your favorite team with the team’s colors or jerseys.

BLOOM BASH

bloomtheworkshop.com ¢ Designed for creative women hoping to learn about the worlds

of blogging, interior design, photography and much more, Bloom Bash (Oct. 24-25) is a workshop that helps its students make strides into their futures. Bloom Bash offers a two-day retreat style workshop filled with sessions and speakers that will have its students feeling inspired and passionate about their works.

SAN CLEMENTE SEA FEST

www.scchamber.com/events/ details/san-clemente-seafest-68 ¢ Try out some chowder in

the Chowder Cook-off—or enter, if you’re up to it—view some handmade arts and crafts and if you’re a teen or child surfer, brave the cold in the surfing contest. This day promises to bring the feel of summer in the fall.

DANA POINT OKTOBERFEST

www.danapointoktoberfest.com ¢ A day dedicated to beer?

We’re in! On Oct. 15, get down to Dana Point and embrace the German heritage by trying different kinds of beer and succulent dishes. You can also listen to live music, dance and have a fun time.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

www.outletsatsanclemente.com ¢ Nov. 12 is Outlets at San

Clemente’s first birthday!

To honor this occasion, the center is hosting a weekend of exciting entertainment and insane deals at more than 50 stores with amazing prizes! So, take advantage and celebrate with everyone else.

HISTORY CEMETERY TOUR

55TH ANNUAL SANDCASTLE CONTEST

just creepy things in general?

On Oct. 22, at the History Cemetery Tour, you can walk tour through the Fairhaven Cemetery and learn about the people whose names adorn the tombstones. Watch as actors who wear period appropriate costumes bring these people back to life.

as hopefuls put their skills to the test and creatives elaborate sand sculptures dedicated to a “fantasy castle and cars” theme. Whether you choose to enter the contest, you will have a blast playing in the sand and staring in awe at some gorgeous works.

www.santaanahistory.com ¢ Are you a fan of history or

MIKHAILOVSKY BALLET LE CORSAIRE

scfta.org ¢ What could be better than a night out at the theatre? Nov. 18-20, it’s time to experience

a gorgeous ballet performance acting out the fable of a handsome pirate who falls in love with a beautiful harem girl. As you dress in your finest clothes and watch the performers dance and leap to beautiful music, you might just fall in love with ballet all over again.

40 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

www.facebook.com/ CDMSandcastleContest/ ¢ On Oct. 2, join—or watch—

CREATIVE CARAFES

creativecarafes.com ¢ Everyone wants the chance to be creative and have a

fun night out, and at Creative Carafes, you will have that chance. Hosting upscale paint events, Creative Carafes, provides guests with canvases, paints, aprons and master artists so you can create your own masterpiece. You can also join a combo event such as yoga and painting or wine tasting and painting or host your own private event!

DANA POINT STATE BBQ CHAMPIONSHIP

danapointbbqchampionships.com ¢ What could be better

SURFING SANTA

surfingsantacontest.org ¢ Combine summer and winter with a unique surfing contest that will be impossible to

forget on Nov. 19. It is run under an organization called Surfers Healing, a foundation that aims to introduce the therapeutic benefits of surfing to autistic children and their families. The contest features a number of surfers dressed in holiday garb and just the image of that is enough to make one smile.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

vanguard.edu/theatre/lyceumtheater-season ¢ Theatre is much more than

a form of entertainment; it is a valuable learning tool.

Vanguard University presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” an enchanting comedy complete with mischief, magic and the world’s most popular pastime, falling in love.

48TH ANNUAL COSTA MESA SPEEDWAY costamesaspeedway.net ¢ If you’re craving an

adrenaline high, try the Costa Mesa Speedway this October.

Be prepared for a night filled with action and unpredictable twists that will leave you at the edge of the seat. The speedway is kid friendly, so bring the whole family along to bask in an energetic and exciting atmosphere.

VIRGIN OF GUADALUPE: IMAGES IN COLONIAL MEXICO bowers.org ¢ From Oct. 8-Jan. 29, the

Bowers Museum is hosting an exhibition about the Virgin of Guadalupe. You can view this new exhibit and learn about the social, political and religious impacts the Virgin has made on Mexico. View exclusive Mexican collections, including the museum of Basilica of Guadalupe, the most visited pilgrimage site in the Americas.

ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

than an event where you’ll be eating and drinking? At the Dana Point State BBQ Championship on Oct. 8, take the time to indulge. Sample food from participating teams, inhale the mouthwatering scent of charred meat and just enjoy the day with fellow meat lovers! Make sure to allow your dogs some fun, too; just make sure to keep them on a leash.

NEWPORT BEACH AND CO. FESTIVAL: 13TH ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK newportbeachartinthepark.com ¢ Be prepared for a day filled

with the arts and beautiful beach weather. On Oct. 15, take this day to view original arts and crafts created by a variety of talented artists.

You will find mixed media, oil paintings, watercolors, pastels and more exciting pieces.

Admission is free, but you can always buy a new art piece to spice up your home.

cinepolisusa.com ¢ Since it premiered with A

New Hope in 1977, Star Wars has become an integral part of the world. With the newest film, The Force Awakens, the franchise is coming back in a bigger and better way, and this year a new story will be told through Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, released Dec. 18. See it at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas Laguna Niguel.

TOSHIBA GOLF CLASSIC NOCHE DE ALTARES

nochedealtares.org ¢ Also known as the “Night of

the Altars,” Noche De Altares (Nov. 5) invites families, business and organizations to take part in a Dia De Los Muertos celebration that honors and brings all walks of life together. Live music, arts and crafts and food will also highlight the beauty of this holiday and the culture of Mexico.

toshibaclassic.com ¢ As an Orange County

tradition, the Toshiba Golf Classic is perfect for fans of the sport. This benefits the Mary Dick and Allen Diabetes Center at Hoag. From Oct. 5-9, you can become part of the tradition by spectating, donating or even volunteering.

20TH ANNUAL VINTAGE FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL vintagesjc.com ¢ Treat yourself to a night filled with good drinks and delicious

foods at this aptly named festival. On Oct. 8, you can sample a variety of wines and foods provided by a number of restaurants.

Enjoy a pleasant night out with friends and families and take your tastebuds on an adventure.

LOCALE MAGAZINE | 41

I N STA - WOW HOME BUSINESSES We

1

BLACKBAND DESIGN @blackbanddesign

6

LORI DENNIS @loridennisinc

2

LITTLE CROWN INTERIORS Naomi Alon @littlecrowninteriors

7

STANFIELD REAL ESTATE @stanfieldrealestate

3

8

GARDENOLOGY @gardenologyhome

ROOM AND BOARD @roomandboard

4

APARTMENT THERAPY @apartmenttherapy

9

BRIAN LIBERTO @brianliberto

5

JENNA RAINEY @monvoirco

CATCH

@ loridennis inc as our “Native Knowledge” subject in our SD Dec. issue

F O LLO W LO CA LE M AG A Z I N E O N I N STAG R A M @localemagazine • #localemagazine

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PHOTO BY: Josie Gonzalez

eat /drink

OCT.

2016

48 POUR VIDA LATIN FLAVOR Sit Down with Chef Jimmy Martinez of OC’s Pour Vida Latin Flavor

50 EAT EXPERT Meet Owner and Operator of SOCIAL Costa Mesa

58 RESTAURANT ROUND UP New Dishes to Try, Taste, and Tell Your Friends About

61 MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Local Chefs Dish on Why These OC Classics Are So Tasty

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MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Gastro Gurus

70 RESTAURANT MARIN Costa Mesa’s Upscale Modern Diner

74 DRINK EXPERT Wino Dann Bean Dishes Why His Wine Bar is Huntington’s Hottest

82 STAG BAR + KITCHEN

MESA 725 Baker St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.557.6700 www.mesacostmesa.com

Rewriting History to Become the Orange County HOT LIST’S Best Cocktail Bar of 2016

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OCTOBER 2016

EAT/DRINK

the Creativity, Skill and Latin Flare with Chef Jimmy Martinez WRITTEN BY: PRISCILLA NG PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNA MOSS

Jimmy Martinez is a culinary genius known for his creativity and skill in cooking French-Asian cuisines. He started off at Pine Creek Cookhouse in Aspen, Colorado, then moved back to California and worked at Dolce for six years. After that, he developed the renowned menu at Mastro’s Steakhouse, became the executive chef at BOA Steakhouse, and spent some time cooking at the exclusive members-only club, 41 Ocean. He has recently opened up his own restaurant, Pour Vida Latin Flavor, located in Anaheim, and has plans to open up another called Albatross.

Martinez first became interested in the culinary field when he was a young boy.

His stepfather had taken him out for his birthday to a truffle tasting. It was a six course meal and when the chef came out, Martinez said to himself, “I want to be in that guy’s shoes.”

After attending Le Cordon Bleu, Martinez’s first gig was with Pine Creek Cookhouse. In Aspen, he eventually moved into the role of Chef. He recalls how he “got to run it for a little bit and ended up working there for a season.

After just coming out of culinary school, this first job really taught me a lot.”

After working in other high-end and renowned restaurants for over a dozen years, Martinez decided that it was about time he started his own restaurant. Over a year ago, he opened Pour Vida Latin Flavor. “Even though our name says ‘Latin Flavor,’ I never cook Mexican. I cook very French-Asian,” he says. Martinez enjoys the clean flavor profiles of Asian cuisines, like sashimi, for example. To him, Mexican food is too greasy and heavy, so the only Latin influence in his food is the tortilla.

When asked about his best-selling dish, he answered, “To name only one popular dish [at Pour Vida], that’s crazy.

I have one for every category.” For vegetarians, he has the Brussels sprout taco with a soy ginger glaze on top of a house made spinach tortilla. For meat eaters, there’s a delicious pineapple skirt steak taco. His top salad option is a kale and endive salad with cranberry vinegar, bleu cheese crumbles and candied pumpkin seeds—“People also flip out at the tempura oyster that I make.”

“I have so many restaurant concepts in my head. Like right now, the big thing is poke, but I’m doing it with an added flare. To stay in the business, you have to think ten years into the future and focus on the long run.”

—CHEF JIMMY MARTINEZ,

Founder of Pour Vida Latin Flavor

In a couple of months, he’ll be opening a new place called Albatross, which will be located inside The Camp in Costa Mesa. The concept revolves around fresh seafood and a variation of the poke bowl on a more high-end level.

Follow That Chef: Some of Martinez’s favorite restaurants in Los Angeles and Orange County are Bestia, Kitayama, Dakara Sushi, Tsujita, Bay Cities, Barrel & Ashes, and In N Out.

POUR VIDA LATIN FLAVOR 185 W Center Street Promenade Anaheim, CA, 92805 657.208.3889 www.pourvidalatinflavor.com 48 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

SOCIAL COSTA MESA 512 W 19th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.642.2425 www.socialcostamesa.com

“WITH THE NEW-AMERICAN AND CALIFORNIAN CUISINE, IT’S A BROAD SPECTRUM OF WHAT YOU CAN DO, WHICH IS ALSO WHY WE LIKE IT SO MUCH.” —ANDREW DORSEY

50 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

EAT EXPERT

C O ME T O G E T H E R ,

ANDREW DORSEY PAYS CLOSE ATTENTION TO HIS SOCIAL SURROUNDINGS

WRITTEN BY: YOLIE LIANG PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN

THE EXPER T

ANDREW DORSEY Co-Founder and Owner of SOCIAL Costa Mesa

Years in the Restaurant Biz: 10

The concept of sociality is not simply an abstract attribute; it can be a fulfillment that customers find at a restaurant. Former bar owner Andrew Dorsey presents the concept of sociality through exquisite interior design, thoughtfully curated menu, and handcrafted cocktails at his new-American restaurant, SOCIAL Costa Mesa.

ou can immediately feel the social vibe once you walk into the restaurant. The communal tables and open floor plan create a welcoming environment and a diningaltogether atmosphere. The seasonally changing menu is not only infused with a combination of southern dishes and local ingredients, but also made to match the creative bar program.

Q: Andrew, what is your background in the restaurant industry?

Andrew Dorsey: I started a restaurant in 2006 in Anaheim with my brother, called 195 Downtown Grill. We had it for seven years and moved out because the rent was tripled. I took some time off, got married and started to work on the new concept, SOCIAL. Q: What inspires you to implement this new-American concept? Was there a particular moment that was a turning point?

AD: I think it all comes from my travels and all the different restaurants I’ve tried. Ever since I was a kid, I paid close attention to the menu, the bar and different types of food. Up until the present day, I frequently check on different concepts through social media. The turning point was living in Costa Mesa with

my wife—every weekend we always look for places to have fun, highenergy restaurants with progressive food, good environment and bar program. Soon we ran out of places to eat and were inspired to open one.

Q: In what ways do you think SOCIAL differs from other bars and restaurants in Orange County?

AD: We’re different because we have a one-of-a-kind menu that is always changing, seasonal, and alive. It matches the bar program while some restaurants don’t. We have everything in one: good cocktail program, great food, lively energy and atmosphere. It’s like a one-stop shop for everything you want for dining.

Q: What are your ideas for menus and decorations that help bring out SOCIAL’s vibes?

AD: We have two big communal tables that fit 15 to 30 people. It

really promotes people dining together, and reflects the concept of SOCIAL. The open floorplan in a separate room also provides the feeling of dining with everyone altogether.

The menu design incorporates the shared plate concept.

We recommend customers to order multiple dishes to share and further promote interaction with one another. In addition, the reclaimed wood “social” wall is a hot spot for people to take insta-worthy photos and promotes the use of social media.

Q: What are your inspirations behind the wide range of handcrafted cocktails?

AD: The inspirations are simply our pursuits to raise the bar in Orange County. We love coming up with different types of glassware and creative cocktails to show people that it’s fun to create. For one of our most popular cocktails, Gunslinger, we infuse actual smoke into a cocktail. To make it a classic, we play on an old fashion by adding bourbon, black tea syrup, and Chinese fivespice bitters with actual smoke trapped inside the bottle.

It comes in a wood board where the server pours in the cocktail and lets the customers smell the smoke. It’s a fun and interactive way to show that mixology is not as pretentious. It’s social, interactive and approachable.

Q: Were there any difficulties in mixing classic southern dishes with California ingredients? What changes did you make to adapt to Californians’ preferences?

AD: With the new-American and Californian cuisine, it’s a broad spectrum of what we can do, which is also why we like it so much. This allows us to do a different spin on all types of cuisine using local resources and Californian ingredients.

Q: What’s your vision for SOCIAL? AD: To continue to be progressive and evolve as a restaurant by continuously pushing the envelope, being creative and staying on the cutting edge of trends.

Q: What is up next with SOCIAL, any seasonal adjustment to the menu, special events or promotions?

AD: Lots of exciting stuff happening. We’ve got Oysters for “a buck a shuck” on Tuesdays plus Industry Night, half off cocktails. Fried Chicken is back on the menu for Sunday Supper and new dishes being added to Sunday Brunch. We are updating our space by expanding the bathrooms, and adding more lounge seating. With that additional change, we will also be introducing a late night happy hour from 11 p.m.—1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

LET ME TAKE A SELFIE Æ “The reclaimed wood ‘social’ wall is a hot spot for people to take instaworthy photos and promotes the use of social media.”

TOP 5 COCKTAILS

1. Gunslinger 2. Alimony

3. In Love with the Coco

4. Black Magic Woman 5. Monkey Business

TOP 5 DISHES 1. Brussels Sprouts 2. Spanish Octopus

3. Wagyu Tri Tip 4. 28 oz bone in Ribeye

5. Wood Grilled Branzino

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Ò If you want one of the best poke bowls in Orange County, you want to visit Tuna Block Poke in Dana Point, which opened in June. Think creamy tuna, salmon, and musubi—yum!

Native Knowledge: Order the Togarashi kettle popcorn for a fun twist.

34085 Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 109 Dana Point, CA 92629 949.209.8788

Ò Founded by Jeff Clinard, Bear Coast Coffee serves coffee that cannot be found anywhere in Orange County. Once a pop-up shop, Bear Coast is now a full-service café.

618 1/2 Avenida Victoria San Clemente, CA 92672 949.482.0618 bearcoastcoffee.com

TUNA BLOCK POKE

10 New Restaurants to Experience in Orange County WRITTEN BY: LYNDSAY MARVIN

Southern California is a mecca for unique, delectable dishes and restaurants.

People come from all over the world to experience the restaurant melting pot that is the West Coast. This year, Orange County is definitely making their mark. In 2016, a plethora of new restaurants have opened, with dishes ranging from Italian classics to poke bowls. Whether you are an adult or child, a native or visitor—you’re sure to find something you love from these 10 new restaurants.

4

NORTH ITALIA

Ò It’s only natural that one of the best restaurants this year serves homemadelike Italian food. Between gluten-free pasta, truffle garlic bread, and slow cooked short rib, there’s something delicious for everyone.

2957 Michelson Dr Irvine, CA 92612 949.629.7060 northitaliarestaurant. com

5

STEAK ‘N SHAKE

Ò Popular Midwest chain restaurant Steak ‘n Shake brings classic dishes, like steakburgers and milkshakes, with a hint of the past to Orange County. This will be their third location in California.

27002 La Paz Rd Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 949.860.1140 steaknshake.com 58 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

6

WAYS & MEANS

Ò Enjoy some of the best oysters in Orange County at Ways & Means Oyster House! This sexy beachside restaurant boasts patio dining, daily specials and an At Home store. Don’t miss out on Maine Lobster Monday, where guests enjoy whole Maine lobster for $9.99 while enjoying views of the Huntington Beach pier.

21022 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.960.4300 wmoysters.com

BEAR COAST COFFEE

3

PUESTO

Ò For Mexico City style tacos of all varieties, look in Irvine for the brand new Puesto as your go-to.

After its success down South in San Diego, Puesto decided to bring their award winning tacos to Orange County.

From chicken al pastor to carnitas to lobster, everyone is sure to get something absolutely mouth-watering.

Los Olivos Marketplace 8577 Irvine Center Dr Irvine, CA 9261 eatpuesto.com

7

HATCH

Ò This tiki bar’s drink list is 100 percent rum.

Choose one (or all) of their options—Moo, Oink, Flap, Swim, or Sprout—for the tastiest sliders in town.

Native Knowledge: Hatch also has 20 microbrews on tap.

Union Market at the District 2493 Park Avenue Ste 27 Tustin, CA 92782 949.433.3854 eathatch.com

8

IRONWOOD

Ò Brand new restaurant Ironwood is making its debut with from-scratch fine dining, and has given a permanent home to the one pound meatball.

25250 La Paz Rd Laguna Hills, CA 92653 949.446.8772 ironwoodlagunahills.com

9

IRENIA RESTAURANT

Ò Pop-up restaurant turned legit, Irenia serves seasonal and modern Filipino cuisine.

Native Knowledge: Irenia is named after owner and Chef Ryan Garlitos’ grandmother.

400 N Broadway Santa Ana, CA 92701 657.245.3466 ireniarestaurant.com

10

SNOOZE EATERY

Ò Opened in July, Snooze is a breakfast eatery with a conscience; they donate their goods (like pancakes!) and services to various causes and organizations.

3032 El Camino Real Tustin, CA 92782 snoozeeatery.com

Photos - North Italia: Adam Gentry | Ways and Means: Gil Cope

EAT/DRINK

MESA 725 Baker St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.557.6700 www.mesacostmesa.com

Meals

DECONSTRUCTED

MEALS

DECONSTRUCTED

Meals

DECONSTRUCTED WRITTEN BY: TIFFANY TRAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALEZ

Gastro

GURUS Your Favorite Local Meals, Piece by Piece

Orange County will never cease to amaze us with their diverse restaurants. From the upscale fine dining to the casual go-to poke restaurants, Orange County offers various foods for every food lover’s choice. It’s exciting to sit down and enjoy the presentation of your food from upscale restaurants like MESA, or even sit down casually eating your customized poke bowl from Cubed Poke. But, to know how these chefs, cooks, and workers put all these dishes together for you— well, that’s a totally different angle. We gathered up the details from these four different restaurants that will let you see how the chefs have prepared each of their signature dishes. The list of ingredients and their flavor balancing demonstrates their creation significantly to their customer’s liking. So whether you enjoy eating Italian food or simply love lounging in a place with live entertainment, one of these four places will be a perfect match!

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Out of the Box Q&A WITH CO-OWNER OF CUBED POKE, CHRYSTAL NGUYEN

W e all know the poke craze is blowing up right now and everyone is out searching for new and delicious poke restaurants to try. Cubed Poke calls themselves the “one stop poke spot.” Honoring Hawaiian recipes, Cubed Poke was always a dream for four friends, Chrystal, Anh, Stephen, and Matthew up until they decided to make it their reality. The restaurant is decorated in soft blue and clean white colors, along with a wall of wood planks, and tiled-like fish scales being centerpieces.

Cubed offers fish like ahi tuna, salmon, yellowtail and octopus. You get the choice of ordering from their signature bowls or even customizing your very own. Who doesn’t like having the freedom to be their very own chef?

Q: Do you have any specific poke bowls already pre-made? Or is it all customized by the customers?

Chrystal Nguyen: In addition to hundreds of customizable combinations you can make, Cubed Poke also offers six signature bowls, each using one of our unique sauces combined with a combination of our fresh ingredients giving our customers bowls that we enjoy. These bowls range from the slightly more traditional Maila Bowl with fresh marinated tuna and spicy mayo over white rice to our version of poke “chips and salsa” called the PCH, with fresh tuna marinated in Ponzu, tossed with mango salsa, corn and green onions and served over fried taro chips.

habanero masago, and raw quail egg. The favorite topping of the house is still the crab salad. It is similar to what you would get in a sushi restaurant, so we think people order it out of familiarity.

Q: What makes your poke place different from others?

CN: Cubed is equipped with a full kitchen, allowing us to add fried eggs to our bowl offerings, gives us the ability to offer fresh taro chips as the base for the poke bowls, and really equips us to make our six unique custom sauces, made from scratch in our kitchen. One signature highlight that we have seen become increasingly popular is offering uni as an add-on option, we haven’t known of anywhere else that does that and it really adds an incredible flavor to any bowl. Also, our Musubi Menu really will be a unique offering, helping us share traditional Hawaiian fare as well as some creative fun options. Right now, we are only featuring our Spam Musubi, but we have many more on the way.

Q: What are the ingredients you offer your customers to make a poke bowl?

CN: When building a custom bowl you start with your base. You can pick the traditional white or brown rice, or you can choose from our Forbidden Rice, taro chips, shredded cabbage, or kale. Then you pick from our selection of housemade sauces. Obviously, this is one of the most important selections, so choose wisely. You can choose from our Ponzu, garlic Ponzu, creamy ginger wasabi, spicy mayo, shoyu, and yuzu. As far as our proteins you can choose from the traditional, salmon, tuna, spicy tuna, or yellowtail, but we also offer octopus for anyone looking to be a little more adventurous. Lastly, toppings are where you really get to spread your creative wings. We have 32 toppings to help you build your poke masterpiece including fried garlic chips, mandarin oranges, corn, jalapeño masago, wakame salad, and of course a fried egg.

Q: Are there any specialty sauces?

CN: We of course think all of our sauces are special but we know our shoyu and garlic Ponzu sauces are extremely special. Our shoyu sauce has a little kick to it, tradition shoyu doesn’t have that. Garlic Ponzu is a customer favorite, it’s definitely a sauce you have to try!

Q: Are there certain toppings that enhance the flavors you all try to inspire upon your customers? What draws people to usually ordering it?

CN: We pride ourselves in our topping selection. We wanted to give the customers the ability to build something all their own, even if it wasn’t traditional. Some of those fun toppings include fried garlic chips, corn, chili oil, chili flakes, bonito furikake, Ponzu jelly, mandarin oranges, jalapeño masago,

Q: What are the specific and prominent flavors everyone notices in your dishes?

CN: Our signature bowls were built with every ingredient in mind. The signature sauce perfectly balances all the other ingredients we brought together in our signature bowls. For example, the saltiness of the shoyu sauce in our Lilo Bowl goes perfectly with the sweet mandarin oranges in the dish. Our housemade sauces, combined with quality ingredients, has really created our flavor identity.

Q: What is the most challenging ingredient to work with and why?

CN: Maintaining flavor integrity is our top priority, so making sure that our customers get the best product available is key.

Forecasting for how much fish we will need in the future is always a delicate balance of making sure we have fresh product for all of our customers, but also not over ordering and wasting fish that might not be its freshest. Finding that balance will forever be our daily challenge, but we will do our best to minimize waste and continuously provide the freshest product available.

Family Affair Q: Where do you like to go out and eat when you’re not at the restaurant?

CN: We love to support our friends and family, so we head straight to their spots when we can. The Kroft has two locations, one at the Anaheim Packing House and another at Union Market Tustin with us! So, we visit them most often.

The guys at The Kroft have been very supportive of our project, so we visit when we can.

SWSH is a shabu shabu restaurant located in Irvine right on the corner of Jamboree Rd and Alton Pkwy.

Ritter’s has an incredible seafood selection, and I am so grateful to have been a part of that project, so going back is important to me.

One signature highlight that we have seen become increasingly popular is offering uni as an add-on option, we haven’t known of anywhere else that does that and it really adds an incredible flavor to any bowl.”

—Chrystal Nguyen

Native Knowledge: The soda fountain has some selections that are normally only seen in Hawaii. Jalapeño Masago is like a lightly spiced caviar. Adding the Jalapeño and Habanero Masago is like adding little-spiced pearls that add texture, and not to mention beautiful color, and that’s perfect for that Instagram picture.

62 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

kupa bowl Ingredients List: Forbidden rice Yellowtail Garlic Ponzu Green Onion Cucumbers Pickled radish Fried shallots Jalapeño Masago

CUBED POKE 2493 Park Ave #18 Tustin, CA 92782 714.258.8182 www.cubedpoke.com

Garlic ponzu is a customer favorite, it’s definitely a sauce you have to try!”

—Chrystal Nguyen

LOCALE MAGAZINE | 63

Brotherly Love Q&A WITH EXECUTIVE CHEF OF FRESH BROTHERS, SCOTT GOLDBERG

C

hildren, adults— everyone loves pizza, right? Fresh Brothers is the pizza place to go while you cruise around Orange County.

They specialize in quality pizza that will not disappoint!

Their popular pizza called ‘Da Works features the most incredible Italian sausage, which they actually fly in from Chicago. All pizzas are customizable to your liking, so that is another plus for this pizza restaurant.

We got a chance to interview the Executive Chef of Fresh Brothers, Scott Goldberg as he guides us through his special, promising pizzas. After making pizzas for 31 years, it’s become very instinctive for him to just toss up some dough and turn it into something delicious we all love and enjoy.

Q: We can see from your restaurant that pizza is the specialty. What is the most popular pizza there?

Scott Goldberg: For adults, the most popular pizza is ‘Da Works. It sounds like it tastes— covered with sausage, green peppers, onions and mushrooms. It’s classic comfort food.

For kids, the Fresh Kids Special is the go-to pizza. The Fresh Kids Special is a pizza sauce, that looks and tastes like our regular sauce.

But, it has a blend of five veggies mixed into the tomato sauce. The kids who eat it (or adults!) are getting an extra serving of veggies in their pizza. They can’t tell it’s there, but mom knows!

Q: What usually draws people to ordering these pizzas?

SG: The Fresh Kids Special is popular with parents who want their kids to enjoy their veggies on the sly. It’s a great way to sneak a bit more of nutrition into their pizza without the kids freaking out because there are no visible vegetables on the pizza. ‘Da Works is a pizza classic. We bring our sausage in from Chicago. It’s a sizeable morsel of meaty goodness. When you combine it with pepperoni, mushroom and onion, it makes the perfect flavor combo.

Q: What is the most challenging ingredient to work with and why?

SG: Dough is incredibly challenging to manage.

It can get affected by humidity, temperature, etc. We brought our entire dough making process into our commissary so we could tightly control the conditions that our dough is made in. We then distribute it to each of our stores daily.

Q: How long does it usually take to complete this dish?

SG: The Fresh Kids Special sauce is made daily in each of our stores. It takes a while to make, cut and blend all the veggies into the sauce and to get the texture just right. ‘Da Works, from start to finish, takes about 15 minutes.

Q: What is the ambiance of Fresh Brothers usually like?

SG: The ambiance of each store varies by location. The Laguna Niguel store can hold up to 60 people, inside and out. When kids visit the store, we give them pizza dough to play with and there are lots of televisions on the walls playing sports, news and kids programming.

Our goal is to make it fun and comfortable to dine with your children. At our Newport Mesa location, Fresh Brothers has a walk-up store front. The seating is all outside within the super busy Westcliff Plaza.

Quality > Q: What is the best cooking tip you can give the other chefs who make this dish as well?

SG: It’s all about the quality of ingredients. Highquality dough meets the best mozzarella in the pizza business.

That’s what Fresh Brothers is all about.

The kids who eat [The Fresh Kids Special] (or adults!) are getting an extra serving of veggies in their pizza. They can’t tell it’s there, but mom knows!”

—Scott Goldberg

Native Knowledge: Scott Goldberg’s brother, Adam Goldberg and his wife, Debbie founded Fresh Brothers in 2008. At the time, their twins were four years old, and they wanted something special on the menu for the children, so they created The Fresh Kids Special. The Fresh Kids Special was featured on “The Doctors” television show several years ago.

FRESH BROTHERS 1124 Irvine Ave Newport Beach, CA 92660 657.845.2345 www.freshbrothers.com

‘da works Ingredients List: Pizza dough Pizza sauce Sausage Green Peppers Onions Mushrooms Fresh mozzarella

Their popular pizza called ‘Da Works features the most incredible Italian sausage, which they actually fly in from Chicago.

LOCALE MAGAZINE | 65

Starr of the Show Q&A WITH MESA’S EXECUTIVE CHEF NIKI STARR WEYLER

W

ant a relaxing, yet sophisticated lounge to grab a few drinks or have a nice dinner?

MESA Lounge in Costa Mesa is your ideal place.

Executive Chef Niki Starr Weyler shares with us her tips and tricks on how she accomplished her Grilled Marinated Shrimp dish. The whole experience at MESA is super fun and classy.

The ambiance is “vibey”, as Chef Niki would say.

The restaurant only allows people 21 and older. You can have a nice two-hour dinner, and stay up and lounge around the fireplace or even dance. The restaurant offers live entertainment that includes regular DJs and bands.

Q: Most people order the Grilled Marinated Shrimp dish. What usually draws people to ordering it?

Niki Starr: Well, it’s a very bright, flavorful shrimp dish that’s eye-catching, filled with summer colors.

So overall it has great presentation.

Q: What makes this dish different from your other dishes served at MESA? NS: It’s a full appetizer that’s only $8 during our social hour, which are Tuesdays-Fridays where we also serve special cocktails. It’s a great deal and it’s really delicious.

Q: What are the ingredients?

NS: The ingredients for the dish are fire-roasted corn, baby heirloom tomatoes, Spanish Bilbao chorizo, and we marinate the shrimp with olive oil, smoke paprika, and garlic. It’s also served with Chimichurri sauce, which is a bunch of raw herbs, so garlic, lemon, vinegar. Then mixed with aioli to create a creamy texture.

Q: What are the specific and prominent flavors everyone tends to notice in this dish?

NS: The kick of spiciness, which is the chili simple syrup we add to the dish. It’s added onto the salad with corn, tomato, and Bilbao chorizo. So we’re mixing sweetness and heat.

Q: What is the most challenging ingredient to work with and why? And how long does it take to complete the dish?

NS: The shrimp, in general, takes a lot of time to prep because you have to make sure it’s completely clean and deveined. But you can definitely create this dish at home. It’s not something high-tech.

Shrimp is delicate so you don’t want to overcook it.

When the shrimp starts turning into a “C” shape, that’s when you know it’s good. When it’s curled up like an “O” shape, that’s when it is overcooked. We usually marinate our shrimps and then throw it on the grill and it takes two minutes to grill per side.

The dish usually takes eight minutes to complete.

Q: How do you know how to balance the flavors of this dish?

NS: It comes from the time of being a chef and actually knowing your palate. Knowing how to balance sweet and savory, salty and sour, all the different flavors need balance. You never want to have a flavor be overshadowed. I would recommend the Flavor Bible for everyone as a good tool because it teaches you the flavor profiles.

Q: Is there inspiration behind your shrimp dish?

NS: My owner and I had a meeting, and we were wondering how we could get people in here during social hour. We were thinking about a dish people would not get bored of, something more elevated.

I started toying around with a shrimp dish, all trial and error. I love putting corn and tomatoes together, so once the sauces were right, we decided on this dish.

Chef’s Day Off Q: Where do you like to go wine and dine when you’re not busy in the kitchen?

NS: I like going to my friends, restaurants because I’ve been cooking professionally for 10 years so I have a lot of friends in the industry. I love to experience the other side of things as a guest, and definitely love going to LA restaurants in the grander scale.

One of the best restaurants I’ve ever had was Melisse in Santa Monica. The chef, Josiah, just killed it.

Knowing how to balance sweet and savory, salty and sour, all the different flavors need balance.

You never want to have a flavor be overshadowed.”

—Niki Starr Weyler

Native Knowledge: MESA is located at The Camp in the heart of the intimate art district. The art in the venue was donated from Alex Amador’s DAX Gallery. The restaurant has a great connection with the community. Thursday nights, Chef Niki’s close friend and resident DJ Wet Hand Dan plays and curates the night called #FloorSpace.

Grilled marinated shrimp Ingredients List: Shrimp

Fire-roasted corn Baby heirloom tomatoes Spanish Bilbao chorizo Olive oil Smoked paprika Garlic Chimichurri sauce (raw herbs, garlic, lemon, vinegar) Aioli

MESA 725 Baker St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.557.6700 www.mesacostmesa.com

It’s a very bright, flavorful shrimp dish that’s eye-catching, filled with summer colors. So overall it has great presentation.”

—Niki Starr Weyler

LOCALE MAGAZINE | 67

Taste of Tradition Q&A WITH OWNER AND CHEF OF ANTONELLO, ANTONIO CAGNOLO

I

f you’re looking for a comfortable, sit-down Italian restaurant, Antonello Ristorante should be at the top of your list! The restaurateur, Chef Antonio Cagnolo prepares all his dishes with light and fresh ingredients all inspired by his wife, mother, and even motherin-law. Antonello Ristorante is a dining experience that will give you a chance to encounter all the flavors and ingredients Antonio brings from his homeland of Italy. A popular item on the menu would definitely be the gnocchi. Gnocchi is a soft dough dumpling usually made out of flour, egg, cheese, and potato. However, gnocchi at Antonello is not just ordinary gnocchi—it’s much more than that.

Antonio expresses his passion for Italian cuisine by presenting it in the most traditional way. He wants to stick to his customs, and so far that’s made him very successful.

Q: We see that Antonello specializes in Italian food. We want to discuss with you one of your popular dishes, the gnocchi. What usually draws people to ordering it?

Antonio Cagnolo: My customers get very excited when ordering it. Everybody loves it.

It’s an exciting dish for children, husbands, wives—everybody. Gnocchi is very easy to make and I can make it very quick and however the customer likes it.

Q: What makes the gnocchi different from your other dishes?

AC: A lot of people are allergic to certain ingredients—some people do not want potato or eggs in their gnocchi, so we can make ricotta cheese gnocchi. This gnocchi is very lean in cheese with a little bit of flour. It’s easy, quick, and light. It melts in your mouth instantly!

Q: What is your gnocchi made of? And how long does it take to make?

AC: The gnocchi is made with potato, potato flour, egg, and nutmegs. It usually takes an hour or an hour and a half to make, not too long, only to let the potato cool down to make a puree out of it. Then you would put the eggs in. The way we make it is very simple and it takes only three minutes. I can make a butter and cheese sauce, or a Bolognese sauce with the gnocchi.

Q: What are the specific and prominent flavors everyone notices in the gnocchi?

AC: Most people that eat our gnocchi always compliment us and wonder how we can make it so delicious and so light. They are absolutely blown away by the flavor. It has a very delicate flavor and it’s a children-friendly dish, it’s a dish for just everyone! Everyone always eats it and says, “Wow, I will make this for my children!”

Q: How do you know how to balance the flavors of this dish?

AC: I balance it out by taking one pound of ricotta cheese, a quarter pound of flour, a pinch of salt, and one spoon of olive oil. But you can add a little more salt to your liking. You can also use Parmesan or even Pecorino cheese to give extra flavor. The cheese items are the trick to making the gnocchi. We like to improvise ingredients so when customers are in a hurry, we can quickly throw something light and fresh together for them.

Q: Does Antonello have a secret menu?

AC: We are trying to put together a $10 lunch set that comes with soup and salad, with a basket of Focaccia bread. We want people to spend a minimum amount of money so staying under $10 is good.

Homecooked

Love

Q: Is there any restaurant, in particular, you like to go to when you’re not so busy at the restaurant?

AC: At home. My wife and mother, and mother-in-law are all very good cooks, so there’s no need to go out. If I go out to a restaurant, it’s always to learn something new.

Most of the time, I’m experimenting at a restaurant or travel to Italy for inspiration. I like the restaurants in the countryside because they are real, an old style of cooking. My family and I do love sushi restaurants, though.

It has a very delicate flavor and it’s a childrenfriendly dish, it’s a dish for just everyone!”

—Antonio Cagnolo

Native Knowledge: Antonello Ristorante emphasizes in true Italian cuisine, not fast food. Chef Antonio is from up north; whereas, his other two chefs are from the south. So, they are all traditional Italian. Antonio specifies, “If you want true Italian cuisine, we are it.”

ANTONELLO RISTORANTE 3800 S Plaza Dr Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.751.7153 www.antonello.com

gnocchi Ingredients List: Potato

Potato flour Egg Nutmegs

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EAT/DRINK

MODERN-DAY Diner An Artfully Crafted American Classic WRITTEN BY: ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING PHOTOGRAPHY BY: BRET ROBERTSON

T

ucked in the corner of Costa Mesa’s SoCo collection, sits the delightful Europeaninspired Restaurant Marin. Opened early in March 2016, Restaurant Marin is the newest venture of husband-and-wife team, Chef Noah and Marin von Blöm, who also own the acclaimed sister restaurant, ARC, located only steps away. With Restaurant Marin, Noah and Marin’s attention to quality in every aspect really makes this modern diner shine.

The interior of Restaurant Marin is artfully crafted, mostly by Marin herself, in moderndeco diner theme with a refreshing and elegant French twist. They even offer a classic European-style tea time sampling, complete with various tea flavors and finger sandwiches, to provide class to afternoon gatherings.

The level of care and devotion to quality shows itself not only in the environment but also in the dishes served at Marin. All menu items, even the ketchup, are prepared in-house with natural ingredients. Marin and Noah are particularly proud of their enormous, in-house-made muffin. “It’s made like a traditional English Muffin,” says Noah.

“It’s almost like a biscuit it’s so good!”

The entire restaurant is also a completely gas-free environment, preferring a woodburning stove instead. “There’s absolutely no gas coming in,” says Marin. “The only gas that comes in through the water heaters.”

This is not only a greener alternative, it also adds character and warmth to all ovenbaked items.

Restaurant Marin truly is a cozy, yet refined experience. “I think this is what a person expects when they think of a modern diner,” says Marin. “I think the modern person is on the go a lot more and they want something that’s easy anad comfortable, but they want to feel refined and have an upscale approach to it. Because if you’re paying for food, why not pay for amazing service and ambiance as well?”

NOAH’S TOP 5 DISHES 1. The Baked Eggs 2. Chicken Salad 3. Stroganoff and Bouillabaisse 4. Apple Pie 5. Donut Holes

MARIN’S TOP 5 DISHES

1. Blueberry Pancakes

2. Steak salad 3. Fried Chicken Sandwich 4. Chicken Pot Pie

RESTAURANT MARIN 3321 Hyland Ave Costa Mesa, CA 92626 949.402.3974 www.restaurantmarin.com 70 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

5. The Daily Cake

MAIN STREET WINE COMPANY 301 Main St Ste 105 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.969.7400 www.mainstreetwinecompany.com

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DRINK EXPERT

IN GRAPE

DEMAND MAIN STREET WINE COMPANY is Huntington Beach’s Hottest Wine Bar

WRITTEN BY: JEANNETTE SWANSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DANNY LIAO

THE EXPER T

DANN BEAN Owner of Main Street Wine Company

Previous Occupation: Captain of the Fountain Valley Police Department

A 29-year veteran of law enforcement owns Huntington Beach’s choice wine bar destination. Dann Bean, retired Captain of the Fountain Valley Police Department, began his next career with the opening of Main Street Wine Company in 2009. Dann’s passion for wine has allowed his business to blossom into a site where friendships are formed over carefully selected wines and where hard work pays off and nabs the win of 2016 Orange County Hot List for Best Wine Bar. Allow Dann, the owner, and Oscar Carrillo, the certified sommelier and general manager, to take your wine-tasting palate to new heights at Surf City’s finest wine bar. You won’t be disappointed.

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HOW DID YOU END UP OWNING A WINE BAR? Dann Bean: Prior to retiring, I had plans in the works for a small wine store with a tasting bar and I began looking for a location right away. My love for Huntington Beach and residence in the downtown area persuaded me to look towards a site downtown. There just wasn’t anything similar to my concept anywhere nearby.

Q: Why did you decide to hire Oscar Carrillo as your Certified Sommelier?

DB: I met Oscar when he was bartending at a local restaurant and we quickly became friends. He shared my passion for wine and was interested in my concept. He has an incredible palate, memory and great social skills.

As the planning started to become a reality, Oscar agreed to team up with me and we haven’t looked back since.

Q: What sets your business apart from other wine bars?

DB: In the Wine Bar, it’s all about customer service for me. We select our employees very carefully. They’re not just bartenders; they’re ambassadors of my business. They must be willing to embrace our customers and give them the personal attention that they deserve. Our employees must know our wines, be able to describe their taste and be able to sell wine from our retail section. The personal attention is important to us.

Q: What wine would you recommend to novices that are still learning?

DB: We start out by asking “white, red or sparkling?” Oftentimes a novice wants something slightly sweet like a riesling or crisp like a sauvignon blanc or a pinot noir or merlot if they want something red.

We always give them little tastes until they find a glass they enjoy.

Q: How do you decide what types of wines to carry in your wine bar?

DB: We have learned our customers’ palates very well. It may not be what we love all the time, but it’s our customers’ love that counts. We find that Napa Valley cabernets and central coast pinot noirs are on the top of our customers’ choices and mine too. We love finding hidden gems from small producers that cannot be found in big box stores or neighborhood groceries. Recently one of our salesmen brought in a couple of cabernets from Napa Valley wineries that neither Oscar nor I had ever heard

POPULAR BREWS:

Dann Bean says Stouts are always popular throughout the fall and winter months.

THE PERFECT PAIR:

Dann’s pairing picks? Fresh oysters and champagne or a prime steak with a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon

of and they were both amazing so we added them to our selections.

we’ll recommend something they’ll absolutely love and that is one of our main goals, trust.

Q: How do you decide what to include in your wine flights?

Q: Congratulations on your win for DB: Oscar selects the wine flights on the 2016 OC Hot List’s Best Wine Bar! a weekly basis. He must keep in mind How does it feel to take that win? a price point that our customers are DB: Amazing! Whether it’s true or not, comfortable with in addition to keeping the fact is that our customers, family the flights interesting. Usually and friends rallied around us “MANY we do a white and a red flight, and took time out of their day OF OUR but sometimes he’ll focus on a to vote and that means more CUSTOMERS to me than the awards. Many grape varietal, region or releases HAVE of a new vintage. of our customers have become BECOME our friends and I embrace that OUR Q: What should people every day.

FRIENDS expect from your craft beer AND I selection?

Q: Do you host holiday EMBRACE DB: We have only five taps, specific events?

THAT EVERY but we do something that DB: For the last six years we’ve DAY.” is unique—we change our hosted our Holiday Champagne —DANN selections each time we finish a Tasting in early December. The BEAN keg. We strive to find seasonal last couple of years we’ve done specialty beers from craft brewers. the tasting “blind,” in other words The continuous changing of our taps we cover the bottle and you learn the keeps our beer-drinking customers name and vintage after you’ve finished guessing what they’ll find each time the tasting. After they taste we ask they walk through our doors. them to rate the wine from favorite to least; this always yields many Q: Have you noticed any surprises. We set up tasting stations recent trends in patrons’ wine and pair every champagne with a consumption? carefully selected cheese. It’s a really DB: People seem more willing to leave fun night and a great way to kick off their comfort zone. Our customers the holidays. tend to be very confident that

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Wine flights offered during the holiday season are reflected off what will pair well with your holiday meal.

EAT/DRINK

stag PA RTY Completely Revamped, Stag Bar + Kitchen is Rewriting History WRITTEN BY: BLAKE PINTO Stepping into The Stag has always been a trip down memory lane, sweeping guests back through the history of Newport Beach. However, after reopening Dec. 30 following a complete restoration and expansion, including a new kitchen and dining area, the renewed Stag Bar + Kitchen is blending the old-school feel of a 1940’s saloon with Newport’s culinary renaissance.

Classic signs from the 1930’s Stag Liquor store are strewn about, while the heads of mounted stags overlook patrons, just as they did decades ago, as they sit at the dark mahogany bar, which at almost 100 feet in length is the longest in the city.

“We’re not just selling drinks and food, we’re selling history,” Owner Mario Marovic says.

Above, the rooms have changed drastically through the years as well.

Long gone are the days of housing the city’s fishermen of the nearby Dory Fleet Fish Market, running a rumored brothel or brewing illegal booze during the days of prohibition. Now, they are luxury suites, waiting to be rented out by Newport’s new generation.

“I like meatballs,” Marovic admits as he explains the concept behind their new menu. “I wanted us to make some bitching meatballs.”

Though the balls may be the most unique item offered, Marovic admits the pizza is a house favorite.

“We built our pizza from a very unique dough and sauce recipe,” Executive Chef Jeff Moore explains. “It is more culinary than it is traditional pizzeria. We really wanted to refine the flavors and provide depth, so we cook our sauce in an oven.”

The Stag has helped to write more than a century of Newport Beach’s history, but the new and revamped Stag Bar + Kitchen, with its combination of old and new school, has certainly warranted it’s very own chapter.

After an ill-fated attempt to rebrand the classic establishment as “The District,” Marovic decided to reverse course and go all in spending nearly $1 million restoring The Stag to its former glory, with one twist— an open kitchen.

“There was always a question about how we were going to be received,” Marovic says. “ I don’t think it could have been any better.”

He said the locals are happy to have their brand back and newcomers love the brand even if they don’t know the history. The new kitchen is serving up classic, fresh pub food like pizza, wings, salads and…meatballs?

STAG BAR + KITCHEN 121 McFadden Pl Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.673.4470 www.stagbar.com 82 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

5 MUST HAVE COCKTAILS ACCORDING TO OWNER MARIO MAROVIC:

rare and available. We’re lucky enough to have the complete Pappy Van Winkle collection.”

1. Juice Cleanse— “Refreshing with a nice burn.”

4. The Spicy Margarita—”As a margarita connoisseur, I think this is a great spicy twist to a traditional Margarita.”

2. Stag Old Fashioned—”The Stags twist on a traditional cocktail. Best in town.”

3. Pappy Van Winkle 20 year—”Unique,

5. Can of Schlitz Beer—Needs no explanation.

PHOTO BY: Andrea Domjan

style

/beauty

OCT.

2016

86 COVER STORY Home Design Gets Personal with Nate Berkus

98 LONDON COIN Let London Coin Galleries Mission Viejo Get You Holiday Ready

102 BEAUTY EXPERT This Yogini Pushes for Mental Health Awareness

110 POLISHED PERFECT BY TWILA TRUE Polished Perfect Welcomes in the Fall Season With a Palette to Match

110 POLISHED PERFECT Nailed It!

114 DR. KESSLER Dr. Robert Kessler Doubles as Surgeon and Family Man

117 THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID Katie Arnold’s Stylin’ Holiday Gift Guide

124 FASHION SPREAD Experience These High-Fashion Bare Essentials POLISHED PERFECT BY TWILA TRUE 103 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.287.6563 www.polishedperfect.com

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OCTOBER 2016

HOME I S

W H E R E

H I S

S T O R Y

B E G I N S

Interior Designer Nate Berkus Designs to Share a Personal Journey

WRITTEN BY: TAMARA PHILIPS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NATASHA LEE STYLED BY: DESI AGUILAR | GROOMING BY: BRIE LEACH

Originally an Orange County native, design mogul N A T E B E R K U S has been designing as an East Coast man and a West Coast man throughout his lifetime, and finally this year, he made the decision to create his family nest in Southern California with husband, Jeremiah Brent and daughter, Poppy. It’s the perfect sunny corner of the country to continue his role as Artistic Advisor at LG Studio; his booming interior design firm, Nate Berkus Associates; his line at Target; and his new TV show “Married to Design.”

“The thing I love and what I’m really grateful for, is that I’ve been able to build a business around what I prefer to do on a Sunday afternoon,” Nate says. “So, for me, it’s when your true love is combing through antique shops and moving things around in a space until you find a balance that feels right to you, and you get to do that for a living every day, I think that’s a really great thing.”

L O C A L E

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M A G A Z I N E

www.nateberkus.com @nateberkus SHOOT LOCATION: A’MAREE’S 2241 West Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.642.4423 www.amarees.com LOCALE MAGAZINE | 87

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“The thing I love and what I’m really grateful for, is that I’ve been able to build a business around what I prefer to do on a Sunday afternoon.”

— N AT E B E R K U S

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N AT E walks onto set relaxed and sporting jeans and a t-shirt. He flew in from Chicago late the night before and caught a case of the sniffles, but with a cup of tea in hand, he was seemingly in tip-top shape to chat with me, throw on some different outfits (all from his own wardrobe, of course), and found a bit of energy to cruise through A’maree’s and tell shoppers how “chic” their outfits were in between looks. A stunning August day on the Newport Beach peninsula seemed to be just the prescription for him.

Nate’s Fave Vacation Spot: Patmos, Greece Go-To Spots in Orange County: A’maree’s Lido Island Rockwell’s Bakery Javier’s Vintage and Pawn shops in Newport Life Motto: Everything happens for a reason.

Dad Life: “I have never in the last 20 years had anything made out of red plastic in my house, and now I have several things laying around my living room that are made of red plastic.”

very once in awhile, you just need to take a load off and partake in some well-deserved knick knack shopping— like Nate and the team did during our LOCALE cover photo shoot, we couldn’t resist. While this type of browsing can be mindless and meaningless to many, for Nate, it’s personal. It always has been. Since he was his mother’s coveted design sidekick as a child, he continues to see this influence in his life today. “I grew up going to auctions, antique stores, fabric showrooms, and garage sales,” Nate says. “And although my mom and I have completely different styles, one of the things my mom taught me is the value of finding special things and using vintage things. So, even today, I see myself gravitating toward sort of French and English antique furniture that could have been in the house I grew up in, just interpreted in a different way.”

While his mother’s french country home was his first introduction to design, his style today is more edited and decidedly less colorful. And as his own style has evolved over the last 20 years, he has learned that travel is also a leading source of inspiration.

“For me, travel has been so informative— seeing how other people live and their cultures throughout different countries,” he says. “Travel is sort of the great equalizer: When you think you’ve got a style set and figured out, and then you visit the origin of where that style came from, you find yourself asking questions you wouldn’t even have thought are necessary to ask.”

When asked to name a favorite item in his own home, he couldn’t do it. He asked for a pass on the question because every item is placed with thought and intention. Whether he found it at a vintage store or during his travels, all of the items are close to his heart and give you a glimpse into who Nate Berkus is. And he is this way whether it’s his own home or working on behalf of a client.

“I’ve always believed that our home should

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tell our stories, and the way we do that is through our things,” Nate says. “I’ve always been drawn to homes and rooms that tell a story—where they aspire to go, who they’ve loved, what they’ve seen—that for me, is the narration of a well-designed room.”

He doesn’t just like to design homes, but curate them, and stresses the importance to live with things that you love. Though not every piece in a room is going to have the same value, there should be a connection when someone shows you something and asks you whether you’d like to have it in your home, wherever it came from. For Nate, he’s a lover of the unexpected and all things vintage.

He spends an incredible amount of time working with his staff, searching for things your neighbor wouldn’t have, and tends to stay away from buying a lot of reproduction furniture. “I’d rather have something that’s genuinely old and recovered than something that’s new and made to look old, which typically is a more expensive route— shockingly,” he says.

Nate’s style is more collected and assembled over time. Ultimately, he aims to buck trends. He suggests leaning toward what’s classic and timeless when investing in a home to avoid becoming enamoured with what’s “current,” but doesn’t believe there are “design rules” one must follow. “I think the greatest interior designers are those who went and broke the rules—they saw what everyone else was doing and went and did something that was intensely personal and just felt right to them,” Nate says. “I have a library of over 3,000 design books that I reference all the time, and the interiors that really stood the test of time, are not the ones that were trying to be ‘appropriate.’ There’s something really wonderful about that adventure.”

With so many items to dress a home and bring it to life, his greatest joy as a designer

ARTWORK BY: Pierce Meehan piercemeehan.com

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is to help people figure out what their real style is, to expose them to an entirely new experience that they will love. Some of the items he likes to work with when figuring out this unique style with a client, and in his own home for that matter, are natural materials like old stone; brass, bronze, and iron; leather and linen; seagrass and woven materials; and things that are made by hand. Nate also gravitates toward contemporary or modern art. “I love the balance of a pair of beautiful 19th century chairs in front of a painting from 1960,” he says.

He is making use of these materials and more in his new home with his family in LA. And having a home in Southern California with beautiful outdoor spaces, he is loving it, compared to the terrace of his New York City spot. This is this first time Nate is online looking at old garden statues, vintage garden furniture, planters, and balinese stone pots.

He’s having a ton of fun designing in his own personal space where he can seat up to 10 people outside, entertain out there, and make use of the swimming pool. “[Outdoor living] is an area my design firm has done before since we have clients all over the country, but actually living it—it feels really free,” Nate says.

You’ll be able to use a variety of items from Nate’s current Fall/Holiday 2016 collection at Target in your outdoor living space. He designs every piece himself. While designed for the indoors, it’s great enough weather here in Orange County to make use of items like the metallic woven accent rug, striped tassel throws, or some of the beaded/studded decorative pillows on your patio setup.

“What’s great about the collaboration with Target is that the line is not meant to be all inclusive,” he says. “It’s meant to for you to buy a few pieces and incorporate it into what you’re already living with. Fast design is like fast fashion, you can grab onto something without making a huge commitment financially and feel like you’re a part of what’s current and new.”

Nate has also been working with LG Studio as Artistic Advisor to create stylish kitchens for every look. He’s had a blast working with LG Studio to inspire the design of a new suite of black stainless steel kitchen appliances that was just released nationwide this fall, featuring a refrigerator, microwave oven, and ranges. It’s his ode to the marriage of chic and functionality in the kitchen! “When you start living with the kinds of features LG Studio builds into their appliances, you realize it frees you up to spend more time

entertaining and hanging out with the people you’ve invited into your home,” Nate says.

“What could be better than that?”

Nate’s ability to achieve this duo of chic and functionality will be a leading aspect in his upcoming show on TLC, “Married to Design.”

As executive producers, Nate and Jeremiah will use their design expertise to rescue homeowners who have found themselves overwhelmed by renovation.

“I believe the state of our homes reflect everything else going on in our lives,” Nate says. “So, if there’s laundry piled up and haven’t gotten to your paperwork, chances are, there are other areas of your life that feel a bit disorganized. A lot of living well outside the home begins with living well inside the home. It’s really one of the messages we’re delivering with the show.”

The show will begin with TLC following the pair in their own home. “It shows us very honestly and openly as two new dads and the challenges that we face with that,” Nate says. “Our world is in the show as we’re doing these renovations. For me, it’s the very first time I have let cameras follow me around in my personal life.”

While cameras inside his home is a new adventure for Nate, this role isn’t new for him.

Back in 2011’s The Help, he hopped on board as an executive producer. “The film was with a group of friends who had been living in LA for several years, and they came to me before the [movie] was published and asked if it was something I wanted to invest in,” Nate says.

“And I read the book and thought it was a terrific story and...when you read something that you really believe in, you take a risk with it. You think, ‘This could turn into nothing,’ but instead, I found myself sitting at the Academy Awards. It was great.”

Whether it’s through design or getting involved with awesome TV shows or films, if Nate’s passionate about it, he’ll pursue it. Hence Nate Berkus Associates’ success since 1995. There’s no stopping him once his creative juices are flowing. “I think creativity is universal, and everybody has an outlet for creativity,” Nate says. “Some people like to cook, I can’t make myself a grilled cheese.

Some people like to bake and make beautiful things, and I don’t know how to turn my own oven on. But the truth is, we’re all very much the same and have a creative outlet. It could be [anything]. But when your creative outlet is in sync with what you do professionally, that’s a really lucky and great place to be.”

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Nate Berkus TARGET Fall/Holiday 2016

Perforated Brass Lamp With a brass finish, this lamp is the trendy touch you need on any end table in your home.

Starburst Wall Mirror With a gold metal finish, the Starburst Mirror will bring a pop of shine to your wall decor.

Hang it on its own as a statement piece or incorporate with other wall art pieces.

Inlay Tray This decorative tray brings a modern touch to any table or stool with its hexagonal shape. Stack some books or special knick-knacks on there for a unique touch.

“I’ve always believed that our home should tell our stories, and the way we do that is through our things.”

— N AT E B E R K U S

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Timeless TREASURES

$2,200 14K Diamond Bow Necklace

$1,100 Vintage Silver Navajo Squash Blossom Necklace with Era Coins

London Coin Galleries Mission Viejo’s Timeless Pieces WRITTEN BY: SIERRA EVERETT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN

Diamonds and sapphires and rubies, oh my! London Coin possesses the one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces that even your wildest, Gatsby-like dreams are filled with. What once began as a coin shop has now flourished into one of Orange County’s sources for breathtaking vintage jewelry and brand name watches. Located at The Shops at Mission Viejo, London Coin Galleries has been considered a gold mine for those searching for unparalleled jewelry and watches for over 36 years—allowing you the ability to look no further than London Coin to find the most unique pieces that are guaranteed to keep you shining all holiday season long.

With riveting amounts of certified vintage gold and stones, your holiday party looks will be nothing shy of mesmerizing. London Coin showcases a wide variety of timeless trends to compliment your holiday wardrobe. You’ll find

multiple types of gold, sapphires, blue topaz, garnets and, of course, diamonds in the store this season. Regardless of the stones or gold you opt for, rest assured that the pieces you choose are only gently used and ready to wear. Some pieces in the collection, such as the beautiful “Diamond Bow Necklace”—which was originally a brooch but now functions as a pendant—have even been slightly modified, allowing for a more wearable and modern appeal.

While it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of jewelry options that are available today, the beauty of the vintage pieces London Coin carries will never fade.

Denise Ruiz, the manager of London Coin states, “Diamonds always go well with everything!” After all, they are a girl’s best friend. With that being said, it comes as no surprise that timeless beauty is London Coin’s top jewelry trend for this holiday season!

$5,000 Victorian Design Custom Fabricated Necklace

LONDON COIN GALLERIES The Shops At Mission Viejo Ste 27 Mission Viejo, CA 92653 949.364.0990 www.londoncoinmissionviejo.com 98 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: > The wide collection at London Coin will help you complete any holiday look, from a glamorous cocktail party to a casual gift exchange, with their varied selection of pieces.

STONES GALORE In London Coin’s storefront, you’ll find: > Gold > Sapphires > Blue topaz > Garnets > Diamonds

BEAUTY EXPERT

POSE-ITIVITY

AERIAL LYNN Inspires Others with Yoga and Words of Positivity

WRITTEN BY: MELISSA MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TRAVIS MCCOY

THE EXPER T

AERIAL LYNN Registered Yoga Teacher.

Meditation Guide. Social Media Influencer.

Aerial’s Soul Mates: Her dog and husband

When Aerial moved to Los Angeles to pursue graduate school and created her Instagram account in an effort to meet locals, she had no idea how influential she’d become. As a registered yoga teacher and meditation guide with a background in clinical psychology, Aerial has combined her spiritual passions and expertise in an effort to best serve those with mental health needs. Her online following continues to rapidly increase and her fans have grown to love and take comfort in her exquisite photographs, comforting words, and spiritual web presence. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Aerial, but right now we’ll revel in this glorious present that she’s created for us. Namaste.

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aeriallynnyoga.com @aerialtheyogi THE WEDGE Newport Beach, CA 92663

“I REALIZED HOW IMPACTFUL YOGA COULD BE IN THE MENTAL HEALTH WORLD, WHICH IS REALLY MY PRACTICE.”—AERIAL LYNN

ALL APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Onzie www.onzie.com

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Q : W H AT L E D YO U D O W N T H E YO G A PAT H ? H O W D I D YO U G E T I N TO I T ?

Aerial Lynn: Actually, for most of my life, I

was a runner. I attended a few yoga classes in college, once a month or so, just to help

“ON SOCIAL MEDIA, PEOPLE TEND TO PORTRAY LIFE AS ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND WORRY-FREE BUT, FOR ME, I LIKE TO CONVEY THAT IT’S OKAY TO BE STRUGGLING.”—AERIAL LYNN

destress during finals, etc. I heard about the benefits of yoga and figured I might

as well try it… but I couldn’t do anything. I

couldn’t touch my toes, I couldn’t stretch— being a runner and flexible doesn’t go

hand-in-hand! At the time I was working as a mental health worker at a children’s hospital in a psychiatric unit and had an encounter with a child who was having

a difficult time. I ended up teaching her some yoga and breathing techniques

and about 30 minutes later she was like a different person. I realized how impactful

yoga could be in the mental health world, which is really my practice. Everything

sprung from there! I immediately began taking the steps to become a yoga

instructor and 2.5 years later, here I am!

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Q: How did you learn about the practice of yoga? Discuss your expertise.

AL: I practice vinyasa flow yoga and also practice and teach meditation. I’m presently in graduate school studying clinical psychology, which is where I began learning about mindfulness and meditation. I loved the practice so much I dove into some independent research on the subject and began practicing meditation on my own. Now, I love guiding meditations and incorporating them into my yoga teachings.

Q: How does yoga fit into your daily life?

AL: I would say my yoga practice is about 3-4 times a week. I work in other fitness classes inbetween and have some days where I just rest and don’t do any physical activity. Personally, I find that I perform better when I take days of rest. Then, when I come back to my practice, I feel so much better. Other than yoga, I like to incorporate pilates and am trying to integrate cardio into my schedule once a week.

Q: Can you describe vinyasa flow yoga for our readers?

AL: The most important aspect of vinyasa flow yoga is breathing. It is focusing on moving with your breath. You’re either taking an inhale or an exhale, and the goal is to slow your breath.

Often times, we breathe so fast and don’t pay attention to our breathing. Vinyasa flow gives us the opportunity to take control of our breath and practice mindful breathing.

Q: As an expert yogini, share some of the benefits of yoga for our readers.

AL: For me personally, the obvious physical benefits are increased flexibility and strength.

Mentally, I’ve found yoga to be a practice for your life. It’s a spiritual practice and it encourages me to always aim to be the best version of myself, both physically and mentally.

It’s also de-stressing and there are so many benefits to the breathing. Yoga really helps you achieve the highest quality of breath in your everyday life.

Q: How do you incorporate meditation into your teaching?

AL: All of what I say during my meditations comes straight from the heart. I always try to make sure that my yoga teachings are a physical meditation. Yes, I’m teaching yoga, but I’m also saying what I would say during a guided meditation, because I like making my teaching spiritual.

Q: Your quotes and words are so inspirational. How has your experience been growing such a large following and sharing your journey with others?

AL: It’s been really great! Its funny because the original reason I created my Instagram was to meet people when I first moved to LA. I thought it would be a great way to form connections with other like-minded individuals. I ended up

TOP OF THE WORLD W Ridge Laguna Beach, CA 92651

“YOGA REALLY HELPS YOU ACHIEVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY OF BREATH IN YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE.” —AERIAL LYNN

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“I JUST KNOW I WANT TO HELP OTHERS AND WANT TO BE A POSITIVE HUMAN BEING IN PEOPLE’S LIVES. HOWEVER THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN, I TRUST IT WILL HAPPEN.”—AERIAL LYNN

LONG-TIME YOGI? If you’re thinking Aerial’s been downward dogging for decades, you’ll be surprised to know that it was only about 2.5 years ago that she discovered her passion for yoga and began the steps toward becoming a certified yoga instructor. It’s never too late to find your life’s passion, people!

MEDITATION 101 Thinking of exploring meditation/ mindfulness? Aerial recommends that beginners begin by setting aside a few minutes each day to find silence.

If you want to delve deeper into the practice, check out some books by author Thich Nhat Hanh.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE Before moving to LA, Aerial received her Registered Yoga Teacher certification at Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla, San Diego. At present, she teaches private, public and special event classes in the LA area.

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receiving a lot of positive feedback and realized that it’s a great platform for me to express who I am. I started opening up more and have found that the more I’ve opened up, others were willing to open up as well. On social media, people tend to portray life as absolutely perfect and worry-free but, for me, I like to convey that it’s okay to be struggling. Those are the things we forget to talk about and it makes me grateful to emit some sort of hope or change in someone’s life, even if it’s just one person.

Q: Favorite hobbies/pastimes when you’re not downward dogging?

AL: I like being with friends and hanging out with my dog, who is the love of my life and my soul mate…aside from my husband! But honestly, my dog, Luna, and I are attached at

the hip! I adopted her about a year and a half ago when she was around six years old.

Q: What’s on the spiritual horizon for you?

AL: Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a goal-oriented person, but a lot has changed since yoga came into my life. I used to look into the future and now I feel much more present and believe that whatever is supposed to happen, will. Basically, I know the message that I want to share and convey to others, but I’m not entirely sure how that’s going to happen. I just know I want to help others and want to be a positive human being in people’s lives. However that needs to happen, I trust it will happen. Also, I’m certain that yoga will always be in my future.

THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL One Ritz Carlton Dr Dana Point, CA 92629

STYLE/BEAUTY

POLISHED PERFECT BY TWILA TRUE 103 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.287.6563 www.polishedperfect.com

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: From manicures/ pedicures to blowouts and beauty services; the Flagship Studio is a full service, one-stop-shop for all your pampering needs. We invite men to experience men’s grooming services in the Mancave as they relax and enjoy the VIP treatment.

TOP 5 TREATMENTS TO GET AT POLISHED PERFECT: 1. Perfect Deluxe Manicure and Pedicure​: the ultimate Polished Perfect by Twila True experience.

2. Nail Art: Give a lavish finish to your manicure/pedicure!

TOP FALL NAIL COLORS: Twila True Beauty Nail Lacquer Colors

3. Brow Waxing: Frame that perfect smoky eye.

“Guest List” Mauve Gray

4. Makeup Services: Take the thinking out of what flattering shades suit you and that party dress best.

5. Blowouts: A scalp massage and fresh flowing locks to kiss that bad hair day goodbye.

“Sweater Weather” Warm Beige “Invite Only” Soft Liliac

“Car Service” Rich Plum

“Namaste” White Crème

“Sparkling Water” Silver Shimmer

Nailed It! Fall in Love With Twila True’s Seasonal Nail Colors

WRITTEN BY: SIERRA EVERETT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANDREA DOMJAN MODEL: KAYLENNE MCCLURE OF BRAND MODEL AND TALENT AGENCY, www.brandtalent.net

You’ve already devoted so much time and energy to finding the perfect look, now it’s time to let Polished Perfect by Twila True take care of the finishing touches. Whether you prefer a bold color or subtle shimmer, the experts at Polished Perfect by Twila True will pair you with the perfect shade to enhance your desired look.

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Design inspiration for this season is pulled from earthy elements of feathers, arrows, stones and horns met with a wide array of color palettes, including; warm neutrals, vibrant color tones and plums/silvers. Polished Perfect by Twila True also features services for hair, makeup and custom treatments for men too!

ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Polished Perfect by Twila True www.polishedperfect.com

STYLE/BEAUTY

FAMILY MAN

KESSLER PLASTIC SURGERY 2121 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 200 Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.644.6544 www.drrobkessler.com

Dr. Robert Kessler Shares His Love for Business and His Daughters WRITTEN BY: ALANA ARONSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN

The markings of success can be evident in satisfied customers and the growth of a company. The creation of such success is often behind the scenes, rarely seen amongst the accolades. Kessler Plastic Surgery has cultivated a reputation of excellence and wonderful customer service due mostly to Dr. Kessler himself, and the team beside him. A devoted family man, Dr. Robert Kessler’s ability to understand his clients stems from the dedication he has to those in his life. We sat down with him to learn more about where he draws his inspiration and where Kessler Plastic Surgery’s growth has taken them this year.

requiring different things at each of their life stages keeps me very busy.

Q: Who or what inspires you?

Dr. Robert Kessler: I am inspired by the transformation people undergo through the aesthetic experience. The technical work is intricate and challenging but it is seeing the growth in the individual’s self-confidence and their enhanced sense of well-being and how my procedures improve their quality of life that truly motivates and inspires me.

Q: What have been highlights for your practice this year thus far?

RK: Our practice continues to grow each year thanks to our happy patients introducing us to their friends.

Generally speaking, nice people have nice friends, and we are fortunate to have this ever larger group of great people to work with. This year has also brought two great additions to the practice—our Patient Coordinator Mariah and our Front Office Director Kendra. Together they create a welcoming environment with an unparalleled customer service experience.

Q: Tell us about your family. You have said that, besides work, your daughters are your main focus. Can you expand on that?

RK: I have been doubly blessed first with an extraordinary wife and three beautiful daughters and secondly with a passion for my work, which affords me the ability to provide for them. I take my role as a father very seriously and truly enjoy the experience. I am amazed at how three individuals from the same genetic material raised in the same environment can be so completely different. Each with their unique strengths and challenges

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Q: What sets your practice apart from others?

RK: We have a holistic approach to aesthetics. Each individual brings a unique set of questions and desires to the practice and we have all the tools to address these concerns. Although the focus of the practice is surgery, we understand that skin care, medical devices and proper medical care all contribute to the final aesthetic results.

My goals are to help you enjoy who you are even more.

Native Knowledge: Ò Where does the Kessler family like to eat and play when out and about? “The Taco Asylum—Fast easy and incredibly delicious,” says Dr. Kessler. “A favorite weekend activity is biking and rollerblading.

It is not unusual to see us with our gear at the Eureka! in the UCI Town Center enjoying a burger and for me a regional microbrew.”

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Outlets at San Clemente, www.outletsatsanclemente.com

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID

start a Riot Stale Gift Ideas? The Style Riot Has Your Holiday Go-Tos

WRITTEN BY: KATIE ARNOLD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS HAIR & MAKEUP BY: HEATHER BALAAM

OUTLETS AT SAN CLEMENTE 101 W Avenida Vista Hermosa San Clemente, CA 92672 949.535.2323 www.outletsatsanclemente.com

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Social Maven Not only is Katie a fashion blogger, but she founded a social media consulting business, Riot Social Consulting.

If you’re like me, you’re already starting to dream up your epic Christmas gift list for all the special someones in your life.

Globetrotter From Paris to New York to San Francisco, Katie has lived all over the globe—though she currently bounces between Orange County and LA. Anniversary Affair Celebrate Outlets at San Clemente’s 1st birthday on Saturday, Nov. 12 with an exciting anniversary event, boasting entertainment and prizes galore!

VIP Access Outlets at San Clemente has a VIP Lounge to sip on complimentary beverages, toss back snacks, and view your favorite programming on widescreen TVs all while sitting on comfy furniture. Oh, and we can’t forget about the charging stations for those SOS low battery moments. Sign up for Elite Rewards to earn points to score a VIP Lounge Day Pass, deals and discounts, and surprise perks throughout the year!

IT’S OCTOBER. The air is crisp, fall is in full swing. We’re all pinning pictures of hot cocoa and making excuses to wear leggings as pants because, well, the holidays are upon us and we’re ready to stop slaving away for that “summer bod” and start enjoying romantic evenings in with our BFF: Pizza. If you’re like me, you’re already starting to dream up your epic THE STYLE RIOT www.the-style-riot.com @thestyleriot 118 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

Christmas gift list for all the special someones in your life. Will Mom want another plush bathrobe or should you mix it up this year? If you’re the type that likes to save a buck or two, without skimping on quality, then read on for all the gift goodies you can score at Outlets at San Clemente that even your hard-toplease aunt will love!

With ovalini mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, basil, red sauce, and olive oil drizzle atop crispy thin crust, your tastebuds will be throwing a pizza party all for themselves!

1

BLAZE PIZZA

www.blazepizza.com

Ò After all that walking around and credit card swiping, you’ll have definitely worked up a serious appetite that only Blaze Pizza can quench. Do yourself a major favor and take a walk across the parking lot to the mecca of personalized pizza. Forget the pizza chain that rhymes with biology. Your new favorite pizza place is Blaze. Trust me on this. My top pick was the Red Vine. With ovalini mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, basil, red sauce, and olive oil drizzle atop crispy thin crust, your tastebuds will be throwing a pizza party all for themselves!

BOWLOLOGY

www.outletsatsanclemente.com/bowlology

Ò Life is just a bowl of cherries. Or pitaya. But hey, who’s keeping score? Before you start shopping, hook yourself up with a healthy and delicious acai bowl, smoothie or cold pressed juice at Bowlology. I tend to eat my food blended, because I’m clearly a child at heart, and I go nuts for a good acai bowl topped with fresh fruit, granola, coconut and honey drizzle. Not to mention, it’s a very Instagram-friendly meal, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t snap a few for the ‘gram! Snag some gift cards for your office’s white elephant gift exchange, and I bet your kids’ teachers and coaches would LOVE to get something other than a Starbucks gift card for once!

4

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY www.rmcf.com

Ò Wait. Did you say Chocolate Factory? As in chocolate-covered everything with sprinkles on top? Talk about heaven on earth! I was enraptured by the creamy goodness of their dark chocolate truffles and the countless things they are able to cover in chocolate. Not to mention, my conversion to the light side happened with one bite of their rainbow sprinkle white chocolate covered marshmallows.

If you would’ve asked me 10 seconds before biting into that sweet treat, I would’ve sworn my loyalty to dark chocolate all day every day, but what fun is life if you don’t try new things once in awhile? P.S. The caramel apples are supreme stocking stuffers.

3

DAISY SHOPPE www.daisyshoppe.com

Ò Daisy Shoppe is THE place to tackle gifts for all the girls on your list.

Girlfriends, sisters, moms—you name her, Daisy has something for her. From flowy blouses and cute travel mugs to pineapple themed everything and sweet trinkets, you’re guaranteed to find something for your whole squad here. I got distracted perusing the cute clothes, gifts in hand, and ended up snagging a few extra things for myself!

Shhh.. don’t tell. The outlet discount totally makes it okay, right?

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5

LEVI’S STORE www.levi.com

Ò Classic Americana. Levi’s are a can’t-go-wrong gift for the men in your life. When has anyone ever scoffed at Levi’s 501s? Never, that’s when. Also, I just got engaged and am quickly learning I think about and shop for clothes 90 percent more often than my fiance, so I’ll do him a favor and hide a few pairs for him under the tree. I might even throw in a couple of their graphic tees while I’m at it.

Oh, I also bought myself a pair. Sorry! Couldn’t resist.

6

PERFUMANIA www.perfumania.com

Ò Gift sets galore! My sister is going to be so stoked when she gets her annual replenishment of Marc Jacobs Daisy from me this Christmas. THANK GOD Perfumania exists, so I’m not paying full price for a tiny bottle of floral smells. But seriously, Daisy is such a staple in any modern girl’s fragrance arsenal, and you can get it at Perfumania for up to 70 percent off!

A L L T H AT G L I T T E R S I S

G O H I G H - FA S H I O N W I T H T H E S E D I A M O N D S I N T H E B U F F

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN STYLED BY: REBECCA ARAOZ HAIR BY: SONIA RESHETNIKOVA Â MAKEUP BY: BRI OROZCO MODEL: OLIVIA JORDAN OF NEWMARK MODELS, newmarkmodels.com

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OLIVIA JORDAN

FORMER MISS USA 2015

PESAVENTO ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Traditional Jewelers www.traditionaljewelers.com

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ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Liberty Diamonds www.libertydiamonds.com

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WATCHES PROVIDED BY: Rolex Boutique by Baron & Leeds at South Coast Plaza

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PESAVENTO ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Traditional Jewelers www.traditionaljewelers.com

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WATCHES PROVIDED BY: The Watch Connection www.watchconnection.com

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ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers The Shops at Mission Viejo www.swisswatchgallery.com

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PHOTO BY: Amanda Proudfit

go /do

OCT.

2016

138 POPPY JACK SHOP POPPYjack Shop is Making its Mark in the Creative Market

142 DO PROFILE Refurbishing the Old to Make it New Again

146 CATALINA The Top 5 Island Activities

148 PHOTO ESSAY

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CATALINA Catalina Dreamin’

See Orange County’s Beaches from a New Perspective

156 CREATIVE CARAFES A Glass of Cab and a Paintbrush to Liven Your Night

159 MUSIC FEATURE This Musical Hotspot Has Some Serious History

162 PROJECT GIVING LIGHT Sharing the Love with Underprivileged Children

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY www.visitcatalinaisland.com 877.778.8322

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“[Lauren Conrad] is obviously one of the smartest business people I know, but I love that she’s also super crafty and loves a good DIY project—which we quickly bonded over.”

—COURTNEY HERMAN

Handwritten HEROINE WRITTEN BY: TAMARA PHILIPS

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POPPYjack Shop’s Courtney Herman is a Girl in Demand

POPPYjack Shop Founder and Owner, Courtney Herman is a one-woman calligraphy show, who has established quite a following in just a few short years. From partnering with Lauren Conrad to teaching calligraphy workshops in Orange County, Los Angeles, and online to students around the world, Courtney is a creative force to be reckoned with.

“I’ve been very fortunate to do a lot of fun projects with her and her various companies,” Courtney says. “She is obviously one of the smartest business people I know, but I love that she’s also super crafty and loves a good DIY project, which we quickly bonded over. It’s been really inspiring working with her over the past couple of years and getting to know her as a friend.”

Named after Courtney’s two grandfathers, POPPYjack Shop began with humble roots and a starter calligraphy set. “I had always loved and admired the art of calligraphy and wanted to give it a try but between school and other hobbies, I had never done so,” Courtney says. “My boyfriend at the time (now my husband), bought me a calligraphy set for my birthday one year and encouraged me to go for it. I signed up for a beginner class to learn how to use the tools and my passion grew from there!”

For the time being, Courtney continues to work full time in marketing, but she aspires to take on POPPYjack as her sole career. “I definitely have dreams of owning my own space where I can work, host my classes, and meet with clients,” Courtney says. “One day I would love to make that leap and hopefully get to sleep a little more… although I may be fooling myself on the sleep part,” she jokes.

A couple of years ago, Courtney met Lauren Conrad at a mutual friend’s girl’s night gathering.

This friendship blossomed into a partnership that has provided various business opportunities for POPPYjack—from pop up shops for Paper Crown to candle labels for The Little Market, launch party invites and signage for Lauren’s clothing line at Kohl’s, and most recently the new logo for her blog, laurenconrad.com.

Beginning this month, she will offer semi-custom wedding invitations, which incorporate her calligraphy into template designs for brides and grooms to choose from—an alternative for the couple who loves calligraphy, but are looking for a more cost-efficient option over the completely custom suite.

FOR THE BRIDESTO-BE POPPYjack Shop’s most popular requests are for wedding invitations, wedding envelopes, place cards, wedding signage, company logos, and event signage.

HE’S A KEEPER While Courtney is technically the only POPPYjack Shop employee, her husband has spent many late nights with her stuffing class kits, running to art stores, and acting as her “warehouse.”

PLANKS USA 2316 South Susan St Santa Ana, CA 92704 949.243.7878 www.planksusa.com

“WE TRY TO GIVE IT A LITTLE MORE OF A ONE-OF-A-KIND FEEL TO IT RATHER THAN BUYING SOMETHING STRAIGHT OUT OF A RETAIL STORE.” —SAM FITCH

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DO PROFILE

T I W E A K I S L

on

purpose PLANKS USA REPURPOSES OLD MATERIAL INTO AMAZING NEW CREATIONS

WRITTEN BY: ELAINE CUTTING PHOTOGRAPHED BY: AMANDA PROUDFIT

Planks USA started as a small trailer in a flea market. Their spectacular furniture created from refurbished materials caught the eyes of market visitors, who would line up before opening just to see what they had. The furniture was so original, so well crafted, and so fun, people couldn’t seem to look away. Each piece had a story and well-crafted designs or elements. The popularity of that small trailer grew rapidly. Before opening their shop in Santa Ana, Planks USA was being featured at some of the top flea markets, like Rose Bowl and Alameda, and other flea markets were sending hearty requests to sell their furniture. Although the storefront location may have taken its roots in the small vendor trailer, the heart behind Planks USA comes from much deeper.

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“I WANTED THE OLD STUFF, STUFF THAT HAD CHARACTER AND TOLD A STORY. CONVERSATION PIECES.” —SAM FITCH

wner Sam Fitch was a contractor and manager of a large plastering company. He has always had a taste for the uncommon and a love for the rustic look of old furniture.

“We always had a different vibe than most normal people,” says Fitch. “I wanted the old stuff, stuff that had character and told a story.

Conversation pieces.”

When Fitch customized his home, he applied his love of relic design. “Everything we did was completely different than what everybody else would do,” he says. “This was before restoration was so popular. We’d have an old barn door, wood floors, and add our own little touches.”

Most of the home consisted of repurposed materials. He enjoyed the challenge and his guests loved it. When the economy plummeted in 2008, however, so did his plastering company. Restorations were stopped and Fitch and his wife were left wondering what they would do next.

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ENJOY THE PROCESS Ú Fitch has one piece of advice for those who aspire to refurbish their own furniture and that is to enjoy the process: “Have fun with it and don’t try to make it perfect.

You can always redo it if you make a mistake.

A lot of times, mistakes are actually what make the piece unique,” says Fitch.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Ú Planks USA’s work is immensely popular around southern California, you can see Fitch’s designs featured in places like Bosscat Kitchen and Libations in Newport, Stacked, 3D Retro in Glendale, Lauren Moshi and more.

While shopping one day, Fitch’s wife had taken a liking to a table. Low on funds, Fitch told his wife that he could create one just like it. She did not believe him, so he gathered his old resources and got to work to prove her wrong. When he was finished, he had crafted a table that not only met his wife’s taste, but was also better crafted and significantly more unique.

After several family members had told him that he should start selling, Fitch conceded. He gathered the leftover materials from his plastering company and began to build. And thus, Planks USA was officially created.

Planks USA sells both refurbished old furniture and furniture made from repurposed materials. The materials Fitch uses are diverse and richly unique. “We’d get old pieces of furniture and even pieces that people were throwing away and we’d fix them up,” says Fitch. “We have containers of old artifacts like old pieces of steel, pieces off farms and ranches, pulleys and that kind of stuff. We add a little flare to it, add a metal trim, rivets, we’d add steel. We try to give it a little more of a one-of-a-kind feel to it rather than buying something straight out of a retail store.”

With a one-of-a-kind style, Fitch’s favorite projects have included the most outlandish materials. “I took a front end of an old Ford pickup and we turned it into a bar,” he says, “We took the lights out and put speakers in it and lit up the whole grill.” He also describes an old Mack semitruck grill that they cut in half and turned into a wine cabinet. “When

you get to be creative, that’s what I really like,” says Fitch.

Not only does Fitch immensely enjoy working with old materials, but he also has a deep respect for them. “The wood is old, and it’s going to do what it’s going to do,” says Fitch. “There’s so much character in old wood that it’s just fun. Sometimes we’ll try to come up with a cool finish and make a mistake and it turned out cooler than we thought.”

This devotion to the craft shows itself in every piece Planks USA produces.

“We don’t buy pre-made pieces, we do it ourselves,” says Fitch. “We don’t use big machines, everything we do is by hand.” This commitment produces top quality results. In nearly seven years, Planks USA has only had to replace 10 faulty tables.

Alongside selling outstanding furniture, Planks USA designs for custom homes, restaurants, retail stores, commercial buildings, and offices. He has a full team of designers so they can work on everything from start to finish. They’ve even won a third place award for designing the best bar at Bosscat Kitchen and Libations. “We’re kinda a one-stop shop now,” says Fitch.

Fitch’s heart however, remains with the classic furniture, the old wood and the simple pleasure of using old materials in ways that other people might not come up with. “To me,” says Fitch, “it’s just having fun with the pieces we use, coming up with cool ideas, and that’s the way I’ve always been my whole life.”

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CATALINA DREAMIN’ Explore Life Outdoors on Catalina Island WRITTEN BY: BLAKE PINTO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: AMANDA PROUDFIT

Catalina Island is a breath of fresh air just 26 miles off the coast of bustling Southern California.

There are a few options for getting there, including a ride that’s about an hour long on the Catalina Express

or Catalina Flyer. Or, arrive in style on a helicopter via Island Express Helicopters. At only 22 miles long and eight miles wide, don’t let the quaint size fool you; there is plenty to do once you get there.

WHAT TO DO, ISLAND STYLE Top 5 Activities on Catalina Island Zip Line Eco Tour: Zip through the air at more than 30 mph while enjoying the beautiful scenery that Descanso Canyon offers.

Descanso Beach Club: Put a drink in your hand and your feet in the sand! This beautiful beach club is the perfect spot to kick back and relax under a private cabana or comfortable chaise lounge Ocean Runner Tour: Boat with 500 horsepower that is also used by the Navy Seals? Check! Get up close and personal for a chance to see dolphins?

Check! Nuff’ said.

Hiking/Camping: If you have the time, and

SANTA CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY www.visitcatalinaisland.com 877.778.8322

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the willpower, try hiking the Trans-Catalina trail for the most serene encounters with the interior of the island.

The trail stretches 37.2 miles from the Renton Mine Trailhead on the East End to Starlight Beach on the West End, but even a couple miles are well worth it.

Camping available in Avalon at Hermit Gulch, along the way, and in Two Harbors.

Catalina Falconry Experience: If you’ve ever wanted to hold a bird of prey on your glove and “be the falconer,” this is your chance! Get up close to nature’s swiftest predator and take a lesson on how to hold and call a hawk to the glove.

POINT SURF & SAND 1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 855.690.7114 www.surfandsandresort.com

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: AMANDA PROUDFIT

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OF VIEW THE BEACH NEVER LOOKED BETTER

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BALBOA FUN ZONE 600 E Bay Ave Newport Beach, CA 92661 949.673.0408 www.thebalboafunzone.com

RUBY’S SHAKE SHACK 7703 E Coast Hwy Newport Coast, CA 92657 949.464.0100 rubys.com/locations/newportcoast

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SANDY’S 315 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.374.7273 www.sandyshb.com

SKYLOFT 422 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.715.1550 www.skyloftoc.com

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SAN ONOFRE/TRESTLES 5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy San Clemente, CA, 92672 949.492.4872 www.parks.ca.gov LAGUNA BEACH CAVES Laguna Beach, CA www.californiabeaches.com

SURF & SAND 1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 855.690.7114 www.surfandsandresort.com

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SIP

paint

REPEAT

Make Multitasking Fun With Creative Carafes

WRITTEN BY: JEANNETTE SWANSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN STYLED BY: CYNTHIA MOLINA

Co-founders Rachel Beck and Lori Waring both had a love for the art industry and the therapeutic effects that painting brings. Enter Creative Carafes: a mobile paint and sip company that opened July 2015. With Rachel and Lori’s long love for the industry, they thought they could provide Orange County with an upscale version of this business. With events hosted in higher-end restaurants and venues, the public can participate in art projects chosen from a portfolio designed by artists nationwide while they sip on wine or specialty cocktails.

CREATIVE CARAFES 4590 MacArthur Blvd Ste 500 Newport Beach, CA 92660 877.765.1818 www.creativecarafes.com 156 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

The fee does not include food and beverages, but bites and libations can be purchased from participating venues.

Everyone is invited to pick up their brushes and to stay posted for different themed classes and special events that pair wine and champagne tastings with stellar art pieces. With the help of Creative Carafes’ master painters, everyone will be able to unleash their inner Picasso and create memories alongside beautiful works of art. Creative Carafes’ goal is to create art and more importantly create memories.

THE WAYFARER: A HOUSE OF SOCIAL PROVISIONS 843 W 19th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.764.0039 www.wayfarercm.com

LIVING

LEGEND THE LEGACY OF THE DETROIT BAR LIVES ON VIA THE WAYFARER WRITTEN BY: BOBBY ANAND, JORDAN LIGONS AND MOLLY BROOKS

Growing up in Orange County, the hot spot to check out shows was at the hip and lively Detroit Bar in Costa Mesa. The ease of not having to drive up to Los Angeles for a hit show was every teenager’s dream come true. A team from Memphis took over what once was Club Mesa, a punk-rock dive bar, and revamped it into the Detroit Bar in 2001. DJ spotlights and up-andcoming artists from a wide range of genres rocked the house each night. In no time, bigger names started walking through the doors and headlining the stage, like Elliott Smith, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Modest Mouse along with local acts like Cold War Kids and Foster the People. The Detroit Bar had been around for about 12 years, and was known for livening things up with a lot of good residencies and having a great eye for talent.

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As loyal fans and the Detroit Bar grew up, the venue was rechristened as The Wayfarer.

Opening its doors in July 2014, when the former owner of the Detroit Bar sold to local entrepreneur Jeffrey Chon, many local residents became worried that the musical preferences and style would be dramatically altered. Instead, the sound system was upgraded by local Costa Mesa company QSC, but the sounds that boomed through it remained on the same wavelength that the Detroit Bar created.

Their dedication to presenting good quality local music is the cohesion between Detroit Bar and The Wayfarer.

Detroit Bar was filling the niche market of showcasing the Orange County music scene. Because of them, being a band out of Orange County isn’t a minor thing anymore. Detroit proved that with Young the Giant, an Irvineborn alternative band. The Wayfarer is continuing the legacy with big name shows from Aloe Blacc, DJ Z-Trip and Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World.

They are also continuing to give upand-coming bands a chance and watch the fandom for smaller names, like HAWAI, grow on their main platform “The Detroit Stage” to pay homage to the legendary past.

The Wayfarer is Chon’s first venture into operating a music venue and came with its share of trials and tribulations.

However, with the help of including Detroit Bar’s Talent Buyer Eric Keilman on his team, Chon was able to learn the ins and outs involved in the musical performance industry. This especially proved beneficial for the local artists residencies that fill up the Monday calendar booking entries and keep locals still packing The Wayfarer’s larger hall— playing pool whilst imbibing in the newly 160 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

elevated drink menu with an extensive tap and whiskey selection. In addition, Chon has added monthly Roots Reggae Tuesday and DJ Nights along with Karaoke and the occasional jam band to fill up the event calendar in between national and regional act performances.

The Wayfarer aims to give the consumer a more complete experience than its predecessors did. Those before them did many things right with regard to the music scene, but Chon, coming from the restaurant business, had a more complete vision for the spot.

Keilman has seen the transition first hand and the positive reception from the community.

Photos - Phantogram: Timothy Saccenti | Skrillex: Jason Nocito | Jeffrey Chon: Matt Doheny

A MIDNIGHT SHOW FROM THE LOCAL NATIVES IN 2007 HAD THE CROWD SCREAMING, MEMBERS OF THE WU TANG CLAN TOOK THE MIC TO SPIT RHYMES IN 2009 AND IN 2010, SKRILLEX BUMPED A DJ SET ALL AT THE DETROIT BAR, A PLACE THAT HOUSED HISTORY IN THE MAKING.

SHOW ENTHUSIAST > If you are in Santa Ana, be sure to check out the Observatory and its smaller venue the Constellation Room. > If you are in South Orange County, the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano by the Mission receives a lot of notable and large artists making their trek up from San Diego like Emmylou Harris and Taj Mahal.

“The audience has really differed and each night it varies,” said Keilman.

“We have people coming in now to just see what’s going on, and less of just folks who are friends of the band. It’s a space that is comfortable for everyone to check out now.”

> If you find yourself venturing out to Anaheim, you have a plethora of live music options with the City National Grove of Anaheim, as well as the House of Blues Anaheim.

Behind the bar sits the newly installed kitchen where Chon has taken his experience from The Alley in Newport Beach and Tabu Shabu in Costa Mesa to put together an artisanal menu that includes such eclectic items as spicy shrimp scampi and avocado fries. This helps provide dining options that were previously unavailable in its previous incarnation as the Detroit Bar.

> If you are looking to be surrounded by musical history, our recommendation would be the Doll Hut as this was the venue that both No Doubt and the Offspring got their start.

Overall, Chon’s devotion to the continued success of Orange County music scene is evident by his investment involved with improving the building and sound infrastructure.

All of his improvements will keep The Wayfarer an integral venue within Orange County for the foreseeable future. Detroit Bar ignited a passion for music and local talent in Orange County. The Wayfarer has continued the legacy of the incredible landmark and dedicates its operation to bringing music to the people.

STAR STUDDED START-UPS: MUSICIANS WHO HAVE PLAYED AT THE DETROIT BAR > Local Natives > Dawes

> Steve Aoki

> Phantogram > Skrillex

> Foster the People > Cold War Kids > Elliott Smith

> Yeah Yeah Yeahs > Modest Mouse

GO/DO ICING ON THE CAKE

SPREADING THE

Sunshine Project Giving Light Gifts Underprivileged Children a Birthday Surprise WRITTEN BY: ANGELA HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRADLEY BLACKBURN Previously known as Feed the Five K, Project Giving Light is a charitable organization that supplies meals for thousands of homeless families, funds a free farmers market, offers job placement services, and it supports numerous local projects and causes for those in need. As the organization continued to grow, there was change, and its new name became synonymous with its new motto: “…giving light to homeless children’s dark world.”

and decorations placed all around the school, festive balloons, party favors, music, a magnificent birthday cake—often times donated by Sweet & Saucy Shop in Newport Beach or Nothing Bundt Cakes—and a special “wish list” gift as well. Each youngster is celebrated in a way that is taken for granted by many; however, Project Giving Light has found a way to make these momentous occasions as meaningful for the volunteers as it is for the children.

Harry Bagramian, Humanitarian and Founder, is passionate about giving back to families and above all, celebrating its children. “There is such a deep need in our community and around the country to care for children in need,” says Bagramian. “When my wife and I came in contact with Skyview Elementary School in Orange, we realized that there was an opportunity right here in our own backyard.”

Raising more than $40,000 in donations over the past three years, PGL was able to provide sleeping bags, food, and clothing to Orange County’s homeless population.

According to Bagramian, there are a staggering 26,000 homeless children in Orange County alone. Project Giving Light is currently working on expanding its volunteer base and it is currently seeking caring people who love children, with a volunteer mentorship programs in the works.

Project Giving Light is bringing awareness to the community and impacting children’s lives one child at a time.

What makes Project Giving Light different than other non-profit organizations is that they strive to make each child feel special on his or her birthday. A typical birthday party begins with colorful streamers

PROJECT GIVING LIGHT 220 Newport Center Dr #11 Ste 346 Newport Beach, CA 92660 www.projectgivinglight.com CAKE PROVIDED BY: SWEET & SAUCY Crystal Cove Shopping Center 7922 East Coast Hwy Newport Coast, CA 92657 949.715.0920 www.sweetandsaucyshop.com 162 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

Ò PGL provides school supplies to homeless children, too, such as pencils and pens, paper, notebooks, and other classroom necessities because of the kindness and generosity of its supporters.

Bagramian says, “Every dollar that comes in, goes directly to helping these children. There is no staff, and no paid salaries. We want our organization to be as transparent as possible.”

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Ò Each letter in “Light” of Project Giving Light has meaning: L – Love I – Integrity G – Grace H – Hope T – Truth

PHOTO BY: Brian Chan

home

/away

OCT.

2016

166 HOME PROFILE Jonathan Adler’s Creative Journey Shines Through His Design

171 HOME/AWAY GUIDE How to Decorate, Dine and Discover This Holiday Season

184 ROOM & BOARD Room & Board Shares Their Suggestions for a Holiday-Perfect Home

189 ESCAPE: VEGAS The Palazzo in Las Vegas’ Venetian is Sure to Wow

194 SETTING THE TABLE We Set the Table at 36,000 Feet

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200 SU CASA Dwell in Luxury With Los Olivos

ROOM & BOARD Home Room 101

ROOM & BOARD 3309 Hyland Ave Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 www.roomandboard.com

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OCTOBER 2016

HOME PROFILE

A HOME DÉCOR

EMPIRE J O N AT H A N A D L E R ’ S HAPPY ACCIDENT TURNED CAREER

WRITTEN BY: ELAINE CUTTING PHOTOS COURTESY OF: JONATHAN ADLER

From eye-catching gold accents, to fun creative statement pieces, to notyour-run-of-the-mill furniture and lighting, the wonderfully creative work of Jonathan Adler is almost always recognizable. Jonathan Adler delves into a unique and eye catching world inspired entirely by his own incredible mind and hands. The company has been around for 23 years, and as Adler puts it, they’ve been adding “Modern American Glamour to your home since 1993.”

Adler’s contributions to home design shine brightly in any setting, as does his wonderfully creative personality.

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“Creativity is an auspicious undertaking and I try not to think about it too much. I keep my eyes and mind wide open.”

— J O N AT H A N A D L E R

JONATHAN ADLER FASHION ISLAND 579 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.759.0017 www.jonathanadler.com LOCALE MAGAZINE | 167

GOOD AS GOLD: Though he doesn’t pay much attention to trends, Adler likes to fill a home with gold tones.

ADLER’S GUIDING M OT TO : “If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it.”

H

e began as a production potter in New York City. However, the roots of the designer Jonathan Adler stretch much further back. He describes his journey to complete home design as a “creative odyssey” and he wouldn’t change one step in the process.

Adler’s taste for décor began at summer camp, where he instantly took a liking for pottery class. “I wish I could say there was some indefinable force that drew me to the pottery classes at camp,” says Adler. “But the truth is that I thought the instructor was cute.” However, no matter what it was that drew Adler to the class, it became evident that pottery was something Adler was passionate about. “The moment I touched clay, there was a connection,” he recalls.

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“I’m always trying to pare things back and subtract until I get to the very essence of a line or gesture.”

—JONATHAN ADLER

From that summer camp, Adler decided to pursue this passion for pottery. He begged his parents for a pottery wheel for his Bar Mitzvah and later went on to major in semiotics and art history at Brown University. Adler began to develop his delightfully different artistic passions and view. “I’d like to think I’m successful at creating an impeccably chic foundation and adding a whisper of humor,” says Adler. “That perfect mix of chic and irreverence is what I strive for.” However, his professors didn’t quite see at the same level.

“My pottery teacher told me I had no talent and I should move to New York and become a lawyer,” Adler recalls.

Unfortunately, Adler took this advice and strayed from his passion to attempt a more “suitable” career at a talent agency. After moving to New York and being fired from multiple jobs, Adler realized the entertainment industry and the life of an employee was not for him. He needed room for his creativity, a space to create and to expand and to share his creativity with the world. So, Adler began a production pottery business.

It was grueling work. Adler made everything by hand, working as long as 12 hours a day, seven days a week, striving to make his creative ideas into realities. “The rest of my career has been a happy accident,” he says. Jonathan Adler The Pottery Company slowly began to snowball into other categories, avalanching into a complete home décor business. “I started making pillows because I found unbelievably talented weavers in Peru when I was there looking at a pottery workshop,” says Adler. “I started making furniture because I needed something to display the pillows and pottery on. I started making lighting because I couldn’t find lamps I liked, etcetera.”

Now, the name Jonathan Adler is a world renowned home design empire built on the creative mind of one man. The unique and eye-

catching designs mixed with the fun, brilliant creations of Adler strike a chord with anyone looking for something different and fun. His designs are featured all over the world, sold in millions of stores and featured in countless hotels, businesses and homes.

Although in order to keep up with the sheer mass of demand, he’s had to expand his workforce, Adler still keeps the creativity alive by working with his hands. “I’m in the pottery studio every day,” he says. “The pottery studio is on one side of my office and the kiln is on the other. I work out all my ideas behind the wheel.”

Despite all his success, Adler remains humble.

His proudest success isn’t in a fancy hotel or the design of a rich celebrity home (although he would like to give Madonna a shout out “I’d love to do Madonna’s pad—if you’re reading this, call me!” he says). Adler’s strongest success can be found in his home on Shelter Island. “It’s full of the stuff and the people I love most,” he says “and I designed every inch of it.”

So what’s next for Jonathan Adler? He’s always striving, always challenging himself and always wanting to improve. “Though some might accuse me of being a maximalist, I’m really a minimalist,” he says. “I’m always trying to pare things back and subtract until I get to the very essence of a line or gesture. Currently, I’m challenging myself to go even further into what I call “elementalism.”

Perhaps it’s a reaction to the chaos on our planet, but I’m constantly striving to express myself with evermore-simplified forms.”

For now, Adler just strives to create art and fun out of the necessities of a home and to fill a space with works that inspire conversation and light tones. His main goal: to be true to his own talent and ideas. “Creativity is an auspicious undertaking and I try not to think about it too much,” Adler says. “I keep my eyes and mind wide open.”

“I’d like to think I’m successful

at creating an impeccably chic

foundation and adding a whisper

of humor. That perfect mix of chic

and irreverence is what I strive for.”

— J O N AT H A N A D L E R

HOME PROVIDED BY: HÖM Sotheby’s International Reality, Newport Beach/Corporate Office, 1200 Newport, Center Dr Ste100, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | 949.554.1200 | www.homgroup.com

HOME/ AWAY G UIDE

(AWAY FROM HOME) WRITTEN BY: ALANA ARONSON, JORDAN LIGONS AND TAMARA PHILIPS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NATASHA LEE STYLED BY: JACKIE ROSE PROPS STYLED BY: KAREN PATTERSON HAIR BY: JENNIFER MAU

OUR GUIDE TO NESTING, BEING THE PERFECT PARTY HOST AND MAKING AWAY FEEL LIKE HOME MAKEUP BY: BRIAN BOND, JULIE LAZAIRE GARNIER AND JENNIFER MAU MODELS: SOFIA VESPE, CANDICE COKE, ELISSA VILLA AND LIZ RIBOT OF BRAND MODEL AND TALENT AGENCY, www.brandtalent.net

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REAL ESTATE

RE-VAMP Trends, Tips and Tricks for a Home Makeover Finding your next home can be a daunting task. Looking into redecorating to keep up with the ever changing trends of interior design can be just as overwhelming. For those exploring the market or shaking things up on the homefront, we have created a guide with pro-tips and up-to-date trends—straight from the mouths of real estate and home décor experts.

FANTASTIC FEATURES: While it is confirmed that Justin Bieber himself has stayed at the home used in our shoot, listing agent Cedric Channels thinks that what will blow potential buyers away most are some of its features. With a unique pool area, with built in bar and kitchen

station, the home is perfect for any entertainer.

There is also a recording studio inside the house! We can already hear the next Grammy winners filling the property with their sweet melodies…

HOME PROVIDED BY: HÖM Sotheby’s International Reality Newport Beach/Corporate Office 1200 Newport Center Dr Ste100 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.554.1200 www.homgroup.com Listing Agents: Cedric Channels | BRE # 02004790 Julian Channels | BRE # 01984097

The home boasts 5 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, is 10,200 sqft, and is listed for $17,500,000.

Squarefoot Interior Design 654 West 18th St, Loft F Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.303.9582 www.sqftinteriordesign.com

WELCOME HOME (with Lada Webster, Interior Designer) Q: What are the latest kitchen trends for the home? And which of these trends do you see picking up or dropping off for 2017?

Lada Webster: 2016 has been the year of the white kitchen and the formula goes as so: 1. White shaker cabinets 2. Brass hardware 3. White subway tile backsplash (rectangle or square) 4. Carrera or Calcutta marble counter tops For the most part, it’s a safe bet that this will continue to grace kitchens for years to come.

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2017 I see a little less brass hardware in the future. With silver hardware making its way back into the scene. For those who need a little trend in their lives, black hardware is going to surface its lovely face and make a bold and chic statement. I see kitchen cabinets showcasing their grain. Like beautiful walnuts and cerused oak. Paired with pure solid color quartz countertops. Stunning.

TREND - CEMENT TILES Another big trend this year is hand-painted cement tiles. This is for those who want a little more in their backsplash. It’s a lovely

application and looks fantastic paired with the white kitchen.

The pattern really stands out and says hello to you every time you walk in. Although, I do think the lifespan of the cement tile is shorter than the classic subway.

2017 I see more three-dimensional solids and textures in backsplashes for the year to come; a little less statement, a little more timeless simplicity.

TREND - OPEN SHELVING Who doesn’t love the look of open shelving flanking on each

side of the range hood? It’s killer looking, but so impractical. Not only do you lose storage, you are forced to keep them neat... yikes. Unless you have a huge kitchen with tons of storage and a housekeeper, this is a great look and will continue to stay alive for years to come.

Q: When buying a resale home, what’s the first thing you would do to create an optimal eating/living area?

LW: When shopping for a new home ask yourself questions like these before you buy: How

are you going to use your main living area? Are you going to entertain? Do you need multiple sitting areas? Can you remove a wall or walls to create a larger communal space?

Or, just ask any questions that pertain to your lifestyle and your expectations of your new home.

Your goal is to find the right fit and thinking about how you live in a space beforehand will really determine if this home was meant for you.

PHOTOS - Warren Christopher: Taso Papadakis | CREDITS - The Essentials - #1, #7: Nate Berkus | #3, #4, #6: Jonathan Adler

THE ESSENTIALS (with Barclay Butera, Interior Designer)

9 Staple Items You Must Have In Your Home

HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF

#1

Nothing cozies up a room like pillows. I am known for mixing and matching patterns and colors, I love the way these new pillows from my Azul bedding collection liven up this room.

#4

I know when I first move into a home, I love to shake it up with my favorite wallpaper.

This is a bit more of a time investment, but with the millions of choices out there, you can really infuse your personality into your new home.

#7

Design your room around a good rug, or change your rugs seasonally to give your room a facelift! Look how this Prism rug from Nourison brightens up an otherwise very dark floor.

#2

Nothing says “welcome home” at the end of a long day quite like a chic, wellstocked bar. I take my vodka on the rocks with a twist!

#5

Deck the walls; good art can set the tone for an entire room. It’s not always the frosting on the cake. I’m partial to nautical and ocean scenes these days, I dare you not to relax when looking at this!

#8

Mirrors add instant pizzazz to any room.

I love the way they reflect light; especially by a window or with a fabulous chandelier in the same room.

Barclay Butera Interiors 1745 Westcliff Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.650.8570 | www.barclaybutera.com

Stay Cool, Add Heat in the Kitchen With Sub-Zero and Wolf Showrooms

#3

Look up to your ceiling! When you find the home of your dreams, a stunning chandelier in your entryway immediately makes a statement.

#6

If you have any opportunity at all to include cute barstools into your design schematic, then do it! I love the effortless, casual way they influence how we dine, visit, and have cocktails with friends and family.

#9

Good lighting and wonderful lamps are critical to the balance and proportion to a room. My new Marble Cove Couture lamp has plenty of style and is a work of art in its own.

FLOOR IT!

Why You Need Hard Floors in Your Next Home Melissa Kovach, Vice President, Warren Christopher Q: What is the most popular wood that home owners are choosing to put in their homes these days?

Melissa Kovach: The most requested wood we’re installing now is Engineered Western European Oak—an updated timeless look very popular now in design circles. Warren Christopher’s Euro Oak platform gives us a wide range of options for custom colors.

The last few years have definitely been leaning towards the “grays” but we have come up with tons of custom colors that go more toward beige, taupe, and griege tones. The coordinate with most home styles, and don’t limit our clients to furnishing exclusively around gray.

Q: Gorgeous! Is it practical?

MK: That’s the great thing about our Engineered Western European Oak—it’s ridiculously practical! For families, pets, beach life, or in the mountains—it’s sturdy, user-friendly, and stands up to a variety of weather and usage conditions. We have numerous options for texture as well (wire brushing, tumbling, antiqued, and more).We also finish most of our floors with an Ultra Matte Oil or Hard Wax Oil Finish. This is great for daily and yearly maintenance—literally, my seven-year-old cleans our floors! It’s also made from soy beans and coconut oil, which assist in retaining moisture in the floor.

Q: What is a style wood that will never go out of style?

MK: The European Oak is truly timeless—an elegant, classic that will never feel dated or stale.

Q: What are the advantages to using real wood versus vinyl?

MK: There is nothing that will look and feel like real wood. Real wood provides an elegance and patina that enhances your home like no other. For most people, their home is their largest investment—protect and enhance your investment with gorgeous, classic, and enduring real wood flooring.

Warren Christopher 2435 E Coast Hwy Ste 3, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.645.1406 | www.wchristopher.com

What are your top tips on how to clean your hard wood floors and make their beauty last?

Maintenance will depend on the type of finish on the floor. We supply Maintenance Instructions & Cleaning Supplies for each client after the flooring install is complete.

Re-coating or refreshing your flooring is key to making the beauty last for generations.

We recommend re-coating your flooring every few years. A re-coat is a quick and simple process—we hand-abrade the existing clear finish off your floors, and add a new finish to protect the color of the floor. Although this technique does not eliminate deep gauges of scratches, it brings luster and beauty back into your valuable floors.

The holiday season is filled with parties, memorable moments and flavors to savor all fall and winter long.

The mornings and nights sure to make an impression on you and those you love will be held in your home, and created in your kitchen. Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances are the tools to utilize when feasts are made and champagne chills before a celebratory New Year’s toast.

How can you know if Sub-Zero’s full size refrigerator or their undercounter system is right for you? Which Wolf oven will ensure your grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies will be baked to perfection each time? At the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom, you are free to attend classes, demonstrations and try out each appliance for yourself—before you buy a thing.

The knowledgeable concierges at the showroom are there to answer any questions you have and stand beside you as you get hands-on with their products. Showroom chefs can provide demonstrations and offer you a taste of the delicious dishes. With access to personal concierges, hours long appointments and thorough handson demonstrations, all that’s left for you to do is make the appointment.

Sub Zero Wolf West 655 Anton Blvd Costa Mesa, CA 92626 657.269.5874 www.subzero-wolf.com

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THE TIME IS NOW Your Go-To Escrow Source

Tiempo Escrow, Inc. is a full service company consistently serving the diverse escrow needs of realtors, lenders, investors, attorneys, property owners and purchasers.

Regardless of the type, size or complexity of the transaction, you can trust and count on Tiempo Escrow to provide prompt and personalized service—and to top it off, same-day escrow instructions!

The company has built their reputation on creating and delivering clear, timely status reports and expert support for every type of real estate transaction.

LIVE THE LYON LIFESTYLE Resort Style Apartment Living Nineteen01 is a new 264-unit luxury multifamily community that recently celebrated its grand opening in the up-andcoming city of Santa Ana, blocks away from its revitalized downtown area. Drawing inspiration from the local art scene, Nineteen01 has a playful, colorful and modern design that has been attracting a lot of attention. It’s the first of its kind in the area to offer resort-style amenities such as a rooftop saltwater pool and spa, clubhouse, and high-performance fitness center. The courtyard has a touch of Alice in Wonderland-like appeal with its oversized lamps, vases and furniture. “It really shines on its own; it has its own personality,” says General Manager, Luis Ramirez. “People who take the time to visit the property are always blown away.”

The community offers one, two and three bedroom apartments and townhomes, complete Nineteen01 1901 E First St, Santa Ana, CA 92705 714.604.1901 | www.nineteen01.com

with open floor plans and plenty of windows to create a contemporary feel. All common areas are equipped with Wi-Fi, so staying connected from home, the business center, BBQ patio, or poolside is easy and seamless. “We took the wish list of our current residents and made it a reality,” said Luis.

“We put in an industrialgrade pet grooming spa, a car wash stall, and bike repair station. We even revitalized the park and now host Saturday morning yoga classes on the lawn.” When asked further about community events, Luis added, “This is a new property in a new neighborhood, filled with new residents. My top priority is to not only make sure everyone is satisfied with their new home, but to also create a sense of community by creating opportunities for residents to interact with one another.”

Going to the Pets Nineteen01 is the ultimate complex for pet lovers, seeing as there is a “Pet Spaw” for resident doggie parents to bathe their furry children.

All About Community With access to an elevated recreation deck with resort-style pool & spa, elite fitness center, and lush courtyard parks— you’re sure to make friends!

“Your trust can only be earned through our accountability and consistent demonstration of excellence, integrity and leadership,” says VP of Sales & Marketing Steven Whitaker. “Whether you are new to the industry, a seasoned professional or a party to a complex transaction—count on us to get things right, the first time out. We deliver on our promises, on time and on budget.”

With a mission to provide you with quality escrow service that you and your client deserve, their goal is to be your go-to and primary source for the full range of your escrow requirements.

Tiempo Escrow, Inc. 2100 Main St Suite 330 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.843.0101 tiempoescrowinc.com

HO-HO-

Food Provided By: Colette’s Catering and Events www.colettesevents.com

HOSTING How to Entertain for the Holidays When we look back on the holidays, our memories are pleasantly filled with the friends and family by our side, what foods we enjoyed and where we experienced these beautiful moments. Hosting an event over the holidays can feel like an overwhelming feat—unless you have the help you need along the way. From holiday décor to making sure the smallest details count, to cocktails that will make an impression, we have you covered.

PARTY PLANNING WITH PEGGY How to Make a Location Feel Homey for Entertaining Q: What are the key things to making your home “homey” for the holidays?

Peggy Dupuis: Fridge stocked up with food, wine and champagne! This makes it ready for a party anytime during the holidays.

Q: What is a coffee-table musthave during your party?

PD: Seasonal flowers in a 176 | LOCALE MAGAZINE

simple clear vase, a diptyque candle and colorful votives, card games/Jenga, pistachios and colorful veggies with dipping sauce.

Q: What is the best color scheme to decorate with for the holidays?

PD: Colors of the season or for simplicity sake, a black and white theme with a pop of color.

Q: If this is an office party, how should one start to decorate?

PD: Definitely start with a theme or inspiration from the company…

Could be its logo, a product or service they offer, the type of company, will they be inviting clients?, and consider age group within the office. As a designer, I always get everyone involved to give their ideas and opinion so I would pass around a suggestion box and go from there.

Q: What was one thing your favorite holiday party had that everyone should incorporate?

PD: My Dinner in White party as a neighborhood party! It gets everyone involved in preparation and each one gets very inventive even though they are not the event organizer or planner.

Dupuis Design www.dupuis-design.com

Apparel Provided By: BCBGMaxazria | www.bcbg.com

THE PARTY’S HERE

10 Tips For the Perfect Outdoor Soirée from Candy Hirte, Owner of Where’s the Party?

#1

Dress the part!

#2

Signature cocktails

#3

Details, Details Details!

SMART HOUSE

#4

Carrying out the theme is so important: Pick your colors and stick with it.

#7

Make your guests feel welcome immediately when they arrive, offer a drink or appetizer

#5

An eclectic guest list makes for a fun evening

#8

Give something to take home (favors) that say ‘thank you’ for being there

#6

Sensational invites

#9

Maximize Decorations: Lots of beautiful candles for lighting

6 CROWD PLEASING COCKTAIL RECIPES William Grant & Sons’ Favorite Holiday Cocktails

1.

ANCHO REYES HOT CHOCOLATE: • 1 1/2 parts Ancho Reyes Chili Liqueur • 3 to 4 parts hot chocolate • Heavy Cream • Nutmeg

2.

SAILOR & CIDER: • 1 part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

• 3 parts mulled cider • Cinnamon • Cloves

10.

Actually enjoy your party!

Where’s the Party?

270 E 17th St Ste 12A, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 www.wheresthepartyoc.com

4.

A SIMPLE PLAN

• 1 oz Glenfiddich 12 Bourbon Barrel Reserve • 1 oz Cocchi Americano • 1 oz Amaro Nonino

HOLIDAY HIGHBALL

• 1.5 oz Glenfiddich 14 Bourbon Barrel Reserve • .5 oz St George Basil Eau de Vie

• 2 dashes Cherry Bark Bitters

• .25 oz honey syrup

*Stir and strain over ice

*Pour over ice in collins glass. Basil leaf garnish.

5.

• 4 oz cold Seltzer

Philips Hue Personal Wireless Lighting www.meethue.com

THE RED QUEEN • 100ml 3 fl oz cranberry juice

• 80ml 2.7 fl oz Hendricks gin • 40ml St Germain, Elderflower liqueur

3.

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• Hot coffee

• Fresh cranberries threaded on cocktail sticks to garnish

TULLAMORE DEW IRISH COFFEE

6.

Transfer the smarts from your phone to your house with new gadgets and gizmos that can adjust mood lighting levels and even colors. Meet hue

by Philips, a personal wireless lighting device that connects to your home Wi-Fi router and controlled through an app.

Who needs switches anymore? By the touch of a button all the lightbulbs in your home can be adjusted to the specific liking of a resident, labeled with their name. You can even set an alarm for when you would like the lights to turn on or off, fade in and find the perfect hue for your holiday party. So, turn on your imagination!

• 2 Sugar Cubes • 1 oz Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey • 1 Whipped cream

William Grant & Sons www.williamgrant.com

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Apparel Provided By: BCBGMaxazria | www.bcbg.com

PATIO TRENDS

Today’s Outdoor Living Possibilities Q: What is the most desired outdoor living features you hear from your clients?

Brian Liberto: • Fire pit • “Spool,” which is a spa and pool together • Gazebo with outdoor living areas • BBQ/bar area with deck-to-pool outdoor living • Dog run • Putting green Q: What would you say is the best selling point for an outdoor living space?

BL: First, I ask them how much time do they spend outdoors.

If [they spend more time outside] than inside, then a home with a larger lot and outdoor living [would be ideal]. My best selling point of outdoor living is asking: Why leave your house for a dinner on the town when you can have a more intimate romantic dinner outdoors?

Q: What do you see people leaning towards more: Astroturf or real grass?

BL: People are leaning toward astroturf because it’s more durable with less maintenance, a lower cost, and looks better.

Brian Liberto, Brian Liberto Real Estate brianliberto. pointzagent.com

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5 NECESSARY ITEMS FOR THE HOST WITH THE MOST Suggestions from Colette Coffman, Owner and Sarah Kuhlberg, Marketing and Creative Director

SET THE TABLE

Colette’s Catering Dishes on Hosting for The Holidays In 1992, Colette Coffman began a onewoman operation centered around small catering gigs and homemade cakes. Her business soon grew into the boutique catering and events company Orange County has come to know and love. The continuation of growth and success of Colette’s came when Duane Greenleaf hopped on as Co-Owner with Colette, along with a superb sales, culinary and marketing team. The trifecta of talent and creativity has allowed Orange County to better know—and taste–all that Colette’s offers.

For guidance during the holiday season, we turn to Colette’s, for tips and tricks to ensure stress-free and stunning holiday events all fall and winter long. Since

Colette’s Catering and Events 1568 Kimberly Ave, Fullerton, CA 92831 714.447.9190 | www.colettesevents.com

Colette’s “starts with your vision,” as Sarah Kuhlberg, the Marketing and Creative Director shared, calling on their crew’s handcrafted menus are sure to meet your dreams for any occasion. Colette’s can help you prepare for a party of five to 500, granting you access to full-service catering packages and event spaces should you not want to host the event in your home.

Colette’s believes “that the food should speak for itself because nothing brings people together like a great meal,” Sarah added. Colette’s use of local, fresh ingredients certainly give their dishes a voice of their own! For the hosts that opt for in-house hosting, all services, from bar staff to unforgettable décor and delicacies, are available through Colette’s event staff.

1. Someone to welcome/greet guests as they enter the party 2. Great music & ambience 3. Bring on a caterer or planner early during the planning process to utilize their knowledge & resources

5 MUSTHAVE DESSERTS OVER THE HOLIDAYS

Suggestions from Erin Solorio, Pastry Chef at Colette’s Catering and Events 1. English Almond Toffee 2. Sticky Ginger Toffee Cake 3. Peppermint Cheesecake 4. Classic Pumpkin Pie 5. Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

4. Specialty Holiday themed cocktails, even in lieu of a full bar 5. Make sure you don’t under order food, know your guests dietary needs & have plenty of professional staff to do all the work during the party so the host can enjoy their event!

BACKYARD BASH

5 Must-Haves For Your Outdoor Event 1. String Lights 2. Heat Lamps 3. Fire Pit 4. Blankets 5. Outdoor Bar

WINTER

SURF & SAND

WANDER-LAND Where to Escape for Vacations, Stay-cations and Getaways Get away during the chilly months and discover these spots that are calling your name! Whether they are near or far, somewhere familiar or somewhere near, if you are staying for long or just stopping by, check out why these are favorites—and they just might become your new favorites, too.

PASÉA HOTEL & SPA

WINNER WINNER,

DAYCATION at the Bungalows

Perfect Dinner

Throwing a small event?

Spoil your guests by hosting it at one of the bungalows in the Pacific Edge Hotel. The hotel offers a ton of amenities (Who’s down to snorkel?), but also cool places to gather for serious business or some serious fun.

SELANNE STEAK TAVERN Pacific Diver Scallops selannesteaktavern. com AVILA’S EL RANCHITO Carne Asada and Shrimp avilaselranchito.com

The bungalows are each sponsored and designed by big names, like Billabong, Fox Sports and XS Energy. Open to the public, each of the bungalows encompasses a different vibe.

Billabong’s “Bikini Kind of Life” decorative pillows and surf inspo canvases will make you want to grab your board and head towards the ocean, stat! Whereas Fox Sports’ leather couches and zebra-print rug opts for a masculine and dark look.

Black and white action shots are framed as art to pair with the man-cave atmosphere.

The new XS bungalow is a burst of energy. The room, a.k.a the XS COF (Center for Optimal Fun), has a disco embellished faux deer head on the wall with an oldschool boombox on a corner table. Local based XS Energy aim for renters to XSperience the beach in a fearless kind of way. They have partnered with the ECO-Warrior Foundation, a non-profit that is dedicated to preserving our oceans and beaches, to bring extra adventurepacked excursions, surf lessons, mountain biking and much more.

Pacific Edge Hotel pacificedgehotel.com

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NICK’S SAN CLEMENTE Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass nicksrestaurants.com SANDY’S Chef Mason’s Nightly Special sandyshb.com DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN Lobster Spaghetti Carbonara “Rustichella D’Abruzzo” driftwoodkitchen.com SEASONS 52 Wood-Grilled Rack of Lamb seasons52.com

RISE AND WINE

Best Morning Cocktails

TAKING OFF!

CAFE MIMOSA Black Currant Mimosa

Vacation Destinations to Swoon Over Paséa Hotel & Spa

meritagecollection.com u A new addition to Southern

California coastal hotels, Paséa Hotel & Spa offers luxurious rooms and suites and even a 1900 square foot Penthouse Suite for the ultimate vacation getaway. The Penthouse Suite boasts a 180 degree view of California’s stunning ocean, a double-sided fireplace, full kitchen, dining room and other amenities sure to seal the deal on an unforgettable stay.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

ritzcarlton.com/LagunaNiguel u One look off of a balcony into

the aquamarine and deep blue sea and you will understand why The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is the perfect vacation destination. The hotel boasts 15 eco-excursions for guests looking for an adventurous escape, and a variety of spa services from massages to facials for those that need to press the restart button.

Surf & Sand Resort

surfandsandresort.com u With a beachfront pool and

magnificent sands directly below, your stay at the Surf & Sand Resort will transport you to the California Coast in no time. Check into one of their stunning ocean view rooms and it won’t be difficult to get lost in this vacation destination— better yet, opt for one of their 13 Laguna Beach hotel suites on site and treat yourself to the weekend of a lifetime.

HENNESSEY’S TAVERN, DANA POINT Buena Vista’s Original Irish Coffee hennesseystavern.com RJ’S CAFE Bloody Mary rjscafe.com SKYLOFT Day Spa skyloftoc.com DUKE’S HUNTINGTON BEACH Citrus Squeeze dukeshuntington.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL

Montage Laguna Beach

montagehotels.com/lagunabeach u Thirty acres of seaside views and

world class accommodations, Montage Laguna Beach is one of our favorite vacation destinations. Even with its accessibility to the best dining, shopping and entertainment Southern California has to offer, it creates an escape for its guests with amenities like eucalyptus steam rooms in the spa and 24-hour in-room dining. As if the views weren’t enough to make us want to pack our bags immediately!

Monarch Beach Resort

monarchbeachresort.com u What better way to welcome in a

vacation than from your own private balcony? Check into one of Monarch Beach Resort’s guest rooms or suites and enjoy private breathtaking views, luxurious and comfortable accommodations and spa-inspired features in each bathroom, from rainfall showers to a deep soaking bathtub. Enjoy a round of golf at the resort’s award-winning course and follow up with an exquisite dinner at their “Farm-to-Bar” concept restaurant, AVEO Table + Bar. The Waterfront Beach Resort

waterfrontresort.com u Surf City’s Waterfront Beach Resort

prides itself on its ability to bring you close to the relaxing sounds of the sea from the comfort of your own room.

Opt for one of their 11 oceanfront 550 square-foot Studio Suites and take in serene sunsets and a welcoming ocean breeze every evening you’re there. The resort’s Presidential Suite takes you away to a 1,200 square-foot retreat space, complete with a hydro-spa tub and a private bedroom. Treat yourself to a weekend at this oceanic oasis.

Newport Beach Hotel

newportbeachwalkhotel.com u Located on West Oceanfront, the

Newport Beach Hotel is steps away from the surf and sand you seek on your vacation. Located feet from the exciting Newport Beach boardwalk, entertainment and great dining are within walking distance from every

direction. An intimate space perfect for those looking for both a relaxing and entertaining weekend by the water. Don’t miss their complimentary continental breakfast every morning from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and bicycles perfect for cruising the boardwalk upon request.

Balboa Bay Resort

meritagecollection.com u As Newport Beach’s only waterfront

resort, the Balboa Bay Resort boasts unmatchable views of Newport’s beautiful bay. Step out of your suite and onto the water with one of the resort’s Duffy boats or kayaks to rent. Stop by the spa for pampering and glam before a fireside meal overlooking the water at A&O Kitchen+Bar, or opt for their waterfront restaurant, Waterline for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Make sure to check out their special packages as well—your perfectly planned weekend awaits!

Avenue of the Arts Hotel

avenueoftheartshotel.com u This newly transformed, four-diamond

hotel has all of the makings for a fabulous vacation: gorgeous decor, artisanal dining, and accessibility to some of the world’s greatest performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For a weekend full of art, culture, premier shopping at South Coast Plaza and a daytrip or to Disneyland, this hotel is for you. Though, you may never want to leave upon checking into one of their lakeside rooms with an unforgettable view.

Hotel Irvine

hotelirvine.com u For a vibrant, fun and hassle-free

weekend, check into Hotel Irvine. The hotel’s focus is on you, taking into consideration every possible need and want of its guests. They anticipate what you are looking for in your vacation, before you realize it yourself—even being known to suggest local trails to explore to guests with fashionable fitness attire on. For even more luxury, head to Club 12, Hotel Irvine’s exclusive private lounge for only an additional $35 per day.

THE RETREAT IN LAGUNA

ROAD TRIPPIN’

BON VOYAGE!

Top 5 Cars to Take For a Road Trip Garth Blumenthal, General Manager Fletcher Jones Mercedes

Set sail and spend the day at the Newport Beach Harbor with Captain Newport! Relax and cruise while looking at breathtaking views and enjoying quality time with a group of your fav friends and rent one of these fancy and fun boats. Go for the 2015 Sea Ray 260 Sundancer that can hold up to eight people so you can speed over the waves, and look good while doing it. Go big or go home with the Donzi 39 ZSC luxury express cruiser. This spacious and sleek mobile is 40 feet long and sleeps up to five guests. Can you say Damn Donzi?

For a romantic getaway on the water, the Sunset Cruise offers three hours of romance and fun. Ride the waves of Newport Beach Harbor and Emerald Bay while indulging in complimentary wine, cheese and fruit platter.

Sip and socialize as the sun says goodbye and you speed-off into the distance.

The new Cigar Cruise will be similar to their other classic cruise excursions, but with a smokey twist.

Essentially a man-cave on a boat, a group of buds have their own captain, each rental gets a bottle of Macallan to share and a cigar for each passenger to enjoy.

Nonetheless, Captain Newport may be most known for their Christmas Boat Parade. Every holiday season, the Bay lights-up.

Hop on a yacht to tour the decorated floats, but you have to act quick because they always sell out fast. This year, if you book your ticket in advance, Captain Newport will throw in free Baileys hot chocolate and a blanket to cozy-up with while you view yachts lit with Christmas spirit, just mention this LOCALE article!

Captain Newport www.captainnewport.com

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1. GLC 300 SUV 2. C450 AMG, fourdoor sedan 3. SLK 350, two-seater convertible 4. GTS AMG, luxury two-seater 5. S600 Maybach, spacious sedan Fletcher Jones Mercedes fjmercedes.com

STAYCATION, ALL YOU EVER WANTED Escape the Day-to-Day at a Paradise in Your Own Backyard The Retreat in Laguna

Balboa Inn and Resort

Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel

rentals, villa-style, The Retreat in Laguna will allow you to feel far away while you’re right at home.

Located on the coastline of Laguna Beach, this will turn your staycation into a retreat. Stay in the Villa Teatro and have brunch on your oceanview deck or relax in the Villa Rome, the penthouse, and getaway from it all.

Walking distance from Laguna restaurants, shopping and downtown, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Hotel La Casa del Camino

hotel and witness hospitality that’s been in motion since the 1920s. With 45 rooms and suites, Balboa Inn and Resort allows for an intimate, personal staycation.

The resort offers free wireless Internet to stay connected, or, unplug and head to the jacuzzi to let-off some steam. For the basketball fans, this inn was once owned by former Los Angeles Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar, so you know your visit will be a slam dunk.

Casa Tropicana Boutique Hotel

boutique hotel that edges Surf City, USA. The sleek, modern decor of Shorebreak will have you never wanting to leave, also because you can bring your pet too! Dry your surfboard on a balcony that overlooks the busyness of Huntington Beach or towards the center courtyard with fire pits ablaze. Book your beach stay 14-days in advance and enjoy a special discount; We know you’ll counting down until your stay.

Blue Lantern Inn

a new way at La Casa del Camino.

Choose wisely between their Spanish and Casa Surf rooms.

Or opt for the private La Casita, a Laguna Beach cottage with your own deck, grill and outdoor shower. Enjoy happy hour on the roof at their Rooftop Lounge where you can gasp in the ocean and mountain views while enjoying a cocktail, or two. Who said vacays had to be far away?

wife duo, this bed and breakfast, boutique hotel is a perfect weekend getaway that’s close to home. Lounge around in one of eight of their individually decorated rooms or go out and explore the beach town of San Clemente. Fall asleep to crashing waves and wake-up to the Pacific breeze because this gem is only a 30 second walk to the beach.

www.theretreatinlaguna.com u With eight luxurious vacation

www.lacasadelcamino.com u Experience Orange County in

www.balboainn.com u Stay at this historic oceanfront

www.casatropicana.com u Owned by a husband and

www.shorebreakhotel.com u Come and relish in this stylish

www.bluelanterninn.com u This timeless inn is a great

place to kickback and relax.

Here, select your room by what you’d like to see from your balcony: The Dana Point harbor, the cityscape, or choose one of the Tower Rooms and catch sight of the Pacific. Their spa is on sight to take your relaxation to another level, and a yummy breakfast buffet will be waiting for you each morning.

PACK HEALTHY

Whole Foods Roadtrip Essentials Popcorn, and other quick, crunchy snacks 1. Fresh fruit 2. Dried fruit 3. Jerky: beef, turkey, bison 4. Baggie of Nuts from the bulk department 5. Pre-cut veggies with dips like ranch and hummus 6. Drinks: Iced tea, Lemonade 7. Fresh baked goods 8. 365 Everyday Value Organic Granola Bars 9. Handwipes Whole Foods Market wholefoodsmarket.com

JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND Getaway for the Weekend, Only Miles from Orange County LAS VEGAS Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub • After Hours www.draislv.com

Drai’s Las Vegas is where you need to be for your weekend getaway party. For the day, splash around in one of the rooftop oasis’ eight sparkling pools while listening to hiphop inspired EDM from live DJs, complete with champagne sprays, beach balls and all.

Who knows who may slide through Drai’s Nightclub to serve up a full-length concert performance on the night you’re there…

Future, maybe? Travis Scott? Trey Songz?

Located on the roof of The Cromwell, the roster of resident artists is unmatched at the dazzling venue. Go to the basement of the boutique hotel and find yourself at After Hours where four underground rooms where half play hip-hop and the others EDM until the late hours of the morning.

Make sure you pack your most glamorous high-heels and your finest button-up shirts; You’ll want to dress to impress.

Native Knowledge: Drai’s has the first and only full-length nightlife concert series with Drai’s LIVE. You can expect to see the biggest names in hiphop, R&B, and pop like G-Eazy, Tip “T.I.” Harris and more. If I were you, I’d get your tickets now!

GREATER PALM SPRINGS Avalon Hotel

www.avalon-hotel.com/palm-springs

Hit the road for the desert and chillax in one of Avalon Hotel’s enchanting bungalows or premier suites. The decor is modern, minimal and mute–it’s so chic!

Let bright orange doors take you to a room, and a weekend, you won’t forget.

Between the Estrella Spa and the Chi Chi restaurant, Avalon Hotel Palm Springs is the weekend getaway you need.

Native Knowledge: A little Spanish architecture meets Golden Age Palm Springs glam: The interior design was done by renown designer Kelly Wearstler.

GREATER PALM SPRINGS Hyatt Palm Springs www.hyattpalmsprings.com

Live in luxury at this resort, even if it’s only for a weekend. The Hyatt is close to all the happenings in Palm Springs, but before you run to a nearby golf course or shoptill-you-drop at the Outlets, see what this sleek hotel has to offer. Here, your

fitness routine can travel with you: The StayFit gym is open for 24 hours for your convenience. Then, when you’re ready to eat, fine-dine at SHARE Small Plate Bistro for an innovative menu, night after night.

Native Knowledge: You’re in luck: Their spa services can be brought to your room! So, you can get pampered and relaxed without leaving the comfort of your suite.

SAN DIEGO The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows www.lafayettehotelsd.com

Celebrating its 70th year, this historical gem is located in the heart of North Park, just a short drive away. Make sure you pack your swimwear because the Weissmuller Pool & Swim Club is a San Diego attraction within itself. Rent a Cabana for a semiprivate poolside cushioned seating area.

For poolside entertainment, this is the best seat in the house! For your stay, choose between eight bungalows that are all unique from each other. These two-story, two or three bedroom vacation homes will have you ready to chillax in an instant.

Native Knowledge: Unfortunately, your nonservice pets cannot spend the night at Lafayette Hotel, but right next door is Bark Boulevard Pet Hotel and guests get a preferred rate!

GREATER PALM SPRINGS JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa www.desertspringsresort.com

When you stay at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa you feel as if you are on a secluded island in the middle of Palm Desert. Balconies overlook the five pools, the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. Palm trees outline the driveup to the hotel and, once you’re inside, the modern decor captivates you. Dine at The Sushi Bar or enjoy your cocktail next to the outdoor fire pit, which is lit by string lights. Stay fit on your getaway with their 36-holes of golf, or a round of miniature golf if you prefer, tennis on a choice of three surfaces or discover one of the nearby jogging or hiking trails.

Native Knowledge: On your approach into the resort, you will have a perfect view of Flamingo Island, where the resorts feathered friends are looking pretty in pink.

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HOME/AWAY

ROOM & BOARD 3309 Hyland Ave Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.549.5995 www.roomandboard.com

HOME ROOM 101 A MIX OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN

WRITTEN BY: JEANNETTE SWANSON | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIAN CHAN

As we approach the holiday season we wonder how to thoughtfully incorporate holiday décor, pieces and color into our homes.

It doesn’t always have to be about the Santas, pumpkins and fall foliage.

To take a step away from the cliche, we turn to Room & Board, who sources over 90 percent of their products from about 50 family-owned companies across the United States.

The feeling of nostalgia is often translated into the home through décor, but the holidays are a time to mix traditional trends with modern decor. “It’s a great time to start looking forward and creating your

version of the holidays,” says Retail Market Manager Scott Jussila. A home can be subtly decked in traditional colors such as reds, greens and jewel tones, but this might be the year to base your décor scheme off the color white.

“For the West Coast, a white and light blue can be really special,” Scott suggests.

Items such as pillows, throws and hooks can add a fresh holiday look to the home. Holiday decorating doesn’t have to break the bank and by piggybacking off of Room & Board’s keen sense of design, we can practice frugality while adding class to our holiday decorating schemes.

“IT’S A GREAT TIME TO START LOOKING FORWARD AND CREATING YOUR VERSION OF THE HOLIDAYS.” —Retail Market Manager, Room & Board SOCO, Scott Jussila

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H O L I D AY HOME ESSENTIALS Hand-blown in Minneapolis, their Luster bowl will add a subtle sparkle to your decorated holiday table.

Items such as pillows, throws and hooks can add a fresh holiday look to the home.

Gift a pair of movie or opera tickets in the Nevin waxed canvas and domestic leather foldover carrier from Connecticut.

Washable Wool Blanket made in Oregon is a cozy addition for the foot of your bed or sofa.

Multicolored Crew Hooks amp up traditional stocking hangers.

ESCAPE: VEGAS

V.I.P VERY IMPORTANT PALACE WRITTEN BY: SIERRA EVERETT

THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.414.1000 www.venetian.com THE PALAZZO RESORT + CASINO 3325 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 702.607.4100 www.palazzo.com

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The sparkle and shine of the Las Vegas Strip never fades.

Through the years, Las Vegas has managed to maintain its “Viva Las Vegas” charm while continuously creating new attractions that will have you eager to come back again and again. Maybe it’s the vast amount of shopping that makes Las Vegas one of the top vacation destinations in the world, maybe it’s the five-star restaurants or maybe it’s the fact that there’s always that small chance you’ll end up getting married by Elvis to that cutie at the bar—that is, if that’s what you’re into. Regardless of how you look at it, the magic of the Las Vegas Strip is unparalleled, and although the multitude of possibilities may seem overwhelming, this article will be your insider’s guide on how to explore Vegas like a pro!

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First thing’s first: Finding the perfect place to stay is a must as this will set the tone for your whole trip. From the luxurious ambiances to the VIP services, The Venetian and The Palazzo have everything you need to make sure you are well rested and energized for all that the day and night have in store. The Palazzo even offers a “Pillow Menu” to ensure you get the best sleep possible. Or effortlessly pamper yourself in the Venetian’s Roman tubs and all marble bathrooms. If it’s rejuvenation you are looking for, then head to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub and treat yourself to an extensive menu of spa and body treatments. As if the Egyptian cotton sheets and 400-count wool throws aren’t enough, the amenities that The Venetian and The Palazzo offer span much further than just their luxury suites.

Once you’ve booked the suite of your dreams, you’ll be able to start planning your game plan for the upcoming days. With as many pools, restaurants, and shopping options Vegas has, you may worry you are missing out on the main attraction. Fortunately, some of the best shopping and the top pools on the Strip are conveniently located at The Venetian and The Palazzo! The Grand Canal Shoppes span across both properties and is a go-to destination for all fashionistas. The shopping spot houses an 85,000 square-foot Barneys New York, along with over a dozen other premier luxury brands from across the world. When shopping becomes too much to bare, you can effortlessly

float through this replica of Venice’s notorious Grand Canal in an Italian gondola that winds through the store fronts and out into the open air. The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay Place, Fashion Show, The Forum Shops and Miracle Mile Shops are just a few of the other hottest shopping destinations located on directly on The Las Vegas Strip.

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that summer just seems to last a little longer here than anywhere else. So, no matter if you book your stay for June or December, you’ll be able to get your much-needed pool time in year-round! The Palazzo and Venetian offer you access to 11 different pools with various atmospheres to suit your mood. TAO Beach, an extension of TAO nightclub, can be found at the Venetian. This exotic experience boasts of seductive and sophisticated Asian-themed designs and is one of the most sought after beach clubs in the Vegas scene. While Azure at the Palazzo, a daytime pool experience, gives you a chance to refresh and enjoy live music and cooled cabins, all in a sophisticated atmosphere comparable to the seclusion of Capri and St. Tropez.

As your day comes to an end and you begin to gear up for the adventure that is a night out in Las Vegas, don’t forget to make time to stop by the newly redesigned Palazzo Theatre. Here you’ll find one of the newest shows on the Strip, BAZ, a mashup of iconic love stories in the style of modern day cabaret. Unless you’re in the

One of the best things about Las Vegas is that summer just seems to last a little longer here than anywhere else.

Vegas wouldn’t be Vegas without a little gambling. No matter what your gambling desires may be, The Palazzo has you covered with 120 table games, 1,400 slot machines, video poker and much more in their 105,000 square-foot casino.

mood for spontaneous comedy, then make sure to check-out “Puppet Up!,” a puppetry show geared towards the Las Vegas audience to hilariously represent what a typical night in Vegas encompasses. (Don’t let the fuzzy characters fool you, this show is not for kids!) If you consider yourself a true Vegas connoisseur, grab a ticket for “Human Nature Jukebox” and “Lipshtick,” these new shows have quickly become favorites of the Strip and are sure to become some of favorite of yours too.

Vegas wouldn’t be Vegas without a little gambling. No matter what your gambling desires may be, The Palazzo has you covered with 139 table games, 1,400 slot machines, video poker and much more in their 105,000 square-foot casino. Just make sure not to get too caught up in the game that you forget to eat dinner! You’d be missing out on a handful of award-winning restaurants head by notable chefs featuring cuisines from all around the world. CUT, LAVO, Table 10 and Bouchon are just a few of the fine dining establishments that will have your mouth watering for more.

It’s no secret that Vegas is home to some of the top nightclubs in the world. TAO, Hakkasan, XS and Marquee are mandatory destinations to experience the Las Vegas party scene to it’s fullest extent. You may even find yourself amongst a crowd of celebrities or up close and personal with your favorite DJs. You can catch Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, and Tiesto at Hakkasan thanks to their residencies. Or head over to XS to get a glimpse of Diplo, Deadmau5, Skrillex, and many more!

Needless to say, if it’s an escape you are looking for, Vegas is always a good idea. No matter what’s on your agenda, you’re sure to find magic in Las Vegas. This world-renowned escape is only four short hours away from Orange County. A quick drive through the desert leads you to a whole new paradise.

Shopping until 2:00 a.m., the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel and most importantly, no “last call,” are just a few things that make life under the Vegas sky so great. While this generation of social media can’t guarantee that what happens in Vegas will actually stay there, the trip to this desert oasis is well worth the risk.

SHOP TIL’ YOU DROP: Check out some of the hottest spots at The Grand Canal Shoppes:

Barneys New York Bebe Christian Louboutin Coach Hugo Boss Kate Spade New York Michael Kors Pandora Swarovski

Shopping until 2:00 a.m., the world’s tallest Ferris Wheel and most importantly, no “last call,” are just a few things that make life under the Vegas sky so great.

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STAJETS—JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT (SNA) CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 19301 Campus Drive, Suite 256 Santa Ana, CA 92707 949.756.1111 www.stajets.com FOOD PROVIDED BY: TRUE FOOD KITCHEN 395 Santa Monica Pl, Suite 172 Santa Monica, California 90401 310.593.8300 www.truefoodkitchen.com

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Flight PLAN CHOOSE TO FLY IN STYLE—AND LAND FEELING BETTER THAN YOU DID TAKING OFF

WRITTEN BY: ELIZABETH NUTT PHOTOGRAPHED BY: PATRICK MARTIN

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Life is all about choices, and the easiest choice these days is to forego the typical air travel experience and opt for one that meets your sky-high expectations. We all know that flying today is synonymous with painfully long lines, outrageous baggage fees and inconvenient delays; and the only consolation prize for all that hassle is a miniature-sized bag of peanuts. So, why not opt for the luxe in-flight experience?

Enter one of STAjets’ G4s, a sleek, newly refurbished private jet that gives new meaning to the phrase “relax and enjoy your flight.” It’s equipped with Wi-Fi, a satellite phone, two pop-up flat-screen TV monitors, and Apple TV and iPads so you can truly kick back on your spacious, buttery leather seat.

You can indulge in an in-flight meal catered

by True Food Kitchen, which boasts honest, nutritious fare that’ll leave you feeling refreshed, healthy and ready to take on your next adventure. With a spacious table, real silverware and china, and a few platters of mouthwatering, good-for-you hors d’oeuvres, you might feel like you’re on vacation even before you arrive at your final destination.

We sat down with the two people who make that happen: Kurt Belcher, President, CEO and Owner of STAjets and Scott Caygill, Executive Chef at True Food Kitchen Santa Monica.

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KURT BELCHER,

President/CEO and Owner of STAjets “Flying private, the time you save is so much more valuable than the money being spent. And it’s a one of a kind experience.”

—Kurt Belcher

KURT’S FAVORITE DESTINATION: St. Bart’s. “The island is like magic—the people and the culture are amazing.”

SHOOTING STARS: STAjets has worked with a litany of celebrities and entertainers including Justin Timberlake, Prince and George Lucas.

Q: Tell me about your background and experience in the aviation industry. How did you end up with STAjets?

Kurt Belcher: I grew up in Corona Del Mar, and I first started flying at John Wayne Airport before working as a flight instructor. I started flying charter, and from there I started getting into aircraft sales and management. Eventually, I took over a jet center in Encino that was failing and I got it up and running again, flipped it and sold it. With the proceeds, I bought STAjets in 2009.

There was only one airplane on its certificate, and it was a mess when I took over. But since then, I’ve moved it to Orange County and grown it from one airplane to 22.

Q: You run one of the nation’s leading private air charter companies. To what do you credit your success?

KB: The majority of my clients are right here in Orange County—my growth has been OC-based through local customers. I also think that we have a different approach than other charter companies; we’re a lot younger than most aviation departments. My whole crew here has a lot more energy, enthusiasm and drive than other companies that have been doing this for twenty-plus years. Aviation got so boring over the years—back in the day aviation was hip and sexy and cool, but that excitement went away. We try to bring that back, and make things a lot more fun.

Q: What does STAjets do differently from other private air charter companies?

KB: We don’t say “no” to anybody. Flying jets is second nature to us, but what we’re really good at is figuring out what people want. We had a client who, on the way home, wanted to stop at these different surf breaks—so we accommodated his plans. We also had an actor who was supposed to fly down to Chile, but we got a phone call from his assistant saying the actor and his buddies jumped on another airplane to Paris the night before. So, we had to go over to Paris and get him first. We always stock the plane with gift boxes, thoughtful presents for our clients or special requests from entertainers. Our clients love us because of the experiences they have with us.

Q: Why fly private?

KB: Flying private is extremely expensive. Everyone is always trying to figure out how to gap the difference between commercial and private. But flying private, the time saved is so much more valuable than the money being spent.

And it’s a one of a kind experience—you can make it exactly what you want.

SCOTT CAYGILL,

Executive Chef at True Food Kitchen Santa Monica Q: Tell me about working with True Food Kitchen, and why the restaurant appealed to you as a chef.

Scott Caygill: My wife worked with the first brand chef of True Food Kitchen, Michael Stebner. A Facebook post went out before True Food Kitchen opened in San Diego, where we were living at the time, and the post called for any chefs who were interested. We found ourselves in Orange County, and so we decided to go check out the True Food Kitchen at Newport Beach. I instantly loved the feel of the restaurant, the diversity and pliability of the menu. And I was drawn obviously to the health aspects of the menu, too.

Q: From where do you source the ingredients for your dishes, and what are some of the most popular menu items?

SC: Well, here we have the awesome Santa Monica Farmers market, and we love to walk over there on Saturdays and get whatever we can. All the produce we use comes from California, and we source our meats very responsibly—we always do our due diligence there. And the seafood is sustainably harvested or wild-caught. The kale salad is at the top of the list in terms of popularity. It is super simple; it’s made with organic, shredded kale, parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs with a flavorful dressing that includes lemon, EVOO, chili flakes and garlic. Our bison burger is a really good, popular option—bison is a great alternative to beef because it’s naturally lower in fat.

Q: What’s the ideal in-flight True Food Kitchen snack?

SC: The crudité couldn’t be simpler—it’s taking farm fresh produce and serving it with some simple sauces to highlight the vegetables. The roasted vegetable board uses the same concept; we simply roast vegetables in our pizza oven with olive oil, salt and pepper. We get a nice color on the vegetables and develop the flavors a little more, and they’re served with two vegan dipping sauces. And the avocado dip is delicious—who doesn’t like avocados? It’s a pure avocado dip with roasted peppers, grapefruit and orange segments, cilantro, green onion and kale. We also spend every morning making fresh juices that you can order to go and take on the plane with you.

SPOTTING TRUE FOOD: You can pick up healthy grub from True Food Kitchen no matter where you plan to fly; it has locations in AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, NY, TN, TX and VA. In California, it has locations in El Segundo, Newport Beach, San Diego and Santa Monica.

“All the produce we use comes from California, and we source our meats very responsibly—we always do our due diligence there.”

—Scott Caygill

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SU CASA Our sneak peek inside gorgeous local homes

LIVING Lush Luxury Apartment Homes for the On-The-Go Lifestyle

WRITTEN BY: JEANNETTE SWANSON

The apartment village of Los Olivos has created the lifestyle you never knew you always wanted. Located in one of the most desirable areas in Irvine, this sought after community is off the 405, across from the Irvine Spectrum and within walking distance of the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. Built by the Irvine Company in 2013 and voted the best apartment community by Orange County Register readers in 2015, Los Olivos is a hole-in-one for people with on-the-go lifestyles.

LOS OLIVOS APARTMENT HOMES 350 Gitano Irvine, CA 92618 844.338.4040 www.irvinecompanyapartments.com

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The 12-mile San Diego Creek trail runs along the back of LOS OLIVOS before pouring into the Upper Newport Bay.

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An abundance of trees, 2,200 in total, and 78,000 shrubs were brought in to help create a RESORT-LIKE ATMOSPHERE.

Pet Lovers Unite Canine owners will be pleased to know that the community is pet friendly.

By the Numbers - 8 community parks - 6 saltwater pools, with spas - 4 clubrooms, each uniquely themed - 3-acre great lawn in the center of the community

F

or those who embrace space, the luxury apartment homes sit on 100 acres of meticulously designed and well-manicured landscape. An abundance of trees, 2,200 in total, and 78,000 shrubs were brought in to help create a resort-like atmosphere. Residents also share views of the beautiful Saddleback Mountains.

throughout, while others have hardwood in the entryway and kitchen areas. The washer and dryer come in-home and residents can expect energy efficient Whirlpool appliances.

All units are accompanied by a garage, some come with direct access.

Each apartment home within Los Olivos was carefully designed to wrap you in luxury, while keeping you connected with nature, appealing to singles, couples, and families alike. The easy-living interiors feature between one and two bedrooms, 525 to over 1,200 square feet—ranging from the high $1,000’s to just over $3,000 per month.

Two of the four buildings have two-story townhomes with lofts. Most of these homes have open floor plans for the kitchen and living areas and dedicated space for the bedrooms and bathrooms. Roughly 150 of these living arrangements exist within the community and each comes with a two car parking garage. Wait lists exist on certain units, but a wait list almost always exists for the townhomes because of their semiindependent status.

Granite or quartz stone adorn the kitchen and bathroom countertops and a center island with pendant lighting is included in every unit. Depending on the model, some units have hardwood-style flooring

Outdoors, the 12-mile San Diego Creek trail runs along the back of Los Olivos before pouring into the Upper Newport Bay. And six pools—two of which are Olympicsize—are notable attractions for open-air

play. Inside, you’ll stumble upon state of the art cardio classes including spin and zumba classes. Eight community parks, four clubrooms, a sand volleyball court and multiple dining and entertainment options also exist within the common areas. Another great perk is a shuttle that operates to transport residents to and from Los Olivos Marketplace and the Irvine Spectrum.

Regularly occurring social activities and community programs add to Los Olivos’ appeal. The community takes great pride in engaging residents with first class events like wine tasting.

Residents at Los Olivos tend to be long-term because of the fabulous amenities, beautiful apartments and central location. Leasing at Los Olivos provides much more than a rental contract, it provides the opportunity to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

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thank YOU

TO OUR PARTNERS Andaz

La Costa Dreams, Inc. | La Costa Film Festival

Skin Sessions of Newport Beach

Antonello

Lighthouse Cafe

Skyloft

Avila’s El Ranchito

London Coin Galleries | Newport Beach

SOCIAL Costa Mesa

Balboa Bay Resort

London Coin Galleries | Mission Viejo

Social Management Group | Holiday

BCBG Max Azria Group

LunchBOX

Spyro Kemble | Surterre Properties

Beach Hut Deli

Mesa

Starfish

Blue Eyed Girl

Michael Caruso

Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers

Board & Brew

Miramonte Resort & Spa

The Alley

Bowers Museum

MojoCryo

The Cannery

Brabus, Startech & TechArt

Newport Dunes

The Crow Bar & Kitchen

Brian Liberto Real Estate

Nook Real Estate

The Hobbit

Cenci Ventures | Sandy’s

North Italia

The Lab

Cinépolis

Novecento Boutique

The LOOK Fitness

Classic Club

Novecento Sport

The Quiet Woman

Colette’s Catering and Events

OMG Aesthetics

The Watch Connection

Creative Carafes

On Que Style

The Wayfarer

Dr. Kessler

Outlets at San Clemente

The Winery

Dr. Sanjay Grover

Pandor Bakery

Dr. Wdowin

Patrick Tenore

TMDW, Inc (Rolex Boutique South Coast Plaza)

Drai’s Beach Club

Pizza:90 / Royal Hawaiian

Finesse Plastic Surgery

Polished Perfect by Twila True

Five Crowns

Puesto

Fletcher Jones Motorcars

Pure Barre

Fresh Brothers

Ra Yoga

Grand Prix Performance

Red O Restaurant

Grayse

Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo Laguna Beach Hotel

Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau

TONI&GUY Total Cosmetix Traditional Jewelers Twice the Style Vanguard University VESTAR The District Warren Christopher Wells Fargo

Ritual Yoga

West of Camden

Identity Management Group | Time Nightclub

Room & Board

Where’s The Party?

Identity Management Group | La Vida Cantina

Saint Marc Pub, Cafe, Bakery & Cheese Affinage

William Grant & Sons

JC Resorts | Surf & Sand Resort

Santa Catalina Island Company / Catalina Express

K1 Speed Racing

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Santa Monica Seafood

Winston’s Crown Jewelers Xanadu Cafe