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Passion for Fashion
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SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING, SHOES, BOOKS, BACKPACKS, HOMEGOODS, JEWELRY, KIDS CLOTHING, TOYS AND MORE!
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COMElovin’ IN FOR summer 2011
A FREE CLEANING AND INSPECTION.
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SOCO
s By Julie Brow
IS OHSO LOCALE!
Erik Hale The dude.
Brow Bar A great brow shaping will brighten your look and give the appearance of a lift in minutes!
What an incredible first year. A name became an idea on March 2, 2010. The idea was LOCALE . Just 100 days later, the first issue launched on July 1st, 2010. That first magazine was 104 pages and featured 47 very trusting partners as advertisers (and a lot of my own writing and amateur photography). I was told repeatedly that “print was dead.” The issue that you are reading now features 105 advertising partners, is 220 pages long and features some of the most compelling photography and writing you will find in any magazine. I stopped listening to “them” very early in this process. We have developed an interactive web site, a Facebook page with over 11,000 fans, obtained distribution in over 80 national bookstores and thrown some really fun parties. I will be forever thankful to you; the reader, the facebook fan, the advertising partner, the party sponsor, the writer, the photographer, the designer, the super cool rack designer, the party-goer, the intern and the family. We have put our share of stakes in the ground in our first year but we are just getting started. Stay tuned. Peace, Love and Locale.
COSTA MESA, CA DESIGN SHOWROOMS CREATIVE STUDIOS BOUTIQUES
Michael Zschoche Clean Up
Call Julie to book your appointment today. Walk-ins are welcome Tuesday - Saturday
•Brow Shaping •Brow Tinting •Lash Tinting •Lip/Chin Waxing
Trained Through Celebrity “Brow Guru” Anastasia 1821 Westcliff Court Newport Beach, CA 92660 Located in the Haute Cakes Courtyard
www.BrowsByJulie.com facebook.com/browsbyjulie
949.943.2000
Michael Zschoche takes “jack of all trades” literally. Michael is a world traveler, photographer, race car driver, vintage motorcycle rider, entrepreneur and foodie. His former ventures included the lifestyle store, Zschoche and MIchael Zschoche Gallery on Balboa Island. Currently he shares his visionary prowess through his branding and advertising firm, Nzsch and as Art Director of LOCALE Magazine. Michael’s eclectic style and interests have led him to the creation, delivery and management of interactive, print and outdoor communications for an equally diverse client base. He has had the great fortune of working in a multitude of dynamic industries not limited to: mega-yacht, art, law, engineering, tug boat, music, film, retail, adult, pet, internet infrastructure, clothing and periodical.
Melissa Lunt Designer Extraordinaire Coming from a nomadic family, Melissa Lunt has spent equal amounts of her life in Northern California, Florida and Hawaii. Currently a resident of South Laguna Beach, Melissa embodies the soul of the Southern California lifestyle with a passion for creativity. She practices yoga, is an avid reader and does not believe in microwaves. As Art Director of the boutique advertising and branding firm, Nzsch, she has participated in developing successful brands and campaigns for a diverse clientele.
Ashley Hickson Chaos Manager Born and raised in New Jersey, Ashley Hickson had made yearly visits to her family in sunny Southern California, quickly realizing that there wasn’t anywhere else she would rather live. After graduating from Chapman University in Old Town Orange, Ashley pursued her dreams and began the journey of helping create Locale Magazine. Often referred to has Erik’s right and left arm, Ashley is THE go-to-girl for everything LOCALE. She enjoys being an intricate piece to Locale’s puzzle and is proud of all that has been accomplished in it’s first year. Ashley looks forward to many years with the down-to-earth, innovative magazine.
WHERE COMMUNITY CONGREGATES Located off the 405 Freeway at the Harbor Blvd. off ramp in Costa Mesa | 3303-3323 Hyland Avenue Portola Coffee Lab @ the OC mart MIX
For advertising, marketing, accounting, and to find out where Erik is, call Locale Magazine and Ashley will answer all of your questions.
949.760.9150 | www.SouthCoastCollection.com | BURNHAM USA: A Burnham-Ward Project summer lovin’ 2011
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Nancy Villere Nancy Villere has been a professional photographer for 18 years, who loves to always push her limits for creativity. Her passion for photography lies in the discovery of another human being. Her client’s energy and excitement gives her energy! Their images are a co-creation! She is currently uncovering her purpose as a photographer through her studio, Crush Photo Studios, crushphotostudios.com. Fashion, Commercial and Boudoir Photography are Nancy’s emphasis. It is her greatest joy to witness the freedom and self-confidence women experience after their boudoir sessions and she feels honored to contribute to their process. Nancy loves LOCALE and the commitment to expand awareness of our local passionate business owners!
Jen Hood I am Jen Hood, an artist and designer, a sponge of culture, a piano man, a sieve of word and song. I’m a rolling stone, a product of manifest destiny, a one-time creative director, an avid bath taker, a reader, a writer, a doodler, a “miner of truth and delusion”, but partial to love and hope. I seek the beauty and “crazy” that shines on.
Nicky Vallee Nicky Vallee is a musician, writer, wine blogger and public relations professional. For more than a decade, Nicky worked as a television news reporter, most recently as a general assignment reporter for the CBS affiliate in Palm springs, where she covered a variety of stories, including the devastating and deadly Sawtooth and Esperanza wildfires. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting vintage pop culture memorabilia, hiking, wine tasting, cooking, reading and traveling.
Geoff Ragatz Born and raised in Laguna ~ University of Oregon Journalism Graduate -- who loves to see the Ducks Kick SC’s ASS ~ beauty , fashion , lifestyle, destination and sports for advertising and editorial clients for over 15 years ~ recent work past month: Worldwide Ad Campaign for Zimmer Medical, a destination travel feature for The Surfers Journal on behalf of Tahiti Tourism and an ad campaign for Ramanav Diamonds ~ looking forward to a spring trip fly fishing through Patagonia, the south swell season and my reps changing of the music industry as we know it - top secret - but when it happens the game has just begun ~ ragatzphoto.com
Jeff Farsai Jeff Farsai specializes in editorial, celebrity, fashion, sports and wedding photography. After earning his B.F.A. in photography and visual communication, he quickly dove into the commercial world of photography. Since then, Jeff has photographed countless celebrities, musicians and gold medal athletes all over the world. He recently started writing and directing music videos. Additionally, he is working on a feature film which is projected to finish by the end of 2011. For more info check out his site: www.JeffFarsaiPhotography.com
Jenavieve Belair Jenavieve Belair is a girl who looks at the world through a lens, whether it be a fisheye, wide angle, or macro, her camera is always by her side. She lives in Newport Beach with her two sisters and cat Bill. She began taking photos at a young age with disposable cameras and over the years her camera collection has grown along with her portfolio. She lives by three words her mother always said, “dare to be.”
Erin Rose Belair Erin Rose Blacque Belair is a writer living happily in Newport Beach. She received a Bachelors of Arts in English with a creative writing emphasis from the University of California Irvine in the spring of 2010. She has since then spent her time traveling the world, reading endlessly, and writing constantly. You can catch all of her adventures and works in progress on her blog roseblacque.blogspot.com. She loves ice tea and her black cat Belladonna.
Kristal Docter A writer transformed by the beatnik’s before her, Kristal Docter headed west after earning a BA in Literature and Creative Writing with a journalism concentration from Southwest Minnesota State University. Her career has been driven by diversification as a newspaper editor-in-chief, copy editor, corporate advertising professional, non-profit marketing maven and brand contributor to a venture capital firm. Throughout her journey, Kristal continued asserting an appetite for all things linguistic, and now contributes a fresh voice as LOCALE’s foodie. She is the creator of independent writing company VergeINK and a blogger who embraces bizarre personalities www. mysocalledocdlife.com. A vocab vixen and grammar guru, Kristal’s pick from her trusty Webster’s is serendipity. She prefers a pen and paper to a computer, is an eternal book whore, live music lover, casual culinary artist, conch diver, and will always be a farm-girl at heart.
Chris Chavira Southern California photographer Chris Chavira regularly shoots corporate, portraits, entertainment and advertising. He has been published with clients of all sizes and industries. Chris is energized by creating impact images for clients. Use of light, composition, space and storytelling all play a part in the process.
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Call today for a complimentary Cosmetic Consultation
Not your ordinary dental chair.
Not your ordinary dentist.
Michael J. Spitzer, DDS AESTHETIC & GENERAL DENTISTRY Creating beautiful smiles in Orange County for 27 years
Take your dental experience to another level 23
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No Flight Required
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Check out our favorite local hotel rooms...or better yet, check in!
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17 Million is Pocket Change, Literally
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Shake it up Baby Stop ordering boring drinks. We show you where you should be getting your drink on.
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Our Quintessential guide to “Q”. Take a ride through OC with us.
Perfect Pairings Don’t take our word for it. We interviewed sommeliers and chefs to find out what they pair with Summer dishes.
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The Most Important Meal of the Day
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Our list of the best local breakfast joints.
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Gear Guide What you will want to be wearing this Summer from our great local brands.
New on Tap
Nothing on the Back Burner
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LOCALE LOOKS
Native Knowledge
What to wear, where to buy it and where to wear it to.
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D,S,T (Drink, Swim, Tan) Follow us on a very memorable cruise.
The Quiet Type is Making Noise
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Get Lost in Luke.
What was old is new again in Anaheim.
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How did LA Boxing’s go from rags to riches to rags to riches.
The BEST day EVER!!!
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Don’t laugh at my stand-up act!
An in home interview with celebrity chef Jamie Gwen.
Our coverage of the Best Day Foundations event at Doheny.
A First Timers Guide to Surfing.
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orange county vs. Los angeles
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That’s what she said
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The New List Allow us to introduce you to some of our favorite up and comers in the art world.
We are getting you ready for the Fair!
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A Maverick at Tavik Nicole Hanriot: We love her and you will too.
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Olympians With one year until the next Olympics we check in on what some locals are doing to get ready for London.
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SUPER SUMMER MIXTAPE You might be tempted to rip out our guide to everything Summer!
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Opening Day We took over Del Mar Racetrack to let you know what to wear to this grand event. 25
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All rights reserved © 2011, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without the express written prior permission of the copyright owner. LOCALE Magazine 2043 Westcliff Dr. #204 | Newport Beach, CA 92660 ph: 949-436-8910 fax: 949-682-4807 e: info@localemagazine.com
LAGUNA BEACH IRVINE SPECTRUM SOUTH COAST PLAZA
to to to to
contact the Dude: erik@localemagazine.com submit events: info@localemagazine.com advertise: ashley@localemagazine.com subscribe: home@localemagazine.com
Cover: Photographer: Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios Hair & Makeup: Noelle Messreni & Ally Fisher of Holiday Salon Stylist: Nicole Hanriot Model: Shaelen Burroughs Clothes: Provided by Harpers, 2610 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625, shopharpers.com Jewelry: Provided by Altin Place, 377 East Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92660, altinplace.com Location: Balboa Island
Shaelen Burroughs is a woman of many trades. Her workload consists of modeling, DJing, acting, freelance styling, and trend forecasting for www. love-made.com. The creative world is definitely her playing field, and she has proved to be quite a successful business woman in this market.
Opening Day (Fashion spread): Photographer: Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios Models: Shaelen Burroughs, Lacey Horning, Kristi McKnight, Devon Dick, Mike Smith, Ashley Hickson, Matt Marston, Evan Dorian, Tara Holt, Whitney Miller Hair & Makeup: Leah Zaby & Danielle Wigger Stylist: Nicole Hanriot Location: Del Mar Race Track, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014, dmtc.com Locale Looks: Photographer: Jonah Gilmore; Rocket Science Studios, www.nouveauxchic.com Locations: Sorrento Grille, Irvine Spectrum Center, Haute Cakes Caffe & French 75 Models: Irvine Spectrum: “Ale with Envy Model Management” A Restaurant: Otto Models; Martine Brode, Angelina Stryker & Keleigh Sperry; Sorrento Grill: Alexandra Bengtsson of Envy L.A. & Kristianna Schlesinger of Otto Models; Haute Cakes: Ray Seitz of NoTies management, Christopher Pavlik, Allie Kaufman & Stephanie Artenian of Otto Models Stylists: Elizabeth Watson & Crystal Ung Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publication cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Sincerely, Erik Hale The Dude.
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Blake’s Place Café & Catering 2901 E Miraloma Avenue #1 | Anaheim | (714) 630-8574 | www.blakesplacebbq.com The Sign Says: “Real BBQ at its Best”
Oddly located across from Anaheim’s Ace Auto, Blake’s Place Café & Catering has been smoking and serving meat to more than one million guests over the past 16 years. Their pits – so large that they’re located in a building next to the restaurant – can smoke up to 3,500 pounds of meat at a time! Although their business has boomed over the life of the restaurant’s namesake (and the owners’ son) Blake Hobel - now 16 – this café still feels like a small-town diner. Greeted at the counter by owner Sandy Hobel, who I was calling Mom by the end of our meal, I felt like I was home and ready to fill myself up with some good, homecookin’. Expanding their business through catering and fundraisers, owners Sandy and Gene Hobel are well-known throughout the Orange County BBQ community and have served more than 50,000 events, in addition to their restaurant regulars. Blake’s Place prepares delicious plates of meat which are smoked for up to 16 hours, including spare ribs, beef ribs, baby back ribs, beef brisket, BBQ chicken, pulled pork, and sausage. No wonder we had customers from other tables approaching us to anxiously announce their love and admiration for this warm, family-run establishment.
Native Knowledge:
by Kristal Docter (in collaboration with Erik Hale)
Cook it slow, and cook it low.
Mop it in a pit or on a grill. Barbeque (BBQ) is the world’s oldest culinary art, and we’re here to help you rope in the rugged, smoky flavor of this season’s must eats. Get yourself and your grill (or smoker if you have one) fired up for some sizzling summertime barbeques, and I don’t mean grilled tofu. I’m talking about tangy, smoky, juicy barbecued ribs with all the fixins’. Orange County’s omnivores may think they can’t find the real deal here amidst the orange groves and vegetable gardens, but we set out on a two-day BBQ binge throughout the area to prove that Orange County’s got it all – including some of the best baby back ribs we’ve ever tasted. Loaded with Rolaids® and Wet Ones®, we traveled to strip malls, saloons, and shacks on the side of the road in our search for the best BBQ joints. Whether your BBQ style is inspired by Wranglers or Ray Charles, Orange County is grillin’ up just about everything under the sun. From cowboy-style, fire-roasted tri-tip to Guamanian pork ribs to Mississippi marinades, the variety will shock you. Follow the path of pigs on an adventure fit for a kicked-up king (or queen).
Ask for their special spicy barbeque sauce. So hot, they keep it behind the counter!
Smokey’s House of BBQ
Bad to the Bone BBQ
Beach Pit BBQ
32860 Pacific Coast Hwy #4 | Dana Point (949) 544-4106 | www.smokeyshouseofbbq.com
31738 Rancho Viejo Road, #E | San Juan Capistrano (949) 218-0227 | www.badtothebone-bbq.com
1676 Tustin Avenue | Costa Mesa | (6 area locations) (949) 645-7427 | www.beachpitbbq.com
The Sign Says: “Put Something South in your Mouth”
The Sign Says: “Welcome,” says Chef Pig on the wall
Probably the only place in the world where you can enjoy a rack of ribs while overlooking the Pacific, Smokey’s House of BBQ is the treasure of this Dana Point strip mall. “Smoking ‘em slow and low,” Smokey’s cooks up southern tradition by the sea. With a tree growing in the middle of the dining area (it’s fake, but it looks real!) and decorated with bird houses and tin lanterns, you’ll feel like you took your family on a camping adventure – except you didn’t have to go through the hassle of packing the gear. Smokey’s executive chef invited us behind the glass of the open-concept kitchen to show us how he whips up homemade macaroni and cheese and Smokey’s Skillet Cornbread. This chef says he’ll never get sick of barbeque, and has a unique attachment to this location. He helped build the entire interior from the ground up, including the festive jailhouse booths and the steaming bull logo.
BBQ aficionados after my own cowgirl heart, Bad to the Bone is missing only one thing: a cowboy standing in the corner chewing on straw (and not the plastic kind you sip through). Connected to a saloon called the San Juan Capistrano Brewing Co., Bad to the Bone sets the scene for what San Juan Capistrano may have been in times past. Seat yourself in a wagon wheel booth or under a tin bucket lantern and watch their monstrous smoker (which takes up more than half the space in the large kitchen) cook up true Texas-style BBQ. Coowner Marty Wells was a rodeo calf roper for 20 years in his native state of Oklahoma, and his love for the old west and rustic, country feel trickles through the walls. They’ve even paid tribute to San Juan Capistrano’s time as part of the Wild West by hanging old photographs of the city throughout the large space. We grazed our way through some of Bad to the Bone’s most delicious dishes and slurped it all up with their sweet, pungent, peppery sauces which are served hot. Diners consume 175 gallons of Bad to the Bone’s special sauce each week! They smoke their USDA Choice beef and ribs authentically in a pit burned by Hickory wood, and finish it off on the mesquite grill, with many rounds of sauce mopping before serving it all up on what will remind you of your Grandma’s plates and bowls.
The Sign Says: “Life is Food” A white picket fence, tin roof, and a screen door. It’s no surprise that the original version of Beach Pit BBQ, located just off 17th Street in Costa Mesa, more closely resembles a roadside BBQ you would find in Mississippi rather than the Cape Cod style neighborhood the restaurant resides in. Owner, Tim Decinces spent nearly a decade bouncing around the south in places like Bluefield, West Virginia and Mobile, Alabama as a minor league baseball player. He fell in love with not only the food but the culture, and that shines through in the food as well as the ambiance. We were served a delicious plate of ribs, vinegar-based coleslaw, and collard greens. When the conversation turned to food, we were surprised to find that Tim wanted to hand over the conversation to new Chef Joe Youkhan, also a consultant for the restaurant. Chef Joe is a classically trained chef who has made dramatic changes to the Beach Pit menu and cooking processes over the past few months. It might seem unusual to make dramatic changes to a menu when in the midst of building a successful chain, but Tim is on a mission. He has added five additional locations and knows that keeping customers happy by continuing to improve and refine the product is the only way he will continue to grow.
Native Knowledge: Their baked macaroni and
Native Knowledge:
Native Knowledge: Smokey’s chefs use a cooking process that catches all the juice released during smoking, and then a “mop sauce” is concocted from the drippings, which is reapplied to the ribs when finished off on the grill for juicy, fall-off-the-bone heaven. And don’t forget to complete your feast with the AppleCranberry Cobbler.
cheese side-dish was the tastiest on our tour. Don’t forget to add this to your order.
DO NOT leave without trying the Homemade Banana Pudding topped with Nilla Wafers.
Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ 2933 El Camino Real | Tustin | (714) 544-4106 | www.joeyssmokinbbq.com The Sign Says:
“Welcome to the Coup” Festooned with bronze pigs, American pie posters, roosters, and framed cross-stitch, Joey’s Smokin’ BBQ is bringing country to Orange County. Place your order at the pig in the cowboy hat upon entering, and choose to enjoy your plate inside or outside on the tables under the palms for a real California-style BBQ experience. The massive menu delivers award-winning options like Texas Longhorn beef ribs, Joey’s Bad Ass Burger, and Mama’s Downright Addictive Beans, which can all be combined into a “Family Pack” for the ultimate indulgence. Appropriately adorning their tables with a roll of paper towels, we did not hesitate in dousing our ribs with Joey’s special sauces from their sauce station. Their Suh-Weet™ sauce, a traditional Memphis BBQ sauce, was my favorite. With the ability to order a half Slab or full Slab of hickory-smoked ribs, I had plenty of room to slide some sides in (including a fresh corn muffin).
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Native Knowledge: The original owner was Lakers’ forward Luke Walton. Visit the Tustin location and find an authentic Lakers jersey, donated to the restaurant and signed by Walton himself. summer lovin’ 2011
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Blake’s Place Café & Catering
EJ’s House of Chicken & Ribs 27680 Marguerite Pkwy, Ste C | Mission Viejo (949) 388-4800 | www.ejshouse.com
Burrel’s BBQ 305 N Hesperian St | Santa Ana | (714) 547-7441
Blake’s Place is famous not only for its large-quantity smoking abilities and family-friendly atmosphere. It is nearly as famous for their menu item called “The Beast.” The Beast consists of a combination of slow smoked pulled pork, pulled BBQ chicken, chopped beef brisket, coleslaw, pickle, sliced red onion, and Blake’s BBQ sauce, all sandwiched between a fresh baked bun. Weighing in at over two and a half pounds, this $15 ‘feast for a beast’ has inspired the Blake’s Beast Challenge. How fast do you think you can put down this colossal creation? The current competition winner devoured The Beast in just over four minutes! And even if you attempt to attack the famous sandwich under the pressure of the clock and are at least able to finish it off, you’ll get your picture added to the Blake’s Place Wall of Fame.
The clear all-around winner for taste, Bad to the Bone has taken the bull by the horns and gotten it right on. It’s entire menu serving lip-smacking ribs, famous ranch beans, baked macaroni & cheese, traditional potato salad, fried okra, and the rest of its sides are just as delicious. Coming from someone who was raised on a beef farm, their tri-tip is the best I’ve ever had. We didn’t taste anything that wasn’t amazing. Also voted “Best Barbeque” by the Orange County Hot List, coowner Marty Wells says he takes pride in offering high-end items for a lower cost by purchasing quality proprietor products, and it comes through in the food. Bad to the Bone is the quintessential hometown BBQ joint, and it appears that you’ll make friends if you frequent this establishment. Each customer who entered was greeted by name and offered a stool in the adjoining saloon.
Native Knowledge: Blake’s Place sells their famous sauces and spices, so if you
Native Knowledge: Bad to the Bone brews their own beer. Order one of these to wash down those St. Louis Pork Ribs.
feel like staying home and impressing your friends with BBQ that tastes like you spent all day cooking, purchase a jar or two. Or make nice with the boss Mom, and maybe she’ll throw them in with your ‘to-go’ bag.
The Sign Says:
“May all who enter as guests, leave as friends.” Unless you hail from an island in the South Pacific, you probably haven’t tasted BBQ like what we found at EJ’s. The definition of what constitutes BBQ was up for debate at every stop along our tour, and that definition was tested at this stop. EJ’s serves an old family recipe of Guamanian Ribs. The ribs are placed in a wet marinade (which also serves as the sauce) called Finadini that consists of soy, vinegar, onion, and a Buni red pepper that marinates for 48 hours. When the ribs are removed from the marinade, they are char grilled over low and high heat alternately. The Guamanian ribs are plated with your choice of brown or white rice and a generous helping of the Finadini. The sauce, rib, and rice combination is unique to this restaurant on our tour. This is definitely a family-style restaurant that is most suited to a casual lunch, as the restaurant is located in a shopping center and serves up the meals on paper plates. The portions are generous, the owners are very hospitable, and it will give you a chance to try something locally that you might only experience after an eight-hour flight.
Native Knowledge: If you aren’t up for trying the ribs, order Monique’s Tri Tip Sandwich (tri-tip rubbed in spices, baked, and thickly sliced, then served on a crunchy French roll with gorgonzola, butter, and bbq sauce).
Bad to the Bone BBQ
The Sign Says: “Bar-B-Que Pit” If you haven’t visited Burrell’s BBQ in Santa Ana yet it probably isn’t your fault. This Orange County institution has been tucked away near downtown Santa Ana on a residential street since 1954. Burrell’s is the type of place that gives you instant street cred if you can simply find it on a map. As we Googled our way through Santa Ana, we continuously glanced at the street then back at each other, as we were pretty sure we were lost. At one point, we were set to turn around when we saw it. This could only be Burrell’s. Lodged unceremoniously between 1950s era 800-square foot homes was a brick red square building with white washed letters spelling out BBQ. As we exited the car, it was clear that we could have just as easily followed our nose as watched for the sign. Smoke billowed out of the smokestack as we entered the tiny lobby through a pair of mismatched screen doors. We were greeted by Burrell himself, who invited us into the kitchen as if we had just entered his home. There was nothing fancy about Burrell’s. Being so used to plates of food with mounds of side dishes, it was refreshing to be offered a slab of meat hacked from a rack that came straight from the smoker. The meat was tender, the host was gregarious, and the location intoxicating. We decided that in 50 years, Burrell had learned the secret to keeping his customers satisfied and coming back for more, and that secret was in keeping it real.
Native Knowledge:
Eat outside. Many people take Burrell’s ‘to go,’ but we suggest grabbing one of the on site picnic tables and enjoying the vintage vibe.
Burrell’s BBQ
Beach Pit BBQ
Even though the fire pit was concreted over recently, Beach Pit BBQ in Costa Mesa still wins our award for BBQ joint with the best ambiance. The fact that it resides in a stand alone building along 17th Street in one of our favorite neighborhoods (Costa Mesa) was merely one of the selling points. Beach Pit was a near winner in every category and garnered our insider vote for Best Overall restaurant. Beach Pit has a great atmosphere and is just as suitable for a business lunch as it is for a family dinner. The restaurant boasts two patios (one covered), a fenced playground for the kids, checkered covered picnic tables, and a picket fence. The food (even if recently improved) was tastefully and carefully smoked, mopped, and seasoned to perfection. The menu contains a number of items familiar to the South (collard greens and blueberry lemonade) yet surprisingly absent on our tour. There is ample parking, pleasant employees, a classically trained chef, and a hands-on owner that cares about the end product.
Native Knowledge: If you don’t have kids and would like a little peace and quiet with your meal, post up on the rear patio.
If you are a transplanted southerner longing for your local BBQ or a California kid looking for the real Q, you need drive no further than downtown Santa Ana. Opened in 1954 by The Shaw Family and purchased in 1981 by Fred Burrell, Burrell’s BBQ is the “real deal” and Fred has been serving up locals, visitors, and celebrities for more than 40 years. As you enter Burrell’s you are greeted by two smells: the permeating aroma of burning red oak (gleaned from the trucks of local tree trimmers) and the intoxicating combination of spice rubbed meat, baked beans, and house made peach cobbler. After you order, you can take a trip along a star studded memory lane, as the walls are bedecked with thankful autographs from some of the world’s biggest celebrities, both dear and departed. There are signed pictures of Michael Jackson, James Brown. and L.A. Rams football star Eric Dickerson (who Burrell lovingly refers to as Dickie). Rest assured that Fred (nearly always alone in the kitchen) is lovingly preparing your BBQ in the last remaining licensed open pit in the county.
Native Knowledge: Stop in the little liquor store on the corner and brown bag some BYOB.
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296 E. 17th StrEEt | CoSta MESa, Ca 92627 949.645.7626
"The New Look of Elegant Tradition" has arrived at The Hobbit! The Hobbit offers a truly elegant and romantic dining experience, making it the perfect atmosphere for any special occasion. Enjoy The Hobbit’s award winning wine cellar and seven-course prix-fixe unique dining experience! Book your reservation today on-line or by phone.
A local favorite since 1972
Mi Casa is a story of family; of multi-generations dedicated to good food and festive times.
Lunch • Dinner • Take-OuT • FamiLy FrienDLy • Large grOups WeLcOme 2932 East Chapman Avenue | Orange, CA 92869 714-997-1972 | hobbitrestaurant.com Dinner available Wednesday through Sunday by reservation only, starting at 7PM. Private parties available by special arrangement Mondays & Tuesdays.
$3 happy hOur • $4 margariTa mOnDay • $1 TacO TuesDay www.micasa1.com •
• summer lovin’ 2011
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The Most Important Meal of the Day
Old Vine Cafe
2937 Bristol St. Suite A-102, Costa Mesa, 714-545-1411 www.OldVineCafe.com In the small, earthy-trendy retreat of The Camp in Costa Mesa, sits the Old Vine Café. The atmosphere is an organic, and unpolished yet intentional, mod cool. The menu (which is printed and mounted on roughly executed impressionist canvases) reflects the same vibe, offering seemingly effortless breakfast dishes, all upgraded to a contemporary grandeur. Old Vine is a family affair, owned and operated by Mark and Brandon McDonald. Marc is the chef and mastermind behind Old Vine’s menu. He’s cooking up big taste in big helpings. It’s the perfect little hideaway for oversized taste at a great price. With the zingy fresh Wild Berry Lemonade ($4) as my
Haute Cakes Caffe
1807 Westcliff Dr., Newport Beach, 949-642-4114 www.HauteCakesCaffe.com
By Jennifer Hood My stint at Haute Cakes Caffe begins with a sprinkle-adorned mocha in an oversized mug. Chocolatey and cozy, it’s the perfect way to start the mild but sunny California morning I welcomed from a niche patio on the border of Costa Mesa and Newport. Paul Taddeo, owner of the 20 year-old restaurant and the creator of the diverse menu, has already greeted me with his cafe dog, Rufus, who stays obediently outside, wandering throughout the blue checker topped patio tables. The menu features fresh, healthy, and elegant turns on the classic favorites. The golden child of the menu, is obviously the haute cake itself. Today I try the Orange Ricotta Cakes ($9.25), a stack of rich pancakes infused with ricotta cheese, fresh squeezed orange juice, and
Bruxie
292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 888-927-8943 | www.Bruxie.com Walk by Bruxie on an average summer day and you’ll see the small streetfood stand coiled by a line of people that disappears around the corner. Bruxie draws in the masses with a favorite but sometimes misunderstood breakfast item: the waffle. “Ninety-nine percent of waffles in America are actually pancakes,” explains owner Dean Simon. “What we sell at Bruxie are true Belgium waffles.” And boy do they sell ‘em. They sell ‘em for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. And they have an inside man to guarantee authenticity. Phillipe Caupain, a Belgium-native, is Dean’s longtime business partner. Dean and Phillipe created their original waffle recipe about 10 years ago. Their recipe, which they initially sold as a mix to high end buyers like the Montage Resort, incited raving fan letters that inspired Dean and Phillipe to open Bruxie. They teamed up with Kelly Mullarney to develop the menu, and opened shop in an historic location in Orange.
faithful companion, I start my breakfast triathlon through each category. It begins with the Open Face ($12), from the “comfort” section of the menu: a behemoth helping of oversized, homemade buttery biscuits, spicy sausage, and fluffy scrambled eggs, smothered in hearty chipotle gravy and topped with ricotta cheese. This is comfort in a mound with a side of potatoes. The Pizza Omelet ($12), a selection aptly found in the “savory” menu category, is a football sized helping of fluffy eggs folded over mozzarella and homemade meatballs, then blanketed in pomodoro sauce. The last leg of my breakfast is the Banana Pecan Crepe ($10). Simply put: it is sweet bliss. Two crepes are gingerly rolled around caramelized bananas, pecans, and sweet cream, sprinkled with powdered sugar, and laid out on a plate drizzled with caramel and strawberry syrups and garnished with pecans and a dried fruit medley. You will literally melt in the consolation of Old Vine’s hearty, homemade cuisine. Even better, breakfast is served until 3pm!
orange zest, topped with maple syrup and warm mixed berries. The flavor is sweet but citrusy, with that unexpected touch of smoothness from the ricotta cheese. A beautiful display of color with bold and decadent flavor. Next, Paul brings me out the Pesto Eggs ($11), a pyramid of poached eggs, fresh greens, cheese, sautéed spinach, and heirloom cherry tomatoes, placed atop a crispy chewy baguette and draped in olive oil and house-made pesto. The flavors are fresh, subtle, light, but by no means boring. The haute state of mind doesn’t stop at the food. Paul also supports the Orange County art culture, featuring different local artists on the walls of the café. During my breakfast, I feasted my eyes on an epic chalk mural of an old ship. Paul works to create a sense of community, bringing the talent and good humor of friends, neighbors, and strangers together under the uniting umbrella of great food.
The rest has been lauded history. It might seem strange to some that a waffle could command a whole menu, but to Dean and his partners, it makes perfect sense. “The Brussels waffle is the perfect neutral platform for sweet or savory dishes,” he explains. Bruxie features two kinds of waffles in their gourmet sandwiches: the Brussels and the Liege. The Brussels is an understated light, crispy, and eggy waffle, perfect for menu dishes like the Smoked Salmon and Dill ($7.95), a delicious and unassuming sandwich with supple salmon, herb cream cheese, cucumbers and chives; or the Green Eggs & Ham ($6.95), a savory ode to Dr. Seuss. The Liege waffle, which is the sweeter of the two, is a more pastry-like concoction, with caramelized pearl sugar bits that add a delightful crunch. The Liege is perfectly suited to host menu items like the indulgent Lemon Cream & Berries ($5.95), and my favorite, the S’Mores ($5.95). Breakfast waffles are served with real maple syrup, and everything is homemade. The chocolate, the marshmallow, the lemon meringue, the caramel, and, the pastry cream are all whipped up fresh. Bruxie is the real deal when it comes to waffle pageantry.
Courtesy of Bruxie
All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” -John Gunther
Preach it, Gunther. Science proves it:
breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But who needs science for an excuse? Breakfast is the frontrunner, the maker or breaker of your afternoon energy, the pre-game team huddle that will determine your game day. And Orange County is serving up some of the best breakfasts around – maybe even the best in the nation if you take Zagat Survey's word for it.
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Filling Station
201 N. Glassell St., Old Town Orange, 714-289-9714 www. FillingStationCafe.com The Filling Station is now open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday! The Filling Station is a quaint 1920s gas station turned nostalgic cafe. Inside, the restaurant has a diner feel, with vintage photos and gas station memorabilia on the walls, high-sitting maroon booths, a counter bar, and a fairly open kitchen that creates a friendly clinking soundtrack to the morning. Outside is a spacious patio dotted with Victorian lantern posts, gurgling fountains, and patio sets covered in flavored Mimosas, all surrounded by leisurely crowds. This is the kind of place where ambience
is everything. People come here because it feels like home, and they know that it will always be consistent. For almost a decade, The Filling Station has served up classic breakfast dishes. They excel in the basics – no frills, no reinterpretation – just the classics the way you want them sometimes: classic. A local favorite at the cafe is the Pancake Breakfast ($8.75), served with two eggs any style and two bacon and sausage links. Another crowd pleaser is the Eggs Benedict ($8.50): two extra large poached eggs and thick cut ham atop an English muffin, then drizzled with Hollandaise sauce. The sentimental feel of yesteryear makes everything taste better. “La Vie en Rose” comes on the radio as I bite into a buttery fluffy pancake. From beneath an old, knotted tree at the Filling Station patio, life feels quite rosy indeed.
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Madison Square & Garden Cafe
320 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-494-0137 | www.MadisonSquare.com Madison Square & Garden Cafe is perched on PCH just north of Main Beach in Laguna. The front garden is populated with a party of beautiful ceramic and bronze fountains, metallic Buddhas, quirky wind vales, and a chipper choir of wind chimes. A pet friendly patio of mismatched tablesets and garden embellishments creates a moat around the beach cottage, which aside from being a quaint café, is also a home and garden store laden with unique curiosities. The overgrown yet tamed feel of the grounds is reminiscent of a Savannah, Georgia-inspired “garden of good and evil.” This is John Madison’s whimsical lair. His thick Northeastern accent travels throughout the back courtyard and garden, bringing his clever jokes to the furthest corners of the property. Madison’s dry and mischievous sense of humor is showcased in his made-from-scratch menu, which features an egg section titled “Good Eggs & Eggs That Must Be Whipped,” and a grill section titled, “Grill Me All You Want… I’ll Never Tell!” First, I indulge in the Madison Rancheros ($11.50), a gang of black beans, eggs sunny side up, avocado salsa, jack cheese and sour cream, seated on a crispy fresh corn tortilla that refuses to succumb to sogginess. Each bite is loaded with cheese, soft fresh ingredients, and the crunch of the homemade tortilla. Next up, the Cinnamon Swirl French Toast ($11.50), which is some of the best French Toast I have ever had: thick homemade bread, swirled with a band of gooey cinnamon butter filling, lightly crispy on the edges, and spongy soft on the inside. The sweet delight is all topped with a diverting tang brought about by fresh seasonal berries. Also of note on the breakfast menu, the German Apple Pancake ($10.25), a dish as quaint as the gardens themselves: thinly sliced Granny Smith apples sautéed with German batter, baked and pan-fried, and then sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Ramos House Cafe
31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949-443-1342 | www.RamosHouse.com The Ramos House Café is about as unique as it gets. The small café is hosted completely outdoors in the cozy patio of the historic Ramos House, which is one of the oldest homes in California (1881). The house resides in the Los Rios district of San Juan Capistrano, the oldest remaining neighborhood in California, a supposedly haunted relic of the bygone mission era. Today, the Ramos House is both home and business to John Q. Humphreys, who started the business 17 years ago. On any given morning you will catch John moseying through his garden, looking for his stray drum sticks in the house kitchen (John is also a musician), or checking on the patio guests with his two cats, Mr. Pickles and Mr. Chubbs. On the front of the Ramos House Cafe menu, is a note from John that explains the restaurant’s anatomy: “Like the old days, the owner lives and works at the house. The wines are kept in the cellar, the herbs are grown in the garden and the ice cream is turned out back. The menu changes daily and everything is made from scratch. Welcome to my home.” John’s spontaneous cuisine creations have resulted in applause from pretty lofty places. Zagat Survey reported that The Ramos House served “Possibly the best breakfast in the United States.” Pretty bold words, but not overstated. The breakfast dishes John puts out are brave and exciting pairings of unexpected flavors, like the Banana Maple Pain Perdu ($13), and the Crab Hash with Bacon Scrambled Eggs and Citrus Cream ($17). I order the Root Vegetable Hash with Fried Poached Eggs and Citrus Cream ($16). The dish is a colorful mingling of vegetables, lightly fried poached eggs, a surprising citrus cream, and an extravagant fried parsnip top hat. Just heavenly.
Break of Dawn
Photo by mhaightphotography.com
24351 Avenida de la Carlota #N-6, Laguna Hills, 949-587-9418 | www.BreakOfDawnRestaurant.com Break of Dawn is a restaurant by a chef and for a chef. Forget about the philosophy of “the customer is always right.” Dee Nguyen, Chef and owner of Break of Dawn, has earned the right to do things his way. Former Executive Sous Chef at the Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Dee has learned through great successes and severe trials that life is too short to live someone else’s dream. “Do what you love and keep your family close.” His life motto translates into his unique restaurant, a destination dining experience in which the chef is king. Dee aims at attracting those with adventurous and discriminating taste. “This is not your mom and pop, Carrow’s or Coco’s breakfast,” Nguyen laughs. Nguyen is a young, hip chef, with an unapologetic allegiance to his current inspiration. “The menu changes depending on my mood,” he explains. “People get mad sometimes, because they like a dish a lot. But oh well. If people ask, I’ll bring it back,” he pauses, adding cheekily, “...I’ll bring it back reinvented.” Dee gets a mischievous although good-humored kick out of challenging the tastes of the conservative OC foodie contingent. Each dish on Break of Dawn’s menu is a fantastic and absurd rendition of a traditional breakfast. In fact, it wouldn’t do any good to even try and explain the extraordinary, aberrant, yet luscious tasting dishes that Nguyen cooks up. This is one breakfast joint that is best promoted by saying ‘you simply must try it for yourself.’ The tastes and flavors are so uniquely paired and concocted to be simply indescribable. If I tried to explain, I would probably lose you at the dishes in which tongue and tail are ingredients. Plus, the menu is constantly evolving. So strap on your sense of adventure and head over to the hidden backside of Laguna Hills Mall. Yes, even Dee’s location supports the sneaking suspicion that perhaps he doesn’t want to be found by just any wayfaring stranger. Break of Dawn has been lauded as the “Best Breakfast” location in OC by OC Weekly and My Fox LA, and Dee was named Riviera Magazine’s “Chef of the Year” in 2008.
drink
dine
play
the quiet woman
3224 pacific coast highway
cdm
640.7440
www.quietwoman.com
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Eat Chow
Art is not a thing; it is a way.
On the morning of May 27th, 2011 this community lost a great man. This interview was conducted only weeks prior to Eric Dornan's far too early demise. Eat Chow is open for business and still serving the amazing food that Eric created. His memory will live on with each of us in the community that his friendship and food had an effect on. RIP Eric Dornan...you will be greatly missed.
1802 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949-650-2469 | EatChowNow.com It’s not every day you can enjoy a beer over breakfast and do it with dignity. Eat Chow, a small, mod, yet retro-inspired restaurant behind The Closet in Costa Mesa, offers a small selection of beers specifically brewed for morning. enjoyment. For example, the addicting Hitachino Nest Beer Espresso Stout ($7), a dark, malty beer with espresso, caramel, and chocolate flavors. Leave it to Eric Dornan, Eat Chow’s Executive Chef, to mix things up. Eric started Eat Chow with fellow food-expert Brian McReynolds a few years ago. Armed with a sarcastic, humorously defiant demeanor and 17 years of experience as a fine dining chef, Eric created a New American breakfast menu that takes refreshing liberties with traditional dishes. Eric and Brian wanted to serve simple yet refined menu items that would please crowds, while also challenging the collective palette of “the land of the diet Coke and Caesar salad,” as Eric jokingly dubs the OC.
— Elbert Hubbard
The Breakfast BLTA ($8.50) is a great specimen of Eat Chow’s snazzed-up homey fare: fried eggs, applewood smoked bacon, tomato, baby greens, avocado, and a tasty chipotle aioli, all on a toasted brioche bun. Eat Chow’s French Toast dish ($8) is a delicious and tangy event, made with a Le Guenn’s French baguette and topped with a blackberry compote. Although Italian by descent, Eric can make a mean Mexican dish. The Chilaquiles ($9), Eric’s favorite dish and personal recommendation, was a flavorful and hearty spread: two eggs over medium, El Toro Bravo chips, smokey charred tomato salsa, queso fresca, guacamole, and crema. It’s not hard to understand why a normal Saturday morning at Eat Chow is “mental” according to Eric, which translates to about 300 people storming the small venue for grub. Eat Chow makes all of its sauces, mixes – everything – from scratch. Each dish is fresh and delicious, the menu reasonably priced, and the vibe mellow. It’s a no brainer, and has rightfully earned a loyal local fan-base.
Plums
369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949-722-7586 www.PlumsCafe.com | Now open for dinner! At Plums, every morning feels like Sunday brunch. In the words of recording artist Morrissey, “Everyday is like Sunday.” A sense of modest elegance and easy leisure pervades the spacious and airy cafe, with grand windows watching over a large patio area. The cuisine is Northwestern-influenced. The Alderwood Smoked Salmon Hash ($14) is a pretty picture: a colorful painting of red potatoes, bell peppers, fresh herbs, an onion and pepper hash, and two poached eggs, all draped in a subtle and creamy dill Hollandaise sauce. Plums Cafe’s Raspberry Pancakes ($12) and the Northwest Berry Waffle ($13) are other menu favorites among the sweetinclined. The Raspberry Pancakes are stacked three-high, a beautiful vision in gold and Fuschia. Rich, thick pancakes are layered between themselves with almondy-flavored mascarpone cheese and sharp, singing raspberries. The Northwest Berry Waffle is equally as alluring: a perfectly fluffy and slightly sweet waffle dressed in pink and purple blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, dusted in powdered sugar, and crowned with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. Plums Cafe also specializes in the morning libation. Brunch drinks are above and beyond the standard Mimosa. Take the Antini ($9), made with vodka, fresh blueberries, Oregon blackberries, and cranberry juice.
The Sugar Shack
213 Main St., HB, 714-536-0355 | HBSugarShack.com
Discover ¡ Experience ¡ Collect
Featuring 200 local artists, live entertainment, art demonstrations, classes, and outdoor cafés set in a cool eucalyptus grove.
Open 10-10 Daily ¡ June 24 - August 28 S P O N S O R E D 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-3030 | sawdustartfestival.org 39
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It’s been almost 45 years since the Sugar Shack opened up in Huntington Beach. Originally, the little cafe sat only 26 people. Michele Turner’s mother first opened the café, and three decades ago, Michele took over the family business, adding the now coveted patio and front sidewalk seating areas. Today, Michele’s two sons Timmy and Ryan run the iconic and always overflowing breakfast joint. “I’ve seen a lot of people grow up,” laughs Michele. “People keep coming in because its good food and they feel wanted here.” I ask Michele what her favorite breakfast items are. “It depends on if I’m dieting!” she laughs. She recommended I try the Keppler’s ($8.05), a fresh but hearty helping of three eggs scrambled, placed on an English muffin and topped with avocado, tomato, bacon, and hollandaise sauce. Her son Timmy then brings me a bowl of their signature oatmeal ($3.65) with brown sugar and fresh fruit (not batch made, but made fresh for each individual order), and a delicious and oversized Bacon and Cheese Burrito ($7.75), stuffed full of hash browns, salsa, three eggs, juicy bacon, cheese, and avocado. Mel is an older gentleman who has come here twice a day for all 45 years the Sugar Shack has been open. And he still orders the same thing. Sometimes it’s nice to go somewhere where you know things will never change. The nostalgia is as engrained in the place as the people anchored in the chairs and the old photos nailed on the walls. The Sugar Shack is the perfect place to go for a simple and hearty California breakfast, with a straight shot view to the pier and Pacific Ocean, a free helping of fresh ocean breeze, and a cozy sense of deeply rooted community, a rarity in the evolving and transient landscape of Southern California.
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Celebrity Chef Jamie Gwen Dishes on Pig, Summertime Parties and Her Favorite OC Food
by Kristal Docter
photography by Chris Chavira
Out of all the fabulous food we have available to us these days, what is your favorite ingredient to cook with, and where do you get those groceries in Orange County? “Oh, it depends on the day. During the summer, I welcome the beauty of ripe gorgeous tomatoes, and everything tastes better with bacon. I am a very loyal Bristol Farms shopper. I appreciate the quality, and I like the diversity of products they offer from around the world. I also love the specialized service that you can’t get anywhere else.”
You host a two-hour radio show called “Food and Wine with Chef Jamie Gwen” on KFWB News Talk 980 which streams live every week. How do you choose the guests and subjects for your Sunday morning shows?
Rock’n F ish laguna Beach
“Lana (my mom) does. She has tremendous connections and has made wonderful friends in the business. You’ll find Food Network stars, food artisans, celebrity chefs, restaurant reviewers, and cookbook authors. We’ll keep you on the cutting edge of the food world.”
I heard you talking on your show with Allan Benton of Benton’s Bacon about how much you love pig. What is your favorite way to prepare it? “This summer, we’re actually planning to roast a suckling pig on the barbeque, which always wows. I also love Bristol Farms’ double-cut pork chops off the grill during the summer. I like to serve my pig with tropical fruit chutney or a roasted apricot sauce. Sometimes I use beautiful stone fruit to add that really light, fresh flavor to the pork.”
agerly accepting an invitation to meet Chef Jamie Gwen in her own eco-friendly kitchen, I burst through her door, placed the cookbooks I brought for autographing aside, and seated myself on one of the kitchen stools. I am a huge fan of all things food. I grew up in the kitchen, fighting my brother for countertop space to be the first to dip my fingers into freshly blended chocolate chip cookie dough, gooey homemade caramel, or Mom’s milky mashed potatoes. All plans for the future in my family revolved around contriving the next meal, and still do, for that matter. In a kitchen, I draw upon the memories that were created by the heart of a home – the kitchen. It’s always been the best place to gather, to eat, to create, and to talk about our days. So, I was has happy to discover that Chef Jamie was inspired to begin her journey into the culinary world by also growing up, sitting alongside mixers and marble boards on her mother’s countertop. “Food was always the universal form of love in my small, but strong family,” she said. Curiously peeking around her kitchen, the first thing that struck me were the dark quartz countertops, perfect for rolling out dough and chop-to-serve items due to its antibacterial properties within the surface (I also chose this material for the countertops in my home and love them!). As you might imagine from a chef of her caliber, Chef Jamie’s appliances are top-of-the-line, too, with her Liebherr fridge taking the main stage (which she reports will keep herbs fresh for up to four weeks!), and a Gaggeneau steam oven that cooks lobster in eight minutes. This kitchen’s appearance is certainly different than the one I spent my childhood in. It is a cook’s dream that has been designed for staging fantastic food, but I can still feel the warmth of a family that loves to gather for good food. As one of the best food stylists in the business, Chef Jamie certainly has the space to keep up her culinary skills. As a waft of delicious aromas snapped me out of my admiration for the gourmet space, Chef Jamie shared her secrets for serving a vibrant summertime spread of light and sophisticated fare (which we also got to eat!), including a bed of minted couscous for roasted shrimp with a side of summer asparagus, salt-roasted beets with dill crème fraise, and summer local cress, pannette with homemade pesto, garnished with blistered tomatoes, and a dessert so beautiful I would place it on my vanity for decoration: a toasted coconut lemon chiffon cake . A perfectionist when it comes to food, the level of detail with which Chef Jamie attends to her dishes is impressive. She used a pair of chopsticks to pick a bleeding beet from the fluffy crème fraise before she could take her position for the interview. 43
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Talk about the concept for your newest cookbook Good Food for Good Times (updated and revised). There are recipes for every occasion I can think of, including “Guys Night In” and “Fire Up Your Backyard Barbeque.” The dishes seem so elegant, yet so accessible. “They’re definitely chef-driven concepts, but they’re all doable, achievable, simple, and sensational. They’re what my Mom and I love to cook. We’re all about good food and good times.”
You’re a celebrity chef, radio host, entrepreneur, cookbook author, regular featured guest host on Martha Stewart Living Radio, sommelier, and food correspondent. How did you build such an enterprise on a career of cooking? “I grew up around food. When everyone else had a bologna sandwich for lunch, Mom had packed me chicken cacciatore with an intermezzo of granita. When I was 16, my mom [Lana Sills] started and opened a café and bakery in Brentwood. She had a very successful business. All these chefs would come and sit at the espresso counter she built, and they would write their menus. My mom was always highlighting the fact that her daughter loved to cook. She is an amazing business partner and genius marketer. After working in restaurants for years, I fell into television, and had the privilege of working with Emeril [Lagasse]. He is an extraordinary man and spectacular mentor, and certainly a great example of success.”
Do you still find time to throw your own delicious dinner parties and what do you serve? “I sure do! I am big on Spanish food, and I love to make paella for friends. In fact, now that you mention it, I owe them a bi-annual paella party.”
Name a kitchen tool you always have on hand to whip up your sensational goodies. “It’s a tie between a Microplane® and a Silpat® (the original silicone baking mat). Chef Jamie’s spice rubs aren’t bad either.”
So what do you keep in that 100% stainless steel luxury Liebherr fridge of yours? “Oh, my fridge is full right now . . . always is! I keep a wellstocked fridge with staples like Parmesan cheese, bacon, lemons, whipping cream, eggs, and arugula. That means a lovely salad or Pasta Carbonara is always in my future. In my dry pantry, I keep olive oil, dried pasta, couscous, Italian canned tomatoes, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, maple syrup, popcorn, and a few other seasonal things.”
In addition to all of the other inspiring work you’re doing, you’re embarking on another adventure this fall by leading a 10-day culinary cruise through the Mediterranean with stops in Croatia, Greece, Sicily, Positano, Florence, and Rome. How do you plan to make an impact on the luxury ship Oceania, which has the highest rated food of all cruises? “It is our first time cruising with Oceania, and we’re very excited. It is a brand new ship, and we have a wonderful group of food lovers coming along. The beauty of available Mediterranean produce will make our dishes come alive. In Italy, a tomato just tastes like a tomato, and a fig tastes like a fig. Everything tastes better in Europe.”
I happen to agree. The food in Europe takes gastronomy to another level when it comes to international eats (my favorite locations for grabbing grub are Italy, France and Greece), but Orange County has recently begun booming with worldly, bold flavors and food. What local restaurants inspire your taste buds in our neighborhood? “My new favorite is Chapter One: the modern local in Santa Ana’s Artists’ Village. These kids Jeffrey Hall and Jeff Jensen are restaurateurs with passion. The food is really inspired, serving unique dishes that are very reasonably priced – almost inexpensive. The food tastes great and the cocktails are brilliant. I love the whole concept. My other favorite go-tos are Hamamori Restaurant-Sushi Bar (I’ve known James Hamamori since I was five. My Mom told me everything he made was tuna fish, so I ate it), Marche Modern, Napa Rose, and Charlie Palmer.”
So aside from experimenting with your recipes in our own kitchens, when and where do we get the opportunity to taste your fabulous food? “Stop by the newly re-launched www.ChefJamie.com for details on an Iron Chef Barbeque Battle this summer. We’ll also be celebrating the 11th year of our radio show and we’re planning a big party for our radio listeners, so stay tuned!”
Sumptuous Seafood. Succulent Steaks. Stunning Views. 422 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, 2nd floor Reservations: 949.497.3113 rocknfishlb.com
lunch | dinner | happy hour | late night
JESSICA H AEFELFINGER
COMMITMENT . LOCAL EXPERTISE . RESULTS Jessica Haefelfinger, an award winning real estate professional, consistently provides extraordinary results for her clientele. Her reputation in the community, industry expertise, and extensive area knowledge, makes her invaluable to both buyers and sellers. Established in Newport Beach, and a second generation sales agent, Jessica offers an innate understanding of the unique lifestyle opportunities afforded by the areas she serves. Committed to the community in which she lives and works, Jessica also dedicates her time to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, SOS Adopt-A-Family, Our Lady of Mount Carmel religious education, and the Peninsula Point Racquet Club tennis team.
jessica haefelfinger | m 949.287.1781 | t 949.478.7765 | f 949.478.7765 | jessicah@homgroup.com
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NEWPORT BEACH OFFICE | 1200 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92660
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L AGUNA BEACH OFFICE | 32356 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY L AGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA 92651
BALBOA ISL AND OFFICE | 332 MARINE AVENUE BALBOA ISL AND, CALIFORNIA 92662
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Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails - Irvine Owner and wine enthusiast Natalia Olenicoff is a big fan of Rosé, one of the reasons she chose an ’09 Chateau D’Esclans from Cotes de Provence to match up with Chef Yves Fournier’s mouth-watering dish of steamed Carlsbad Aqua Farm Clams in Ginger-Saffron coconut milk, served with a wedge of lime. “This particular Rosé is made from 80-year old vines of Grenache and Rolle,” she explains.” It’s pale-pink, relatively dry and mineral-tasting, with the slightest hint of strawberry in the finish, which perfectly cuts the sweetness of the coconut milksteamed clams, while still being mild enough to balance the ginger and saffron.” We suspect this offering would be enjoyed best on a sunny patio.
photography by nicky vallee
Native Knowledge: The restaurant operates as a tribute to Natalia’s late brother Andrei, who was afflicted with an eye disease Photo by Jonah Gilmore
called Retinitis Pigmentosa. In his memory, the Andrei Foundation was established, to which 100% of the restaurant’s profits are donated. 2607 Main Street, Irvine | (949) 387-8887 | Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm; Fri 11:30am-10pm; Sat 5pm-10pm | www.andreisrestaurant.com
by Nicky Vallee
The Quiet Woman Owner and sommelier Lynne Campbell pairs a 2010 Santa Rita Hills Viognier from Zotovich Cellars with an Asian inspired Ahi Napoleon. “Viognier is a Rhone varietal that pairs well with flavorful foods, especially slightly spicy Thai style fish or chicken dishes,” explains Campbell. This amazing example of Viognier is from Zotovich Cellars in Santa Rita Hills and has incredible aromatics of crisp pear, orange blossom, honeysuckle, violets, and apple blossom. It has moderate acidity, with peach and mineral lime notes in the finish.” When you take a sip of this wine, followed by a bite of Campbell’s layered stack of crunchy wasabi eggplant wontons, ahi sashimi, ahi tartare with radish sprouts, tobiko, and soy ginger vinaigrette, you will understand why this is a must-order summer meal.
Native Knowledge: For loyal locals who can’t get enough of the place, there is also The Little Woman, a companion eatery that Let’s face it: there’s nothing quite like the feeling
vino (and one tasty beer) in mind, we set out to ask
Be warned…once the word gets out about these
of warm summer sun upon your face, a thirst-
the area’s top chefs and sommeliers to provide us
irresistible flavor combinations, you won’t be the
quenching glass of wine in hand, and a delicious
with some seasonal matchups to remember. What
only one wanting to try them…
meal on the table to complete the scene. Armed
follows is a guide to some of Orange County’s
with thoughts of surf, sand, great eats, and fabulous
most delectable summer food and wine pairings.
offers delicious sandwiches, tacos, salads, and breakfast all day. 3224 E Coast Hwy, Corona Del Mar | (949) 640-7440 | Open Weekdays 11am-3pm; Bar Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-close; Sat-Sun 5 pm-close | www.quietwoman.com
Antonello Ristorante Pacific Club Newport Beach “To me wine is like making love,” explains Master Sommelier Rene Chazottes. “It doesn’t matter where, or how, or when. It should always be pure magic.” For his summer fantasy meal, Chazottes has selected Quinta Dos Roques Encruzado, a lesser known Portugese white wine, to match Chef David Martin’s fresh sea scallops sautéed over a frisee salad and laced with truffle vinaigrette. Full of earthy and unique flavors, this dish dances on the palate when it meets up with the Encruzado, a citrusy and bright Old World bottling with distinct notes of ripe melon and herbs.
Sommelier Steve Ebol has spent the last two decades selecting fine wines to accompany the fresh and inventive dishes served up by Chefs Salvatore Ferrara and Gino Buonanoce. Their summer pairing is not to be missed: grilled lamb chops topped with fresh mint, herbs, and a touch of breadcrumbs, enjoyed with a flavorful Super Tuscan from Piergiorgio Castellani. A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, this aromatic charmer displays nice earth tones that compliment the lamb, and the flavors and aromas of Bing cherry, black currant, and a hint of vanilla are light enough to accompany the herbal accents of this palate-pleasing dish.
Native Knowledge: Artist Aldo Luongo’s work can be seen on the restaurant’s eye-catching, Sistine Chapel-inspired ceiling, and
Native Knowledge: Chazottes is a Master Sommelier, and is one of only 112 professionals in the country who hold that distinction.
the food at Antonello’s is served up on Luongo-designed plates.
The Pacific Club is a private club, so you must dine with a member…trust us, it’s worth making friends with one.
Ste E55, 3800 South Plaza Drive, Santa Ana | (714) 751-7153 | Weekdays 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm; Sat 5pm-10pm | www.antonello.com
4110 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach | (949) 955-1123 | www.pacificclub.org Photo by Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios
Raya at The Ritz-Carlton
Zimzala Restaurant & Bar
Sommelier Courtney Freeman and Chef Greg Howe team up for a delicious and light summer flavor combination. Howe combines sweet Sea of Cortez scallops, uzu, white soy, onion, freshly-grated wasabi and lime juice into an irresistible ceviche that instantly transports you to a tropical paradise. The dish goes perfectly with an Adega Condes de Albarei, Albariño from the Rias Baixas region of Galicia, Spain. This airy white has nice acid that compliments the island-inspired flavors of this dish, but we’re thinking the best part of it all might just be Raya’s killer ocean views.
Executive Chef Roy Hendrickson might be onto something here. He’s been using Blue Moon’s Belgian-style wheat ale as a tenderizer for his marinades. For our purposes, Hendrickson paired steamed Manilla clams with smoked bacon and orange walnut toast for good measure to soak up the intense flavors. “Blue Moon has notes of coriander and orange, which are classic pairings with seafood, orange being the citric acid element,” he explains. “I used the bacon to mask some of the hops so that the citrus flavor could shine a bit more. Using the orange walnut bread as a sweet element also helped taper off some of the bitterness when drinking actual Blue Moon with the dish.”
Native Knowledge: For the adventurous wine lover, Freeman also heads up ENO, an upscale Southern California wine tasting room that features more than 300 wines, fine international cheeses, and gourmet chocolates from around the globe. One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point | (949) 240-2000 | Breakfast daily 7 to 11:30 a.m.; Lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner daily 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Dining/Raya 47
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Native Knowledge:
Zimzala is surfer speak for “one who finds peace with sand between his toes.” This certainly holds true for Southern California native Chef Roy Hendrickson whose love of cooking was born as a child when he would join his grandmother in the preparation of family meals. 500 Pacific Coast Highway | Huntington Beach | 714-960-5050 | Mon-Thu 7 am- 9:30 pm; Fri-Sat 7 am- 10 pm | zimzala@jdvrestaurants.com
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Tradition by Pascal One of Orange County’s most respected Chefs, Pascal Olhats, has chosen a Chateau de St. Martin Cru Classe Rosé from Provence to enjoy with his flavorful seafood bouillabaisse. “Southern France is where most of the French want to spend their summer holidays, and they always open a bottle of Rosé to drink with something from the ocean,” he says. This fragrant fish soup is full of garlic, tomato, and saffron, and chock full of mussels, clams, shrimp, bass, and calamari. Olhats serves it with a side of garlic croutons and a “rouille,” a saffron and garlic puree mixed with olive oil. The light mineral, floral, and strawberry notes of this dry wine smooth the spiciness of the broth, as images of lavender-dotted countrysides fill your head.
Native Knowledge: Each summer season, Olhats serves as sort of a “back alley” international tour guide to amazing food and wine; educating discerning guests about his favorite and little-known hot spots on cruises to far-flung corners of the world. 1000 Bristol Street North, Newport Beach | (949) 263-9400 | Open Weekdays 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sun 4pm-8:30pm | www.pascalnpb.com
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Sommelier William Lewis must have had a huge smile on his face when he came up with this one, sure to be filed under the ‘daring pairings’ category. Lewis matched a 2008 T-Vine Napa Valley Grenache with Chef Yvon Goetz’s Warm Duck Confit, Beet, and Baby Spinach Salad, which is arguably one of the most decadent pairings we’ve tried in a while. This ‘bath tub’ wine is ultra rich and full of dried cherry, which tames the acidity in the juicy beets and greens, and manages to slice through the decadent duck fat like a sharpened Ginzu knife.
Native Knowledge: Lewis was named “2011 Sommelier of the Year” by the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association. The same organization also bestowed this year’s Golden Bacchus Wine Award on The Winery for its exceptional cellar. 2647 Park Avenue, Tustin | (714) 258-7600 | Open Mon-Thu 11:30am-10pm; Fri 11:30am-10:30pm; Weekends 5pm-10:30pm | www.thewineryrestaurant.net
eating well on the run
lunch
the
dinner
little
sweets
woman
3224 pacific coast highway cdm 640.7440 www.quietwoman.com summer lovin’ 2011
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by Kristal Docter
Jason Schiffer
photography by Ralph palumbo
Derrick salatnay at a restaurant
320 Main 320 Main Street, Seal Beach, CA 90740 | (562) 799-6246 | www.320mainsealbeach.com
TGIF!
It’s Friday afternoon, and happy hour is just around the corner. I could meet the gang on our usual corner stools at Habana for Sangria, but today, I’m feeling more adventurous. I’m craving a crafty cocktail, one that takes me through a plethora of exotic flavors with an emphasis on quality, farm-fresh ingredients, and one that appears as mysterious and classy in my hand as it did in Marilyn Monroe’s in the 50s. Give me shaken, stirred, muddled, or pressed – give me Orange County’s best creative cocktails.
Join me while I sip and swig my way through these nine local hot spots to discover the flavors of our own master mixologists. From garden-inspired libations to modernized favorites tweaked to suit today’s taste buds, Orange County delivers a delightful assortment of unexpected drinks (and snacks!). Come on, taste the county’s best cocktails with me.
Step inside, hang up your jacket on the charming coat rack, choose a high top table or cozy booth, and get ready to be enchanted by the master of the mixology universe, 320 Main’s owner Jason Schiffer. Known by Orange County’s best bartenders as a mixology icon, Schiffer has created cocktail connoisseur bliss in this unpretentious Americana establishment. With a singular sketch for art and a steel bull statue gracing the kitchen island, 320 Main juxtaposes rustic and red velvet as a backdrop for its mind-blowing cocktail crafting. Schiffer, former Vegas Voodoo Lounge flair bartender, opened 320 Main in 2009 so locals could get a glimpse of his jaw-dropping, spirit-mixing skills. “Crafting a cocktail was originally American. I wanted to bring the cocktail back. I love this stuff – I think it’s amazing, and I want everybody else to try it. That’s really why I opened this place,” Schiffer said. As a board member for the U.S. Bartender’s Guild and the Chairman and creator of the Orange County Bartender’s Cabinet, Schiffer is building a community to spread his vision of a craft that he says is exploding. 320 uses all fresh, house-made ingredients – you won’t find any
pre-made mixes here. What you will find is finesse and flair behind the bar. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on 320’s Old Fashioned, swirled with premium Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Gomme Syrup (which hasn’t been used in cocktails since the 1800s), house-made bitters, citrus oils rolled off Schiffer’s hands like magic and a garnish of a fine Marasca Cherry. Munch on Sautéed Brussels Sprouts from the PICKINS menu. Tossed in duck fat with white wine vinegar, whole grain mustard, onion and minced bacon, these shredded sprouts are delicious and hearty, especially when topped with a fried egg. (320 Tip: A fried egg can be added as a topping to any dish on the menu for $2!) Native Knowledge: Look for the owl statue Schiffer added inside his restaurant as a throwback to the 1920s. Back in the days of prohibition, businesses placed an owl in or above a restaurant to signify that alcohol was being served inside, and you will certainly find more than alcohol here.
Chapter One: the modern local
Lola Gaspar Jeff Jensen and Tim O’Connor
211 West 2nd Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | (714) 972-1172 | www.lolagaspar.com
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Presents
227 North Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701 | (714) 352-2225 | www.chapteronetml.com Through the wall of windows from 3rd Street, you won’t find the bookstore that called this authentic Santa Ana building home for more than 50 years, but you will find nooks with the store’s old books, and a celebration of the city that created Orange County. Owners Jeff Hall (who opened The District’s Auld Dubliner and Haven Gastropub), Jeff Jensen and Tim O’Connor envisioned a revitalization of a metropolitan library with a speakeasy feel, embracing their version of what a modern local should be. As if I was being invited into a hopping house party, I was greeted with a shot of Jameson upon our introduction, which Hall says stems from his Irish ancestry. “I want to make sure customers feel at home here, and I want people to embrace Chapter One as their restaurant,” Hall said. “I want to introduce patrons to drinks that drink like a wine, developing savory elements, abrupt starts, and lingering finishes. Cocktails have been stagnant for way too long,” Hall added in reference to their “Culinary Cocktails” menu. Serving delicate drinks from snifters and goblets, Chapter One’s mixologist Ryan Velilla delivers classic, prohibition-style cocktails but with a push in new directions, introducing me to concoctions I didn’t even know existed like Belgian
M
beer-flavored cocktails and black olive caviar for my martini! Grab one of their vintage books (my choice from their maple shelves was 10,000 Jokes Toasts & Stories by Copeland), turn the page to Chapter One, and reciprocate the love this local has uncovered. Mixologist’s Matchup: Sip on Chapter One’s Holiday in Cambodia. A strange pairing of Kampot peppercorn, tincture, brandy, Flor De Cana rum, lime, and a Marasca cherry, this cocktail is spicy and sweet with a light finish of pepper. And, you can feel good about sipping this worldly sensation since the Kampot Pepper packaging is created by the Daughters of Cambodia, a fair trade organization that reaches out to victims of sex trafficking. Munch on Chef Oge’s Smoked Salmon Jerked Nachos. An ingenious take on a usually fattening favorite, these sophisticated “nachos” are served on light and crispy wontons, decorated with smoked salmon ceviche, tobiko caviar, and drizzled with citrus sour cream.
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Native Knowledge: Can’t find a place other than Jack in the Box to grab some grub after 11 p.m.? Chapter One keeps their kitchen open late for us night owl foodies, serving until 1 a.m.!
Hosted by
Ricky Yarnall
Matador Cantina 111 North Harbor Bl, Fullerton, CA 92832|(714) 871-8226|www.thematador.com Situated between the walls of the oldest standing building in Fullerton (originally built in 1899 as the Fullerton General Store and now a historical landmark), Matador Cantina seems to have poured oldfashioned character straight out of the bricks that built this structure into its eccentric furnishings, exhibiting original paintings commissioned from Guatemala, a locally-made iron bull head behind the bar (Matador’s mascot who occasionally sees wardrobe changes), and ruby-hued, jeweled chandeliers hanging from above. Matador’s master mixologist Ricky Yarnall, donning his own vintage vibe in an oxford shirt, vest and tie, is a perfect fixture for this Latin-American fusion inspired establishment. Matador’s mix of antiquity and quirky makes it one of Orange County’s best places to enjoy a liquid refreshment. Yarnall reveals his secret to a great cocktail:
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ice. “There is a proper way to shake a cocktail. The ice in a cocktail makes the liquor more palatable, more drinkable, and smoother,” Yarnall explains. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on Matador’s Mexican Old-Fashioned. A true personification of Matador’s unconventional style, this tequila treat can catch you off guard. The slightly unexpected spice surprises while a hint of citrus refreshes. Munch on Matador’s Chile Relleno, stuffed with chicken, Oaxaca cheese, cream cheese and green chilies for the ultimate balance of non-traditional flavors. Native Knowledge: Friday and Saturday nights are packed, but stop by on a Sunday or Monday night when Yarnall promises to expand your cocktail horizons with a more focused experience. Plus, check out Matador’s themed tasting dinners once a month for a 6-course cocktail pairing!
BRYAN ELLIOTT Think Quentin Tarantino-esque with Spanish flair as you enter Lola Gaspar and are greeted by a life-size version of Lola herself, with a jug of whisky in one hand and a revolver in the other. Lola’s band of brothers, partners Eddie and Luis Perez, collaborated to open this East Village-inspired neighborhood pub three years ago to give Orange County a taste of their travels. Replicating the spirit of their trips to Madrid and Barcelona, the brothers collectively designed the entire space, including the governing wall on which they used a heattransferring application to adhere Spanish Advertisements from the 60s and 70s to the surface. Lola’s worldly and urbane aura will simultaneously transport you to the Spanish Quarter and make you feel like you’re in your own backyard savoring modernized spirits muddled to perfection. Lola’s supreme mixologists layer fresh, local ingredients, hand-picked by the chef with exotic liquors and admirable execution to uncover global libations that will blow your mind. Mixologist’s Matchup: Sip on Lola’s Huckleberry. A delicious blend of bourbon, ruby red, bitters, fresh thyme, and home-made honey syrup over a 2x2 block of perfectly cut, house-made ice. Munch on Lola’s Shawarma-Style Spicy Lamb Tacos with crumbled feta, pickled red onion, and mint yogurt for a burst of Barcelona. The combination of this soft cocktail carries just enough punch to compliment the heat from the lamb. Native Knowledge: Looking for a place to watch the World Cup where you can take part in the rest of the world’s intense energy right here in Orange County? Look no further – Lola Gaspar is Orange County’s World Cup headquarters.
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Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (714) 352-2525 | www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/CharliePalmerAtBloomingdales With an enormous kitchen (this one is the size of most restaurants), it’s no wonder this establishment can conceptualize so many exclusive cocktails. Utilizing the knowledge of its world-renowned chefs and top-notch tools, Charlie Palmer has become Orange County’s trend setter behind the bar and in the kitchen. Let the lit pathway lead you into the lounge for one of two daily happy hours (4 p.m. – 7 p.m. and again from 10 p.m. – midnight – both are packed) where you’ll find classic décor with contemporary twists, like the mid-century-style leather furniture in bold shades of red. A giant photo covering the lounge’s most central wall of two affectionate horses makes me smile every time I visit, while the eclectic crowd keeps me on my toes. Mix and mingle your way to the solid wood bar and let mademoiselle mixologist Stacey Stenton, who helped open Orange County’s Charlie Palmer, break the ice and feed your cocktail curiosity. Stenton scans the kitchen’s walk-in cooler and the ingredients listed on the rotating menus for inspiration for building new beverages.
Charlie Palmer uses only seasonal ingredients from local purveyors, and serves them up in a setting full of style. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on Stacey Stenton’s Tamarindo Lindo: the cocktail that Stenton says best represents her as a mixologist. A unique libation influenced by the area’s Hispanic culture and the taste of Mexican candies, this thirst quencher will knock you right out of your chair and have you coming back for more. Made with a combination of tamarind puree and tequila for a sweet and tart taste with a surprise mix of chili powder, cocoa, and habenero dust on the glass’ rim, and served on the rocks. Munch on Charlie Palmer’s Burrata Cheese, Arugula Pesto & Grilled Bread appetizer from the Lounge’s Small Plates menu. The creamy, fresh cheese oozes beautifully onto the grilled bread. Use your spoon to top with the light arugula pesto and pop one of the roasted tomatoes served on the side into your mouth for a beautiful blast of acidity. The light and fresh, yet fulfilling dish is a fantastic mate to the powerful Tamarindo Lindo.
Ryan McGraw
Studio Restaurant at Montage Laguna Beach 30801 S. Coast HWY, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | (949) 715-6420 | www.studiolagunabeach.com
Native Knowledge: All of Charlie Palmer’s mixologists are members of the US Bartender’s Guild, and many are involved in mixology competitions. For a step-outside-the-box experience, ask one of the spirit specialists to create a combination of flavors that suits you.
Scott’s Restaurant and Bar
It’s summer, so take yourself on a local vacation and immerse your entire being in the lap of luxury. Studio Restaurant at the Montage is an elegant ocean-view setting, perfect for al fresco dining and midnight meandering through Executive Chef Craig Strong’s hand-picked garden. With a fierce focus on seasonality and developing consistent dishes and drinks from produce provided by local farms, the Studio will dazzle any drinker or diner. The Studio’s seasonal garden cocktails are formulated by talking with local farmers about what they’re growing, and using those ingredients like lemon verbena, ruby red strawberries, tomatoes, and stone fruit to tweak classic refreshments. “The Studio experience is multi-fold: artistic food, unbelievable wine list, amazing setting on the Pacific and choreographed service,” Studio Manager David Pratt explained. As a graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Pratt’s liquid potions come together with specialized, artisanal recipes using high-quality ingredients like hand-made sweeteners, bitters, and ice. The quality of the components stands out and speaks for themselves. Culinary expert Pratt also taught me that a touch of champagne can make any cocktail better. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on the Studio Garden Cocktail Caparesca, a brilliant unity of cucumber, tarragon, basil, lime, Cachaca, champagne, and flowery St. Germaine liqueur. Its effervescent quality tickles your tongue and invigorates the senses. Munch on the Studio’s Spanish Salad. A bed of Mizuna lettuce is crowned with Serrano ham, Manchego, garlic prawns, pickled squash, and a drizzle of sherry vinaigrette. In addition to the perfect pairing of tarragon and garlic, the light, bright and refreshing essence of the cordial and the salad together is an irresistible warm weather union.
David Pratt
Native Knowledge: Arrive a little early before your dinner reservation, order a summer cocktail from the bar, and take a stroll around the Studio’s garden while sipping a spirit most likely fashioned from the produce you’ll see growing in the ground. Time your stroll right, and you might catch the sun setting over Catalina.
3300 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | (714) 979-2400 | www.scottsrestaurantandbar.com Scott’s Restaurant and Bar has finally jumped out of the old and into the new with the addition of the Murano Room. Dominated by a beautiful painted glass chandelier, this refreshed space has been converted into a chic lounge that expresses subtle San Francisco flare. Moveable red leather ottomans, sexy black sofas, and black and white art evoke the grace of the girls in Robert Palmer’s videos from the 80s. Senior mixologist Ryan McGraw has been with the Scott’s family for many years like the majority of this Orange County seafood staple’s employees, and feels the renovations bring a crisp, contemporary vibe and a great new combination of age and gender. With a focus on interaction with its customers, Scott’s makes everyone feel like they’re part of the family. McGraw prefers inventing new brews on the spot by finding your flavor profile and concocting tailor-made drinks. “I get paid to socialize and pour drinks. I want to create something special for my customers, so they can lose themselves at the bar if they want,” McGraw said. Although McGraw claims to be a “bourbon and beer guy,” his 57
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cocktails are anything but ordinary. Grab a glass of one of his seasonal specialties mixed with multiple liquors, fruits, herbs, and even veggies, and head out to the open-concept outdoor area for perfect summertime consumption. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on Scott’s Spicy Sasparella, a modern take on a margarita. This muddled mix begins with Scott’s house-made habenero and pineapple liquor infusions, layered with agave nectar for natural sweetness and fresh lime juice. Munch on Scott’s Yellowtail Sushi Roll. Served with a spicy ponzu sauce and topped with a charred jalapeño, this decadent appetizer will please a sophisticated palate but won’t leave you so stuffed that you steer away from the dance floor. Native Knowledge: Want to check out Scott’s Murano Room with the “in” crowd? Saunter in on a Thursday night (although if you arrive after 10 p.m., you will have to wait in line) for rotating guest DJs and a packed house of hip, music savvy locals who always know what’s up.
Bluewater Grill
C A S U A L , M O D E R AT E LY P R I C E D
>
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Voted Best Seafood in Southern California! Full bar and patio featuring classic and contemporary seafood specialties!
come in
get hooked
N E W P O RT B E AC H 630 Lido Park Drive (949) 675 3474 REDONDO 665 North Harbor Drive (310) 318 3474
TUSTIN 2409 Park Avenue (714) 258 3474
k’ya Bistro Bar
Sorrento Grille
1287 S. Coast HWY, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | (949) 376-9718 | www.kyabistro.com
370 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | (949) 494-8686 | Sorrento-grille.com
Sarah Dacey
Searching for a neighborhood bistro that you can gather at with a group of friends Bastille Day-style without having to travel to Europe this summer? Look no further than Laguna Beach’s legendary La Casa del Camino for revamped k’ya Bistro Bar. By stripping the space down, adding mirrors and soft candles, and changing the menu to reflect an “old school French-Italian Bistro,” k’ya Bistro Bar has become a local-loving staple in the community. Its lively, eclectic personality is the perfect spot for dinner with friends. Offering a communal dish concept with a vast array of organic foods and spirits, this laid-back hideaway will make you feel like you just left a friend’s house after a night of lounging and laughter. Sporting the mixology skills at this Mediterranean establishment is Sarah Dacey. With ten years of experience and bartending school under her belt, Dacey likes being in charge of the fun. “At the bar is where the fun happens. Everyone’s mood is so much lighter, and I enjoy being right
in the center of that. I love playing with drinks and I like to let the customer change the recipes to enhance their experience,” Dacey said. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on k’ya’s Strawberry Balsamic martini. Made with a mix of muddled strawberries, simple syrup, Belvedere vodka, lime, and a few drops of balsamic vinegar, this combo is surprisingly pleasing together. Munch on k’ya’s Picatta Style Tilapia. An eggwashed tilapia with a trickle of lemon caper butter sauce which is plated up on a bed of risotto and spinach, delivers fresh clean flavors to finish off an evening with friends.
Enter through the 300-year old solid door into a global collection of Mediterranean and Italian antiques which decorate Sorrento Grille’s walls, ceilings, and floors. Serving contemporary American eats and featuring sustainable seafood, super smooth microbrews and locally-made liquors, 22-yearold Sorrento Grille breathes new life into familiar favorites. Mixologist Ryan Jones takes pride in the organic ingredients Sorrento supplies, and he draws on them to mix consistently tasty martinis with a smile. Jones has created a following of regulars from every age group. This double-fisted shaker encourages his customers to ask questions about the ingredients he uses which are a direct reflection of the “farm-to-fork” flavors cooking up in Chef Ryan
A Restaurant’s mixologist Derrick Salatnay greeted me in a fashionable fedora with a smile and embarked on an explanation of A’s vibe. “I try to create a space that feels like Cheers. A place where you know what the customer drinks first, and their name second. I want to be your friend when you need it,” Salatnay said. Salatnay takes a philanthropist perspective to maintain this historical landmark’s heritage. The interior has been revamped while keeping the same vintage appeal of its predecessor. The balance of old and new has made this a hot spot for urbanites, foodies, schmoozers, and professionals. The offbeat menu presents inspirational twists on classic American bistro food. Couple that with masterfully crafted cocktails which showcase fresh, seasonal fruits and veggies from the kitchen (none of the ingredients used are processed), and you’ll experience Orange County’s hippest happy hour. Salatnay’s slogan is “drink well, eat well and walk out of here like a palm tree in a hurricane.” Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on A’s Salty Pear Martini. Surprisingly savory, this sweet confection’s foundation 59
is Grey Goose Pear with splashes of house-made simple syrup and flowery St. Germain, topped with an unexpected salted rim. You read that right, no sticky sugary rim. Why didn’t I know about the salted rim before?! It truly makes the flavor of the martini come alive. Munch on Spicy Yellow Fin Tuna starter, served with an herbed salad. The crispy, flash-fried piece of eggplant serves as a plate for the raw, ceviche-style yellow fin tuna, and the wasabi caviar garnish and spicy aioli perform magic on your tongue when eaten in one delicious bite. Take a sip of the Salty Pear to mellow you’re the heat in your mouth, and dive in for the remaining yellow fin cakes. Native Knowledge: If these walls could talk, they would tell nearly a century of stories. The space we call A Restaurant is the oldest restaurant building in Orange County, constructed in 1926. When you make your reservation, request the famous Booth #60 where John Wayne sat regularly to take a break from all his worries to see that our troubles are all the same, and everyone certainly knew his name.
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Adams’ open-concept kitchen. Mixologist’s Matchup: Sip on Sorrento’s famous Bees Knees Martini. The subtle sweetness from this combo of Oxley organic gin, fresh squeezed lemon juice, and agave nectar equalizes the spice of our favorite munchies. Munch on Sorrento’s Herb and Chile Fried Calamari. A cornmeal crust surrounds sumptuous strip steaks (not those tiny little rings that are mostly breading) which are flash fried with fresh herbs, chiles, and rosemary, accompanied by a spicy Harissa aioli. Native Knowledge: Monday nights at Sorrento Grille are a celebration of its local patrons. If you live in Laguna, you get 25% off of your entire check!
SOL Cocina 251 Pacific Coast HWY, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | (949) 675-9800 | www.solcocina.com
Native Knowledge: The high quality food served at k’ya Bistro Bar is a great value. With over 70 items on the massive menu that are $10 or less, we can all afford to make a trip to this local tavern. Stop by for k’ya’s $5 Happy Hour Monday – Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. for even more reasonably priced fare, but be sure to stick around for live entertainment in the lobby lounge.
Matt Baumayr
A Restaurant 3334 W. Coast HWY, Newport Beach, CA 92663 | (949) 650-6505 | www.arestaurantnb.com
Ryan Jones
Derrick Salatnay
Cameron Hawaii Hodges Handtail Wildfox Chaser Market Biya 3J Workshop Johnny Was Fortunate Sun House of the Gods Soul, Mind, Breath, Life Fresh Laundry Chann Luu Flora BElla George Gina Lucy
Inspired by beer and street tacos in Baja, a surf trip to Mexico turned into Newport’s north of the border sophisticated-casual neighborhood taco and tequileria - SOL Cocina. Wanting to bring the authentic essence of Baja’s street vendors to Orange County in a setting by the sea, Managing Partner Matt Baumayr, consulted with Baja food expert and SOL’s Executive Chef/Partner Deborah Schneider to show Orange County cuisine true to its neighbor. “This is not a blend or a fusion concept. This is how they eat in Mexico,” Baumayr said. Keeping up with the caliber of its food, SOL covers the whole palate with its cocktails, applying what seems to be an exploding spirit across the mixology board – tequila. With a multitude of tequila ambassadors in the area, SOL is putting out hand-muddled, fruit-forward refreshments shaken with the best in tequila tasting. “The art of bartending is back, but this whole concept started with a couple of tacos and an ice
cold Pacifico,” Baumayr said. Come join the party on the patio with a caliber of margarita like you have never tasted (or a Pacifico if you prefer) or sit on worn leather chairs around the iron-enclosed fire inside to experience the authenticity of the peninsula, Baja-style. Mixologist’s Match-up: Sip on SOL’s Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita. A balance of heat and coolness, it’s a spa-like experience from the first sip. Munch on SOL’s Hot & Raw Tropical Ceviche. Fresh fish tossed with lime and orange, tropical fruit, avocado, pico de gallo, and habenero chiles is plated with red beet and sweet potato chips for delicious dipping. Native Knowledge: Check out SOL’s lunch incentive program. Visit SOL Cocina during lunch on a weekday six times. On your seventh visit, your lunch is free! So don’t forget to ask for your rewards card and get stamped by your server.
V. HOLLAND 432 E 17th St # B, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 | 949.646.7506 vholland.net | facebook.com/vhollandboutique summer lovin’ 2011
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Simon Goldstein was probably a very popular man in the Summer of 1870. Long before paved roads, air conditioning, and corner stores, Simon opened up a brewery, Anaheim’s first. Simon and his partner Samual Davis opened the first brewery on West Lincoln Ave. (less than one mile from its current incarnation). His personal reign as brewmaster was short lived (he passed away six short years later) and the brewery soon followed. Fast forward to 1888. Freidrich Conrad (the same man that brought us Tivoli Gardens) had arrived from Bavaria to establish the California Brewing Company. He decided to expand, purchased 10 acres, and began brewing the Anaheim label alongside his own. The brewery continued (under various owners) until it’s unfortunate demise (along with all other U.S. breweries) when prohibition began in 1920. So ended the half century run of the Anaheim Brewery. With the vast amount of variety in the world of beer, the selection process is one of the most tantalizing. What will they brew? Hefeweizen, with its distinct color and wheat flavor, or maybe a stout that’s rich and nutty? In the case of the Anaheim Brewery, they will offer four beers on tap, each embodying a distinct flavor and texture. The first is the Anaheim 1888, a full bodied beer which pays homage to Mr. Conrad and the original brand from that year, the Anaheim Red, a full bodied pale ale; Anaheim Hefeweizen, the traditional German wheat beer; and finally the Anaheim Gold for those who prefer a lighter, crisper taste. Open for business this summer, the brewery is more than ready for a spectacular comeback. Greg and Barbara Gerovac are the authors of this 140-year-old brand renewal. They are enthusiasts with a desire to provide a great product, great atmosphere, and a warm environment that is attractive to locals. We had to pry an answer (other than “brew beer”) out of them when asked about their favorite thing to do in Orange County. Make plans to visit Anaheim this Summer, enjoy a cold glass of 1888, pour a little out for Simon, Samual and Freiedrich, and welcome Greg and Barbara Gerovac, sure to soon be very popular in Anaheim.
Greg and Barbara Gerovac revive a century old brand by Caroline Landon Photography by Chris Chavira
What originally inspired you to re-establish Anaheim Brewery?
What are your visions for the atmosphere of the brewery?
We’ve been in the brewing business for a long time, and when we moved to Anaheim we realized this would be the perfect opportunity to bring back local beer to this community. The logo hasn’t been trademarked since prohibition so we thought why not now? The city of Anaheim has been extremely excited and supportive of the process, which makes this all the more exciting for us.
We wanted to create an atmosphere where people can come and relax without the pressures of a club or restaurant. We aren’t going to serve food, but definitely encourage people to bring their own! Have a pizza delivered or bring a picnic and enjoy that along with some cold beer on the garden patio.
Tell me about the new building. What was it before you decided to make it a brewery? The Packard building has been utilized in the auto trade business since it was built. It was a car dealership back in the 1920s and 1930s, but more recently was used as a smog check station and car detailing surface. One of the cool things about it is it hasn’t really changed much over the years. Some of the original windows remain under the stucco. We chose this building because it was close to our house and seemed like such a great centralized location for the brewery.
In Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano 26701-B Verdugo Street San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Open Daily 8:00 am - 10:00 pm thevintagesteakhouse.com 949.661.3400
What are the plans for the opening day? We are set to open this summer and hope to bring in some local food for people to try as well as host an area musician.
What is your favorite thing to do in Orange County? We love the fact that the weather is consistent, so walking around Anaheim’s garden walk is always fun. And of course, we’d have to say that brewing beer is our favorite activity.
What memories will you capture?
The Art of Beauty Sanjay Grover MD, FACS Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Photo: LovinLife Multimedia
Past President, Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons
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Simply Elegant Oceanfront Dining and Event Facility
Fabulous Happy Hour 6 Nights a Week, 4PM to 6:30PM
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360 San Miguel Dr. Suite 507, Newport Beach, CA, 92660 • 949.759.9551 • drgrover.com • facebook.com/drsanjaygrover summer lovin’ 2011
Upcoming Wine Dinners, check our website for details Stag’s Leap, July 14th Chateau Montelena, August 18th P. 949.673.2100 • 21OCEANFRONT.COM
2100 WEST OCEANFRONT, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663
summer lovin’ CALL 2011 FOR DETAILS 66 *COMPLIMENTARY ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION WITH OUR CUSTOM MERCEDES SPRINTER, VANS OR LIMO’S FOR 8 TO 33 PEOPLE (BASED ON AVAILABILITY)
Name: Matt Talbert Age: 28 Medium: Oil paint Title of your latest work: “Downtown L.A.� Where can we find your work: www.talbertart.com What artist is your greatest influence: John Singer Sargent The most common question I am asked is: What is your painting process? I paint from life as well as photos that I take on my travels. I build up many layers of paint and keep the brush strokes fresh and visible. What music do you listen to while you work: Arcade Fire, Mumford and Sons, Charlie Parker, and lots of podcasts. I would never... Let a painting leave my studio unless I was completely satisfied with the results.
photography by geoff ragatz
Special thanks to RAW artists who participated in this shoot. RAW:natural born artists is an independent arts organization, for artists, by artists. RAW hand-picks and spotlight local artists in indie film, fashion, music, art, performing art, hair, makeup, photography and more. RAW currently operates in 18 cities nationwide, including San Francisco, Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas to name a few. RAW Headquarters is located in Laguna Hills, CA. Founder Heidi Luerra is an Orange County local, that resides in Laguna Beach, CA. RAW hosts an Orange County showcase on the 3rd Thursday of every month at club 8Eighty8 in Newport Beach, RAW will launch in Santa Ana the first Thursday of August at the Copper Door. For more information on RAW and to submit your work for consideration please visit www.RAWartists.org
Name: Jamie Johnson
Name : Shannon LeClair
Age: 31
Age: 31
Medium (s): Pen and ink, acrylic, spraypaint and digital.
Medium: Mixed media Title of your latest work: “Displaced”
Title of your latest work: “Caught” Where can we find you: Gallery - NOCO Studio in Fullerton, Ca Where can we find you: www.miceofmillions.com
The most common question I am asked is: Why are all the people you draw sad?
Which artist was your greatest influence: Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes.
What music do you listen to while you work: Reggae Medium I would like to try: Airbrush
The most common question I am asked is: Where do you get your ideas? If my art could be displayed anywhere I want it would be here: In the street, on t-shirts, Skateboards, everywhere.
My proudest moment as an artist was: When I painted my first mural. I would never: ‘’say never’’.
Medium I would like to try: I would really love to do some bronze casting. My proudest moment as an artist was: Realizing I had manifested my childhood dreams. I look forward to making my adult dreams a reality as well. I would never: Sell myself short. Don’t let anyone tell you “You cant.”
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Name: Cuyler Smith Age: 29 Medium: I work in pencil, pen and ink, oil, and digital media. Title of your latest work: “Dreamer” Where can we find you: cuylersmithart.blogspot.com Which artist was your greatest influence: I would say James Jean, Tomer Hanuka, Jeff Soto, Joaquin Sorolla, and J.C. Leyendecker. What music do you listen to while you work: Music is a key driving force for my creativity and I have many illustrations based off of Radiohead lyrics. My proudest moment as an artist was: The response and comments I received from my first solo exhibition. I would never: I would never stop being creative.
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Name: Kaleeka Bond Name: Stephanie Bachiero
Age: 27
Age: 28
Medium(s): Pastel, Watercolor, Oil, Charcoal, Graphite
Medium(s): porcelain, bronze and stainless. Title of your latest work: ”Reaching II”
Title of your latest work: “Vincit Qui se Vincit” (He conquers who conquers himself)
Where can we find you: Peter Blake Gallery Laguna Beach, peterblakegallery.com
Where can we find you: www.kaleekabond.com
What piece of art or artist was your greatest influence: I am influenced by my life and the world around me. Other artists and their art works rarely impact my work.
What piece of art or artist was your greatest influence: Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish), “The Entombment”, about 1612, oil on canvas, 51 5/8 x 51 1/4in.
The most common question I am asked is: How did you become an artist? If my art could be displayed anywhere I want it would be here: A collector’s home who loves my work. What music do you listen to while you work: Alternative Country Medium I would like to try: Resin My proudest moment as an artist was: My first inclusion in a museum show at the Laguna Art Museum curated by Grace Cook Anderson. I would never: Stop making art or compromise my vision
The most common question I am asked is: Wow, So you could paint me? If my art could be displayed anywhere I want it would be here: Anywhere in which the viewer would be influenced by it. Anywhere that my work would make a difference is where it belongs. But I’d love to have it in the Musée du Louvre, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The J.Paul Getty Museum :). What music do you listen to while you work: It honestly depends on my mood. Typically it will range from artists such as Sara Bareilles, M.I.A., Bic Runga, to A.R. Rahman to the genres of Reggae, R&B, and Hip Hop. Medium I would like to try: Large bronze sculptures. I would never: It’s hard to say that you would “never” do something...but if I had to choose one thing, I would never compromise my art and just settle to make money.
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Name: Mark Samuels Age: 27 Medium (s): Film, Art, Sculpture Title of your latest work: “POSSO: Live in Vegas” Where can we find you: www.marksamuels.com The most common question I am asked is: Where’d you get those sweet shades? If my art could be displayed anywhere I want it would be here: The Geffen Medium I would like to try: Interactive Digital Art and Lighting My proudest moment as an artist was: Producing/Editing the 2008 Surfer Poll Awards and watching the audience go off was an extremely awarding experience. I would never: Cut corners in the pursuit of a vision.
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laurenly
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142 North Glassell Street Orange, CA 92866 714.538.SHOP (7467) www.Laurenly.net follow us on facebook... facebook.com/laurenlyboutique
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ur trend hunting day in L.A. didn’t exactly go as planned. We figured Venice Beach would be the perfect place to scope out some babes in bikini’s, but we were wrong. I guess no one in this town goes to the beach to play in the sand anymore. We retreated up to the rooftop of a local hotel to discuss Plan B (while grabbing a cocktail of course). To our surprise, the rooftop pool was littered with girls donning their best beachwear, Yahtzee! Not sure why the ladies were non-existent on the beach but sprawled out on lounge chairs at the rooftop pool; maybe they thought they were closer to the sun? Two of these ladies, Shelly and Charity, both happened to be sporting some of the top pieces on our summer 2011 wish list. Thankfully, they were willing to share their secrets!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NANCY VILLERE OF CRUSH PHOTO STUDIOS By Shannon Funk
WINNER of OC HOTLIST BEST WOMENS BOUTIQUE! We range in spectrum from glamour girl chic to hippie boho babe... here’s
he search for appropriate beachwear is a constant struggle for the dolls here at xPose PR. Some days we will use a beach day as an excuse to leave the house barefaced, hair disheveled, and how dare I say… with flats on our feet. On other days, we are elated at the idea of pulling out our new summer trend pieces, itty bitty kini’s, and wobbling awkwardly on the sand in our way-toohigh wedges. We made it our mission to hit the streets of the ever-competing L.A. and OC scenes to find out if our fellow dolls are torn with the same difficult decisions on these sunny Southern California days.
a taste of our favorite lines... Madelyn, Huntington Beach , 21 Madelyn sure was turning heads while strutting her stuff down Main Street on this particular sunny Friday afternoon. Not sure if it was the Above the Clouds tank that read “Man Eater” or the colorful artwork covering her bare skin, but this HB local caught the attention of many. She threw on her favorite pair of Rainbow sandals, Hollister denim cut offs, and her Optic Remix shades, which complete the look. We were tempted to follow her down to the beach to see her reveal her fierce leopard bikini from Diane’s. We decided to leave that to the group of boys following close behind her. After all, she is the Man Eater!
I was happy to spend an afternoon in my hometown of Huntington Beach. Not only does this place carry a nostalgic beach bum feeling for me, but also because I felt a tad more comfortable cruising the boardwalk in my flippy flops. Madelyn and Candace weren’t messing around on this sunny day, they were too concerned with telling me what they put on that morning. Instead they mainly seemed interested in getting to the water, stripping down to their bathing suits, and getting their toes wet. Or maybe it was all of the men’s beach volleyball games going on? Loe proved to me that it wasn’t only the girls in L.A. who wanted the extra six inches of heel to accompany them to the beach. All three ladies put their own personal spin on summer attire.
Loe, Huntington Beach, 19 As a huge supporter of this summer’s sailor trend, I had to get the deats on this little number from Loe! From her adorable Vogue specs, to her sky-high Bordello red pumps, this girl really took beachwear to a whole other level. The sailor onesie was Main Street’s very own Catwalk design. Love any outfit that can double as a Halloween costume!
Candace, Huntington Beach, 22 The perfect example of the right way to bare your midriff this summer… have a toned one! Candace looks bangin’ in her American Apparel crop top with matching American Apparel bikini underneath. This OC native threw on her favorite pair of RVCA jeans, Ray Ban shades, and (of course) Rainbow sandals for some Main Street shopping before her dip in the Pacific.
Blank Denim - Olive Olivia Chaser - Lush - Wildfox - Indah - Jens Pirate Booty - Audrey LaMade - Costa Blanca - Urban Behavior - Three Green Hearts Lucca Couture
Shelly, 27, Hollywood Well hello blonde bombshell! I had major bikini envy the second I saw this striped little BCBG number that Shelly was wearing. Stripes are definitely at the top of xPose’s summer 2011 trend watch list! She paired her on-trend bikini with subtle gold accessories and the perfect pop of color in her Report signature pumps. The little white cover up allowed her to show just the right amount of skin for a day at the pool!
Celebrity Endorsed brands along with up and coming boutique brands, at prices so unbelievably AFFORDABLE you wouldn’t believe us if we told you... so come in for yourself and see what the hype is all about....
Charity, 22, Hollywood This glam goddess inspired us to really step it up for our next summer outing. We love a babe in blue! Her hippieesque Three Green Hearts hairpiece kept Charity’s long luscious locks out of her face on this windy pool day. The Guess cover-up brings me to two more of my summer 2011 trend predictions… denim and tie-dye! We love that she was able to find herself a little number that covered both bases in one. The Giantto wrist bling was one of the first things I noticed upon running into Charity at the pool, a gift to her from the designer himself. I guess it’s true what they say in this town, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
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Like us at Facebook.com/LunaBoutique HuntingtonBeach to see our “New Arrivals” posted weekly! 19680 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.962.9749
Everything you need at prices you want.
Trendy Women’s clothing
William Rast • Bailey 44 • Odd Molly • Gypsy 05 • Rails • Hudson • Johnny Was • Elizabeth and James • Goddis • Michael Stars • Velvet • Jeffrey Campbell San Juan Capistrano Marbella Plaza 31103 Rancho Viejo Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949-429-1361 Mon.-Sat 10-7, Sun. 11-5
San Clemente Talega Village Center 802 Avenida Talega, #103 San Clemente, CA 92673 949-429-8180 Mon-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5
f I had to line all of these ladies up and guess which of them were spending their day at
Kitchy Gifts Adorable Baby clothing and gifts Photography: DominicPetruzzi.com
Shannon (Yours Truly), 24, Beverly Hills My vintage caftan, how I love thee, let me count thy ways. Most importantly, in this outfit, no one at the beach will know if I have recently skipped out on a Pilates class or two. I truly felt like I hit the jackpot when I found this (what my boyfriend calls “blanket-chic”) cover-up during a random browse sesh at Wasteland, my favorite Melrose vintage spot. Maybe I didn’t live up to L.A.’s ‘less is more approach’ on this particular day, but when it comes to a caftan, in my opinion, more is more! Sunnies by Gucci, shoes by J. Simpson!
Fabulous shoes & handbags Adorable Accessories
Tower 2 and which of them were climbing a tower
Laguna Beach Old Pottery Place
to get the ultimate tan, it wouldn’t be much of a
1200 S. Coast Highway, #106 Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949-715-4646 Mon.-Fri. 10-8, Sat, 10-7 Sun. 11-7
challenge. It is clear that the babes in HB have a
Santa Barbara
anyways L.A.? Now, if we had only conducted our
1021 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805-845-9154 Mon.-Sat. 10-7, Sun. 11-6
different idea of what a “beach cover-up” is then those L.A. girlies. Don’t we just end up taking it off
survey in Vegas!
2610 East Coast Highway | Corona del Mar | T.949-644-7467 | www.shopharpers.com | Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-4 Become a fan of Harper’s on Facebook.com and get daily updates of our Hottest New Merchandise!!!! summer lovin’ 2011 82
1719 WESTCLIFF DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 949.650.0479 • SOLUTIONSDENIM.COM
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Over 120 Styles of denim, tops, blouses, desses, shoes, etc. AG Denim, Hudson, Current Elliott, Paige Denim, Joes, Poleci, Gold Hawk, Faith, Single, summer lovin’ 2011 84 Converse, Howe for men
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DEMOLITION DARLIN’ 1705 WESTCLIFF DRIVE NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660
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“I’m really loving this 70’s inspired look that we are seeing: fringe tops, screen printed tees, cut off shorts, headbands, unique jewelry, “friendship” type bracelets, flare jeans & cross body purses. I love floral prints, maxi skirts, and oversized off-theshoulder tees. My obsession is wedges. Every girl should own a couple great pairs!”
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Daily Deals from Orange County’s Best Local Businessess Check out Plum District for great deals from the OC's best local businesses. Tried and tested by your local Plum District moms!
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Where locals meet, eat & drink. MeetAtThePorch.com
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Porch Spring Sunset Specials M - F 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm Pulled Pork or Angus Slider.......................$3 All ½ Size Flat Breads ................................$3 Signature All Beef Chili Cup......................$5 Jalapeño & Bacon Mac & Cheese ..............$4 Zesty Calamari............................................$4 Grilled Fish Taco.........................................$3 Pommes Frites ............................................$2
508 29th Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 673-1600 No Reservations Required Walk-Ins Welcome Find us on Facebook for Daily Specials
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The Hidden Jewel Women’s Fashion ~ Accessories ~ Gifts ~ Home Decor
Costa Mesa
369 E. 17th Street | Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.791.8058 | www.cardiobarre.com
Acrobat, Bernardo, Capote, Charlotte Tarantola, Crown Jewel, David Lerner, Lodis, Free People, Libby Edelman, Michelle Jonas, Twisted Heart, Veronica M & more
1686 Tustin Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 574-2160 hiddenjewelca.com facebook.com/thehiddenjewel Chosen by Panache Partners as one of Southern California's best boutiques in the upcoming luxury destination book Experience Southern California
Teaming up for twice the celebration! The Hidden Jewel 1 Yr Anniversary •Trunk shows and mini-makeovers •Raffle Giveaways
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Beach Bunny Swimwear
Irvine Beach, CA, Beach Bunny Swimwear, 950 W Coast Hwy, Newport (949) 548-0348, beachbunnyswimwear.com
Beach C andy Sw imwear
Corona d Beach Candyel Mar del Mar, CA Swimwear, 2824 E. Pa 92625, (949 ) 640-098 cific Coast Highway, C 8, beachcan or dyswimwea ona r.com
Photography by Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios Models: Kari Gibson & Mark Carroll
irl Bikinis Naked G ach Huntington Be nakedgirlbikinis.com
in A Vitam Beach
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Cynababy Swimwear
Newport Beach cynababy.com
Roxyn Beach
Mesa, CA 92627 Huntingto 17th Street, Costa Surfside, 233 Eastsurfsidemailorder.com (949) 645-4624,
L*Space
Irvine Surfside, 233 East 17th Street Costa Mesa, CA 92627, (949) 645-4624, surfsidemailorder.com
Taortvik Beach
Tyler Rose Swimwear
Newp Tavik.com
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Split Swimwear
Santa Ana/Costa Mesa splitusa.com
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Sweetaz Boutique
RVCA
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Costa Mesa Surfside, 233 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, (949) 645-4624, surfsidemailorder.com
Analog
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Irvine Surfside, 23 92627, (9493 East 17th Street, Co st ) 645-4624 , surfsidemaia Mesa, CA lorder.com
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Collaborative World
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Fyasko o Vincenzo Robert ach
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Upper Class Label
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Katin
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Huntington Beach isoscelesclothing.com
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A Maverick at Tavik by Caroline Landon
Thank you Otto Models! ottomodels.com
Photography by Chris Chavira
Locale: What originally inspired you to get into the fashion industry? Hanriot: When I moved out here from the southern part of the country, I immediately fell in love with California culture. Swimwear seemed like the best fit for me from the minute I arrived.
Where does your design inspiration come from? My inspiration comes from Australian designers such as Zimmermann and TigerLily, as well as just living near the beach! Being here (Newport Beach) inspires me to create.
Think quick. Who is your favorite designer? good swimsuit is a must. It’s the uniform of summer. It is a wardrobe staple when the temperature climbs, and the cuter you feel the more confidence you express. It is as important a component to having a good time when it’s warm and sunny as sunglasses and flip flops. Nicole Hanriot, owner of Tavik Swimwear, definitely understands the cuteness-to-confidence parallel. Nicole knew from a young age that fashion was for her. Originally from Texas, she moved to California with her family at the age of thirteen and immediately fell in love with the beach. She admired the waves and the sand, but adored the beach culture and casual way of life. Nicole is extremely focused. Where others here waiting for an opportunity, Nicole decided to create her own. After building an extensive resume (scoring internships with Volcom and E! Entertainment) she graduated from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising). A decade of absorbing California culture, multiple internships, and her time at fashion school had readied Nicole for her goal. She went to work with local design house Tavik, a local brand with ‘street cred’ but one that lacked a female influence or line. She branded Tavik Swimwear, then began designing suits and picking out fabrics. Her collection is definitely targeted at super chic twenty-somethings featuring eclectic pieces ranging from tube top bikinis to halters and an assortment of cover ups. What’s my personal favorite? Definitely the ‘Bridget one-piece.’ The zigzag color line with lace cut outs give it the perfect balance of funky and flirty. With her designs ranging from feminine and chic, to retro and edgy, Nicole has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of swimwear. Her designs for Tavik have been featured in a slew of magazines including Marie Claire, Seventeen, Elle, and most recently the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. With summer at our doorstep, Nicole is poised and ready with more fabulous designs for the new season.
Nicole Hanriot, designer of Tavik Swimwear
Easy. Definitely Alexander Wang. I love his bags, and he makes the perfect t-shirt.
What are you most proud of? My dream when I started in the swim industry was to make it into Sports Illustrated, and we did it this year with four suits, which was so exciting and one of my biggest accomplishments to date.
What defines success in this business for you? I would love to show at the Mercedes Benz Swim show in Miami in the next few years. Eventually, the goal is to open my own store.
How do you kick back? One of my favorite things to do is go for a run along the Back Bay with my dog London. I do so much driving (100 miles a day!) that it’s nice to be out of the car. I love going to Laguna Beach with friends. Gulfstream, and drinks at The Cannery are always great.
Where do you burn up your plastic locally? I love Westerly in Corona Del Mar and Laurenly Boutique in Orange. Free People also opened a store in South Coast Plaza which I’m really excited about.
Where can we find your suits locally? You can find them at Diane’s, Westerly, American Rag, and Hobie.
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Women’s and Men’s high end Boutique
Photo courtesy of Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios
31271 Niguel Rd. #F | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-481-5577
Store Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm Sunday by appointment only facebook.com/DNACouture01 twitter@DNACouture01
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Photography by Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios
Styled by Nicole Hanriot
Hair & Makeup by Leah Zaby and Danielle Wigger
All Hats provided by The Hat Box, Inc.
From left to right: provided by: Sasha Boutique, Laguna Beach, shopsasha.com; Laurenly Boutique, Orange, laurenly.net; Crush Clothing, Costa Mesa & Balboa Island, crushclothing.us; The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; Laurenly Boutique, Orange, laurenly.net
550 South Coast Highway, Suite 3 | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | thehatbox.com
All Jewelry Provided by Altin Place 377 East Coast Highway | Newport Beach, CA 92660 | altinplace.com
All Sunglasses Provided by Alexander Gray 3313 Hyland Avenue, Suite C | Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | alexandergrayoc.com
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From left to right: Westerly Boutique, Corona del Mar, facebook.com/westerlycdm; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Crush Clothing, Costa Mesa & Balboa Island, crushclothing.us; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Pretty in Pink, Costa Mesa, weareprettyinpink.com; The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com
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From left to right: The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Laurenly Boutique, Orange, laurenly.net; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com
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From left to right: Hey Gorgeous Boutique, Costa Mesa, facebook.com/hey.gorgeous.boutique; Sasha Boutique, Laguna Beach, shopsasha.com; Hey Gorgeous Boutique, Costa Mesa, facebook.com/hey.gorgeous.boutique; 5 Seas, Balboa Island, facebook.com/5seas
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From left to right: Laurenly Boutique, Orange, laurenly.net; V. Holland, Costa Mesa, VHolland.net; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com
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From left to right: Westerly Boutique, Corona del Mar, facebook.com/westerlycdm; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com, Laurenly Boutique, Orange, Laurenly.net; GARYS, Newport Beach, garysonline.com
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From left to right: The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; DNA Couture, Laguna Niguel, Facebook.com/DNACouture01
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From left to right: GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Laurenly Boutique, Orange, Laurenly.net; The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; Westerly Boutique, Corona del Mar, facebook.com/westerlycdm
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From left to right: The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Pretty in Pink, Costa Mesa, weareprettyinpink.com
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From left to right: The Hidden Jewel, Costa Mesa, hiddenjewelca.com; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; DNA Couture, Laguna Niguel, Facebook.com/DNACouture01; Laurenly Boutique, Orange, laurenly.net; GARYS, Newport Beach, Garysonline.com; Crush Clothing, Costa Mesa & Balboa Island, crushclothing.us
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photography by Ralph Palumbo
“We’re gonna get married!” I’m standing watch over a warm, sun-bathed Pacific Ocean. It’s about noon at Doheney State Beach and a proposal is already going down beside me while an amphibious landing unfolds before me. A fleet of kayaks, canoes, outriggers, and
stand up paddle boards are storming the beach, manned by laughing and cheering kids. Next to me, the wedding plans continue to be laid out by an unlikely suitor. “I’m gonna get her a ring,” says the bachelor. He’s dressed in a helmet, life vest, and wet suit, and he’s drenching wet. Oh yeah, and he’s about eight years old. The poised little boy continues on, with his chest puffed up, and his eyes and smile beaming confidently. “Five kids! Big family. I’m gonna be a big daddy!” His name is Ro, short for Rodriquez.
Ro is an adorable special needs kid, just one of the many that are crewing the fleet of watercraft today with the help of the Best Day Foundation. As Ro sweetly divines his future with fellow Best Day participant Lilli (he’s just met her today – obviously a case of love at first sight), Best Day “buddies,” volunteers and families stand by giggling at the hilarious and precious scene, a moment that Norman Rockwell couldn’t have painted better. This is a moment in the span of a Best Day. Exactly as its name implies,
by Jennifer Hood
today at Doheney State Beach a group of over 120 volunteers with the non-profit organization are giving 40 special needs kids the opportunity to try things they never thought possible, and conquer the waters in a fun-filled atmosphere that leads many of the kids to say, “this was the best day ever!” One little boy even prepared a list of things to accomplish during the Best Day event: Collect 100 sea shells, see a dolphin (which he did while in the outrigger), get buried in the sand, and go boogie boarding were among his itemized plans. As
the day progressed, he carried his list with him and added things to the list that he hadn’t imagined, but Best Day had imagined and realized for him. The brain-child (or maybe more suitably, the heart-child) of Max Montgomery and Brooks Lambert of Santa Cruz, Best Day Foundation gives special needs children the opportunity to forget their “special needs” and just be a kid. Through participation in exciting activities like surfing, kayaking, and snowboarding, these kids are able
to push their limits and fulfill their adolescent craving for adventure, all while getting an infusion of self-esteem. Each participating special needs child is paired with their own buddy, or buddy team. Buddies act as personal assistants, guides, friends, and cheerleaders. Once teamed up, the kids and their buddies head down for the inaugural activity of any Best Day event: the almighty obstacle course. Max Montgomery is cheering on the kids eagerly from the sideline of the course. “I’ve already been
through,” he says, motioning to the trench maze that is now crawling with screaming and giggling kids, a kind of human ant farm. Max is a mixture between a proud father and an eternal child. Imagine all the hope and wholesome goodness of Opie, mixed with the wisdom and kind leadership of Andy. We’re talking The Andy Griffith Show here if you’re lost.
obstacle course. Caleb is clapping too, and the glory of sweet success is palpable. “The obstacle course really relieves the stress of being at an event, meeting a lot of new people, and trying new things,” continues Max. “Once they accomplish this, they have more confidence to try the other main events.”
“The obstacle course is a great icebreaker – Go Caleb!” Max cheers on Caleb, a teen with Down Syndrome, as he completes his run through the
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Caleb is going into the obstacle course for his second round. He’s gotten a taste of triumph, and he wants more. “Some kids do the obstacle course all day,” smiles Max. You’d never know that he and Brooks had spent all day Friday driving an equipment trailer from Santa Cruz, their hometown, to Orange County. Since the OC chapter doesn’t yet have its own equipment, the Ride a Wave foundation (RAW), a similar foundation based out of Santa Cruz, donated their equipment to Best Day. RAW’s support for Best Day is more like kinship. Montgomery and Brooks, both former volunteers and board members of RAW, actually started Best Day as a kind of nationwide version of RAW.
“I’m forever grateful to Danny Cortazzo for creating Ride a Wave (RAW) in my hometown of Santa Cruz,” says Montgomery. “It’s the program that’s been Best Day’s inspiration and model. 10 years ago, by chance, I saw children with special needs surfing with RAW... The joy I saw on the children’s face was indescribable. Based on the powerful impact I saw at my first RAW event, I felt the program needed to be brought to other communities. Brooks Lambert, a fellow RAW volunteer and board member, shared my vision of expansion. Since RAW felt unable to take on the task of growing outside of Santa Cruz, we created Best Day. RAW has loaned us its equipment trailer for all our OC and Ventura events. We also engage a number of skilled RAW volunteers in helping teach local crews how to safely help special children surf, bodyboard, and such.”
Best Day events usually include surfing activities as well. Kevin Carter, a volunteer who has also become a key player in the OC Best Day Chapter, recalls the surfing event last November at the first OC Best Day event. “Helping a child with special needs experience the thrill of riding their first wave is as exciting as when I rode my first wave over 30 years ago.” The first OC event, which Kevin refers to, was a huge success as evidenced by the wave of signups for the second event. Within hours of opening registration, the second Best Day OC event filled up, and the waiting list quickly grew to 64 children a few hours later. In its four years of existence, Best Day has expanded from its first chapter in New Jersey, to a chapter in Ventura, and most recently a chapter in Orange County. And the organization already has worldwide
“When I saw my photos from the first Best Day event after I uploaded them at home, I started crying,” Robert Ochoa admits laughing. Robert is a pet photographer from Rancho Cucamongo. He’s here today donating his photography skills to the event. How did
Best Day has been more than just a fun time. I watch Brooks Lambert on the other side of the course, he’s laughing and cracking jokes with the kids and volunteers. Lambert and Montgomery are quite a pair: completely mellow, laid back people, just full of heart and personality. Although the children can’t surf today because of water conditions,
interest for additional chapters in a handful of countries. “Build it and they will come,” says Montgomery. “Give people an opportunity to share their passion, and they will.” One such passionate person is Thomas Maximus, a competitive stand up paddle (SUP) racer. He’s volunteered his time today to give these kids a taste of a sport he loves. “I participated with the first OC Best Day event,” says Maximus. “The kids loved it. Seeing the smiles on their faces was so great.” The water-sport inclined and veteran volunteers aren’t the only ones sharing their passion today. Jason Smith, a friend of Maximus, says, “I had never done any kind of special education work before. And
“Give people an opportunity to share their passion, and they will.” 131
I don’t even SUP. But I’m helping special needs kids SUP today! I’ll just be helping load them onto the board and keep them steady. When I volunteered for the first Best Day event, I came back feeling...” he trails off, looking for a word to describe it. He can’t find one. “... Not a typical Sunday,” he finally concludes, unable to articulate the feeling of the experience. There’s a lot of that as I talk to volunteers and parents: a sort of inexplicable emotion, overwhelming joy, even a sense of humility in being able to bring simple happiness to such brave kids.
summer lovin’ 2011
Robert find out about Best Day? A little doggie told him. Literally. Ricochet, the surfing dog, attended the last OC Best Day event. Ricochet has a Facebook with over 20,000 friends. Word got out. Today, Ricochet is causing quite a stir with the kids, and she hasn’t even carved a wave yet. Annie Barnes, a young girl with cerebral palsy, doesn’t let limited movement or her wheelchair keep her from petting the friendly golden retriever. Annie’s mouth is agape with the broadest, most brilliant smile I’ve ever seen. She is happiness personified. “It’s been hard to go to the beach because of her wheelchair,” says Annie’s mom, Terre Hradnansky. “But this makes it so easy. It’s all set up for us. We’ve got to get one of these sand chairs!” she says, gesturing to the dune buggy/wheelchair hybrids that are roving all over Doheney. A trail of dust is all you can see behind the dune chair that Michael Morrison is propelling. Michael’s buddy – who’s name I couldn’t catch because I couldn’t catch up – was all excited screams and laughter as Michael pushed him on a rickshaw-style roller-coaster ride. A senior in high school from Irvine, California, Michael thought he would be of help at the event since he is studying sign language in school. Sadly, his sign language skills were more rusty than he had expected. Luckily, when it comes to kids, communicative barriers can be bridged by speed, adventure, and fun. Michael is proving that he is capable of conjuring all three. The outriggers, SUPs, kayaks, and canoes are coming back to shore to pick up the next batch of hyped-out and generally stoked kids. Crews of water trained volunteers and medics supervise and assist the kids so that the fun continues without a hitch or harm. The shy nervousness that was present at the beginning of the day has completely vanished. The
excitement and fun of just playing in the ocean (we all remember the thrill of being chased by the tide as kids) has completely won out over any uncertainty these kids had this morning. Now, they are laughing, making friends, and creating bonds that they will remember for the rest of their lives (as attested to by many parents who have heard nothing but “Best Day” from their kids since the last event!). Mike Skelly from Hobie has attended both days of the OC Best Day event, along with 10 SUP boards and paddles on loan from Hobie. It is generous contributions like this from local businesses and individuals that really make the difference, especially in the formative months of a new chapter. “One of our goals for 2011 is acquiring our own boxtruck of equipment,” says Max Montgomery. “We’ve got special support from Quicksilver and Gath in acquiring some of the safety equipment, namely wetsuits, PFDs, and helmets, but are a ways off from our goal of having tandem boards, rescue boards, the box truck, and such.” Rich Railton, a key figure in the behind the scenes mechanics and paperwork of the OC Best Day chapter, is working with Max to make this happen. “Max and I are working together to find local businesses that are willing to sponsor the events by providing surf equipment, safety equipment, food for events, or grab bag giveaways for the children to take home,” says Railton. “The support and excitement from the local community has been overwhelming,” he continues. It’s not hard to convince people to give of their resources when the results are this exciting!” Says Railton. “An adult volunteer at the last event told me that they had just as much fun as the kids we run the event for!”
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Best Day has been more than just a fun time. For some, it has felt like a touch of fate. Ali Dunbar is the Southern California Best Day Chapter Events Coordinator. “For about nine years now I have had a dream of creating a surf camp for kids with special needs,” she says. “And I feel like Best Day just kind of landed in my lap. It brings both of my passions together.” When I ask her about the future of Best Day’s OC chapter and how she hopes to see it grow, she addresses the same obstacle that most of the other leaders in the OC chapter have mentioned: funding. “I think that is the hardest part,” she says. “The economy is tough, but it’s amazing to see that people will still donate their time! I think the event this week was a huge success! Hopefully now we will be a bit more known in the community and fundraising will come easier.” Funding and donations are what keep Best Day events completely free for participating kids. After lunch and an hour or so more of kids running between the volleyball courts and the kayaks, the day is reaching its close. Volunteers prepare for the crowning moment of a Best Day event: the awards ceremony. The volunteers, buddies, and families form a formidable victory tunnel of cheering and waving hands, and each child is invited to march down the triumphant runway. At the end of the stretch awaits a medal of honor and a goody bag full of prizes. At yesterday’s ceremony, one of the children asked if his volunteer buddy’s phone number was in the basket. He looked over at her, wearing her orange sunglasses, and smoothly said, “Hey Orange, how about it?” These kinds when childlike
of moments, innocence met
mimicked maturity, were what I enjoyed most about the day. The uninhibited humor and excitement of these kids was so honest and unguarded. They were just having pure, unadulterated fun. It’s that free spirit, augmented by adventure, that makes Best Day work. Whether it’s the boy with Down Syndrome learning to stand up on a surfboard for the first time in his life, the father watching on as his daughter gets to leave her wheelchair to see the world from the seat of an outrigger, or the volunteer who makes a connection with a special needs child in a way they feared they could not – Best Day summons courage and heart through the unlikely medium of fun. As I observed the day – smiling families and watchful volunteers looking on with proud but emotional joy, excited kids running through the obstacle course and on into the line for the outrigger – I realized that this event was not just to show these kids how much they could accomplish despite their adversity. This event, albeit unintentionally, was for us. These kids were teaching us a lesson too. The children of Best Day are living examples of hope in spite of obstacles. With more reason than most of us to be discouraged and frustrated, they were nevertheless drinking life up without hesitation or inhibitions, relishing in the joys of the moment, and not letting their personal hardships hold them down. We all watched, humbled, and reminded through the naïve happiness of children, that even when things haven’t turned out as we planned, we too can face the world with a smile if nothing else, and find reason for hope and gratitude in even the smallest of joys.
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The Ultimate Romantic Getaway
Treat yourself or someone special to a night at Doryman’s Oceanfront Inn. Relax, unwind and feel like you are a world away...
Overnight Dinner Package $349 Package incluDes: One night stay in an oceanfront room Bottle of champagne upon arrival $120 Gift Certificate good towards dinner at 21 Oceanfront Continental breakfast for two Overnight parking GIFT CERTIFICATE MUST BE USED THE NIGHT OF STAY • VALID APRIL 1ST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH 2011 PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE TAX OR GRATUITY • RATES ARE BASED ON AVAILABILITY • PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE • CALL FOR BLACKOUT DATES 135
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summer lovin’ 2011 2102 WEST OCEANFRONT, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663 • 949.675.7300 • WWW.DORYMANSINN.COM
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s the slow, chilly and overcast days of spring give way to the sparkling, long, and warm days of summer, something is always triggering in my sub-conscious to run. Maybe it stems from decades of schooling in which all of life's possibilities pivot on that last day, running out the doors to freedom. Maybe it's genetic and I am descended from a long line of ancient wanderers. Whatever the cause, it always leads me to the same things: packed bags, open roads, and cocktails at the end of almost every adventure. I had contemplated traveling earlier this year, when I realized that my job/responsibilities were going to keep my summertime lover (travel) and I apart this year. Summer started creeping up around the edges of my calendar, and the jasmine blooming outside my window wouldn't let me forget that time was rushing forward. I realized early one morning that simply "not" traveling was not an option. In desperate need of a solution, I sat on the floor thumbing through old photographs of times spent on the sunny North shore of Oahu, and that's when inspiration struck. I already live in paradise! I could re-create this stellar vacation I was craving right here at home. The island lifestyle became my constant motivation for mapping out perfect summertime escapades. There is something so special about the state of mind you can slip into on an island, something unique about the slow rolling passage of time that allows you to breathe deeply and gain a new and quiet perspective on life. I decided that I not only wanted, but was in need of a vacation, and made up my mind that I would visit Hawaii without ever setting foot on a plane. I enlisted the help of my sister Jenavieve (camera in tow) and my friend Nino “Neens” Camilo (who served as my aloha “Sherpa”). With the help of his handy Musubi Map (ilovemusubi.com), Neens led my sister on what I can only describe as an amazing adventure. Neens became my instructor in the art of chill, advising me to sit back, relax, and just “cruise.” After discovering my own piece of the islands here in Orange County, I plan on doing exactly that all summer long.
by Erin Rose Belair photography by Jenavieve Belair
Shoots [sh-OO-ts] (-verb): to disregard, and throw caution to the wind, like saying ‘why not?’ Ex: “Shoots, let’s do this.” The first leg of this journey started early on a Tuesday morning. I was still tethered to my cell phone and email, constantly checking to be sure I was on time for my paddleboard lesson as I sped down PCH. The first step would be to let go of my busy bee energy and surrender myself to the flow of time. Was this possible while standing on a paddle board in the middle of the Pacific? We would see. Josh, my dashing instructor, works at The Stand Up Paddle Company in Laguna Beach. He was there to guide me on my first attempt at open ocean stand up paddling. He assured me that once I had paddled through the breaking surf I would find calm waters and clarity waiting for me. I stood on the shore staring down at what must have been ice water and thought, “Well this isn’t Hawaii, but ‘shoots’ let’s do this.” The sun was burning through the morning clouds, making the water shimmer and dance. I stood up on my board and in complete silence took a deep breath. My stress instantly dissipated as I was enveloped with a sense of peace. I found out for the first time that morning why so many people take to the water every single day. I laughed, realizing how odd it is that someone that lives one mile from the water had never experienced this bliss. Peace, quiet, serenity, and the magical element of water surrounded me. With every paddle stroke I moved closer to Hawaii. Josh and Jenavieve joined me out on the water, and we paddled down the coast with the summer sun toasting our shoulders. Josh taught us how to maneuver and gain speed with every stroke, and I learned quickly that this is not only a relaxing exercise for my mind but a killer workout for my body. It takes leg and core strength to stabilize and stand on the board, and then upper body strength to get moving across the water. It’s an all-inclusive package for a healthier and happier life. It was only the beginning of this journey but I knew I had found something that could transport me into my vacation state of mind. Stand Up Paddle Company Laguna Beach Supcompany.com, (949) 715-4530 1099 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
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Grindz [gr-I-nd-zz] (-noun): Good Food. Ex: “Let’s get some grindz.” After a gnarly paddle sesh that included getting dumped in the ocean by a wave, I had worked up quite the appetite. As I sat In Neens’ car, all sandy and sun soaked, he turned to me and said, “Let’s get some grindz.” Huh? I had a lot to learn. Cruisin down PCH with wind in my hair and some Hawaiian music pumping through the car. I sunk down a bit, put my arm out the window, and smiled. We drove to a small spot called Stacks Pancake House. Their Hawaiianinspired menu in turn inspired my now firing gut. The menu featured island classics like spam, loco moco, and Portuguese sausage, but I wasn’t interested in those. I had my eyes on something else entirely: a banana macadamia nut pancake. Had the Hawaiian gods come down and created this dish especially for me? I think so. I could hardly read the rest of the menu I was so excited, but I found that to my delight there were several other items bearing the same delicious features: macadamia nut French toast, macadamia pancakes, and peanut butter Captain Crunch French toast. I had it in my mind to order one of everything but Jenavieve quickly reminded me that my eyes tend to be a lot larger than my stomach, so I went with my first choice. Time to carbo load, island style. We sat outside on the patio sipping coffee as the sun climbed in the sky. This was exactly what I was looking for, a chill meal with no cell phones blowing up the table and no one rushing out the door. There was time to enjoy my food and actually taste what I was eating, which by the way, was ridiculously delicious. Although Dana Point is only a breezy drive from my spot in Costa Mesa, I felt like I was worlds away. Sometimes just stepping out of our daily stomping ground can provide a whole new world and that little bit of perspective we seek.. With tired arms and a full belly, Neens smiled at me and said he had one more surprise for the day. Stacks Pancake House (949) 429-2222 www.stackspancakehouse.com 34255 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point
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Da Kine [da-k-I-ne] (-noun): the thing being refered to, you just know. Ex: Clark’s work is definitely, DA KINE! Our next stop on this sunny So Cal day was a feast for the eyes at the Clark Little Gallery. Neens runs this quaint spot tucked off the side of PCH for Clark Little, who lives in Hawaii and visits here four times a year. The open and airy space lets beautiful natural light in through its large windows, making every print glow. You can taste the salty ocean breeze while checking out the newest pieces. Clark’s da kine is some of the most breathtaking photography I have ever seen, capturing the ocean in its fiercest moments and most natural spirit. His work is titled, “The shore break art of Clark Little,” because he snaps his shots at the very crucial moment right before epic waves break into oblivion against the shore. These magical shots are taken mostly in Hawaii, with a few here in California, and are sold all around the world. Every shot is authentic, with only slight color enhancement, and nothing is super imposed. Little’s work has been featured in National Geographic and he was given 2010 Oceans Photography Award by Nature’s Best Photography: Windland Smith Rice International Awards. His award winning photographs are featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History through September 2011. Inside his gallery, I felt instantly transported to the sandy shores of Hawaii. I could spend hours getting lost in every single one of his prints. Who knows, maybe someday one will adorn my living room wall. Clark’s work is definitely DA KINE! Clark Little Gallery (949) 715-6897, clarklittlephotography.com 550 South Coast Hwy, Unit 4, Laguna Beach
Ukulele [oo-koo-leh-leh] (-noun): a small guitar like instrument. Ex: I tried my best to play the ukulele. Ukulele isn’t a slang pidgin term but I find the word itself to be so beautiful that I wanted to share its root meaning. If you break down the word, uku means flea, and lele means jumping. So essentially, the translation is jumping flea, which is funny because the sound and plucking nature of the instrument evokes a similar sentiment. I thought it would be very Hawaiian of me to try my fingers at the uke. I figured if I could learn to play, then I could bring island sounds to my living room any day of the week. I went to Island Bazar in Huntington Beach on a warm afternoon to browse their endless uke selection and to my delight, I found out they also give lessons. It didn’t take me long to realize that while music may not be my forte, I really did love the sound of the uke, and so lessons would be much needed. Classes meet in their shop once a week for three hours and are taught in six week intervals, giving students the chance to advance to the next level in a progressive style. I was in absolute wonderment as I wandered around the shopchecking out all the different uke’s. I love their small size and all the different wood finishes. My favorite was a white washed little number that was begging to be taken home with me. I promised it that after my first session of lessons and a few chords mastered, it would be my first purchase. I left the shop that day on clould nine, with the sounds of the uke plucking in my ears and a new goal set. Island Bazar (714) 843-9350 16582 Gothard Street, Suite R, Huntington Beach
Choke [ch-O-k] (-noun) a lot of something, plenty of. Ex: She had choke leis. It was the same afternoon that I fell in love with the ukulele that I met Ardel Vandenber of Simply Exotic Florals and Leis. She is a lovely woman with a bright energy and has been making leis for over fifteen years. She was fresh off the plane from Hawaii, and had choke leis with her to show me. I felt so lovely in every single one of them, my favorite being the Haku lei, which is worn around the head. Every one of Ardel’s leis are made fresh to order, and all of her flowers are flown in from the islands. I wanted to wear them all home with me, and then around town all day, they were so pretty. She told me that on Friday and Saturday nights you can catch her at Duke’s in Huntington Beach selling leis on the spot, but aside from that every order must be placed in advance. You can create your own style on her website, there is an array of designs to choose from that fit every occasion. Ardel usually meets her clients at the Island Bazar, but for larger orders delivery is available. The best way to place your order is to visit simplyexoticfloralsandleis.com. Wearing Ardel’s leis instantly brought me back to the long walks I would take in Hawaii. It seemed like everywhere I looked, there were incredible colors and flowers I had never seen. So much beauty that it is almost impossible to take it all in. I was wearing a little slice of heaven around my neck. Simply Exotic Florals and Leis Simplyexoticfloralsandleis.com (714) 0964-7027
Onolicious [O-n-O-lish-ous] (-adj.): delicious, tasty. Ex: The most onolicious night of my life. I felt like I was at a real life luau at the I LOVE POKE festival, carrying Hula Girls shaved ice and drinking Noh Foods Hawaiian ice tea, all while following Jenavieve as she filmed the festivities. The place was crowded with big smiles, tons of friends, and a bit of a competitive buzz in the air. Put together by Neens, this festival showcases the best of the best poke from participating Orange County restaurants. I attended the event in Sunset Beach on April 12th at Don the Beachcomber, and there was another event held a few weeks later in San Diego. This was one of the most onolicious nights of my life, with sixteen restaurants vying for the number one spot; every one putting their best fish forward. My top three personal favorites went something like this: House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer for their Hamachi poke with avocado and honey wasabi, Stadium Brewing Co. was so “onolicious” that I went back twice for their ahi poke with habanero, and for most original I fell in love with Tabu Grill and their Big Eye Tuna with mango, avocado, mint, celery, cucumber, soy ginger essence, and Yuzu sorbet. Then they had a vegan version without fish, instead adding strawberry and blueberry. I love seafood so I was in complete heaven as I devoured countless bite-sized morsels of the freshest fish I have had since my time on the islands. Everything was truly incredible; I even accidently tried Spam, and liked it!! Another great discovery I made was Li Hing powder that had been sprinkled over fresh mangos, pineapples, and watermelon. As if fresh fruit couldn’t get any better, it just got a new outfit. Leaving that night I felt I had gotten a good taste of a Hawaiian night out, and as Jenavieve drove us back home down PCH with the moon high over the calm Pacific, I was exactly where I wanted to be. I Love Poke Festival Ilovepoke.com
Haole [how-lee] (-noun): Caucasian; Also: Non-aloha style. Ex: I am a total haole. I won’t lie to you, Marukai Market was one of the more interesting experiences that I had on this adventure, but wonderful nonetheless. Neens met us at the market on Harbor Boulevard in Costa Mesa to lead us through a grocery shopping sesh, Hawaiian style. I wanted to pretend I was a bit of a local and see what I would shop for if I really were on the islands. Funny thing is I’m not a local. I am a total haole and this became very apparent as I wandered around the store. The market is a Asian and Hawaiian so you can find “choke” snacks that you won’t find at your regular grocery store. Jenavieve and I really had no idea what we were looking for, so Neens pointed out all the items that would be our instant favorites and staples if we were in Hawaii. For starters we had to get Portuguese sausage and Spam, and I don’t know what Spam really is, but he said some questions are better left unasked. We also got Aloha Shoyu soy sauce and several packages of NOH foods seasoning packets that make delicious dishes with everything from fruits to meats and fish. NOH also has a few desserts and my personal favorite is the coconut pudding called “haupia.” The two items that I think I’ll be going back for on a regular basis was the Hawaiian Sun drinks and Li Hing powder. Li Hing powder has this distinct sweet, salty, and sour taste and is “onolicious” over fresh fruits. I first had this treat at the I LOVE POKE festival and was instantly hooked. I was so into this adventure because I didn’t know what half the things were in the store, but that’s the fun of going on vacation, encountering and trying new things, and never saying no! So head on over to Marukai and take your taste buds on an adventure, try a few new things, and you may just find a little more aloha in your kitchen. Marukai Market (714)751-8433, marukai.com 2975 HARBOR BLVD., COSTA MESA
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CAMP OC weeks of 10
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Ages 3-13 boys & girls Full and half day camps to fit any schedule! Flexible 5 and 10 day passes available! Weekly camp sessions available June through August.
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385-B Clinton Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
All Bus [ aw-ll b-u-ss] (-verb) to get drunk, faded. Ex: I got all bus.
All Pau [aa-ll p-a-u] (-verb): all done, finished. Ex: All Pau!
Of all the places we went and all the fun we had, the closest I felt to being back on the islands was the afternoon I spent at Hapa J’s in San Clemente. A warm island welcome had me feeling instantly among friends. The bright open space is filled with colorful purple rafters, gorgeous red lights designed to look like lotus’s hanging from the ceiling, and big fans. The ocean breeze coming up the hill and through my hair had me feeling I’d just relocated. It was early afternoon and we sat down in a corner booth with owner Justin Shea and Chef Aaron Lee. Together, they’d dreamed up Hapa J’s while working for a major hotel on Oahu. They wanted to create a midway point between a local plate lunch spot and high end tourist places: “You can bring the ladies to get butter fish or the boys for Kalua pig nachos, and everyone feels comfortable.” While telling me the wonderful story of how their establishment came together, they treated me to their incredible poke trio and a “Southside bowl,” a healthy version of the traditional plate lunch that consists of brown rice, tofu, and veggies. Needless to say, I was impressed. In addition to great eats, they also have some killer signature cocktails, and I got “all bus” during this sample session. My top two favorites were the Li Hing Mui Margarita made with the delicious Li Hing powder, and the Robinson Island pineapple martini made with all Hawaiian ingredients. Hapa J’s has been open for two years and they are doing a brisk business thus far. Early in the week, they serve a more laid back plate lunch type menu and as the weekend approaches, you can find more high-end Hawaiian fusion dishes on their menu. Tuesday nights are packed as folks come from far and wide for their Hawaiian inspired Taco Tuesday that features fresh tortillas made on the spot, with Hawaiian meats and veggies stuffed inside. If you are in the area cruise on by any day of the week to get your fill, and if you aren’t nearby, then make the worthwhile drive. Mahalo guys!
All good things eventually come to an end. I think that is one of the magical truths of all vacations. They are a selected piece of time that exists entirely out of time with the rest of your life. It is also the knowing that reality waits for you at the end that makes it so special. It forces us to seize every day in a way that we wish to do in our daily lives. We pack every moment with delicious foods and drinks, spend the afternoons creating new adventures and trying new things, and we ring in the evening with parties and friends. Vacation symbolizes life at its very finest. Weren’t some of your best memories made while traveling? To celebrate these notions and all the wonderful Hawaiian experiences I enjoyed in Orange County, we went to the Rooftop Lounge in Laguna Beach to watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. As the colors began to change in the sky and the ever watchful sun began dipping behind the horizon, I sat nibbling on some poke and laughing with Neens and Jenavieve. I realized that I found exactly what I had been looking for. I’d found my happy place in all the adventures I had experienced and in all the delicious moments that I’d savored. While I will always love to travel, I think I have found myself a skill set to cope with the times that getting away is just not an option. A vacation doesn’t have to translate to a break from your life, sometimes it’s just a new state of mind. For now this is ALL PAU! Rooftop Lounge Laguna Beach (949) 497-2446 Rooftoplagunabeach.com 1289 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
Hapa J’s (949) 276-6657 2016 South El Camino Real, San Clemente
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3930 S. Bristol Street Suite 204, Santa Ana, CA 92704 • 714.549.1493 • JaclynsBridal.com across from the South Coast Plaza
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Say “hi” to Taryn in her cute little boutique/house Taryn Michelle on PCH where she carries beauty casual yet luxurious finds.
Make a reservation that coincides with the sunset and take advantage of epic views at Clae’s inside Hotel Laguna.
1500 S. Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach | (949) 354-3735
425 South Coast Highway | Laguna Beach (949) 376-9283 | www.claesrestaurant.com
Are your kids breaking stuff around the house? Sign them up for Karate at Z-Ultimate in Costa Mesa and they will let them break some boards.
Take the kids to the Discovery Science Center. You might enjoy it as much as they do. Make sure to try the SHAKE SHACK. It replicates earthquakes.
170 E. 17th St. Ste. #117 | Costa Mesa | (949) 650-8636
2500 North Main Street | Santa Ana (714) 542-2823 | www.discoverycube.org
Take a class at Enerji Fitness in Tustin where their goal is to have fun.
Participate in art. Sign up to be a fill in for possible noshows at the Pageant of the Master’s in Laguna Beach.
13011 Newport Avenue | Tustin (714) 368-7655 | www.enerjiefitness.com
Start your week with coffee. Grab something Indonesian from the experts at Portola Coffee Lab inside the OC Mart Mix at SOCO. 3313 Hyland | Costa Mesa
Take a zen approach to the coming week with the Music Flow Yoga class at Villa Pilates & Yoga.
Watch a movie at the Lido Theatre. Sit in the balcony and make sure to try some Tapatio on your popcorn.
Buy a pair of Rainbow sandals from the outlet store in San Clemente. They may be your last :-)
Leave work early for happy hour at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Order a Moscow Mule in a brass cup.
501 31st St | Newport Beach | (949) 673-6800 www.villapilatesandyoga.com
3459 Via Lido | Newport Beach | (949) 673-8350 www.regencymovies.com
326 Calle de los Molinos | San Clemente www.rainbowsandals.com
227 N Broadway | Santa Ana | (714) 352-2225 www.chapteronetml.com
Big BBQ plans? Head to the Beef Palace Butcher Shop in HB where the staff is awesome and they almost always give you a free surprise to unwrap when you get home.
650 Laguna Canyon Road | Laguna Beach (949) 494-3663 | www.foapom.com/site/volunteer.asp
Make a reservation at The Hobbit. Be sure to visit their spectacular cellar. 2932 East Chapman Avenue | Orange (714) 997-1972 | www.hobbitrestaurant.com
Newport Beach
Visit Downtown HB for their Surf City Nights then grab a Double Bomburger. 200 Main St | Huntington Beach (714) 969-2662 | www.joinbomburger.com
Take a run. The Nike Run Club meets at the Nike Store inside Crystal Court at South Coast Plaza at 6pm on Tuesdays. Nike Store Run Club | Tuesdays at 6pm | south Coast Plaza 3333 Bear Street | Costa Mesa | (714) 436-0203
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Order a Habanero Burger and Basil Lemonade at Mick’s Karma Bar. 2010 Main St | Ste 165 | Irvine (949) 851-6316 | www.mickskarmabar.com
In the mood for awesome Italian? Visit Cucina Alessa in Newport or HB but make sure to order CONCHIGLIE GAMBERI E ASPARAGI.
Order a Horchata smoothie at Amorelia Mexican Cafe in Costa Mesa.
110 Mcfadden Pl | Newport Beach (949) 723-4105 | www.solgrill.com
Visit True Food For Dogs for “Yappy Hour” on the third Thursday of every month. Treats for you and your pooch. 500 Coast Highway | Newport Beach (949) 722-3647 | www.truefoodfordogs.com
You want to something that truly stands out for your big date? Visit Lindsay at Westerly. Your date will gasp.
Visit Culinary Sound night at Zimzala at The Shorebreak in HB. LOCALE is a proud sponsor of this DJ/Foodie/Pop up shop experience.
Put on your skinny jeans, grow out that stache and order a 32oz High Life served in a brown bag at hipster bar Avalon in Newps.
500 Pacific Coast Hwy | Huntington Beach (714) 960-5050 | restaurantzimzala.com
820 W 19th St | Costa Mesa | (949) 515-4650
Wine, food and art. A perfect way to start your Thursday evening. The Laguna Beach Art Walk commences on the first Thursday of every month.
Make a proper bonfire on the beach in Huntington. Check our list in the Super Summer Mixtape.
307 Cliff Drive | Laguna Beach (949) 683-6871 | www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com
Treat yourself to an island style shaved ice at Sticky Fingers in Irvine. You deserve it.
Make 100% sure to catch at least one sunset from the panoramic porch of The Cliff Restaurant in Laguna Beach.
4612 Barranca Pkwy | Irvine | (949) 651-1137
2908 E Coast Hwy | Corona Del Mar | (949) 313-7111
Curl your lip and get a Graceland styled dessert at Super Smoothe in Seal Beach. Order the Fried PB&J: Peanut butter, strawberry
577 South Coast Highway | Laguna Beach (949) 494-1956 | www.thecliffrestaurant.com
Eat something deep fat fried. Oreo, bacon or butter (ewww!) Visit the Orange County Fair.
Drive to San Clemente and walk the entire Avenida Del Mar. Instant vacay.
Lounge be the pool in a cabana at The Sports Club/ LA (Irvine)
Balboa Island is more than Balboa Bars. There are cute shops (Crush, Just Basics, Magnolia Charlie, Candace Paige & 5 Seas) and tons of hangouts (Village Inn & Basilic).
jelly and marshmallow fluff on brioche, deep-fried with a panko crumb crust. 320 Main Street | Seal Beach (562) 799-6246 | www.320mainsealbeach.com
5895 Warner Ave | Huntington Beach | (714) 846-0044
Visit The Wedge and watch the big waves but make sure to take the ferry.
Wednesday is date night. Take your date to super romantic SOL Grill for a glass of sangria.
Have a Billy’s Beach Burger and crushed ice Mai tai. 2751 W Coast Hwy | Newport Beach | (949) 722-1100
Get up, stand up. Take a paddle around the Newport Harbor with Tim at Pirate Paddle. (949) 351-5092 | www.piratecoastpc.com
1980 Main St | Irvine (949) 975-8400 | www.thesportsclubla.com
200 Harbor Blvd | Ste C110 | Costa Mesa | (949) 646-1422
6700 W Coast Hwy | Newport Beach | (949) 645-2148 www.cucinaalessa.com
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Day 1: Explore Getting on board the 110,000-ton, 3,260-passenger Carnival Valor was quick and painless. I noticed right away the decor centered on a “hero” theme that ties together everything from the “Bronx” sports bar to the “One Small Step Disco” (a tribute to Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon). After taking a tour, I was sure my ADD would stay in check. It was like the Twelve Days of Christmas. There was always something for this ship to give you. 22 bars and lounges, 300 slot machines, two dozen gaming tables, four swimming pools, eight hot tubs, 214 foot long water slide, a Vegas styled theatre called Ivanhoe... five golden rings.
story & photography by Jennifer McLaughlin
What had my girls in such an uproar this morning? I had already gotten three calls, two texts, and so many Facebook updates on my phone that I was about to chuck it out the window. Day drinking, laying out, and dancing all night sounded great, but they also sounded like my typical Sunday fun day. A cruise? That’s what this is all about? I always thought cruising would be something akin to seven days in Laughlin on sea legs. I had just about given up on the idea when I read the last post and was turned completely around. Girls’ trip. Now you have my attention. I love vacationing with my other half (Hi, babe… now, earmuffs) but there’s something rejuvenating about traveling with the girls. The necessity to get pampered, sip martinis, go shopping, sip martinis, lay out, and sip martinis (did I say that already) without a drop of testosterone in sight. It strengthens our friendship bonds, darkens our tans and most importantly strips away the stress from 10 hour days and six day weeks. Last year, my friends and I hopped on a plane and headed to Costa Rica splurging 149
on volcanic ash facials while enjoying the vast amounts of adventurous activities of the rain forest. It was agreed. I was in. We booked a Western Caribbean cruise -- a seven-night voyage aboard Carnival Valor with stops that included Belize City, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, & Roatan. So boys, as much as we love having you pull out our chairs, doing cannonballs into the pool and shotgunning beers, we needed girl time. Now I was excited, and quicker than a 14 year old with four thumbs I had joined the texting frenzy. “OMG, we are going to have so much fun. <3 u. C U soon.” Flying into Miami made the perfect excuse to add a girls’ night out in South Beach. We hit the ground running. Dinner, drinks and maybe a Kardashian sighting if we were lucky (aren’t there like a dozen of them?) The first stop was Barton G. They had me at hello. Any restaurant that serves cotton candy for dessert sounds like a must to me. Being a girls’ trip we are free to order all of the stuff you boys roll your eyes at. For example, salad (hold the cheese, croutons, onions, bacon, and bring the dressing on the side), lattes (with more complicated instructions than a flight manual) and drinks with dry ice and silly names. We started with a round from their Below Zero Nitro Bar; I opted for the Sabrinatini, a carefully crafted martini with Belvedere vodka, watermelon puckers, a nitrochampagne swivel stick, and a chocolate chimp for garnish with copious amounts of dry ice. Perfect. It is near impossible to eat properly on vacation, and their menu was making it much tougher. We chose the Lobster Pop-Tarts; they came served in a
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vintage toaster oven and were stuffed with lobster and gruyere cheese in a flaky crust accompanied by a trio of sauces: hollandaise, brandy tarragon, and lemon caper. Then it just got plain crazy(er). A two foot tall statue of fish tackle was attached to my plate. You heard me right. Then dessert came. A Chocolate “G”-Cuzzi, melted dark chocolate served in a doll sized bathtub equipped with a bubble making machine. Talk about creative! Dorothy, we are not in Laughlin anymore. We finished our night at the iconic Fountainbleu with a little dancing, but how interesting does that sound compared with dry ice, lobster pop tarts, and desserts in bathtubs that actually bubble? Having never been on a seven day cruise before, I had some concerns, mainly my adult attention deficit disorder. Will I get restless and want to throw myself overboard? What could we possibly do (aside from drinking and sunbathing) to take our minds off the obvious deficit of things to occupy us? What else did I really need?
The three-story Ivanhoe theatre was very cool. It hosts Vegas-style song and dance performances accompanied by live orchestras. We were lucky enough to get a behindthe-scenes tour from Backstage Manager Anna Thompkins, who pointed out that the multimillion dollar stage was equipped with more than 200 lights for each show. Set on the top deck was the aptly named Serenity area. This is just what we needed—‘adult only’ pure relaxation. It was the ideal location to get away from the many kids that were on this cruise. Don’t get me wrong, I am fine if you want to bring your kids on a cruise, but can’t you keep them in the cabin? Just kidding. After riding the elevator to every floor after one kid pushed all the buttons and laughed at my expense, I was ready to lock a few of them away myself. Just Kidding. Now, about the food. Let’s just say that everything you have ever heard about cruise dining is true. It is more of a feeding. There was never a time when you could complain that you were hungry. Do not even joke about dieting onboard. You are here to indulge. Everything that happens on the cruise stays on the cruise (except your noticeably heavier thighs). Size and sighs appropriately rhyme with thighs. Our mornings started at the ocean view gym, where we tried out the latest fitness equipment, working off a few calories before hitting the breakfast buffet. It felt good to know that out of the eggs, sausage,
pancakes, syrup, and butter I had just wolfed down, I had managed to at least burn off the butter pre-breakfast on the elliptical machine.
Day 2: Grand Cayman Day two made for our first stop in Grand Cayman. Our goal was to tackle a ‘to do’ list. Drink, swim, and tan (DST). Our must do attractions were swimming with the stingrays, sunbathing on Seven Mile Beach, and rum tasting at the Tortuga Rum Factory. Stingray City has been claimed the most famous excursion, so we headed there first. The massive amount of stingrays is a bit intimidating, but I am a huge animal lover so I was in. In Grand Cayman we were reminded it was our job to relax, so we headed to Seven Mile Beach to set up shop and claimed a desolate portion of the white sandy beach. After a few hours basking in the sun and taking the occasional dip in the turquoise waters to cool off, it was time for some rum. The exit strategy was quick, and I hadn’t seen the girls move that fast all day. The Tortuga Rum Factory was just as expected, and one without self control could fall off the deep-end taste testing all the rum and rum cakes. Trust me when I say we had our fair share.
Day 3: Roatan Located about 30 miles off the coast of Honduras, Roatan offers some of the best scuba-diving in the world, along with a laid-back island atmosphere. Scuba diving wasn’t for all of us, but one thing we could all agree on was that we wanted to play with monkeys, and Gumbalimba Park is just the place to do it. This park included multiple opportunities to visit with adult and baby “jump-onyour-head-out-of nowhere” monkeys. They will use you as their personal playground, climbing up and down and hanging off your arms like you are a tree trunk. I thought we left the boys at home? Just kidding. Now we needed some DST. After a twenty minute cab ride we pulled into the Mayan Princess Resort, which was much more our style. The resort is located atop West Bay Beach and offered a lot of options, including parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Sounds like boy-stuff. After a signature cocktail compliments of the staff, we ventured out to explore the second largest barrier reef in the world. One word… amazing.
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Day 4: DST. Day 5: Belize City With only a limited amount of time to visit Central America’s second smallest country, where diving is the claim to fame, we booked a Cave Tubing tour. The thought of meandering through underground cave channels seemed an exciting feat. With nothing but an inner tube and a miner-style headlamp, we were off. This was about four hours of low key fun sitting back in our tubes and floating along a river. Although not as exciting as we had hoped, it was unique. I would have to say our tour guides made the excursion entertaining; joking with us, dancing down the aisles of our tour bus to Michael Jackson, and filling our cups with coconut rum and pineapple juice it couldn’t get any better.
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Day 6: Cozumel Bad shopping. Not cute. Back to the ship for DST.
Day 7: Recovering from the relaxation. FRESH • ORGANIC • HOMEMADE Napolitan style Pizzas & regional Pastas In a Los Angeles Time Review, S. Irene Virbila said:
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Our last day was spent at sea sailing back to the port of Miami. Of course, for us that meant a spa and tanning day on the top deck of our ship. We booked a deep conditioning treatment to help with the sun damage. I was assigned to Steven, a hilarious over the top Brit. Lucky for him, we had the same personality and shared quite a few laughs during the two-hour treatment. He was a good sport to say the least. After the treatment, it was off to say goodbye to everyone at the final dinner. Feeling a little melancholy leaving the ship, and ready to head home, we said our round of goodbyes and departed our separate ways. As I headed back to Orange County, I remembered it could be worse. I could be heading back to cold weather, but instead I am lucky to “rough it” in 70 degree temperatures year round. Until the next trip. Here’s a reminder to get your girls together and DST. By the way if you are not a big swimmer, re-read the story and substitute shopping for swimming. You will have just as much fun.
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I must admit, I’m an import from the Midwest. Having lived in Orange County for almost two years now, you’d think I’d have dabbled in surfing once or twice already. Wrong. It’s shameful, I know. When in Rome, right? Not so much in my case.
[In pure female fashion]
I was super stoked when I learned my next assignment would be surfing, but I was definitely terrified at the same time. Stop laughing. There are approximately 343 billion gallons of water in the ocean (thanks for that tidbit, Google). That’s a whole lot of endless Mother Nature to tackle on a tiny little board. I don’t know about you, but the thought of being eaten by a colossal wave crosses my mind much more often than the thought of becoming Jaws’ next meal. A week of giant crashing waves on TV would be personally much more frightening than “Shark Week” could ever be.
A wetsuit, how foreign. I’ve never even physically touched one, let alone slid into one. Luckily, my lovely roommate (and best friend) works for Billabong, so she supplied me with the gear. A neon and pastel colored, Cynthia Rowly designed, shorty shorts wetsuit. If I was going down, I was going down in style (thanks, Jess).
Step one: Learn about surfing.
Step three: Voluntarily appear at lesson
Instead of humiliating myself by asking my surfer friends amateur questions, I decided to call my Newport Beach-native cousins, Ryan and Kevin. I figured I’d have a greater chance of not being judged by my own family. Having been born and raised in Newport Beach, these boys have been surfing (since ages 13 and 16 respectively) as long as I have been driving. I decided to call them and pick their brains. The conversation went something like this: Sam: “Hey guys! Guess what I’m writing about this time?” Cousins: “What?” Sam: “Surfing! And the owner of Almond Surfboards, Dave Allee, is teaching me!” Cousins: “Are you serious?! No way! We both have custom Almond Surfboards!” Cousins: “That’s so cool! So do you think I’ll get up my first time surfing?” Cousins: “So the owner of Almond Surfboards is taking YOU surfing?” Sam: “Yep. Do you think I’ll get up my first time surfing?” Cousins: “I wonder what his surfboard is going to be like? Can you tell me what it looks like?” Sam: “Sure. So do you think I’ll get up my first time surfing?” Cousins: “It’s probably the raddest surfboard ever!” Clearly, surfing with Almond Surfboards’ owner Dave Allee is far more exciting than the prospect of my learning to surf. Hats off to you, Dave; let’s call that an informal invitation to join my family. Now realizing the star-quality of exactly whom I was about to work with, I placed Dave in my mental Orange County Hall of Fame, and gave him a ring.
Step two: what am I wearing?
Dave and I met at the 27th Street beach in Newport on a beautiful Saturday, just four streets away from my home. My home has been dubbed, “The Sandcastle.” Is it on the sand, you ask? No. Does it look like a castle, you ask? No. It just came out of someone’s mouth one night. Now, this particular morning happened to fall on the morning following my best friend’s 25th birthday. You do the [after]math. My entourage that morning included my Dad (in
town from Chicago), my Mom, my [step]dad, my roommate, and a photographer. Let’s just say… I had a headache, I was excited, and I was terrified. Way too many emotions for me to digest at once. Oh yeah, and If I did happen to produce and #epicfail it would be in front of everyone I hold dear and also turned into photographic evidence. Great.
Step four: Sink or swim. Dave was just what I expected: tan skin with a lean build and sun-bleached locks. Only moments after our introductions I’ve got my hands on my surfboard, running Baywatch style into the ocean along with Dave and my roommate, Jess. My smile was a facade. I was chanting a mantra in my head and it wasn’t helping. It went something like, “OMG. OMG. What do I do? OMG. I’m going to drown.” I was trampled by what seemed like 15 foot waves (I was later told they were actually two feet high), as I made my way through the whitewash, eventually lining up with Dave and Jess. This was a little better. Are those dolphins? Yep. This might be cooler than I expected. Now if I could just figure how to stay upright on this board. I never imagined sitting on a board would be difficult.
Step five: Paddle. I only know how to doggy paddle. I learned that doing the doggy paddle on a surfboard gets you nowhere and leads to being eaten alive by waves. In my mind, this could potentially lead to drowning. In the battle for #1 or #2 on my list of “Least desirable ways to go,” drowning did not seem like a good idea; it was time to amp up the paddling.
Step six: Ride a wave. Dave was a major team player and helped me along the waves by pushing the back of my surfboard to offset my lame attempts at paddling. Thanks to Dave, that was the first time I felt what it was like to ride a wave. No, I didn’t even attempt to stand up. I needed to feel exactly what kind of force was to be reckoned with, and riding a wave made me feel so free, even though I was lying down.
Try Not to Laugh at my
Step seven: Stand up. After I “surfed on my stomach,” I turned back towards the abyss of the great Pacific Ocean, and realized there was no tow rope. It was my job to paddle back through the whitewash. Luckily, it wasn’t so difficult this time. Back to the waiting game sitting on our boards, I started to dig into
photography by cameron oden
Stand Up Act by Samantha Korb
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NOW OPEN
a t u bo ar? a how ine b w
Dave, theoretically. I couldn’t believe he’d began making surfboards at the tender age of 19, and soon after, started Almond Surfboards. Dave was always a surfer, but the practice truly became synonymous with his life’s mission during his senior year of high-school. The sport of gymnastics was my life for almost two decades, but not once did it ever cross my mind to start a business based around it because I was still a kid! It was then that I began to admire Dave even more. A few waves passed us then Dave asked, “So, do you think you’re ready?” “As ready as I’ll ever be!” I replied through chattering teeth. We simultaneously turned around and began to paddle. Of course, I fell and stumbled the first few times. As I got the hang of it, the act of standing up became easier and easier. After about five attempts, I finally stood up on my own. Not only was I “flying on water,” but I was standing on water at the same time! Cool. I think I get it now.
Step eight: Bask in your own success. After I stood up on my surfboard a few more times, my posse and I made our way back to shore. Running back to my parents like a three year old, I screamed, “Did you see me stand up?” “Cam, did you get pictures of me standing up riding the wave?” After asking the same questions for a solid 30 seconds, I could tell my pride was getting to be a little much for the landlubbers to handle. Flush with accomplishment, I suddenly blurted out: “I surfed waves this morning, what have you done today?” I have such a new-found respect for surfers, it’s ridiculous. I feel like I have finally completed the “hazing” of becoming a California Girl. I’m a beach bum. I live by the water. My hair is getting lighter. I have been paddle boarding. I have dabbled in Bikram Yoga. I rocked out at Cross Fit Training. And now, I’ve surfed. Let’s just call me, California Girl-ish.
Step nine: surf again? You bet.
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photography by chris chavira
Luke Allen let himself “get lost in the music” at an early age as a way to connect with his parents, friends, and as an opportunity to experience cultures outside his teenage wasteland. Shortly after opening the doors to his own music studio at the age of 20, Allen attended one of his most memorable local live shows. Feeling the stress and complexities of running his own business, he remembers sauntering into Anaheim’s Chain Reaction (an all-ages club featuring live bands), “feeling twice his age,” dressed the part of a young business owner in a pressed collared shirt, when he spotted his buddies, all suitably geared up in t-shirts, jeans and Vans® – just as one should after barely exiting the transitory years of braces and bad hair. He momentarily shook off his responsibilities, jumped in, spent an hour in the pit, crowd surfed, and let all the stress dissolve into the music and a sea of sweaty people. “I let myself get lost in the music, and came out of that show with a totally different mindset than when I went into that venue. I felt completely rejuvenated and ready to live again,” Allen said.
by Kristal Docter
As the proprietor of Gemini Studios, the largest music rehearsal facility in Orange County, Allen became even more focused on dedicating the next 10 years of his career to transforming the music scene in Orange County. Located in Santa Ana, Calif., this monthly lockout rehearsal studio, which opened in 2001, consists of two buildings, with a total of 30 rooms. The buildings and studios are secure spaces with practicality in mind, equipped with fully stocked vending machines for those late-night jams and apparently a new toilet, which has a certain appeal for a passing tenant, who keeps an annual lease to maintain his drum skills. Bands like Thrice, Hellogoodbye, Atreyu, and Saosin have all called Gemini Studios home. Allen’s original vision continues to provide a space where local bands can “practice well” and now can receive recognition through the prestigious Orange County Music Awards, which Allen produces. For our interview and photo shoot, Allen took a seat in the studio rented by local band Champagne Boulevard, against a backdrop constructed like a science project with plywood and over-sized light bulbs. Drum stick shavings cover the floor from heavy jamming. Sitting in this scene beneath the lights, you could recognize both Allen’s confidence as a successful entrepreneur and that humble, skater-kid nature that still survives inside him.
As the producer for the Orange County Music Awards and founder and proprietor of Gemini Studios, you have received several honors and awards in the past few years for your impact on the Orange County music scene. You were included in OC Metro’s Hot 25 in 2009, Riviera’s Man of Style in 2009, and OC Weekly’s Best of OC in 2007. Explain why Eagle Scout remains at the top of your resume. “I had a really great scout master that took us away from the high school world at a point where it was important to have that alternative perspective. It really let me step back, helped me put my priorities in order and figure out what’s important in life... what’s real. I stay connected today, and am actually sponsoring an Eagle Scout banquet tonight. I think it’s a positive experience and a counterpoint to everything else that kids grow up with. It can help make sense of everything.”
So how did you go from being an Eagle Scout to the owner of a business in the matter of only a few years? You were only 19 when you started making plans for Gemini Studios, right? “Yeah, I was 19 when we started formulating the concept. The studio’s doors opened (already half full) just after I turned 20. Adam (Adam Fogel was a founding partner) and I were both musicians playing at rehearsal studios, and it was hard to find a monthly studio. We were standing outside Sound Matrix Studios in Fountain Valley, and the attendant who was helping us sign out the room said, ‘The monthly studios are always booked. It’s impossible to get a room.’ We both looked at each other and said, ‘They’re always booked . . . .’ So we went and practiced at a monthly studio and decided to open one up. It was Eagle Scouts that prepared me for starting something and finishing it at that age – I knew we could do it.”
How did you come up with the name Gemini Studios? “Adam and I were in a band called Orion: the constellation enterprises. The theme comes from the constellation Gemini which has two brothers, and there were two of us – it was symbolic. Allen adds with laugh, “It has a legacy that goes thousands of years beyond us and will bring us good fortune. And I’m also a Gemini.”
How did you become involved with the Orange County Music Awards (OCMA) in 2009? “Gemini Studios sponsored the OCMA in 2008, because I was trying to connect with more musicians, and at the same time,
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it was a great event to create opportunities for the musicians practicing at Gemini. That’s really why I got involved. I wanted to help provide an outlet for artists to make them feel like they could advance their careers in their hometown.”
What career accomplishment are you most proud of so far? “Being able to provide a positive environment for musicians to play music and helping to create a positive event for musicians to further their own musical endeavors. The OCMA really tries to connect the dots for the community and create awareness and opportunities through recognition and talent, while honoring the legends that put Orange County on the map. For me, that’s what I wake up in the morning thinking about.”
LAGUNA BEACH
You must see a lot of local bands to keep up with who’s out there. Where is your favorite place to see live music in Orange County? “Ah, man – there are so many! For acoustic, I like the intimacy of the Gypsy Den, for live bands I love the rawness of Detroit Bar, for jazz – Steamers (Jazz Club and Café) in Fullerton can’t be beat, for symphony and percussion – Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Crosby in downtown Santa Ana for a DJ set, and for allages music – Chain Reaction in Anaheim.”
What do you like most about living in the OC – aside from the weather? “Everyone has their own thing going on. You can have a different vibe cruising 10 minutes down the freeway. There are different pockets of music everywhere, and with the OCMA, I hope to connect those pockets and make bands aware of other bands playing in Orange County. And the no traffic thing is great.”
Tell me something the Orange County locals might not know about you but might be helpful in understanding the tune Luke Allen walks to? “I’m from Vermont. When I was 10, I moved to Orange County. I worked a paper route until I was a sophomore in high school. So, business has always been in my blood.” Keep your calendar open for next year’s Orange County Music Awards season, beginning in January and running through February. The Showcase Series is hosted by a different venue each night, and there are no barriers to participation for musicians or fans – all of the events are free! And if you’re a band that needs a place to practice in hopes of a 2012 nomination, Luke Allen has you covered.
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all. I would love to try curling at the Winter Olympics. I would say the number #1 thing you need to be an Olympian is passion. Being passionate about something means that you
Tony Azevedo 29 years old I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I live in Long Beach, CA.
Water Polo
will do whatever it takes to do the best you can. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s this heart that separates Olympians from just talented athletes.
I started playing at 8 years old. I participated in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics I earned a Silver medal in Beijing I would never trade my Olympic Experience for anything. Just walking into Opening Ceremonies for the first time was the greatest feeling of
photography by jeff farsai
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(driver) at the Olympics. I overcame a severe spinal injury and became the only US male sprint kayaker to qualify for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Walking into the stadium at opening ceremonies and sharing the experience with my family in the 2004 Olympic games
Rami Zur 34 years old I was born in Berkeley CA. I live in Costa Mesa CA.
Sprint Kayaking
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was my fondest memory of the Olympics. I train 25-35 hours a week. The # 1 thing you need to make it to the Olympics is determination.
I I started at age: 10. Olympic year (s): 2000, 2004, 2008. Medals: non Olympic medals. 15 World Cup Medals, 3 Pan american Medals and numerous national titles. I would trade my olympic experience for world peace. It would be fun to try to be a Bobsled
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to do in the snow is build an awesome fort. My fondest memory of the Olympics: Walking into the Opening Ceremonies with my teammates. I train 40 hours per week. You need to believe in yourself to make it to the Olympics. Your mental strength and confidence is
your most powerful tool.
I started at age: 14. Olympic year: 2008. Medals (if any): Silver Medal. I would trade my olympic experience for: Well I think you know the answer to that already. Nada. :). I would like to try skiing or snowboarding at the Olympics. The only thing I know how
Jaime Komer 29 years old I was born in Fresno, CA. I live in Costa Mesa, CA.
Water Polo
location: The Sports Club/LA - Irvine 179
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I started at age: 15. Olympic year (s): 2004, 2008. Medals: 2008 Gold Medal. I would trade my Olympic experience for: world peace. I would love to try Table Tennis-those guys are insane! My greatest achievement: The medal round run in 2008 culminating in the Gold medal.
Quarters and semi-final matches were won in 5 sets against Serbia and Russia then a 4 set win against world #1 Brazil for the Gold! My fondest memory of the olympics: The final points in the semi-final against Russian---it was 13 all in the time break and could have gone either way---we ca me out with the win and it was pure elation and celebration!!--it was volleyballs version of the buzzer beater win. Epic! I trained for the Olympics fulltime--when you add up warm up, cool down, time on the court, therapy/rehab, weights, video etc...well over 40 hrs. The ability to learn/change/adapt is the number one thing you need to make it to the Olympics.
William “Reid” Priddy 33 years old I was born in Richmond, VA. I live in Huntington Beach, CA.
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I started at age 5. Olympic year (s): 2004, 2008. We won Gold in 2004 & Silver in 2008. I wouldn’t trade my olympic experience for anything. It would be fun to try this sport at the olympics: Beach Volleyball My greatest achievement: My family My fondest memory of the olympics: 2004- Standing on the Gold Medal podium with my teammates, hearing the National Anthem play, seeing our flag raise up! 2008- Walking into the birds nest for Opening Ceremonies, with all of Team USA, chanting U-S-A as one! I train more than 40 hours per week. You need to want it bad and be willing to make sacrifices to make it to the
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Jennie Finch Daigle 30 years old I was born in Bellflower, CA. I live in La Mirada, CA.
Softball
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n a time when fuel costs are rising (making both road and
to OC hotels in 2009 alone. With three of the world’s 20 Forbes
air travel more and more expensive), the “stay-cation” is
Five Star Rated spas located in OC, it’s not hard to imagine a
growing ever popular. You won’t find me complaining—here
couple reasons why people choose to come here. While millions
we are in one of the nation’s entertainment capitals, and there
travel from far and wide to vacation in Orange County, it seems
are many perks to catching some R&R locally. According to the
we’re at a significant travel advantage; we live in vacationland.
Orange County Airport Commission, 42.7 million visitors flocked
Here’s our list of the top hotels —the cream of the crop—in OC:
by Blythe Hill
pelican hill resort
The Hotel La Casa Del Camino in Laguna is a favorite of OC locals, and that includes local surf companies. Of the 36 guest rooms, this charming Laguna Beach hotel has ten “surf suites” designed by local surf companies, including Quiksilver, Lost International, Rip Curl, etnies, Billabong, Roxy, and more. Each room is uniquely styled for a distinct experience. Stay in one of the Billabong suites with a surf package that includes surfing lessons for two with a Billabong surf instructor. There’s even a “Riviera Suite,” designed by OC gallery owner and curator Peter Blake, and styled like a mini art gallery. The rest of the hotel has a European feel; the lobby gives a distinctly Mediterranean vibe with high archways and hammered metal décor. Built in 1929, the hotel retains many of its original characteristic details. Their Rooftop Lounge is possibly the best place to see the sun set in Laguna, and while you’re up there, try one of the hotel’s five specialty Mojitos. Lunch is served daily at Rooftop, and drinks and appetizers from 2:30 til close. For dinner, K’ya Bistro downstairs is a favorite among locals, and offers Mediterranean and European cuisine (dishes like Truffle Macaroni and Ahi Poke), “mini tinis,” and half glasses of wine at discounted rates. Monday night is “Local’s Night”—guests receive a 25% discount on their bill. La Casa del Camino is partnered with SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) and offers Stand Up Paddle lessons as well as Sawdust Festival art classes to its guests. Rooms range from $129-329/night, and the hotel owns multiple vacation rentals that are perfect for families or large groups and go up to $500/night. Web: www.casacamino.com | Address: 1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | Phone: (949) 497-2446
Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach is a big hotel with a small hotel feel; the staff is guest-centered and friendly, and every corner of the hotel décor is paid attention to with unique, surf-style flair. Bright, modern interiors and warm staff-guest interactions make Shorebreak stand out. The hotel restaurant, Zimzala, serves modern American cuisine and provides a relaxed dining atmosphere and daily happy hour from 3-7pm. Additionally, the lobby offers a complimentary wine hour from 5-6pm every day. The hotel is pet friendly without weight restrictions or fees, and a dog beach is little more than a mile away. Shorebreak offers Beach Butler service, where they’ll provide you with all the essentials: beach chairs, sunscreen, volleyballs, and so on—they’ll even stake out a fire pit for you! There are 157 rooms, including 39 suites, with decks and balconies featuring oceanfront or courtyard views. Rooms range from $149-349 per night, and are decorated in a style that calls upon local surfing roots; the headboards are covered in plaid, ponchoinspired fabric, and the corners of the bed frame are padded with black wetsuit material. Ask for a second floor ocean view room to enjoy sunsets from your private deck. “The Point Suite” boasts a private corner deck of the hotel with a stunning view of the ocean and pier. The hotel is a favorite of local and international surfers (like Kelly Slater), and it’s only one short block off Main Street by the pier, making it the best, closest hotel to downtown Huntington Beach. Web: www.shorebreakhotel.com | Address: 500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | Phone: (714) 861-4470 185
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The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel in Huntington Beach, has 290 rooms that all have ocean views. Its on-property restaurant, Shades, has happy hour every night of the week from 5-7pm, and every month, items on the menu change to contain the “ingredient of the month.” The April ingredient was the pear, so Shades’ menu offered changing weekly specials like a pear tart, pear quesadilla, and other tasty concoctions. In the hotel’s poolside deli and market, local and organic goods are available, and a portion of the proceeds support various nonprofit organizations. There are multiple fire pits around the pool where guests can eat and relax, and the hotel provides bike rentals and beach chairs for guests during their stay. The hotel is across the street from the beach but boasts Beach Butler service; guests can order food or drinks (the hotel is partnered with Wahoo’s, so you can enjoy hot and fresh fish tacos on the beach), and even s’mores supplies. The hotel is upscale without being stuffy, and suites like the “Catalina Suite” and the “Twin Dolphins Suite” supply its occupants with unbeatable views. Every Friday from Memorial Day to Labor Day, you can catch a fire dancing show by the pool at dusk. Actors Jerry Mathers, Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi, cast members of hit 70’s television show The Brady Bunch, Chris Andersen of the Denver Nuggets, mixed martial artist Tito Ortiz, and other big names have enjoyed the Huntington Beach Waterfront Beach Resort. Web: www.waterfrontresort.com | Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | Phone: (714) 845-8000
Blue Lantern Inn
Nestled in Dana Point is the quaint and luxurious . Upon arrival, you’ll walk in to where the front desk meets the sunroom, where you can partake in cookies and water. From 4:30-6:30pm, guests are invited to afternoon tea, where complimentary tea, wine, and hors d’œuvres are served. The Inn has 29 rooms that all have fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs and range from $175-520 per night. There are three “Tower Rooms,” named for their location inside the Inn’s tower. Each of the Tower Rooms comes with complimentary Champagne and chocolate upon arrival, $10 breakfast in bed, and a full view of the Dana Point harbor. Even the bathtub boasts an ocean view! The rooms have an old world charm, with distinctive touches like telescopes and nautical paintings. There are no resort fees; internet, parking, beach supplies, and bike rentals are all included in the price of the room. The Blue Lantern Inn also offers a unique “Carpe Diem” special. From Sunday-Thursday, say the words “carpe diem” when you call and receive the best available room for a discounted rate of $165-250 (from November to April, excluding holidays). Web: www.bluelanterninn.com | Address: 34343 Street of the Blue Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629 | Phone: Toll-Free: 800-950-1236 - Phone: 949-661-1304
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Pelican Hill Resort
For a truly luxurious experience, head to in Newport. The resort, heavily influenced by Italian architecture, is the best way to feel like you’ve gone on an international vacation without ever leaving OC. An enormous Roman-style aqueduct marks the entry to the property (which also serves as a bridge for golf carts en route to their Conde Nast award winning golf course), and attentive touches like the pillars, coliseum-style pool arena, and domed lobby pay homage to Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. The resort’s two golf courses meet in front of the Palladian Portico, which boasts a 180-degree view of the ocean. Pelican Hill has 204 bungalow rooms and suites, 128 villas (multi-room, luxury townhouse-style quarters with private garages), as well as the largest circular pool in the world (136 ft. in diameter). On display throughout the resort is authentic artwork—from paintings by local artists to the 17th century Flemish tapestries that hang in the Great Room. The Spa at Pelican Hill was recently awarded with the Forbes Five Star Rating, along with the AAA Diamond Award. There are three restaurants on property: Andrea, the Coliseum Pool & Grill, and Pelican Grill. The restaurants use mostly locally grown ingredients that are hand selected on a weekly basis from the Irvine Ranch, and the pasta is made by hand in a small “pasta room” off the kitchen. Due to the rich flavors served and the resort’s always-complimentary valet parking, the restaurants are popular dining spots for locals. The resort is also a popular destination for families with children; younger guests of Pelican Hill can partake in activities at Camp Pelican, the resort’s retreat for children. Web: www.pelicanhill.com | Address: 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Coast, California 92657 | Phone: 800 315-8214 or 949 467-6800
Newport Beach Hotel allows you to stay in the middle of Newport boardwalk action. The hotel sits among the quaint stores and ice cream shops of the boardwalk, and is approximately one parking lot’s walk from the sand. With only 15 guestrooms, this boutique hotel is able to offer the highest level of staff attention. Request an Oceanfront guestroom for a stunning view of the ocean and beach life. The hotel offers its guests access to bicycles with which to explore the area. The hotel is an international favorite—drawing a team of National Geographic photographers, among other world traveling guests. One night’s stay ranges from $195-400. A sister hotel to the Blue Lantern, Newport Beach Hotel also offers the “Carpe Diem” special; on Sunday-Thursday, call and say “carpe diem,” and receive the best available room for that night at a discounted rate (from November to April, excluding holidays). Web: www.newportbeachwalkhotel.com | Address: 2306 West Oceanfront Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 | Phone: TollFree: 800-571-8749 - Phone: 949-673-7030
The Montage
in Laguna Beach, you’ll feel like you’re in an upscale East Coast From the moment you walk into luxury beach lodge; high arched white wood beam ceilings, studded leather chairs, dark wood floors, burnished gold lamps, and a live pianist give the Lobby Lounge a quiet refinement. All of this, of course, is secondary to the long room’s floor to ceiling windows, which provide an unobstructed view of the ocean. Montage guests have 24-hour access to the Mosaic pool—a perk not commonly available at most hotels. Also unique to the Montage are four dining opportunities: The Loft (which boasts a popular cheese and honey gallery, as well as a weekly “Artistry of Wine” event on Sunday afternoons), the Mosaic Bar & Grille, Studio (featuring Executive Chef Craig Strong), and the Lobby Lounge. Near Studio is the Studio Garden, a fairly recent addition where herbs, citrus, and produce are grown for Chef Craig to incorporate into Studio dishes and cocktails. The Montage has direct beach access, and guests can request s’mores kits for roasting over the fire pit. Spa Montage is another of the OC Forbes Five Star Rated Spas (one of twenty worldwide), and offers a full-service Kim Vo salon, a movement studio with complimentary spin and yoga classes, a fitness center with an ocean view, a spa pool, saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and more. Guests ages 5-12 can participate in fun activities at “Paintbox,” the Montage’s kids program. Of the resort’s 250 rooms and suites, all have patios, and all have ocean views. Ask for “surf view” for a less obstructed view of the water. Web: www.montagelagunabeach.com | Address: 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | Phone: 866.271.6953
The Hyatt regency huntington beach resort & spa is set apart by its amenities; it’s the only coastal Orange County hotel with a water park, for starters, where guests can enjoy a range of fun, from water slide relays to airbrush tattooing. With three restaurants, two pools, three shopping boutiques, 24-hour fitness center access, a full service spa and salon, the “Camp Hyatt” program for youngsters, and an art gallery (featuring the work of Todd White), you’ll never have to leave the property. The resort has a whopping 517 rooms including 57 suites, and was newly renovated in February. The resort restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Restaurant in Huntington Beach, and Toes on the Nose is based on the property, offering guests bike rentals, and surf and stand up paddle boarding lessons. During the summer, the Hyatt hosts a concert series that runs the third Friday of every month, and is open to the public. In north Orange County, the Hyatt is the only hotel with direct beach access via a bridge over PCH. Rooms range from $250-500 per night or, for an even more luxurious stay, there are three uniquely decorated 2,500 square foot presidential suites that go for a pretty penny. The Hyatt contains 100,000 square feet of meeting space, surpassing what many competitors are able to offer. The Red Chair Lounge hosts a nightly happy hour from 5-7pm, and 5pm to close on Thursdays. The hotel is designed in a distinct Andalusian Mediterranean style, and provides a casual yet refined atmosphere. Web: www.huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com | Address: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 | Phone: (714) 698-1234
Doryman’s Inn
From the exterior, is a small hotel across from Newport Pier; once inside, however, you’re taken back in time and space to nineteenth century Europe. Vintage wallpapers line the delightfully narrow and windy hallways, and the rooms are filled with solid wood antiques and old world décor. Built in 1898, Doryman’s Inn was originally purposed to provide lodging for Dory fishermen (hence the name). The eleven-room Inn is one of Orange County’s oldest remaining hotels. While every room has a fireplace, each is unique and full of distinct character. Many of the Doryman’s rooms have a view of the pier; one such room is the “Honeymoon Suite,” a larger room with a canopy king-size bed. The Honeymoon Suite is one of five suites at the Inn. The Doryman sits on top of (and is connected to) 21 Oceanfront, a fine dining restaurant with steaks, seafood, and Victorian décor where you can watch the sunset on the water from the bar. One night’s stay ranges from $199-380, with seasonal dinner packages available upon request. Web: www.dorymansinn.com | Address: 2102 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663 | Phone: (949) 675-7300
Surf & Sand Resort
in Laguna gives the feeling of being on a boat. Forget The balcony view from a room at the nauseating up-and-down rocking; what I’m talking about is how each room’s private balcony gives the optical illusion of standing directly over the ocean. It’s this unparalleled proximity to the sea that sets Surf & Sand apart from other coastal OC hotels. The front desk even carries earplugs for guests for whom the surf is too loud. The best part? All 167 of the newly renovated rooms have ocean views. 15FiftyFive, the resort’s ocean-view terrace, is a popular spot for sunsets and cocktails, and the perfect place to enjoy live music on Saturday nights (also on Friday nights all summer long). The resort also provides complimentary access to the fitness center and a range of treatments are available at Aquaterra Spa. The resort’s pool is nestled between glass enclosures, making it possible to lay out in December without shivering. While viewing the pool area, roughly a dozen pelicans flew overhead—a truly remarkable sight. Rooms start at about $400 per night. The resort’s restaurant, Splashes, boasts cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong, who was recently named Best New Chef in OC by Modern Luxury. Splashes is an intimate, open air restaurant, and the Splashes Bar is located steps below, offering drinks and appetizers at a level about 10-15 feet above the sand. Guests of Splashes restaurant can also enjoy a meal on the lower dining patio adjacent to the bar area. The seaside proximity makes for memorable dining and lodging at Surf & Sand. Web: www.surfandsandresort.com | Address: 1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | Phone: (949) 497-4477
St. Regis
With 400 rooms, the Monarch Beach is the largest of the St. Regis hotels. Built in Tuscan style, the resort property is filled with fountains at nearly every turn. Since the original St. Regis in New York City invented the Bloody Mary, each of the 23 St. Regis sister resorts has a signature twist on the drink. The St. Regis Monarch Beach offers the Agave Maria, featuring 1800 Reposado tequila with green jalapeno. The St. Regis upholds many other unique traditions, like the Champagne ritual (for guests upon arrival), the afternoon tea ritual (Saturdays from 1-3pm), and the butterfly release rituals (every Saturday in the summer), among others. The resort is filled with unique touches that lend to its European inspiration—a “hall of mirrors” invokes Versailles, frescos on the ceilings call Michelangelo to mind, and winding staircases and spacious ballrooms contribute to the overall grandeur that is the St. Regis. The St. Regis also offers Spa Gaucin, the third of the three Forbes Five Star Rated Spas in Orange County I mentioned earlier, and this one boasts specialties like underwater music in the spa pool, complimentary fitness classes, and an array of highly rated spa treatments. Nightly room rates begin at $450. Of the 400 rooms, 75 are suites that come with your own personal butler who will press your clothes, pour your Champagne, bring you food, even pack your bags for you upon departure. Among other noteworthy guests, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez stayed at the St. Regis Monarch Beach and dined at the resort’s Stonehill Tavern on their February 2011 visit. If it’s good enough for the Biebs, it’s good enough for me. Web: www.stregismb.com | Address: One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California 92629 | Phone: (949) 234-3200
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Anthony Geisler is driven. That pretty much sums up his personality and the impetus behind his success. Anthony was always driven. Maybe the reason for this internal combustion is where he came from. I might only need tell you about the family transportation to give you some idea. Black panel van, small window in the back and a giant gold Z painted on the door. The van came with a boat in a matching pattern but they did not need a boat. Anthony’s dad bought the van, sans matching boat, out of a grocery center parking lot. We do not need to paint a grim picture because there is always someone out there that had it worse but let’s just suffice it to say Anthony was not chauferred to school by the nanny. A product of a working class couple that moved to Tucson, Arizona (where he was born) to chase the dream of home ownership and back to California to find a job (age 7), Anthony would need to find his own way. He learned hard wok from his mom (she cleaned houses, with his help) and dedication (driving home from LA where he worked for Anthony’s tennis and then driving back to LA after to finish work) from his father. Anthony applied what he learned. In an effort to attend the USC (he wouldn’t accept less) he took his undergrad courses at Saddleback and then used a small inheritance, Pell Grants and student loans to finance his final years at USC. “No one ever asks where you went” Anthony pointed out, only where your diploma is from. A fortuitous meeting of two friends, one ready to start an online gaming company, the other starting a company in the sports industry led to the formation of ISC (Interactive Solutions Corp.). Anthony became the CEO of this company that created 65 web-based casino games. They licensed there product to the casinos. The word dicensed plus casino plus internet boom equals mega millions. The company went public. The company was soon worth $168M. Anthony was worth $17M. Then the bubble bust. The dotcoms were dead. He still has his ISC stock in a Fed Ex envelope in a box in his garage but now it’s only worth pocket change. 24 years old. You just lost $17M. What would you do? This is what Anthony did. He got back on the horse (scratch that). Anthony got back in the ring.
So your company has gone under and you have turned out the lights and turned in the keys. What now? I was stressed out of my mind. I weighed 140 lbs. (45 lbs. lighter than I am now) I am six feet tall. I went to the doctor. I was skin and bones. They wanted to remove my gall bladder. I asked for a second opinion and got the best advice of my life. The second Dr. said “Why don’t you try sleeping, eating and working out for six months and let’s see what happens”.
So you took his advice? I had just lost a 170 Million Dollar market cap company and I was 24. I needed something else to think about. On the way home I joined LA Boxing (on Newport Blvd.). by Erik Hale Photography by Keith Williams
What made you stop there? I’m not sure. The building looked like hell, I had driven past it a million times before. I guess I just thought it would be a different way to exercise and take out my frustration. Lifting weights did not relieve stress it made me more upset.
So being the terminal entrepreneur you decided to buy it? Yes. We first needed to clean up Newport. Then we needed LA Boxing to be ready for the masses. Then we opened up a new store in Aliso Viejo. It ate up more than half of what I had left. Luckily even though I was broke (from the dot com bubble bust) I had equity in my house (real estate bubble) and back then you could get $350,000 in like five days (laughing).
How many stores do you have now? We have 8 corporate owned stores and 60 franchises.
How do you give back? I was heavily involved in the Marconi Fight Night in 2011. I will be on the board of time for the 2012 event. Bo and Dick Marconi’s event will raise close to $500,000 next year for children’s charities. I am also involved with Ryan Sheckler. We put a full LA boxing gym in his house that turned into a friendship and that turned into another big night. Gretchen, Ryan’s mom and I had an idea to have a fight at the Grove in Anaheim to benefit Ryan’s foundation. Little John performed, celebrities showed up and we raised $250,000.
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Anaheim
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Can you even believe that summer has rolled around once again? I always feel like I love the rain, the fog, the chilly weather in the winter and early spring, but then when summer peeks its
GET YOUR BALANCE BACK
head around the corner and sends its rays of sunshine on my face, I forget all about those colder days and cardigans! And as I continue to scope out the scene of
Your everyday can wait.
local businesses in OC, I only uncover more and more
Bring Balance back to your life with a Pacific Waters Spa Membership. Three and six month options let you test the waters and learn what treatments suit you best. With a 60 minute service of your choice per month, access to the spa’s beautiful facility with steam, sauna and whirlpool, 20% discount on all food and beverage, additional services and spa retail products as well as access to the Resort’s main pool, your body, mind and spirit will recharge in no time. Pacific Waters Spa offers the three month membership for $375 and the six month membership for $675. For more information or spa reservations call 714-845-4772 or visit huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com. Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.
little hidden treasures, more places to hit up, and more sweet threads to sport! Lucky for you I’m a sharer (I know, crazy trait to have for an only child), and I’m once again spreading the love about what coastal OC has in store for you this summer: LOCALE style. So throw on those shades, and let’s cruise together through the sum-sum-summa’time! by holly clinard photography by Jonah Gilmore; Rocket Science Studios www.nouveauxchic.com
Face it, you’re a local at it’s finest. Now get out and enjoy your surroundings in style! You can follow Holly on her chic fashion blog: www.hollyinheels.com Holly in Heels smitten with shoes, addicted to style.
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sorrento grill
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rekkies! Yeah, I said it, whut. On a sweet summer day, there’s nothing better than rollin’ outta bed, throwing on your best beachwear, and heading for a quick Newport Beach breakfast of champions. Forget Denny’s or IHOP (even if you do love the Moons Over My-Hammy!), Haute Cakes Caffe cooks up breakfast just right. A neighborhood favorite since 1990, Haute Cakes not only does breakfast right, but they make lunch and pastries to perfection as well! It all started from the basics at this place: pastries + coffee. A simple baking and pastry-selling hobby grew faster than they could pour the coffee in this joint, and pretty soon omelets, pancakes, soups, and sandwiches began to make their way onto the menu. Now Haute Cakes has expanded their delish and decadent services to catering for baby showers, parties, holidays, biz meetings, picnics, boat parties, and even private dinner to-do’s right in the cafe! Business ain’t bad— and you’ll find out why when you dine in their sweet indoor/outdoor cafe. This is truly the sorta place where you can take your time, escape the hustle and bustle of the typical Southern Californian’s filled-to-the-brim life, and have a meal you’ll enjoy. Why do you think these guys have lasted 20+ years anyway? Could be their mouth-watering pancakes for breakfast, or HC’s array of scrambles...mmmmm. The coffee bar here offers up the best espresso drinks, too, even ‘haute chocolate’ to accompany your most important meal of the day. So skip the rest and land yourself in breakfast paradise at Haute Cakes—you deserve it!
Haute Cakes Caffe 1807 Westcliff Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 642-4114 Quiksilver Various retailers www.quiksilver.com
But what do you wear to this kickback spot in Newport Beach, you may ask? Easy-peasy. Quiksilver has got the goods for your early morning breakfast that might just be followed up with a trip to the beach to catch some rays (hey, it’s the ideal season for beach time!). Popular amongst the generations for their surf style and comfy coastal lifestyle outfits, the Quiksilver brand keeps the online and instore shelves stocked full of everything from board shorts to tees, as well as bathing suits and hoodies for when that beach breeze comes through. Lucky for you, ladies, you can include your special gentleman in your Quiksilver shopping splurge too, while you peruse the aisles of surfside fun. Quiksilver is always ready to embellish you the best of the best in men’s and women’s wear, everything that the summer season calls for is right here at your frivolous fingertips. And the designers at Quiksilver are not just any clothing creators in the industry—these guys and gals work with fashionistas and athletes alike to bring you what you want when it comes to trueblue beach style. Honestly, when you dudes and dudettes (yep, I’m bringin’ the 90’s lingo back!) try on the latest from Quiksilver, you’ll feel immediately immersed in the culture that is surf n’ skate. What more could you want?
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Where’s the Party? 270 East 17th Street #12A Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 722-1803 www.wheresthepartyoc.com Newport Dunes 1131 Back Bay Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 729-3863 Nothing Bundt Cakes 270 East 17th Street #4 Costa Mesa, CA 92672 (949) 642-2900 www.nothingbundtcakes.com Magnolia Charlie 209 Marine Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92662 (949) 673-0066 www.magnoliacharlie.net
ummer = party time! And it can’t just be you adults havin’ all of the fun this summer! I mean, you do “work hard, play hard” as do many in the OC, but when it’s time to celebrate the kiddos of the family, you’re more than ready to throw them a real beachside bash and show those kids how to have fun! First things first: the pre-party planning. You can’t run down to any ol’ drugstore to pick up these invites and party-ware on a special day like this, so I’ll give you a tip to try out: Where’s the Party? on the hot-spot 17th Street in Costa Mesa. That’s right, sandwiched in between a local breakfast spot and a bridal lounge is this party-central for the fun-gods. The store grew out of a sweet and identified need to focus on the GOOD in life sorta philosophy, from 21-year owner and inventor of Where’s The Party?, Candy Hirte. Candy (she’s as sweet as her name, I might add) loves parties, loves having a good time, and loved the idea of opening up a store that solely focused on party. She’s grown this 17th Street gem into a festivity empire with the store’s broad selection of high-end paper goods, uber-unique party goods, and a first-class staff to top it all off.
You could literally walk into this place and tell the first “Party” staffer you see “I’m having a party, help!” and they’ll tastefully and extravagantly figure it all out for you, beginning to end. But what does Candy love most about her shop (this is my favorite part...)? Everyone has fun here, and customers are always celebrating a happy situation. Ok, while you take a three-minute intermission to sing the chorus from ‘Shiny Happy People,’ I’ll be here, waiting to give you more party details! Where’s the Party? has their big lot filled with not only party invites and paper-ware, but boutique-y finds like beautiful pewter silverware, engraved plates, wine stoppers, colorful paper lantern globes, sugary-sweet cupcake napkins, and more. Wedding necessities are huge at this place as well, even having the equipment to set up full on custom candy bars at weddings, creative wedding favors, and all of that good lovey-dovey stuff. And who could forget the beloved theme party treats! Host a beach party, a graduation celebration, a Hawaiian bash, a 4th of July get-together—the summer party-theme list goes on and on. But you name it, they have it! So, hit ‘em up, and bring the party!
Out of all of the fun spots in your neighborhood to choose from for this birthday extravaganza, it’s best to pick someplace where the pack of wild kids can run around, be loud, and enjoy livin’ by the sand. The answer is easy for this kiddo birthday bash location: Newport Dunes is your sunshine-y spot for the festivities. Celebrating over 50 years of family fun at their marina-side location, Newport Dunes is a huge expanse of land—over 110 acres of resort to be exact! Tucked away at the entrance to the Back Bay Nature Preserve, kids and parents alike will find all kinds of picturesque exploring and breathtaking scenery everywhere they turn! Bicycling down one of their many bike trails, boating seaside, back Bay kayaking, and even campside time awaits you at this Newport Beach hideaway. Loads of activities to keep your sweet lil’ ones out of trouble and into having fun! And once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by the highly-ranked Back Bay Bistro, located on the grounds of the dunes. Hungry for a hot dog yet? Now that you’re mouth is watering a’plenty, I’m sure I have you wondering what sorta sweets will adorn the checkered picnic tables during your
party time! Well, if you’re absolutely, positively sure that you wanna keep reading this, I’ll warn that you’ll be tempted by the amount of calories that I’ll be describing during the next few sentences. Worth it? Ok, here goes! Nothing Bundt Cakes originated with two besties in a tiny kitchen in Las Vegas, Nevada. After success flew off the baking handle, Nothing Bundt Cakes expanded to several locations around the country, offering franchise opportunities to similar Bundt-lovers with a sweet tooth. Fast-forward just a few years and along came Linda Kirkpatrick and Jordan Bennett, who had been buying cakes from that Las Vegas shop, and thought they’d show their love for the brand by opening up their own spot in Costa Mesa. Linda and Jordan couldn’t have found a better spot to grow their business than good ol’ 17th Street, surrounded by food and bev lovers, and the heart of the finer things in life (without being too pretentious of course!). This Costa Mesa location bakes, prepares, and decorates everything themselves onsite, so each customer is given a tried and true labor of love when they take home a dessert. When I chatted with co-owner and OC local Linda Kirkpatrick, I loved her enthusiasm for these cakes—after working in a
completely different industry for the 14 years prior to co-operating this cakes biz, she has completely reinvented her purpose and zest for life—and man, does it show in the work Linda and her staff put out! Linda’s clearly has a love for these sweets, and nothing brings her more joy than being able to share these yummy goodies with others. Her fave: hearing the “ooh’s” “ahh’s” and “mmmmm’s” after one of her Nothing Bundt Cakes customers takes a bite! Gotta love that. I must mention that when you step foot in this shop, you’ll find an instant throwback to the 1950’s look (aka the dawn of the Bundt cake pan). And to compliment this cute retro vibe, the cakes are decorated with a dash of humor, to taste—these Bundts say things like “Real Men Don’t Eat Square Cakes” and “Cute as a Bundt’on”. You sold yet? I am...and I’m thinkin’ this is a must for your next party, sure to sweeten up the crowd. It’s all the rage in kid-ville right now to deck those wee ones out in none other than Magnolia Charlie, Children’s Boutique extraordinaire on the rich & famous land of Balboa Island! No need to shy away from this posh little spot on Marine Avenue, though, they are ready to help, and cute as a button are
the shelves and racks in this store! Magnolia Charlie is renowned throughout the county for selling the best in everything stylish for both babies and kiddos. “From Couture to Surf,” you’re guaranteed to find a huge selection of domestic fashions as well as some chic European styles. Under the famous green awning of their storefront, you’ll walk in those green and white doors only to find your favorite kid brands: Mona Lisa, Florence Eiseman, Flowers by Zoe, Mimi & Maggie, Charlie Rocket for girls and boys, Catamini, Luli & Me, E-Land Kids, and Sophie Dess, just to name a few! For the girls, I was busy admiring the princess dresses and pretty plaid skirts, girly-girl bikinis, big hair bows and hats—pretty much every girl’s dress-up dream! And before the boys in the picture feel left out of the fashion equation, not to worry: Magnolia Charlie has got you covered with summer wear! O’Neill threads all over the place, and board shorts galore for the bigger, grown-up boys. Sailboat themed tops for the boys of the fam, and even looks for ‘tweens’ (hurry and dress ‘em before they get too cool for school!). I can tell this is gonna be one kiddo b-day bash that will go down in homegrown history!
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love a good carousel ride—even a little Ferris wheel gets my spirits up on a mellow, lazy summer day. Give me that, and tons of shopping, eateries, movie options, and space to prance around n’ soak up the summer—and I’m pretty much living every modern-day consumer’s dream! You guessed it, the Irvine Spectrum is the Mecca of all malls—home to over 130 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the Spectrum is by far one of OC’s “most energized retail experiences.” You could spend hours of shop-shop-shopping here, just going from one cute store to another, picking out everything from bathing suits, to sweats, even cuddly pets to bring home! Stay for a bit longer into the evening and you can even get some laughter out at the Irvine Improv comedy venue. So much to do, and this oasis of shopping and fun is only growing more each and every day. You heard me, grab your girls and head straight to Irvine to get your shop on, and thank your lucky stars that you live in such a fabulous part of the world! Summer shopping always calls for a cool, crisp and sassy outfit—especially if you’re headed to a place like Irvine Spectrum, where you and I both know that you’re bound to run into someone you know! So erase the fear of being caught in something sub-par, and make sure you snag your shoppingqueen outfits at Macy’s. With eight Southern California store locations
now, this staple of a department store has grown into a nationwide fashion empire since its 1929 founding. Macy’s is always stocked with the perfect seasonal trends that will have you whippin’ out that credit card faster than you can say “OC”! Make your way down the sunny stucco outdoor Irvine Spectrum mall, and you’ll come across Macy’s quickly—its multi-story building stands out for sure. This location happens to be my favorite among the eight So Cal addresses they occupy, because their merch inside is simply uh-mazing (and it’s what’s inside that counts, right?). Macy’s Irvine carries some of my personal fave brands like INC, Calvin Klein, DKNY, 7 for All Mankind, MICHAEL KORS, Guess?, Levi’s, and even charttopping designer Rachel Roy (ooo la la!). The fragrance section of this store is unreal too—everything from Prada to Versace, Gucci and Chanel— if they can’t hear you comin’ in those gorgeous new heels you purchased here, they’ll be able to sense the sweet aroma of your presence! And I don’t know about you, but when I think of Macy’s, my mind goes straight to shopaholic memories of One Day Sales, in-store coupons, and summer clearances. Macy’s is notorious for this kinda stuff, shoppers, and while prepping for all of those summer weddings, backyard bbq’s, and local beach days, you’ll certainly need somethin’ new to sport. So grab your favorite shopping bud, and celebrate the summer right, with a trip to Macy’s at the Irvine Spectrum!
Irvine Spectrum 71 Fortune Drive Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 753-5180 www.shopirvinespectrumcenter.com Macy’s Irvine Spectrum Center 93 Fortune Drive Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 341-9111 www.macys.com
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’ve already told you that summer is my favorite time of the year, so now dish that dinner is my absolute favorite meal of the day. I can’t be alone here, I’m sure of it. I really feel like dinnertime is the sweetest time of my entire day, where I kick off my heels, wind down, pour a glass of vino, and share the highs & lows of my 9 to 5. And nothin’ gets my appetite a’stirrin’ like a nice summertime cruise down Pacific Coast Highway in my Lamborghini! Ok ok ok, you caught me—I’m a writer. And we all know how well that pays, so my cards are on the table about being no Lambo owner, but one can always dream, right? Well, if I have your permission then, I’m dreaming away and sittin’ pretty in my sweet ride from Lamborghini Newport Beach. This top-notch Orange County Lamborghini dealer is unlike any other—they hold bragging rights for not only having 50+ years of combined experience in the industry, but also being in a location with the largest market for luxury cars and Lamborghini vehicles. Pretty amazing that we OC’ers have the highest concentration of high-end exotics owners in the country (we’re right up there with Beverly Hills!). I surely had no idea that I lived in such a ritzy-ritz part of the country, but here we are! And after chatting with Lamborghini Newport Beach’s General Manager, Pietro Frigerio (who is adoringly Italian by the way), I am convinced that buying a Lamborghini is not just about buying a car, it’s about buying a lifestyle. Pietro is a 10-year veteran of the biz and is part of a team that has an incredible amount of information on luxury driving. The dealership organizes monthly ride & drive events, where Lambo owners and clientele of this locale dedicate an entire day to driving, dining, and exploring the in’s-and-out’s of Southern California. Breathtaking! If you swing by their location, you might just find the brand spankin’ new Gelardo Performante, or even the hummin’ Aventador. Cue the ooo’s and ahh’s! First stop in your sweet new ride on this hot summer night has gotta be Sorrento Grille of Laguna Beach—a spot that should be at the top of everyone’s summertime dinner list, for sure. This place is unbelievable, my friends. Just ask owners Diane and Philo Smith, who are long-time Laguna Beach residents with an undying interest in the community. The Smiths own several properties in Laguna Beach, and have truly invested themselves into their neighborhood— with both their food-lover presence and their sweet demeanor. Believe it or not, Sorrento Grille has been around
almost as long as I have: 23 years! Known for casual upscale dining (true So Cal style, huh?), and one yummy seasonally inspired menu, this is the numero uno place to relax, grab one of their world-famous martinis, and spend time with your favorite peeps. It gets me every time when a restaurant and its chef have a passion for the “farm to fork” movement, using local and seasonal produce, and only free-range, all-natural meats in their cooking. You can honestly taste the difference—food the way it was meant to be eaten. Sorrento’s Chef Ryan Adams won’t have it any other way; he’s a huge advocate for the restaurant’s responsible practices, keeping in mind that few restaurants in South County practice this sort of thing! Another insider tip: Sorrento will be offering a special pre-fixed threecourse menu for Laguna’s ‘Pageant of the Masters’ season, July 5th thru August 31st. Is your mouth watering yet? Finally, quite possibly the most noted trait about Sorrento is that everyone is treated like family here. Yep, just like Cheers, sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and you’ll find just that when stepping through the doors of this downtown Laguna hotspot.
Lamborghini Newport Beach 2115 Harbor Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (888) 564-5020 www.lambonb.com Sorrento Grille 370 Glenneyre Street Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-8686 www.sorrento-grille.com Harper’s 2610 East Coast Highway Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 (949) 644-7467 www.shopharpers.com
Now that you’ve gotten your cruise on, aaaand your dinner on, you’ll probably want a good place to shop for your perfect summer’s night-out threads. Can’t be caught in a Lamborghini in just any old thang, after all! I must tell you, then, Harper’s Boutique is calling your name, all the way from their Corona Del Mar location! A novice to the boutiquing world, Harper’s has been around for just over a year, but their fresh look certainly brings something new to the fashion table! Owner Erica D. Thomas is proud to share her story of this high-end yet bargainer-shopping spot, with prices similar to that of Forever 21, H&M, and other low-price stores. What you do get at Harper’s that you wouldn’t otherwise get at these mall stores is amazing customer service, in true boutique style. I dig their premium denim, good girl basics, and more contemporary brands, myself. They even have a section for the tinier tots, so not just you, but the kiddos can look cool too. Constantly on-trend, Harper’s always has new merch in and out at the drop of a fedora (get it?), making it a new selection nearly every time you visit. Good, good stuff, ladies, that will have you getting compliments up and down your PCH ride. A littleknown fact about this CDM storefront is that they not only like fashion, but Harper’s loves to have fun! They have events, parties, and promotions all the time, making it a true local-girl place.
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A Restaurant 3334 West Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 650-6505 www.arestaurantnb.com Tulum Island Boutique 369 East 17th Street, #16 Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 548-0025 www.tulumislandboutique.com
All of your efforts have paid off, and it’s the summer to celebrate your accomplishments in style. Having slaved away at the office for these past few months, making deadlines, dashing to meetings, shaking hands, and waving goodbyes, it’s your turn to unwind and relax by celebrating your long-awaited promotion! So grab your girls, and hit the town— A Restaurant is saving a table just for you tonight. A Restaurant is a landmark in the pretty-people town of Newport Beach, facing Pacific Coast Highway and the yacht-filled marina across the way. And they sure know how to help you celebrate with class for such an accomplishment—the staff here are no beginners for doin’ dinner right. Established as The Arches historic restaurant in 1926, this newlyrenovated hideaway continues to bring delicious dishes and shaken cocktails that they’ve forever been known for. You are for sure gonna want to grab a martini from the list of shaken ‘n stirred, or even snag a cocktail from the list of specialties or classics to get the night goin’! When you’re done toasting during cocktail hour and finally sit down to dinner, make sure you try a few of their fab starters—oysters, tuna, octopus, crab cakes—all of it is insanely delicious! A Restaurant is known for the decadent steaks as well, so there’s really no wrong answer when it comes to dinner here, folks. Oh, and did I mention the ‘A Burger’? ‘Cause its life changing! You will, no doubt, be glad you worked so hard all of those days and nights, because it got you an evening to remember at this local favorite! Dress your newly promoted bod right when steppin’ out for such a special event, but let Tulum Island Boutique do all of the style work for you. After all, their motto is ‘live like you’re on vacation’ – so you better do them justice by kickin’ back! So
many great things to say about this boutique and the lovely owner and world-traveler, Yolanda Caldwell. Ms. Caldwell brings to the fashion scene her journeys and explorations of far-off places like Bali, Fiji, the Bahamas, Australia, Italy, Costa Rica, and of course her boutique’s namesake: Tulum. Her global-girl fashion intake has brought Yolanda to the place where she is today, selecting fantastic threads to sell in her Costa Mesa boutique. Let the big poufy lanterns that adorn the ceiling inside whisk you away to another time and place, where the sea breeze blows past your oh-so relaxed being, and your wardrobe merely consists of bathing suits and flip-flops. Ahhh, you with me? Tulum Island Boutique will help you get in that vacation frame of mind the minute you walk through their doors. Pretty sure you’ll sense that with the great island décor they have scaling these four walls, and even in the easy-going staff. It could be a combo of that, and all of the sweet, aromatic candles that are available for purchase—yeah, you can take the island-life ‘tude home with you too, via candle burning. But the main thing that Tulum Island Boutique is famous for among locals is the shopperfriendly selection of gorgeous tops, bottoms, dresses, beachwear, shoes and more, fit for any and all ages. The Tulum staff is ready to dress you up in knockout clothes that’ll get you noticed all over town! Swimwear, of course, is hot, hot, hot right here—pick out the suits that none of the other gals on the beach will have, and leave them feeling envious (how cool are you?). Not only does Tulum carry sizzling summer styles, perfect for nights on the town or weeks away in the desert or the tropics, but they also carry chic accessories like watches, jewels, scarves, and sandals. So you may not be on that island getaway quite yet, but you’re gonna feel like a local who’s halfway there when you come to Tulum Island Boutique!
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French 75 1464 S Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-8444 www.french75.net Blue Eyed Girl 31103 Rancho Viejo Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (949) 429-1361 www.shopblueeyedgirl.com
ne of the best parts about being a So Cal dweller in the summertime is the fact that there are tons and tons of things to do! Not only are the beaches ripe and ready for us to sprawl out on our towels and don some sunscreen, but the event calendar for coastal OC is packed with art walks, family fun, and parties galore. Good thing you’ve saved a weekend for Laguna Beach’s biggest art and craft festival, the Sawdust Art Festival! It’s time to let your hair down and throw on your artsybest for this oh-so cultured Laguna Beach festival. But before you get down to business walking the rows of paintings and handmade things, you’ll need to charge up with some din-din, right? French 75 must be the nearby number that’s been calling your name (either that or you’re just craving their decadent chocolate soufflé!). A true FrenchAmerican bistro and champagne bar, this cottage-like restaurant has staked its claim on OC for 60 years straight. Not only is this one of the most romantic spots in Laguna Beach, but their menu is stocked with delicious items that’ll have you wanting more! From the moment you walk into French 75, you’ll feel like you stepped into the Moulin Rouge itself—red décor, dark wood, leather seats, and pommes frites like you’ve never had before (trust me on this one!). If you’re feelin’ it, I dare you to order the Moulin Rouge martini—one of French 75’s signature martinis from their pagelong list. Go a bit wild tonight, and try out the escargot, the famous foie gras, or even the seafood-lover mussels, and your taste buds will no doubt give you a standing ovation! Finish off that meal with French’s chocolate soufflé—an honest musthave at this local-lovers hideaway. Merci beaucoup!
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Look your art-lover finest tonight with threads from locally grown Blue Eyed Girl Boutique. With four OC locations to their name now, husband and wife owners Tom and Dawn McKnight have grown a blueeyed empire. Now open in San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, and even as far north as Santa Barbara, you can find their sweet OC girl sorta style easily in-store, or even at B.E.G.’s online shop, shopblueeyedgirl.com. Blue Eyed Girl doesn’t just get their stylish character by guessing what you’ll like, but they travel all around the globe to find up-and-coming designers from Los Angeles, The Big Apple, and Europe, bringing these clothes right to your Orange County doorstep! Jewelry maker Liz Jona also sells pieces in this boutique, and brings design influence from faraway lands like Ethiopia, China, and Indonesia— yes, all of this and more under one roof (or four if you hit up all of their locations!). Blue Eyed Girl boutique also carries some of my personal favorite brands like Hudson Jeans, J Brand, Free People, Joie, Hale Bob, Gypsy 05, Goddis, Hoss, Michael Stars, Desigual, Johnny Was, and even Dolce Vita (ooo la la!). A stand-out among the rest, the McKnights have created a place that is known throughout their clientele base as the boutique with exceptional customer service, and genuine, honest, and helpful stylists that thrive on finding the perfect designerss and fits for each gal that walks through their top-notch doors. Did I mention the decor in this lovely lil’ location? If you can take your eyes off of the cutting edge fashions and accessories, take the time to look up at the draping chandeliers and urban brick features that adorn the walls of Blue Eyed Girl. This darling decor and hot-to-trot fashion make Blue Eyed Girl a must-see in the realm of OC boutiques.
Most fun event you have ever participated in with Blue C? One of the cooler ones was the time I went to Dale Earnhart Jr.’s estate and did a photo shoot in his garage. Loved that! I take that back. That was cool, but my favorite experience was racing in the Baja 1000. I was lucky enough to do 100 miles of the race with Jerry Zaiden from Camburt Racing.
What is the coolest photo shoot you have ever been on? I currently own 10 guitars. I am pretty sure you are going to have to pry one of them out of my hands when I die. So the coolest photo shoot would have to be the one we did with Billy Givens from ZZ Top. Another cool experience was shooting footage for a Baja adventure company in Barstow. I got to shoot out of the open door of a helicopter all day.
What’s the latest thing Blue C has been involved with? We threw a sick party at Body English at The Hard Rock Hotel in photography by Boyd jaynes
Vegas for Monster Energy. It was called The Supercross Aftermath Party. Our job usually includes finding the locations, getting athlete engagement, marketing, staffing, and promoting the events.
So you like guitars. What was the first song you learned to play? Easy. “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.
by erik hale
What is your go to meal with the family? My wife is in love with Wahoo’s so we eat their a lot. There is nothing better than their shrimp tacos and she cannot live without the fish salad. The kids love Sgt. Pepperoni’s on Bristol. Middle of three kids, from Menlo Park (currently SIlicone Valley), spent six long years at Long Beach State, got married, had two kids and has worked at the same job for 16 years. I’m thinking CPA. Probably a guy with a collection of pocket protectors or pocket squares. Sounds like the bio of Jonathan “The Duke” Mardukas, Charles Grodin’s always anxious accountant character, in the movie Midnight Run. If that’s where the resume stopped, Jeff Bentley would be as hard to spot in Orange County as a tile roof from a plane. Jeff hasn’t stopped. Jeff has been an artist, musician, photographer, and creator. Jeff likes fast cars, rock music, and deep sea fishing. My first impression was wrong. Maybe Jeff is closer to Robert De Niro’s character (Jack Walsh). Jeff is principal and creative director at Blue C Advertising in Costa Mesa. He started the company with his partner Eric Morley in 1998 and shortly after, landed The Fremont Street Experience in Vegas as their first account. Blue C has gone on to work with Kawasaki, Toyota, Monster Energy, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco, among many others.
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So you are an avid fisherman. What is the weirdest thing you ever caught? Wierdest thing I ever caught was a six-foot thresher shark, right outside the jetties. I couldn’t pull it in because I was using a small pole and the determined fish snapped my line.
What’s next? We are flying to Morocco to shoot footage of a race team that is readying for the Dakar Rally.
Professionally Installed Factory Electronics
10 Questions with the Angel’s 21 year old flame thrower.
Factory Upgrades Video Systems iPOD • MP3 Factory Bluetooth Systems Back Up Safety Systems
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What is the hardest fastball you have ever thrown in your young career? The hardest that I know of is 98 MPH.
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The perception of pitchers is they have a hard time hitting but if you were to face yourself, do you think you could get a hit against your pitches? I haven't got a chance to hit in 3 years. So I don't think I would have a very good chance to hit myself.
On average, how many friends and family member’s come to watch the Angels on a given night?
every time I take the mound and learn from the positives and negatives every outing.
I always have family and friends at the games. Especially on the days I pitch. My family and friends are always there cheering me on and I am very thankful for the support.
You only pitch every five days, so how do you keep yourself busy during all the downtime?
You went directly from High School to pro ball. What was the hardest thing about leaving home at 18? The hardest thing for me was just getting use to living on your own and being away from your family and friends for the first time.
What is your goal for this season? The My goal for the 2011 season, is to pitch as deep into the game as I can, to give my team the best chance of winning. Also, to keep getting better
Between starts, there is not much free time to be had with getting your running, lifting and preparing yourself for your next start.
What is your favorite local restaurant? My favorite local restaurant would have to be The Lazy Dog Cafe. It has good food and stays open late enough to grab something after games.
What is your pre-game meal? My pregame meal is something light, like fruit and a good ole peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
summer lovin’ 2011
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The Angels are eight-time American League West Division Champions (1979, 1982, 1986, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009); They also won the American League pennant in 2002 and were World Champions in 2002.
The Angels Hall of Fame includes eight players; Bobby Grich (#4), Jim Fregosi (#11), Don Baylor (#25), Rod Carew (#29), Nolan Ryan (#30),
Jimmie Reese (#50), Brian Downing (#5), and Chuck Finley (#31). There are 150 front office staffers, with an additional 1,000 added on event days.
weighs 210 tons!
230‘
(approx)
Stadium opened on April 6, 1966; California Angels vs. Chicago White Sox.
The Angels rented Chavez-Ravine stadium in L.A. for four years before moving in.
The Big A used to be here, now it is near the front
Scoreboard message: When you tell your sweetie ‘Happy Anniversary’ on the giant message board, the proceeds go to the Angels Foundation.
Diamond Club: Purchase seats behind home plate and you won’t have to wait in line for beer or restrooms. The Diamond Club boasts its own private restrooms, bar, buffet with sit down dining, and wait staff that bring food and drinks to your seat. Garden Stage Party Area: If you are looking to throw a memorable corporate event or just want to invite 1,000 of your Facebook friends to your birthday party, this area has a built in stage, lighting, and bar. Indoor Batting Cages: Take an elevator down to a dugout suite and you will be able to watch in-game batting practice through large (shatter proof) windows.
Fresh fruit: The stadium sells more than just peanuts and hot dogs. This fresh fruit stand near the entrance offers a variety of healthy alternatives. The stadium holds 45,389, with a capacity of 69,008 for football.
Coors Bar: When you catch a game in mid-summer and your seats aren’t in the shade, visit the Angels “time line wall” to cool off and visit this outfield bar to get the coldest beer in the stadium.
60.5‘
The address is 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, California 92806.
The “Cave:” Under the rock waterfall in centerfield is where the groundskeepers spend time during the game. It is very peaceful here, with couches and a big screen TV.
The giant New Era hats that guard the entrance are size 649 ½.
The Rolling Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd have all performed here.
The stadium was enclosed for football.
Players Clubhouse: A rare glimpse into the super posh area where the players get ready.
Weight and Fitness room: The reason for all of those home runs might be contained in this field level room that boasts state-of-the-art conditioning equipment. Fireworks shoot out of the “California Spectacular” display at the start of games, after every Angel home run, and after every Angel win. Jackie Autry’s Suite: When Disney owned the stadium they did a major renovation but left Jackie’s suite entirely untouched. Today it looks the same as when Gene owned the team.
The halo atop the Angel sign is “lit up” after every win (home and away). Huh? Ruling: A ball that hits the yellow square at the top of outfield wall on the right side of the bullpen gate is in play (however, ball hitting fence support above yellow square is considered to have gone over the fence (i.e., home run, ground-rule double, etc). Gene Autry statue: Make sure to shake hands with “The Singing Cowboy” while you are
at the stadium. Gene Autry, who owned the Angels for 36 years and brought us iconic hit songs like ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Frosty the Snowman’ is still watching over the stadium. The stadium has had more than three million visitors for eight straight seasons. You can get married at the stadium. You can take the train to a game. Jump on
the Pacific Surfliner in South County in San Juan Capistrano and avoid the Interstate 5/405 traffic nightmare.
Punching Bag: A full body size punching bag sits at the exit of the dugout. A great place to work off that mid game frustration.
The Los Angeles Rams played here from 1980-1994. Field Box Seats: These seats are very unique. A single row of seats (1st or 3rd base side) that sit exactly at field level. Better bring your glove.
Angels, Angels Marks, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are registered trademarks of Angels Baseball LP
212
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...Continued from page #157 LM: Do you remember the Golden Bear in Huntington? PS: Oh yeah. My brother actually played the Golden Bear. My mother brought me to see Lenny Bruce there. And I think when we got in there, she thought, “Oh My God, what am I doing bringing my daughter here?” I was maybe 14 or 15, and he’s up there saying “mother f#$%er” this and that. LM: Tell us about your movie that premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival. PS: My movie is called Balls to the Wall. It’s about a young man who wants to get married because he’s so totally in love, but he doesn’t have the $50,000 dollars to pay for the dream wedding. So his father in law puts him to work as a male exotic dancer. I figured it may be one of the last times I get to watch a bunch of good looking young men dance around in their underwear [laughs]. It’s a pretty funny movie. We’ve had screenings, and there are as many laughs in this movie as there were in Wayne’s World from what I remember
PS: The last day of shooting Wayne's World. Mike and Dana improvised while lying on the hood of their car, watching the plane fly over. Everyone, including them, was so exhausted. They decided to just go crazy with the improv. It was a delirious rant by two comic geniuses that served not only to let off steam, but also to celebrate the final moments of our being together as a team. The crew was in stitches. Afterwards Garth and Wayne ran out of the sound stage (yes, the plane was a miniature), jumped into a limo and sped to the airport to return to SNL – with their wigs on! AH: Tell us a little about The Decline of Western Civilization, your documentary about the LA punk rock scene in 1979-80. What kind of reaction did that get among the crowds that saw it? PS: The first time I showed the film an older lady stood up and said, “How dare you glorify these heathens!”. I knew it was a winner at that moment. The first time it screened at a theater on Hollywood Blvd. so many punks came out that the LAPD got all shook up and sent out over 300 cops. LM: What were your favorite movies growing up, or even now. Movies that you admire for story, direction, etc.
LM: Who’s in it? PS: Christopher McDonald (who was Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore) is in it. Jenna Dwan, she’s an up and coming starlette, married to Channing Tatum. We have Mimi Rodgers, she’s a fabulous actress. We have Coleen Camp, who used to be married to John Goldwyn of Metro-GoldwynMayer. She’s so hilarious in this movie. For all you young Latina girls, we have Antonio Sabato, Jr. He is so gorgeous. He dances in a Speedo as well.
PS: I’m a big fan of Casavetes, Fellini and the director of Z, Costa Gavras (who by the way is a first cousin of mine.) My favorite documentarian was and is Frederick Wiseman. LM: What is your advice to the world? PS: Same as Rodney King: Can’t we all just get along?
LM: Who was your favorite comedian to work with throughout your history?
LM: Now that “Balls To The Wall” has premiered what's the next project?
PS: Probably Richard Pryor or Chris Farley. AH: Any comedians you want to work with in the future?
PS: Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys, Patty Jenkins and I are directing short films for a cable special about breast cancer. I hope everyone watches as the show is quite remarkable!
PS: Jack Black and a young stand-up that’s in Balls To The Wall: Dustin Ybarra. Adorable, brilliant and hilarious!
For release information, and how to get a copy of Balls to the Wall, follow them on Facebook. Just “like” Balls to the Wall Movie.
AH: What is your fondest memory from working as a producer on SNL, or on the set of Black Sheep or Wayne's World.
Blow out! Balls to the Wall sold out at the Newport Beach Film Festival. The movie sold the most presold tickets of any film in the history of the fest!
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Takes us for a spin around her favorite tracks
6/24/11 3:33:32 PM