Orange County Register - The Best

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» WELCOME TO THE BEST OF ORANGE COUNTY

EDITOR

JEFFREY MILLER

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

DEBORAH BRADLEY

DON SPROUL

COVER ILLUSTRATION

AMY NING

PHOTO EDITOR

MICHELE CARDON

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

LAILA DERAKHSHANIAN

DESIGNER

JEN SAN JOSE

SR DIRECTOR , ADVERTISING

JAMES KRUP

SALES MANAGER

BOBBI MEYER

PROJECT MANAGER

CLAUDIA VILLAR

SUE GLYNN

ROXANNE GARCIA

MARY ANNE ROZINSKY

SR. MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

JOHN POWERS

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

ALEX GARCIA

AMANDA CARNAHAN

GORDON CLARK

JENNIFER DAVIS

CATHY LOPEZ

RHIANNON FOX

ROBERT GONZALES

DAVID GRAHAM

SANDRA HOFACKER

NICKIE HILL

JANE ROSENBERG

30 years of transformation

Orange County was a very different place when the first issue of the Best of Orange County rolled off the presses three decades ago.

The county had a gleaming new sports arena, then called the Arrowhead Pond of Anaheim, and the Disney-owned Mighty Ducks were its main tenants, playing in their second season. Barbra Streisand performed six nights at the venue.

Back then, Disneyland was still just the original park — Disney California Adventure and Downtown Disney were years away from construction. Admission was $30 for adults and $22 for children, but with a soft economy, the park rolled out its first discounts for Southern California residents, who could get in for $22, or $20 for kids.

Technology was unrecognizable from a 21st century perspective, but two harbingers of change had just arrived. The first web browser, Netscape Navigator, enabled people to access what was then called “the information superhighway.” The number of cellphones in use had doubled from two years earlier, but still fewer than 10% of people used the devices.

Three decades and one pandemic later, Orange County has changed profoundly. As people no longer have to leave the house to shop, malls have pivoted to offering environments and experiences, rather than just stores hawking wares. Movie theaters now offer reclining seats and high-end food and beverage service, seeking to lure viewers used to consuming streaming content on their big-screen TVs.

The Pond is now Honda Center, but it has been joined as a concert venue by a wealth of competitors, from pop music spots such as the House of Blues Anaheim, City National Grove of Anaheim and FivePoint Amphitheatre to fine arts facilities like the Renée

and Henry Segerstrom

Concert Hall and the Soka Performing Arts Center.

The Disneyland Resort has undergone significant expansion in recent years, adding the new lands of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus.

Earlier this year it unveiled the revamped Mickey’s Toontown with its state-ofthe-art new ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Orange County has always had fine dining, but the past 30 years have seen an explosion in chef-driven culinary concepts. Three Orange County restaurants — Hana re, Knife Pleat and Taco Maria, all in Costa Mesa — have received Michelin Stars in recent years. The area has also been at the forefront of the craft beer boom and the farm-to-table movement.

About 600,000 more people call Orange County home today than did so at the founding of Best of Orange County. Communities such as Las Flores, Ladera Ranch and Newport Coast have sprouted in formerly undeveloped areas. And those homes are much different than those of decades past, with smart technology that lets homeowners set their thermostats from their phones or ask an Alexa device to turn down the lights.

The pace of change can at times seem disorienting, but some things about Orange County remain unchanged. It’s still a beautiful place to live with an ideal climate, top-quality schools and a vibrant business community.

Best of Orange County 2023 is your guide to that place, with attractions, businesses and destinations that have been curated as the best by your neighbors. We welcome you to enjoy this publication, as readers have for 30 years.

RON HASSE PUBLISHER, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

PLACES TO GO + DO

PLACES TO GO+DO

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Space Mountain in Tomorrowland and the Mark Twain Riverboat can be seen from Splash Mountain in Critter Country at Disneyland. Space Mountain was voted best amusement park ride in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Space Mountain

Disneyland; disney.go.com

Space Mountain reclaims the top spot after spending a year as runnerup — a rarity for the perennial Disneyland favorite. The 1977 indoor roller coaster takes riders on a highspeed journey through the dark with many twists, turns and dips.

After more than four decades of thrills, the popular coaster consistently has one of the longest lines in Disneyland.

The attraction occasionally shifts into Hyperspace Mountain mode, with a Star Wars overlay that was first introduced during the 2015 Season of the Force event. Scenes of X-Wings, Starfighters and even the Millennium Falcon flash on the interior walls of Space Mountain as riders race

2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Disneyland; disney.go.com

Rise of the Resistance drops from the top spot after a brief reign as the Best of OC in 2022. The epic dark ride debuted in January 2020 in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland.

The ambitious, first-of-its-kind attraction combines four separate ride systems with state-of-the-art audio-animatronics and visual effects.

Rise of the Resistance enlists recruits to join a battle between the villainous First Order and the heroic Resistance.

The backstory for the attraction finds riders entering a dense forest where the Resistance has set up a temporary and secret military base camp outside of the Black Spire Outpost village on the Star Wars planet of Batuu, the setting for the 14-acre Galaxy’s Edge themed land.

Along the way, the recruits will be captured aboard a Star Destroyer, break out of a First Order detention cell, elude the clutches of Kylo Ren and escape back to a secret base on Batuu.

3. Indiana Jones Adventure

Disneyland; disney.go.com

through the dark aboard the indoor coaster.

In past years during Halloween, a Ghost Galaxy overlay has filled the ride with paranormal activity with the help of projections, lighting and sound effects.

Riders walk through a futuristic space station before boarding the coaster train in a mission control center. NASA Mercury and Gemini astronaut Gordon Cooper helped design Space Mountain so the ride would feel like an actual space flight. Through the years, the coaster has introduced onboard audio, added new ride vehicles and undergone a complete retracking.

– Brady MacDonald

Disneyland cleaned every skull, mummy and snake during a refurbishment of Indiana Jones Adventure that refreshed the classic dark ride without disturbing any of the beloved rubble and debris in the crumbling Temple of the Forbidden Eye. The Adventureland ride takes passengers in a troop transport over rough terrain as they race through a cursed temple filled with slithering snakes, screaming mummies and collapsing bridges.

The latest renovation makes Indiana Jones Adventure feel brand-new again just like when the thrill ride first opened in 1995. Walt Disney Imagineering “plussed up” the ride with two new digital effects scenes designed to demonstrate the power of Mara, the antagonist deity within the Temple of the Forbidden Eye at the center of the story unfolding in the attraction.

The Indy refurbishment teams cleaned and painted the projection surfaces throughout the attraction and repaired and refreshed the scenic elements throughout the extensive queue. Video projectors were refocused and lighting fixtures were replaced. The large audio-animatronic snake and rolling ball in the finale have been repaired.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

1. Huntington City Beach

Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Seapoint Street, Huntington Beach; surfcityusa.com/things-to-do/beaches/huntington-city-beach

Along more than 40 miles of coastline, hundreds of named beaches, and a number of legendary surf spots, Orange County has plenty of world-class locales to entice beach lovers. And yet, maybe the most iconic of these and always somewhere in the top rankings of Register readers is City Beach in Huntington Beach.

A bronzed, broadshouldered beast, City Beach features expansive stretches of sand rolling into miles of surf breaks that cater to all levels of surfer. Evenings feature classic instagramworthy sunsets, and centering it all is the historic 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier. It may lack the surf breaks of the Trestles and the Wedge, or the intimacy and diversity of South County, but no beach puts it all together with all the amenities like HB.

Maybe the best known, most photographed, photogenic and iconic stretch of Orange County beach, City Beach provides the pride and identity of Surf City. The southside of the Pier

is home to the U.S. Open of Surfing, the largest pro surfing tournament in the world, as well as pro beach volleyball tournaments, seasonal concerts, Fourth of

2. Main Beach, Laguna Beach

Pacific Coast Highway between Laguna Avenue and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach; 949-497-9229; visitlagunabeach.com/things-to-do/beaches/main-beach

The instantly recognizable, bright white hexagonal Laguna Beach lifeguard station is only the first eyegrabber at Laguna’s gem of a beach. Not as big as some of its neighbors, Laguna’s biggest beach packs a lot into its downtown space. Amenities include a grassy park, beach boardwalk, basketball and volleyball courts, tide pools and public art installations — it’s Laguna, after all.

“It’s such a great little spot,” says Rachel O’Neill-Cusey,

president and CEO of Visit Laguna Beach, noting the across-the-street dining spots and vibrant shopping district. “It’s very eclectic.”

Main Beach is one of a string of 30 separate named beaches in the city, each with distinct features and vibes. But just by itself, Main Beach is a “bucket list” destination according to the city.

It is also highly accessible from the free open-air trolley service with stops throughout the town.

July fireworks, car shows, and the Pacific Air Show. There are also miles of paved walkways for walking, running, biking or rollerblading.

The Broad Street Oyster Company, which replaced the former Ruby’s Diner, opened last month at the end of the pier.

– Greg Mellen

3. Crystal Cove State Park

Pacific Coast Highway between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach; 949-494-3539; crystalcovestatepark.org

Crystal Cove has something for just about anyone who wants to take in varied coastal beach beauty. This is not your prototypical Southern California beach with all the beautiful people on parade.

“The reason Crystal Cove continues to be a top beach is it’s so unique,” said State Parks Naturalist Winter Bonnin. “The sand and rocky shore give it a romantic feel. You have this magical environment with its big cliffs and promotories.”

With secluded stretches of golden sands, craggy coastal formations, such as Pelican and Abalone points, some of the best tidepools anywhere and 2,400 acres of beach and backcountry, Crystal Cove is a trove for naturalists.

The beach also has a unique Historic District, a 12.3-acre enclave of 46 cottages, built as a seaside colony in the 1930s. Docents and rangers offer educational and informational programs with guided hikes, tidepool walks and geology talks.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

A surfer runs to the surf as the sun sets near the Huntington Beach Pier in Huntington Beach.

1. Orange

Mile-square area with Plaza Park at Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue at its center; cityoforange.org

Years ago, the City of Orange made the decision to save and retain the core of its downtown in all its old-timey authenticity. In making historic preservation a guiding value and keeping its downtown like a time capsule, Orange remains a go-to destination for residents and visitors alike.

Orange consistently ranks high among Orange County residents with its active and bustling entertainment and business district.

“Our historic downtown gives visitors a sense that they’re in a safe, charming American small town of yesteryear, while making you forget you’re in the middle of suburbia,” said Orange Mayor Dan Slater.

From the moment you wander into the Plaza Square, with its historic fountain and traffic rotary, it’s like being transported into another era. Radiating from the plaza is the 1-square-mile Old Towne historic district, with more than 1,300 homes and businesses, making it the largest National Register

2. Huntington Beach

District in California.

The American Planning Association designated the Plaza area a “Great Place in America,” saying, “First laid out in 1880, The Plaza is

Main Street off Pacific Coast Highway and nearby areas; 714-969-3492; hbdowntown.com, surfcityusa.com

It’s what frames the commercial corridor of downtown Huntington Beach that truly elevates the always bustling area on the destination list for both tourists and locals.

With the drop dead beauty of the expansive City Beach and historic pier as its front porch, not to mention the thriving Pacific City mall immediately south, the Surf City identity runs deep through the downtown area.

The downtown commercial corridor is filled with trendy bars, eateries and retail shops

that carry the beach vibe and offer “the quintessential Surf City experience.” Not to mention the iconic Jack’s Surboards and Huntington Surf & Sport shops and Duke Kahanamoku statue on Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street and the nearby International Surfing Museum.

A variety of year-round events, such as Surf City Nights, a weekly street fair and farmer’s market, the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks keep downtown jumping.

the social and cultural heart of the City of Orange. The proximity of the surrounding neighborhoods contributes to the role that it plays as the community’s living room.”

3. Fullerton

The business area bustles with antiquing, shopping and dining with 24 antique shops, 29 specialty shops and more than 50 restaurants and cafes.

– Greg Mellen

Area bounded by Chapman Avenue, Highland Avenue, the train tracks and Santa Fe Train Depot and Lemon Street; 714-738-6300; cityoffullerton.com

Fullerton strives to keep in touch with its roots. And while it may lack some of the cohesion of some old towns, the city has preserved the best examples of its architectural history, with 70 historic buildings popping out to visitors like gems of period architecture.

Founded in 1887, Fullerton has balanced the past with modernization in a downtown that is both historic and happening.

Historic highlights include the Santa Fe

District and Fullerton Railway Plaza and train museum, Chapman Building, Villa del Sol, Fox Theatre, and the award-winning Fullerton Museum Center. “Pastoral California,” is a 1934 New Deal-era fresco that was painted over then restored in 1997.

No need to overdose on history, however, there are also 40 restaurants and numerous trendy shops spread over 350,000-squarefeet of retail space.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange was voted the best downtown in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. OC Fair

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa; 714-708-1500; ocfair.com

For many locals, a trip to the OC Fair is an essential part of any summer. There’s so much to experience that multiple visits are common, with more than a million people attending annually.

OC Fair Chief Business Development Officer Joan Hamill says the event “is a place where memories are made. Families, friends, and (those) you’ve never met come to gather and celebrate together. It attracts a wide variety of people from all different walks of life.”

Besides fun rides, midway games and the Ferris wheel, fair activities include dozens of shows across three venues. The 8,200-capacity Pacific Amphitheatre, which marked its 40th anniversary in July, hosted concerts by Beck, X, Styx, Dwight Yoakam, Ziggy Marley, Cheap Trick, and others this season. Tribute bands appear at The Hangar, while the Action Sports Arena is the place for motocross, rodeos, themed demolition derbies, monster trucks and the annual craft beer roundup. Local and community entertainment also happens on other stages throughout the fairgrounds.

From funnel cakes, huge turkey legs and buttery corn on the cob to Chicken Charlie’s deep-fried delights and California Grill’s vegan/vegetarian/ gluten-free options, there are all types of culinary fare. Courtyard wine seminars and tastings are offered near the food contest winners. Shopping opportunities abound. Marveling at the work of OC’s best amateur visual artists and photographers provides plenty of inspiration.

Hamill notes that some chilled water stations help reduce plastic water bottle usage and the Every Day Passport allows patrons to visit anytime.

– George A. Paul

2. Festival of Arts/ Pageant of the Masters

650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; 800-487-3378; foapom.com

Pageant of the Masters, renowned for its “living pictures” presentation, where stage illusions, original music and storytelling are combined, recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. The festival’s two-month summer season encompasses a professional juried fine art show featuring paintings, sculpture, photography, ceramics, jewelry and more.

Live music is performed nightly via weekly series in different genres. There are guided art tours, art workshops and special events (a fashion show, junior artists spotlight). The on-site restaurant Terra Laguna Beach offers California Cuisine.

“No other festival anywhere in the world re-creates famous works of art with real people,” says Sharbie Higuchi, a Festival of Arts director, adding that OC artists “undergo a rigorous selection process to participate. This combination sets it apart” to create “an immersive experience where art comes to life.” Higuchi says.

3. Orange International Street Fair

Old Towne Orange; orangestreetfair.org

Each Labor Day Weekend, Old Towne Orange becomes a onestop worldwide travel destination. Originally launched in 1973 to mark the city’s centennial, the multicultural fair attracts 100,000 visitors daily. Streets around Plaza Park are divided into themed countries (Australia, England, France, Germany, Mexico, Italy, Denmark, Japan, Switzerland, Greece, and Ireland, among others), with food booths to match. Local restaurants provide menu samples and alcohol offerings are abundant (sales are curtailed by a certain point in the evening).

Entertainment stages feature ethnic groups, original musicians, and cover bands. There are children’s games and local vendor booths serving up items such as churros, gyros, beef sticks, beignets, kettle corn and sausages. Commercial and community booths support various causes and businesses, while arts and crafts booths sell handmade items like home decor, jewelry, clothes and more.

The event is run by Orange International Street Fair Inc., a nonprofit founded in 1985.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Fairgoers ride the Euro Slide at the OC Fair in Costa Mesa.

1. Laguna Beach Saturday Farmers Market

Lumberyard Parking Lot 12, 521 Forest Ave., 949-497-9229; visitlagunabeach.com/restaurants/farmers-market

Nestled next to the junction of Ocean and Forest avenues near the quaint downtown district, there are few things more “Laguna” than the city’s Saturday morning market.

“Not only are you in a picturesque canyon, surrounded and hugged by the canyon,” said Rachel O’Neill, president and CEO of Visit Laguna, “but it’s all local-made goods.”

Although Laguna Beach is a town noted for its artists and artisans, this certified farmers market focuses on nature’s bounty, locally sourced.

Other markets may be larger, but few more accurately reflect the name.

“It’s really a market for farmers,” O’Neill said. “It’s truly a farmers market.”

Whether it’s just-picked produce, flowers, local honey or homemade delicacies, the 40 or so vendors are able to cater to a variety of tastes..

A popular start-of-theweekend destination for locals, the market is a place where “you can learn what Laguna is all about,” O’Neill said.

The market also features coffee from local independent baristas, not to mention homemade empanadas.

Adding to the townie feel,

2. Great Park Certified Farmers Market

8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine, myoccfm.com

Always in the rotation of best markets is the Great Park Certified Farmers Market.

In addition to a robust selection of certified fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from 30 to 45 vendors, the market also features live entertainment, artisan crafts and arts, bread, flowers, plants and packaged foods.

The market attracts 1,200 to 1,500, more on big sports days, but remains laid back with lots of

multigenerational families. And parking is ample, so you don’t have to hassle for a spot.

“I like to describe us as the Las Vegas buffet of markets, because we have a little of everything,” said Mary Ann Senske, CEO of My OC Certified Farmers Markets, which operates four farmers markets in Orange County.

Visitors can also check out the nearby giant Great Park balloon, carousel and the Farm + Food Lab.

the market is dog-friendly and often features live local music.

Visit Laguna Beach puts it this way, “As you’ll see from

the large numbers of locals in attendance, it’s a perfect way to start a lovely Saturday morning in Laguna Beach.”

– Greg Mellen

3. Irvine Farmers Market

5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine; 949-769-8262; ocfarmbureau.org

If size matters, not to mention diversity, the Irvine Farmers Market, not to be confused with its Great Park neighbor, is the place.

Featuring more than 100 vendors sprawled across two large parking lots — one for farmers, one for artisans and other vendors — Irvine has the largest farmers market in Orange County.

“It’s huge, nothing even compares,” said Trish Harrison, manager of the market.

Farmers travel from as far away as Fresno with a variety

of produce popular in diverse cultures that Harrison says is unrivaled.

There are also artisan baked goods, sushi, hummus spreads and vegan meals.

Although farmers markets were hard-hit by the pandemic, Harrison said her market has rebuilt to beyond pre-pandemic numbers.

The number of vendors is also packed out, “unless I can do double-decker tents,” Harrison joked.

“It’s an event,” Harrison said. “It’s not just to go shopping.”

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Readers voted the Laguna Beach Farmers Market as the top farmers market as part of the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

1. Black Gold Golf Club

One Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda; 714-961-0060; blackgoldgolf.com

Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda has built a reputation in Orange County as a municipal course contending in a field of big hitters in the tough, upscale Orange County golf scene.

In addition to being among the best values in Orange County, Black Gold stretches out to 6,756 yards and par-72 from the black tees. Arthur Hills, a noted golf architect with more than 200 courses to his credit, including the Tournament Players Club and LPGA International Legends course in Florida, created a demanding course. The circuit features elevation changes, rolling sloped fairways and undulating greens, as well as tricky features such as potholes or massive bunkers fronting greens. Other than in the tee box or on the green, players rarely find level footing. It closes with a lake and the course’s signature waterfall off the 18th hole.

Plenty of vistas of sea and foothills.

A review on Trip Advisor read, “A challenging course

with beautiful views at every hole. A few of the holes have a magnificent view of the ocean and Catalina Island in the distance.”

The course is also home to the Yorba Linda City

2. Costa Mesa Country Club

1701 Golf Course Drive, Costa Mesa; 714-540-7500; costamesacountryclub.com

A big favorite of weekend duffers, the Costa Mesa track features 36 holes split between the Mesa Linda and Los Lagos courses. The benefit is that golfers can get spectacular experiences without paying the premium prices of private clubs.

Stretching out to 6,600 yards, the par-72, Los Lagos course features rolling fairways and large greens with five par-5s to test your driver. Lakes come into play on four holes and there are impressive vistas throughout.

Mesa Linda is a tester

for shot makers at 5,700 yards and a par-70 layout. According to course officials, the first hole may be one of the toughest in Orange County, 440 yards to a small undulating green. Throughout, doglegs and small greens challenge accuracy.

The courses were designed by Torrey Pines architect William F. Bell and noted course-maker Ronald Fream, opening in 1967.

Costa Mesa Country Club also features popular wedding and banquet venues.

Championship.

Derrick’s Grill offers dining inside the 20,000-square-foot clubhouse or on a covered outdoor patio overlooking the 18th green. It serves breakfasts, appetizers and

lunches.

The clubhouse is a popular wedding venue with banquet facilities for more than 200 guests.

– Greg Mellen

3. Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

26722 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo; 949-305-5100; arroyotrabuco.com

No Orange County course has ever hosted a “Block Party” like the one at this scenic course in Rancho Mission Viejo. O’Neill’s Bar and Grill was packed out as fans and course golfers celebrated the Cinderella run of head club pro Michael Block, a teaching pro since the club opened in 2004. The 46-year-old made the cut at the 2023 PGA Open and finished in 15th place.

Celebrity sighting notwithstanding, Trabuco consistently ranks among favorite courses in Orange County. Nestled into the

bucolic 2,400-acre Reserve at Rancho Mission, the Casey O’Callaghan and PGA Tour Pro Tom Lehman-designed layout plays anywhere from about 5,000 to a full-on par 72, 7,000 yards, depending on tee placement.

Trabuco Creek meanders into play on seven holes and three other holes sport water features.

Facilities include a large ballroom for weddings and banquets. O’Neill’s Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a champagne brunch every Sunday.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda was voted best golf course in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Segerstrom Center for the Arts

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; 714-556-2787; scfta.org

From architecture and design to entertainment, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the definition of class. Opened in 1986 (as the Orange County Performing Arts Center), it contains three indoor venues of various sizes and a black box theater. Several local classical music organizations and South Coast Repertory call it home. “We offer highquality programming and a diverse array of genres all in one place” in addition to “an array of inspiring arts-based education and community engagement programs, explains Segerstrom Center President Casey Reitz. “We are all inclusive at the Center.”

This past summer, Segerstrom presented Movie Mondays — family friendly films such as “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and “Peter Pan” at the outdoor Argyros Plaza. The 2023-24 Broadway series will include “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” in October, Disney’s “The Lion King” in February, “MJ: The Musical” in March, “Beetlejuice” in

2. Laguna Playhouse

April, Disney’s “Aladdin” in May, “Funny Girl,” “Clue” and “Peter Pan” heading into next summer.

Segerstrom’s “In Conversation” author series slate has Michael Pollan, Kristin Hannah and Amor

606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach; 949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com

Laguna Playhouse has been an active part of the local arts community and among the West Coast’s oldest continuously operating nonprofit theaters for more than 100 years. It presents off-Broadway hits, musical comedies, classic plays, dance festivals, music exhibitions and stand-up comedy.

According to Artistic Director David Ellenstein, the playhouse’s “commitment is to artistic quality and to enriching our community with top notch art.” A recent addition to the playhouse team, he has been focused on

“getting back to basics, (with) great plays, well done.”

Ed Asner, Harrison Ford, Melanie Griffith, Val Kilmer, Gregory Harrison, Dan Lauria, Hal Linden, Wendie Malick, Rita Rudner, Loretta Swit and Bette Davis have all graced the Laguna stages at some point. Educational programming includes Youth Theatre, Theatre Reach (a curriculum-based professional theater touring program) and classes. “The Rainmaker,” “The Angel Next Door” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’” are among the upcoming productions.

Towles. Other genre series will present Lila Downs, Mandy Patinkin, The Calder Quartet, Megan Hilty, 2022 Tony winner Matt Doyle (“Company”), Itzhak Perlman and Joshua Bell.

“The Center continually

seeks out the most acclaimed and extraordinary productions while ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy,” notes Reitz. “That is exactly what (the new season) will accomplish.”

– George A. Paul

3. South Coast Repertory

655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; 714-708-5555; scr.org

Orange County’s only Tony-winning theater (for Best Regional Theater in 1998) is based on the Segerstrom Center campus. South Coast Repertory’s 60th season production roster includes “A Raisin in the Sun,” “A Christmas Carol,” “George Gershwin Alone,” “Alice’s Wonderland” and more. Managing Director Paula Tomei says SCR is known nationwide as “one of the foremost incubators of new plays.”

More than a hundred plays have debuted on its stages, either commissioned by SCR or produced by others.

“We’re very proud of all the great playwrights and composers we’ve been able to support over the years,” she says.

The Pacific Playwrights Festival, a showcase of new works that is part of the theater’s play development arm, happens each spring. It is followed in the summer by Outside SCR, which are plays held at Mission San Juan Capistrano. SCR Theatre Conservatory offers yearround classes and theater camps for students in grades 3-12, plus adult acting and playwright classes from beginner to pro levels.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Segerstrom Center for the Arts was voted best venue for live theater in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Regal

Edwards Kaleidoscope

27741 Crown Valley Parkway #301, Mission Viejo; 844-462-7342; regmovies.com

Before patrons reach the doors to Regal Edwards Kaleidoscope, they can lounge in some seats in the front patio area to meet up with friends or relatives. Besides blockbusters like “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” and “Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning, Part 1,” Regal offers limited engagement foreign language movies, anime, concert and documentary films, wrestling and theatrical productions on its screens. Many titles are shown in conjunction with Fathom Events. During the run-up to the Academy Awards and at other times, Regal hosts nationwide film festivals.

The theater’s recent Summer Movie Express series featured family films such as “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank,” “Dora and the Lost City of Gold” for a bargain rate. Mystery Mondays provide a chance to watch an unannounced movie before its

official theatrical release date. Regal Crown Club and Unlimited members have tons of perks at their disposal. These include candy discounts on Mondays, cheaper popcorn and admission on Tuesdays and bonus credits for using the Regal mobile app on

2. Cinemark Century Huntington Beach +XD

7777 Edinger Ave. #170, Huntington Beach; 714-373-4573; cinemark.com

Founded in 1984, Cinemark operates more than 500 theaters with 5,847 screens in 42 states. The company touts its Movie Club as the first U.S. exhibitor-launched subscription program and the first one to reach the 1-million-member milestone. Cinemark also lays claim to the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat count compared to competitors.

The Huntington Beach location, located in the Bella Terra shopping center, features RealD 3D projections, XD auditorium (premium format, wall-to-wall screen;

11.1-layer multichannel surround sound), recliners, some D-BOX motion seats, upscale concession items, an arcade and a private party room that can be reserved for special occasions.

Back in March, Cinemark hosted its annual Oscar Movie Week Festival and through a partnership with ESPN, it also offered college football playoff games on the big screen through a special package.

Over the summer, the theater chain had a weekly family film series. Movie treats can be preordered via mobile to pick up upon entry.

Wednesdays. The Unlimited movie subscription pass is available in three tiers and allows all the standard 2D format films customers can watch at any time, as well as discounts, rewards, exclusive movie previews, guest freebies and

special event access. 4DX, IMAX, RPX and Screen X films have an added surcharge. Anyone purchasing with the Regal app can skip the line, access digital collectibles, augmented reality experiences and more.

– George A. Paul

3. Regal Irvine Spectrum Screen X,

4DX, IMAX & RPX

500 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 844-462-7342; regmovies.com

After taking a spin on the carousel or a ride on the Giant Wheel, moviegoers can head right over to Regal, which is centrally located at the bustling Irvine Spectrum Center. Consistently a top performer among the chain’s American theaters, Irvine was the first Regal site to obtain a Screen X in 2018.

Within the last decade, the cinema was remodeled to include LED and digital signage, a full bar, smoothie station and coffee shop. The auditoriums have recliners, multiple menu items and

the ultimate technology in sight and sound. Self-serve kiosks prevent long lines to buy tickets.

Elevated food and drink offerings include B-Fresh ice cream, a Boba drink station and frozen cocktails. Patrons can go beyond standard 2D and choose to see the latest blockbuster films in Screen X (multi-projection using the auditorium walls), 4DX (motion seats with environmental effects), RPX (a larger-than-standard screen) or IMAX (big curved screen and enhanced audio) for an added surcharge.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Regal Edwards Kaleidoscope in Mission Viejo was voted the best movie theater in the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

2. Orange County Museum of Art

3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa; ocma.art

From the late 1960s to the 1990s, the Orange County Museum of Art was known as the Newport Harbor Art Museum. Since then, OCMA has garnered a reputation for focusing on living artists at major points in their careers.

October will mark a year since the museum relocated to a dazzling, $100 million facility at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Exhibits rotate every few months. The Tony Lewis exhibition “Casual T” (Calvin and Hobbs comic collages and graphite pieces) and the abstract layered paintings of Jennifer Guidi’s “And So It Is” are among those currently on display. The 4,500+-piece permanent collection spotlights 20th and 21st Century artists with ties to California. Major holdings include pop art, minimalism and modernism works and more.

Workshops, film series, performances, monthly events such as Art Happy Hour/ Pop Up Talks and Family Fun art making are all part of OCMA programming. Private tours can be requested for a fee.

1. Bowers Museum

2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana; 714-567-3600; bowers.org

Bowers Museum has been a perennial winner in this category since Best of OC started 30 years ago. The oldest and largest museum in Orange County, it displays more than 90,000 artworks and artifacts, with major Oceanic, African, Native American, Asian, and pre-Columbian collections.

The ones devoted to California (plein air paintings, mission buildings) hark back to The Bowers’ initial focus on OC history after opening in 1936. A remodel in the 1990s brought a new wing, a permanent Chinese exhibition, additional galleries for special exhibitions, event venues, an auditorium and a children’s museum. Another expansion in 2007 added more exhibition space and galleries.

“We strive to provide a comprehensive understanding of global cultures,” says Anne Shih,

board of governors chairwoman, with items “that highlight the richness and diversity of human creativity.” Permanent collections spotlight Mexican ceramics, Chinese silver jewelry and textiles, Pacific Island headhunters, temple murals, gemstone carvings and more. Shih says The Bowers “offers a truly immersive experience, transporting visitors through time and space to explore the wonders of civilizations.”

Over the past year, the gallery spaces were refurbished to accommodate larger and more diverse exhibitions. Bowers also offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures. “Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast, a student eager to learn, or a family looking for an enriching experience, Bowers Museum has something to offer you,” Shih says.

– George A. Paul

3. Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum

18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda; 714-983-9120; nixonlibrary.gov

The Nixon Library and Museum opened in 1990. It provides a comprehensive look at Nixon’s life and presidency, with millions of documents, extensive recorded conversations (“White House tapes”), plus other audio and video broadcast recordings. Nixon Foundation President & CEO Jim Byron says the interactive gallery exhibits — renovated for the first time in 2016 — “explore profound events that shaped America and the world” and “create an unforgettable and enlightening experience for visitors.”

For locals, viewing the Nixon birthplace, burial site, presidential helicopter and elsewhere provides “a unique blend of history and personal connection to the area” since he was “the only U.S. President born and raised in California — right here in Orange County.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Bowers Museum was voted best museum in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

2. The Observatory

3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana; 714-957-0600; observatoryoc.com

Open since 2011 in a building that once housed the Galaxy Theatre, the Observatory presents nearly 400 events annually in its main venue and the smaller Constellation Room. It often serves as an incubator for musicians with burgeoning fan bases who later appear at Coachella. There are multiple bars and patios. Bookings range from rock, indie and metal to rap, hip-hop, electronic music and beyond.

Tom See, president of venues at Live Nation, says the larger room’s unique layout gives it a “super intimate feel,” which helps make it special. “Sightlines are nearly perfect from anywhere” and “it offers a fanartist connection that you just won’t get anywhere else.” Indeed. Watching The Fixx from an upper tier in 2022 still provided a clear vantage point. Other British alt-rock legacy acts (the Waterboys, Public Image Limited) have reveled in the Observatory atmosphere.

Having two stages fosters variety. “We’ve got up-and-coming TikTok stars in the [300-capacity] Constellation Room and can also welcome 6,000 fans for a festival in the lot,” See says.

Soka Performing Arts Center was voted best music venue in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Soka Performing Arts Center

1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo; 949-480-4278; performingarts.soka.edu

A back-to-back winner in this category, Soka Performing Arts Center has become one of Orange County’s premiere music venues over its dozenyear history. Paul Williams, Kenny Barron, and Diane Schuur all recently appeared at the 1,000-capacity concert hall. Marketing and Communications Manager Jaime Spataro says the staff aims to make patrons “feel at home” and “every performance an unforgettable experience.”

Soka Performing Arts Center regularly hosts Sunday concerts by the Pacific Symphony. It presents the West Coast’s only classical solo piano series and just partnered with the San Diego Symphony. The facility also comprises a black box theatre typically utilized for family and kid-centric fare. Arts outreach programs are geared toward local students in grades 2-12 so they can experience orchestras, world music

and more for free. Soka Performing Arts Center regularly engages with small organizations, community members and other arts groups to broaden its reach, says Spataro. Sound and lighting upgrades were implemented within the hall to elevate the shows to “new heights,” Spataro says. Penny Cuff of Perris, who saw the Pacific Symphony perform last year, calls the venue’s Italian village-inspired design “lovely and beautiful, with spectacular fountains outside. I really enjoyed being there.”

LeAnn Rimes, the Kronos Quartet, Roger McGuinn of The Byrds, the Silkroad Ensemble feat. Rhiannon Giddens, Dean Torrence and the Surf City All Stars, and Alan Broadbent Trio are all part of the new season. Courtesy shuttles are an added benefit for patrons.

– George A. Paul

3. FivePoint Amphitheatre

14800 Chinon, Irvine; livenation.com

Six years after opening as an interim venue, FivePoint continues to bring superstar music talent to OC. Located next to the Great Park and adjacent to public transit, the summer show slate featured Smashing Pumpkins, Dave Matthews Band, Weezer, The Offspring, Darius Rucker, and Snoop Dogg, among others.

“There’s nothing better than enjoying a concert in an incredible outdoor environment and this venue consistently delivers for the nearly 300,000 fans we host each season,” says Live Nation’s Tom See.

He considers FivePoint’s “park-like atmosphere that is completely unique among live music venues” a major draw. When people walk into the plaza, “they can hang out, enjoy the communal experience of attending the show, play cornhole and enjoy great local food trucks. ... At some shows, we add a band or dance floor for folks to enjoy before the headliner.”

Assorted upgrades (parking, cabanas, private bar) are available to elevate the overall experience and a streamlined entry process makes it “easier than ever” for fans to get inside these days.

PAUL RODRIGUEZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2023FALLPREVIEW

SEASONOPENER

LeAnnRimes

Saturday,Sep23

GREATPIANISTS

Seong-JinCho

Tuesday,Dec5

SUNDAYS@SOKA

PacificSymphonyw/ StephenKovacevich

Sunday,Oct29

LEGENDS

DeanTorrence(ofJan &Dean)w/theSurfCity

Allstars

Friday,Oct13

ORCHESTRAL

SanDiegoSymphony

Friday,Oct6

CHAMBERMUSIC

PinchasZukermanTrio

Sunday,Oct1

PSOCSERIES

OCYouthSymphony& StringEnsemble

Sunday,Nov5

AmericanRailroad: SilkroadEnsemblew/ RhiannonGiddens

Saturday,Nov11

ChamberMusicSocietyof LincolnCenter

Saturday,Dec9

Votedasoneofthe

Top3BestMusicVenues forthesecondyearinarow

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PacificSymphonyPlaysMozart WithStephenKovacevich,Piano Sun,Oct29|3pm

JAZZ

AlanBroadbentTrio

Saturday,Oct21

WORLD

HālauHulaLaniOla

Saturday,Sep30

AsWeSpeak:BélaFleck, ZakirHussain,EdgarMeyer feat.RakeshChaurasia

Friday,Nov17

CelticChristmasw/“Titanic” PiperEricRigler

Sunday,Dec10

CHILDREN’S

BobBakerMarionettes

Sunday,Oct8

1. SDCCU/OC Marathon

Newport Beach/Costa Mesa; 949-222-0456; ocmarathon.com

The running scene is back in full force. Nowhere was this more apparent than the SDCCU/OC Marathon. For the first time, Race Director Gary Kutscher said, both the full marathon and the 5-kilometer run sold out weeks in advance.

“(That) people are back and wanting to get together in big groups is exciting,” said Kutscher, entering his 15th year as race director.

Before the pandemic, the race pulled in about 2,000 runners, but in 2023 a full field of 2,600 runners registered. Another 3,200 packed out the field in the 5K, and the halfmarathon came close to a sellout.

If you want to take part in the best race in OC in 2024, plan ahead.

“It’s our 20th anniversary on Cinco de Mayo,” Kutscher said. “It’s going to be our biggest party ever.”

The race — which saw its course record broken this year in 2 hours, 18 minutes — has plenty of qualities that set it apart.

The course wends its way past Fashion Island, along PCH, through Newport Back Bay to the OC Fair & Event Center.

The terminus at the fairgrounds provides another feature you won’t get anywhere else: the two-day OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo, with BMX demonstrations, radio disc jockeys, live entertainment, vendors, exhibitors and a kids fun run on Saturday.

– Greg Mellen

2. Dana Point Turkey Trot

Dana Point; 949-496-1555 ext. 101; turkeytrot.com

The ultimate hometown race with a big-time reputation is back for its 46th running in 2023. The small seaside city packs a lot into its Thanksgiving Day activities before packing it in for the holiday meal.

With the motto “Run the race before you stuff your face,” you get the idea that fun outpaces hard-core competition, although top runners are plenty fierce. Turkeys, Pilgrims, and pumpkins are on display as a costume contest is part of the fun.

The race rebounded from the pandemic with nearly 10,000 runners showing up in 2022. The trot features a 10K, 5K, and the 1-mile kids’ Gobble Wobble. The flat course meanders along the shores of the city’s famed harbor area and Doheny State Beach.

Presented by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, the race began as a fundraiser with 300 people with pizza and beer at the finish, and has charity partners each year.

3. Surf City USA Marathon

Huntington Beach; 562-795-8900; motivrunning.com/run-surf-city

After being bounced around by the pandemic and the 2022 Super Bowl, Orange County’s oldest marathon is back on solid footing. Although it had traditionally been held on the same Sunday as the Super Bowl, the Surf City USA Marathon has settled into the first weekend of February, which is now one week before the NFL’s big game.

Despite Southern California’s incredibly wet winter, Surf City was able to avoid the puddles in 2023 and returned to the rankings among OC Register readers.

“It was quintessential Chamber of Commerce weather,” said race spokesman Dan Cruz, noting that between the marathon, halfmarathon, 5K, and a Saturday 1-mile beach run, about 20,000 contestants came to the shores of HB.

The race also brought aboard a new sponsor: 361 Degrees shoes and apparel.

The course is flat and fast with entertainers lining the beautiful ocean course. Finishers receive the unique surfboard medal.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The SDCCU/OC Marathon was voted best run/race in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Pechanga Resort Casino

45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula; 877-711-2946; pechanga.com

This Temecula resort has two hotel towers with 1,100 rooms, an RV campground and a gaming floor measuring close to 200,000 square feet, making it one of the largest in California. The gaming floor has more than 5,000 slot machines and over 150 table games. The casino’s hotel rooms come in various sizes, measuring from 400 to over 800 square feet. Each room offers flat-screen LCD televisions, floor-to-ceiling windows and 24-hour room service. Pechanga also has two entertainment venues. The outdoor Pechanga Summit can accommodate up to 3,000 guests, and the indoor Pechanga Theater can seat 1,200.

Pechanga offers a resort experience with amenities such as a spa and a 4.5-acre pool complex called The Cove, which recently added a new lounge. This area has four pools, two whirlpools, two twisty water slides, a family pool, 27 cabanas, a walk-up restaurant, and a swim-up bar. Some of Pechanga’s eateries include the Italian

restaurant Paisano’s, Asian seafood spot Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar and the fine-dining restaurant the Great Oak Steakhouse, which reopened this summer after a remodel.

Ken Perez, president of the

2. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino

777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland. 909-864-5050. yaamava.com.

The Highland casino has been through quite a renovation in the last couple of years. The property, formerly known as San Manuel Casino, embarked on a resort style expansion similar to its neighboring tribal casinos. In September 2021, San Manuel Casino became Yaamava’ Resort & Casino and began revamping its elevated dining concepts Serrano Vista Café and The Pines Steakhouse.

It also upgraded its gaming floor which includes more than 6,700 slot machines and more than 150 table games. By the end of 2021, the casino had transitioned into a resort by ushering in its 17-floor hotel tower with 432

Pechanga Development Corp., said that he and the teams at Pechanga were humbled to learn that guests took the time to tell the OC Register they loved Pechanga the best.

“Our team members, who

rooms which come in different sizes measuring from 360 feet to over 1,300 square feet. Each room offers a a 65-inch flat screen TV, floor-to-ceiling windows, a coffee maker and 24-hour room service. Other resort amenities include a spa, fitness center and a pool complex featuring two pools, two 4-foot-deep Jacuzzis, a walk-up restaurant, a bar and a giant LED television.

The pool deck frequently hosts live music acts and weekend brunch. The final phase of the expansion was the opening of the Yaamava Theater which can seat up to 3,000 guests when the seats are fully retracted on the first level and 2,500 with reserved seating.

we consider the best in the industry, deliver our guests the kind of casual, luxurious environment that only Pechanga can offer at such a beautiful destination,” he said.

– Charlie Vargas

3. Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa

49500 Seminole Drive, Cabazon; 951-849-3080, morongocasinoresort.com

The Cabazon property has a a 27-floor hotel with 272 rooms with its casino consisting of nearly 4,000 slots, more than 80 table games and an entertainment venue.

The property has also moved in the direction of offering a resort experience to its guests. It includes a spa, a lazy river and a pool with a makeshift sandy shoreline surrounded by cabanas.

Dining at Morongo includes various fast food options, fine dining restaurants such as Cielo and full-service restaurants such as Mozen Asian Kitchen, Good Times Café and “Top Chef” contestant Fabio Viviani’s The Marketplace which replaced the property’s buffet. The most recent dining addition at the property was the hot chicken restaurant Ruffled Feathers.

TERRY PIERSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Pechanga Resort & Casino was voted best Southern California casino in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

PLAYYOURPERFECTCOMBINATION

CalledtoCare

Onceagain,MemorialCarehasbeenvotedamongthetophospitalsandmedicalgroups byreadersofTheOrangeCountyRegisterduringitsannual‘BestofOrangeCounty’ competition.OrangeCoastMedicalCenterandSaddlebackMedicalCenterrankedinthe topthreeinthe2023besthospitalcategoryandMemorialCaremedicalgroupsrankedin thetopthreeundertheircategory.

Toourcommunity,thankyouforthisvoteofconfidence.Toourdedicatedphysicians, nurses,caregiversandemployees,thankyouforbeingcalledtocare.It’swhyyoudo whatyoudo.Youaretheheartbeatofourhealthsystem.Anditneverstopsbeating–365/24/7.

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SHOPPING & SERVICES

→ Automotive: Auto Repair

→ Automotive: Car Dealership

→ Education: Career College Nursing School

→ Education: Career College Trade School

→ Education: OC College / University

→ Education: Tutoring Service

→ Financial: Bank

→ Financial: Credit Union

→ Financial: Mortgage / Reverse Mortgage Lender

→ Health: Dental Practice

→ Health: Fitness Center / Boot Camp

→ Health: Hospital

→ Health: Medical Group

→ Health: Place To Buy A Hearing Aid

→ Retail: Cannabis Dispensary

→ Retail: CBD Store

→ Retail: Grocery Store

→ Retail: Shopping / Dining Destination

→ Retail: Thrift Store

→ Retail: Wine Selection

→ Services: Lawyer / Law Firm

→ Services: Meal Delivery

→ Services: Pet Clinic / Veterinary Hospital

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

AUTOMOTIVE: AUTO REPAIR

1. Britton’s Automotive

17242 Gothard Street, Suite C, Huntington Beach; 714-841-5701; brittonsautomotive.com

Three decades is a long time to be fixing cars. It’s a lot of spark plugs, belts, hoses, rings, valves and seals. It’s a lot of dirt under the fingernails. And it’s just the way owner Bruce Britton likes it.

Britton has been fixing cars since he was a teen, a hobby he picked up even before he was in high school from his older brother, and now as owner of Britton Automotive in Huntington Beach, it’s a joy of not only fixing cars, but helping people understand their cars, from Hondas to Hummers.

“We’re family oriented, honest, and educate customers,” Britton says as the reasons his business has grown since 1985, much via word of mouth. “And we work with our heart and integrity. We value and care about every customer, 38 years in serving Huntington Beach.”

The shop is described as a complete service shop, meaning it’s certified and licensed to make any engine repair from transmissions to tune-ups. Britton’s Automotive also repairs brakes, tires, suspensions and

2. Goritz SixFix

axles.

For owners holding on to their older cars, Britton’s offers a 90,000-mile maintenance and timing

1760 Monrovia Ave., Suite A12, Costa Mesa; 949-229-2695; sixfix-us.com

Porsche drivers are people who usually know what they like. It starts with a fast German car. And they’re not just owners, they’re enthusiasts.

Goritz SixFix being voted second in the auto repair category means owners come to the service and engine shop because they’ve relied on it.

Owner/Operator Cornelius Göeritz trained as an intern at Porsche in Germany, then built his career in the U.S.

rebuilding and tuning classic and iconic air-cooled 911s, slantnose Turbos, 959s & 935s. He briefly returned to Germany to expand his skills, but now runs his Costa Mesa shop “like a well-oiled machine,” providing service work on all Porsche street cars as well as builds and rebuilds on racing models.

“Seeing our work being enjoyed and driven reliably,” Goeritz says, “especially on the streets of Orange County, brings us great pride.”

belt replacement. For those considering buying a used car, Britton’s also offers a bumperto-bumper inspection service to help a potential new buyer

properly evaluate the car. A VIP rewards program is also available.

3. ExperTec Automotive

Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach; expertecautomotive.com

ExperTec Automotive must have fans. It’s been one of Best of OC’s top auto repair vote-getters for six years.

Between its three familyowned locations, it’s built a reputation for quality and customer service for its general repair services on pretty much any make or model of car, on anything under the hood and right down to the tires. Its service also includes fleet vehicles, classic cars and hot rods, and even hybrids.

The shop also provides

financing options for people who need repairs now, but might not have the money to get them done otherwise.

And it’s not just quality service that customers seem to like, it’s also the way they’re treated by ExperTec staff that makes them sing their praises.

“Trustworthy,” “honest,” and “capable” are the words a lot of Yelp reviews used. But also “very pleasant,” and “very friendly” and “very good at explaining” read others.

– Shawn Price

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Bruce Britton, owner of Britton’s Automotive in Huntington Beach, which was voted best auto repair shop in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

»

BEST AUTOMOTIVE: CAR DEALERSHIP

1. Toyota of Orange

1400 N. Tustin St., Orange; 714-912-6636; toyotaoforange.com

A winner of Toyota’s President’s Cabinet Award, President’s Award and Board of Governors Award, Toyota of Orange is no stranger to recognition for its customer service.

“We strive to create a quality shopping experience for each of our customers and we will do everything we can to make sure you leave our dealership

with a smile on your face,” according to its website. This dealership has one of the largest Toyota inventories in the country. And in addition to its expansive selection of new cars, the dealership also offers a variety of pre-owned vehicles.

Every new Toyota purchased or leased at Toyota of Orange comes with a maintenance

2. Subaru Orange Coast

1350 Auto Mall Drive, Santa Ana; 657-666-9173; subaruorangecoast.com

Subaru Orange Coast prides itself on providing customers with a comprehensive dealership experience that goes above and beyond expectations. It also follows the larger Subaru Love Promise — a commitment to show love and respect to customers and to work to make a positive impact in the world. This translates into several campaigns including: Subaru Loves Pets, Subaru Loves the Earth, Subaru Loves Learning, Subaru Loves to Help and Subaru Loves to Care.

In Orange County, that

means partnerships with local charities and nonprofits including OC Animal Care, Orange County Rescue Mission, Pio Pico Elementary School, Orange County Beach Cleanup and Jack & Jill Guild (CHOC).

For example, the Orange County Rescue Mission supports the local community in helping those in need. Subaru Orange Coast donated 500 pairs of socks to help make people more comfortable during difficult times. Subaru Orange Coast also partners with Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

plan for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The no-cost maintenance plan includes engine oil and filter change, tire rotation, multipoint inspection and fluid level inspection and adjustment. Twenty-four-hour roadside assistance is also included for two years and unlimited miles.

The service center’s technicians are factory-trained and have years of experience working with Toyota models — some have even been there

since the service center first opened.

The Toyota of Orange website is extensive, and includes a blog featuring some of its upcoming models, as well as other useful Toyotafocused research.

“We try to build relationships with our customers so we can ensure their satisfaction and they can feel comfortable and confident in their search for a new vehicle.”

– Jessica Peralta

3. South County Lexus

28242 Marguerite Pkwy., Mission Viejo; 833-651-3989; southcountylexus.com

South County Lexus wants to become the leading Lexus dealership. According to its website, it strives toward that goal by offering a wide selection of new and preowned Lexus cars for sale as well as by providing a very customer-focused service and repair department.

The dealership’s commitment to customer satisfaction has helped guide it to become a 16-time winner of the Elite of Lexus Award, the DealerRater Dealer of the Year for three years in a row, and the DealerRater Customer

Satisfaction Award for six years in a row.

The dealership also offers a unique boutique concept called Gina’s Boutique onsite, carrying an assortment of personal care and gift items, including Jack Black skincare line for men, Voluspa candles, Epicuren skincare and Puppies Make Me Happy clothing, with a portion of proceeds benefitting dog-related charities and shelters. So that while you’re waiting for service or sales, you can also do a little shopping.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted Toyota of Orange best car dealership in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. CNI College

1610 E. St. Andrew Place, Suite 200, Santa Ana; 800-455-4700; cnicollege.edu

The campus of CNI College looks as much like a hospital as it does a school, and that’s exactly the idea. Every student should feel like they’re learning about nursing in a real environment.

For almost 30 years, the school has offered accredited vocational training in nursing and health services. Students can earn a Master of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or a RNto-BSN Degree Completion Program, as well as complete programs in AOS Magnetic Resonance Imaging (or MRIs), AOS Surgical Technology and Vocational Nursing Diplomas.

Though the college has shuffled around over the years between Santa Ana, Costa Mesa and Orange, it settled into its spacious 52,000-square-foot permanent campus in 2019 that features classrooms along-side fully equipped medical, pharmacy, personal training and computer labs, as well as a library, student union and other student support spaces.

The campus even has

mannequins that can simulate childbirth. In this environment, students can safely practice the hands-on training needed in a realistic setting, then learn how to take

2. American Career College

1200 N Magnolia Ave, Anaheim; 714-763-9066; americancareercollege.edu

American Career College lays out a timeline on its website for the different types of health service training it provides. For the person trying to make a decision about the future, it just got a little easier.

An associate’s degree as a surgical technologist or respiratory therapist in 20 months sounds pretty doable. Or becoming a vocational nurse in 13 months, or medical assistant in nine months.

For more than 45 years, American Career College has been providing healthcare education, and with some

accelerated programs and flexible class schedules — including some weekend classes — designed for realistic 2023 lifestyles.

The Anaheim location provides training in more than a dozen health care programs, including an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Medical Assistant, Surgical Technology and Vocational Nursing programs as well as Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assistant programs, and two new programs that offer hands-on training in medical billing and respiratory therapy.

their different skills to the next level before going into actual clinical settings.

Students at CNI are also eligible for FAFSA Federal Student Aid, Pell Grants, Cal

Grants, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants, various Stafford Loans, Federal Parent Plus Loans and private loans.

– Shawn Price

3. Stanbridge University

2041 Business Center Dr, Irvine; 888-789-6208; stanbridge.edu

Founded in Irvine in 1996, Stanbridge has seen rapid success, already expanding to Alhambra and Riverside locations as well as offering a slate of online programs.

The flagship campus has more than 1,000 students enrolled in one of the four accredited nursing programs, or the accredited physical therapy, occupational therapy or health care administration programs.

Stanbridge students can complete degrees in Associate of Occupational Science (LVN), Bachelor

of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science — RN to BSN, or Master of Science in Nursing, and the school has averaged a 98% NCLEXRN and 96% NCLEX-PN licensure pass rate the last five years.

State-of-the-art resources are available, from cadaver labs to virtual reality, including the SynDaver Synthetic Cadaver Lab, an Anatomage Table anatomy visualization system allowing virtual human dissection and an Advanced Laerdal Haptic IV Trainer for intravenous techniques practice.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Readers voted CNI College as the top career college/nursing school in Orange County as part of the 29th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards..

1. CTM Welding

1345 North Dynamics St., Anaheim; 714-577-9353; ctmwelding.com

Welding takes more training that people might think and that’s what CTM Welding is here for. With courses and workshops for the beginner right up to the experienced welder who finally has a chance to get professional instruction, CTM has it all.

Refresher courses are available for welders intent on taking the City of Los Angeles LADBS Certified Welder Performance Test, with another workshop designed to aid in passing the written portion of the test. Workshops are also available for employers seeking to help their staff polish their skills and all courses and workshops are led by experienced instructors.

“CTM is a fairly small and intimate trade school that works with each student on an individual basis,” says Johnathan Juarez, son of educator and co-owner of the school, John Juarez. “We primarily focus on training and certification to help our students obtain a job in their primary field of interest.”

The school also teaches shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux cored arc & gas metal arc welding (FCAWGMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) as well.

2. Brownson Technical School

1110 Technology Circle, Suite D, Anaheim; 714-774-9443; brownson.edu

Brownson Technical School grads have a high success rate for employment because they typically get the most cutting-edge training in HVAC/R trends.

For more than 30 years, the school’s training programs prepped students in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration repair, maintenance and design. And because Brownson has built relationships in the industry, it’s become a go-to school for employers. Many of the former students eventually become business

owners themselves, and frequently hire Brownson graduates.

According to Brownson’s website, 87 percent of its graduates found work in the HVAC industry within one year. Grads enter the work-force with 1,040 hours of hands-on training on a wide range of real equipment in one of the biggest HVAC labs in Southern California. Training courses for beginners and advanced technicians are available in 10-month and 22-month plans.

“With us being a small facility it allows us to have ample one-on-one time with our students,” Juarez says. “CTM does its best to assess each student’s individual

needs and helps them progress through the program at a learning rate that suits their needs.”

– Shawn Price

3. South Coast College

2011 W Chapman Ave, Orange; 714-867-5009; southcoastcollege.edu

South Coast College is a community college that has specialized in career training for people starting out, changing careers, or reentering the workforce.

Founded in 1961, the college focuses on three fields, offering a Court Reporter Certificate Program, a Paralegal AA Degree Program and a Medical Assistant Certificate Program. The programs are decidedly student-friendly with flexible day or night class schedules, held in smaller classrooms that allow for more personalized

learning experiences. Instructors are experienced in the field and the programs have respected reputations in the state of California. With a small student body of between 200-400 students, alumni have a strong success record and often start their own businesses. Many return to campus as mentors to help support students and the programs that helped them. One South Coast grad is even the court reporter on the Emmy-award winning courtroom show “Judy Justice.”

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted CTM Welding as the top career college/trade school in Orange County as part of the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

EDUCATION: OC COLLEGE / UNIVERSITY

2. Cal State Fullerton

800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton; 657-278-2011; fullerton.edu

Cal State Fullerton’s graduating class this year was unique because it was the class that entered during the fall of 2019. It experienced the entire arc of the COVID-19 pandemic from shutdown to return.

“The class of 2023 learned to be the most agile of higher education students — tackling and mastering online education, then returning to in-person learning and preparing to enter a workforce upheaved by the global crisis,” says Ellen Treanor, associate vice president of Strategic Communications at Cal State Fullerton. “While we called previous classes resilient, this class learned to be the most flexible in all situations and is poised to be a driving force of Southern California’s economy.”

Provost and Executive Vice President Amir Dabirian says Cal State Fullerton offers a high-quality education in a diverse community focused on student engagement and high-impact practices. He says CSUF was recently recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Employers for Diversity 2023.

Readers

1. UC Irvine

Irvine; 949-824-5011; uci.edu

UCI stands alone in Orange County in many regards.

It’s the only university in the county that is a member of the American Association of Universities — an organization of the top 71 research universities in the United States and Canada, according to Tom Vasich, senior director of Communications & Media Relations. UCI is the only university in O.C. with a dedicated health sciences campus with schools of medicine, nursing and pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and a program in public health.

“These schools and programs also lead numerous community-health projects throughout Orange County,” says Vasich.

And the list continues. Vasich says UCI School of Education is rated among the 10 best in the country. Plus, UCI has produced five Nobel

Prize winners throughout its history. UCI is the only Orange County university to have an ecological preserve and a wetlands within its borders, and has the largest library in the county.

The university contributes $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide, and is Orange County’s second-largest employer.

“UCI is the most popular university for California’s high school graduates with more in-state firstyear applications than any other university,” he says.

This year’s graduating class also stood out. Vasich says 46 percent of their graduates are the first in their families to receive a college degree.

UCI granted 680 doctoral degrees — the most in Orange County — and 1,815 master’s degrees.

– Jessica Peralta

3. Chapman University

One University Drive, Orange; 714-997-6815; chapman.edu

Chapman is on a mission to help develop original thinkers — whether it’s students making a movie, creating a business model or writing code. It’s an inclusive, empowering community fostering creative thinking and expressing all perspectives. The university also works to connect students to faculty and the community to keep students engaged in the larger world.

It is ranked in the top 15 percent of American colleges and universities and for three years has been a top producer of Fulbright Scholars. Chapman students have won awards that allow them to become more global citizens by participating in education programs around the world. It was also named one of two “most innovative” universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report.

“Chapman University isn’t just an institution of higher education, it’s a family. When you step on campus you can feel that there’s just something special about this place: It feels like home,” states its website.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

voted UC Irvine as the top OC college/university as part of the 30th annual Best of Orange County reader’s choice awards.

Strive to Learn was named best tutoring service in Best of Orange County balloting. Josefine Borrmann is the founder of

1. Strive to Learn College Counseling & Tutoring

653 Newport Blvd A109, Costa Mesa; 949-873-6807; strivetolearn.com

Strive to Learn founder Josefine Borrmann understands students because she spent a long time being one. It was while she was tutoring in college, working her way toward a master’s degree in anthropology, that the idea for the company came to her.

Creating a company that is able to help any student because the tutors are trained how to understand different types of learners is the key to success for the student and the company and perhaps why Strive to Learn has topped the reader’s poll for the second year in a row.

“I think that our ability to really empathize with students and understand who they are is at the core of what makes us different as

2. Kumon

Multiple locations; kumon.com

In 1954, Toru Kumon’s young son Takeshi was beginning to struggle with math. Fortunately, Toru was a math teacher, and with some trial and error, he figured out a way to give his son math worksheets so that young Takeshi could develop his skills. Toru believed good educators should inspire “a mindset of self-learning” and let students build overall academic abilities by developing skills on their own. Takeshi soon became a math whiz, and his father began inviting local children to their home for tutoring.

Today, Kumon Math and Reading Centers use basically the same method for kids age 3 through high school in centers around the world. Students study for 30 minutes per subject per day in Kumon classrooms one or two times a week. Though each center has physical classrooms, virtual classes — via smartphone, PC or tablet — are available at certain locations, allowing students more flexibility with their schedules.

3. Tutor Time Learning Centers

Multiple locations; tutortime.com

a company,” says Borrmann on her website.

And if the tutors understand the highs and lows, and how a student might be struggling with a particular subject it can be very encouraging and keep them pointed forward.

All tutoring is done one-on-one, mostly via Zoom, for grades K-12 as well as college academic tutoring and test prep for SAT, ACT and others. Borrmann herself is one of the staff who provide college counseling to high school students navigating college admissions to their dream schools. Assistance includes career interests and instruction in essay writing.

– Shawn Price

Tutor Time was founded in Boca Raton, Forida, in 1988. Since then it has grown to include more than 200 schools throughout the U.S., including six in Orange County, plus Indonesia and Hong Kong. Tutor Time is a subsidiary of Learning Care Group, which operates 11 brands, including La Petite Academy, Childtime and Pathways Learning Academy, with more than 1,000 schools and child care organizations serving more than 156,000 children.

Tutor Time provides day care for infants, toddlers and 2-year-olds with specific early education curricula for each age group. Children who are 30- to 42-months old can be enrolled in Tutor Time’s Early Preschool Program. Programs for older children include Pre-K, Junior Kindergarten, Private Kindergarten and Before and After School care.

Tutor Time also has teamed up with the Partnership for a Healthier America on its Grow Fit initiative. The program’s goals include having children play outside for 1 to 2 hours a day, to limit screen time, to eat fresh fruit and vegetables at least twice a day and avoid fried foods or sugarsweetened drinks.

KEVIN SULLIVAN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Strive to Learn.

1. California Bank & Trust

Multiple locations; calbanktrust.com

For a decade now, readers have voted California Bank & Trust their favorite bank in OC.

The award-winning and FDIC-insured bank has more than $12 billion in loans, $16 billion in deposits and since 1952, the San Diego-based institution has more than 80 branch offices statewide, and with six in Orange County, including Brea, Orange, La Palma, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Dana Point, and San Clemente, there is also the kind of access people really appreciate. But CB&T is able to accommodate both personal and businessrelated banking, as well as community development grants for women- and minority-owned businesses.

CB&T has the services and resources of a large financial institution but also provides the personal attention of a local bank. This allows California Bank & Trust to both champion the people and businesses that help make the state the fifth-largest economy in the world, through a team

2. Chase Bank

Multiple locations; Chase.com

The largest bank in the U.S. is also a regular favorite of readers. With more than $3.31 trillion in assets and more than 5,000 branches — including more than 90 in Orange County — to reach all 48 contiguous states, convenience and access is a key part of Chase’s popularity.

OC residents have a full-service bank at their disposal, with services including personal, business and commercial options like checking and savings accounts, CDs, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, small business loans,

of experienced and savvy bankers and customized financial solutions.

“Our commitment to deliver best-in-class service to our clients extends beyond the

walls of our branches and into the communities we serve throughout California,” said Eric Ellingsen, president and CEO at CB&T in a statement about the years of reader

3. Bank of America

personalized investment and retirement strategies and advice, as well as online banking and more than 17,000 ATMs around the country.

In 2020, JPMorgan Chase announced its $30 billion Racial Equity Commitment, that, according to its website, is designed to help close the racial wealth gap and advance economic inclusion among Black, Hispanic and Latino customers and communities underserved in the U.S., via expanding affordable housing, homeownership, and small businesses.

poll wins. “On behalf of each employee, thank you to the Orange County community for acknowledging our efforts.”

– Shawn Price

Multiple locations; bankofamerica.com

The second-largest banking institution in the U.S., as well as secondlargest in the world holds nearly 11 percent of all U.S. bank accounts and is the third-largest investment bank in the world, though B of A’s focus has always been primarily on the middle class and wider banking community.

Named the “World’s Best Bank” by the Euromoney Institutional Investor in its 2018 Awards for Excellence, the bank in manages nearly $1.2 trillion in assets.

Founded in Los Angeles

in 1923, the bank provides customers with savings and checking accounts, CDs and credit cards, as well as home and auto loans, business services, and student banking featuring monthly maintenance- and overdraftfee-free accounts.

B of A’s Environmental Business Initiative, begun in 2007, provides financial and intellectual capital to develop solutions to climate change and other environmental challenges, including green energy, sustainability and land and water conservation.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted California Bank & Trust as the best bank as part of the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

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Thankyou,OrangeCountyRegisterreaders,forrecognizing CaliforniaBank&Trust(CB&T)as BestBankforarecord 10thconsecutivetime.

WechampionthepeopleandbusinessesbuildingCalifornia. Andwe’vebeen buildingCalifornia’sbestbankingrelationships since1953–andwe’rejustgettingstarted.

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1. Credit Union of Southern California

Multiple Locations; 866-287-6225; cusocal.org

The Credit Union of Southern California wants to be a place you can count on. It strives to cultivate a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Its values statement is “Everybody counts. Everybody cares. Everybody delivers, every day.”

The credit union also passes on its profits on to its members in the form of lower loan interest rates, higher yields on savings, fewer/ lower fees and enhanced services. According to its website, in 2022, the average annual savings per member household was $261. Anyone who lives, works, goes to school or worships in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside or San Bernardino counties is eligible for membership.

Credit Union of Southern California keeps on top of tech and offers comparable technology to any large financial institution, including

UNION

2. Orange County’s Credit Union

Multiple Locations; 714-755-5900; orangecountyscu.org

Originally chartered in 1938 as The Orange County Employees Credit Union, Orange County’s Credit Union was created to provide for the financial needs of local county government employees. But during the 1990s, it expanded its membership to include all residents of OC. Today it’s open to everyone living or working in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

As of March 31, 2023, Orange County’s Credit Union reported its assets at more than $2.5 billion and membership exceeding 130,000.

Orange County’s Credit Union encourages all associates to actively participate in community activities through paid volunteer hours. From hosting youth and adult financial education workshops and participating in city-outreach programs to volunteering at a local charitable event, they strive to make an impact in the community. They support organizations including Children’s Miracle Network “Credit Union for Kids” and Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC); NeighborWorks Orange County and OC United Way.

3. SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Multiple Locations; 800-462-8328; schoolsfirstfcu.org

mobile check deposit, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay, credit scores and reports, contactless cards, facial recognition, fingerprint sign-in and more. It also boasts more ATMs than almost any bank anywhere — 30,000 free ATMs. Look for the CO-OP logo on ATMs at participating credit unions in all 50 states and 13 additional countries and at local retailers like Walgreens, Rite Aid, 7-Eleven and Circle K. Every year the credit union also supports hundreds of charitable initiatives with worthy causes in communities. Plus, hundreds of enthusiastic CU SoCal employees devote time and resources to give back to others. Made up of CU SoCal team members, the Community Relations Committee meets monthly to support charitable organizations and community events.

– Jessica Peralta

Founded in 1934, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union has focused on providing personal service to California school employees and their families. Today, it’s the largest credit union in California and the fifth largest in the nation with more than 1 million members and more than $25 billion in assets.

“Everything we do, every decision we make, is with an unwavering commitment to serving the best interests of members,” states its website.

SchoolsFirst takes to heart the “people helping people” philosophy on which credit unions were founded. The credit union is not only dedicated to member service, but also actively supports the communities it serves through events, donations, scholarships and financial literacy programs. In 2021, SchoolsFirst gave $2.2 million in charitable donations to school employees, school programs and students. SchoolsFirst FCU members and team members helped raise $263,537 for Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) affiliated hospitals.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted Credit Union of Southern California as the top credit union in Orange County.

BEST FINANCIAL: MORTGAGE / REVERSE MORTGAGE LENDER

1. Mortgage League of America

22121 Canyon Crest Drive, Mission Viejo; 949-632-4347; mortgageleagueofamerica.com

Back in 1987, James W. Gordon Jr. started Mortgage League of America after he’d spent eight years in the mortgage industry, deciding that he could do it better. Apparently readers agree, putting the company at the top of the poll again.

Now his company is a full-service mortgage broker with a mastery of mortgage lending and mortgage refinancing. Clients can find the best rates and terms for what they need as well as receive consistent updates from staff during the process.

First-time borrowers trying to navigate the process of buying a home, or experienced buyers looking to get an update on the latest regulations, to seniors interested in a reverse mortgage to develop a little money on hand or for their IRA, Mortgage League of America’s staff have the expertise. And today, Gordon still meets with all his clients in person, so that they know him as more than just a voice on the phone.

“I specialize in what the client actually needs now, show them how to attain the loan and, most times, think outside the box,” Gordon told The Register last year. “I tell my kids, if someone has real estate, I can fund them.”

– Shawn Price

2. Citizens Lending Group

3455 E La Palma Ave #102, Anaheim; 800-443-4042; citizensreversemortgage.com

Citizens Lending Group is made up of a veteran staff of loan officers who have more than 50 years combined experience in the loan industry.

It’s a wealth of experience that includes traditional home loans and commercial loans, as well as Veterans Administration loans and FHA loans. But with all that experience, the company now specializes in reverse mortgages for senior citizens.

However, for borrowers at least 62 years old, the

primary goal for the loan officers is actually consumer education. Essential to their business is making sure they can provide clients reliable information about reverse mortgages and being able to answer all their questions. Putting together all the right information is key to the lending process along with something basic — trust.

Why has this approach been so successful? Loan officer and co-owner Jeff Krolosky says, “Very simple. We care.”

3. Your Favorite Lenders

5100 E. La Palma Ave., Ste. 219, Anaheim; 714-340-0200; yourfavoritelenders.com

Garrett Anthony and Landis Williams had an audacious goal when they launched Your Favorite Lenders in 2020: To be the top lender in Orange County within 10 years. The two friends, both Orange County natives who graduated from El Modena High School, wanted to create a company to serve the community.

“We focus on commercial lending and we focus on first-time home-buyers,” said Anthony, who is the company’s CEO. His partner, Landis, is the president. Both are 28 years old.

For clients who are looking to make the move from renting to owning, Your Favorite Lenders helps to walk them through the process.

“Our highest value for the first-time home-buyer is guidance,” Anthony said. “Working with them, making sure the payment is something they can afford.

In its commercial lending business, Your Favorite Lenders finances construction of multifamily properties, from those with 4 to 8 units up to a 50-unit apartment complex.

Mortgage League of America in Mission Viejo was voted the best mortgage / reverse mortgage lender as part of the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

1. Lollipop Dental

Multiple locations; lollipopdental.com

Going to the dentist for adults can be stressful. Going to the dentist for kids can be really scary. It’s a good reason why teaching kids good dental health and safety are the main objectives at Lollipop Dental.

Helping kids understand good dental habits and getting them used to seeing a dentist is essential to lifelong oral health, so even kids getting their first teeth are welcome at the practice’s multiple locations. With each visit, staff members help teach kids how to brush and floss properly twice daily, and each visit features a fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect a child’s teeth, as well as dental sealants on the back molars that can last for years.

Kids can walk into a Lollipop office and feel like it’s a kid-friendly environment, while parents can relax in knowing dental services are provided with 100 percent safe, clean water, meeting EPA regulatory standards and keeping their children from exposure to potentially harmful microbacteria.

“They do an excellent job of accommodating my 3-year-old boy and 7-year-old daughter. My kids enjoy going to the dentist now!” wrote Yelp

2. Jason Cellars, DDS, Seacliff Dental

18652 Florida St #300,Huntington Beach; 714-848-4247; jasoncellarsdds.com

reviewer Maxx O. of Newport Beach. T.P. of Garden Grove wrote “This place is super kid friendly, clean, and inviting.” And Jenny P. of Monrovia

wrote, “They always make my child feel very comfortable so he never minds coming to have his teeth cleaned.”

– Shawn Price

3. Draper Family Dentistry, San Clemente

629 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente; 949-248-5555; jondraperdds.com With a goal to make every patient feel confident and comfortable, Jason Cellars, DDS, has provided patients a warm and welcoming environment to get quality dental care with the most modern and high-tech equipment and procedures available for nearly 30 years and staff stay current with the latest dental technology. Because Cellars is a cosmetic dentist, he was able to see how a healthy smile can change someone and how bad information and negative situations in life can seriously

affect people’s oral health. Cellars’ Huntington Beach office provides comprehensive and preventative dental care as well as cosmetic dentistry, and staff make sure each patient has been able to fully discuss, and fully understands all treatment, with minimal wait times. Services include dental exams, cleanings, teeth whitening, fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, Invisalign, tooth extractions, and emergency dental care.

It’s a sense of family that drives dentist Jon Draper’s practice in San Clemente. A sense of someone looking out for you and taking care of you when you need it.

Draper’s office features a staff with the most advanced educations in dentistry, and who use the most cuttingedge dental technology to always aim for the highest quality care in a pleasant environment. Services include comprehensive dental hygiene, teeth

whitening, veneers, crowns, implants and root canals.

“We are new patients with no standing relationship in place, the staff were kind and accommodating as if we were patients for years,” says Rob G. of Laguna Niguel in his Yelp review.

Sara L. of Santa Monica says “I have forever dreaded going to the dentist. This is my third exam/cleaning with Dr. Draper’s office and I truly look forward to my cleanings.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lollipop Dental was voted best dental practice in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Merage Jewish Community Center

1 Federation Way, Irvine; 949-435-3400; jccoc.org

Merage Jewish Community Center takes a thorough approach to wellness.

Director of Marketing and Communications

Char Williams-Cavitt says JCC membership opens the door to a diverse list of recreational, social, educational, physical and cultural activities.

Merage JCC members have access to a long list of services and amenities, including a health and wellness center offering more than 65 free group exercise classes; personal training and spa services; a state-licensed after-school program offering a variety of enrichments for those K-5; a teen center; gymnasium with two fullsized basketball courts; pool and aquatics center — and more.

“We offer everything from personal training to group fitness classes,” says WilliamsCavitt. “We have both indoor and outdoor workout spaces as well as two Pilates studios. We offer spa services and physical therapy onsite and have both indoor and outdoor

2. LA Fitness

Multiple Locations; lafitness.com

LA Fitness’ mission is plain and simple — good health. Founded in Southern California in 1984, LA Fitness to this day continues seeking innovative ways to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of an increasingly diverse membership base. With a wide range of amenities and trained staff, LA Fitness offers fun and effective workout options to family members of all ages and interests.

Its list of class offerings are long and varied, including aqua fit, body

pickleball courts. Our personal trainers work with you to establish fitness goals by creating a program geared to your fitness level, needs and schedule.”

Examples of onsite classes include functional strength,

works plus abs, boot camp conditioning, cardio jam, core and more, cycle, hip-hop, kickbox cardio, mat Pilates, power circuit, senior fit, step sculpt, Zumba and more.

LA Fitness also offers Pro Results personal trainers that can help design a customized workout plan while providing ongoing motivation and support. It is ideal for all fitness levels and backgrounds. Certified personal trainers can help add variety to your workout routine while also helping you learn new exercises and proper form.

aqua deck fitness, arms, abs and booty, mat Pilates, aqua blast, Zumba, balance and body alignment, cardio kickboxing, Vinyasa flow yoga, performance ride, Pilates fusion and gentle yoga, just to name a few. On Demand

offerings are also available.

“Whether you’re looking to work out your body or your mind, there’s something here for everyone, regardless of race, religion or age,” says Char Williams-Cavitt.

– Jessica Peralta

3. The Camp Transformation Center

17895 Sky Park Circle, Ste. F and G, Irvine; 949-557-7060; thecamptc.com

It isn’t always easy to find the right gym.

The Camp Transformation Center, Irvine gives options and a range of support to help clients get results.

Its Yelp reviews read something like: “I joined the 6-week challenge for 20lbs lost and I got to say I wasn’t disappointed. The trainers and staff here are absolutely here to help you achieve your goal…”

The Camp offers classes starting from 5 a.m. all the way to 7 p.m., with more than 30 classes a week, according to co-owner Lalo

Alvarado.

“We have tons of equipment, of everything from weights to TerraCores,” says Alvarado. “Best trainers and staff and cleanest gym.”

The Camp offers memberships and challenges for three weeks or six months, Alvarado says. The center also specializes in nutrition and meals — for weight loss as well as to help gain muscle and tone up — and has its own supplement company, MyoFX, to help clients further reach their fitness goals.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted the Merage Jewish Community Center of Orange County fitness center as the top fitness center/boot camp in Orange County.

1. MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center

18111 Brookhurst St, Fountain Valley; 714-378-7000; memorialcare.org

To be the best regarded hospital in Orange County takes some hard work. But Fountain Valley’s MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center tops the reader poll again.

“Every year, we work tirelessly to raise the bar on our performance level so that we continue to exceed our own expectations here at MemorialCare, and even more importantly, those of our patients who entrust us with their health,” says Marcia Manker, CEO of Orange Coast Medical Center and Saddleback Medical Center, in a statement.

The 240-bed hospital is one of four in L.A. and Orange counties and offers general care as well as specialists in cardiology, neurology, obstetrics orthopedics and its ER is considered one of the best in the state. But there’s no time to rest when people need you.

“To achieve excellence, you must commit to excellence in every aspect of what you do and how you do it,” Manker says. “We are incredibly appreciative for MemorialCare’s amazing team of employees, physicians, volunteers, and donors, and we will never become complacent in the care we provide. It is our promise to every patient, caregiver and family member that we will consistently provide extraordinary care and that we will focus on always improving our services in order to exceed the expectations of those who rely on us.”

– Shawn Price

2. MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center

24451 Health Center Drive, Laguna Hills; 949-837-4500; memorialcare.org

MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center is routinely honored for excellent medical care for patients and families at every stage of their lives. The hospital is considered in the top 5 percent of the nation for clinical excellence and comprehensive high-quality care, and for the fifth time in the last decade, Saddleback has been named in the reader poll.

The hospital is well known and relied on for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and heart disease, as well as stroke, pulmonary disease, neurosurgery and orthopedics, and has long been a leader in women’s health.

This year, the women’s hospital celebrated its 35th anniversary with the opening of a new obstetric emergency department and includes an advanced Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) staffed 24 hours a day with board certified neonatologists, specialty nurses, and respiratory therapists for infants born prematurely or with complications.

3. Hoag Hospital

Aliso Viejo, Irvine, Newport Beach; 800-400-4624; hoag.org

Hoag Hospitals remain popular with Orange County readers at least partly because they are always within easy reach of one. The Irvine hospital and Orthopedic Institute, as well as the Newport Beach hospital and its Birthing Center are centrally located with a wide array of care available, including specialties in cancer, cardiac and digestive health, as well as vascular, neuroscience, and their well-known women’s health and orthopedics departments.

Both hospitals are designated Cardiovascular Receiving Centers (CVRC) for emergency cardiac care. And in Irvine’s new Fudge Family Birthing Suites, new moms can labor, deliver and recover in the same room — and have two C-section operating rooms nearby — as well as a fully expertly staffed nursery, including OB/GYN hospitalists, midwives, boardcertified anesthesiologists and neonatologists.

At the same time, the Orthopedic Institute is consistently named one of the top orthopedic hospitals in the nation.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Readers voted MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley best hospital in Orange County.

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1. MemorialCare Medical Group

Multiple locations; memorialcare.org

A group of doctors joined together in 1997, combining five Southern California hospitals under one name, to make health care better in Orange and L.A. counties. They practiced evidence-based medicine in a brand-new system, called MemorialCare.

Since then, MemorialCare is now available at more than 30 health centers, with more than 260 primary care doctors and 2,000 specialists, and includes urgent care centers, imaging centers, surgical and dialysis centers in areas like family medicine, obstetrics-gynecology and pediatrics, oncology, cardiology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology. Even video visits with a doctor or nurse are available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Telephone advice from nurses is also available 24/7, and lab and X-ray services are available on-site at most locations.

MemorialCare Medical Foundation CEO Mark Schafer expressed his gratitude for returning to the

Best of OC.

“We are incredibly honored by and grateful for Register readers who have once again recognized MemorialCare Medical Group as among Orange County’s Best Medical Groups for the care we take

2. Edinger Medical Group

Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach; 714-965-2500; edingermedicalgroup.com

Edinger Medical Group takes its Best of Orange County recognition very seriously, now being named in the reader poll seven years in a row.

Distinct from some other medical groups, Edinger is physicianowned and has specialized in family and internal medicine for more than 60 years, making it popular with generations of Orange County families.

The two locations in the heart of OC feature 10 doctors and three nurse practitioners who

treat about 140 patients a day. The patient-focused care is based on balance, because Edinger Medical Group is small enough to provide personal care and accessibility, but also just big enough to have the resources patients need.

Other programs include SilverCloud, digital training for alleviating stress, anxiety and depression; diabetic care coordinators for those who need extra help managing their condition; and senior care coordinators for helping navigate Medicare.

so much pride and pleasure in providing them,” said Schafer in a statement. “As a medical group, we are constantly confronted with the unique health challenges and trends affecting our served communities. From COVID-19

to flu season, our patients entrust us to provide them accurate and compassionate care to ensure they are living their best lives now and in the future.”

– Shawn Price

3. Permanente Medical Group

Multiple locations; permanente.org

With more than 12 million members across eight states, Permanente Medical Group is one of the largest doctor groups in the U.S. and has a history that goes back 75 years.

The self-governed, physician-led, prepaid, multi-specialty medical groups composed of 24,000 physicians presents accessible, quality care to Orange County patients at an affordable price.

Permanente provides a range of treatment in primary care, as well as preventive care with screenings and immunizations, particularly

with breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. Comprehensive diabetes care is also available, along with blood pressure management, asthma management, and maternal care. Selfcare options, therapists, psychiatrists, and group classes are provided as part of mental health care for substance addiction, ADHD, and after hospitalization for mental illness.

And as an innovator in telehealth, about a third, or 2.1 million patients per month, use telehealth services for everything from allergies to oncology.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER MemorialCare CEO Barry Arbuckle at their offices in Fountain Valley. Orange County Register readers voted MemorialCare best medical group in Best of OC balloting.

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1. Amazing Hearing

24251 Avenida De La Carlota B1, Laguna Hills; 949-667-9818; amazinghearing.net

Ann Mundell-Noel, audiologist and owner of Amazing Hearing, understands what a hearing aid really means for the person who needs one.

“It is so much more than ‘buying a hearing aid,’” says Mundell-Noel. “It is about ‘fitting the person’ and their world. The hearing aids can only perform as good as the person that fits it. Fitting hearing aids is an art and science, and our patients know that we will do our best so they can hear their best.”

She says her store is staffed with audiologists who are trained to assess and treat hearing loss. They have either a master’s degree or doctorate degree in hearing science.

“We understand physiologically what is happening to the brain/ body when hearing loss occurs, and we are able to work with patients to get the best hearing aids for their individual needs,” she says.

Education, experience and empathy are at the heart of their customer service model.

“Our job is to provide the best hearing available

and we do that well,” says Mundell-Noel. “We objectively measure all of our fittings and we follow best practices of the American Academy of

2. Costco Hearing Aid Center

Multiple locations; costco.com

If you are concerned about your hearing, solutions could be as easy as heading to your nearest Costco.

Costco Hearing Aid Centers offer hearing tests as well as hearing aids for purchase. The wholesaler sells hearing aid brands including Rexton, Jabra and Philips with a variety of styles. Hearing aid styles include a receiver in the ear, completely in the canal, in the ear, in the canal and behind the ear.

Costco’s website offers an FAQ and other in-depth

information about the various hearing aid styles. There’s even an online hearing assessment to give you a general idea of where your hearing is at to help you determine if you need an appointment. To find out whether a particular Costco has a Hearing Aid Center, you can search under Locations, click on Store Details and look for Hearing Aids under Warehouse Services. Convenience is a major plus for Costco members looking for a hearing aid.

Audiology.”

In addition to those who are hearing impaired, the store works with those who have normal hearing and want

3. HearUSA

custom hearing protection and custom in-ear monitors as well as people with tinnitus who have ringing in the ears.

– Jessica Peralta

Costa Mesa, Tustin, Westminster; 1-866-776-2864; hearusa.com

HearUSA has more than 350 hearing centers throughout the United States — Costa Mesa, Tustin and Westminster locations included.

HearUSA has been making hearing devices that meet every need for more than 35 years. It offers the largest range of highest-rated hearing aid brands in the country — with more than 250 models.

An online hearing test is available through the company’s website and you can book a free hearing appointment as well.

When you arrive at a

hearing center for your appointment, a client experience specialist at the front desk will get you all checked in. Your hearing care professional will greet you at the start of the appointment and lead you to the testing suite. They will then ask you some questions and have you talk about your hearing challenges in greater detail. The more you tell them, the more they can help you. The entire appointment will last about an hour.

HearUSA accepts most insurance plans.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Amazing Hearing was voted best place to buy hearing aids in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Farmacy

1327 E. St. Gertrude Place, Santa Ana; 714-576-2150; farmacyshop.com

From the Bay Area to Orange County, Farmacy has built a group of five retail stores across the state that offer high-quality, carefully chosen adult-use and medical cannabis.

The Santa Ana store, like the others, serves as a community hub not only for premium products, but expert cannabis

2. People’s OC

education and guidance. Customers find a professional and welcoming experience with knowledgeable and trustworthy staff and a selection of products carefully curated from exclusive brands. Farmacy (previously known as Bud and Blossom) opened in Santa Ana in 2016, offering products like flower, edibles,

2721 S Grand Ave., Santa Ana; 714-582-3446; peoplescali.com

People’s OC considers its Santa Ana shop to be the “premier curated cannabis shopping experience” and readers apparently agree, voting them into this year’s poll. And because it’s also one of the largest retail dispensaries, it allows for one of the best selections, products designed for the beginner to cannabis connoisseur.

The store atmosphere is one where customers can feel comfortable regardless of their level of use. State-tested products include flower,

gummies and other edibles, topicals, tinctures, extracts, and vape products. Sameday delivery is also available up to 30 miles, and free for purchases of at least $50.

“Very informative, very knowledgeable,” says Kyle L. in his Yelp review. “And also gave me a better idea on understanding the difference between THC and cannabinoids.”

Jamie S. of Huntington Beach agreed: “Always a great experience; whether I walk in, use express pick up or delivery.”

and concentrates. Its shelves now include cartridges and extracts for cannabis vaping, tinctures, sleep aids, and CBD topicals. What you can’t find in the store is also available online for same-day delivery.

And if you want to learn more, there’s also Farmacy’s Friends of the Farm lecture series with 86 videos averaging an hour in length, where viewers can get a wealth of expert knowledge on cannabis for seniors, pets, treating epilepsy and pain,

product testing, and dozens of other topics.

“We believe in the power of sustainably produced cannabis products for recreation, selfcare, and social connection,” according to the website. “We want to move beyond stigma, beyond stereotype, to deliver enriching and natural experiences … where even someone who’s brand-new to recreational cannabis feels at home.”

– Shawn Price

3. Catalyst Cannabis

Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Stanton; catalyst-cannabis.com

Catalyst Cannabis’ mission of “Weed for the People” is no empty statement. It comes from shops building a sense of community and culture wherever they go.

Catalyst owns and operates 22 retail dispensaries in California, from the Central Valley to Southern California, with each designed to be a customer-focused experience. The objective is to bring customers the best products for the lowest prices. And if customers are short on time, Catalyst offers

online ordering for quick pickup.

The Santa Ana store is considered the “concentrate king of Orange County,” but is fully stocked with a wide variety of products and the first-time patient deal offers 20 percent off for shoppers on their initial purchase.

Catalyst later opened stores in Stanton and Costa Mesa. The company also formed Catalyst Cares in a time of social unrest to create a philanthropic arm of the cannabis retailer that could be a “catalyst for change.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Farmacy in Santa Ana was voted best cannabis dispensary in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

2. SunMed — Your CBD Store

Dana Point, Lake Forest, Tustin; getsunmed.com

SunMed started out in earnest search of a medical answer.

Rachael Quinn founded SunMed and SunFlora because her husband Marcus was diagnosed with the inflammatory disorder Crohn’s disease. CBD has been found very helpful in treating it, so she developed a CBD-based line of products, SunMed, in Florida in 2018.

Five years later, SunMed is an extensive line of 62 different products available in her multiple shops. She sells gummies for better sleep, better alertness, and better state of mind.

After a workout, her bath bombs and muscle creams can help sooth soreness and fatigue. There are also tinctures for weight loss, sleep and mental clarity. And when you’re done taking care of yourself, she has CBD-infused treats, chews and tinctures for dogs and cats.

And part of SunMed’s reputation comes from providing something few other companies do: Access to all lab testing results.

3. The CBD Shop

17741 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, 657-464-9262; thecbdshophb.com

1. Herbsnleaf

1175 Baker St. #10D, Costa Mesa; 714-545-3620; herbsnleaf.com

Herbsnleaf owner Prakash “Kash” Ronvelia takes what he does very seriously. He believes in the healthful and holistic healing abilities of the CBD products he sells in his Costa Mesa shop.

“We truly believe health is wealth,” the website reads.

The products can be edibles, drinks and capsules to vapes and oils, all offering the proven benefits of CBD as a treatment for chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia as well as other conditions.

The shop he started in 2006 was one of Orange County’s first in selling hemp-based products and though most of what he sells is for humans, he also stocks a lot of different products for pets as well.

According to the website, “We take

pride in knowing that we have been able to help people and their pets with aches and pains as well as with their worries and anxieties.”

Certain CBD products are safe and designed for pets, including the CBD treats he sells, as well as the liquid CBD for cats or dogs experiencing stress, anxiety and agitation.

Ronvelia is grateful to his customers for the distinction, saying “first and foremost our commitment is towards our customers. It’s a commitment to provide the best service, products, environment and prices to our customers for the last 13 years. We’re thrilled we have been voted twice in a row the best CBD store in OC.”

Huntington Beach’s most popular CBD store has also scored a place on this year’s reader poll and has kept customers happy with edibles, tinctures, topicals, vapes, softgels and capsules.

The CBD Shop’s website breaks down its merchandise by type of product, brand and also the symptom a customer may be seeking help with, such as sleep, pain, stress or anti-aging.

“Very informative with helping me choose some CBD with the right amount of dosage and the brand. So glad I came. Thanks and I plan to be back again soon when I need more.” says Josh B. of Huntington Beach in his Yelp review.

Ana J., also of Huntington Beach says “So helpful in guiding my options. Almost too much to choose from. I will definitely be back.”

“They were very informative and helped my father find exactly what he needed, went through all the products and (their) uses. We settled on some gummies and a balm for his extremely injured back and he felt immediate relief.” says Ryan O. of Westminster.

– Shawn Price

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kash Ronvelia and Hema Ronvelia’s CBD store, HERBSnLEAF in Costa Mesa, was voted best CBD store in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Trader Joe’s

Multiple locations; traderjoes.com

With its grocer-next-door feel, Trader Joe’s has become the go-to market of choice for many shoppers.

Public Relations Manager

Nakia Rohde says Trader Joe’s is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores committed to providing the best quality products at the best everyday prices and a welcoming, rewarding shopping experience.

Trader Joe’s is also committed to giving back and not wasting food. According to Rohde, as a neighborhood grocery store, every Trader Joe’s store donates 100 percent of products that go unsold but remain fit to consume to a wide range of food banks and food recovery agencies, seven days a week. In 2022, the company donated more than $411 million worth of food and beverages to 1,385 nonprofit partners in communities across the country.

If you’re looking for some ways to take Trader Joe’s food and make it your own, its website features pages and pages of recipes using

the grocer’s products. From Quick Chicken Tortilla Soup and Chile-Spiced Pineapple Cheesecake to Jalapeño Limeade Margarita and Jam-Jar Cocktail, there are all sorts of fun ways to make

2. Stater Bros. Markets

Multiple locations; staterbros.com

Stater Bros. Markets traces its beginnings back to a small grocery store in Yucaipa. Twin brothers and World War II veterans Cleo and Leo Stater bought the original Stater Bros. Market from W.A. Davis with a $600 down payment. Stater Bros. officially opened for business on Aug. 17, 1936, during the Great Depression. Headquartered in San Bernardino, today Stater Bros. operates 170 supermarkets in seven counties throughout Southern California and has approximately 18,000 employees with annual sales of more than $4 billion.

Since 2008, Stater Bros. has

contributed more than $80 million in food and funds to many local organizations that support hunger relief, children’s well-being, education, health and help for veterans and active service members.

“Over the years Stater Bros. has become an iconic Southern California mainstay and trusted household name by consistently providing generations of customers with exceptional quality, everyday low prices, friendly service, fresh product offerings and full-service meat departments,” states its website.

some meals, snacks and drinks.

“From unique foods and beverages that you won’t find anywhere else to daily staples like milk, eggs and 19-cent bananas, Trader Joe’s

3. Ralphs

Multiple locations; ralphs.com

Ralphs is likely a household go-to for many Southern Californians. Part of the Kroger brand, Ralphs’ geography extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. It’s a large grocery store company but is also committed to the communities it serves.

Ralphs focuses on community engagement, positive social impact and charitable giving both nationally and locally. The chain directs charitable giving and service to nonprofits that focus on hunger relief, military personnel and their families,

offers a wide selection of both domestic and imported products, all of which have been approved by the Trader Joe’s tasting panel,” Rohde says.

– Jessica Peralta

health and nutrition, disaster relief and more. Kroger has a Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social impact plan in a commitment to ending hunger in its communities and eliminating waste across the company by 2025.

“Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is our social and environmental impact plan. It sits at the center of our ESG strategy and reflects our commitment to build a more resilient, equitable and sustainable food system that improves access to affordable, fresh food for everyone — for generations to come,” according to its website.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Trader Joe’s was voted best grocery store in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

RETAIL: SHOPPING / DINING DESTINATION

2. South Coast Plaza

3333 Bristol St, Costa Mesa; 714-435-2000; southcoastplaza.com

The long history of South Coast Plaza as a luxury shopping center is well known. The more than 250 designer shops and boutiques, high-end eateries, galleries, and performing arts centers are a mark of the mall’s bringing a variety of things to one place.

South Coast Plaza and its surroundings offer a range of shops restaurants and experiences, like Dior and Alexander Wang, or Morton’s The Steakhouse, and Antonello Ristorante, or The Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the new Orange County Museum of Art.

“There are countless amenities and attributes that make South Coast Plaza the leading luxury shopping center in Southern California, including an unparalleled collection of luxury boutiques, designer fashion, top contemporary brands, plus, awardwinning restaurants and easy access to the best in OC art and culture.” says Debra Gunn Downing, executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza. “And that’s thanks to the most important attribute — private ownership.”

3. Fashion Island

Irvine Spectrum Center was voted best retail shopping and dining destination in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Irvine Spectrum Center

670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine; 949-790-4871; irvinespectrumcenter.com

The Irvine Spectrum Center has always been about a full and familyfriendly experience of shopping, dining and entertainment. From its more than 150 shops and restaurants, to its 21-screen theater, Ferris wheel and winter skating rink, and its accessibility between the 5 and 405 freeways, the Spectrum is the mall with wide appeal.

When it first opened in 1995, its outdoor setting and Moroccan architecture presented residents with a different shopping experience. Today, it still offers broad appeal of shops from TravisMathew to Target, restaurants from Javier’s Cantina & Grill to Subway, and entertainment from the Regal Irvine Spectrum ScreenX, 4DX, IMAX, RPX & VIP theater, to famous Giant Wheel and Carousel, and the Spectrum Climber

for kids, while adults can take in a night at The Improv, The Escape Game or Odyssey VR.

But the Spectrum is always changing. Visitors can check out new shops like Roll Em Up Taquitos, Shake Shack and Nike Well Collective, or Sprinkles Cupcakes, Earth Bowl Superfoods, and Purple mattress store.

Even the Great Wheel lawn provides friendly experiences for moms and their kids every first Tuesday of the month with Toddlers & Tunes featuring a DJ, games and complimentary Giant Wheel and Carousel rides. Open air workouts classes are also available with a variety of Spectrum’s fitness brands on weekend mornings with Get Outside & Get Moving.

– Shawn Price

401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach; 949-721-2000; fashionisland.com

A lot has changed at Fashion Island since it opened in 1967. These days, it’s anchored by Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Neiman Marcus. But one thing that hasn’t changed — besides the koi pond — is it’s still a destination for shopping, fashion, restaurants and entertainment.

Visitors can get the latest tech at Apple, or the latest accessories at Prada or Louis Vuitton, or jewelry at Lugano Diamonds. Shoppers keeping a careful eye on the budget can also shop at Claire’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods or Pacsun.

Once you’re done, stop for a bite to eat at Cucina Enoteca, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Winebar, or Hana Grill. Quick bites are available at Hopdoddy Burger Bar or Neighborhood Goods Cafe. And try desert at Atomic Creamery or Gelato Paradiso. When you’re ready for entertainment, check in to The Lot movie theater for the latest blockbuster or indie film.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

2. Savers

Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Yorba Linda; savers.com

For those whose thrift store shopping goes beyond Goodwill and Salvation Army stores, there is Savers. The chain’s 315 stores across the U.S., Canada and Australia offer used clothing, bedding, toys, jewelry and furniture.

Founded in 1954 in San Francisco, the company partners with more than 130 nonprofits, paying $1.1 billion to various charities, as well as recycling as many unsold items as possible. According to its website, Savers keeps about 700 million pounds of reusable items out of landfills every year.

Savers also encourages customers to “Thrift Proud” via social media photos of clothing and items bought in the stores, and they offer “Thriftorials” on how to maximize purchases into DIY style statements.

Perhaps the most notable purchase was a Nevada man picking up a rare Andy Warhol print covered in diamond dust — valued at $25,000 to $55,000 — for a thrift store price.

3. The Salvation Army

Multiple locations; salvationarmy.org

1. Goodwill of Orange County

Multiple locations; ocgoodwill.org

Readers voted Goodwill of Orange County their favorite thrift store for the second year in a row, and it’s probably not just because it’s a place to find a bargain.

Many of us have dropped off boxes of things, which Goodwill happily accepts, in return for a tax-deductible receipt. And sure, shoppers can pick up clothes or toys for the kids at a good price. But since 2000, Goodwill programs helped more than 238,000 adults and children, and more than 15,000 people — including many veterans — found a job with the organization and built job skills and self-assurance in the workplace.

Marketing manager Menna Eshete says the shops “offer customers and donors an exceptional, contemporary, and professional retail experience. Step inside, and you’ll discover a

vibrant, pristine, and impeccably organized shopping environment brimming with a diverse selection of gently used items, all while witnessing the satisfaction of our happy customers.”

But ultimately, it’s more than that.

“Goodwill provides a shopping experience driven by a noble cause, actively contributing to the betterment and brightness of our community,” Eshete says. “Every purchase and donation made at Goodwill directly supports our mission of connecting people with opportunities. Donors wholeheartedly trust Goodwill with their gently used items, knowing that we possess the expertise to maximize their value, divert items from landfills, and foster a more sustainable future for our community.”

The Salvation Army is as much a ministry as it is a thrift store, even if most people only drop by to pick up a bargain or two on a shirt or pair of pants.

The legendary organization was founded by English clergyman William Booth more than 150 years ago as he tried to serve the poor and spread the gospel along London’s rough East End. As he soothed the spiritual and physical needs of the poor, he adopted the Salvation Army name and began to spread his ministry across Europe and the organization now reaches 130 countries around the planet, aiding people in their time of need in developing countries, war ravaged regions, after natural disasters and after surviving human trafficking.

In Orange County, you can still find a bargain and do some good at the Salvation Army’s locations or access programs including food pantries, rehabilitation services, homeless shelters, and veterans services.

– Shawn Price

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Goodwill of Orange County was voted best thrift store in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Hi-Time Wine Cellars

250 Ogle St., Costa Mesa; 800-331-3005; hitimewine.net

Hi-Time Wine Cellars is a family-owned retail store founded by Fritz Hanson and his brother-in-law, Jim McVay. Hi-Time opened its cellar doors in 1957 at its original location at 17th Street and Irvine Avenue in Costa Mesa. In 1984, they moved to their Ogle Street location in Costa Mesa. Here they built one of the largest underground temperature-controlled wine cellars in the country.

Hi-Time is the picture of a family business. You may find three generations working at the store on any given day. The 3,000-square-foot underground temperature-controlled cellar now includes a selection of 10,000-plus wines from many different wineries from all around the world. The selection represents areas including California, Oregon, Washington, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Germany, Austria, New Zealand, Australia, Eastern Europe, South Africa, South America and Portugal.

At the entrance to the wine cellar is the wine bar area, where wine tastings are presented three nights of the week. There also are monthly and/ or periodic classes, beer tastings, sake tastings and other special events.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with one of the largest selections of fine wines and rare spirits from all over the world, at competitive prices and without sacrificing the quality of our customer service,” says its website.

But you don’t even need to step foot into its Costa Mesa location to experience its extensive wine selection since it’s all available online.

– Jessica Peralta

2. Total Wine & More

Multiple locations; 1-855-328-9463; totalwine.com

Total Wine & More started in 1991 when brothers David and Robert Trone opened a small store in Delaware. Today, the chain operates 249 superstores across 27 states and continues to grow.

“We’re passionate about wine, and know many of our customers feel the same way. So we are committed to offering the nation’s best wine selection, with an emphasis on fine wines,” states its website.

A typical store carries more than 8,000 different wines from every wine-producing region in the world. Total Wine & More has more than 11,000 employees. All wine team members participate in extensive training programs, weekly team wine tastings and monthly wine-producer seminars. Many travel to winemaking regions to meet producers and learn about their wines.

Over the past two decades, Total Wine & More has supported local, regional and national charitable organizations with more than $300 million in donations. Team members also commit to making communities better by completing 200,000-plus volunteer service hours annually.

3. BevMo!

Multiple locations; 1-877-77BEVMO; bevmo.com

Southern California wine lovers have undoubtedly visited a BevMo! in search of that special blend. BevMo! stores are located throughout California, Arizona and Washington. And wine is a big part of its selection.

“Don’t even get us started on the wine selection. It’s divine. We have aisles and aisles of wine from big brands to locally crafted wines from all around the world, plus all the party accessories, glassware, barware, gourmet snacks, cigars and gifts,” according to its website.

BevMo! has won awards like the Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award for Retailer of the Year (2006), The Tasting Panel Lifetime Achievement Award (2008), and two American Business Awards for Executive of the Year and Company of the Year (2012).

Stores host tasting events every Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday from 2-5 p.m. Sample a selection of wine, beer and craft soda. Tasting schedules for your local BevMo! can be found using the store locator.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa was voted best retail wine selection in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. The Simon Law Group, LLP

1327 N. Broadway, Santa Ana; 714-916-5050; thesimonlawgroup.com

Twin brothers Brad and Robert Simon decided to join forces back in 2009. Both were lawyers representing clients in personal injury cases. They started their own firm and though they’re very much a family firm, the focus is always on the client.

The firm has grown along with the family, but the focus has remained the same. According to Brad Simon, the brothers “steer the ship,” but it takes their “brother, father, mother, stepmother, sisters and also one of their wives helping secure justice for their clients.”

And it’s a family-like approach that is extended to their clients as well.

“We treat each client like a family member, and not a number on a spreadsheet, Brad Simon says. “Our firm tries more cases to verdict every year than any other personal injury firm in the state, showing the opposition that we will go the distance for any of our clients if needed.”

Since the brothers joined forces, the Simon Law Group

has expanded to 20 attorneys working in multiple offices in California, Texas and Arizona.

The firm’s Orange County

2. Dana Cisneros, The Cisneros Firm/ Cannabis Corporate Law Firm

505 S Villa Real Drive, #100, Anaheim; 724-676-2035; cannabiscorplaw.com

As the legal cannabis industry grows and evolves in California, investors could have someone to help protect their commercial ventures.

Dana Cisneros is an experienced real estate, commercial, contract and corporate attorney with more than 10 years in her practice. She saw an opportunity to combine her experience with a passion for California’s legal marijuana industry, and created the Cannabis Corporate Law Firm, which provides legal assistance

in the formation, licensing, permitting and compliance in the state’s new businesses. The firm provides legal services that commercial cannabis companies need to survive and thrive. Services include conducting due diligence and guiding or managing some complicated transactions, and structuring business entities, as well as various licensing needs in associated land use, transactional and compliance matters. CCLF also helps secure permits and licenses.

office is located in Santa Ana.

“We love what we do and make it hilarious fun along the way,” Robert says. “And

with our entire family, it’s like an episode of every ’90s sitcom rolled into one.”

– Shawn Price

3. Rutan & Tucker, LLP, Irvine

18575 Jamboree Road, 9th Floor, Irvine; 714-641-5100; rutan.com

Founded in 1940, Rutan & Tucker is considered Orange County’s largest full-service law firm as well as one of the largest in California with more than 150 lawyers practicing in a variety of areas. With that kind of reach, it’s easy to see why the firm made the reader poll.

Organized into more than 30 legal practices in groups like litigation and trial, corporate and tax, employment, government and regulatory, intellectual property, land use and entitlement and real estate,

there’s little Rutan & Tucker can’t represent.

The firm’s reach stretches from apparel, retail, and automotive to development and construction; entertainment, environmental resources, food, and insurance; health care, sports and technology. But the firm also does pro bono legal work and support of more than 200 charitable programs and philanthropic efforts throughout the state, including the AntiDefamation League, LGBT Center OC and Laura’s House.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Orange County Register readers voted The Simon Law Group as the top law firm in Orange County as part of 30th annual Best of Orange County balloting.

balloting.

1. Postmates/Uber Eats

postmates.com; ubereats.com

When Uber bought Postmates in 2020, it was while the company’s food delivery app, Uber Eats, was enjoying a 30-percent jump in customers during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic. But regardless of who’s dropping the food at your door or office, readers placed them at the top of this year’s poll.

Uber Eats might have already made the ultimately delivery, when it partnered with a Japanese billionaire and completed the first food delivery straight up, to the International Space Station in December 2021.

The app’s main appeal is availability and the choices in restaurants, which is more than 6,000 restaurants in thousands of cities around the world. It’s also recently added options for

2. Door Dash

doordash.com

Doordash remains the country’s most popular food delivery app, with an estimated 20 million users placing at least one order a month.

Early during the COVID-19 pandemic, Doordash offered gloves and hand sanitizer to its drivers while changing its default drop-off to a contactless delivery and saw its business explode. In late 2020, the platform was used by 450,000 merchants, 20 million consumers, and 1 million delivery drivers.

The app uses an algorithm that can determine the best delivery route. The system can change parameters like the number of available delivery people, the time of day, and can even anticipate the amount of food likely to be ordered.

DoorDash launched ProjectDash in partnership with various food security organizations to deliver food to the needy, and Main Street Strong in partnership with the National Urban League to help restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

3. Grubhub

grubhub.com

meal delivery in the 2023

alcohol — the company acquired Drizly in 2021 — and prescription drugs — in a partnership with Nimble — giving Uber Eats users the ability to have someone pick up and drop off their groceries, prescription meds, dinner and a Slurpee while they … do something else.

Users can also get a ride and delivery services via the Uber One membership, which also includes free delivery on certain orders, discounted rides and various other perks. Postmates, which still exists as a brand, has its own version of this, called Postmates Unlimited, offering users free delivery on virtually everything for a monthly fee. Perks likely include discounts on Uber rides.

– Shawn Price

Founded in Chicago in 2004, Grubhub had revenue of nearly $2 billion in 2020, likely due in large part to the explosion of food delivery apps during the COVID-19 pandemic.

About the same time, Grubhub had 19.9 million active users, with 115,000 associated restaurants in 3,200 cities in all 50 states. The app allows users to order food or alcohol, and its Restaurant Strong fund supports local restaurants hurt by the pandemic.

In February 2020, the company launch its Grubhub+ monthly subscription program, which offers unlimited free food delivery from participating restaurants, as well as other perks for one monthly fee.

Amazon also partnered with parent company Just Eat to offer Prime customers free Grubhub+ membership for a year, allowing some to have doughnuts, dumplings and dishwashers all delivered to the door.

The company has also partnered with Russian tech company Yandex to add robotic food deliveries at certain colleges.

CANDICE CHOI, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Postmates/Uber Eats was voted best

Best of Orange County

1. Alicia Pet Care Center

25800 Jeronimo Rd. Ste 100, Mission Viejo; 949-768-1313; mypetsdr.com

Bingo the dog came into Alicia Pet Care Center after eating a bikini top and vomiting for a couple of days.

“Bingo presented in the morning, had a diagnosis within an hour and was in surgery by lunchtime,” says Dr. Matthew Wheaton, owner and chief of staff. “He was feeling a ton better by dinnertime and on his way to his home with some new dirty clothes hampers in place. We love helping our families navigate challenges like this.”

Wheaton says Alicia Pet Care Center is a familyowned, state-of-the-art fullservice veterinary hospital that values compassionate problem-solving through a pragmatic approach to pet care.

“Our dedicated team is a formidable ally for your pet’s improved health,” he says. “We band together through compassion and efficient problem-solving to get down to the bottom of things as quickly as possible to ensure good outcomes.”

The center offers up-to-date

diagnostics and therapies including laparoscopic surgery, laser therapy and cutting-edge diagnostic testing. Four of the center’s 10 doctors practice acupuncture, which complements other integrative therapies like

2. VCA Animal Hospitals

Multiple locations; 1-800-VCA-PETS; vcahospitals.com

Founded in 1986, VCA

Animal Hospitals is a family of hometown animal hospitals focused on making a positive impact for pets, people and the planet. Mars, Inc. acquired VCA in 2017.

“Every action we take is guided by the conviction that each pet’s life is precious,” according to its website. “Everything we do is motivated by this dedication to pet well-being. As one of the world’s largest providers of veterinary care, we are uniquely equipped to have a far-reaching positive impact. Whether innovating new technology-

enabled approaches to care or providing support to shelters and rescue organizations across the county, we are doing our part to build A Better World for Pets. For over two decades, VCA has been committed to helping animal welfare organizations lessen return to shelters, end pet homelessness and encourage pet adoption.”

VCA offers several hospital types, including primary care, specialty care, emergency care, urgent care, boarding care and VCA Pet CancerCare.

stem cell treatments, plateletrich plasma therapy and pulsed electromagnetic frequency therapy. They also offer routine services like wellness and preventive treatments, spay and neuter, and dental care.

“APCC is one of the largest privately-owned animal hospitals in Orange County but has an intimate feel due to the commitment of the team and culture that we have created,” he says.

– Jessica Peralta

3. Surf City Pet Hospital

19046 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach; 714-968-9400; surfcitypetcare.com

Surf City Pet Hospital offers a community veterinary clinic with services ranging from preventatives like physical exams and microchipping to diagnostics, dentistry and surgery. The hospital also offers counseling services for weight management, euthanasia and cremation options, second opinions, parasite and flea control and for abnormal behavior.

Dr. Sally Gindi has been the owner of Surf City Pet Hospital since June 2011. She strives to provide affordable and quality veterinary care

for her patients. She is the owner of four rescue dogs, two cats and five parakeets. She has special interests in internal medicine, dermatology, oncology and surgery.

“At Surf City Pet Hospital our goal is to practice the highest quality medicine with compassion and emphasis on client education,” the hospital’s website says. “Our enthusiastic, cohesive team is committed to providing friendly, supportive, educational and exceptional services for all your cats and dogs.”

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Alicia Pet Care Center was voted best pet clinic/veterinary hospital in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

LUXURY LIFESTYLE

→ Charitable Organization

→ Cosmetic Surgeon

→ Cruise Line

→ Day Spa

→ Jewelry Store

→ OC Resort

→ Waterfront Dining

→ Wealth Adviser

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

1. Thomas House Family Shelter

P.O. Box 2737, Garden Grove; 714-554-0357; thomashouseshelter.org

When Mary and Bernie Selz came across a young woman with her infant, holding a homeless sign, they had to do something. They took them into their home, fed the woman and had her call her parents. The next day, they bought a bus ticket for her back to Oklahoma. A few weeks later, the couple helped another homeless woman and her child. That was more than 30 years ago.

“It was then that the couple knew they had to do something about the increasing number of homeless families in their community. With the help of their generous friends and an agreement with an apartment complex owner, the Selzes rented a three-bedroom apartment to house homeless families,” states the shelter website.

The Thomas House Family Shelter was officially founded in 1986. Thomas House became the owner of two buildings, with a total of 16 apartment units.

It is now a 501(c)(3)

nonprofit that helps homeless families with children by providing rent-free, transitional shelter in 24 safe apartment units with food, supplies and a full range of supportive services and

2. The Salvation Army

Multiple locations; salvationarmyusa.org

In January, Joel Basilio — a survivor of labor trafficking and a graduate of The Salvation Army’s AntiTrafficking Services program — reunited with his two sons from the Philippines. They had not seen each other faceto-face in over 16 years.

This is just one example of the impact The Salvation Army makes in the community.

“We focus on providing comprehensive care through case management, housing and employment navigation, addiction recovery resources, life-skills workshops, job training, pet care, spiritual care and mental health

counseling,” says Jane Yi, digital marketing manager for The Salvation Army California South Division Orange County.

She says 87 cents of every dollar goes directly into programs and services for the community.

Homelessness is another issue the Salvation Army addresses. In December 2022, the organization raised $2.9 million toward ending homelessness at its annual gala, Night for Others.

“The Center of Hope is a comprehensive solution for homelessness in Orange County and beyond,” she says.

programs.

“We ensure that homeless and at-risk families have the potential for long-term sustainability by using the tools and resources provided by Thomas House to make

vital decisions and take actions that will allow each family to move forward and have a bright future,” according to its website.

– Jessica Peralta

3. Working Wardrobes

Multiple Locations; 714-210-2460; workingwardrobes.org

Though Working Wardrobes offers many services, it’s all really about getting people back to work. The nonprofit was founded in 1990 by Jerri Rosen. Since then, the group has helped 120,000-plus job seekers overcome barriers to employment.

Their clients face challenges ranging from substance abuse, domestic violence and incarceration to homelessness and militaryto-civilian transition.

The nonprofit has long been known for its clothing services, but it offers a full menu of career development programs to help transform

clients, according to its website. Some services include appointments with career coaches, career and personality assessments, practice with professional interviewers and working with human resources professionals to develop résumés.

Says the organization’s website: “The final step in that transformation is a success suit to nail that job interview! When you’re enrolled in our program, and have been working with us on employment, you will be eligible to receive a success suit to help you look your very best on interview day.”

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Thomas House Family Shelter was voted the best charitable organization in the Best of Orange County balloting. Co-founder Mary Selz accepts an award in 2022.

1. Dr. Raymond Lee, FaceologyMD

Newport Beach, Beverly Hills; 949-706-2277; faceologymd.com

Dr. Raymond Lee has dedicated his career specializing in facial rejuvenation procedures — like face and neck lifts.

As a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon, he has performed more than 5,000 face and neck lifts.

At FaceologyMD, Lee has built a team of expert providers to address each aspect of the face, nose, head and neck. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia and oral sedation or IV sedation, he says.

“We operate exclusively in our accredited ambulatory surgery center, offering the best in patient safety,” he says. “Our experienced staff strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment where patients feel heard and understood and cared for throughout their surgical or nonsurgical journey.”

2. Wenjing Liu, MD

360 San Miguel Dr. Ste. 410, Newport Beach; 949-200-6838; wliumd.com

Dr. Wenjing Liu knows about the eyes. As a board-certified ophthalmologist, she specializes in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Her services include both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. From brow lifts and stye removal to skin cancer reconstruction and lesion removal, her focus is on the eyelids and area immediately surrounding the eye. Her practice’s nonsurgical offerings include Botox, fat grafting, fillers, Latisse, microneedling and more.

“Dr. Liu was amazing. I had a difficult procedure with another doctor and Dr. Liu was able to correct what the other doctor couldn’t. Dr. Liu was extremely thorough with my options and details of the procedure. She exceeded my expectation from the beginning to the end. I would trust her with my family and friends,” touts a testimonial on her website.

As a specialist in oculoplastic surgery, Liu is often invited to speak at industry conferences to share advancements in research and surgical techniques.

3. Facial Aesthetic Concepts

San Clemente, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita; 949-430-7535; facorangecounty.com

According to the FaceologyMD website, Lee has co-authored numerous medical articles and offered several professional presentations across the country to other plastic and cosmetic surgeons. He also volunteers his time and skill by performing reconstructive surgeries for acquired and congenital pediatric facial defects at the Angkor Hospital for Children in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and CURE International Hospital in the Dominican Republic.

Lee has won other recognitions, including previous Orange County Register Best of OC awards, Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Super Doctors and was the most sought-after facial plastic surgeon on RealSelf in 2022.

He’s been practicing in Orange County since 2006.

– Jessica Peralta

In 1980, Dr. Richard Gangnes opened Facial Aesthetic Concepts in San Clemente. Since then, Facial Aesthetic Concepts has been offering patients a central source for all their aesthetic needs. The centers are made up of a team of medical professionals, including board-certified surgeons, dermatologic specialists and medical estheticians.

“Facial Aesthetic Concepts utilizes the latest facial and body rejuvenation techniques in aesthetic surgery and nonsurgical procedures to improve skin tone and elasticity, repair sun damage, eliminate stubborn fat, or simply smoothing fine lines and wrinkles,” according to its website.

Facial Aesthetic Concepts services include nonsurgical cosmetic procedures like Botox, Kybella, injectable fillers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and laser skin treatment. Med spa services include chemical peels, facials, waxing, microneedling, microblading and more.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Dr. Raymond Lee and FaceologyMD in Newport Beach was named the best cosmetic surgeon in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Carnival Cruise Line

231 Windsor Way, Long Beach; 800-764-7419; carnival.com

More than 100 million passengers have sailed aboard Carnival cruise ships in the line’s history.

“This milestone coincides with an exciting period of growth,” says Matt Lupoli, senior manager of public relations for Carnival Cruise Line.

He says Carnival just started sailing its 25th ship, Carnival Venezia — which increased its presence in New York City, ushered in “Carnival Fun Italian Style” and introduced its first “godfather,” Jay Leno.

“We are very pleased with the response to the ship so far,” Lupoli says.

The line’s second ship to feature “Carnival Fun Italian Style” experiences — Carnival Firenze — will join the fleet next year and sail from Long Beach. Lupoli says that will increase Carnival’s presence in one of its top home ports. Joining Carnival Panorama and Radiance, and offering a range of sailing lengths to the Mexican Riviera, Carnival Firenze will feature 15 different itineraries of three- to seven-day cruises.

“Carnival is known as America’s cruise line for operating 14 U.S. homeports that deliver a Carnival cruise vacation within five hours of driving distance to more than 50 percent of the population and sailing more members of the military and veterans than any other cruise line,” he says. “Carnival is recognized as an industry leader for delivering the best service, food, entertainment and activities at sea. Families choose Carnival because they know they can find something for everyone — no matter age or interests — across the Carnival fleet.”

– Jessica Peralta

2. Princess Cruises

Los Angeles, San Diego; 1-800-774-6237; princess.com

Princess Cruises first set sail in 1965 with a single ship cruising to Mexico. The line sailed into stardom in 1977 when one of its ships, Pacific Princess, was cast in a starring role on “The Love Boat.”

“More than 50 years since its first cruise, Princess Cruises is now the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships,” says a Princess spokesperson.

Princess Cruises recently launched Princess Perfect Weddings, new packages tailored for couples seeking unique and romantic grand ceremonies in The Love Boat’s piazza as well as outside deck areas with its breathtaking ocean views.

Princess has also announced TV host and bridal designer Randy Fenoli as brand ambassador for Love and Romance, a role that includes hosting a bridal-fashion-themed cruise in December 2023.

3. Royal Caribbean International

Los Angeles, San Diego; 866-5627625; royalcaribbean.com

Founded in 1969, Royal Caribbean International has made it a mission to deliver innovations at sea. The cruise line offers itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection.

In 1999, Royal Caribbean added some new onboard adventures on Voyager Class ships, including a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and the Royal Promenade — a main boulevard of shops, restaurants and lounges running the length of the ship. In 2006, the cruise line introduced Freedom Class, featuring the FlowRider surf simulator, the H20 Zone aqua park and cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean.

The innovations have continued and the cruise line will debut Icon Class in 2024, a new class of ships powered by a combination of liquefied natural gas and fuel cell technology, promising to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

BRITTANY MURRAY, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Carnival Cruise Line was voted best cruise line in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Burke Williams

Mission Viejo, Orange; 1-866-239-6635; burkewilliams.com

Theresa and Bill Armour opened the first Burke Williams Day Spa in 1984.

“Together we created a new landscape for health and wellness, introducing the original ‘urban day spa’ and pioneering a new market in the United States,” Theresa Armour says.

Service options span a variety of relaxation and beauty treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures, baths and wet room treatments, plus aromatherapy spa treatments.

Each spa is equipped with a large co-ed lounge; separate spa amenities for men and women; whirlpools, steam room, dry sauna, cool misting room, private showers and cold deluge; quiet rooms; and vanity areas.

“What has become clear to us with our guests is two very crucial things,” Theresa Armour says. “First, they turn to us for advice and expertise in what kind of services they should have. Second, they choose to return to Burke Williams because of how we made them feel. To that end,

we created a Purpose Driven Menu.”

Burke Williams categorized needs into three primary areas. The first is the fundamental need to rest, the second is to awaken or feel

2. La Vita Salon & Spa

2721 East Coast Highway, Ste. 110, Corona del Mar; 949-723-0406; lavitasalonspa.com

La Vita owner Mariella Boniadi has more than 32 years of experience as a hair artist.

“I received two years of full-time training at the prestigious London College of Fashion in England, where I was awarded the Student of the Year Award upon graduation among 9,000 students. Throughout the years, I remained committed to offering my clients the best services possible, so I continued to learn the latest techniques in hairstyling and chemical processing,” she

says on her website.

She’s received additional training from instructors at The Joshua & Daniel Galvin Academy in London, L’Oreal Paris and Schwarzkopf.

She says on her website that she was born with very curly, frizzy and brittle hair that she learned how to control by pioneering a unique blow-dry technique.

“My philosophy is to create low-maintenance hairstyles that will grow out in style, without the need for excessive hair products,” she says on her website.

renewed energy, and the third is to heal.

Theresa Armour says it has another important mission. The spa has started a foundation called the Blue Heart Warriors.

3. C’Siren Day Spa

“This year, we will donate a portion of each full-paying guest’s visit to a vetted agency that searches for, rescues and rehabilitates survivors of human trafficking,” she says.

– Jessica Peralta

910 S. El Camino Real, Ste. 101, San Clemente; 949-498-7700; csirendayspa.com

C’Siren Day Spa opened in 2008, inspired by a dream to share a love of holistic wellness with the community. It is a full-service day spa with offerings ranging from massage and facials to scrubs in four treatment rooms. There’s a couple’s room and two sitting areas for relaxation. Tea, coffee and other refreshments are served while guests wait for treatments.

“Each one of our clients is special to us. Sharing special occasions, health improvements, goals and

births is our dream come true. We look forward to working with all of you to reach your wellness needs for years to come,” says its website.

The beach town vibe of San Clemente is another big inspiration for the spa — it seeks to create an atmosphere that takes guests to a tropical oasis.

“I was so relaxed after my incredible massage with Oceana that I floated through the rest of the day,” says a review on their website.

GETTY IMAGES

Burke Williams was named the best day spa in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Happy Jewelers

1565 S. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton; 714-992-0454; happyjewelers.com

In 1973, Isa Arik, who was the son of a farmer, knew there was more to life than farming. He had an eye for design. His passion led him to sourcing and designing fine jewelry. He soon developed a reputation for providing highquality handcrafted jewelry. In 1993, he left his native Turkey, packed up his wife and four young children and headed to the United States with a plan to live out the American Dream.

“The vision and determination of our father, Isa, is what launched Happy Jewelers. Now, over 40 years later, my brother Danny and I represent the second generation of our family business. Although much has changed, our basic philosophy has not, and we continue the family tradition of providing the same superb quality and service as in the past,” says Gabe Arik on their website.

Happy Jewelers offers a long list of jewelry, including rings, pendants, bracelets, wedding bands and watches.

Arik says they hand-select each diamond and source

2. Jeweler’s Touch

gemstones and precious metals from quality suppliers.

“Our solid foundation in the manufacturing, wholesale and retail jewelry industry nationwide allows us to

2535 E. Imperial Highway, Brea; 714-880-8597; jewelerstouch.com

Jeweler’s Touch is a familyowned and operated jeweler that opened in 1992, serving all of Southern California.

According to its website, the store prides itself on its quality of products and caliber of customer care.

“We have built our reputation by creating longlasting relationships with our guests and providing the best collection of precious metals and brilliant gemstones in the Southland,” according to its website.

The store’s staff is made up of a team of GIA graduate gemologists, accredited

jewelry professionals, certified diamontologists and skilled goldsmiths. They specialize in custom-designed jewelry, engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry and timepieces. They also offer GIA- and AGS-certified diamonds, jewelry appraisals, ring repairs while you wait and more.

“At Jeweler’s Touch, our guests are like family to us. We create a fun and relaxed atmosphere that welcomes you in and allows you to get lost in a world of rare diamonds and gemstones,” says the Jeweler’s Touch website.

provide our customers with the most innovative designs that are as unique as they are,” he says. “Dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest standards in business ethics,

3. Mimi’s Jewelry

professionalism, knowledge and customer satisfaction, Happy Jewelers is as unique as its custom-crafted pieces.”

– Jessica Peralta

18591 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley; 714-266-1512; mimisjewelryinc.com

Mimi’s Jewelry works hard to treat clients like family.

Owner David Truong says the store emphasizes giving individual attention to every single client.

“Whether it’s a simple repair or a complete custom engagement ring,” he says.

Services include selling gold and jewelry, custom jewelry, jewelry repair, watch repair and appraisals. Mimi’s online shop offers rings and watches. Plus, the store has a certified gemologist, master jeweler and GIA specialist on staff.

“We use the latest

technology with old-world techniques, implementing CAD CAM and pencil-paper sketches for design,” Truong says. “We take pride in everything we hand back our client. It sounds pretty obvious but we really try to treat our clients like family.”

He says they are more than just a business and really care for the community.

“My kids go to schools in Fountain Valley,” he says. “We live and play in Fountain Valley. We love seeing our clients when we are around town.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Happy Jewelers in Fullerton was voted best jewelry store in 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

2. The Resort at Pelican Hill

22701 Pelican Hill Rd. South, Newport Coast; 855-238-2337; pelicanhill.com

The Resort at Pelican Hill opened on Nov. 26, 2008, in Renaissance-themed luxury. The resort offers 128 private villas with around-the-clock butler service and 204 residentially appointed bungalow guest rooms and suites with private terraces and hand-carved limestone fireplaces.

Other amenities include a spa with 22 treatment rooms, restaurants including authentic northern Italian cuisine at Andrea, an iconic Coliseum pool and Pelican Hill Golf Club, with 36 dramatic ocean-view holes designed by Tom Fazio.

“Featuring inspiring, expansive ocean views, Pelican Hill captures the essence of a seaside Italian village, terraced on a verdant hillside in harmony with the natural environment. The 504-acre resort is situated along one of the most serene and beautiful coastal settings in Southern California, where the Pacific Ocean laps tranquil beaches and thousands of acres of coastal habitat are permanently protected as open space or designated for recreational-use only,” according to a press release.

3. Disneyland Resort

Anaheim; disneyland.disney.go.com

1. Montage Laguna Beach

30801 South Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach; 949-715-6000; montage.com

Montage Laguna Beach turns 20 this year. And it appears that it’s only getting better with age.

“Twenty years ago, our founder, chairman and CEO Alan Fuerstman set out to create a new luxury hospitality experience at Montage Laguna Beach — one that embodied a true sense of spirit and place through recreational pursuits, spa and wellness services, and remarkable culinary offerings, all delivered with genuine, high-level service,” says Managing Director and Area General Manager Mary Rogers. “This is what makes Montage Laguna Beach stand out amongst other resorts, along with continuing to innovate and evolve to meet today’s travelers needs and desires through renovations, exciting new programs and creating unforgettable moments for our

guests.”

Its accommodations include rooms, suites and villas, and there are several dining options. Spa Montage plunges guests into deep relaxation and there are other experiences like the Mosaic Pool and local outings and tours.

The property is the flagship of Montage Hotels & Resorts, which now includes more than 14 hotels in the portfolio — with more on the way.

“I am also honored to share that this year we won Tripadvisor’s 2023 ‘Best of the Best’ Travelers’ Choice awards for both Top Hotel in the US and Top Luxury Hotel,” she says.

“Reaching this major milestone and winning these accolades are a true testament of our outstanding associates and the excellent service they deliver to our guests.”

– Jessica Peralta

A day at the Disneyland Resort is an experience fueled by imagination.

“A guest’s Disney experience is a blank canvas waiting to be painted, with the best of entertainment, thrilling attractions, favorite foods, immersive adventures and that distinct Disney service known around the world,” says a Disneyland spokesperson. Of course, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks always have plenty to offer, but 2023 has been a big year for the resort. The new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway — inside Mickey’s Toontown — opened in January 2023 while the reimagined Toontown reopened in March. Plus, that Disney magic continues taking guests from timeless to high-tech, including missions to help the Rebellion in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the ultimate Marvel immersive experience in Avengers Campus. The adventure extends beyond the parks. There are three hotels guests can stay at to help continue the magic all night through: Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Montage Resort in Laguna Beach was named best resort in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove

15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast; 949-376-6900; thebeachcombercafe.com

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove has an important history.

According to its website, Crystal Cove Conservancy is the nonprofit cooperating association benefiting the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District. On April 5, 2006, Crystal Cove Conservancy was awarded a concession contract by California State Parks to manage the overnight rentals and food service in the Crystal Cove Historic District.

“This is the first time in California State Parks history that a nonprofit cooperating association has been awarded a concession contract. Having a nonprofit manage the concessions means that a greater amount of revenue will benefit Crystal Cove State Park,” according to the site.

The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove is on the beach and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu is long and varied, including egg dishes like the Mediterranean omelette, fresh fruit crepes, steel-cut Irish oatmeal, avocado toast, steak chilaquiles and many other

mouthwatering delights. Lunch features appetizers like tiny ahi tacos and crispy calamari as well as specialties like mahi mahi tacos, Maine lobster roll, buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and Scottish salmon pasta. Dinner offers appetizers like char-grilled artichokes,

2. Duke’s Huntington Beach

317 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach; 714-374-6446; dukeshuntington.com

Named after the father of international surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, known for his love of the ocean and warm hospitality, Duke’s aims for this same spirit of aloha, according to the restaurant Facebook page.

“Relax and take in the views while you enjoy the Hawaiian beach house ambiance and the freshest premium seafood and prime steaks, uniquely prepared and thoughtfully served. Duke’s offers the option of enjoying lunch or dinner in their main dining area, or

relaxing with a cocktail and appetizer in the Barefoot Bar,” says its Facebook page.

Duke’s offers a weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — offering an assortment of items from crispy coconut shrimp to steak and eggs. There are also several specials throughout the week: Burger & Beer Monday, Taco Tuesday, Surf & Turf Thursday and Aloha Friday. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner starts at 4 p.m.

Kobe meatballs and Korean steak skewers. Soups and salads include the real deal clam chowder, the heirloom gazpacho, summer salad, the classic wedge and petite dinner salad.

Entrees include shrimp carbonara, pan-roasted bluecrab-stuffed salmon, seared

sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna, frutti di mare, diver scallops, chicken piccata and so much more.

According to its website, the Beachcomber says it is a place “where every night is Saturday night & Saturday night is New Year’s Eve.”

– Jessica Peralta

3. The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente; 949-498-6390; thefishermansrestaurantsanclemente.com

The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar has become something of a San Clemente tradition in this charming beach town.

Known for serving fresh seafood on the pier since 1981, Fisherman’s is a local icon and favorite hangout.

“The creation of the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar concept is meant to reflect the style of family dining featuring Pacific Northwest seafood,” according to its website.

Located right on the San Clemente Pier, the restaurant

now offers three varieties of wild-caught salmon: coho, white-king and sockeye. The dining room offers a variety of other entrees, ranging from sandwiches to pastas and steaks. The dining room also offers a sunset dinner menu from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the Oyster Bar offers happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunset dinner options include calamari steak, roasted sunrise chicken, prawns, salmon and filet mignon steak as well as fresh catch and pasta of the day.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Beachcomber was voted best waterfront dining in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. EP Wealth Advisors

18301 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 1050, Irvine; 949-806-6884; epwealth.com

EP Wealth’s founding partners Derek Holman and Brian Parker have been best friends since sixth grade. They began their work together behind the counter at a San Diego frozen yogurt shop. After college, they became financial advisers who were dissatisfied with a wealth management industry that seemed to place profits before people, according to their website.

In 1999, Holman and Parker began Premier Financial Management, which later became EP Wealth Advisors, to offer objective, conflict-free financial planning and investment advice with an understanding that each client is unique.

“Derek and Brian’s independent fiduciary model and personalized approach to wealth management turned out to be exactly what investors wanted,” according to the website. “At EP Wealth Advisors,

2. Silversage Advisors

19200 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 370, Irvine; 949-223-5175; silversageadvisors.com

Silversage wants to serve clients in a loyal, trustworthy and dedicated way.

“You can always count on our handshake. And our word. Silversage Advisors values the relationships we’ve built over the years that have allowed us to help our clients through life’s journey,” according to its website.

Clients include affluent families, professionals and seniors in or near retirement.

“We are committed to providing objective and prudent advice by exacting the highest standards of ethics and integrity. We provide distinguished and keenly personalized wealth management services focused on the unique needs and goals of our clients. We treat our clients and employees the same way we treat family and friends,” according to its website.

The firm’s site adds that activities like required IRA distributions, correct beneficiary designations, proper account registrations and ongoing regulation changes can seem mundane and timeconsuming, but they are critical.

3. Financial Advisors Network

1432 Edinger Ave., Ste. 200, Tustin; 714597-6510; financialadvisorsnetwork.net

every client receives access to extensive planning and investment services typically reserved for families of extreme wealth. With this enduring focus, EP Wealth Advisors has grown to be one of the largest financial planning and investment advisory firms in the country, comprised of collaborative team members who share a commitment to excellence in everything they do.” Services include financial and retirement planning, investment management, estate and tax planning, and business planning.

According to the firm’s website, EP Wealth also has a Women’s Initiative to help women build their financial knowledge and confidence.

EP Wealth’s Orange County office is based in Irvine. Specializing in serving small business owners and female investors, the office offers its full range of services.

– Jessica Peralta

Rod Kamps started this company in a small home office in 1999. Kamps started by teaching investment and financial planning strategies through a series of classes at various college campuses.

“The financial advisors at Financial Advisors Network provide this training today, and believe education is the premise of how clients and advisors can make sound decisions together,” according to the website. “Our team combines the many different facets of our clients’ financial life into one consolidated wealth management plan. The firm’s Tustin office encourages a family atmosphere while using in-house investment management with a focus on tax planning strategies. Financial Advisors Network is a comprehensive financial advisory firm serving hundreds of local families and specializing in retirement planning, tax planning, insurance planning, investment management and estate planning.

“Family and quality service are important to us,” according to the website.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

EP Wealth Advisors was voted one of the best by Orange County Register readers. Office coordinator Lynette Lopez works in the Irvine office.

Don’tgetmewrong,Iknowmywayaroundakitchen.Butsittingdown

FOOD & DRINK

PHOTO BY SAM GANGWER

1. Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant

4470 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos; 562-594-8611; katellabakery.com

Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant is a landmark eatery in Los Alamitos and one of the first authentic Jewish bakeries in Orange County. Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant was founded by Sam and Shirley Ratman, Holocaust survivors who immigrated to America in 1950 from Eastern Europe, after living in a displaced persons camp following World War II.

Sam, who died in 1984, worked as a baker, and Shirley, who died in 2006, cooked to make extra money. The couple bought a bakery in the Los Angeles Fairfax district and in 1965 opened the Katella Deli. Today, their three sons Larry, Allan and Harold continue to run the family business and honor the food traditions of their late parents.

The restaurant serves family-style meals and fresh baked rye bread, challah bread, cakes and pastries. Many of the traditional meals and Jewish favorites served are Shirley’s original recipes: matzo ball soup, potato latkes, sweet and sour cabbage, and chicken soup. The restaurant also is known for having fabulous pastrami and corned beef sandwiches.

Katella Bakery is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., was recently remodeled, has a coffee bar and offers outdoor dining. It’s a great place to enjoy traditional Eastern European specialty pastries and a huge variety of cookies. More than 200 items are made from scratch every day. Don’t forget to buy a jar of their signature cinnamon sugar bagel chips.

— Amy Bentley

2. Porto’s Bakery & Café

Multiple locations; portosbakery.com

Also a top winner in the Bakery category last year, Porto’s Bakery & Café remains a favorite spot to enjoy cakes, pastries and other bakery treats like tarts, croissants, cheese rolls, breads, and Cuban empanadas and potato balls. New specialties include a strawberry pistachio tartlet, dulce de leche cake roll, sweet churro croissant, and guava rose pastries.

Porto’s Bakery is the legacy of the late Rosa Porto, a Cuban immigrant who opened her first Porto’s Bakery in Echo Park. After immigrating to America from Cuba with her husband, Porto sold homemade cakes to friends and relatives from her home while trying to make ends meet. Rosa Porto passed away in 2019, but her recipes and those handed down from her native Spanish mother remain a part of the successful family-run bakery business.

Customers nationwide can enjoy Porto’s treats through the Porto’s Bake at Home program in which unbaked, frozen pastries are shipped to customers who bake them at home.

3. Scratch Bakery Café

Laguna Hills, Newport Beach; scratchbakerycafe.com

“I’d like to thank all the readers for their continued patronage and support,” said Ronnie Givargis, owner of Scratch Bakery Café, an artisan bakery that makes handcrafted breads and pastries daily for breakfast and lunch. “Literally everything is made from scratch.”

Scratch Bakery Café offers scones, cakes, cookies, croissants, cream puffs, fresh fruit tarts, bear claws, cinnamon rolls and muffins, plus breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos, hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads. Sourdough, marble rye, wheat and gluten-free are among the bread offerings. Scratch also offers an expansive coffee menu with coffees, teas and blended frappes. Scratch buys organic, local, and small-producer items whenever possible and uses as many sustainably produced ingredients as possible.

“Come try our Knock Knock, which is our take on a Ding Dong. We can’t keep them in stock,” Givargis said, adding that the homemade English muffin breakfast sandwich is another customer favorite. “The muffins are almost like pillows, they are very spongy. They’re addictive,” he said.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Katella Bakery, Deli & Restaurant ranked first in the Orange County Register’s Best of Orange County balloting.

1. La Vida Cantina

1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com

If you want to get a feel for the Mexican Riviera, without the visas and vaccines, that is, then La Vida Cantina is a go-to choice.

“It’s a special atmosphere to be outdoors and soaking up the sun,” says Alex Petrosian, who bought the bar in 2020 and has transformed it to give it an authentic Mexican ambiance. “It’s so much better when you’re outside.”

Located at the incongruously named Triangle Square, La Vida has a large festive outdoor bar with five fire pits and several oversized palapas.

“The atmosphere is high energy,” Petrosian said.

Bringing it all together is a wide array of fresh fruit margaritas, which Petrosian says the Cantina is known for.

Some of the flavor combinations were first concocted by bartenders at La Vida, and are made from scratch. Among the offerings, pineapple jalapeño and blackberry jalapeño, blueberry basil and watermelon mint. Blended margaritas include blood orange, cactus fruit, tamarindo, pineapple pomegranate, mango and strawberry.

La Vida’s also has a selection of specialty drinks made with fine tequilas. The namesake La Vida is made with Herradura Double Barrel Select Reposado tequila, Contreau Noir, triple sec and sweet and sour.

Other specialty tequila drinks are made with passion fruit, elderflower, guava puree and agave nectar.

La Vida also has a full menu, serving dinner with appetizers, soups, salads and entrees such as fajitas, carne asada and carnitas.

— Greg Mellen

2. Macallans Public House

330 W. Birch St., Brea; 714-332-0006; macallanspubbrea.com

Describing itself as “Ready for all of life’s celebrations,” Macallans Public House certainly covers a wide swath from comfort Irish food and drink to high-end dinner-drink pairing events, such as a five-course meal offering of Mexican foods with seven kinds of tequila.

For those into more of the “bar” experience, there are more than 25 craft cocktails, including a dealer’s choice in which you name a spirit and let the bartender come up with a special drink, also a Big Baller top-shelf drink menu. There are 16 draft beers and wine varietals.

The more than 400 selections of whiskey is unmatched, including flights highlighted by a “Bucket List” of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, Luis XIII cognac, and 30-year-old Macallan and Highland Park 30.

There is also an extensive menu of comfort foods, a brunch menu and a dog-friendly patio. Oh, and there’s a privatemembership speakeasy for sipping and smoking through a “secret” door.

3. Surf Dog’s Sports Grill

5932 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach; 714-846-5700; surfdogshb.com

Owner Joe Syak has created a bar that blends a laid-back atmosphere with fun and good times.

“We’re known for being family-friendly and loyal. We have a lot of regulars,” said manager Amber Jean Garvey. “It’s very happy and relaxed.”

Natasha had been a regular customer for years, bringing her kids to live shows and just to hang out. She liked it so much, she became an employee at the bar.

There is live music most Friday and Saturday nights, as well as 17 screens including a 150-incher for big games and UFC bouts.

As for the bar itself, it features a nice variety, with a dozen drafts, 23 bottled beers, cans and ciders. There are 14 wines to choose from with craft and top-shelf cocktails, including a half dozen Hollywood-themed mixed drinks.

The is also a full menu featuring appetizers, entrees and the “best pizza and wings,” according to Garvey.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

La Vida Cantina in Costa Mesa was voted the best bar in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que

Multiple locations, lucillesbbq.com

When Craig Hofman hit the road with the goal of “serving the best bar-b-que with the finest Southern hospitality” he already had a leg up. He was born into the restaurant business, coming into the world the same day his father’s Hof’s Hut debuted in Long Beach.

The younger Hofman delivered on his goal with Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que restaurant, which opened in Long Beach in 1999. Since then the franchise has grown to dominate the scene in Orange County, perennially grabbing the top spot in the Best of OC. It has also grown to 21 restaurants, 18 in California.

After introducing his recipes and tastes from the Carolinas, Kansas, Texas and Tennessee, Lucille’s “became a go-to spot for authentic, slow-smoked bar-b-que right away,” said Joan Hansen, vice president of

2. Heritage Barbecue

31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano; heritagecraftbbq.com

Talk about old school. That Daniel Castillo’s barbecue has a website is one of its few concessions to modernity.

The website for Heritage Barbecue tells you what it WON’T do, like take reservations for the restaurant, phone orders or make deliveries.

However, what Heritage DOES do, which is serve up some of the best slow-cooked flavors in the county, keeps the customers coming to the historic downtown San Juan Capistrano storefront.

Lines queue up early Wednesday through Sunday. And with good reason. The official hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m., or until the food is gone. Which is common. The menu is traditional Texas style, with premium meats, such as Creekstone Farms Black Angus prime brisket, natural Duroc pork and homemade sausage, from a carefully tended wood fire by Castillo and his pitmasters.

The menu is ever changing, so check ahead or just take your chances and make a discovery.

3. Bad To The Bone BBQ

31738 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano; 949-218-0227; badtothebone-bbq.com

marketing.

Each day all meats are prepared on-site in the company’s Smokestack Lightning smokers.

The baby back ribs remain a perennial favorite, although the St. Louis ribs, Texas-style brisket and BBQ tri-tip, are among the favorites.

Lucille’s has been active throughout the years in philanthropy at local food banks. Each year in September, Lucille’s holds a Day of Giving and donates all proceeds from a special meal to food banks. Last year, the event raised more than $5,500.

President Brad Hofman says, “Lucille’s looks forward to continuing their commitment to their communities and to serving authentic, slow-smoked, awardwinning bar-b-que to hungry diners for years to come.”

— Greg Mellen

As professional rodeo performers, Marty and Mary Wells toured some of the best barbecue areas in the country. Since 2005, they have brought tastes acquired on the circuit to Orange County.

“We use Marty’s own recipes and rubs,” said Christina Masoulas, assistant manager of Bad to the Bone BBQ, referring to the restaurant’s owner and founder.

As you might suspect, “ribs are front and center at Bad to the Bone,” according to the restaurant website.

Masoulas said the baby back and St. Louis ribs are the most popular and the brisket is not to be missed.

There is also tri-tip, chicken, pulled pork and pulled smoked chicken and sausage, as well as generous traditional sides.

The restaurant bills itself as introducing Orange County to “real pit BBQ,” with all meats prepared in J&R wood-burning pits over pecan wood. And then there’s the authentic home style.

“We’re family owned. That puts us above the others. We’re not corporate,” Masoulas said.

ROD VEAL, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucille’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Que was voted the best barbecue in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Broken Yolk Café

Multiple locations; thebrokenyolkcafe.com

Located throughout Southern California, the Broken Yolk Café is a full-service breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant that offers an extensive menu. Dishes include healthy breakfasts like avocado toast and berry yogurt parfait, to classic favorites like egg dishes and omelets, skillet meals, six kinds of Benedicts, breakfast sandwiches and burritos, pancakes, French toast and waffles.

If you’re not in the mood for a breakfast order, the menu also includes burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups, plus a variety of cocktails and specialty coffees.

Broken Yolk fan-favorite dishes include the Ranchero Skillet, Golden State Benedict, Chilaquiles Bowl, Mom Omelet, Pancakes, French Toast and the Classic Eggs Benedict. These topselling dishes represent what Broken

2. Stacks Pancake House

Multiple locations; facebook.com/StacksPancakeHouse

Stacks Pancake House is a Hawaiianinspired restaurant that serves authentic Hawaiian dishes and seasonal island offerings to satisfy customers island cravings.

“We are excited and humble to be placed in the top three winners in the breakfast category,” said owner Nixon Tanuwidjaja. “The most important thing for me as a restaurateur is to constantly enjoy my passion to provide our guests with what they will enjoy, crave and perceive value.”

Popular dishes at Stacks include the Loco Moco, Spicy Chicken and Bacon Waffle, Kalua Pork Benedict & Island Chilaquiles, Guava Toffee French Toast, and their famous homemade coconut syrup.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Tanuwidjaja immigrated to the United States after graduating high school to attend college and to work. He worked for a Japanese restaurant chain for 17 years, then moved to Hawaii with his wife for a few years to experience Hawaii. The couple became hooked on island cuisine and opened their first Stacks Pancake House in Dana Point in 2010.

3. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Laguna Niguel, Orange, Tustin; Snoozeeatery.com

Yolk does best — providing fresh flavors and the comfort of breakfast classics done right. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or just plain hungry, anyone can get their craving satisfied at the Broken Yolk.

The Original Broken Yolk Café opened in 1979 in San Diego’s Pacific Beach. The restaurant became known for its signature eggs Benedict dishes, mimosas, homemade sauces, soups and baked goods.

A 2009 feature on The Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food” program introduced the café to millions of viewers outside of Southern California, the business says. The Broken Yolk Café now has 37 locations nationwide, five of them in Orange County, with several more in development.

— Amy Bentley

Founded in 2006 in Denver by brothers Jon and Adam Schlegel, Snooze is a go-to breakfast place where sustainability and being Earth-friendly is important as well as the food. Now in more than 39 locations nationwide, Snooze remains dedicated to helping the planet. One percent of all sales is donated to communities and 90 percent of all waste is composted or recycled. Ingredients are “responsibly sourced,” among many other efforts.

“We are thrilled to receive this recognition,” said Regional Manager Ryan Hartman. “We truly strive to support this community however we can, supporting Orange Home Grown and The Ecology Center on our anniversary, for example. It’s exciting to see our efforts making a difference outside of our four walls. We love that we are able to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for our creative take on breakfast in Orange County,” he said.

The menu includes Pineapple Upside Down Pancakes and a Sweet Potato Bacon Smash Up.

COURTESY OF BROKEN YOLK CAFE

Broken Yolk Cafe was voted the best breakfast in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill

Multiple locations; rodrigos.com

Brunch at Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill is undergoing a revolution as executive chef Allan Aguinaga is overhauling and upping the menu. The traditional favorites are still on hand, like the chilaquiles, plus some new additions to a reimagined menu.

“The really cool thing is we have three new things coming,” said Aguinaga, of some specialties either newly on the menu or coming soon.

Leading the way is a new eggs Benedict with a chipotle Hollandaise sauce that will delight the palate. Also on the horizon a new breakfast burrito and a hash with Rodrigo sauce. Chilaquiles is a traditional dish. In Rodrigo’s it is made made with day-old corn tortillas smothered in the classic Rodrigo’s red or green salsa, served with two eggs, lime crema, pickled red onions and topped with queso fresco and fresh cilantro.

The dish can be topped with chorizo, chile verde, chile Colorado, chunky chicken, steak or grilled chicken carnitas for an added charge.

2. La Vida Cantina

1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com

With bottomless mimosas and the kick-back atmosphere and attitude of a lazy weekend morning, what else really matters?

At La Vida Cantina you may not get the usual weekend brunch fare. In fact, notwithstanding the bottomless mimosas 10 a.m.2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and brunch 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the menu is much the same as it is during lunch and dinner.

What you do get is the rest of the cantina’s legendary experience, vibe and people viewing, all in a laid-back

As counterintuitive as it may seem, Aguinalla makes sure the restaurant has a supply of chips from the night before because, he says, the older tortillas do a better job of absorbing and integrating

the flavors of the sauces. Not to be missed is the Tijuana-style carne asada 7-ounce steak with Rodrigostyle potatoes.

Traditional favorites huevos rancheros and huevos con

chorizo are on the menu. Hot corn or flour tortillas are available with every entrée. And of course, to top off a top brunch, complimentary Champagne.

— Greg Mellen

3. OEB Breakfast Co.

1104 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach; 949-438-7337; eatoeb.com

setting.

“It goes hand in hand,” owner Alex Petrosian said of the brunch experience compared to other times. “You’re outdoors, there are no walls. You get to experience the whole thing with the proximity to Newport Beach.”

The menu is authentic and straightforward with traditional offerings.

As a TripAdvisor review put it. “La Vida is amazing for a nice Sunday funday with your friends/family.”

The mimosas? Just a bonus.

After building a reputation in Canada, OEB Breakfast Co. brought its concept of “serving an elevated breakfast and brunch experience” to Orange County, and it’s catching on.

Be prepared to be wowed by a unique menu featuring farm-to-table ingredients and an ever-changing “chefdriven” menu.

You can tuck into farm fresh dishes, like the Classic with two eggs, choice of double smoked bacon, rosemary ham, blueberry chicken bangers, or maple pork bangers, choice of duck-fat fried herb potatoes,

arugula mix or gluten-free potatoes and choice of toast. It gets more exotic from there with breakfast bowls, blue plate specials, scramblettes, sandwiches and five kinds of Benedicts. Chilaquiles, croque madame, seafood crepes and gnocchi breakfast carbonara are among the varied offerings.

And no brunch menu is complete without a seasonal drink menu with offerings such as summer spritzes, or Prosecco mimosas with your choice of orange, pineapple, grapefruit or mango juice. Or just get the flight.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill was voted best brunch in 30th annual Best of Orange County balloting.

1. In-N-Out Burger

Multiple locations; in-n-out.com

Break out the DoubleDouble, or the 4x4 if you dare, In-N-Out is yet again the top burger in Orange County.

Little has changed in the nearly 75 years since Harry and Esther Snyder opened their first drive-thru stand in 1948. Their granddaughter, Lynsi Snyder-Ellingson, took over as owner-president in 2010. Burgers, fries, sodas and milkshakes, with a few wrinkles in preparation and toppings, are what you get.

And of course the unmistakable and irresistible taste and freshness.

“Quality will always be the most important ingredient at In-N-Out Burger,” said Denny Warnick, In-N-Out’s chief operating officer. “We don’t freeze, prepackage or microwave our food. Everything is still made fresh to order.”

Fresh ingredients are delivered at least every other day to each store. Hamburger patties are ground from whole chucks by company butchers, Warnick said. Produce is prepped in-store several times daily, whole potatoes and real

ice cream are used in fries and shakes.

There are 33 In-N-Outs in Orange County, with a 34th going up in San Juan Capistrano, and 391 in the West. The company is also known for its community

2. The Habit Burger Grill

Multiple locations; habitburger.com

The Habit Burger Grill has grown a little since opening as a Santa Barbara burger shop in 1969 to become a mainstay in the Orange County burger scene.

Since its acquisition by Yum Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and KFC, Habits have rapidly expanded, with 25 shops in Orange County, and 254 across the state, not to mention a fleet of catering trucks.

Habit has added to the menu far beyond burgers to include steak, chicken, veggie and ahi tuna

sandwiches; six kinds of salads; sides of chicken nuggets, onion rings, sweet potato fries and tempura green beans; and six flavors of milkshake. Burgers can also come with portabella mushrooms, avocados and teriyaki.

Although the chain is franchised, it has done it well. The company favors local ownership and Habit was listed in Newsweek’s best restaurant chains and won a Franchise Times Zor Award for Top Franchise to buy in the quick-service burger category.

endeavors. Biola University’s film school is named for Esther Snyder. Her estate is building a $92 million studio facility and funding scholarships for foster and at-risk students.

The company continues to “assist all communities in

3. TK Burgers

our marketplace to become stronger, safer and better places to live,” Warnick said. In-N-Out’s Slave 2 Nothing Foundation fights human trafficking, and child and substance abuse.

— Greg Mellen

Multiple locations; www.tkburgers.com

Although it has grown to five stores in Orange County and a fleet of catering trucks since opening its doors in 1986, TK still prides itself on being noncorporate and laid back.

“We are the old burger joint you have been searching for,” owner Jim Kalatschan says on the company’s website.

Burgers remain at the core, but there’s a whole lot more happening.

The company promises “only the finest ingredients,” with meat ground and delivered daily, not to

mention a “secret sauce” blended on-site and signature custom-made buns. There are also rad tunes and tiki decor to round out the experience.

The burgers have branched out to chicken, turkey, veggie, steak and ahi tuna, plus chicken strips and a couple of salads. The shops at Mission Viejo and Santa Ana also open for breakfast with a full menu.

The company has also beefed up its mobile business with five trucks and two trailers catering more than 1,500 events annually.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER In-N-Out Burger was voted the best burger in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Chick-fil-A

Multiple locations; chick-fil-a.com

No eatery dominates the fast-food chicken market like Chick-fil-A, which has more than 2,700 stores nationwide, and its signature fried or grilled chicken sandwich. Chick-fil-A was among the top three winners last year as well in the Best of Orange County chicken category.

“It has been our pleasure to serve and be part of the Orange County community,” said Jarrod McBride, Operator of Chick-fil-A The Market Place in Irvine. “Our goal is to always provide our guests with delicious food and our signature hospitality, and we’re grateful for the community’s support.”

The chain’s late founder, S. Truett Cathy, started the business in 1947 when he and his brother, Ben, opened an Atlanta diner known as The Dwarf Grill, which was later renamed The Dwarf House. In 1967, Cathy founded and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta. Cathy passed away in 2014 and his family has taken over the business, including his son Dan, who was appointed

CEO in 2013, and grandson Andrew, the current Chickfil-A CEO.

The company prides itself on promoting the importance of family and worship time on Sundays when the restaurants

2. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Multiple locations; raisingcanes.com

Raising Cane’s Chicken

Fingers is hot-hot-hot in the chicken fast food market, but the interesting thing is this business focuses not just on chicken, but chicken fingers, specifically. You can order a sandwich combo and guess what — your sandwich is made from three chicken fingers on a bun with lettuce and Cane’s special secret sauce, plus crinkle-cut fries and a drink.

Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves has earned many accolades, including being named No. 28 in the Top 100 CEOs in the U.S. by

Glassdoor, Restaurateur of the Year by the Louisiana Restaurant Association, and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year. Graves worked long hours as a boilermaker at an oil refinery and as a commercial fisherman in Alaska to earn the cash to follow his restaurant dream. In 1996, he renovated an old building at Louisiana State University and named his chicken fingers store after his yellow Labrador retriever at the time, Raising Cane. There are now over 600 locations nationwide.

are closed, diversity and charitable giving, including to its workers. The website says Chick-fil-A helps its employees with education opportunities by having doled out over $112 million in scholarships to

3. El Pollo Loco

Multiple locations; elpolloloco.com

El Pollo Loco is a firegrilled, fresh-food chicken restaurant that blends traditional Mexican cuisine. El Pollo Loco boasts nearly 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants in six states — almost 400 of them in California.

El Pollo Loco, or in English, “the crazy chicken,” was founded in Mexico in 1975 by Pancho Ochoa, a former shoe salesman who began selling citrus-marinated chicken in his community, using an old family recipe. He opened the first restaurant in 1980 in Los Angeles.

more than 67,000 employees seeking a college education. In 2022, Chick-fil-A was named a Best Employer in America by Forbes.

— Amy Bentley

“El Pollo Loco is a company raised in Southern California and we are proud to be a valued member of the Orange County community,” said CEO Larry Roberts. “We embrace our Orange County customers as an extension of our El Pollo Loco familia and look forward to feeding Orange County Register readers, their families and friends now and long into the future.”

Chicken meals include sides like Mexican-style seasoned rice, salad, corn, pinto beans, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes and gravy.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chic-fil-A was voted best chicken in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Brewery X

3191 E. La Palma Ave.; Anaheim, 657-999-1500; brewery-x.com

Standing out on the La Palma Beer Trail — named for the road strung with top craft breweries — is no small feat. But that is what Brewery X has been able to do since opening in 2019.

The brew team is described as “a patchwork of professional brewers, and beer lovers,” with more than 100 years collectively in brewing experience.

“Every day we get to brew beer together and celebrate all of our unique paths and how they all crossed,” Chief Brew Officer Trevor Walls says on the company website.

The flavors run from light and easy, to hoppy, to dark and malty, with international, hazy, fruit and milkshake thrown in. The fruitincorporated brews feature a boysenberry milkshake IPA and a watermelon Hefeweizen.

The brewery advertises its “Halo IPA” as the Official Fan Beer of the Anaheim Angels and “Battlesnakes” took a bronze medal in the Great American Beer Festival for Bohemian Style Pilsener.

The brewery also features a variety of fruity hard seltzers with flavors such as huckleberry, pineapple and cactus.

The menu, from X Eats, ranges from charcuterie boards to burgers and

2. All-American Brew Works

5120 E La Palma Ave., Unit 103, Anaheim; 714-463-4474; allamericanbrewworks.com

This family-owned brewery, which just celebrated its sixth anniversary, is a red, white and blue success story. Founded by Iraq War veteran Steve McHugh, who has more than 38 years service in the Army, All-American Brew Works puts a patriotic and military theme on all it does.

Business partner Eric Williams, a Marine Corps vet, calls the brewery “a home away from home,” where customers can “be a part of something bigger.”

“We specialize in lagers,” Williams said, although the best seller is the Blue

Manchu, an American wheat ale with blueberry and vanilla.

The taproom features patriotic beers, called the Founding Fathers, with a dozen rotational offerings, highlighted by lagers, ales, IPAs and stouts. Each has a unique twist, such as shaved coconut on the Storm the Beach red lager, or peanut butter in the Liberty or Death porter.

With Co-Pilots, the owners added a barbecue-deli with premium smoked meats, deli sandwiches and gourmet burgers.

appetizers.

There is also pizza from the brewer’s sister business, Pizza X, featuring New York style pies, as well as food trucks such as Common Ground. An active entertainment schedule keeps the joint

jumping with live music, varied events and game nights. Brewery X is also available for events ranging from 20 people to full buyouts.

— Greg Mellen

3. BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Multiple locations; bjsrestaurants.com

Founded as BJ’s Pizzeria in Santa Ana in 1978, the now Huntington Beachbased chain opened a microbrewery in its Brea restaurant in 1996 and has been “hopping” ever since.

With about 215 locations nationally, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse continues to flourish and brewing has become a core part of its identity.

Anchoring the company’s six breweries in five states are 11 signature beers, with flavors ranging from the light lagers, such as the Lightswitch, to more challenging dark

selections, like Tatonka Imperial Stout. There are also seasonal brews, such as the “Mad Crazy Mango IPA,” and even hard ciders, like the Prickly Pear Hard Lemonade.

According to BJ’s, its brewers taste more than 150 beers a year, choosing only the best for customers.

Originally a Chicago-style pizzeria, BJ’s continues to feature 18 different pizzas, deep dish or tavern cut, plus a varied menu.

And don’t forget the pizookie, a pizza dough/hot fudge brownie mashup.

BRAD A. JOHNSON, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Brewery X was voted the best craft brewery in Best of Orange County balloting.

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT

1. Lido Bottle Works

3408 Via Oporto #103, Newport Beach; 949-529-2784; lidobottleworks.com

An inventive and flavorful seasonal menu helped this small restaurant earn a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide within the past year. That’s only the start of a romantic rendezvous at Lido Bottle Works perched on the edge of Balboa Bay.

“It’s very intimate and on the water,” said partner and general manager Brett Karas.

With seating for about 90 in a cozy space and a small outdoor patio, you may not have a lot of alone space, but Karas says the dim lighting and a great staff make for a special time.

“The top-notch service gives people on dates those moments together,” Karas said.

As the Michelin description reads, “It would be easy for this culinary haven to rest on its (glittering waterfront) laurels alone, and yet it is so much more than just a pretty face, or view.”

It’s Executive Chef Joel Guitierrez who takes Lido over the edge into the extraordinary.

“It’s the seasonality of the menu,” Karas says.

“We have a lot of staples and classics that change,” Karas said, such as twists on burrata cheese salads — say stone fruit and candied pistachios, or snap peas and dandelion greens.

Karas said one of the highlights on the menu is the produce, which is always locally sourced and sustainable.

Lido also prides itself on its 25 wines and 15 craft beers, featuring only California labels.

— Greg Mellen

2. Habana

Costa Mesa, Irvine; restauranthabana.com

With locations at the Irvine Spectrum and The Lab in Costa Mesa, Habana is a place to see and be seen.

The decor, ambiance and tropical feel are like being transported to Old-Time Cuba and certain to lend a Latin zest to the evening.

As the restaurants’ website puts it, “Your guests will be enchanted by our vivid décor and magical ambiance.”

The two locations offer varied experiences. The Irvine restaurant is sprawling, where you can find personal space for yourself and that certain someone.

The Lab restaurant is cozy and perfect for a certain intimacy. Both feature exotic patios. Either way, you can experience the nostalgic spirit of Havana with “modern chef-driven plates and creative cocktails.”

The menu is Cuba-inspired and the handcrafted cocktails are top shelf. And if you want to get an early start on the night, the La Hora Social runs from 3-6 p.m. with cocktails and Cuban bites.

3. Paragon

3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa; 657-247-0101; paragonrestaurants.com

With a sleek, upscale, modern decor, draped in blue velvet, this Costa Mesa eatery has made waves with Best of OC voters since it opened in 2020 as a great place to kick off or put the cap on a special day.

Paragon describes itself as serving “New American cuisine that strives to create dishes and drinks that are delicious and elevated.”

The menu is clean with limited dishes of pasta, seafood and steaks prepared with care.

Last year, Chef Dean Isom and partner Markus Valdez added Saturday and Sunday brunch to go with a daily lunch menu.

“We refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That’s why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets,” the restaurant says.

The bar offers about 10 handcrafted cocktails in exotic combinations plus a weekly rotating mystery cocktail that can be anyone’s guess.

Meals often feature jazz music on the weekends. There are also daily drink specials and events that are constantly changing.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Kellie Conrad, left, of Newport Beach and Julia Roche of Costa Mesa enjoy food and drink recently on the outdoor patio at Lido Bottle Works located in the Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach.

1. Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee

270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; sidecardoughnuts.com

A previous winner in this category in the Best of Orange County contest, Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee makes its doughnuts daily from scratch, using the best ingredients possible. Sidecar’s flagship store opened in Costa Mesa in 2013. Before that, a renovated 1959 Helm’s Bakery Truck was the creators’ test kitchen as they asked friends and family over regularly for taste-test gatherings and drove their truck around town sharing fresh doughnuts with the neighbors.

“We are honored to receive this award. It is a testament to all the amazing people who work at Sidecar,” said founder Sumter Pendergrast Jr. “They work extremely hard to ensure every customer receives a warm smile and a hot, fresh doughnut and coffee. We are incredibly grateful for all the support,”

The Costa Mesa store, located on the 17th Street corridor, is designed to have that “old city building” feel and provide a fun dining experience. The store is decorated with antique fixtures, vintage wallpaper, and hand-painted tile. What’s even cooler is that customers can see how the doughnuts are made in the open kitchen and front-and-center prep spaces.

Sidecar’s doughnuts have been featured on television programs like the Cooking Channel’s “Unique Sweets” and the “Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Flavors include maple bacon, butter & salt, Meyer lemon, choc-a-lot, Saigon cinnamon crumb, celebration cake, huckleberry, vanilla bean glazed and Susie’s blueberry pancake.

Outside Orange Couty, Sidecar has locations in downtown L.A., Culver City, Santa Monica, Torrance and Del Mar.

— Amy Bentley

2. The Donuttery

17420 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach; www.thedonutteryhb.com

The Donuttery, which has been making doughnuts in Huntington Beach since 1970, is an industry leader known for its artisan doughnuts.

While offering a variety of traditional doughnuts, the Donuttery also makes fresh gluten-free, vegan, and vegan gluten-free doughnuts because customers and friends wanted dietary alternatives.

“We embraced the challenge by creating plant-based versions of the classic donuts we loved and testing tirelessly until we attained a yeast-raised and cake texture that was almost identical to their dairy counterparts … The vegan donuts we create are plant-based versions of classic favorites that we ourselves would only eat,” the Donuttery website explains.

Traditional flavors include a bacon maple bar, chocolate chip bar, strawberry Nutella, classic glazed, sugar raised, and raspberry filled, plus a huge selection of cake doughnuts including unique flavors such as chocolate mint chip, red velvet cream cheese and carrot cake cream cheese. Three choices of malasadas and crullers also are on the menu.

3. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Multiple locations; krispykreme.com

The mission statement on Krispy Kreme’s website is simple and direct: “To make the most awesome doughnuts on the planet every single day.”

Krispy Kreme is well-known for its original glazed doughnut and the company has a strong sense for community, charity, and sustainability.

Krispy Kreme donates unsold doughnuts in the United States to local food banks and partners with food organizations nationwide that distribute donations to people in need through their programs and services. Krispy Kreme donated $25,000 to the Natasha Foundation to support work fighting allergic diseases and in 2022, Employee Resource Groups supported several nonprofits including Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, and Center of Hope.

Alfred of Orange County raved about their doughnuts on Yelp: “Yeah it’s donuts. No. Not just any donuts. It’s Krispy Kreme donuts! The one and only donut spot in which my mind and body says ‘Screw it! No guilt!’ In my humble and personal opinion, the best chain donut shop.”

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sidecar Doughnuts & Coffee in Costa Mesa was voted best doughnuts in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill

Multiple locations; rodrigos.com

“As a father, it’s important to have a family-friendly atmosphere,” said Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill Executive Chef Allan Aguinaga. “Growing up in a Mexican family, I remember how special it was going out to a meal.”

That feeling is brought forward in all Rodrigo’s does and helps elevate the restaurant in the opinion of Best of OC voters.

Although Rodrigo’s has grown to include 10 restaurants, it remains at heart, and in fact, a family operation.

Now in its 50th year, the family-friendly nature of the restaurants extends to offering Fiesta deals for family celebrations, lunches, parties and receptions, not to mention a Fiesta Club with periodic deals.

It all begins with the front of the house.

“Obviously our service is amazing,” Aguinaga said, adding that a number of employees have worked on the staff for 45 years and they “bring their commitment to

2. Keno’s Restaurant

craft every day.”

Of course, service only takes you partway there.

The restaurants all feature a festive, atmosphere and meals are prepared daily with fresh and healthy ingredients.

Menu selections run the

5750 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills; 714-777-9511; www.kenosrestaurant.com

Since Keno’s Family Restaurant opened its doors in 1980 it has strived to be a staple of “The Canyon” in Anaheim Hills.

The Cooper family bought the business in 1993 and, according to the owners, continues to focus on two things: the food and the people.

When it comes to being family friendly, a good start is being renowned for your “world famous” pancakes, with a secret recipe made from scratch in eight varieties, and equally notable fried chicken.

Since the restaurant’s

opening, Tuesday nights have been Chicken Nights, and that tradition continues.

A full menu includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as sandwiches and salads.

Did we mention kidfriendly? The restaurant has a fountain with desserts, homemade ice cream sundaes and milkshakes.

There is also live entertainment and weekend concerts as well as an outdoor entertainment venue space for private events.

For adults, the lounge area has been converted into Geno’s Steakhouse, an upscale dining option.

gamut — there are dinner, lunch express, happy hour and Sunday brunch menus, not to mention family to-go catering.

There are eight kinds of appetizers, 10 house specialties, fajitas,

combination plates and burritos. Para los niños, there’s the choice of a taco, cheese enchilada, bean and cheese burrito, quesadilla or chicken strips, with fries or rice and beans.

— Greg Mellen

3. Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli

600 S. Brea Blvd., Brea,;714-255-9100; fratellinos.com

Old-school family eating is at the core of this Italian restaurant. While many eateries have transitioned to featuring alcohol that draws a more adult crowd, Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli likes to keep it kid-friendly and family-oriented.

“Only 3 percent of our sales are alcohol,” says owner Cesar Lomeli. “We sell food, that’s what we do.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t get a nice glass of red, white or blush house wine with your meal.

Of his diners Lomeli says they are “mostly families,” adding, “we don’t mind if kids make a mess.”

The family focus extends to Lomeli’s support of local schools and sports programs.

“We’re very involved in sports teams and nonprofits,” said Lomeli, who partners with many groups, donating portions of proceeds or making good old-fashioned barter deals.

The welcoming atmosphere is evident in the decor, including a lake mural that surrounds the dining area.

The menu consists of Italian staples in generous portions: lasagna, parmigiana, plus pizza, sandwiches and salads.

LEONARD ORTIZ,, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill was voted best family-friendly restaurant in 30th annual Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream & Yogurt

Multiple locations; handelsicecream.com

When Alice Handel began creating the ice cream that made her the toast of Youngstown, Ohio, she never guessed it would lead to this.

More than 75 years later, Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt has seven stores in Orange County and 110 stores in 11 states.

Unlike so-called “scoop shops,” where the ice cream is delivered in tubs, “we use the exact same recipes (as Alice Handel) made one batch at a time in every store,” says Zach Leffers, one of the company’s owners. “We have the tagline: ‘We don’t skimp.’”

Not all recipes are Alice originals, though Leffers says she created plenty. Handel’s has more than 175 flavors, including seasonal tastes, and 48 at any given time.

“You might go into a store and lose one favorite and come out with a new one,” Leffers said.

One that is always in demand, Leffers said, is Graham Central Station, featuring a graham cracker swirl and chocolate covered honeycomb candies.

2. Yogurtland

Monkey Business is another with banana cake batter ice cream using fresh bananas, caramel ripple and brownie pieces.

“Every year we’ll take a few

Multiple locations; www.yogurt-land.com

Building on the concept that no one knows their flavor palate like the individual, Korean immigrant Steve Chang broke down barriers, literally, when he created his first selfserve frozen yogurt shop in Fullerton in 2006.

Chang took down the counters in front of his frozen yogurt machines and let patrons create their own combinations of yogurt, fruits and toppings built to taste.

The innovation didn’t stop there. Yogurtland became the first chain to add fresh fruit to the toppings bar. Stores

can have upwards of 30 toppings, such as chocolate bits, gummies, nuts, granola and syrups.

“At Yogurtland, we are continuing to fulfill our vision of sharing love, joy and hope to our customers — one cup of frozen yogurt at a time,” said Brittany Knollmiller, head of marketing at Yogurtland, which has more than 250 stores. “We are so grateful for the unwavering support and loyalty from fans.”

There are more than 250 flavors, including seasonal, holiday and “mystery” flavors.

flavors off and add more,” Leffers said, estimating that over the years there have been about 250.

Leffers said one of the reasons for Handel’s popularity

3. House of Yogurt

is its community involvement. “We love being in the community,” he said. “That’s our market. We work with tons of nonprofits.”

— Greg Mellen

369 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa; 949-335-5565; houseofyogurt.com

Homemade and houseblended flavors highlight the selections at this familyowned shop in Costa Mesa.

House of Yogurt, which opened in 2008, says on its website, “We take extra care in blending our own House Secret Recipes to give you the superior taste you’ve come to love.”

The shop features 14 flavors from which to choose, including staples such as salted caramel and vanilla cake batter. You never know what flavors might rotate through, such as red velvet, juicy peach, cotton candy or

root beer float.

There is also a wide variety of toppings and waffle cones can be added to cups.

Customers can transform their frozen yogurt treats into smoothies. There are also nondiary, gluten-free and no-sugar-added options for patrons with special diets.

The store has also formed a partnership with Project Giving Light, a nonprofit that serves homeless and underprivileged kids. Among the services are birthday boxes delivered not only in Orange County but to 40 cities and growing.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream was voted the best frozen yogurt/ice cream in Best of Orange County balloting.

»

BEST HAPPY HOUR

1. La Vida Cantina

1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com

This year, La Vida Cantina is recognized as the No. 1 winner in three categories: Best Bar, Best Happy Hour and Best Outdoor Dining. Last year, the Mexican restaurant also was named the top winner in the Best Happy Hour category as well taking third place for Best Bar.

“I believe the keys to our success lie in our unique outdoor patio that seats 250 people comfortably, as well as the quality of our food and drink menus,” said La Vida Cantina Owner Alex Petrosian. “Brunch time is usually a great time to soak in the sun as well as our nightlife after 9 p.m. We have some big events planned for later this year and next that I can’t wait to share once the details are finalized.”

The outside space at La Vida Cantina is popular because of its resort-like feel and lively atmosphere.

There’s a spacious outdoor bar featuring five firepits under two large palapas where diners can enjoy a meal, drinks or appetizers at Happy Hour.

The current menu was developed by Chef Juan Martinez and features an array of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and five different sauces.

The entrée menu features Mexican favorites including carne asada, quesadillas, tortas, burritos, chile verde port, carnitas, fajitas, a rice bowl with beans, salsa and a protein or veggies, and combo meals.

— Amy Bentley

2. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

Multiple locations; lazydogrestaurants.com

Lazy Dog, well-known for welcoming pups on cozy outdoor dining patios and last year’s top winner in the Family-Friendly restaurant category, is an Outdoor Dining winner this year.

Lazy Dog’s outdoor seating areas are a great place for dogs to chow down with their human companions. Pups can enjoy a grilled hamburger patty or chicken breast, served with rice, veggies and a bowl of water. Lazy Dog Chief Executive Officer and Founder Chris Simms and his father opened the first Lazy Dog in Huntington Beach in 2003.

“We’d like to thank the community for selecting us as having one of the best outdoor dining options in Orange County,” Simms said. “We designed our patio to be a lively social hub where friends and family could come together and bond over great food and conversation. We look forward to creating more memorable experiences for our guests whether it’s on our patio or within the four walls of our beautiful restaurant.”

3. The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente; 949-498-6390; www.thefishermans restaurantsanclemente.com

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar San Clemente, another repeat winner in Best of Orange County, opened in 1982 on the San Clemente Pier, a year after a sister restaurant called Pier 57 opened in Seattle. You can’t beat the waterfront location at this establishment, where you can not only pair a good dinner on the waterfront with a bottle of wine but a sunset stroll on the pier as well.

Fried calamari, crab and shrimp cocktails, clams, fresh oysters, mussels, coconut shrimp, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl and Oysters Rockefeller are among the favorite classic fish and seafood dishes offered, with seafood from the Pacific northwest packing the full menu. Specializing in fresh seafood, the restaurant also offers three varieties of wild caught salmon: Coho, White-King and Sockeye.

The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Check out the special sunset dinner menu from 4-6 p.m. and enjoy a different meal and drink special daily during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.

COURTESY OF LA VIDA CANTINA

La Vida Cantina in Costa Mesa won best happy hour honors in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli

600 S. Brea Blvd., Brea; 714-255-9100; fratellinos.com

It is becoming old news, but the customers of this Italian restaurant have continued to carry it through the lean times and return it annually to the top of the popularity lists.

“We have very loyal customers,” says owner Cesar Lomeli. “The people are very supportive.”

Lomeli keeps a database of more than 12,000 customers with whom he regularly communicates.

“They tell me they’re voting,” for his restaurant, Lomeli said of the Best of OC contest. “They’re very into it because they’re very proud. They see me and support a family restaurant.”

And through it all, Fratellino’s maintains high quality not only in the restaurant but through takeout, catering and popular party platters..

For the 13 straight years, since the Register began its current ranking format, Fratellino’s has placed among the top three.

Lomeli is also an ardent supporter of the community, offering to partner in numerous charity events.

Dive into the menu and the Old World feeling continues with all the standard hits: choose your topping pastas, parmigianas, piccatas, lasagnas — regular or oven-baked — and raviolis. And all can be upgraded to a full dinner with soup or salad, Italian breadsticks, ice cream and a glass of house wine.

“You cannot find that offer anywhere,” Lomeli says.

And there’s the consistency.

“The food is always great,” Lomeli says. “They come in and they know the lasagna will be the same tomorrow.”

— Greg Mellen

2. Buon Gusto

4911 Warner Ave #109, Huntington Beach; 714-846-2600, buongustohb.com

The name translates to good taste and that’s what you get in this relaxed restaurant that serves up red-sauce standards such as calzones, pasta and chicken parmesan.

According to the Buon Gusto website, “The atmosphere, the décor, just takes you to a different place in time. With a wonderfully enjoyable cuisine featuring seafood and meats prepared using seasoning and recipes from a truly different era, you sit back and relax and soak in the environment.”

The menu features 13 house specialties, pasta piled with just about anything, a variety of seafood dishes, including a Venetian-style Cioppino with lobster, clams, scallops, mussels, calamari, scampi and a side of spaghetti.

You can also create your own pizza or try the Buon Gusto Special with pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, olives, meatballs and sausage. There are also gourmet calzones and hot and cold subs.

There are also a dozen bottled beers and more than 30 wines from which to choose.

3. Roma D’Italia

611 El Camino Real, Tustin; 714-544-0273; romaditalia.com

No “Best of” list is ever complete without this Old Town Tustin stalwart, which keeps ‘em coming. Roma D’Italia continues to welcome “multiple generations from families returning to the restaurant,” says co-owner Teresa Corea-Golka. “We do a lot of traditional family dinners.”

The restaurant has been in Old Town for more than 60 years and is self-described as Tustin’s original family-owned Italian restaurant. Roma D’Italia was founded by Dominic Corea and his wife Nina’s recipes remain in use to this day. The traditions continue as second and third generations of the Corea family continue to operate the restaurant.

The menu features signature pastas and seafood dishes as well as hot sandwiches and a variety of pizzas.

Of note, Corea-Golka says “our seafood is not like anywhere else. We provide value.”

She also recommends the Caprese with buffalo mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, basil and bermuda onions on request. Check out the popular calamari fritti and pepperoni bread made with Roma’s homemade Italian bread.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Cesar and Gabriela Lomeli own Fratellino’s by Cesar Lomeli in Brea.

1. Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill

Multiple locations; rodrigos.com

There’s a reason Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill has shot onto the list of places to go in multiple categories.

“The attention to detail is unimaginable, not only on every flavor, but every ingredient” says Executive Chef Allan Aguinaga, who took the helm in the kitchens of the 10 family-owned restaurants in Southern California in 2020. “We have the best foods. That might not be what you think about in Mexican family restaurants, but every meal here tastes exactly the same every time.”

The restaurants were founded in 1972 by Roderick and Patricia Fraser and remain family-owned. The restaurant name, originally Don Jose Mexican Restaurant, was changed in 2018.

The dedication to customer satisfaction extends all the way down to churros made from scratch and hand-rolled daily to serving up warm tortillas and salsa.

Rodrigo’s Specialties allow the chefs to show their chops with salmon and two carne

2. Avila’s El Ranchito

asada dishes of note.

“We always keep the flavors true and just use quality ingredients,” Aguinaga said.

The menu also includes fajitas, burritos, tacos and combinations with enchiladas, chile rellenos,

Multiple locations; avilaselranchito.com

An Orange County success story, even if it technically began in Huntington Park, Avila’s El Ranchito stable of 13 restaurants, 11 in the OC, has become synonymous with local authentic Mexican fare.

However, Avila’s is a very “unchainy” chain. While others stress uniformity, the family owner-operators have put their stamps on the stores and cater to customers’ tastes and preferences.

“It evolved very organically and you see the personalities play out,” said Maribel Avila Ley, who manages three locations. “We listen to what

each neighborhood wants.”

Customers in one neighborhood may prefer fish and vegetables, she said, while another may favor slow cooked barbecue.

“People love going to all our locations to compare,” she said.

What runs through all, and has since the flagship opened in 1966, is attention to detail, preparation and staying true to Mama Avila’s original recipes.

The popular crispy tacos, for example, are prepared exactly as Mama did and “should taste exactly the same every time.”

tamales, tacos and red and green chile.

The bar features 11 margaritas, including two served up in 46-ounce glasses, ideal for sharing. The Adios Amigos margarita includes rum, gold tequila, brandy

3. El Farolito

201 S. Bradford Ave., Placentia; 714-993-7880; elfarolitomex.com

El Farolito is roughly translated to “light of hope,” for founder Geiron Sandoval when he established the restaurant in 1974. The hope was for a business in which all family members could be involved. That continues today with most of the Sandoval clan involved in some capacity.

Although Geiron and Adela Sandoval had no business experience, they knew how to make tasty, authentic Mexican food and have been doling it out ever since.

Mama’s Plate, a Make Your Own Combination, allows

and a special blend of juices served on the rocks.

There is also an Express Lunch menu MondayFriday, Happy Hour 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and a Sunday brunch.

— Greg Mellen

you to tailor your meal to your taste with about eight offerings to choose from. The pork carnitas draw rave reviews. Other popular sellers are chicken and shrimp enchiladas, chile rellenos and burritos in all varieties, including vegetarian. Portions are generous.

Breakfast, lunch and main menus are offered for dine-in or takeout.

You can also get eight kinds of Mexican beers as well as tasty Micheladas. Regular or fruit margaritas are sold by glass or pitcher.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Rodrigo’s Mexican Grill was voted best Mexican restaurant in the 30th annual Best of Orange County reader’s choice awards.

1. La Vida Cantina

1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa; 949-612-2349; lavidacantina.com

This year, La Vida Cantina is recognized as the No. 1 winner in three categories: Best Outdoor Dining, Best Bar and Best Happy Hour. Last year, the Mexican restaurant also was named the top winner in the Best Happy Hour category as well taking third place for Best Bar.

“I believe the keys to our success lie in our unique outdoor patio that seats 250 people comfortably, as well as the quality of our food and drink menus,” said La Vida Cantina Owner Alex Petrosian. “Brunch time is usually a great time to soak in the sun as well as our nightlife after 9 p.m. We have some big events planned for later this year and next that I can’t wait to share once the details are finalized.”

The outside space at La Vida Cantina is popular because of its resort-like feel and lively atmosphere. There’s a spacious outdoor bar featuring five firepits under two large palapas where diners can enjoy a meal, drinks or appetizers at Happy Hour.

The current menu was developed by Chef Juan Martinez and features an array of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and five

2. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

Multiple locations; lazydogrestaurants.com

Lazy Dog, well-known for welcoming pups on cozy outdoor dining patios and last year’s top winner in the Family-Friendly restaurant category, is an Outdoor Dining winner this year.

Lazy Dog’s outdoor seating areas are a great place for dogs to chow down with their human companions. Pups can enjoy a grilled hamburger patty or chicken breast, served with rice, veggies and a bowl of water.

Lazy Dog Chief Executive Officer and Founder Chris Simms and his father

opened the first Lazy Dog in Huntington Beach in 2003.

“We’d like to thank the community for selecting us as having one of the best outdoor dining options in Orange County,” Simms said. “We designed our patio to be a lively social hub where friends and family could come together and bond over great food and conversation. We look forward to creating more memorable experiences for our guests whether it’s on our patio or within the four walls of our beautiful restaurant.”

different sauces.

The entrée menu features Mexican favorites including carne asada, quesadillas, tortas, burritos, chile verde

port, carnitas, fajitas, a rice bowl with beans, salsa and a protein or veggies, and combo meals.

— Amy Bentley

3. The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente; 949-498-6390; www.thefishermansrestaurantsanclemente.com

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar San Clemente, another repeat winner in Best of Orange County, opened in 1982 on the San Clemente Pier, a year after a sister restaurant called Pier 57 opened in Seattle. You can’t beat the waterfront location at this establishment, where you can not only pair a good dinner on the waterfront with a bottle of wine but a sunset stroll on the pier as well.

Fried calamari, crab and shrimp cocktails, clams, fresh oysters, mussels, coconut shrimp, clam chowder in a

sourdough bowl and Oysters

Rockefeller are among the favorite classic fish and seafood dishes offered, with seafood from the Pacific northwest packing the full menu. Specializing in fresh seafood, the restaurant also offers three varieties of wild caught salmon: Coho, WhiteKing and Sockeye.

The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Check out the special sunset dinner menu from 4-6 p.m. and enjoy a different meal and drink special daily during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday 4-7 p.m.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER La Vida Cantina in Costa Mesa was voted the best outdoor dining in the Best of Orange County balloting.

2. Tony’s Little Italy

1808 N. Placentia Ave., Unit B, Placentia; 714-528-2159; tonyslittleitaly.com

The spirit of this pizzeria’s founder lives on. Tony Manzella, of Palermo, Italy, passed away in 2021, but his family carries forth his dedication, Old World ways and work ethic.

“I’m here from 7 in the morning to 11 at night,” says Tony Jr., who started at his dad’s side at 14 and has been at it ever since at Tony’s Little Italy. “When you do something that much, you have to enjoy it.”

Tony Jr. and his mom, Rosalie, pride themselves on using the best ingredients and making the pizza fresh from scratch and to order.

Deep dish Chicago-style is the heart of Tony’s as if the Cubs, Bulls and Bears logos and Wrigley Field mural weren’t a hint. Tony Sr. opened his first shop in Chicago, which he ran for 20 years before moving out West and opening the store in Placentia in 1978.

You can build your own pie, deep dish, stuffed or thin crust, with 14 toppings from which to choose.

3. Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Multiple locations; mountainmikespizza.com

1. Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store

Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Irvine; 949-852-9500; sgtpepps.com

Ever since Jeff Roberts, Stan Frazier, Rob Dodman and Andy Hong bought their old neighborhood hangout, the legend of their pizza stores has grown and spread like their margherita sauce.

Not only has Sgt. Pepperoni’s, now in Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo and Irvine, been named one of the top three pizzerias in Orange County for the fourth straight year, but in 2022 it was named No. 60 nationally by Yelp reviewers.

Owners and employees chalk it up to three main ingredients: love, preparation and community. And those cupped pepperonis. With the name Sgt. Pepperoni, you better come up big on the namesake.

“We’re all like a family, so we just make everyone feel welcome,” said Ahtziry Valenzuela, a supervisor at the Newport Beach store.

“I’d say the main thing is the execution,” Roberts said. “We bring heart and soul.”

While the pepperoni is expectedly a big hit, the meatball with ricotta cheese is the best seller. Customers can also check out the margherita, buffalo chicken, Hawaiian or build your own.

Community engagement and charity are also huge. The first cause was Julian’s Lego Corner at Children’s Hospital Orange County, named after a neighbor child of Roberts, who died from brain cancer. The restaurant has raised $55,000 to date, enough for Lego kits for all the children at the hospital.

The restaurants’ latest is organic lemonade, proceeds going to Team Kids, an Irvine nonprofit that brings leadership and unity programs to local schools.

— Greg Mellen

Since the original Mountain Mike’s opened in Palo Alto in 1978, it has exploded to about 250 locations across six states, including five in Orange County with more planned.

The chain advertises “Great food, great experiences for families, strong community ties — especially with local sports teams — and franchisee satisfaction.”

Each store is independently owned and operated and traditionally Mike’s is a popular get-together spot for sports teams and groups after events with games for kids. It also hosts parties and banquets. The company also encourages partnering with local schools and nonprofits.

Mountain Mike’s touts its “legendary” Crispy, Curly Pepperoni pizza. Other favorites are the Mount Everest, with nine, count ’em, toppings, Pikes Peak, for meat lovers, BBQ at the Ranch, with chicken, barbecue sauce and ranch dressing, eight other combination pies and build-your-own pizzas.

In addition to the pizza, there are 10 kinds of bone-in or boneless wings, oven-baked sandwiches, salads, sides, desserts and bottled beverages.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store was voted the best pizza in the Best of Orange County balloting.

RESTAURANT

2. The Crab Cooker

Newport Beach, Tustin; 949-673-0100, 714-573-1077; thecrabcooker.com

Rebuilt from a 2018 demolition of its original Newport Beach location, The Crab Cooker is back to its kitschy, cheeky self as a top seafood destination in Orange County, whether it’s at the “new” original site or its sister spot in Tustin.

Owner Jim Wasko says the atmosphere is “like going to your grandmother’s house.”

Founded in 1951 to complement a fish market, The Crab Cooker built its own reputation and following.

The restaurant features dishes that let the fish stand out. There is a Catch of the Day, which can range from bass to halibut to mahi mahi, or on a combo plate. Generally mesquite broiled with light seasoning, the fish’s flavors are highlighted.

Diners can also dig into skewers of salmon, lobster, oyster, cod or scallop, king crab legs or soft shell crabs. Remarkably, the menu has both “world famous” Romano cheese fries, and the “world’s best” clam chowder from a secret family recipe. Who knew?

3. The Black Marlin

560 El Camino Real, Tustin; 714-929-7427; blackmarlinrestaurant.com

1. King’s Fish House

Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills, Orange; kingsfishhouse.com

Whether it’s the arrival of spring in the Chesapeake Bay, signaling soft shell crabs, or the opening of the halibut season in Alaska, King’s Fish House is all over everything aquatic.

That may be why, once again, the popular restaurants are atop the rankings of the seafood category.

King’s, which operates six different brands in 22 locations, including 12 King’s Fish Houses and six Water Grills, is deeply invested when it comes to seafood. This is demonstrated in everything it does from looking for suppliers with the highest standards for sustainability when buying farm-raised salmon, to weighing all options on whether to reintroduce caviar to its menus.

Environmental concerns notwithstanding, at the end of the day taste is what restaurants are all

about and King’s always gains high marks.

Depending on the season and the restaurant, you may land some Columbia River Salmon, either Creole barbecue rubbed, or with asparagus and mushrooms in a garlic cream sauce, or grilled with your choice of sides. You can find Wild Alaskan Halibut prepared a variety of ways depending on the restaurant.

These are, in addition to the panoply of regular menu items such as lobster and crab legs by the pound, selections from the 4 million pounds of oysters in 10 varieties purchased annually, or hand cut sushi.

With their own distributor, the restaurants are assured the best of catches.

— Greg Mellen

The Black Marlin continues to earn praise as a small neighborhood restaurant that delivers big-time results with unique service and meals found nowhere else.

Located in the historic Tustin Garage, the restaurant delivers old-time all around service. Where else can you get Table Side Magic every Thursday night?

Although fish is the star of the menu, it’s worth checking out the Sunday night Prime Rib dinner.

The Black Marlin features separate menus for appetizers, dinners, lunch and lunch specials, bar food, brunch, happy hour, gluten-free brunch, kids and special holidays. Each is stuffed with offerings in addition to the Marlin signature seafood you come for.

There is swordfish, salmon, scallops, ahi and trout. Every few days the sea bass and halibut preparation changes, so ask your server. There are also house specials, such as the lobster tail and a Cioppino.

For whiskey aficionados, the Marlin has six selections from the extremely rare Pappy Van Winkle family reserves.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

King’s Fish House was voted best seafood restaurant in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Anaheim, Irvine; ruthschris.com

Founder Ruth Fertel took a huge risk and mortgaged her house to buy a New Orleans steakhouse listed for sale, Chris Steak House, in 1965. The single working mother made it successful as a finedining brand with her name added on (the name is a bit of a tongue-twister).

2. La Cave

In 1993, the steakhouse expanded internationally, opening a restaurant in Asia. As of May this year, there were more than 150 Ruth’s Chris restaurants around the world. Darden Restaurants acquired the Ruth’s Hospitality Group in a $715 million transaction in May of this year.

1695 Irvine Ave, Costa Mesa; 949-646-7944; www.lacaverestaurant.com

Established in 1962 on Valentine’s Day, La Cave is a traditional steakhouse serving top cuts of steak as well as Australian cold water lobster tail, giant Alaskan king crab legs, and a giant shrimp cocktail.

Portions are generous and super hungry diners can feast on a 24-ounce porterhouse steak.

All entrees include fresh baked cheesy garlic bread, a salad or the soup du jour, rice pilaf or a twice baked potato, and a veggie. There’s also an extensive drink

menu.

La Cave describes itself on the website as a “warm, romantic 1960s ambiance.” Having served the NewportMesa area for over half a century, La Cave was a favorite hangout among local celebrities including the late John Wayne.

La Cave offers live entertainment dinner shows on most Friday and Saturday evenings, plus comedy shows every other Thursday night. The entertainment schedule is posted on the La Cave website.

The USDA prime grade steaks are individually cut into servings ranging from 8 to 40 ounces and 1.5 to 2 inches in thickness. They are cooked in a specially designed broiler and finished off with butter and chopped parsley, then served on 500-degree sizzling hot plates.

Other entrees include chicken and fish and diners have a choice of exotic sides including lobster mac and

cheese, cremini mushrooms, creamed spinach and sweet potato casserole.

Ruth’s Chris also prides itself for helping the community, a standard set by the founder who in 1965, cooked everything in her kitchen and delivered it to aid relief efforts after Hurricane Betsy struck New Orleans that year, according to the website.

— Amy Bentley

3. Outback Steakhouse

Multiple locations; outback.com

Outback Steakhouse is an Australian-themed steakhouse that serves grilled steaks plus other popular entrée choices including chicken, ribs, seafood and pasta. It might be fair to say that Outback is equally well-known for its well-loved, iconic appetizer that isn’t even a steak: it’s Outback’s famous Bloomin’ Onion, served with a tangy signature dipping sauce. The Bloomin’ Onion is a huge flower-like, crispy fried onion big enough to share. Outback says on its website that more than 8 million customers

have enjoyed this appetizer each year for the last 35 years.

Outback’s roots go back to the late 1980s when four friends in the hospitality industry — Chris Sullivan, Robert Basham, Tim Gannon and Trudy Cooper — dreamed of opening a casual-dining restaurant with good food, service and reasonable prices. In March 1988, they opened the first Outback Steakhouse in Tampa, Florida.

Outback now has hundreds of restaurants nationwide, with 44 in California.

LEONARD ORTIZ, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Ruth’s Chris Steak House was voted the best steakhouse in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Yama Sushi

27782 Vista Del Lago C-22, Mission Viejo; 949-716-9262; yamasushionthelake.com

The freshest fish brought in from Spain, Japan and Korea are part of what sets this sushi restaurant apart and above the rest in Orange County. And it doesn’t hurt that Yama Sushi owner/chef Don Lee is a certified sake sommelier.

Lee says the quality of the ingredients at his restaurant is unrivaled in Orange County, prepared by sushi chefs

who average about 20 years, experience.

“With sushi chefs, experience is really important,” he said. “I hire the most experienced.”

That helps explain the popularity of the omakase menu, in which chefs guide diners through a meal with a series of individually prepared and presented plates, often paired with appropriate sakes.

2. Kura Revolving Sushi

Brea, Garden Grove, Irvine; kurasushi.com

Revolving or conveyor belt sushi is a concept that has been around since the 1950s in Japan and since about 1977 in the U.S. It is now catching on in Orange County.

Kura Revolving Sushi has three of its 17 locations statewide and has proved popular with voters in the Best of OC.

Although the technology and interactivity continue to develop, the idea is simple. Think of an oversized lazy Susan or conveyor belt, from which you can pull your own sushi

experience, and you have the idea of Kura Revolving Sushi.

The company describes its meals as “an eatertainment experience enjoyable for the entire family.”

This is legit sushi fare with 31 choices of nigiri, or sushi hand pressed over a ball of rice, more than 50 rolls, including hand-rolled in seaweed and rice paper, as well as gunkan, or boatshaped rolls.

The menu also features sides, soups and noodles and desserts.

Currently trending at the restaurant are a couple of kinds of tuna: bluefin from Spain and big-eye from Hawaii.

“We’re probably doing about 200 pounds a week,” Lee said of the latter.

Also popular is the chirashi sushi, with a selection of sashimi, fresh raw fish, atop a bed of sushi rice, which is coated with sweet vinegar.

In addition, Yama Sushi also has a massive menu with more than 25 cold and cooked appetizers, 25 rolls,

salads, noodle and rice bowls, and even steak or grilled fish dinners.

The lunch menu offers a wide selection as well, including box lunches. There is also a kids menu.

And then there’s the setting and ambiance.

“We are right on the lakefront,” Lee said of Lake Mission Viejo. “There’s a great view, not crowded.”

The setting makes Yama Sushi ideal for parties, banquets and receptions.

— Greg Mellen

3. Orange Roll & Sushi

Multiple locations, orangerollsushi.com

A newcomer to the list, this chain describes itself as “an American-fusion sushi restaurant that caters to people who love creative sushi and rolls.”

With five locations in Orange County, Orange Roll & Sushi is hitting a popular taste chord with voters and customers in the OC.

The menu is chock-full of treats before one even gets to the nigiri, sashimi, sushi and rolls.

In keeping with its promise of “creative” sushi and rolls are a number of unique tastes and takes. For example,

rolls can be stuffed with seared, fried or tempura fish, jalapeño, cilantro or fried onion or any combination. Rolls carry names like Burrito, Stinky, Baja Crunch and Nine Month Later.

In all the menu features more than 40 Chef’s Specialty Rolls and 13 regular rolls. Continuing in the creative takes are eight California sushis, with unique seasonings and additions, such as garlic chips.

There are 11 kinds of nigiri, or hand-pressed over rice, sushi and six flavors of sashimi, raw fish filets.

SAM GANGWER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Yama Sushi & Grill in Mission Viejo was voted best sushi in the Best of Orange County balloting.

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1. Service Champions

3150 E. Birch St., Brea; 714-462-5200; servicechampions.com

Before you call Service Champions, check the blog section of the company’s website. It’s a useful resource with posts on common heating and air conditioning issues that will help you troubleshoot the problem and determine how quickly you need to schedule an appointment with a professional.

If you do need a professional, Service Champions’ techs are highly trained and required to go through annual training with a master technician and stay up-to-date on technological advancements in their field. Before your appointment, you’ll receive an email with a photo ID of your technician.

The company’s work comes with a host of guarantees, including a “no lemon” policy for new installations, to protect customers against faulty

2. Veteran Air

2925 E. Ricker Way, Anaheim; 714-206-3493; veteranairusa.net

Owned by Mike Anderson, who served in the U.S. Army from 2001 through 2005, Veteran Air has been cooling and heating homes in Orange County since 2009 and consistently ranks among the best in the area.

The company’s team of specialists handle everything from system installations and repairs to duct replacements to air scrubbing and UV light air purifiers.

Veteran Air’s membership program includes maintenance visits, discounts and repairs and indoor air quality products and an extended labor warranty. Plus, the monthly fee can be applied to a new system or ducts installation.

Firmly entrenched in the local community, Veteran Air has teamed up with other Orange County businesses to support charities like the Children’s Miracle Network and host an annual holiday toy drive. It has also participated in community events like Tustin Tiller Days and Anaheim Hills’ Fourth of July Parade.

3. Moffett Plumbing and Air

1863 N. Neville St., Orange; 714-477-7504; moffettplumbing.com

equipment, a “no change order” guarantee ensuring that you pay what you were quoted and a “24 Hour Fix-It Or Hotel” guarantee. For those looking to install a new air conditioning or heating system, Service Champions breaks down the process on their website, so you’ll know what to expect before you even call to make an appointment. Service Champions Brea office is one of four the company operates in Southern California and offers services across Orange County. Moreover, the company’s commitment to “good deeds for free” impacts students and families in the area through their work with Brea Olinda Unified School District and their annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.

– Liz Ohanesian

Previously known as Tom Moffett Plumbing, Moffett Plumbing and Air has been serving Orange County since 1969. The family-owned company is best known for its plumbing services, like its low-cost drain cleaning and Family Club maintenance program. (Check the company’s blog for tips on how to properly unclog your shower drain or toilet.) But it has also garnered a following for heating and cooling system installations and repairs.

Got an HVAC emergency? Moffett Plumbing and Air is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there’s no after-hours fee. Moffett also offers a full range of installation and maintenance services, including energy efficient solutions like ductless mini-split and zoned HVAC installation, as well as tankless water heater installation.

Financing options are available through Ally Lending and be sure to check the coupons section of the company’s website for current service promotions.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Service Champions Plumbing, Heating & AC in Brea was voted the best AC and heating company in the Best of Orange County balloting.

FALLISFINALLYHERE!

1. Esperanza Apartment Homes

100 Esperanza, Irvine; 844-644-9951; irvinecompanyapartments.com/locations/ orange-county/irvine/stonegate/esperanza

Convenience is built into Esperanza Apartment Homes. These spaces include six different floor plans ranging from 650 to 1,069 square feet and include one-bed/bath, two-bed/one bath and two- bed/twobath options. In-unit washer and dryer, ultra highspeed internet and energy efficient Nest thermostats are among the features here, but perhaps the biggest perk is private garages for residents, some of which have direct access to apartments.

Common spaces include a saltwater pool and spa, outdoor barbecue area, clubhouse, gym and on-site workspace. For commuters, the apartments are located near the 133 and 241. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Esperanza’s proximity to Jeffrey Open Space Trail, while parents with music-loving children might take advantage of classes at nearby WePlayMusic. Moreover, the community’s location adjacent to Woodbury Town Center makes running day-to-day errands a breeze. Residents have easy access to two grocery stores, a drug store and multiple home goods stores.

Like other Irvine Company properties, Esperanza has a WELL Health-Safety rating from the International Well Building Institute, includes easy access to outdoor spaces, includes environmentally friendly design elements, has an air filtration system and is a smoke- and vape-free property.

To see what’s available at Esperanza for yourself, make an appointment for a self-guided tour via the form on the complex’s website. Then download the tour guide at the time of your appointment.

– Liz Ohanesian

2. Santa Rosa Apartment Homes

500 Cardiff, Irvine; 844-7374114; irvinecompanyapartments. com/locations/orange-county/ irvine/westpark/santa-rosa

Irvine Company’s Santa Rosa Apartment Homes offers floor plans to fit a variety of needs, from one-bedroom, onebathroom units that measure in at under 800 square feet, to three-bedroom, two-and-ahalf-bathroom townhomes with walk-in closets, storage areas and direct garage access. A clubhouse with a kitchen is available for private parties and the on-site business center can help with your work-fromhome needs. With three pools and spas, a fitness center and private movie theater on site, you might not need to leave your gated community often. However, you will be a short drive away from Tustin’s retail and dining hub, The District, and walking distance from Plaza Park. Head to Irvine Company’s website to check for available units at Santa Rosa, where you can also take a virtual tour of the apartments and schedule and in-person, self-guided tour.

3. Park Newport

1 Park Newport, Newport Beach; 866-931-0344; parknewportapts.com

From studio apartments to a three-bedroom, two-and-ahalf-bath unit with a private entrance and built-in wet bar, Park Newport has homes for a range of needs and price points. Some units include Back Bay and ocean views.

What residents across the campus share, though, is an enviable array of amenities, including a hair salon, dry cleaner and gourmet market on site. If you like to keep active, Park Newport has plenty of options, a putting green, sand volleyball court and cardio room, plus six community pools and eight tennis courts among them.

But that’s just what’s available at Park Newport. You’ll be living in close proximity to Fashion Island, the Ecological Reserve of Upper Newport Bay and the Mountains to the Sea Trail and Bikeway. Leasing information and applications are available online. You can also use Park Newport’s web forms to schedule an inperson visit.

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Esperanza Apartment Homes in Irvine was voted the best apartment community in Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Howard’s

Multiple locations; howards.com

Last fall, Howard’s opened up its Experience Center in Tustin, its seventh tech-forward appliance shopping outpost in Southern California. Now, all four Howard’s locations in Orange County have leveled-up to what the 77-year-old, employee-owned company calls its Revolutionary Appliance Retail Experience (RARE).

For folks looking to equip their home in connected devices, these showrooms are the spot to try out the latest small and large appliances from brands ranging from KitchenAid to Monogram. You can tour the interactive installations on your own or with a salesperson. If you’re looking for guidance into the world of smart appliances, find your nearest location online and schedule a one-hour appointment with a product expert to either meet at the Experience Center or via video or phone call.

But, if Alexa-enabled ranges and fridges with hands-free water dispensers aren’t your thing, you can still find classic appliances at Howard’s, both in-store and online. If you have a good idea of what you need in your home, check online to see where it’s available and either check it out in person or place your order.

An advantage of Howard’s is that the store offers delivery, installation and haul-away/ recycling services using its own, uniformed crews, in addition to in-store pickup. There’s also a parts department, should you need a replacement part for your previous purchases, as well as a 60-day price-match guarantee and lease-to-own options available.

– Liz Ohanesian

2. Pacific Sales

Kitchen & Home

Multiple locations; www.bestbuy.com/site/pacific-sales/pacific-sales-brands/ pcmcat1565208745790.c?id=pcmcat1565208745790

For more than 50 years, Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home has been attracting shoppers with its wide range of large and small appliances. Its stock of premium appliances includes fashionable brands like Italian manufacturer Bertazzoni, French luxury oven and range maker La Cornue and California-based Dacor.

Pacific Sales specializes in the innovative and aesthetically pleasing higher tier of appliances, like JennAir’s wall ovens with cinematic lighting and access to the company’s Assisted Cooking app, and the GE Profile Opal portable nugget ice maker with a water tank, built-in Wi-Fi and voice control capabilities.

There are plenty of items that are only available inside Southern California showrooms, so make plans to visit a Pacific Sales Kitchen & Home location, like the recently remodeled San Juan Capistrano Outpost, but, check the store’s website first for information on current promotions.

3. Renwes

25741 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest; 949-586-3669; renwessales.com

It’s been more than five years since Ferguson bought Renwes, but you’ll still recognize the Lake Forest bath, kitchen and lighting store from its signage. For decades, the business had been family-owned and, even now, it retains the specialized knowledge that is often associated with long-running, local businesses.

Showroom manager Eric Joachim notes that most of the staff members have at least 15 years of experience, which is a key when answering questions and offering information about the high-end appliances that make up much of Renwes’ business.

“It takes years and years to gather that knowledge,” he says. With a 14000-square-foot showroom, Renwes is able to display more than many of its competitors, offering you the chance to get an up-close look at that refrigerator or range before you make the purchase. Appointments aren’t necessary, but are a good idea if you’re working on a full remodel so that the staff can prepare for your visit.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Howard’s Appliance, TV & Mattress was voted the best appliance store in the Best of Orange County balloting.

2. Orange County Shutters

7649 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove; 714-891-0090; orangecountyshutters.com

Known for its high-quality work and reasonable prices, Orange County Shutters is a consistent favorite amongst locals in the market for custom shutters. Serving both classic and contemporary styles, the long-running local business specializes in shutters for windows in arched, sunburst or oval shapes that can often be tricky to cover.

The store also has customized shutters to work with French and sliding glass doors Its custom wood shutters are made of 100% basswood to the precise size of your windows, can be painted or stained to suit your aesthetic and come with a lifetime warranty.

The Garden Grove-based company serves all of Orange County. Make an appointment to stop by the Orange County Shutters showroom or schedule an in-home consultation by phone or via the form on their website.

3. The Blinds and Shutters Store

Anaheim Hills; Orange; 714-883-2718; 714-883-2718; theblindsandshuttersstore.com

1. Cali Coast Shutters and Shades

9778 Katella Ave., Suite 207, Anaheim; 714-867-6023; calicoastshutters.com

In the two years since Cali Coast Shutters and Shades opened for business, owner Rich Gloudeman has seen business grow “exponentially” as more people are interested in upgrading their window coverings.

“They want smart systems,” he says. “They want motorization. They want things to be able to talk to the home automation that they have already and they want it to be all integrated.”

And those options happen to be Gloudeman’s specialty.

Right now, Cali Coast Shutters and Shades is open by appointment only. (They’re currently looking into opening a showroom.) When you meet with Gloudeman, you’ll explain what systems you currently have and what you want. “If you want it all

hardwired in, I’ll help you with that process,” he explains. “If you’re already done with your renovations and you want to add them in later, I’ll give you options for that.” The goal is to devise a system that works for you, whether you want a system that doesn’t require much work from you or one that you can adjust as you see fit.

Gloudeman is excited as he talks about advancements in window coverings. “We can get you something that will be wholly unique to you, that you can show off to your neighbors,” he says.

“There’s a bunch of new innovation right now,” Gloudeman adds. “It’s a great time to be buying window coverings.”

– Liz Ohanesian

“We have great pricing and incredible service,” says Jon Bockman of The Blinds and Shutters Store, “that’s what really makes us shine because where else you can go to get both?”

Since 2001, this family-owned business has been serving Orange County residents with quality blinds and shutters. In 2020, The Blinds and Shutters Store opened a second showroom in Anaheim Hills.

Customers can stop by either the Orange or Anaheim Hills showroom, both of which are open daily, to check out the offerings from in-house brand Bockman’s as well as other makers. Then, make an appointment for representatives to visit your home, where they will take measurements and bring samples so that you can make a final decision based on what looks best in your window. Once your blinds or shutters are ready, they’ll handle the installation as well. Overall, the turnaround time is between two and three weeks.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Rich Gloudeman is the owner of Cali Coast Shutters and Shades in Anaheim. They were voted the best blind and shutter store in the 2023 Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Irvine

cityofirvine.org

With one-third of the city dedicated as open space, a connection to the outdoors is embedded into Irvine, even as the city continues to grow. Community parks exist in each neighborhood, while bike paths and hiking trails are easily accessible.

“It’s part of the quality of life that’s so unique and special to our community,” says Mayor Farrah N. Khan. With the Great Park in the works and slated to be one of the nation’s largest municipal parks, Irvine residents will eventually have even greater access to nature. But, that’s not all that makes this city so popular.

With a world-class university in the city, Irvine does have an advantage. UC Irvine is one of the city’s biggest employers, as well a crucial ally in addressing issues like housing and the environment. “They are our resource and our partner,” says Khan.

As Irvine works to become carbon neutral by 2030, the One Irvine program provides grants and interest-free loans to upgrade the city’s older

2. Huntington Beach

huntingtonbeachca.gov

“There are very few days in Huntington Beach where there isn’t some sort of event happening,” says City Manager Al Zelinka. With a calendar packed with everything from surf contests to concerts, plus its famed beaches and pier, Huntington Beach draws scores of visitors throughout the year.

But, there’s more to the city that residents love.

“We have a significant commitment to quality services and quality public services to the community as well as investing in our

neighborhoods and help them become more energy efficient. There are now 700 EV charging stations throughout the city, plus 200 more in the works at the Great Park. The Innovation Council looks at how the city can help new

business thrive as a way to to keep “brain power” in the region.

In addition to building new and affordable housing, Irvine is currently building an eviction diversion pilot program as a means of

3. Newport Beach

newportbeachca.gov

preventing homelessness.

“If we can be more on the preventive side, that’s going to be a game-changer not just for us, but for all of California,” Khan says.

– Liz Ohanesian

infrastructure,” Zelinka says. Huntington Beach’s city charter commits 15% of the city’s revenue to maintaining and upgrading infrastructure. That’s unusual among California cities, Zelinka notes, and it’s a reason why Huntington Beach boasts 79 parks and five libraries. It’s also what helps keeps the beachfront in good shape for both locals and tourists.

“Taking care of that is one of the very important responsibilities of the city,” Zelinka says.

With more than 6 miles of beach, two piers and numerous homes boasting pristine views, proximity to the Pacific might be Newport Beach’s biggest draw. The architecturally stunning homes and apartment communities with resortstyle amenities are alluring as well.

However, these aren’t the only selling points for this Orange County city. It’s a city with a commitment to the arts, which you can see with the rotating sculpture installations at

Civic Center Park and the annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition and hear at Newport Beach Public Library’s Sunday Musicales event series.

It’s a city where people can engage with nature off the sand at the Environmental Nature Center, Buck Gully Reserve and a number of parks and walking trails. Add ample shopping and dining options throughout the city, plus annual events like Flight of Newport and Lobsterfest and there’s no shortage of things to do here.

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Irvine was voted the best city to live in as part of the Best of Orange County balloting.

TheCityofIrvine congratulatesour fellowBestofOC winnersandfinalists.

StacksPancake House,Irvine

In-N-OutBurger

TheHabit

BurgerGrill

Chick-fil-A

ElPolloLoco

BJ’sRestaurant

&Brewhouse

Habana

GoldenSpoon

Handel’s

Homemade

IceCream

Yogurtland

LazyDog

RestaurantandBar

Sgt.Pepperoni’s

PizzaStore

Ruth’sChris

SteakHouse

Esperanza

ApartmentHomes

SantaRosa

ApartmentHomes

PacificSales

Kitchen&Home

TheHomeDepot

SeaPointeDesign &Remodel

CustomComfort

Mattress

SleepNumber

GreatPark

Neighborhoods

Working

Wardrobes

EPWealthAdvisors

SilversageAdvisors

IrvineFarmersMarket (Saturdaysat

MarinersChurch)

GreatPark

CertifiedFarmers Market(Sundays)

RegalIrvine Spectrum

FivePoint

Ampthitheater

Stanbridge University

UCIrvine

Kumon

TutorTime

BankofAmerica

CaliforniaBank &Trust

ChaseBank

OrangeCounty’s

CreditUnion

SchoolsFirst

FederalCredit Union

LAFitness

MerageJCC

TheCamp Transformation Center

Costco

Ralphs

StaterBros.

TraderJoe’s

IrvineSpectrum Center

BevMo

Rutan&Tucker,LLP

VCAAnimal Hospitals

1. Metropolitan High Performance Windows

940 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Anaheim; 800-995-8878; mhiwindows.com

“We sell virtually every brand of window, so you’re not locked into one particular brand,” says Paul Richart of Metropolitan High Performance Windows.

That the Anaheimbased window and door company carries such a wide assortment of brands allows for flexibility when customers are shopping for new exterior windows and doors. It means that Metropolitan can accommodate requests across price points. Whether you’re looking for windows that are budget-friendly, top-of-the-line or somewhere in between, they’ve got you covered.

“I’m just trying to fit what’s best for them,” says Richart. “We have a lot of options that a lot of other companies don’t have.”

The family-owned company operates with a relatively small team, which includes four installation crews. While it also serves areas beyond Orange County, Metropolitan is based in Anaheim and employees are based in the area. “We’re all local folks,” Richart says.

2. Hardy Windows

Moreover, Metropolitan’s installers are masters of their trade. All are certified by the American Architectural Institute and some have been with the company for more than 20 years.

1639 E. Miraloma Ave., Placentia; 714-996-1807; orangecountywindowanddoor.com

With a 30,000-square-foot showroom in Placentia, Hardy Windows offers a vast range of window and door options from more than 30 manufacturers, including Milgard, Sierra Pacific and Pella. The massive showroom that Hardy maintains is testament to the variety of projects that the company handles.

Founded in 1989 by secondgeneration glazier Chance Hardy, the business that bears his name has, over the course of its 30-plus years in existence, handled large-scale installations across California.

In Orange County, you can see the company’s work in local buildings like Plaza Verde at University of California Irvine, Park Newport in Newport Beach and Beachwalk Apartments in Huntington Beach, but it also handles residential requests.

Call or fill out the form on Hardy’s website to inquire about an estimate. For those who want an up-close look at the products that Hardy offers, the company’s showroom is open to the public on weekdays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“It’s a lot of experience and a lot of steady hands,” says Richart. That allows Metropolitan to get the job done fairly quickly. Once you call to make an appointment, a representative will stop by

3. A New View

for a home visit to assess the project and show samples. At present, it takes between 30 and 45 days from the beginning of the job until completion.

– Liz Ohanesian

3445 East La Palma Ave., Anaheim; 714-953-7663; anewviewwindows.com

“We’re truly a small, family business and that’s worked really well because we can provide really good customer service that way,” says Jamie Cockerill of A New View.

With more than 20 years in business, A New View is a consistent favorite among Orange County Register readers, something Cockerill attributes to the length of time the company has been installing local windows and doors.

“We have so many repeat

and referral customers. That’s where almost all of our business comes from,” she says. “I think that makes it a lot easier because people already trust us.”

What’s also worked is keeping A New View at a manageable size, where Cash Cockerill can measure jobs himself and, when customers call, the staff knows who they are. Says Jamie, “For the amount of volume that we do, which is quite a bit, we can still be very personal.”

MICHAEL KITADA, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Richart is the owner of Metropolitan High Performance Windows, named top door/window company in OC in the 30th annual Best of Orange County readers’ choice awards.

1. Jerome’s

Multiple locations; jeromes.com

Want the look of luxury with a budget-friendlier price tag? Then Premier is the way to go when you’re shopping at Jerome’s. This fashionable collection of higher-end items sold at the popular, Southern California chain of furniture stores includes sofas and sectionals in earthy toned leather alongside soft white chairs in shapes that recall midcentury modernism. Chic, sculptural cocktail tables can be the perfect accent to your living room for hundreds, instead of thousands, of dollars.

But Premier isn’t the only reason to check out Jerome’s. For youthful, space-saving furniture, check out their Urban Outlet offerings. Designed for apartment life, the selection of furniture includes pieces like sofa sleepers and stylish storage solutions. For a new sofa, chair or sectional that’s personalized to your tastes, check out the custom offerings on Jerome’s website and then head to you nearest showroom to place an order.

Before you make the

2. Living Spaces

purchase, see how Jerome’s selections look in your home with the store’s easy-to-use AR feature, which works with iPhones, iPads and Android devices and is found on the store’s website. For full room

Huntington Beach, Irvine; livingspaces.com

“What we’re seeing a lot of now is customers are going for comfort and flexibility,” says Ariana Israel, Huntington Beach-based merchandise buyer for Living Spaces. That includes furniture with heating elements, like TV consoles with built-in fireplaces.

In the home office department, for which Israel is a buyer, customers are seeking out ergonomic items and gaming desks and chairs are hot at the moment. Designed for those who spend a lot of time on the computer, they often include features like integrated cup holders,

charging pads and headphone storage.

Israel also buys for the Elements department of limited edition, globally sourced finds, like sideboards made of reclaimed wood.

“People are using these pieces as ways to curate their homes,” she says.

And, of course, Living Spaces’ custom upholstery department remains popular. Visit the design center at your nearest store and staffers will guide you through the process of customizing your sofa, which will be produced and delivered within a four- to sixweek time frame.

overhauls, use the 3D room planner on Jerome’s site to start planning your purchases. All items used in this feature are available online or in store. When it comes to larger purchases, Jerome’s has

multiple financing options available, including their Progressive Leasing program. Shop in person at Jerome’s in Anaheim, Brea, Fountain Valley or Laguna Hills.

– Liz Ohanesian

3. Stewart Roth’s Furniture

18218 Euclid St., Fountain Valley; 714-751-8922; stewartrothfurniture.com

Stewart Roth has been in the furniture business for 50 years, but it wasn’t until about a decade ago that Amish-made wood pieces captured his attention. Now, it’s the store’s specialty.

All of the furniture is solid wood and there are seven different hardwoods available with about 40 to 50 different finishes. All the pieces are customizable. Roth works with roughly 30 different artisans based in eastern Ohio, and currently, the turnaround time is between two to three

months.

Dining room sets, about 40 of which are on display at the Fountain Valley showroom, are the most popular here and customers are often enamored with dining room furniture in elm. “It has the most beautiful grain patterns,” says Roth.

Ambrosia wood is also popular here. “Ambrosia beetles go into it and release an enzyme and it discolors part of the wood and gives this beautiful effect,” Roth explains. “Every table is unique.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Jerome’s Furniture is the Orange County Register’s Best of Orange County furniture store.

1. Roger’s Gardens

2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar; 949-640-5800; rogersgardens.com

“We want to do what’s right for the gardeners,” says Ron Vanderhoff of Roger’s Gardens in Corona del Mar. “We know that long-term, for us to be here another 60 years, we need to have people be successful.”

That’s why, between late September and mid-November, Roger’s Gardens makes a push for fall planting.

Contrary to traditional planting seasons in the rest of the country, this is when Southern California gardeners will have more success, due to the Mediterranean climate.

“We want to teach people fall planting, which may not be what everybody teaches, but it’s the right thing to do,” Vanderhoff says. “I know it sounds like patting ourselves on the back, but it’s true. We do a lot of things because it’s the right thing to do.”

That need to do the right thing extends beyond home gardens to

2. Armstrong Garden Centers

Multiple locations; armstronggarden.com

With a history that goes back more than 130 years, Armstrong is a Southern California-grown gardening institution. In addition to its selection of supplies, decor and locally grown plants, Armstrong offers a wide range of landscape services.

Personal shoppers are available for onehour appointments to advise you on the perfect plants for your garden and the Pick n’ Plant program gives shoppers the option to hire Armstrong to do the planting for you. For bigger projects, Armstrong’s horticulturists are available for home consultations and landscape designers can help you plan your ideal yard.

For DIY home gardeners, Armstrong’s website offers tips and inspiration, including projects for the kids and recipes to make use of your crops. Check the website for information on in-person classes on subjects ranging from waterwise gardening to growing flowers for seasonal bouquets. With nine of its 31 California locations located in Orange County, Armstrong is also convenient for folks from La Habra to San Juan Capistrano.

3. Plant Depot

32413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano; 949-240-2107; plantdepot.com

the greater Southern California ecosystem. The store donates to Sea & Sage Audubon Society to support local conservation efforts and its Monarch Wishing Tree raises funds for Xerxes Society, a nonprofit that seeks to protect bees, butterflies and other pollinators. The store’s extensive online educational resources address issues like the importance of planting native white sage and milkweed.

More recently, Roger’s has been expanding its selection of herbs beyond staples like basil and oregano.

“We’re really proud this year that we’re really making a big push towards making more groups available for home gardeners,” Vanderhoff says, noting that Roger’s Gardens even collaborated with its on-site restaurant, The Farmhouse, to showcase the variety of herbs offered.

– Liz Ohanesian

Jennifer Kittles had been working a corporate job when she decided to switch focus and join Plant Depot, the San Juan Capistrano garden center founded by her parents in 1995. “It was a good opportunity for me to come on and work hard still but do it for the benefit of my family instead of a big corporation,” she says.

Today, Jennifer and her sister, Kristina Kittles, co-own the neighborhood shop that has been gaining increasingly wider recognition. The store’s selection of imported pottery — the largest in Southern California — and wide range of plants is a draw. However, Kittles also credits a team with specialized areas of expertise for bringing customers into Plant Depot.

Even with a growing customer base, Plant Depot remains a regular destination for home gardeners in and around San Juan Capistrano.

“We have customers who come at the same time every year to replant certain things,” says Kittles. “It’s nice to have those longstanding relationships.”

PAUL BERSEBACH, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach was voted the best garden center and nursery in the Best of Orange County balloting.

CONGRATULATIONSTOALLTHE2023 BESTOFORANGECOUNTYWINNERS

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1. Nicholson Companies

1 Corporate Plaza, Suite 110, Newport Beach; 949-756-8393; nicholsoncompanies.com

“We like to consider all five senses when we are looking at a site to build our homes,” says Debby Holmgren of Nicholson Companies. With a focus on Corona del Mar and Dana Point, the “ultra-coastal” homebuilders imagine spaces where the ocean breeze and Pacific horizon are incorporated into daily life.

A recent, award-winning home in Corona del Mar features a subterranean garage to allow for a greater ocean view from the living areas. An Ocean Boulevard home in progress at the time of this interview includes a glass wall looking out to the swimming pool and incorporates views of Inspiration Point and the coastline from multiple angles.

“That is probably going to be one of our most expansive homes that we’ve built,” Holmgren says of the 11,000-plus-square-foot residence with five bedrooms, six baths and four powder rooms.

“We do everything from the ground up,” says Holmgren.

2. Landsea Homes

With more than 30 years in business, Nicholson Companies has a core team of 18 people and a host of relationships with subcontractors whose specialized areas of expertise can help in tackling some

888-827-4421; landseahomes.com

Tom Baine, president of the Southern California division for Landsea Homes, says the company’s approach to developing new housing communities often comes down to one factor. “I think it generally starts with a good location,” he says.

At the time of this interview, Landsea had four active projects in Orange County. Petra, a community of single-family homes ranging from 1,700 to 2,000 square feet in San Juan Capistrano, was nearly sold out. However, the publicly owned national builder is better known in Orange County for three-

story townhomes — like you would find at Avalina in San Juan Capistrano, Hudson in Placentia and Nolin in Anaheim — that can range from less than 800 square foot to just over 2,000 square foot floorplans.

“That allows us to build homes for a lower cost and be able to sell the homes to buyers at a lower costs that are at a more attainable price point” says Baine. “Efficient” floorplans are part of Landsea’s work in building sustainable homes. The company also uses solar panels and are beginning to include solar batteries.

of these geographically challenging projects. Spec houses are a big part of their work, but Nicholson also works with clients on their homes.

“We have a full in-house design team that we work

3. Trumark Homes

with all the way from the beginning stations to the end,” says Holmgren, “and we have a great client liaison group that works with our clients even after the home has been built.”

– Liz Ohanesian

450 Newport Center Drive, #300, Newport Beach; 925-281-3227; trumarkhomes.com

“We’re very diverse in what we build,” says Richard Douglass, president of Trumark Homes.

The 30-year-old company’s penchant for variety is evident in its current Orange County projects. L’aube at Solis Park, which has sold out, is a single-home development inside Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhood. Saddleback Place required structural innovation to build 91 condos at the base of Saddleback Mountain. Meanwhile, Dahlia at Rienda in Rancho Mission Viejo has been attracting buyers with two-story houses

and floorplans that go up to 2,821 square feet.

This fall, Trumark will be focused on Willow at Rienda, which Douglass describes as “old school” two-story condos. “A little less density, a little less intensity,” he says. The development includes homes ranging from 900 to 1,600 square feet.

“Wide span of footages to serve a wide span of affordability,” says Douglass, “because that’s where the challenge is in today’s world, to try to build a house that could be afforded by everyday people.”

PHOTO COURTESY NICHOLSON COMPANIES

Nicholson Companies, builder of this home at 2908 Ocean Blvd. in Corona Del Mar, was voted the best homebuilder in the Best of Orange County balloting.

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1. Home Depot

Multiple locations; homedepot.com

Looking to make your home more sustainable and energy efficient? Home Depot’s Eco Action site is buried underneath the products, services and sales on its homepage, but it’s a great resource for both simple and more involved projects to make your home more environmentally friendly, and maybe save some money in the process.

The website is loaded with tips ranging from making your own cleaning wipes to building a compost bin to installing a tankless heater. Comb through it and figure out which projects are best suited to your needs and skill level. Then check out the product section stocked with paints with no or low VOC, organic plants and rain barrels.

To boost your DIY skills, check out the series of virtual workshops that Home Depot offers. The “Homeowner 101” series of livestream events includes subjects such as how to properly use and store hand tools, while the “DIY” livestream series will teach you how to install faucets and replace light fixtures. You can all check out ondemand workshops for information on how to prepare for wildfires and storms in addition to making a variety of home improvements.

Before you get started with your project, use the Project Calculator on the Home Depot site to gage the materials you need. Remember you can rent tools from the store as well, which is both a more sustainable and cost-effective option if you aren’t using them frequently.

– Liz Ohanesian

2. Ace Hardware

Multiple locations; acehardware.com

Nearly a century ago, Ace Hardware was founded in Chicago as a way of allowing small businesses to thrive when faced with competition from larger establishments.

Even today, most of the 5,000 Ace Hardware outposts spread across 65 countries are independently owned and operated, so the individual shops have their own history and identity, like Griffin Ace, whose three Southern California stores, one of which is in Santa Ana, celebrated their 70th anniversary this year.

Look for your local store on Ace’s website and check the details for information on brands carried and services offered. At Griffin Ace, you can exchange CO2 canisters. Some, like Woodward’s Ace in Santa Ana, offer bulb recycling. Others, like Fullerton ACE, have STIHL power equipment repair. A number of stores offer paint color matching, glass cutting and screen repair amongst their features, but check first before you make the trip.

3. Lowe’s Home Improvement

Multiple locations; lowes.com

Don’t know the difference between hammers? Not sure if you want a front load or top load washing machine? Check the buying guides on the Lowe’s website before you go to your local store. You’ll find a wealth of tips organized by department to help you plan for your shopping trip, which is incredibly useful for anyone who feels instantly overwhelmed inside large home improvement stores.

Check Lowe’s weekly ad, also available online, for sales and specials. Look into the lease-to-own program and/or available rebates for large purchases. For items that you purchase regularly, like cleaning supplies or garden care items, consider a subscription, which offers discounts on select items and can be customized to suit your home maintenance schedule.

Find Lowe’s in Tustin, Huntington Beach, Anaheim and Rancho Santa Margarita.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

The Home Depot was voted the best home improvement store in the Best of Orange County balloting.

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1. Sea Pointe Design & Remodel

576 Wald, Irvine; 949-647-4306; seapointe.com

With a design showroom in Irvine stocked with samples of everything from cabinetry to stains to tile, Sea Pointe aims to simplify the remodeling process for clients.

“We try to bring everything to them so that they don’t end up commuting all over Orange County looking for materials,” says Lauren Mills, the company’s director of design and client relations. “Even if we don’t have something in our showroom, we go get them on behalf of our clients, including samples from other vendors.”

Kitchens and bathrooms are a specialty for this design/ build firm, which has been in business since 1986. With its long history in Orange County, Sea Pointe sees about 50% of its projects come in based on referrals and repeat clients.

“My favorite projects to remodel are the ones that we’re remodeling again,” says Mills. “Every year we get a handful of clients where we remodeled their kitchen 20 years ago and they’re looking to remodel their kitchen

2. Mr. Cabinet Care

again, just to be more current with style or trends, and they come back to us.”

Right now, Sea Pointe is continuing to see requests to open up kitchens for greater gathering space and enlarging

4375 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; 714-942-1245; mrcabinetcare.com

Founded in 1987, familyowned Mr. Cabinet Care is one of Orange County’s go-to spots for custom cabinets and kitchen remodels. In addition to making its cabinets at the company’s 24,000-square foot factory/showroom in Anaheim, Mr. Cabinet Care offers general contracting services, including electrical and plumbing work.

The range of projects the company handles extends from cabinet refacing to countertop installation to full kitchen

remodels. Note that the company does not do cabinet repairs or paint cabinets already installed in your kitchen.

Call or email to request an in-home consultation, where the designer will provide samples, take measurements and discuss options in a 60-to-90minute meeting.

The showroom is open to the public on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday visits are available by appointment only.

bathrooms to give them a spalike feel. In addition to free standing tubs and large, glass showers, bathroom requests are often including heated tile floors. “It is really popular on the East Coast and it’s really

3. Cabinet Wholesalers

popular where there’s snow,” says Mills, “but it’s also great because it’s an energy-efficient way to heat a primary bath or a bedroom because it’s low voltage heating.”

– Liz Ohanesian

4510 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim; 714-880-8503; 1800cabinetwholesalers.com

“As our name would suggest, when we first started out, we just sold cabinets,” says Eirik Orman, owner and president of Anaheim Hills-based Cabinet Wholesalers. Eventually, though, the company pivoted to full remodels, specializing in kitchens and bathrooms. “We found out that people just wanted someone to take control of the whole job.”

As general contractors, Cabinet Wholesalers has handled everything from rental properties to high-end, singlefamily homes. The company has seven designers on staff, a 2,500-square foot showroom

that’s open seven days a week, cabinetry for every budget and financing options. Plus, Orman notes, Cabinet Wholesalers offers good warranties on its products, which might have led to their high reviews on Google and Yelp.

“If there’s ever an issue down the road, they just call us and we send one of our service people out to take care of it,” he says. Needless to say, repeat and referral clients are a significant part of Cabinet Wholesalers’ business. “Some people,” says Orman, “we’ve done up to maybe three different homes from them.”

MINDY SCHAUER, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Sea Pointe Design & Remodel in Irvine was voted best of Orange County for kitchen/bath remodeling by readers.

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2. Sleep Number

Multiple locations; sleepnumber.com

For those who keep a tech-forward home and have a keen interest in the latest sleep science developments, Sleep Number consistently delivers products that are in line with both. The company’s beds offer solutions for a wide range of issues that impact quality of sleep, from snoring to cold feet. Meanwhile, SleepIQ technology allows you to gain insight on your sleep patterns and health.

Mattresses from the Climate 360 series, launched in the fall of 2022, have the ability to cool down and warm up the bed to the individual needs of sleep partners. Last April, Sleep Number announced the latest incarnation of its smart bed, which uses sensors and AI to discern sleep patterns as they change and adjust features like firmness and temperature accordingly.

For those who want more than just the smart mattress, Sleep Number’s latest advancements in furniture include beds with adjustable lighting, built-in bluetooth speakers and wireless and USB charging stations.

3. Hadley Olivia

31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D1; San Juan Capistrano; 949-488-8000; hadleyolivia.com

1. Custom Comfort Mattress

Multiple locations; customcomfortmattress.com

With a hometown advantage, perhaps it’s unsurprising that Custom Comfort is a favorite of Orange County Register readers.

“I think most of us delivered the paper when we were kids,” says Gary Trudell, the ninth of 10 siblings who grew up in Fullerton. It was Gary’s older brothers, Mel and Marty, both of whom worked at a local mattress factory as teens, who began building double-sided mattresses in their garage. Today, Custom Comfort makes its classic, hand-tufted products in a 60,000-square foot factory in Orange with a staff that includes production people who have been with the company for more than 30 years.

“We do our best to keep and retain our employees because it’s a craft,” Trudell says.

Custom Comfort is the rare

company that makes, sells and delivers its own mattresses and that has advantages. “I tell people that we still build a traditional American craftsman style, but we just added a little modern innovation so that you can get that suppleness, that contouring,” Trudell says.

Customers are fitted for mattresses at one of Custom Comfort’s eight showrooms, six of which are located in Orange County. From there, they can find mattresses available at a price to fit their budget.

“Because we build and sell on a direct basis, we have a full range of price points,” he says. When your mattress is ready, delivery service is complimentary and includes the removal of your old mattress and installation of a new one.

– Liz Ohanesian

“We’re a little different from the big chain stores because we’re a very nimble company,” says Ronnie Lane, CEO of San Juan Capistrano mattress superstore Hadley Olivia.

Eighteen years ago, Lane and his father founded the company as Comfort Gallery with a variety of products to promote back health. The 2008 financial crisis prompted a shift in focus to mattresses and, a handful of years later, they renamed the business in honor of Lane’s oldest daughter.

Luxury mattress brands like Aireloom, Kluft and Vispring are big sellers here, but the inventory includes products for a wide range of budgets.

“We hand select every single mattress that we carry in our store to find the best value for the different price points,” says Lane. And, while his father has since retired, Hadley Olivia is still very much a family business with both his mother and brother on board. (In 2021, Lane opened a Costa Mesa store, H. Alora Luxury Beds, named for his second daughter.)

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Custom Comfort Mattress was voted the best mattress store in the Best of Orange County balloting.

1. Rancho Mission Viejo

949-768-1882; ranchomissionviejo.com

Last year’s favorite new home community, Rancho Mission Viejo, has once again hit the top spot in the Best of Orange County. In fact, says Stephanie Walker, vice president of marketing, the community has seen a lot of success recently.

“We have seen such phenomenal demand on the Gavalán side, that’s the ranch for 55+,” she says. “There’s not a lot of other age-qualified product in this region, let alone in the Orange County market. Those have been extremely successful.”

Large, single family homes from Tri Pointe and Trumark with prices starting in the low $1 millions have proven to be popular in Rienda. “Surprisingly, especially in this relatively challenging market, we’re still seeing that demand there for that specific buyer,” Walker says.

Rienda is also home to what Rancho Mission Viejo calls “attainable” homes that are geared toward first-time buyers. “We all know how challenging it is for buyers of any stage, let alone the first-time buyer, so a lot of our builders are offering a lot of different incentive programs,” adds walker.

With about 10,000 residents in Rancho Mission Viejo, the community is garnering more and more buzz. A public event in the spring of 2023 brought out an estimated 3,000 people. “The amount of referrals and word-of-mouth for Rancho Mission Viejo is pretty significant,” says Walker.

And the community continues to grow. Homes are still available in Rienda and plans for more amenities in this neighborhood are in the works, with the boulder pond and playground slated to open in 2024.

– Liz Ohanesian

2. Teresina/Shea Homes

sheahomes.com

Shea Homes made a splash when the venerable developer launched Teresina in 2019. The community of 85 large, singlefamily homes in Lake Forest was voted readers’ second favorite new home community. But, if you weren’t able to buy into Teresina, Shea does have other projects in Orange County.

Saffron, a community of 23 new homes in Yorba Linda, is perhaps most comparable to Teresina. These one and two-story, single family homes will range in size from 4,087 to 5,365 square feet and include 4 to 5 bedrooms with 4.5. to 5.5 bathrooms.

With three different floor plans available, there are options for a multigenerational suite, home office and/or game room. Home buyers can also select features like a double island in the kitchen, a fireplace in the outdoor living area, a kitchenette in the multi-generational suite and a floating staircase in the foyer, depending on the floor plan.

3. Great Park Neighborhoods

greatparkneighborhoods.com

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Irvine’s Great Park Neighborhoods. Since Pavilion Park, the first neighborhood in this popular new home community, opened in September of 2013, more than 6,300 of a planned 10,500 homes have been delivered. These include 709 affordable units, with another 144 affordable housing options slated to open in late 2023.

Presently, homes are available in Solis Park, the eighth Great Park neighborhood, and a ninth neighborhood, Luna Park, is anticipated to open in 2024. Part of what makes this community distinct are its parks.

“The nine resident parks are the heartbeat of the community and an epicenter for all types of social gatherings,” says Eric Morgan, vice president of community affairs for developer Five Point, in an email. “Each park has its own distinctive character and energy, and the community truly lives up to its Great Park Neighborhoods name.”

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Rancho Mission Viejo was voted the best new home community in the Best of Orange County balloting.

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PLACE TO BUY CARPET / FLOORING

1. Colonial Carpet

7331 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite B, Garden Grove; 714-892-4495; colonialcarpetco.com

Rick Tessier gets a lot of compliments on the work that Colonial Carpet’s installation techs do. After all, they are extremely skilled and have the latest training in carpet and flooring installation. But another thing he often hears from customers is how courteous and patient the installation techs are.

“People have actually said that it was a pleasure to have these guys working in our homes,” says Tessier. “It’s just really nice people that we have working for us.”

In business for 68 years, Colonial Carpet is known for its large selection of carpet and flooring sold at discount prices. They stock the carpet in their Garden Grove outpost, which has multiple benefits for customers. “When we buy like that, we get better pricing and that leads to greater value,” Tessier explains. Moreover, it means a quick turnaround time on your carpet or flooring project. Many times, he notes, they can install the following day. Colonial Carpets also boasts an experienced and knowledgeable staff to guide

2. Floor & Decor

you through the process. They’ll help you find the right carpet or flooring for different parts of your home, whether you need durable carpet for a stairway, strain resistant

Multiple locations; flooranddecor.com

If shopping for flooring seems overwhelming, schedule an appointment for a free, one-hour consultation with a designer at your local Floor & Decor location.

Bring your inspiration photos with you and the designer will help you build a plan for your project, including setting a budget, and take you through the store to find the right materials for you. If you’re planning to install the floor yourself, you will also be able to find the products

you need— everything from grout to floor-warming systems— here as well.

Check the Floor & Decor website for tutorials if you need to brush up on your skills before getting started. In addition to flooring, the nationwide superstore sells materials to create backsplashes and install countertops, as well as showers, vanities and bathroom fixtures. Floor & Decor’s Orange County locations include Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Mission Viejo and Santa Ana.

carpet in the living room or waterproof flooring in the bathroom.

“The staff will help you from the selection of the products all the way to the

3. Family Floors

installation, so they’ll kind of manage your project along with you and take care of it from beginning to the end,” Tessier says.

– Liz Ohanesian

Huntington Beach, Yorba Linda; 714-594-5035, 714-406-5851; familyfloorslb.com

Shaw, Mohawk, Cali Bamboo and Triwest are amongst the brands you’ll find at Family Floors’ showrooms in Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda. Schedule a free design consultation to choose the best flooring options for you; options include carpet, hardwood, laminate and vinyl. Installations are done with in-house technicians who are CRI and NWFA certified.

Additionally, Family Floors has a variety of hardwood services, including sanding,

finishing and installing hardwood in your home and restoring the hardwood that’s already in your home. Area rugs and custom stair runners are also available here.

Read through the company’s blog before you stop by a showroom to get tips on subjects like the best flooring for kitchens or for people with small children. Then use the room visualizer, also available on Family Floors’ website, to get an idea of what looks best in your home.

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Colonial Carpet Company in Garden Grove. Colonial Carpet is the Orange County Register’s Best of Orange County place to buy carpet and flooring.

1. Times Real Estate

4630 Campus Drive, Suite 201, Newport Beach; 949-335-7437; timesrealestateca.com

“Relationships matter” is a core value at Times Real Estate. Led by siblings George Charles Hanold V, CEO, and Regan Beegle, the Newport Beach brokerage is a hightech reimagining of the family’s previous firm, Hanold Properties.

“We have a matchmaking software, which pairs our client’s homes with the world’s wealthiest buyer pool through Wealth-X,” says Hanold.

Times Real Estate also has a concierge program to handle home renovations before the sale. “One major standout of our program is the ability to invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in their home if it warrants that investment,” he explains. “We let them know exactly where we’re going to put the money to command the highest premium for them and show them how we’re creating real upside equity for them.”

In the three years since Times Real Estate took shape, the company has continued to work with long-term clients while building a team of about 15 agents.

“We’re lean and mean,”

2. Anvil Real Estate

says Hanold. All agents are handpicked and trained, coached and mentored by Times Real Estate leadership, which has helped some hit career milestones.

Laguna HIlls, Newport Beach; 949-799-1582; anvilreinc.com

When Laguna Hills-based Anvil Real Estate opened in November of 2020, it was with six agents, one of whom was founder Melody Smith. Now, the boutique brokerage has a staff of 71 agents and a second office in Newport Beach.

“We didn’t want to compete on who could pay agents the most, we wanted to compete on who could make agents the most,” says Anvil’s Captain of Culture Dan Smith. “We wanted to offer them a ton of support to make that happen.”

Given how the company has grown, that strategy seems to be working. While the tools and support available at Anvil is helpful to agents, the company is seeing buyers and sellers turn to them for another reason. “People started leaning towards specialization and leaning towards boutique,” says Smith. At Anvil, where nearly almost all of their sales have been in Orange County, focusing on the southern portion of the region, their local focus is a hit.

Times Real Estate is also a company that gives back.

“I lead from my faith,” says Hanold, who has partnered with a pastor in Tanzania in developing an orphanage, the

3. Compass

Multiple locations; compass.com

In the six-and-a-half years since Compass opened its first office in Newport Beach, the national real estate company has set up six outposts in Orange County, including locations in Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and Dana Point, and become a favorite among locals. Part of the company’s appeal is its tech-forward approach. Compass’ end-toend platform allows both buyers and sellers to see the process unfold and the Compass Concierge program helps sellers prepare their

second Times Real Estate has helped build. The company also partners with nonprofits like clean water group One ATTA Time.

– Liz Ohanesian

homes to hit the market.

One advantage, says Rob Norquist, managing director of sales for Orange County and Long Beach, is that Compass offices are all operating as one company under the leadership of founder and CEO Robert Reffkin. “His presence and involvement is like nothing I’ve ever seen,” says Norquist.

“There are no franchises here,” he adds. “It’s one single company where everyone is on the same page, doing the same thing on a day-to-day basis.”

JEFF GRITCHEN, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Siblings Regan Beegle and George Hanold, co-founders of Times Real Estate California, in their office in Newport Beach.

1. Reata Glen

2 Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo; 949-541-9079; reataglen.com

Since it opened in 2019, Reata Glen has been a hit with seniors looking for a community that will fit their needs for years to come. “We’re currently at the final phase of selling out,” says marketing and sales director Stephanie Riggs. “By the end of this year, we expect to be completely full.”

In fact, Riggs notes, Reata Glen has already started a waitlist for folks interested in moving into one of the 480 homes on site. What that means is that they’ll be able to attend some resident activities and familiarize themselves with the community until a home becomes available.

So, what makes Reata Glen so popular? It might be the wide variety of housing available. The community is divided into three neighborhoods — apartments, garden terraces and single story homes known as villas — each of which offers multiple floor plans. Potential residents have options ranging from a 650-square foot, one-bedroom apartment to a three-bedroom house of about 3,000 square feet.

The real selling point, though, is the access to health care that residents have on site. Reata Glen’s health facility is equipped to handle memory care and long-term care with skilled nursing if needed. For independent seniors thinking about the future, Riggs says, this offers peace of mind.

“They know that no matter what happens to them, they are fully covered and have the ability to be able to age in place here at Reata Glen,” Riggs said.

– Liz Ohanesian

COMMUNITY

2. Freedom Village

23442 El Toro Road, Building 1, Lake Forest; 949-472-4700; freedomvillage.org

“For seniors, it is super important for them to know that they are moving to a community that is financially stable,” says Eric Salgado, director of marketing and sales at Freedom Village.

Freedom Village’s Lake Forest property is debt-free — the mortgage was paid off within its first 18 months — and that has major benefits for residents. It means that increases in monthly service fees have been relatively low and that management has been able to keep the property in tip-top shape.

With plans that range from independent living to extended care and opportunities for additional support available for residents across the board, Freedom Village is a community where residents can feel secure that both their present and future needs will be met. A bonus is that the community’s staff boasts a number of longtime employees. Says Salgado, who has been at Freedom Village for more than 15 years, “That allows the residents to create really special relationships with the staff members and makes them feel at home.”

3. Laguna Woods Village

24351 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods; 949-597-4600; lagunawoodsvillage.com

For the more than 18,500 people who call Laguna Woods Village home, there is no shortage of activities. Two golf courses, 10 tennis courts, five pools (one of which is Olympicsized) and an equestrian center are just a few of the amenities in this 2,100-acre gated community for adults age 55 and over.

The Performing Arts Center attracts talent like The 5th Dimension and Tony Orlando. Social clubs encourage residents to interact with neighbors who share interests ranging from aerospace to ukulele and the class schedule is packed with everything from language lessons to yoga sessions.

With more than 100 different floorplans throughout three neighborhoods, the variety of homes here is ample as well. For those interested in making the move, docent-led tours are available and it’s recommended that you contact a realtor who specializes in Laguna Woods Village. More information regarding buying and leasing in the community is available on the Laguna Woods Village website.

MARK RIGHTMIRE, STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Reata Glen in Rancho Mission Viejo was voted the best senior living community in the Best of Orange County balloting.

FreedomVillage,anActiveLifePlanCommunitywith IndependentLiving,AssistedLiving,andSkilledNursing, hasbeenrecognizedasoneofOrangeCounty’stopchoices forvibrantSeniorLiving.

Now,morethanever,it’seasyforseniorstolivethelifestyle theydeserve.Why?Withthesecurityofcareservices,if healthneedschange,andcompletemaintenance-freeliving, residentsarefreetopartakeinsocialactivitiesandoutings, exerciseprograms,high-qualitydiningexperiences,and otherexcitingopportunities.

AtFreedomVillage,wecareaboutmaking yourfutureabrightone.

MORE choices. Selectfromovertwodozenfloorplans–well-appointedone-bedroomhomes tosingle-storyvillasupto2,800squarefeet.

MORE fun. Activitiesandamenities,includingamovietheater,fitnesscenterandspa,open-air indoorpool,walkingtrailsandon-sitediningvenues,allonabeautifully manicured60-acrecampus.

MORE confidence. AtourLifePlanCommunity,you’llhaveasmart planwithpriorityaccesstotheadjacenthealthcenterforassisted living,memorycareandlong-termcareinaskillednursingcenter,if everneeded.