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FALL 2012 WHEREOC.COM
Orange County
MEMPHIS IN COSTA MESA NEW CALIFORNIA ADVENTURES SOUTH COAST PLAZA'S SANDY SEGERSTROM
SHADES of WINE
WINE BARS TAKE FLIGHT
➻FASHIONS IN HUES FROM CHAMPAGNE TO BURGUNDY Where_Cover_Splits.indd 1
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dining, e ntertainment & fun
Just steps from Disneyland®.
Find out what’s happening at Anaheim GardenWalk! Facebook.com/TheGardenWalk
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321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim • 714.635.7410 • anaheimgardenwalk.com
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where Orange County Fall 2012 the guide 34 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood
54 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports
56 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities and exhibitions
Retail destinations
61 GOLF The county’s best courses
62 BEACHES + PARKS Paradise found
65 NIGHTLIFE Hottest clubs, lounges and bars
67 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around
69 MAPS Navigate the county
16
city tours
Fashion harvest at Newport Beach Vineyards
where now
features
10 Dining Bread on the rise: Pandor Boulangerie New on the coast: Mare Culinary Lounge New off the coast: Greenleaf Chopshop
16 Shades of Wine Fashions to complement your glass, be it white wine or red, set among the vineyards of ... Newport Beach!
12 Shopping New in the centers New Center Street in Anaheim 13 Attractions Time to Thrill Cars Land at California Adventure
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PRISCILLA IEZZI
22 Raising the [Wine] Bar Hitting an Orange County wine bar means more than just a drink. BY ROGER GRODY
30 Holey Moley! Golf: The “wow” holes at three superb courses and how to play them. BY PATRICK MOTT AND JOHN WEYLER
wheretraveler.com Get the city buzz from WHERE editors worldwide online and on your smartphone.
24 26 28 30
Metro Cities The Coast South Coast North County
ALSO INSIDE 6 9 14 72
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR HOT DATES Memphis in Costa Mesa Q+A Sandy Segerstrom Daniels 30 THINGS WE LOVE
ON THE COVER Trousers, blouse and shoes at Chloé, South Coast Plaza. Jessica Grant ostrich bag at Mi Place, Corona del Mar Plaza. Photo by Priscilla Iezzi. See Shades of Wine on page 16. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
BCBG COLOR-BLOCKED SKIRT, PATTISON J. KINCAID STRIPED BLOUSE AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE; ZIGI STACKED BEADED BOOTIES AT INTERMIX. PHOTO BY PRISCILLA IEZZI
59 SHOPPING
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where
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MAGAZINE
On the Web: WhereOC.com PUBLISHER Jeff Levy EDITOR Benjamin Epstein ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Nicole Bordges MARKETING DIRECTOR Audrey Nimura ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR PRODUCTION ARTIST
Heidi Schwindt
Ryan Furuya
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Joseph Elliott, Roger Grody, Gerald Hicks, Zoe Lorenzo, Patrick Mott, John Weyler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Priscilla Iezzi, Bjarne G. Jensen, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago ACCOUNT MANAGERS
April Driggers, Heather Howard-Heintz, Kerry Brewer, Sara Kemp, Joanna McLean, Mali Mochow, Laura Napolitano CIRCULATION MANAGER Sarah Trainor PRODUCTION MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng INTERIM PRODUCTION MANAGER Catherine Lau WEB MANAGER Christina Xenos ADMINISTRATION
Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline, Christine Noriega VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL SALES Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL DIGITAL SALES Bridget Cody 706.821.6663 HONORARY PRESIDENT
Ted Levy
where Orange County
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Plan ahead for your next visit to Orange County. Subscribe to where: Single copy $4, 4 issues $16. Contact: Sarah Trainor, Phone: 714.825.1700 Email: Sarah.Trainor@WhereOC.com © 2012 Southern California Media Group. All Rights reserved Published by Southern California Media Group. Printed in the United States. where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. where is a registered trademark of where International LP.
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ExpEriEncE World-class shopping, dining and pErforming arts,
southErn california stylE.
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Daily Shuttle from Disneyland Area Hotels San Diego Fwy (405) at briStol St., coSta meSa, ca 800.782.8888 southcoastplaza.com/traveler
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Welcome YOUR TICKET TO THE ULTIMATE CINEMA EXPERIENCE
A note from the editor
O.C. WINE? WINE NOT!
You thought Napa Valley was the birthplace of the California wine industry? Hardly. The first wine ever made in the state was undoubtedly at Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776, around the time of the American Revolution. George Yount wouldn’t plant the first vineyards in Napa Valley for another 60 years. Anaheim was founded in 1857 by German settlers whose wineries produced more than 1.25 million gallons annually from 1860 to 1885. Charles Krug established Napa’s first commercial winery in 1861, followed over several decades by 140 others. The root louse phylloxera devastated the vineyards in both regions but completely wiped out those in Anaheim, which turned to the citrus industry. Napa Valley recovered, of course, and made its name with wine in the later 20th century. I’m looking to the 21st century for Orange County to regain its enological foothold. There has been significant winemaking using outsourced grapes at Thompkin Cellars in Costa Mesa. Laguna Canyon Winery in Laguna Beach, Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach and
OCEAN RANCH
32401 GOLDEN LANTERN LAGUNA NIGUEL 92677 9 4 9 . 4 8 7.1 9 0 0
Giracci Vineyards and Farms in Silverado have their own tasting rooms. Newport Beach Vineyards and Winery, on the edge of Newport’s Back Bay,
L A C O S TA
6941 EL CAMINO REAL CARLSBAD 92009 760.603.8638
and rustic Hamilton Oaks Vineyard in Trabuco Canyon have grown grapes for years, though both have depended primarily on grapes from elsewhere.
DEL MAR
12905 EL CAMINO REAL SAN DIEGO 92130 858.794.4045
This summer, however, Newport Beach Vineyards reached a milestone
WESTLAKE VILLAGE 180 PROMENADE WAY WESTLAKE VILLAGE 91362 FA L L 2 0 1 2
E V E N T S & PA R T I E S
CORPORATESALES@CINEPOLISUSA.COM 8 5 8 . 2 0 0 . 3 7 74
WWW.C INEPOLIS USA .COM FOR PROMOS AND DEALS FOLLOW US ON: /CinepolisUSA
@CinepolisUSA
/CinepolisLuxury
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@Cinepolis
with the release of its first 100 percent estate-grown wine, the OC Estate Unobtainium Meritage Red (2010). Visionary owner Richard Moriarty’s distinctive property provides the setting for our fashion feature, Shades of Wine (page 16). Taste the Unobtainium at new Juliette Kitchen & Bar (p. 11) in Newport Beach—and his other wines at Brasserie Pascal (p. 39) in Newport or Antonello (p. 40) in Costa Mesa—and I think you’ll agree: The county’s wine renaissance is under way. —BENJAMIN EPSTEIN
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Great Brand Names. Terrific Low Prices. Shop Orange County’s Only Outlet Center The Outlets at Orange means more of what you love for less than you’d expect. With more stores, restaurants and entertainment places to choose from, you may have to make more room in your suitcase...and add another day to your trip! Mention this ad at Simon Guest Services and you’ll receive a FREE Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in savings! ®
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BRUSSELS BISTRO 222 Forest Ave. 949.376.7955 brusselsbistro.com
SILVER BLUE & GOLD
1492 South Coast Highway, #5 949.715.3000 silverblueandgold.com
NIRVANA GRILLE RESTAURANT & CATERING 303 Broadway, Ste. 101 949.497.0027 nirvanagrille.com
lagunabeach E X P E R I E N C E
ALEXANDER RUG GALLERY 412 North Coast Highway 949.715.7727 alexanderrugs.com
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ADAM NEELEY FINE ART JEWELRY 352 North Coast Highway 949.715.0953 adamneeley.com
LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE 606 Laguna Canyon Rd. 949.497.4033 lagunaplayhouse.com/tickets
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G What’s sizzling in seconds flat
Hot Dates Fall 2012
Sept. 5-8 STYLE WEEK O.C. Fall fashions and hot retail concepts take center stage with runway shows and in-store events at shopping destinations Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center. p. 54 Sept. 14-16 TASTE OF NEWPORT Newport Beach restaurants serve up food and libations on the perimeter of Fashion Island; musical lineup includes Andy Grammer, Blondie and Devo. p. 54 Sept. 21-Oct. 31 KNOTT’S SCARY FARM’S HALLOWEEN HAUNT Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park transforms at night into massive Halloween event, now marking its 40th anniversary. p. 54 Sept. 25-Oct. 21 ALFRED HITCHCOCK’S THE 39 STEPS Boring man takes home mysterious woman claiming to be a spy who is subsequently murdered. The suspense unfolds at the Laguna Playhouse. p. 54
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OCT. 4-7 ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Hundreds of 2013-model cars, trucks, SUVs and exotics as well as concept cars displayed at the Anaheim Convention Center. p. 54
Memphis at Segerstrom Center for the Arts
NOV. 6-18
Turn Up the Dial
PAUL KOLNIK
The hot new Broadway musical set in the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tenn., bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a tale of fame and forbidden love inspired by actual events. Memphis, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world, and a black club singer ready for her big break. Their journey to the ends of the airwaves earned the show four 2010 Tony Awards including best musical; it features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) directs. Memphis played pre-Broadway at Southern California’s La Jolla Playhouse. p. 54 NEARBY Pulled-pork sliders, ribs and other Southern fare at hip Memphis in Costa Mesa will have you humming a tune going into the show (p. 34). Leatherby’s Café Rouge, inside the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, offers a prix-fixe menu themed around the musical mere steps from the performance (p. 34).
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OCT. 8 THE BLACK KEYS After a summer of touring and festivals nationwide, the duo brings its raucous rock to Honda Center in Anaheim. p. 55 OPENING OCT. 12 INDIANA JONES AND THE ADVENTURE OF ARCHEOLOGY National Geographic Society and Lucasfilm Ltd. present innovative exhibition at Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. p. 56 OCT. 16 L.A. LAKERS VS. UTAH JAZZ The SoCal faves take on their Salt Lake City rivals in a preseason game at Honda Center. NBA MVP Steve Nash just joined the Lakers lineup. p. 56 OPENING OCT. 16 LOVE CHAOS & DINNER Following a decade of success in San Francisco and Seattle, Teatro ZinZanni offers a new show featuring cirque, comedy, cabaret and five-course feast at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. p. 55 , Nov. 7 DUCKS VS. L.A. KINGS The Anaheim team faces off against the reigning Stanley Cup champions at the Honda Center. p. 56 Here for the weekend? Visit our Weekend Roundup at WhereOC.com, where you’ll get the lowdown on the coolest concerts, sporting events, festivals, art exhibits and restaurants.
The Natural Resources Defense Council named Bolsa Chica State Beach and Huntington State Beach two of the three cleanest beaches in California and 12 cleanest in the U.S. p. 62
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The best in entertainment, museums, shopping and dining.
» Dining
Bread on the Rise
Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café, whose wholesale counterpart supplies its baked goods to some of the area’s very finest hotels and restaurants, now offers its artisan breads as well as paninis, pastries, Viennoiseries and tartines at Westcliff Plaza. Owners Raffi and Tiffany Sepetjian base the culinary experience on global flavors, complex textures and sustainable, local and seasonal ingredients. The kitchen principals—chef, baker and pastry chef—are French; the name was inspired by pain d’or, French for “golden bread.” The provençale boule, pictured, packed with olives, is sensational. Also consider the spicy chicken panini with harissa mayonnaise or a breakfast of Nutella French toast. 1126 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.209.5099, pandorbakery.com
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enoSteAk at Ritz-Carlton, Laguna niguel
ON THE COAST Chef-owner Alessandro Pirozzi tops his own fine Cucina Alessa locations at glittery new Mare Culinary Lounge in Laguna Beach. Consider the lavender ginger martini; explosively flavorful, orange sweet Peppadew peppers stuffed with goat cheese, walnuts and micro basil or lightly flash-fried Fontina-stuffed Castelveltrano olives; an unforgettable limoncello-infused mafaldine pasta with lobster tail, shallots and a pinot grigio-local lemon sauce; and a superb baba dessert (p. 41). The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel launches enoSTEAK. Chef Andres Jimenez’s grilled Prime New York steak is pricey, but it’s from vaunted Niman Ranch and cut in-house; top it with one of five compound butters. We could make a meal of sides such as the sautéed wild mushrooms with petit peas or Fiscalini and summer truffle mac ’n’ cheese (p. 44). Acclaimed chef Bill Bracken, late of Palm Terrace at the Island Hotel, opens his own DivBar Smokehouse Barbecue in Newport Beach, offering broasted chicken, stone-fired pizza and baby-back ribs (p. 34).
On the Mesa In Costa Mesa, two spots from foodie funsters Noah Blom and Leonard Chan open at the South Coast Collection. the Iron Press offers savory and sweet waffle sandwiches and 30 California brews on tap; “Scrumptious” choices include one with hand-sliced fried buttermilk chicken breast with jalapeño maple syrup and coleslaw (p. 34). The concept at Shuck? “Sexy slurping heirloom oyster mania and bubbling sipping sparkling love,” says Blom, who offers oysters, chowders and a grilled cheese sandwich (p. 44). “Commander-in-Leaf” Jonathan
Rollo and chef Kristi Ritchey, Patina Group alums, open Greenleaf Gourmet Chopshop on 17th Street (p. 36). Highlights: Antioxidant Orchard Salad, turkey melt on pretzel bread and Jon’s Jala-Pom Sojurita cocktail. A small market offers baked goods, juices and local gourmet items. Juliette kitchen + Bar takes over the former Tradition by Pascal space near the airport in Newport Beach. Juliette Chung oversees the restaurant, husband Jon Hughes the wine and daughter Erica Choi the pastries; chef Daniel Hyatt hails from L.A.’s Delius (p. 34).
farm fresh Salad at Greenleaf Chopshop
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Roger Vivier boutique at South Coast Plaza and, right, look by rockin’ British retailer Topshop
» shopping Center News The late Roger Vivier’s shoes, “the Fabergé of footwear,” have included the stiletto heel he created nearly 60 years ago. Now his Paris maison opens its third U.S. location, offering Vivier shoes as well as handbags and accessories, at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (714.435.0015). Prestigious watch line Patek Philippe opens its first West Coast boutique at the center with a separate entrance inside Tourneau Service (714.850.0222). And Nordstrom partners with rockin’ British fast-fashion retailer Topshop, featuring its clothing, shoes, makeup and accessories for women (714.549.8300); Irvine Spectrum Center’s Nordstrom carries Topman for men as well as Topshop for women (949.255.2800). C. Wonder opens its first West Coast location at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, delivering “brightness to every corner of life” with clothing, accessories and home decor items (949.644.4376).
Center Street The owners of the Lab and the Camp, innovative shopping destinations in Costa Mesa, work their hip magic, with an eye to historic preservation, on Center Street Promenade and environs in Anaheim. Center Street features eco-conscious Home Economics (714. 808.0974); BarBeer Shop, a barbershop serving beer (714.533.2727); The Good Californian Haberdashery (714.808.9671); Heart & Sole for shoes (714.808.0939); and
Good Food, counter eateries including vegetarian Healthy Junk (714.772.5865). The same folks are developing the nearby Anaheim Packing District along Anaheim Boulevard, anchored by the Packing House (714.966.6661), a historic citrus packing building that will feature 20 foodie vendors, and the adjacent 1920s Packard showroom, home to Anaheim Brewery (714.780.1888) and new Umami Burger (714.991.8626).
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» ATTRACTIONS
TIME TO THRILL New Jetlev Southwest makes jet-pack flight a reality. Participants can fly 30 feet in the air and skim across the water at 35 mph thanks to Jetlev’s water-propulsion system (888.553.6471, jetlevsouthwest.com). Fly much higher with extreme thrill rides at SkyThrills in Fullerton. After takeoff, you receive instruction, assume control of the aircraft and fly aerobatic maneuvers over the coast that might include a loop, roll, spin or inverted pass— no experience necessary! Or consider gentler aerobatics in an open-cockpit 1930s biplane (866.484.7455, skythrills.com). Indoors and kid-friendly, new Thrill It Fun Center at the Outlets at Orange offers a high-ropes course, climbing wall, LaserTag and mechanical bull (714.937.1600, thrillit.com). New Navitat Canopy Adventures, to the east in Wrightwood, operates the region’s only zip-line tour, gliding between treetops in the San Gabriel Mountains (760.249.9990, navitat.com).
SKYTHRILLS, ALAN DE HERRERA
New Radiator Springs Racers at Disney California Adventure
In flight: Luxury 1935 biplane at SkyThrills and (right) Jetlev
Adventure Land Cars Land adds 12 acres, and three attractions inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars, to Disney California Adventure. Radiator Springs Racers, among the most elaborate Disney attractions ever, is a twisting, turning, highspeed adventure; other rides include Luigi’s Flying Tires and Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Among dining and shopping options are Flo’s V8 Café, Ramone’s House of Body Art and Radiator Springs Curios. Guests enter along Buena Vista Street, which features Red Car Trolleys and transports them to 1920s Los Angeles, when Walt Disney arrived. The Carthay Circle Theatre, modeled after the site of the 1937 premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, houses a lounge and elegant restaurant. p. 68 FALL 2012 WHERE ORANGE COUNTY 13
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where now Orange
County What are your memories before there was a South Coast Plaza? Lots with the family! Weekends playing with Dad [Hal Segerstrom] in the yard. Going to the store with our mom [Jeanette] and buying Ding Dongs! I remember playing on the tractors and farm and cutting the ribbon for South Coast Plaza in October 1967—we still have the original scissors! Proudest achievement? A congressional resolution, in 2004, commending my foundation for the work we do on behalf of children’s charities. I actually got to sit in the chambers and be part of the announcement. It was amazing to hear your name in the House of Representatives. Chills. Single greatest influence? Always my motivation was the pleasure of working with my dad. That’s the reason I never moved away. We are such a familyoriented family—my sister and I live on the same street. How did you come to focus on children to begin with? In Girl Scouts, I would tend to hang around with the younger girls; in junior high I helped with Special Olympics. I love kids because I’m still just a big one. Children of your own? A daughter, two grandchildren.
» Q+A FOREVER YOUNG
Sandy Segerstrom Daniels, a managing partner of C.J. Segerstrom & Sons and an owner of South Coast Plaza— developed half a century ago by her family on their lima-bean fields—makes a difference in children’s lives. Her vision led to the Festival of Children, a monthlong event at the center that this year showcases 70 organizations, and the national Festival of Children Foundation, instrumental in the U.S. Senate decision to declare September National Child Awareness Month. She also works on behalf of Children’s Hospital of Orange County and serves on the Segerstrom Center for the Arts board of directors. Daniels, 49, was born in Santa Ana and lives with her husband, John, in Newport Coast.
Any recommendations for visitors with kids? The Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana ... or any beach. What are the foundation goals? The foundation encompasses about 500 charities—we now have a charity in all 50 states. But I believe in small growth. We have a goal to get to a thousand charities, but we don’t want the number to grow any faster than the programs to support them.... They all need money. But they also need education and marketing services on a national basis. We produce webinars, newsletters, let them know about government grants and how to access them. A
program they spend money on would take money away from the kids they serve; we provide these services for free. What does a Segerstrom & Sons managing partner do on a typical day? Varies every day—and it very much depends on the time of year. There are managers’ meetings every week, family meetings every two weeks. Budgeting. Lots of paperwork. I have all of my foundation people here, so if it’s quiet, if there’s not paperwork to deal with, I can switch to the foundation. Do you have passions apart from your charity work? Golf and cycling, though I don’t get in a lot of either. I’m not a good enough golfer for Pelican Hill Golf Club. Strawberry Farms is beautiful. Favorite restaurants? Orange County has so many! I like Marché Moderne at South Coast Plaza. I get the ahi tuna sandwich—without the bread.... I take visitors to Mastro’s Ocean Club at Crystal Cove for its beautiful view and great food. The crab legs are my favorite. Favorite shopping? Ann Taylor, Omega, Lego Store and Nathan Alan Jewelers at South Coast Plaza. I’m a better window shopper, because I don’t have time to shop! Where might you shop that’s not at South Coast Plaza? Target! It’s one-stop shopping, especially for a working girl. Details Discovery Science Center p. 56 Pelican Hill Golf Club p. 61 South Coast Plaza p. 60: Ann Taylor (714.754.1915), LEGO Store (714.668.9017), Marché Moderne p. 39, Nathan Alan Jewelers (714.545.8337), Omega (714.850.0558) Strawberry Farms Golf Club p. 61 Target 3030 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.979.0372 Mastro’s Ocean Club p. 44
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SHADES of
WINE FALL FASHIONS RANGING IN HUES FROM PALE GOLDS TO DEEP GARNETS THAT PAIR IDEALLY WITH THE WINE IN YOUR GLASS. THE SETTING IS NEWPORT BEACH VINEYARDS AND WINERY, A DISTINCTIVE AND ALTOGETHER STUNNING PROPERTY ON THE PERIMETER OF UPPER NEWPORT BAY ECOLOGICAL RESERVE, AKA THE BACK BAY. Photography by PRISCILLA IEZZI
Black and red pleated dress by Alexis at Intermix, South Coast Plaza ((714.754.7895). ZiGi Black Label stacked heels at Nordstrom, Fashion Island (949.610.0700).
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Trousers, blouse and shoes at ChloĂŠ, South Coast Plaza (714.481.0308). Jessica Grant ostrich bag at Mi Place, Corona del Mar Plaza (949.219.9919). Opposite: purple and gold-trimmed BCBG tank and herringbone Piazza Sempione pants at Saks Fifth Avenue, South Coast Plaza (714.540.3233).
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Fuchsia cheetahand-floral print by REDValentino at Saks Fifth Avenue, South Coast Plaza (714.540.3233). ZiGi Black Label boots at Nordstrom, Fashion Island (949.610.0700) Opposite: LOVE by Diego Binetti dress, diegobinetti.com
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The Twisted Vine in Fullerton. Opposite: Wine lockers at Two 40 South in Brea.
RAISING THE WINE BAR Hitting an Orange COunty wine bar means muCH mOre tHan just a drink By RogER gRody
T
he wine bar is flourishing, a welcome development not only for oenophiles, but for diners seeking a casual environment in which to experience innovative small plates from promising young chefs. the county's collection of wine bars, mostly owned by passionate entrepreneurs with a strong connection to their communities, features the hottest global imports and cutting-edge Californian wines. environments range from laid-back boho-bars pairing zinfandels with burgers to sophisticated haunts showcasing trophy wines alongside menu items laced with truffles. the wine bar is challenging the bistro for local diners’ loyalties. sleek, sophisticated sealegs wine bar in Huntington beach is the
product of a $600,000 effort by interior designer kenneth ussenko. the new establishment is a venture of alicia whitney and Lisa nonemaker, who wanted to create a fashion-forward wine bar in which women would feel comfortable (e.g., a go-to spot for bridal showers) while still being inviting to men. the design features a prominent white quartz bar illuminated by contemporary crystal chandeliers; seating options range from communal tables—ideal for exchanging tasting notes with old friends or friendly strangers—to cushy lounge furniture. “it’s something you’d find in napa Valley, routed through the Hamptons and dropped into Huntington beach,” says whitney. Local residents were apparently hungry for something beyond fish tacos and Coronas, because seaLegs has proved to be an immediate surf City hit. the menu, executed by chef alexander dale, specializes in contemporary riffs on familiar comfort foods. For culinary
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a 1-ounce pour is available for $35. Screaming Eagle, nostalgia, the kitchen offers an artisan grilled cheese the highest-flying label of all, was offered in small sandwich with carrot-ginger bisque—standing in for doses until the bar’s allocation ran dry. According to traditional tomato soup—and upscale mac 'n' cheese general manager/wine director Mitch Sargent, “We try that pairs well with a pinot gris. Heartier fare includes to [find] something new for every guest.” His selection sausage sliders with tomato sauce and provolone that of 1,000-plus labels can expand the horizons of even deserve a full-bodied cabernet sauvignon. sophisticated oenophiles. A wine bar constructed with wood from 100-yearWine Lab, in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, is old oak barrels and a chandelier whose bulbs are a small retail wine shop offering tastings, cheeses and implanted inside green and amber wine bottles sets tapas. The Costa Mesa branch, at the eco-themed the mood at San Clemente’s The Cellar. The selection shopping center The Camp, pours about 50 wines of wines by the flight, glass or bottle encompasses by the glass. Eight are offered “on tap”—19-liter kegs interesting discoveries from limited-production are filled at the wineries—and recently included King wineries around the globe. Consider a crisp, lively Estate’s certified organic pinot gris from Oregon, and Paco & Lola Albariño from Spain; or Blend 23, a The Cellar Santa Barbara County’s acclaimed Holus Bolus syrah, pleasantly acidic chardonnay-sauvignon blanc156 Avenida del Mar, distributed nowhere else in Orange County. The viognier blend from Napa Valley’s B Cellars, whose San Clemente, Newport spot is strong in cheeses: Consider MouCo owner hails from nearby San Juan Capistrano. 949.492.3663. ColoRouge from Colorado or Purple Haze, a lavender“There’s no better way to enjoy life than eating and fennel pollen-infused goat cheese from Northern some cheese and drinking some wine,” notes the SealegS Wine Bar California's Cypress Grove. Cellar general manager Carlos Valencia, whose 21022 Beach Blvd., A fascinating trio of blends represents the regularly cheese selection eclipses 70 varieties. Live music is Huntington Beach, changing flights at Wine Lab: L. Preston Red, a Rhônefeatured, and the decibel level increases as the night 714.536.5700. style syrah-mourvèdre-cinsault blend from Sonoma progresses. Inventive young chef Erica Tucker is an County’s Dry Creek Valley; mazzoni rosso sangiovese alum of New York’s prestigious French Culinary The TWiSTed Vine /merlot from Tuscany; and Eruption Red, a compelling Institute and no doubt picked up a few tricks at 127 W. Commonblend of syrah, tempranillo and malbec from Brassfield Orange County’s St. Regis and Pelican Hill resorts. wealth Ave., Fullerton, Winery’s vineyards in the volcanic hills of California’s That sophistication is evident at the Cellar. 714.871.1200. Lake County. “We want to appeal to anybody curious Artistically presented boards of cheese or charcuterie about wine, as well as people who have been enjoying include a Spanish version with marcona almonds TWo 40 SouTh wine for years,” explains wine director Roger Richards. and quince paste. Gourmet popcorn is tricked out 240 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, The Twisted Vine is a laid-back wine bar in a vintage with black-truffle butter and Parmigano-Reggiano; 714.912.1053. building in historic downtown Fullerton. Founders Chris flatbreads are a versatile muse; Kobe beef sliders are and Jessica Castillo met in downtown Fullerton and undeniably rich thanks to the addition of bacon from Wine laB married in Napa Valley; their passion for wine and their a breed of pigs similar to those that produce Spain’s The CAMP, enthusiasm pervade the space. With its worn-brick legendary jamón ibérico. They practically scream 2937 Bristol St., Costa walls, modern art and long alder wood bar, the spot (squeal?) for a Volver Tempranillo from Rioja, Tomero Mesa, 714.905.9521; is inviting by day but morphs into a more seductive malbec from Argentina or a bawdy cabernet franc by 2901 W. Coast Hwy., environment after sunset. Fueling the social scene is a Napa Valley’s Cosentino Winery. To finish, consider a Newport Beach, wine list honored by Wine Spectator and Latin-inspired flight of late-harvest riesling, zinfandel and port, 949.515.8466. snacks enjoyed by candlelight. Chris Castillo pours 40 cleverly paired with three brands of premium dark to 50 selections by the glass to a crowd ranging from chocolate. Or opt for a Scotch whisky pot de crème. their 20s to their 60s. “I was determined to create something in FulThe tasteful facade of Two 40 South in Brea does not prepare firstlerton that would make you feel like you’re in wine country,” he says. timers for the stunning good looks within. Crystal chandeliers and an Enticing wines play a prominent role: A petite sirah from T-Vine underlit onyx counter provide a sense of drama, and the vaulted brick Cellars in Napa Valley—the winery founded by innovative winemaker ceilings are reminiscent of a cave beneath a Loire Valley château. A Greg Brown, who died just last year—is a bona fide fruit bomb and comfortable wine bar offers views into a cellar stocked with 7,000 deserves the company of a charcuterie platter or steak panini from bottles and slowly working toward its capacity of 12,000. Because it is kitchen, or maybe a hunk of fourme d’Ambert blue cheese. Other a full-service restaurant, the fare is more ambitious than at most wine worthy reds include Paul Hobbs’ CrossBarn cabernet. bars, courtesy of chef Marc Boussarie. In addition to lounge items Among whites is an intriguing Donnafugata-Anthilia from Sicily, such as sliders and frites, the entire dining room menu—items such as made with indigenous ansonica and catarratto grapes that are totally Scottish salmon with lobster beurre blanc or Wagyu filet with creamy unfamiliar to Americans. With soft peach and plum notes, this wine brandy peppercorn sauce—is available at the wine bar. is worth trying with the signature molten Brie, served in a carved-out Some 40 wines are offered by the glass at Two 40 South, via a selfloaf of sourdough with sliced apples, or the miniature crab tostadas. serve dispensing system, poured at the bar or straight from the barrel. Other items on the menu include meatballs made from chorizo, beef The selections provide special opportunities for guests with more and manchego cheese; chorizo-potato empanadas; and deviled eggs, extravagant palates. If you’ve been dying to sample a pricey California also spiked with chorizo, a prevailing theme at the Twisted Vine. cult wine such as ZD Abacus—which can retail for more than $350—
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Metro Cities
(Left to right) Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza; Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa; Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Costa Mesa, a retail, cultural and business center, adjoins Irvine and Santa Ana, the county seat.
Where is the heart of Orange County? Four cities might make that claim. Irvine, dissected by both the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways, is home of the historic Irvine Ranch, which a century ago covered more than half of what is now Orange County. Today, it is O.C.’s financial hub, with high-tech companies and new high-rise townhomes. Santa Ana has heartland rights, too. It is the county seat, second oldest among the county’s 34 cities and has the oldest downtown. Tustin could also make a few points; its massive twin hangars, for instance, are near the county’s geographic center. But residents of Costa Mesa would say that its quarter square mile along Bristol Street, adjacent to the San Diego Freeway, is hands-down the county’s heart and its cultural soul.
COSTA MESA
On the west side of Bristol is South Coast Plaza, whose annual sales of $1.5 billion is highest among shopping destinations nationwide. On the other side is the county’s unquestioned center of culture—two concert halls and its largest repertory theater—and business high-rises. Henry Segerstrom and his family founded South Coast Plaza in 1967 on a lima bean field where as a youth he’d driven a tractor. Today, South Coast Plaza and its Bear Street wing, connected by the Bridge of Gardens, offer several hundred stores, boutiques and restaurants. The state-designated tourist attraction boasts the nation’s highest concentration of elite retailers, including Christian Louboutin for shoes, De Beers for diamonds and Assouline for books; superb dining options include Marché Moderne and The Capital Grille. It’s an easy walk to the “arts campus,” the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory and, in the not-too-distant future, Orange County Museum of Art. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, built in 1986 mainly with Segerstrom money on Segerstrom land, includes 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, presenting a range of genres including dance and Broadway musicals, and the newer Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, a 2,000-seat facility designed by Cesar Pelli that hosts events as diverse as tributes to Mahler and Paul McCartney. There are two intimate venues within the venues, Founders Hall and Samueli Theater, respectively. South Coast Repertory, which now has three stages inside its gleaming Folino Theatre Center, opened at its present location in 1978, also with Segerstrom family donations of land and money. It is the county’s most highly touted theater. Nearby, among Town Center’s professional buildings, is one of the nation’s premier collections of outdoor art. Start, or end, at the 1.6-acre California Scenario (near Anton Boulevard) by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
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PHOTO credit info south coast plaza, BJARNE G. JENSEN; CONCERT HALL, RMA; IRVINE SPECTRUM, edwin santiagO
Metro Pointe and South Coast Plaza Village—whose movie theater is often ahead of the curve with top foreign films—are a crosswalk away. All three retail centers are accessible from North or South County hotels and beyond, thanks to dedicated taxi and motor coach service. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner delivers visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles to the Santa Ana train station. To the west is the new South Coast Collection of design showrooms. Its hip OC Mart MiX features 30 vendors including Savory Spice Stop and Beauty Cirque; Shuck Oyster Bar and N’ice Cream are new. South on Bristol are The Lab and The Camp. The Lab is an alternative retail center with shops you’d likely find on L.A.’s hip Melrose Avenue. Opposite is the Camp, an outdoorsthemed center set amid woods, aluminum and piped-in sounds of brooks and crickets. Dining options include Taco Asylum for unusual tacos and Ecco for Italian cuisine; Umami Burger and Wine Lab Camp are new. The Orange County Fair and Event Center, opposite the Civic Center, hosts events yearround—gun shows, gem shows, motocross racing—the county fair in July and pop concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
SANTA ANA
Santa Ana aligns itself with the arts; downtown are the Artists Village, Santora Arts Complex and Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center. A centerpiece of the East End Promenade along historic Fourth Street is the Yost Theater, now a concert venue. The area is filled with hip restaurants and bars. Historical highlights include the Queen Annestyle home of Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, and the red sandstone Old County Courthouse, used as a setting for numerous movies.
Bowers Museum recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Bowers offers blockbuster exhibitions mounted with the world’s major museums. Visitors also view pre-Columbian artifacts, Pacific Island art or artifacts from American whalers two centuries back; a real gem is its permanent exhibit of local history. The mammoth tilting cube at the Discovery Science Center, perched seemingly inches off Interstate 5, may be the city’s most recognizable icon. Westfield MainPlace houses Macy’s, Nordstrom and 200 shops. Intimate Santa Ana Zoo, in Prentice Park, is home to 250 species and features a primate exhibit, African aviary and children’s zoo.
IRVINE
Its Giant Wheel can be seen for miles along the 5, 405 and 133 freeways. But it’s the Irvine Spectrum Center’s 150 shops, many of them entertainment-related, top-notch new restaurants including Cucina Enoteca and Paul Martin’s American Grill, and the nation’s most visited movie complex, that together draw more visitors annually than Disneyland. Irvine Barclay Theatre, at UC Irvine, presents an impressive roster of music, dance and dramatic events. There’s not a bad seat in the house. Nearby is the UCI Arboretum (Jamboree Road and Campus Drive, 949.824.5833). San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (Michelson Drive between Jamboree Road and Culver Drive, 949.261.7963) offers outdoors enthusiasts 10 miles of trails through coastal fresh-water marshlands. The Irvine Museum houses Joan Irvine Smith’s collection of turnof-the-20th-century California Impressionist art on the ground floor of an office building. At some point the fledgling Orange County Great Park will be a centerpiece of recreation, twice the size of New York’s Central Park.
For now, there are outdoor events, such as a weekly farmers market, a small military museum and a new gallery; you can also ride 500 feet up in the iconic tethered orange balloon. The restored blacksmith shop and general store of Old Town Irvine (Sand Canyon Avenue and Burt Road, 949.660.9112), near Interstate 5, now house a hotel and restaurants. Irvine offers a relatively problem-free world carved from the Irvine Co.’s huge land holdings. The vibe extends to John Wayne Airport, whose pleasant ambience and ease of departure and arrival make it vastly superior to LAX.
TUSTIN
Forbes magazine recently listed Tustin in its Top 25 places “to live well.” The city, known for its fine parks and for the thousands of trees planted more than a century ago by forward-thinking residents, has also preserved many of its 1870s buildings along Main Street and El Camino Real. The District at Tustin Legacy, at Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, is a sprawling shopping center with scores of shops. Draws include restaurants such as The Winery and Bluewater Grill, a cineplex, bowling at Bowlmor, outdoor fireplaces, a stage for bands and giant video walls. Drive by the nearby twin hangars for a sense of their magnitude—1,000 feet long, 17 stories tall and five acres of open space within each. The Market Place, on Jamboree Road off Interstate 5, is older and even more sprawling. Though it’s often refered to as the Tustin Market Place, part of it is actually in Irvine. The Marconi Automotive Museum displays 80 vehicles, notably Ferraris and historic open-wheel race cars. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see page 71.
REVVED UP
great find Dainese provides innovative protective gear for motorcyclists that also takes into account the movement, high speed and freedom that riders crave. Though the Italian company, now in its 40th year, has an established presence throughout Europe, the Costa Mesa location is one of only three North American outposts. Enthusiasts browse a wide array of leather suits, jackets, pants, gloves and other accessories designed to protect them on their work commute or exhilarating day at the track. It’s the region’s premier venue for AGV helmets. Also available are leathers with custom color scheme—and even your racing number! 1645 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.650.2300, dstoreorangecounty.com
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The Coast
(Left to right) Charming shop on Balboa Island; beneath the Huntington Beach Pier; the koi pond at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.
T he county’s prime beach communities include Newport Beach, Balboa, Corona del Mar and Huntington Beach.
NEWPORT BEACH
Newport Beach and its environs have been called California’s Riviera and the Gold Coast. Sandy beaches and bougainvillea are the backdrop to yachts and dream homes, from quaint cottages to some of the nation’s most expensive real estate. The city’s retail center is Newport Center, near Jamboree Road, East Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard. Fashion Island is among the most relaxed and elegant shopping destinations anywhere. Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s are anchors. Super-stylish electric-vehicle maker Tesla opened an Apple-esque showroom when Apple moved into larger quarters. Island Cinema offers leather seats and wine service. The Waterman and C. Wonder boutiques opened recently; plans are underway for Fig & Olive restaurant. Also in Newport Center is the Orange County Museum of Art, which focuses on 20th-century California artists. The museum throws hip fetes: Orange Crush is an afterhours event featuring indie bands and local deejays on the third Thursday of the month. Nearby is Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, also known as the Back Bay, boasting some 160 species of birds, including the great egret. Hike, bike or jog along 10 miles of trails. Rowing and kayaking are popular; rent equipment from the Newport Aquatic Center (North Star County Beach, 1 Whitecliffs Drive, 949.646.7725). Moe B’s Watersports (949.729.1150) offers sailboats, kayaks, pedal boats, windsurfing and electric boat rentals. Moe B’s guided kayak tour through the marshlands departs Sundays at 10 am ($15 includes kayak rental). There are also Segway tours of the Back Bay ($75). Newport Beach boasts the largest small-boat harbor in the world. North on Coast Highway from the Back Bay area is a stretch known as Mariner’s Mile, which is lined with restaurants, luxury-car showrooms and yacht clubs. Private charters and narrated harbor cruises, aboard vessels including luxury dining cruisers and romantic gondolas, depart from Mariner’s Mile as well as from Balboa Pavilion (see Balboa, next page), and pass huge luxury abodes. All manner of boat rentals are possible, from canoes and kayaks to motorboats and surrey-fringed electric boats. The “beach” in Newport Beach includes two piers, Balboa and Newport, great sandy expanses and one of the cleanest and most colorful bike paths and boardwalks anywhere. The action never stops around Newport Pier, off Newport Boulevard on McFadden Square. The Dory Fishing Fleet leaves soon after the bars close in the wee hours of the
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PHOTO credit info balboa, BJARNE G. JENSEN; huntington beach, edwin santiago; fasHion island, vladimir perlovich
morn; you can visit the open-air fish market after the sun comes up. The fleet, begun in 1889, is the last beach-side fishing cooperative of its kind in the United States.
and Balboa Island, a tightknit community featuring charming cottages, shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Marine Avenue is the island’s only nonresidential street.
Balboa
Corona del Mar
To reach the Balboa Pier, continue southeast on Newport Boulevard (its name changes to Balboa Boulevard at 22nd Street), turn right on Palm Street and park in the metered lot. The Wedge, where the peninsula meets the harbor jetty, is one of the world’s most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding spots. Currents and riptides can be dangerous, so don’t go in the water unless you really know what you’re doing. Watching is fun enough. On the harbor side of Balboa Peninsula are the Balboa Pavilion and a Fun Zone, marking 75 years, whose few remaining rides include a Ferris wheel. Try a custom-dipped Balboa Bar or frozen banana. Take advantage of the Balboa Bay Front Webcam at the Harbour House coffee shop; find a sunny seat outside, call your friends in snowbound or humid states, have them log on to talesofbalboa. com and gloat! The relocated Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is transforming itself into ExplorOcean; the exhibit Sea of Adventure is ongoing. The Balboa Pavilion, a 1905 gabled, cupola-topped structure, is the depot for boat excursions: harbor tours, whalewatching trips and Santa Catalina cruises. As the lyrics to a classic pop song attest, Catalina is “26 miles across the sea”; it’s known for its beaches, buffalo and glassbottom boats. The city of Avalon is a 75-minute cruise from the Pavilion aboard the catamaran Catalina Flyer. The Balboa Island Ferry is a three-car shuttle between docks on the Balboa Peninsula
Heading south along Coast Highway takes you past Corona del Mar Plaza, where upscale destinations include Gail Jewelers, Savory Spice Shop and Antonia, A Shoe Boutique as well as Ergonique Salon & Spa. Corona del Mar, whose streets are named for flowers, has expansive beaches and some of the country’s most expensive real estate. On East Coast Highway, just south of MacArthur Boulevard, is Sherman Library & Gardens, offering 2,000 plant species on two landscaped acres. Consider a repast at Café Jardin or the Tea Garden Crêperie. Coast Highway is lined with elegant design showrooms, rug dealers and boutiques. To find Corona del Mar State Beach, head south on Marguerite from Coast Highway, turn right on Ocean Boulevard, then follow signs to the parking lot below. You’ll find bodysurfing, volleyball, fire pits and facilities. Picturesque Little Corona Beach is just south. South of Corona del Mar is Newport Coast. Crystal Cove Promenade offers boutiques such as Jenny Lee, Novecento and La Diva and Mastro’s Ocean Club, Bluefin, Javier’s and Tamarind restaurants. Nearby are Crystal Cove State Park, with miles of sandy coves and miles and miles of hiking, and gorgeous Pelican Hill Golf Club.
Huntington Beach
Surf City USA has gotten more sophisticated since 1963, when the Jan and Dean hit Surf City topped charts. Though Huntington
Beach retains some of its sand-in-the-cracks, beach-town personality, shops along Main Street, fine-dining options and luxury hotels have resulted in a dramatic transformation. As the moniker “Surf City” suggests, the action is near the water. Main Street is a promenade with lots of surf-wear and beachwear shops, a Surfing Walk of Fame and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. The Strand, at Pacific Coast Highway and 5th Street, is a multi-story development whose tenants include Forever 21, Active Ride, Rip Curl and RA Sushi. Adjacent to Huntington Beach Pier Plaza are restaurants including Duke’s and Sandy’s Beach Grill; the plaza often hosts street performers, art shows and live bands. A statue of a surfer at Coast Highway and Huntington Street captures the town’s spirit. The area offers three beaches: Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach are popular for surfing and volleyball as well as for fire rings and nighttime weenie roasts. Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve (714.840.1575), near Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, offers 200 species of migratory birds in a salt-marsh setting with a 1.5-mile loop trail. Inland, at Talbert Avenue and Goldenwest Street, is 350-acre Huntington Central Park; the park encompasses Shipley Nature Center (714.842.4772), an equestrian center, a Frisbee golf course, two “lakes” and the city’s Central Library (714.842.4481)—which has the largest children’s library in the state. Bella Terra is a Tuscan-themed shopping destination with cobblestone walkways. Draws include outdoor sports specialist REI and a 20-screen cineplex. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see pages 70-71.
BALBOA BAUBLES
great find When Laura Matthews of Laura Matthews Designs couldn’t find that perfect handbag, she did what any sensible woman would do: She designed one herself. Now that her bags are sold in boutiques here and abroad, she’s expanded into one-of-a-kind and limited production jewelry and opened her own brick-and-mortar location on Balboa Island. Matthews’ fans appreciate how she incorporates handmade cross pendants from Nigeria and Buddha amulets from Thailand into her own jewelery. Matthews says she feels very lucky when customers tell her that her designs are “the only jewelry they end up wearing.” 322 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.275.3310, lauramatthewsdesigns.com
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South Coast
(Left to right) Mission San Juan Capistrano; the slips at Dana Point Harbor; and downtown Laguna Beach.
Colorful cities on or near the coast include artistic Laguna Beach, historic San Juan Capistrano and nautical Dana Point.
Four of the county’s most historic cities are nestled into its southern corner: Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente, all a seaside drive along Coast Highway, and nearby San Juan Capistrano. Whether for shopping, dining, history or just tantalizing poetic beauty, these small burgs have spectacular offerings.
LAGUNA BEACH
It’s fitting that you pass the Laguna College of Art + Design as you enter Orange County’s original art colony along Laguna Canyon Road. Admire the sculptures! In fact, it is easy to spend a day along the thoroughfare before ever entering the city proper, especially during the summer, when it hosts three art festivals—Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair and the Sawdust Art Festival—and the renowned “living tableaux” presentation, Pageant of the Masters. The acclaimed Laguna Playhouse offers both comedic and profound fare year-round. Laguna Canyon Road becomes Broadway, then comes to a T at Main Beach and Coast Highway. The decision: Turn left toward downtown, or right toward Laguna Art Museum; you’ll find boutiques, restaurants and galleries in both directions. Laguna Art Museum continues as a leader in its presentation of modern and contemporary art, mostly by California painters, and often exploring pop culture. It also displays art from Laguna’s past; don’t be surprised to see lots of seascapes. Steps away are coastal vistas at Heisler Park and a stretch of Coast Highway called North Gallery Row, where you’ll find Hobrecht Sports Gallery (350 N. Coast Hwy., 949.945.3283) and Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry (353 N. Coast Hwy., 949.715.0953). The neighborhoods above are dotted with historical cottages. On a steep hillside is the Hortense Miller Garden (by appointment, 22511 Allview Terrace, 949.497.3311, Ext. 426). Main Beach gets action year-round. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a playground and a boardwalk popular with walkers and joggers, and one more major attraction: The beach is just across the street from scores of the distinctive shops and galleries that give the city its distinctive aura. Get deeper into the action in the downtown heart of Laguna, also known to locals as the Village. Here the must-sees include the sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery (326 Glenneyre St., 888.972.5543) and Left Turn Jewelry (305 Forest Ave., 866.954.5338). South along Coast Highway are dining options including Katsuya by Starck, K’ya Bistro Bar at the Casa del Camino and posh Studio at the Montage.
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Moulton Meadows Park, four minutes skyward from Coast Highway up Nyes Place, offers a 360-degree panorama of the deep blue Pacific and South County’s rugged hills.
san juan capistrano AND DANA POINT, rebecca Morquecho; LAGUNA beach, edwin santiago
Dana Point
Richard Henry Dana, the seaman who wrote 1840’s Two Years Before the Mast, described the area now named for him as “the only romantic spot” on the California coast, noting its “grandeur” and “solemnity.” The grandeur is still there, but you won’t find much solemnity along Harbor Drive, now bustling with boaters, diners, shoppers and those headed to see the tall clipper ships in port. In addition to its sand and shore, Doheny State Beach offers five acres of lawn. Families picnic, couples rent bicycles. An interpretive center focuses on the underwater Doheny State Marine Life Refuge. The beach hosts events including Lobsterfest in June, a surf competition in July and outrigger racing in August. Busiest day of the year? Fourth of July, with fireworks launched from a barge. Make your way along Harbor Drive to the tide pools at the end of the harbor’s rocky ledge. Public benches are a stone’s throw from seals basking in the sun on sea-logged boulders; take in both the quiet beauty of the harbor and the roar of the surf against the rocks. Dana Point Harbor offers 2,500 slips for vessels of all sizes, three yacht clubs, a fishing pier and Dana Wharf Sportfishing, which also offers whale-watching trips. The Ocean Institute displays the Pilgrim, a full-sized replica of the square-rigged brig on which Dana sailed, docked adjacent to the fishing pier. Wharf highlights include the White Pelican for Native American jewelry (34475 Golden Lantern St., 949.240.1991) and the Harbor Grill seafooder, known for its oysters.
North of town are luxury hotels featuring superior dining: Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis, and Raya at the Ritz-Carlton.
San Juan Capistrano There’s no beach in this burg, but there’s plenty of history, style and charm. And there is simply no passing up a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The mission is often credited with being the birthplace of Orange County. It was founded by Father Junipero Serra in 1776, the same year America was born. It took nine years to build its Great Stone Church, completed in 1806; it took just a minute for an earthquake to destroy it six years later, killing 40 people. The priests left the ruins for the world to see, a dramatic benchmark of the struggle to build California. The dome atop the nearby rail station was made with stones from the ruins. Priests still celebrate Mass in the Serra Chapel; the original adobe walls shelter a magnificent Baroque altarpiece decorated with 52 carved gold-leaf angels. The 10-acre site is filled with walkways, gardens, fountains and exhibits. Mission events include the renowned festival marking the return of the swalllows and Swallows’ Day Parade in March. Just across the train tracks is the Los Rios Historic District. A stroll along Los Rios Street is a most pleasant experience; 31 homes, the earliest dating to 1794, look as they did in centuries past. Near the train station is the O’Neill Museum (31831 Los Rios St., 949.493.8444), home to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. The Ramos House Café, in an 1881 board-and-batten house, offers an unforgettable breakfast. Camino Capistrano is lined with shops and restaurants. One of South County’s most popular taverns is the colorful Swallow’s Inn
(31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188). For a different kind of nightlife, consider the nearby Camino Real Playhouse (31776 El Camino Real, 949.489.8082). San Juan Capistrano Regional Library (31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752) is a postmodern masterpiece by architect Michael Graves. San Juan Capistrano is the county’s equestrian center; luxurious residences, many with their own stables, surround the city. Eight miles east is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park (33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210).
San CLEMENTE
La Casa Pacifica, President Richard Nixon’s “Western White House,” has long since been broken up into million-dollar homes by a private developer. But one grand, historic home you can see is Casa Romantica (415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139), once the residence of the city’s founder, oil entrepreneur Ole Hanson. It’s on a hillside overlooking San Clemente Pier and is now the Cultural Center and Gardens, with galleries and a popular veranda. From the pier, the sun sets across the blue water between Catalina Island and the Dana Point bluffs—just look past the constant stream of surfers. Metrolink and Amtrak trains run alongside the beach and stop right at the pier. The best shopping and dining is on Avenida del Mar, lined with antique stores and galleries, and El Camino Real, where you’ll find the wine-country cuisine of Vine. Talega Golf Club, in the hills above the city, has a popular championship layout designed with input from Masters champion Fred Couples. Sundried Tomato is among the draws at Talega Village Center. For bold items, see listing in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 71.
DATE NIGHT REDUX
great find Consider an artisan cheese and charcuterie plate, spicy lobster roll or chopped short-rib burger; start with a specialty cocktail or finish with Godiva chocolate cheesecake. Just ring a waiter with the call button at every seat at the new 21-screen Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Laguna Niguel. Buy your tickets in advance online or view trailers of current movies at the self-service touch screen before selecting the perfect seat at the luxury box office. With plush leather electric reclining seats complete with footrest and swivel table, the intimate auditoriums provide a bastion of comfort and indulgence that takes dinner and a movie to a whole new level. 32401 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.487.1900. cinepolisusa.com
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North County
(Left to right) Honda Center and Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim; Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.
Anaheim, Buena Park, Orange and Fullerton offer theme parks, sports venues and other attractions.
Long before orange groves and Walt Disney shaped the landscape of Anaheim, and before Napa Valley became a household name, German immigrants made the area California’s first wine country. Today’s Anaheim still fuels high times and joyful memories with world-class attractions that make it the gateway to endless fun.
Anaheim
Making millions of dreams come true every year, Disneyland is beloved by children of every age. Since Walt Disney opened the main gate in July 1955, families have made the pilgrimage, starting on Main Street, U.S.A., and exploring the theme park’s eight famous lands, from Frontierland to Toontown. Captured in countless vacation photographs, iconic landmarks such as the snowcapped Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and the Haunted Mansion beckon even as new attractions debut. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade has whimsical floats and rousing live music sure to have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Travel to the deep, dark corners of the universe in 3-D on the freshly revised Star Tours: The Adventures Continue in Tomorrowland. Sister park Disney California Adventure launches Cars Land, adding 12 acres and three attractions—notably Radiator Springs Racers—inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars. Guests enter along Buena Vista Street, evoking the era when Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles; Carthay Circle Theatre houses an elegant restaurant. World of Color still wows nightly with choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. The thrills never end at California Screamin’, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and, for the less daring, Soarin’ Over California, an amazing simulation of gliding above the gorgeous Golden State. Adjacent Downtown Disney is a welcome freebie—no admission, though restraint may be necessary to avoid splurging in the lively promenade’s shops, cafes and entertaining venues such as House of Blues, ESPN Zone and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. Eateries range from fast to fancy, but none outclasses Napa Rose in the dazzling Grand Californian Hotel. When it’s time to shop, eat and play some more, amble over to Anaheim GardenWalk, a still-growing collection of shopping and dining options in an outdoor setting. For indoor entertainment, consider bowling at 300 Anaheim, viewing a first-run movie at UltraStar Cinemas—some with motion seats—or shaking your tail feathers at sultry Heat Ultra Lounge. Nearby, The Ranch, a sophisticated restaurant and super-fun saloon modeled on the late Crazy Horse, makes the North County’s most smashing dining debut since Napa Rose.
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HONDA CENTER AND CRysTAl CATHEDRAl, EDWIN sANTIAGO; CAlIfORNIA ADvENTuRE, BJARNE G. JENsEN
Boldface names and sports-section action are the lure at Honda Center, a top venue for touring acts, home ice for the Anaheim Ducks hockey team. Its stage draws pop performers such as Rihanna, and its ice regularly hosts skating extravaganzas. Across the street at Angel Stadium, “the Big A,” major-league baseball rules when the los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play, but arena rock acts such as u2 invade when the team’s on tour. The new Anaheim Bolts indoor soccer team plays at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. Just north of the Disneyland Resort is Anaheim’s downtown. The new Anaheim Packing District includes Center street Promenade, with its hip new shops and restaurants; a former Packard showroom housing new Umami Burger; and, coming soon, the Anaheim Packing House, featuring 20 mostly foodie vendors. Muzeo is a small museum in the Carnegie library building (1908). NHl and Olympic-size rinks at Anaheim Ice, training facility for the Anaheim Ducks, are open for skating daily.
BUENA PARK
Roller coaster groupies, Old West enthusiasts and boysenberry jam fans flock to Knott’s Berry Farm, a theme park with roots back to 1934, when farmers Walter and Cordelia Knott opened a roadside stand selling berries and a diner dishing fried chicken. Diners still feast on drumsticks and berry pie at Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant; shoppers wander through the California Marketplace and take in history at the brick-bybrick replica (1966) of Independence Hall. Inside the park, a daunting collection of roller coasters separates the bold from the bashful. Xcelerator rockets to 82 mph in
2.3 seconds. silver Bullet turns riders upside down six times. GhostRider is one of the world’s longest and tallest wooden coasters. less hair-raising are the High sierra ferris Wheel and kiddie rides at Camp snoopy. Explore bygone eras without leaving Beach Boulevard. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament revisits an 11th-century castle. The audience cheers jousting knights while serfs and wenches serve a four-course feast; the pageantry stars lipizzaner stallions. It’s near impossible to leave Pirate’s Dinner Adventure without a swagger and a swashbuckling tale. A belly-filling banquet fortifies guests for skirmishes aboard a replicated 18th-century spanish galleon in an indoor lagoon.
ORANGE
Old Towne Orange is often used for movies and commercials, thanks to its Norman Rockwell aura and diligently preserved pre-1940 homes and buildings. Anchored by a picturesque traffic circle—oval, technically—at Chapman Avenue and Glassell street, the walkable district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Once overflowing with antique shops, the zone now makes room for cafes, lounges and restaurants, too. The Orange Chamber of Commerce (439 E. Chapman Ave.) offers a map of historic sights. Chapman university, one of the state’s oldest private universities, marks its 150th year. To the east are the bucolic hills of Irvine Park; its petite Orange County Zoo is ideal for wee ones, who also enjoy the narrow-gauge train. Big kids go for The Outlets at Orange, a collection of retailers at once high-end and discount. Draws include last Call by Neiman Marcus and saks fifth Avenue Off 5th. families fall like pins for hip bowling alley Lucky Strike Lanes and flock to new Thrill It Fun
Center. Teens can’t resist Vans Skatepark. Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove is a must-tour for architecture buffs. Philip Johnson’s striking structure is enclosed by 10,000 silver-tinted windows. Two more renowned architects are represented: Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking.
FULLERTON
Most visitors to fullerton, home of sprawling Cal state fullerton, flock to the historic core along Harbor Boulevard, with its endless supply of boutiques and watering holes. soCo (for south of Commonwealth) is jammed with pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants a short stroll from the historic train station. significant sights nearby include Fullerton Museum Center, offering dynamic exhibits including a gallery devoted to leo fender, native son and pioneer of the electric guitar. The museum offers maps pinpointing fine examples of architecture styles within walking distance. A short drive away, the stately Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts varied design and art events and exhibits. Back at Csuf, the Fullerton Arboretum is a garden of delights, with streams, trails, flowering plants and a restored victorian cottage. A few miles east in yorba linda is the modest birthplace of Richard Nixon. The tiny home and an impressive rose garden are on the handsome grounds of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, a rich repository chronicling the president’s public and private life. Neighboring Brea, once an oil town, now takes pride in its Birch street Promenade, which offers contemporary retailers, casual restaurants, cinema and stand-up comedy. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 70.
AND NO WHALES!
GREAT FiNd Orange County’s art gallery scene stretches far beyond downtown Laguna Beach. In fact, some of the most subversive work is showcased at the very opposite end of the county, at Hibbleton Gallery in Fullerton’s Magoski Arts Colony. “We like street, lowbrow, outsider, graffiti, pop, surrealist, punk, and finger painting,” says the Hibbleton website. “We don’t like seascapes, quaint cottages or whales.” Christie Yuri Noh’s “Domain of Universal Modules,” for instance, may resemble a churning sea but is far from the idealistic seascapes often encountered along the south coast. Behind the edgy space are “five dudes who run an art gallery purely for love.” 223 W. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, 714.906.0490. hibbleton.com
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holey moley!
How to play tHe signature “wow” Holes at tHree superb golf courses. BY PATRICK MOTT AND JOHN WEYLER
AnAheim hills Golf CoURse Anaheim hills, Par 71, 6,266 yards. Designer: Richard Bigler The Course The old-growth sycamores and tree-lined fairways have attracted players to this challenging central Orange County course for more than 40 years. And there’s a reason the locals call this layout simply “The Hills.” Bill Martin, the venue’s second president, once said you had to be “three-quarters mountain goat to play here.” Design changes in the late ’90s removed some forced carries, blind tee shots and extreme changes in elevation, but many holes still favor guile over brute force. Flat lies are still the exception rather than the rule so—unless you’re part mountain goat—you’ll want to rent a cart. The Signature Hole The par-5 12th, a 501-yard, uphill dogleg right, gives the course its reputation as a hike. It’s a long uphill walk from tee to green. There is water off the fairway 240 yards from the tee, and a hardscrabble hill discourages cutting the dogleg. The small, two-tiered green on the top of the hill is a nice finishing touch. Don’t even think about getting there in two. The steep hill makes it difficult even for lower handicap players—but maybe not the lowest. “There aren’t too many people who can hit that green in two,” says former assistant pro Ward Lyon, “although I did see [former PGA and Champions tour pro] Al Geiberger hit driver, seven-iron into it once.”
stRAwBeRRy fARms Golf ClUB irvine, Par 71, 6,700 yards. Designer: Jim lipe The Course If faith is the belief in things not seen, you might want to rely a bit more on pure reason when playing Strawberry Farms, says head professional Tom McCray, PGA. The fairways, McCray says, are “generous,” but depending on which tee box you hit from, they can appear narrower. “Hit it where you can see it” is his advice. In other words, take a thorough look at what’s ahead before you hit. Be sure of your target, otherwise you might soon be hiking in taller timber. It pays to play in your comfort zone when you’re faced with a course
that meanders back into the hills through all sorts of native coastal vegetation. In fact, says McCray, that native vegetation—and a handful of protected environmentally sensitive areas—forms the course’s “defense.” The Signature Hole There’s a reservoir in the middle of the layout, back in the hills, and the par-4 10th hole sits on top of it. This offers players a fine view of the back nine, the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the distant mountains. Like much of the rest of the course, this is a “to thine own self be true” hole: Golfers must “take inventory of their game” in order to make a decision as to how to play it, McCray says. There’s a landing area for tee shots, but much of it can’t be seen from the tee; the green is bunkered along the left side, and the fairway tilts from right to left toward the reservoir. The hole calls for a precise driver for the confident—or a hybrid or long iron to the landing area.
tUstin RAnCh Golf ClUB tustin, Par 72, 6,803 yards. Designer: ted Robinson sr. The Course This is a classic resort-style layout, with homes overlooking many of the holes, and it’s intended to challenge all skill levels. Try not to let your approach shots or your putter betray you here, because half the greens on the course are multilevel. In other words, you need to be able to place your approach shots on the correct level, depending on the pin placement, in order to start thinking about oneputting. Prevailing winds—usually out of the southwest—need to be gauged for their strength to ensure proper club selection; the palm trees offer a good clue. The Signature Hole The par-3 11th, at 170 yards from the tips, can be intimidating, particularly because of the 155-yard carry over water. Throw in a multilevel green and a quartering wind and you’ve got yourself a chin-scratcher. It’s beautiful to look at. But keep your ego in the bag and take one extra club if the wind’s fresh.
(Left to right) Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Hole 10; Anaheim Hills Golf Course, Hole 12; Tustin Ranch Golf Club, Hole 11
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EVENTS
Model Good Looks Hundreds of 2013-model cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles, electric cars and eye-popping exotics such as the Ferrari California (left) roll into the Anaheim Convention Center Oct. 4-7 for the Orange County International Auto Show. Check out the latest automotive technology, sit behind the wheel, inspect engines and even take a spin in more than 40 models; test-drive Jeeps on the Camp Jeep indoor off-road track. p. 54
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Dining SPOTLIGHT
American
Guidelines
A RESTAURANT The menu at this stylish spot offers as much nostalgia as do the red-leather booths, but dishes such as the beef Stroganoff, pot roast and scallops still get of-the-moment treatment. Café/market adjacent. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 3334 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.6505 $$$ Map N13
Index
ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Conscientiously created dishes—slowly braised octopus salad with chorizo chip; sweet-and-sour lemon-curd tart with Italian meringue, pear crisp and Chocolate Millionaire ice cream—and superb cocktails. Striking decor includes two-story water wall. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887 $$ Map D4 BACK BAY BISTRO Snazzy spot at the Dunes overlooking Back Bay has a retractable roof. New chef introduces Cancun-style shrimp cocktail, Southwest lettuce wraps, New York Steak pomodoro. B (Sa-Su), L (daily), D (ThSu), Br (Sa). Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144 $$ Map M14
mac[aron] Attack! The double-sided, ganachefilled almond meringue cookies known as macarons are the rage. Beverly Hillsbased ’Lette Macarons opens at Fashion Island in Newport Beach (949.706.8299). 2005 Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie winner Christophe Michalak offers a dozenplus flavors such as salted caramel and Earl Grey tea. Eddy Rocq—former chef at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills— launches Rocq Café in Lake Forest; his versions include lemon basil and rose (22722 Lambert St., 714.488.6258). And Joel Reno, ex-patissier at L.A.’s Patina, opens Baguetier Bakery in Huntington Beach (120 Fifth St., 714.969.1700), where standout macarons have included pistachio and passion strawberry rhubarb.
BAYSIDE Stylish spot offers a limited view of the harbor canals and first-rate New American fare. The handsome space and sprawling bar and patio draw a local crowd for exec lunches, romantic dinners and lazy brunches. Live jazz; art displays. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222 $$$ Map M14 THE BEACHCOmBER On Crystal Cove State Park beach; inside, it’s like a weatherworn yacht. Roasted French feta; ribeye with wild-mushroom-and-truffle-mac; and the Gimme S’mores! dessert. Outdoor Bootlegger Bar. Shuttle from Los Trancos lot. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949.376.6900 $$ Map E4
Restaurants are listed by city on page 53. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 69-71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
American .............................. 34 Belgian.....................................35 Brewpubs/Gastropubs ....36 California................................36 Continental............................38 Eclectic....................................38 French......................................39 Indian......................................40 International ........................40 Italian ......................................40
Japanese .................................41 Mediterranean.................... 42 Mexican/Latin .................... 42 Seafood.................................. 43 Steak .......................................44 Thai..........................................44 Themed .................................44 Vegetarian ............................44 Quick Bites ...........................44
L, D (daily). Pacific Edge Hotel 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700 $$ Map I15 DIvBAR SmOKEHOUSE BARBECUE New. Acclaimed chef Bill Bracken (Island Hotel, Peninsula Beverly Hills) and 3-Thirty-3 Waterfront owner Jeff Reuter offer slow-made barbecue, broasted chicken and stone-fired pizza on the harbor. L, D (Daily). 2601 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.7427 $$ Map N13 GREAT mAPLE Rustic spot in Fashion Island’s new Nordstrom wing offers creative small plates, wood-fired flatbreads, 10-spiced grass-fed beef burger, fried pasta, blue cheese-pink peppercorn flat-iron steak, peanut butter banana split. L, D (daily). 1133 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.8282 $$ Map L15
BROADWAY BY AmAR SANTANA New. Former longtime chef at Charlie Palmer opens his own spot serving creative “cuisine of the Americas” such as pan-roasted sea scallops with sea urchin risotto, passion fruit, jalapeño, sea beans and chive flowers, and pan-roasted lamb belly with cumin caramel and carrot “textures.” 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234 $$$ Map H15
THE IRON PRESS New. Savory and sweet waffle sandwiches—grilled panko-crusted tilapia with Lucky Habanero Mango Firecracker Salsa, Belgian waffle with Nutella and seasonal fruit—and California beers. L (Daily), D (Tu-Sa). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.426.8088 $ Map J12
CHAPTER ONE: THE mODERN LOCAL Hip librarythemed spot offers creative fare (skirt steak with apple chimichurri sauce, yucca fries; soft chocolate ganache with chocolate “soil,” soy caramel, fried wontons) and “culinary cocktails.” Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225 $$ Map H13
JULIETTE KITCHEN + BAR New. Former owners of the Filling Station in Orange take over the space left by Tradition by Pascal, serving excellent New American fare and adding adjacent wine merchant. Chef Daniel Hyatt hails from L.A.’s Delius. L (M-Sa), D (T-Sa). 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.752.5854 $$$ Map J13
CHARLIE PALmER Awash in sunshine by day, smartly lit by night, star chef Charlie Palmer’s space is superstylish, roomy and relaxed. Out of the kitchen come exceptional modern American dishes that favor top-flight purveyors. Palmer’s wine shop and new DG Burger are adjacent. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525 $$$ Map D3
LEATHERBY’S CAFé ROUGE Chic and sleek affair makes graceful use of its site within the glittering Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Acres of windows and curving lines set the scene for cutting-edge cuisine. Ideal for pre- or post-performance. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640 $$$ Map J13
CLAIm JUmPER Craftsman-style spots offer rotisserie chicken, fresh fish, baby-back ribs, pot pie, salads, Six-Layer Chocolate Motherlode Cake and craft beers. L, D (daily). Seven locations include South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.8479; 7971 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.523.3227; 2250 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, 714.836.6658 $$ Maps J13, H8, G13 CROSSROADS AT HOUSE OF BLUES Southern hospitality and rafter-raising music: shrimp and grits, jambalaya, buttermilk-fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, chilibraised short ribs. Sunday Gospel Brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.BLUE $$ Map I10 THE DECK Open-air spot serves breezy cocktails and beach fare such as burgers and baked clams, as well as a flat-iron steak and paella for two, steps from the sand.
mEmPHIS Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwest dishes in a hip retro setting. Start with gumbo or the pulledpork sliders. L (M-F), D (W-Sa), Br (Su). 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.7685; 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.564.1064 $$ Map J13, G13 PALm TERRACE “New edamame,” prime rib short ribs sous vide in California red wine and dazzling desserts served amid tropical urban oasis décor. B, L, D (daily). The Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920 $$$$ Map L15 PARK AvE Owner-chef David Slay’s creative renditions of classic American cuisine feature house-made and home-grown specialties, earn regional accolades such as Restaurant of the Year. Most produce meticulously grown on the premises; visit the garden! Architecture is Googie, decor midcentury retro. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8
Our top new destinations for cupcakes: Sweet and Saucy Shop (949.715.0920) at Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast and Casey’s Cupcakes in Irvine (949.333.2228).
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& Wow
Dining PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL New. Restaurateur Paul Fleming (P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse) opens spot done in dark woods, brick and balsa-wood chandeliers. Mesquite-grilled items include Castroville artichoke, chimichurri chicken, dry-aged heirloom Duroc pork porterhouse. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.453.1144 $$ Map D5
“Come and try the new, true Italian cuisine.” -Antonio Gagnolo
Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Creole cuisine and New Orleans jazz (beaded piano!) at festive spot inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter. Pasta jambalaya, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Creole calamari, bananas Foster. Beignets at Jazz Kitchen Express; romantic dining upstairs; casual meals downstairs. Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200 $$ Map I10 THE RANCH New. Sophisticated restaurant and superfun, glittering saloon. Amid cedar beams and flagstone, chef Michael Rossi presents Kobe beef carpaccio with pecorino Romano, wild arugula and truffle; silver barramundi with white shrimp, Castroville artichokes and fireroasted-heirloom-tomato-and-fennel broth; and bone-in cowboy ribeye. Separate entrance for saloon. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200 $$$ Map I11 Ramos House Café The county’s best breakfast, and one of its best restaurants of any kind, is served in an 1881 house steps from the train tracks in the historic Los Rios district. Don’t miss the Soju Bloody Mary—a meal in itself—or whatever pain perdu chefowner John Q. Humphreys happens to be offering. B, L (Tu-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342 $$ Map I17 Sandy’s beach grill Steps from the sand at the base of Huntington Beach Pier; same owners as adjacent Duke’s. Sunnyside’s Famous Fried Zucchini; Beer Can Half-Chicken; Prime steak and fries; plus burgers and wood-fired pizzas. L, D (daily). 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 $$ Map N9 SEASONS 52 No deep-frying. No dish more than 475 calories. Lots of flavor. Plus fabulous piano bar, stylish decor, eclectic seasonal menu including Columbia River steelhead trout; spicy snow peas and shiitake mushrooms; lamb T-bone chops; and Mini Indulgences desserts. Superior wine list. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252 $$ Map J13 Stonehill Tavern Urbane ode to New American dining. Celebrated chef Michael Mina offers sensational contemporary fare in shimmering room at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, turns the cozy tavern concept on its ear by bringing the ocean indoors via windows, mirrors and veranda seating. D (Tu-Su). 1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive, Dana Point, 949.234.3318 $$$ Map J17 THREE SEVENTY COMMON New. Chef Ryan Adams sets the tone with maple bacon popcorn instead of bread and is off and running with winning fare such as wild mushroom bruschetta with Parmesan and bitter greens. Guest-chef dinners third Monday most months. 370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map H15
Six Private Rooms for the Ultimate Party
Unique and Extensive Wine List
3800 South Plaza Drive | Santa Ana, CA 92704 714.751.7153 | www.Antonello.com Regulars “love every bite” at this South Coast Plaza “time-tested treasure.”
Zagat rated
ZIMZALA Surfer-chic restaurant and bar at stylish Shorebreak Hotel offers stylish “American/beach comfort” cuisine to match—and superb Cal-Med dishes. Among signature dishes are the grilled sirloin burger and castiron-cooked mussels. Br, D (daily). 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.5050 $$ Map N9
Belgian
Call us to sign up for the monthly cooking classes with Antonio and Fiorella Cagnolo.
BRUSSELS BISTRO Belgian menu, drinks, decor. Chicon gratin (Belgian endives with white sauce and cheeses), roasted salmon with pesto oil and Belgian stoemp; crepes flambés. All-you-can-eat moules frites M-W. DJs and dancing F-Sa after 10:30 pm. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.7955 $$ Map 15
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Dining BRUXIE Fast-casual spot in Orange, new in Brea, serves Belgian waffle sandwiches both sweet and savory, canesugar sodas and Wisconsin frozen custard. Top 10 U.S. Yelp Restaurants 2011 (No. 2!); all items under $10. B, L, D (daily). 292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3900; 215 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1188 $ Map C4 and A3
brunch. lunch. dinner.
Brewpubs and Gastropubs THE CROW BAR AND KITCHEN Chef is James Beard Award-nominated John Cuevas, ex-Montage Beverly Hills. Superb brew selection. D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fast-casual sibling Crow Burger Kitchen on Newport peninsula. L, D (daily). 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0070; Crow Burger, 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.2747 $$ Maps M16 and N13 HAVEN GASTROPUB Thought-provoking list of palateprovoking handcrafted beers are offered on tap—and in many of the menu items, including the desserts. Adventurous fare such as crispy rabbit liver and onions, oxtail poutine and bacon ice cream; one of the county’s best burgers and house-made chips. L, D (daily). 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680 $$ Map C4 JT SCHMID’S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY Popular spots are known for handcrafted beers brewed on-site and classic brew-pub cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, “cowboy steak,” pastas and burgers share eclectic menu with jambalaya, fish tacos and sashimi. L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200; 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 $$ Map I11, C4 MULDOON’S Lively Dublin pub and Celtic bar serving gastropub food years before the word was invented. Our fave: the off-the-menu Black Bush Stew, served with a shot of Irish whiskey and baby lamb chop. Irish-themed events. L, D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 $$ Map L15 SIDE DOOR Superb spot shares historic building (replica of England’s oldest inn) with dining landmark Five Crowns; regional accolades in 2011 include Restaurant of the Year. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.4322 $$ Map M16
sustainable seafood & prime aged steaks. endless champagne brunch saturday & sunday. late night lounge thursday - saturday. happy hour monday - friday. private events. 714.979.2400
www.ScottsRestaurantandBar.com
3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa Ca 92626
Experience a FRESH APPROACH
SLATER’S 50/50 Design-your-own-burger. Or consider the Flamin’ Hot or Peanut Butter & Jellousy options. Signature patty is half beef, half bacon. Superior brew list. L, D (daily). 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730; 6362 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 $$ Maps L9, B5
California Cuisine BAMBÚ Creative fare creatively presented in a fourstory atrium amid lush palms, orchids and bamboo trees; seasonal regional foods Asian, French and Italian influences. Four-course prix-fixe lunch. Bee’s Kiss cocktail uses honey from the hotel’s own bees. B, L, D (daily). Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 $$$ Map K14 THE CALIFORNIAN Contemporary, elegant finedining room with creative cuisine, ocean views. Roastedchicken tortilla soup; pan-seared salmon with gremolata crust; goat cheesecake. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234 $$ Map N9 GREENLEAF GOURMET CHOPSHOP New. Healthful, flavorful menu includes lemongrass chicken salad; turkey melt on pretzel bread. Wine bar; soju-based cocktails. Artisan goods in adjoining market. B, L, D (daily). 234 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.200.3950 $ Map L12 K’YA BISTRO BAR Handsome bistro at Hotel La Casa del Camino offers expansive selection of small plates and wines by the glass. Chicken empanadas, petite lamb or ahi burgers, lobster macaroni ’n’ cheese, Hawaiian poke, grilled filet mignon and truffle risotto.
JOIN US FOR OUR
FAMOUS HAPPY HOUR!
IRVINE 2000 MAIN ST. (949) 756-0505
LOS ANGELES 4TH & HOPE (213) 629-1929
EL SEGUNDO 2101 ROSECRANS AVE. (310) 416-1123
PASADENA 111 N. LOS ROBLES (626) 405-0064
ANAHEIM 321 WEST KATELLA AVE. (714) 535-9000
BEVERLY HILLS 206 NORTH RODEO DR. (310) 859-0434
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
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Dining B, L, D (daily). Hotel La Casa del Camino, 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 $$ Map I15 NAPA ROSE Wine country at the Disney Resort. Stunning celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature; ace chef Andrew Sutton conjures sophisticated seasonal American dishes. The stylish setting has a relaxed air, thanks to a polished staff (including dozens of sommeliers) eager to tailor memorable meals. D (nightly). Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.635.2300 $$$ Map I10
Featuring fresh soup, sandwiches, salads, pasta and French specialties served in a casual dining atmosphere.
Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-557-1734 www.viedefrance.com
NIRVANA GRILLE Cozy, contemporary room serves winning fare: chicken wontons with chipotle cream sauce; and pistachio Dijon-crusted Chilean sea bass; goat cheese maple syrup ice cream. Enjoy the view from rooftop deck. D (nightly). 303 Broadway, Laguna Beach, 949.497.0027; 24031 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.380.0027 $$ Map H15, E67 SHADES Casual elegance, winning Cal-Continental menu and ocean views make this a popular steak and seafood destination. Boutique ranch meats inspire the deft cooking. Sunday’s lavish buffet brunch (unlimited crab legs!) on poolside patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Waterfront Hilton, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8444 $$ Map N9 6IX PARK GRILL Applewood-fired grill fare in airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows and garden terrace. Roasted-chicken tortilla soup; grilled diver scallops with coconut bacon rice, broccoli rabe and butternut squash beurre blanc. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6666 $$ Map J14 SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR Indoors by the fireplace or on the patio steps from the sand, the water’s-edge Pacific view provides a dramatic backdrop for meals meant to be gorgeous memories. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Surf & Sand Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.4477, Ext. 550 $$$ Map H15 STUDIO Airy bluff-top Arts and Crafts-style bungalow with stunning azure and endless Pacific view oozes an offhand luxury befitting its premium resort setting. Chef Craig Strong reaches far beyond the predictably posh with an ambitious menu of creative Cal-French cuisine. D (Tu-Su). Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 $$$$ Map I16 SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE Eclectic Cal-Med dishes, bold flavors. Creamy sun-dried-tomato soup with Gorgonzola; crispy blackened chicken spring rolls; chopped salad. Excellent pastas. 361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3312 (L, D daily); 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.1167 (L, D daily; Br Sa-Su); 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.388.5757 (L, D daily; Br Su). $$ Map H15, I17, K17 TABU GRILL Local in-spot and Zagat high scorer promotes Kenny Raponi to executive chef. La Bella farms foie gras, king crab claw salad, Snake River Farms Wagyu steak. D (nightly). 2892 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.7743 $$$ Map I16 TANGERINE GRILL Find culinary California adventure opposite Disney’s California Adventure. Consider tangerine chicken, tangerine scallops or Malibu culotte steak. B, L, D (daily). Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.772.1186 $$ Map I10 VINE Laid-back beach burg takes wine-country detour at top spot for poised California cuisine and enlightened wine selections. Surfer-chef-owner Justin Monson’s seasonal cookery suits the hand-hewn space. Adjacent St. Roy Chef’s Pub. D (Tu-Sa). 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2079 $$$ Map south of F6 VUE “Forward-thinking California coastal cuisine” on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Outside, the ocean breeze and fire pit add to the romantic ambience. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000 $$$ Map J16
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Dining THE WINERY Renowned chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers superior contemporary California regional cuisine at handsome, bustling spot at the District at Tustin Legacy. The freshest seafood, wild game and USDA Prime steaks complemented with wines from the 7,000-bottle cellar. Excellent bar menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600 $$$ Map J14
Continental Five Crowns Venerated Lawry’s spot in English inn replica gets new decor, new chef, new dishes. Prime rib and other favorites stay. Superb SideDoor Gastropub is adjacent. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331 $$$ Map M16 The Hobbit Dinners are a transporting experience at this homey hacienda revered for special occasions. Multicourse prix-fixe affair includes cocktails upstairs, elaborate appetizers in the wine cellar, new Continental classics in newly redone elegant dining rooms. Menu changes weekly. Reservations essential. D (W-Su). 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.1972 $$$$ Map J11 Mr. Stox North County favorite in Mission-style building with elegant interiors offers Continental/New American cuisine and impeccable service. Maryland crab cakes, osso buco, USDA Prime New York steak. Breads and pastries baked on the premises; Wine Spectator honoree since 1983. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1105 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.2994 $$$ Map I10 NIEUPORT 17 Venerated spot named for World War I fighter plane attracts fine diners, famed aviators. Amazing collection of aviation memorabilia on the walls; German hunt lodge decor. Beef Wellington, aged hand-cut steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood. Live entertainment, vintage cocktails and gastropub appetizers in the convivial Barnstormer Lounge. L (M-F), D (nightly). Lafayette Plaza, 13051 Newport Ave., Tustin, 714.731.5130 $$ Map C4
delicious, family-style food and all the fun of an italian gathering. Buca To Go • Banquet Packages Available • Party Pans To Go
AnAheim | 11757 Harbor Blvd. • 714.740.2822 BreA | 1609 E. Imperial Hwy. • 714.529.6262 huntington BeAch | 7979 Center Ave. • 714.891.4666 irvine | 13390 Jamboree Rd. • 714.665.0800
BucAdiBeppo.com • Open Daily at 11am
Orange Hill Hilltop hideaway with endless city-light views; traditional and updated fare includes seafood, prime rib, lobster. Orange Bar has retro orange theme and orange piano. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910 $$ Map C5 21 Oceanfront Romantic restaurant offers sunset views, cozy bars, classic decor, award-winning wine list, servers in black tie and menu featuring abalone, oysters Rockefeller, jumbo prawns and superb crab legs. Topnotch steaks and osso buco, too. Live entertainment in the lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront (Newport Pier), Newport Beach, 949.673.2100 $$$ Map N13
Eclectic Bistango Beautifully prepared and presented contemporary cuisine, extensive wine list, changing contemporary art exhibits and jazz nightly. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222 $$$ Map K14 The Cellar Subterranean setting in cellar of 1920s-era California Hotel oozes with character. Former French destination revamps menu. Top-notch service, smashing wine list. D (Tu-Su). 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$$ Map A25 KIMERA Bayside and Bistango owners offer inventive, artfully presented, globally influenced cuisine; decor with contemporary vibe includes a bamboo-canopied ceiling. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.261.1222 $$$ Map K14 K’YA STREET FARE Spot celebrates what 2.5 billion people eat daily all over the world—local dishes from street vendors: hibachi salmon from Tokyo, cubano sandwiches from Miami—and not a dish over $10. B, L, D (daily). Hotel Ménage, 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 888.462.7275 $ Map I10
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Bluewater Grill C A S U A L , M O D E R AT E LY P R I C E D
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O P E N 7 DAY S , 1 1 A M - 1 0 P M
WHERE MAGAZINE
Dining
4.625x4.875 24/06/09
mIx Executive chef Kyung Soo Carroll offers imaginative, often organic “classical French and nuevo American dawn.cheng@wherela.com fusion” cuisine in the atrium lobby of the Anaheim Hilton. B, L, D (daily). 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412 $$ Map I10 SAPPHIRE LAGUNA Chef Azmin Ghahreman offersglobally inspired dishes at his stylish restaurant and lounge, now marking five years. Begin with Vietnamese duck spring rolls, move on to paella or prime ribeye with truffled fries. Gourmet pantry for picnic and takeout. Popular patio has partial ocean view. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888 $$$ Map I15
come in
get hooked
Voted Best Seafood in Orange County!
Full bar and patio featuring classic and contemporary seafood specialties! N E W P O RT B E A C H 630 Lido Park Drive (949) 675 3474
THE DISTRICT IN TUSTIN 2409 Park Avenue (714) 258 3474
Bluewater TV on air now at bluewatergrill.com
R E D O N D O B E AC H 665 North Harbor Drive (310) 318 3474
SAvOY Smart dining room in smartly redone hotel near shopping and performing arts district offers cross-cultural small plates, main plates and wine salon; pre-theater menu. B, L, D (daily). Hotel Hanford, 3131 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 877.426.3673 $$ Map J13 STARFISH Culinary concept by Nancy Wilhelm, owner of Zagat-topping Tabu Grill, offers “AmerAsian” cuisine— American takes on cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea and India with a nice lacing of heat—amid Asian art deco decor. L (W-Sa), D (daily). 30832 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9200 $$$ Map I16 TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Healthful-living author Andrew Weil presents globally inspired, locally sourced dishes in cheery room and on inviting patio with linear fire pit. More healthful cocktails; biodynamic, organic wines. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400 $$$ Map L15
French BRASSERIE PASCAL Venerated Pascal Olhats offers croque monsieur, steak tartare with fries, seafood vol-auvent, côte de bœuf with béarnaise-truffle sauce. Prix-fixe “best of Pascal” dinner menus in new Tradition Room T-Th. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2700 $$ Map L15 CAFE JARDIN Lunch prix-fixe by French chef Pascal Olhats at the lovely, intimate Sherman Library & Gardens. L (M-F). 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.0033 $$ Map M16 FRENCH 75 French-American bistro and champagne bar helmed by Pascal Olhats (Brasserie Pascal) offers romantic ambience and outdoor dining beneath antique chandeliers. D (nightly). 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444 $$$ Map I16 GEmmELL’S Fine chef Byron Gemmell serves up fairly traditional French fare and adds California touches. Casserole of escargots; hearts of palm and crab; roasted duck. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063 $$$ Map K16 mARCHé mODERNE Chef Florent Marneau and pastry chef wife Amelia raise the bistro to delicious heights with their unstuffy but oh-so-French effort. He revels in what’s seasonal. Dessert? Exquisite cheeses or Amelia’s transcendent desserts. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900 $$$ Map D3 PINOT PROvENCE Sophisticated French-Med dishes from Patina Group. Favored for executive lunches, pretheater dinners, elegant brunch, special occasions. Intimate dining room with massive stone fireplace; charming walled patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900 $$$ Map J13 vIE DE FRANCE Classic onion soup, breads and pastries baked fresh daily, sandwiches made to order, desserts homemade at charming bistro and bakery. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734 $ Map J13
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Dining
Twice the View, Double the Dining.
Indian ROYAL KHYBER Urmil and Arun Puri’s acclaimed spot, often cited as the county’s best Indian, marks 30 years. Warm eggplant salad; Lobster masala; signature Khyber’s Nectar, lamb shanks simmered 14 hours with aromatic spices. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza Village, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 TAMARIND Sibling to Michelin-starred spot in London opens at Crystal Cove Promenade, serving elegantly presented Moghul-derived tandoor-oven favorites and innovative seasonal fare. L, D (daily). East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive, Newport Coast $$$ Map J13
International ANqI Innovative cuisine dominated by small plates: filet mignon potstickers, steamed buns with braised pork belly, the family’s secret-recipe garlic noodles—plus cuttingedge molecular gastronomy with advance notice. Backlit bar and glass catwalk over a running stream contribute to the sexy setting. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 CAPITAL SEAFOOD New. More than 100 kinds of dim sum, offered from pushed steam carts at lunch, plus Asian tapas, clay-pot items, tofu, noodles and congees at Irvine Spectrum Center. House-special lobster, honeyglazed walnut shrimp, roasted Peking duck. L, D (daily). 85 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.788.9218 $$ Map D5 MARRAKESH Moroccan multicourse prix-fixe feasts including b’stilla (phyllo-chicken pie), sans silverware. Great value. Belly dancing (W-Su). D (nightly). 1976 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.8384 $$ Map L13
Italian
Seafood, Steaks and a Lot More Downstairs
315 Pacific Coast Hwy | Huntington Beach
714.374.7273 sandysbeachgrill.com T S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII AND CALIFORNIA
ANAHEIM WHITE HOuSE Restored 1909 manor provides a romantic setting; dramatic presentations of refined northern Italian cuisine are impeccably served in silk-draped rooms. Presentations give it the wow factor. Gazebo for garden dining. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381 $$$ Map I10 ANDREA Elegant but remarkably unstuffy setting offers spectacular views of elysian vistas and the ocean, regional cuisine of northern Italy. Paccheri with lobster, sweet peas and arugula; red beet-root risotto with Gorgonzola dolce. Pasta and gelato handmade in dedicated rooms. L, D (daily). Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 949.467.6800 $$$$ Map L17 ANTONELLO RISTORANTE Top-notch, romantic northern Italian restaurant in faux villa. Octopus carpaccio; orecchiette pasta with Pugliese sausage and Swiss chard; and cavatelli with slow-cooked lamb ragu. One of the county’s best tiramisus. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). South Coast Plaza Village, 3800 Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153 $$$ Map J13 CANALETTO Impressive Venetian-style restaurant features superb salumeria, antipasti, wood-fired pizzas and specialty meat and seafood dishes—think vermicelli Cassopipa with fish ragu, clams, mussels, scallops and grape tomatoes. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.0900 $$$ Map M16 CuCINA ENOTECA New. Spinoff of San Diego’s popular Cucina Urbana combines California-inspired Italian classics and a wine shop. Chef de cuisine is Lulu De Rouen (ex-Pinot Provence). Vasi (filled mini-mason jars), stuffed squash blossoms, veal piccata, short-rib pappardelle, foraged-mushroom and truffle-oil pizza. Wines are retail plus $10. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222 $$ Map D5
Memorable Dining Endless Views, Simpler Times Upstairs
317 Pacific Coast Hwy | Huntington Beach
714.374.6446 dukeshuntington.com
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Dining FRANCOLI GOURMET Convivial, handsome northern Italian destination takes a quantum leap in quality, both in style (e.g., ornate orange-glass chandelier) and cuisine since its move to Old Towne Orange. B, L, D (daily). 100 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.288.1077 $$ Map C4 IL BARONE RISTORANTE Chef Franco Barone and wife Donatella offer distinctive fare at stylish spot hidden near John Wayne Airport. Modern art-filled room reflects his sophisticated side, tripe his rustic Sicilian roots. Signature dish: paper-thin focaccia sheets filled with Crescenza cheese. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 4251 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, 949.955.2755 $$ Map K14 IL DOLCE PIZZERIA Superior artisanal, authentic Naples-style pizzas and pastas in modest spot on a busy intersection opposite Triangle Square. The simple pepperoni pizza may be the county’s best; the pistachio pizza, with Parmesan, red onions, rosemary and Gruyère, is a more unusual delight. L, D (daily). 1902 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.200.9107 $$ Map J14 IL FORNAIO Inspired by the traditional Italian trattoria, this upscale casual restaurant and bakery features crusty fresh bread, house-made and imported pastas, wood-fired pizzas and roasted meats in a romantic atmosphere. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.261.1444 $$$ Map J14 IL GARAGE Beguiling Italian spot from David Slay, of acclaimed ParkAve, in a garage, amid a 1924 tractor and red-checkered tablecloths; it overlooks the garden that inspires and supplies the menu. D (Tu-Sa). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8 MARE CULINARY LOUNGE New. Chef-owner Allessandro Pirozzi tops his own fine Cucina Alessa locations at glittery new spot. Infused pastas are a theme; star of the show is limoncello-infused mafaldine pasta with lobster tail, shallots and pinot grigio-local lemon sauce. B, L, D (daily). 696 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9581 $$$ Map H15 NELLO CUCINA Italian steakhouse plus thin-crust pizzas, innovative pastas at South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court; sibling to Antonello Ristorante. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365 $$ Map J13 PIZZERIA MOZZA Culinary stars Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicate their collaborations in L.A. and Singapore. Pizzas use beguiling ingredients, distinctive dough. Start with fried squash blossoms or bone marrow al forno; end with caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. $$ Map M13 PIZZERIA ORTICA Spot owned by L.A. chef David Myers (Comme Ça) offers refined authentic Neapolitan fare using intriguing ingredients beneath soaring arched ceilings and frescoes. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900 $$ Map J13
healthy habits start here. VisiT a local JaMba Juice® locaTion Today.
Harvard Place 17595 Harvard, Irvine, CA 92614 949.250.3348 Tustin Market Place 2937 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782 714.505.2582
QUATTRO CAFFÉ Antonio Cagnolo of nearby, muchlauded Antonello Ristorante rejuvenates shoppers with stylish fare. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0300 $$ Map J13
Japanese BENIHANA The original exhibition kitchen—at your table! Fun dining experience, fun date. L (M-F), D (nightly). 4250 Birch St., Newport Beach, 949.955.0822; 2100 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.774.4940 $$ Map K13, I10 BLUEFIN Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrées. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle sauce, matcha salt; prime filet mignon with mixed mushrooms. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373 $$$ Map M17
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Dining HAMAMORI Sparkling environment with undulating curves overlooks Bear Street. Ankimo-style foie gras with osetra caviar and gold flakes; rice cracker-coated jumbo asparagus with yuzu sea salt; tamari-marinated black cod. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.850.0880 $$$ Map J14 KATSUYA BY STARCK Splendid bento box-inspired surroundings by renowned designer Phillipe Starck and huge images of geisha eyes and lips provide a striking backdrop for stunning cocktails and cuisine by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. L, D (daily). 858 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.793.4030 $$$ Map H16 RA SUSHI Red-globe-light-bedecked ceiling, oversized aquarium and hip soundtrack give the Huntington Beach location a club-like feel. Standouts on the new menu include several kinds of crispy Asian tacos. D (daily). The Strand, 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.6390; District at Tustin Legacy, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700 $$ Map J14
Mediterranean LUCCA CAFE & MARKET Euro-chic bistro, deli and wine bar is a serious destination for foodies seeking items such as cocoa-dusted goat cheese; mole salami made by Mario Batali’s father; and dishes inspired by the south of France, Italy and Greece using artisanal and organic local ingredients. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, 949.725.1773 $$ Map D5 MESA Stylish spot at the Camp, along the stretch of Bristol Street known as SoBeCa, offers a hip scene, retractable glass roof, intriguing decor, inventive appetizers, superb cocktails and unisex restrooms at the Camp. D (Tu-Sa). 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 $$ Map J13
Dine and Enjoy the Best View in Orange County! Featuring Locally Caught Seafood, Prime Steaks, Organic Produce, Gluten-Free/Vegetarian Dishes, Homemade Desserts, Premium Cocktails Dinner • Happy Hour • Patio Dining Special Events • Holiday Parties
6410 East Chapman Ave. • 714.997.2910 www.TheOrangeHillRestaurant.com
MOTIF Euro-eclectic dishes—grilled quail with Thai spices; cocoa-pistachio baked rack of lamb—amid ocean views. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). St. Regis Monarch 1 Beach Resort and Spa, 1 Monarch Beach, Dana 3288SRC_ORAN_Ad.indd Point, 949.234.3320 $$$ Map J16
Welcome Home.
ZÉYTOON CAFE Mediterranean flatbreads, paninis and salads complemented by Mediterranean beer and wines. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 412 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9230 $ Map H15 ZOV’S BISTRO Zov Karamardian’s culinary passion propels her spots. Acclaimed Med cuisine in Tustin; bakery-cafés in Newport Coast and Irvine offer jewellike desserts and premium breads. L, D (M-Sa). 3915 Portola Parkway, Irvine, 714.734.9687; Enderle Center, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855; 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, 949.760.9687 $$$ Map C5, C4, L17
Mexican/Latin
7/26/12 2:11 PM
1500 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim
ASADA Cal-inflected Mexican steak house and tequila bar. Spice lovers love the guacamole diablo, fire-roasted jalapeños and Piggy Wings starters. Other highlights: carne asada (agave-marinated Prime ribeye steak), buttered crepes with caramel. L, D (daily), B (Sa-Su). 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.5533 $$ Map H15
Across the street from Disneyland® Park.
EL ADOBE California historical landmark serving traditional Mexican fare is housed in two structures, one a 1797 adobe, the other the 1812 jail. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163 $$ Map I17 GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN Old Towne daytrippers and tequila connoisseurs duck into this rustically stylish haven for spirited takes on regional Mexican fare far beyond tacos and burritos. L, D (daily). 141 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3038 $$ Map C4
®
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astro’s.
Dining JAVIER’S CANTINA Lively siblings are known for spectacular decor and mucho-gusto ways with south-ofthe-border classics. La Tablita prepare-your-own tacos for two; chili colorado of Kurobuta pork chops in guajillo chili sauce with nopalitos. L, D (daily). 7832 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.494.1239; Irvine Spectrum Center, 45 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.872.2101 $$ Map H15, D5 MATADOR CANTINA Upscale spot with red brick walls in 1899 building serves traditional dishes but also “Mexican-inspired,” such as chorizo ravioli. Also consider queso fundido and chocolate enchiladas. L, D (daily). 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.871.8226 $$$ Map A3 RAYA Sophisticated global cuisine from chef Richard Sandoval, spectacular ocean views. Ceviches, sweet-corn soup with huitlacoche puree, roasted halibut with truffled boniato and crispy jalapeños; the churros are a must! B, L, D (daily). Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000 $$$ Map J16 SOL COCINA Stylish spot overlooking Newport Harbor canals features vibrant Baja-inspired dishes by Deborah Schneider, author of the cookbook Amor y Tacos. Pibilroasted fish on a banana leaf; Kurobuta carnitas; cocktails, side dishes and flan are sensational. L, D (daily). 251 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800 $$ Map O15
mastro’s ocean club 8112 e. coast highway newport beach, ca 92657 949.376.6990
mastro’s steakhouse 633 anton blvd. costa mesa, ca 92626 714.546.7405
TACO ASYLUM Unusual tacos (ghost chili pork taco with chili threads and pork rinds), excellent brew selections, small-batch sodas. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.922.6010 $ Map J13
Seafood AMELIA’S SEAFOOD & ITALIAN RESTAURANT Charming local favorite for almost half a century offers scampi Caesar salad, linguine with fresh bay scallops and baby calamari in marinara sauce, and cioppino. The intimate patio table is coveted. D (nightly), Br (F-Su). 311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, 949.673.6580 $$ Map M15
www.mastrosrestaurants.com
BLUEWATER GRILL Fresh seafood selection at handsome spots changes daily. Grilled Australian barramundi, Costa Rican mahimahi, farm-raised Mississippi catfish. Outdoor waterfront dining in Newport; fireplace patio in Tustin. L, D (daily); Br (Su). The District at Tustin Legacy, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.FISH; 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949.675.FISH $$ Map J14, N13
WHERE OC Mag 2010.indd 1
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Where sea level feels like the top of the world.
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949-650-2412 hornblower.com
Cruising out of Marina del Rey & Newport Beach
THE CATCH Sleek spot popular with baseball and hockey fans as well as concertgoers. Drunken mahimahi; tomahawk steak; flambé s’mores Alaska. Four-pound OMG burger feeds 10. L, D (Tu-Su). 2100 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.935.0101 $$ Map I11 CHART HOUSE Destinations known for seaside vistas and distinctive architecture. Seafood dishes, many with Asian touches; aged beef; and signature salad bar. D (nightly). 34442 Green Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.493.1183; 2801 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.548.5889 $$ Map J16, M13 CRAB COOKER “Eat lotsa fish” is the motto at supercasual landmark spot; the line’s out the door in Newport Beach. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 2200 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.0100; 17260 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.573.1077 $ Map N13, C5 DUKE’S Hawaiian-inspired seafood, Prime steaks and beach-house ambience. Next to the pier; endless ocean views. L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly) 317 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.6446 $$ Map N9 FIRST CABIN Bayside spot with panoramic view of gleaming yachts and sailboats; chef Josef Lageder presents seasonal Cal-Continental fare. Superior wine list. B, L, D (daily). Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000 $$$ Map M14 HARBOR GRILL Excellent mesquite-grilled seafood, pastas, gumbos, bouillabaisse at Dana Point Harbor;
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Dining Venison filet mignon at Mare Culinary Lounge in Laguna Beach
an unprecedented repeat!) plus oyster bar and fine steaks. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Birch Street Promenade, 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.257.0101 $ Map A3 WILDFISH SEAFOOD GRILLE Pedigreed fish and aged center-cut steaks amid seductively lit contemporary decor. The must-haves: Georges Bank Lemon Sol with Parmesan crust and lemon garlic butter; pineapple upside-down cake. D (nightly). 1370 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.9925 $$ Map E4
Steak AGORA CHURRASCARIA Choice cuts at Brazilian steak house are cooked over fire pit, seasoned with rock salt. Gaucho-garbed waiters offer succession of 16 sumptuous cuts, from picanha (a sirloin specialty) to coração (delicate chicken hearts). Elaborate hot and cold bar with vegetable and seafood specialites. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910 $$$ Map J13
consider the rosebud martini and the sustainably farmed oysters. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34499 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.240.1416 $$$ Map K16 HOUSE OF BIG FISH & ICE COLD BEER As the name suggests, it’s fresh fish paired with one of the best beer selections in town. Wraparound windows offer ocean views. L, D (daily). 540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.4500 $$ Map H15 mARKET BROILER Mix ’n’ match fresh fish ‘n’ sauce. Mesquite-grilled seafood and steaks, sushi, on-site fresh fish market. L, D (daily). The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd., Orange, 714.769.FISH; 20111 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach, 714.771.6655 $$ Map J11, L10 mASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB FISH HOUSE Bluff-top, ocean-view spot, sibling of swanky Mastro’s Steakhouse. Dry-ice enshrouded Seafood Tower; fresh seafood flown in daily, served in majestic proportions; signature warm butter cake. Glass-topped grand piano in the O Bar. D (nightly). Crystal Cove Promenade, 8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.376.6990 $$$$ Map N14 mCCORmICK & SCHmICK’S Citified fish house offers simply prepared fresh seafood. Old-school cocktails, legendary happy hour; microbrews on tap at Irvine’s Pilsner Room. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2000 S. Main St., Irvine, 949.756.0505; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.535.9000 $$$ Map L14, I10 ROCK‘N FISH American regional menu of red oakgrilled seafood brought in daily as well as steaks and spirits. Consider oak-grilled artichoke, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, blackened wild Alaskan halibut, Kapalua rib-eye steak, signature Navy Grog. L, D (daily). 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.3113 $$ Map H15 ROY’S RESTAURANT Roy Yamaguchi ‘s Hawaiian fusion fare amid stylish tropical decor. D (nightly). Fashion Island, 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.7697; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.7697 $$$ Map L15, I10 SHUCK OYSTER BAR New. Oysters from all over, chowder and seafood stew, fried-oyster po’boy and grilled cheese sandwich, bubblies and brews at South Coast Collection’s distinctive OC Mart MiX. L, D (daily). 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478 $$ Map J12 SCOTT’S Fine dining close to shopping and ideal for pre-theater—there’s a bell 15 minutes before showtime. Lures include superb seafood, USDA Prime steaks and fun desserts, and excellent cocktails in the lounge. Live music (W-Sa). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400 $$$ Map J13 TAPS FISH HOUSE AND BREWERY Gold medalwinning brewmeister (just named Brewer of the Year at the world’s largest commercial beer competition—again,
THE CAPITAL GRILLE Elegant steakhouse offers dry-aged beef amid portraits of local historic figures. Pan-fried calamari with cherry peppers; roasted pepper soup; bone-in kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin; ethereal cheesecake. Three-course “Plates” lunch. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa $$$$ Map J17 ENOSTEAK New. Intimate steakhouse at elegant hotel features grilled Prime steaks from Niman Ranch cut in-house and served with choice of compound butters; we could make a meal of sides such as sautéed wild mushrooms or truffle mac ’n’ cheese. D (Tu-Sa). The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.249.2000 $$$$ Map J16 FLEmING’S PRImE STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Sleek venue serves prime everything. Classy feel extends to the bustling bar with some 100 wines by the glass and in flights. Superior small plates; sizzling steaks (sauces on request); prime rib on Sundays; new “retro-chic” and “couture” cocktails. D (nightly). 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633 $$$ Map L15 mASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky spot offers largerthan-life portions and white-jacket service. Wet-aged hand-cut bone-in filet; excessively good sides such as off-the-menu crab gnocchi; and the—oooh—warm butter cake. Bar features generous cocktails and fine live music. D (nightly). 633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.546.7405 $$$$ Map J17 mORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE Classy bastion of beef features service-plus and colossal portions. Consider to-die-for double filet and Cajun ribeye, retro filets Oscar and Diane. Show-and-tell table-side menu recitation. Bar 1221 is adjacent. Anaheim, D (nightly); Santa Ana, L (M-F), D (nightly). 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.621.0101; South Coast Plaza Village, 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.444.4834 $$$$ Map I10, J13 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Bone-in “cowboy” ribeye; caramelized banana cream pie. Soaring ceilings, ornate ironwork and colorful glass at the Anaheim location. Anaheim, D (nightly); Irvine L (F), D (daily). 2041 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.5466; 2961 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.252.8848 $$$$ Map I10, K14 SAm & HARRY’S Swank repasts feature hand-cut Midwest corn-fed steaks aged 28 days, seafood flown in daily and potent cocktails. Sleek decor is both retro and ofthe-moment. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.6900 $$$ Map M15 SAvANNAH CHOP HOUSE American regional cooking—steaks, chops, seafood and Southern specialties— amid clubhouse decor. Tamarind-glazed duck breast; filet mignon Stroganoff. D (nightly). 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107 $$ Maps I17
Thai THAI THIS “Cuisine to Thai for.” Fun names of dishes: Handrool Salad, Porkupie and Holly Cow. I See Dead People cocktail. L, D (daily). 24501 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.240.7944 $$ Map J17 THAI WAvE Traditional noodle, curry and seafood dishes in pleasant surroundings. L, D (daily). 522 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.960.0219 $ Map N9
Themed ESPN zONE Sports-dining-entertainment, screening room and fine American fare in the Studio Grill. L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1545 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.3776 $$ Map I10 mEDIEvAL TImES DINNER & TOURNAmENT 11th-century pageantry, utensils-optional four-course meal. Reservations only. D (nightly); matinee (Su). 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.521.4740 $$$ Map G8 PIRATE’S DINNER ADvENTURE Swordplay, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard galleon replica in indoor lagoon. Call for weekend schedule; D (nightly). 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 $$$ Map G8 RAINFOREST CAFE Creative decor, animatronics and special effects bring the adventure of the rain forest indoors. Expansive menu; kids’ menu. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.424.9200; Downtown Disney, 1515 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413 $$ Map J13, I10
Vegetarian NATIvE FOODS Casual Cal-vegetarian fare. L, D (daily). 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.751.2151; 1091 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.9999; 2453 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.0400 $ Map J13, L15, C4 118 DEGREES Creative raw plant-based cuisine, organic wines and beer, fresh-pressed juices and smoothies. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0718 $ Map J13
Quick Bites DAPHNE’S CALIFORNIA GREEK New name, new menu, new sports-lifestyle-music focus and new ambassador, 11-time world champion surfer Kelly Slater. L, D (daily). 15 locations include 1330 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, 949.729.0671; 7801 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach 714.903.2317 $ Map E4 and C2 mCDONALD’S Burgers, California history mural beneath golden arches near theme parks. B, L, D (daily). 1500 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.491.0563, plus 70 other county locations. $ Map I10 UmAmI BURGER Much-lauded L.A. burgers in 10 styles (e.g., Truffle, Greenbird, Tandoori, Port & Stilton) land at the Camp with sides of “smushed” double-fried creamer potatoes and brown-sugar-laced sweetpotato fries. L, D (daily). 601 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.342.1210; 338 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.991.8626; The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.957.8626. $ Maps G15, I10, J13
where?
Log on anywhere. WhereOC.com
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OC dining savannah chop house Steaks, chops and seafood are on the menu at this friendly contemporary American steakhouse with a California twist. Standouts include the slow-braised short ribs, applewoodsmoked prime rib and double-cut lamb chops. Seafood favorites include the Alaskan king crab legs (pre-cut—no mess!) and pistachio-crusted halibut. The lodge-style dining rooms exude warmth with their roaring fireplaces, tall booths and high ceilings. The fireplace bar and lounge is ideal for a perfectly crafted martini, single-malt scotch or glass of wine; there’s live music Tues-Sat. Seating on the veranda and sunset terrace offers a panoramic ocean view and blazing fire pits. Happy hour nightly 4:30-7 pm and 9 pm-close. d (daily)
32441 golden lantern, laguna niguel 949.493.7107 savannahchophouse.net
French 75 This French and American bistro resides in a beautiful 70-year-old cottage along Coast Highway. Traditional and contemporary French cuisine includes crisp endive salad with sweet mustard dressing, poulet aux olives and buttery thymecrusted sea bass; the chocolate soufflé is a patron favorite. The intimate dining room offers a romantic ambiance with live music Wed.-Sat. There’s outdoor seating on the covered fire-lit garden patio or rooftop deck. The bar and lounge— popular for social hour (daily 4:30-7 pm) and reverse happy hour (Sun.-Thurs, 9 pm-close)—offers champagne cocktails, craft cocktails and housemade martinis; the playful mural on its ceiling depicts a “champagne war” between cherubs and monkeys holding champagne bottles. d (nightly)
1464 s. coast hwy., laguna Beach 949.494.8444 french75.net
Brasserie pascal Brasserie Pascal’s Parisian-inspired bistro bar and lounge suggests the Moulin Rouge. Enjoy the tastes of France with escargot, bone marrow, fresh steamed mussels or bouillabaisse. Steak tartare is hand-chopped and prepared tableside. Other highlights include the coq au vin, seafood vol-au-vent and Pascal’s renowned chocolate soufflé. The bar and lounge now feature small plates so that guests can enjoy perfectly portioned dishes such as Pascal’s dijon-crusted rack of lamb and Cabernet-braised short ribs. The warm, casual restaurant and its expansive menu draws many regulars. Locals flock for live music on Thurs. and Fri. evenings; Fri. feature live jazz. Happy hour 4-7 pm Mon.-Fri. L (M-Sa), d (daily), Br (Su)
327 newport center drive, newport Beach 949.640.2700 pascalnpb.com special advertising section
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OC dining Il Fornaio Il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine is a favorite in Irvine. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto and rotisserie meats. Artisan breads and pasta are made fresh daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for rehearsal dinners, weddings and business functions. The Il Fornaio Bakery Café next door offers an array of tossed-to-order salads, soups and Italian panini.
18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine 949.261.1444 ilfornaio.com
Mix Restaurant Savor globally inspired flavors and fresh locally sourced ingredients that will leave any palate satisfied. Executive Chef Kyung Soo Carroll brings responsible cuisine to Hilton Anaheim, supporting local farms and in-season items through his thoughtful approach and treatment to each dish. Chef Carroll believes in serving food that people recognize and understand. With varied techniques learned throughout the years, Carroll consistently maintains the integrity of the ingredients with refined, worldly execution. Great for a quick bite during your lunch hour, or it may become your new happy hour spot. Reservations recommended for special occasions. Complimentary valet parking. Mention the code WHERE OC to your server and receive 20% off your entire meal. (Offer excludes alcoholic beverages). B, L, D (daily) Hilton Anaheim Hotel, 777 Convention Way, Anaheim 714.740.4412 hiltonanaheimhotel.com
21 Oceanfront
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, 21 Oceanfront offers breathtaking sunset views from three beautifully appointed dining rooms. Wine Enthusiast has recognized 21 Oceanfront four years in a row for the extensive wine list, which offers the perfect complement to traditional favorites such as prime filet mignon or seasonal seafood favorites such as pistachio-crusted halibut, tender Baja Pink Abalone steak and select Alaskan king crab legs. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or for corporate gatherings, it is no wonder this local favorite has been named Orange County Restaurant of the Year two years in a row and Orange County’s most Romantic Restaurant. Live entertainment and happy hour available in the Oceanfront Bar and Lounge. D (nightly) 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949.673.2100 21oceanfront.com special advertising section
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OC dining Amelia’s Seafood & Italian Restaurant Amelia’s is celebrating 50 years of delighting visitors and locals alike. Located among the boutiques on Balboa Island, this quaint European-style restaurant specializes in exquisite pasta and delectable seafood. Try the linguine with baby calamari and fresh bay scallops with marinara sauce. Amelia’s features at least five very fresh fish daily and mouthwatering combination dinners such as the filet mignon and scampi. Fine wines available. Private parties from eight to 48. Sunset dinner $12.50, Sun.-Fri. 5-6 p.m. D (nightly), Br (F-Su)
311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island 949.673.6580 ameliasbalboaisland.com
JT Schmid’s JT Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery, Orange County’s preferred brewhouse, steakhouse and clubhouse, has two locations, in Anaheim opposite the Honda Center and in Tustin at the District. Enjoy handcrafted microbrews and contemporary California cuisine including Angus steaks, burgers, salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, pastas and seafood. Numerous wide-screen televisions mean you’ll never miss the big game. Banquet and meeting facilities for 20 to 250 people. Full bar, outdoor patio and premium cigars. All major cards. Happy hour Monday-Friday. L, D (daily)
2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 jtschmidsrestaurant.com
ZOV’S BISTRO
Established by Chef Zov Karamardian in 1987, Zov’s Bistro has earned the respect and admiration of local, regional and national restaurant critics as well as the dining public. The restaurant offers contemporary Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and also features an in-house bakery. Signature dishes include rack of lamb; Moroccan salmon; seafood tagine, a medley of mussels, clams, large prawns, salmon wrapped in grape leaves, toasted couscous and spicy saffron broth. Karamardian is a James Beard Angel Award recipient and cookbook author. Full-service offsite catering and event space available. L (daily), D (M-Sa)
3915 Portola Pkwy., Irvine 714.734.9687 21123 Newport Coast Dr., Newport Coast 949.760.9687 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin 714.838.8855 zovs.com special advertising section
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OC dining The Harbor Grill Since 1984, proprietors John, Wanda and Keegan Hicks have taken pride in the sincere friendly attitude of the staff and the quality of food. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast, The Harbor Grill offers a delicious array of fresh seafood cooked in a variety of styles including Southwestern, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Cajun and Mediterranean. With its reasonably priced menu, premium cocktails and extensive wine list, the Harbor Grill has become a favorite with locals and a popular destination for visitors who are made to feel like “regulars.” Whether they’re enjoying the cozy dining room or the colorful terrace, the view of the harbor sails encourages a leisurely meal while a pianist adds the perfect background music each evening.
34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 949.240.1416 harborgrill.com
Brussels Bistro Brussels Bistro brings the best in Belgian flavors to the heart of Laguna Beach. Relax on the terrace with a premium Belgian beer or dine below street level in the restaurant’s chic, casual-urban setting. Executive chef Thomas Crijns offers a superb menu of authentic Belgian cuisine with a French flair. Signature dishes include duck breast with a port and green pepper reduction, Belgian stoemp, and steamed mussels with Belgian fries. Savor your meal to the sounds of live jazz Tuesday through Thursday, or visit on Friday or Saturday, when the brasserie-style restaurant transforms into one of the hottest nightclub in town. Happy hour daily 4-7 pm. L (daily through September, Sa-Su October and November), D (daily).
222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach 949.376.7955 brusselsbistro.com
Back Bay Bistro
Enjoy award-winning American cuisine—or a signature cocktail or glass of wine—with a panoramic view overlooking the Newport Bay and romantic sunsets. The menu features a wide variety of fresh fish and Prime steaks. Clam bake on Wednesdays, whole Maine lobster combo on Thursdays; both begin at 5 pm. Live music Fri.-Sat. begins at 7:30 pm. Dog-friendly patio dining. B (Sa-Su); L, D (W-Su); Br (Sa-Su)
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach 949.729.1144 backbaybistronewportbeach.com special advertising section
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OC dining tangerine grill & patio The Tangerine grill & Patio at the Anabella Hotel is quintessentially Californian, offering casual ambience and elegant cuisine in Spanish mission-style decor. Executive chef Sergio Rivera has created an imaginative menu of California dishes with Southwestern and Pacific Rim influences using free-range ingredients and locally grown produce. Highlights include coconut-crusted mahi mahi, California tacos and grilled citrus chicken with tropical fruit salsa. indulge in the exquisite dessert menu featuring candied mousse and white chocolate soufflé. dine in the al fresco dining area, poolside, or inside the comforts of the beautifully appointed dining room. B, L, d (daily).
1030 W. Katella ave., anaheim 714.772.1186 tangerinegrillandpatio.com
K’ya Bistro Bar K’ya Bistro Bar, located in the historic La Casa del Camino hotel, could scrape by on its prime coastal real estate alone, but the bustling eatery also serves up a San Franciscostyle atmosphere and a menu of mouthwatering small plates meant for sharing. Locals love it, which lends the bistro a familiar feeling even for first-time guests. nosh on Mediterranean-inflected lobster meatballs, Hawaiian ahi poke or grilled filet mignon. individual menu items are $10 or less, making it a cheap-chic night out. Have a glass of wine by the fireplace and listen to live music or sample a specialty craft cocktail made with fresh fruits and spices. $5 happy hour daily 4:30-5:30 pm. Visit the Rooftop Lounge for mojitos overlooking beautiful sunset views. B (Sa-Su), L, d (daily)
1287 s. coast Hwy., laguna Beach 949.376.9718 kyabistro.com
K’ya street Fare Tucked inside Anaheim’s boutique Hotel Ménage, K’ya Street Fare serves up small plates with global flavor, from Tokyo Hibachi Salmon and Hawaiian ahi poke to new Orleans spicy sausage pasta and Los Angeles BBQ meatballs. The menu is based on the kind of authentic local food sold from street carts and small eateries in every corner of the world. K’ya is a stone’s throw from disneyland, making it a passport to affordability amid theme-park prices—no plate tops 10 bucks. The restaurant also has an offshoot that peddles brown-bag lunches with custom built fresh sandwiches from “The deli” or from the B.Y.O.B. (Build Your Own Burger) bar for families on the go. $5 happy hour daily 4-7 pm. B, L, d (daily)
Hotel Ménage, 1221 s. Harbor Blvd., anaheim 714.758.0900 kyastreetfare.com special advertising section
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OC dining
370 Common
New Laguna Beach hot spot 370 Common focuses the dining experience back on the communal table where it all began. The rustic dining room is finished with reclaimed materials, antiques and vintage accents. The globally influenced, locally sourced menu by chef Ryan Adams features such highlights as broccolini with fried egg, Asiago, prosciutto and bread crumbs; veal shepherd’s pie; and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Join 370 Common for a “Sunday Night Social” and enjoy an old-fashioned supper selected by chef Adams. D (Tu-Su)
370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach 949.494.8686 370common.com
Zéytoon café Zéytoon offers a wide array of flavorful Mediterranean cuisine; it’s named for a green olive native to the region. Begin your day with a bold espresso and Italian pastry. For lunch and dinner, enjoy Zéytoon’s signature flatbread, topped with house-marinated green olives, herbs, red and green peppers and light mozzarella. Zéytoon is just a short walk from the beach and Heisler Park; you can order a picnic lunch of hummus and house-marinated olives or a panini—of roasted artichoke and Gorgonzola, for instance, or rosemary lemon chicken—for seaside dining. The adjacent market features distinctive items for your pantry, laurel soap, handcrafted candles and art books. L, D (daily).
412 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 959.715.9230 zeytooncafe.com
Silver Trumpet Restaurant & Bar Just steps away from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza, Silver Trumpet gets a standing ovation for its symphony of seasonal, sustainable flavors. This restaurant features modern American cuisine sourced from the local market, using fresh and free-range ingredients as well as house-made pastries, pastas and desserts. A popular preshow stop for the theater set, the elegant dining room also hits a high note with its warm modern décor, seamless glass windows providing fabulous lake views, outdoor lakeside dining, and a tasteful musical theme throughout. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su)
3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa 714.442.8593 silvertrumpetrestaurant.com special advertising section
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OC dining House of Big Fish House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer is exactly as advertised, offering a straightforward menu of fresh fish paired with one of the best beer selections in town. Menu specialties include Hawaiian-style favorites such as chili-glazed calamari and Hawaiian ahi poke. Fish fans enjoy a number of preparation options, such as grilled or blackened, and the choice of sauces and toppings. Visit the restaurant for lunch specials Mon.-Fri., 11:30 am-2:30 pm, or for a $25 3-course sunset dinner for two nightly. Watch sports on one of the seven HDTVs. The prime location boasts ocean views and an upbeat atmosphere. During happy hour, Mon.-Fri., 2:30 pm-6:30 pm, prices start at $2.30 and change every hour. L, D ( daily)
540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.715.4500 houseofbigfish.com
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails Andrei’s is more than just amazing dishes and drinks. The Irvine restaurant thinks responsibly, from sourcing and preparing the food to its commitment to sustainability across all fronts. Signature entrees include warm octopus salad mixed with local fingerling potatoes and chorizo and garlic-sage gnocchi. Andrei’s is perhaps best known for its unique cocktails made by some of Orange County’s best mixologists. Try the Chilean Spice during happy hour (Mon.Fri., 3-7 pm) or end the night with a Circa 1932, a delicious whiskey-based cocktail complete with house-made clove and cardamom syrup. The restaurant features live jazz and flamenco guitarists Thurs.-Sat. L (M-F), D (M-Sa) 2607 Main St., Irvine 949.387.8887 andreisrestaurant.com
Slater’s 50/50 Design your own gourmet burger at Slaters 50/50. Of the menu’s five patties, the star is the signature 50/50 made with 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon. If you’d rather someone else do the work for you, choose from ten “designed” burgers such as the award-winning Peanut Butter and Jellousy burger smothered with creamy peanut butter and strawberry jelly and topped with thick cut bacon. Sip a craft beer from the tap or bottle while watching your favorite team on one of Slater’s many big screen TVs. For dessert, try the famous bacon brownie with warm Ghiradelli chocolate sauce and chopped bacon sprinkles. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. 3-7 pm and Sun.-Thurs. 11 pm-close. L, D (daily).
6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730 slaters5050.com special advertising section
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Restaurants City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.
Anaheim
Marrakesh (Moroccan)......................................... 40
Cucina Enoteca (Italian)................................. 40
MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)................. 44
Il Fornaio (Italian).................................................... 41
Juliette Kitchen + Bar (American)........34
benihana (Japanese)................................................. 41
MEMPHIS (American)....................................................34
Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................43
Muldoon’s (Irish pub)............................................. 36
THE CATCH (Seafood).................................................43
MESA (Med.-American)................................................... 42
KIMERA (Eclectic)........................................................... 38
Native foods (Vegetarian)................................. 44
crossroads at h.O.B. (American).............34
Morton’s (Steak)...................................................... 44
lucca cafe (Mediterranean)................................. 42
PALM TERRACE (American)...................................34
ESPN ZONE (Themed)............................................... 44
Native foods (Vegetarian)................................. 44
McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)......... 44
pizzeria mozza (Italian)..................................... 41
J.T. Schmid’S (Brew Pub) . ......................................... 36
nello cucina (Italian)........................................... 41
Paul Martin’s (American)................................... 35
Roy’s RESTAURANT (Seafood)......................... 44
K’ya STREET FARE (Eclectic) ............................. 38
118 degrees (Vegetarian)....................................... 44
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Steak)...... 44
SAM & HARRY’S (Steak)......................................... 44
anaheim White House (Italian)................ 40
IL BARONE RISTORANTE (Italian).................. 41
McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)......... 44
Pinot Provence (French).................................. 39
6ix park grill (California).................................. 37
SOL COCINA (Mexican).............................................43
Mcdonald’s (Quick Bites).................................... 44
pizzeria ortica (Italian).................................... 41
Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean).............................. 42
TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (Eclectic).......................49
MIX (Eclectic)...................................................................... 39
quattro Caffe (Italian)...................................... 41
mORTON’s (Steak)...................................................... 44
RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)........................... 44
Mr. Stox (Continental)................................................ 38
royal khyber (Indian)........................................ 40
napa rose (California)............................................. 37
savoy (Eclectic).............................................................. 39
RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)........................... 44
Scott’s (Seafood)........................................................ 44
ralph brennan’s (American)......................... 35
SEASONS 52 (American)........................................... 35
The ranch (American)............................................. 35
shuck oyster bar (Seafood)........................ 44
ROY’S RESTAURANT (Seafood)......................... 44
taco asylum (Mexican)........................................43
RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak)...... 44
Umami burger (American)................................. 44
slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 36
vie de france (French)........................................ 39
TANGERINE GRILL (California)............................ 37
DANA POINT
BREA
Chart House (Seafood)........................................43
bruxie (Belgian)............................................................. 36
enosteak (Steak)..................................................... 44
taps fish house (Brew Pub/Seafood)............ 44
gemmell’s (French)................................................... 39
BUENA PARK
Harbor Grill (Seafood).......................................43
claim jumper (American)....................................34 il garage (Italian)...................................................... 41 Medieval Times (Themed)................................. 44 Park Ave (American)..................................................34 PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE (Themed)....... 44
CORONA DEL MAR cafe jardin (French)............................................. 39 CROW BAR AND KITCHEN (Gastropub)...... 36
motif (Mediterranean).................................................. 42 RAYA (Latin fusion)...........................................................43 stonehill tavern (American)........................ 35 thai this (Thai).......................................................... 44 Vue (California)................................................................. 37
LAGUNA BEACH ASADA (Mexican)........................................................... 42 BROADWAY (American).............................................34
newport coast
Brussels Bistro (Belgian)................................ 35
andrea (Italian).......................................................... 40
the deck (American).................................................34
the beachcomber (American).......................34
FRENCH 75 (French).................................................... 39
bluefin (Japanese)....................................................... 41
HOUSE OF BIG FISH (Seafood)......................... 44
Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................43
Katsuya by starck (Japanese) .................... 42
MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Seafood).............. 44
K’ya (California) ............................................................... 36
tamarind (Indian)..................................................... 40
Mare culinary lounge (Italian).............. 41
ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean).............................. 42
NIRVANA GRILLE (California)............................... 37
ORANGE
rock ’n fish (Seafood).......................................... 44 Sapphire (Eclectic)..................................................... 39
bruxie (Belgian)............................................................. 36 FrANCOLI GOURMET (Italian)........................... 41
savannah chop house (Steak)............... 44
GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN (Mexican)..... 42
Splashes (California)................................................. 37
haven gastropub (Brew Pub)....................... 36
STarfish (Eclectic)...................................................... 39
the hobbit (Continental)........................................ 38
STUDIO (California)........................................................ 37
MARKET BROILER (Seafood).............................. 44
sundried tomato (California)........................ 37
orange hill (Continental).................................... 38
TABU GRILL (California)............................................. 37 three seventy common (American)......... 35
FULLERTON
zeytoon (Mediterranean)......................................... 42
The Cellar (Eclectic)............................................... 38
NEWPORT BEACH
Matador CANTINA (Mexican).........................43
21 Oceanfront (Continental)............................ 38 wildfish seafood grille (Seafood)....... 44
Amelia’s (Seafood)......................................................43
Five Crowns (Continental)................................... 38
HUNTINGTON BEACH
A RESTAURANT (American)...................................34
SIDE DOOR (Gastropub)............................................. 36
the californian (California)........................... 36
back bay bistro (American)............................34
SAN CLEMENTE sundried tomato (California)........................ 37 VINE (California)................................................................ 37
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO EL ADOBE (Mexican)................................................... 42 Ramos House Cafe (American).................... 35 sundried tomato (California)........................ 42
COSTA MESA/
DAPHNE’S (California/Greek).................................... 44
bambú (California/French)........................................... 36
south coast metro
duke’s (Seafood)............................................................43
BAYSIDE (American).....................................................34
MARKET BROILER (Seafood).............................. 44
benihana (Japanese)................................................. 41
ra sushi (Japanese).................................................... 42
BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................43
SANDY’S BEACH GRILL (American)................ 35
BRASSERIE PASCAL (French)............................. 39
SHADES (California)....................................................... 37
CANALETTO RISTORANTE (Italian)............ 40
TUSTIN
slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 36
Chart House (Seafood)........................................43
BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................43
thai WAVE (Thai)...................................................... 44
crab cooker (Seafood).......................................43
CRAB COOKER (Seafood)........................................43
ZIMZALA (American).................................................... 35
CROW Burger KITCHEN (Gastropub)......... 36
J.T. Schmid’s (Brew Pub) . ....................................... 36
HAMAMORI (Japanese)............................................... 42
IRVINE
DAPHNE’S (California/Greek).................................... 44
native foods (Vegetarian)................................. 44
IL DOLCE PIZZERIA (Italian)................................ 41
AGORA CHURRASCARIA (Brazilian)............. 44
Divbar (American)........................................................34
NIEUPORT 17 (Continental)...................................... 38
ANQI (Vietnamese fusion)............................................. 40 Antonello Ristorante (Italian)............ 40 THE CAPITAL GRILLE (Steak)........................... 44 CHARLIE PALMER (American)............................ 44 claim jumper (American)....................................34 ECCO (Italian).................................................................. 40 Greenleaf chopshop (California)............ 36
SANTA ANA CHAPTER ONE (New American)............................34 claim jumper (American)....................................34 MEMPHIS (American)....................................................34
The iron press (American)................................34
ANDREI’S (American)...................................................34
FIRST CABIN (Seafood).............................................43
RA SUSHI (Japanese).................................................... 42
Leatherby’s cafe rouge (American).......34
Bistango (Eclectic).................................................... 38
Fleming’s (Steak)...................................................... 44
THE WINERY (California).......................................... 38
MARCHÉ MODERNE (French).............................. 39
Capital Seafood (Chinese)........................... 40
great maple (American)......................................34
Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean).............................. 42
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Entertainment ORANGE INTERNATIONAL STREET FAIR Through Sept. 2. Food sampling, crafts, folk dancing and live music around Old Towne’s picturesque traffic circle. Free. Glassell Street and Chapman Avenue, Orange, orangestreetfair.org Map C4 Festival of Children Through Sept. 30. More than 70 youth-skewed organizations offer free activities and diverse live entertainment on weekends. Canned-food sculptures displayed. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13 Project playhouse Opens Sept. 1. Builders create elaborate whimsical playhouses open to bidding to benefit HomeAid Orange County. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13 Style week oc Sept. 5-8. Fall fashion trends take center stage at two shopping destinations. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive., Newport Beach, 949.721.2000; Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map L15, D5
Dance Central
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is the county’s go-to destination for dance. The Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra, originally known as the Kirov, presents Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake Oct. 2-7. Few companies are more identified with the classical tradition than the Mariinsky, in existence for 250 years. Nov. 23-25, the Trey McIntyre Project (TMP, above) returns to the center’s Arts Plaza, collaborating with an Asian company on a sitespecific performance. The Asian troupe was selected during TMP’s tour of China, South Korea, the Philippines and Vietnam, which was sponsored by DanceMotion USA, a diplomacy program launched by the U.S. State Department and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. p. 55
TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS festival Sept. 7-9. Music, pirate encampment, crafts, tall-ship tours. 9:30 am5 pm. Free. Ride aboard tall ships during sunset parade, $34-$45. Free parking and shuttle from Salt Creek Beach Park, 34100 Selva Road, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map K17 TASTE OF NEWPORT Sept. 14-16. Sampling from more than 30 restaurants and 15 wineries, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment on perimeter of Fashion Island. 600 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.4400 Map L15 Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Haunt Sept. 21-Oct. 31. Knott’s Berry Farm transforms itself at night into massive Halloween celebration, with 160 acres of sheer terror including mazes, scare zones and “monsters.” 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 Fascination of orchids Sept. 29-30. Outdoor show exhibits and offers for sale thousands of orchids. 10 am-5 pm. Free. South Coast Plaza Village, 1631 W. Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.735.2930 MapJ13 ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Oct. 4-7. Huge event features new-model debuts, concept cars, exotics and live entertainment. $6-$10, under 13 free. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.765.8950 Map J10 Haunt at heritage hill Oct. 19. Scare Zone, haunted schoolhouse, maze, fright films and live music. Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230 Map D6 Holiday On ICE Opens Nov. 1. Seasonal ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center. $14; $3 skate rentals. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 Fashion island tree-lighting Nov. 13-14. Tree has 23,000 lights and ornaments. Agenda includes Santa, singing and dancing. Free. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map G15 Sawdust winter fantasy Nov 17-18, 23-25, Dec. 1-2, 8- 9. 170 artists and artisans display their wares. 10 am-6 pm. $3-$6. Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15 Turkey Trot Nov. 22. State’s largest Thanksgiving Day run tours beaches, cliffs and coves of Dana Point. Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, 949.496.1555 Map K16
Guidelines
Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 69-71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
Index Special Events...................54 Theater................................54 Music + Dance..................54 Sports...................................56 Attractions.........................56 Museums...........................58
Shopping Destinations...59 Golf Courses.......................61 Beaches + Parks................62 Nightlife...............................65 Tours + Transport.............67
Theater Absurd person singular Sept. 7-Oct. 7. Relationships change, fortunes soar—then dive—and the social kaleidoscope gets shook up in three kitchens over three Christmas Eves. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 overlooked Sept. 21-Oct. 21. Artist grabs media and public attention by employing a homeless man for his newest art installation. Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033 Map J13 Alfred hitchcock’s the 39 steps Sept. 25Oct. 21. Man with a boring life meets a woman who says she is a spy. When she’s murdered, the “39 Steps” organization is hot on his trail. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 How to write a book for the bible Oct. 19-Nov. 18. When Bill returns home to care for Mary, his maddening but funny mother, his family story unfolds in evocative flashbacks. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 MEMPHIS Nov. 6-18. Winner of Tony Award for best musical. White radio DJ who wants to change the world meets a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 Little Women: the broadway musical Nov. 16-Dec. 23. Four sisters living in Civil War America experience the joy and pain of transition from childhood to adulthood. Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033 Map J13 Plaid tidings Nov. 27-Dec. 23. Hilarious vocal quartet croons nostalgic holiday tunes including “Let It Snow” and “Mr. Santa.” Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15
Music + Dance The coach house Sept. 1 Steve Tyrell. Sept. 2 Pato Banton. Sept. 7 John Hiatt & the Combo. Sept. 8 The Mother Hips. Sept. 14 Coco Montoya. Sept. 15 The Ultimate Stones. Sept. 20 Tab Benoit. Sept. 21 Dave Alvin & the Guilty Ones. Sept. 22 Funniest Housewives of Orange County. Sept. 23 Poncho Sanchez. Sept. 27 Aimee Mann. Sept. 28 The English Beat. Oct. 3 Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Oct. 6 Debbie Reynolds.Oct. 12 Savoy Brown. Oct. 18 Leon Russell. Oct. 26 Dread Zeppelin. Oct. 27 Cash’d Out. Oct. 31 Colt Ford. Nov. 2 Janiva Magness. Nov. 11 Asia. Nov. 16 Dave Mason. Nov. 17 Super Diamond. Nov. 28 UFO. Nov. 30 DSB. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930 Map I17
Vehicles at Disney California Adventure’s new Radiator Springs Racers attraction will travel 36,000 miles each year—equal to more than 14 trips down the original Route 66. p. 56
Ashley Werhun and Travis Walker/trey mcintyre project, photo LOIS GREENFIELD
Special Events
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Grove of anaheim Sept. 6 Benise. Sept. 7 Air Supply. Sept. 8 The Police Experience. Sept. 15 Aeromyth. Sept. 21 Lila Downs. Sept. 22 Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. Sept. 27 Kreator/Accept. Oct. 5 Nightwish. Oct. 11 Steve Vai. Oct. 13 Bellydance Superstars. Oct. 14 Morbid Angel. Oct. 20 Adam Ant. Nov. 16 Dennis Miller/ Adam Carolla. Nov. 30 Howie Mandel. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700 Map I11 honda center Sept. 29 Rise Against. Oct. 8 The Black Keys. Nov. 4 Joan Sebastian. Nov. 8 Eric Church. Nov. 17 RUSH. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
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house of blues Sept. 1-2 Enanitos Verdes. Sept. 7 Punkrockers.com 6th Anniversary Party. Sept. 14 Tomorrows Bad Seeds, Through the Roots. Sept. 18 Jerrod Niemann. Sept. 20 Frank Turner. Sept. 22 August Burns Red. Oct. 3 George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Mike Eldred Trio. Oct. 5 Strung Out, the Swellers, Such Gold. Oct. 6 Kingdom. Oct. 11 Pennywise, Street Dogs. Oct. 25 Inked Magazine Music Tour. Nov. 16 Blue October. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 Irvine barclay theatRE Oct. 2 Elvis Costello. Oct. 11 National Theatre HD: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Oct. 13 Jake Shimabukuro. Nov. 1 National Theatre Live: The Last of the Haussmans. Nov. 3 Mike Birbiglia’s My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend. Nov. 18 Buika. Nov. 25 An Irish Christmas. Nov. 27 National Theatre HD: Timon of Athens. UC Irvine, 4199 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646 Map K14 THE OBSERVATORY Sept. 1 Kottonmouth Kings. Sept. 7-8 X. Sept. 11 The Hives. Sept. 13 Brother Ali, Korpiklaani. Sept. 14 She Wants Revenge. Sept. 15 The Walkmen. Sept. 21 Dead Kennedys. Oct. 4 Dr. Dog. Oct. 7 My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult. Oct. 10 AWOLNATION. Oct. 11 Girl Talk. Constellation Room Sept. 5 The Fresh & Onlys. Sept. 20 Broncho. Sept. 21 Sondre Lerche. Sept. 22 Reptar/Rubblebucket. Sept. 23 Zee Avi. Sept. 30 Blood Red Shoes. Oct. 2 The Wombats. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600 Map I12 SEGERSTROM Center FOR THE ARTS Segerstrom Hall Sept. 28 Pat Metheny Unity Band. Oct. 2-7 Mariinsky Ballet. Oct. 9-14 Stomp. Oct. 27 Vocalist Michael Feinstein. Nov. 6-18 Memphis. Nov. 23-25 Trey McIntyre Project. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Sept. 20-23 Pacific Symphony, pianist André Watts. Sept. 27 Pacific Symphony, pianist Lang Lang. Oct. 1 L.A. Opera, I Due Foscari with Plácido Domingo. Oct. 5 Vocalists Jane Monheit and John Pizzarelli. Oct. 12 Pop duo David Byrne and St. Vincent. Opening Oct. 16 Teatro ZinZanni: Love, Chaos & Dinner. Oct. 18-20 Pacific Symphony, pianist Conrad Tao. Oct. 28 Pacific Chorale, Mendelssohn’s Elijah. Nov. 3 Charlie Haden Quartet West. Nov. 8-11 Pacific Symphony, cabaret star Ute Lemper. Nov. 15-17 Pacific Symphony and Wicked divas. Nov. 24 Ahmad Jamal Quartet. Samueli Theater Oct. 6 Emerson String Quartet. Oct. 7 Pianist Orli Shaham, Pacific Symphony members. Oct. 20-21 Vaudeville Exit, Stage Left. Nov. 2 Piano trio David Finckel, Wu Han and Philip Setzer. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Sept. 21-22, 29 Flutist Nestor Torres. Oct. 5 A Far Cry orchestra. Oct. 6 Huaycaltia. Oct. 19 Dale Fielder Tribute Quintent. Oct. 26-28 Soka International Jazz Festival. Nov. 3 Slide guitarists Debashish Bhattacharya, Jeff Peterson. Nov. 4 Gary Stroutsos, Native American Music. Nov. 7 Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra. Nov. 9 Chucho Valdes Quintet. Nov. 18 Pacific Symphony. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000 Map G16 verizon wireless ampitheater Sept. 1 Pacific Symphony Orchestra. Sept. 7 Mexican pop star Luis Miguel. Sept. 8 Dave Matthews Band. Sept. 14 Rascall Flatts, Little Big Town and Eli Young Band. Sept. 22 Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones and Bush. Sept. 29 Jason Aldean. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095 Map D5
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Attractions + Museums Sports angel stadium Sept. 7-9 Angels vs. Detroit Tigers. Sept. 10-13 Angels vs. Oakland Athletics. Sept. 18-20 Angels vs. Texas Rangers. Sept. 21-23 Angels vs. Chicago White Sox. Sept. 25-27 Angels vs. Seattle Mariners. Angel Stadium, 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 714.940.2000 Map I11 Honda Center Sept. 16 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastics. Sept. 25 Ducks vs. Phoenix Coyotes. Sept. 28 Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche. Oct. 1 Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings. Oct. 5 Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks. Oct. 16 Los Angeles Lakers vs. Utah Jazz. Oct. 17 Ducks vs. Carolina Hurricanes. Oct. 19 Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers. Oct. 22 Ducks vs. Nashville Predators. Nov. 7 Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks. Nov. 9 Ducks vs. New York Islanders. Nov. 11 Ducks vs. Buffalo Sabres. Nov. 14 Ducks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. Nov. 16 Ducks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. Nov. 18 Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings. Nov. 23 Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
Attractions aquarium of tHe PaCifiC One of the largest aquariums in the U.S.; highlights include Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 am-6 pm. $14.95-$24.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 CaPtain dave’s dolPHin & WHale safari Dolphin and whale-watching excursions. Departures daily. $35-$55, under 3 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828 Map J16 Crystal CatHedral Church boasts three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson’s glass cathedral, Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours M-Sa 9 am-3:30 pm. Free. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4000 Map J10
Come discover the beauty of Anaheim Hills Golf Course. We
welcome visitors to enjoy the incredible value of daily tee times and pristine course conditions – all nestled right in the heart of Orange County, located just minutes from Disneyland. Escape today and take advantage of our FREE Rental Club Offer, New Nike VRS Series Rental Golf Clubs, for a savings of $30.00! Play like the pros, or at least test drive the clubs they use. It’s on us! To redeem offer, book your round through your hotel concierge. www.AnaheimHillsGC.com | Phone (714) 998-3041 Anaheim Hills Golf Course | 6501 Nohl Ranch Road | Anaheim, CA
dana WHarf sPortfisHing Year-round fishing and whale-watching trips from south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794 Map K16 disCovery sCienCe Center Opening Oct. 12: Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archeology. M-Sa 10 am5 pm, Su 11 am-5 pm. $12.95-$14.95, under 3 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13 disneyland Mickey Mouse’s first theme park. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and Mickey’s Soundsational Parade are recent additions. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81$87, under 3 free. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disney California adventure Spectacular Cars Land, based on the Pixar films, Buena Vista Street and nightly dance party Mad T Party are new. Nighttime water show World of Color; Soarin’ Over California; California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81-$87. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 doWntoWn disney Twenty-acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema and nightlife, including House of Blues and ESPN Zone. Non-gated, free admission. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 fligHtdeCK air Combat Center Civilians turn into dogfighting machines using F-16 fighter jet cockpit simulators. No experience necessary. Minimum age 11, height 4 feet 11. Starts at $59. Tu-Su 11:30 am-8:30 pm. 1650 S. Sinclair, Anaheim, 714.937.1511 Map I11
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Attractions + Museums FULLERTON ARBORETUM County’s largest botanical garden, with 26 lush acres and more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. 8 am-4:30 pm. Free; $3 suggested donation. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3 JETLEv sOUThwEsT New water-propelled jet pack adventure in Newport Harbor. $299-$349. 2600 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 888.553.6471 Map N13 K1 spEEd Indoor kart racing offers challenging track for speed enthusiasts. Arrangements for private parties or corporate events possible. $20. 17221 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.250.0242; 1000 N. Edward Court, Anaheim, 714.632.6999 Map I14 and A3
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.
KNOTT’s BERRy FARM More than 165 rides and attractions. Premier collection of coasters includes Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Xcelerator and WindSeeker. Knott’s Scary Farm’s Halloween Haunt runs Sept. 21Oct. 31. Call for hours and prices; under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 MEdIEvAL TIMEs Dinner theater show featuring jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship and falconry, four-course feast. Medieval Torture Museum. $35.95-$57.95. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.543.9637 Map G8 OcEAN INsTITUTE Live presentations aboard tall ship Pilgrim, docked in Dana Point Harbor; tide-pool sessions; marine-mammal exploration cruises; bluewhale safaris. Behind the Scenes Tour Th-F 3:30 pm. Open to public Sa-Su 10 am-3 pm. $4.50-$6.50, under 3 free. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map J16 ORANGE cOUNTy GREAT pARK In-progress park is bigger than New York’s Central Park. Free tetheredballoon ride. Farmers market, Su 10 am-2 pm. Interstate 5, Sand Canyon Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Great Park Balloon and Preview Park, Perimeter Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D5 ORANGE cOUNTy ZOO New lion cubs! Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from Southwestern U.S. Audio tours are new. M-F 10 am-3:30 pm, Sa-Su until 4:30 pm. $2, under 2 free. Parking $3-$5. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map C5 pIRATE’s dINNER AdvENTURE Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard Spanish galleon replica in lagoon. Call for hours. $38.95-$57.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 Map G8 pRETENd cITy chILdREN’s MUsEUM Interconnected, interactive miniature city for children from infant to 10. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm; M until 1 pm. $11. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6 QUEEN MARy shIp ANd sEApORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. New exhibit Diana: Legacy of a Princess. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. Self-guided and guided tours, Su-Th 10 am-6 pm, F-Sa 10 am-7 pm. $14.95-$34.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map northwest of C1 RIchARd NIxON LIBRARy & BIRThpLAcE Numerous provocative exhibits include the presidential helicopter, the presidential tapes and a permanent Watergate gallery. Garden tours on Saturdays. M-Sa 10 am5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4.75-$11.95, under 7 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075 Map A4 sAFARI pARK (Formerly Wild Animal Park) 1,800-acre wildlife preserve with vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. $42; children 3-11 $32; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $37.80. Cars $10-15. Open daily, 9 am-5 pm (holiday weekends till 6 pm). Daily, 10 am-4 pm. $7-$10, under 3 free. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map southeast of F6
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Attractions + Museums San Diego Zoo Renowned zoo has 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state-of-the-art environments. $42; 3-11 $32; 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $37.80. Free parking. Open daily, call for hours. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515 Map southeast of F6
W HERE S HOPPING
IS
E NTERTAINING.
Santa ana Zoo Modest, idyllic zoo. Tierra de las Pampas exhibit features giant anteaters and greater rheas. Daily, 10 am-4 pm. $7-$10, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484 Map H14 SeaworlD Home of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include new Turtle Reef, thrill ride Journey to Atlantis and Blue Horizons show. Open daily. Call for hours, combo rates. $65-$73, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map southeast of F6 Sherman library & garDenS Ten gardens showcase intimate botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am-4 pm. Library open T-Th 9 am-4:30 pm. $1-$3, under 12 free. Free on Mondays. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16 thrill it fun center New indoor family-fun center features LaserTag, rock climbing walls, ropes course and mechanical bull. Open M-Th 10 am-9 pm, F-Sa 10 am11 pm, Su 11 am-9 pm. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.1600 Map J11 univerSal StuDioS hollywooD World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include new Transformers: The Ride 3D, Jurassic Park, Simpsons Ride, Special Effects Stage, King Kong 360 3-D. Tram studio tour includes War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour though prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $72-$80, under 3 free. VIP Experience $269. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800. UNIVERSAL Map northwest of A1 vanS Skatepark Skateboard mecca has combi pool, open street course and mini-ramps; Vans store is adjacent. Daily 10 am-10 pm. $12/session (2 hrs.) weekdays; $15/session weekends. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800 Map J11
Museums autry national center of the american weSt Through Jan. 6 California’s Designing Women, 18961986. Tu-Sa 10 am-4 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, 323.667.2000 Map northwest of A1 bowerS kiDSeum Children’s museum near Bowers Museum with a focus on ethnic arts and culture. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $6, under 2 free. 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.480.1520 Map G13
buena park mall 2-C 2-C P LUS 24-H OUR F ITNESS S PORT A SIA B UFFET A UNTIE A NNE ' S B ATH & B ODY W ORKS B ED , B ATH & B EYOND B ERRY S WEET B UENA P ARK D ENTISTRY B UFFALO W ILD W INGS C ASH F OR G OLD C HILI ' S C LAIRE ' S D ANIEL ’ S J EWELERS DSW S HOE W AREHOUSE F OOTLOCKER F RAGRANCE C ENTER GNC L IVE W ELL H OWIE ’ S G AME S HACK J OHN ’ S I NCREDIBLE P IZZA
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bowerS muSeum Dedicated to preservation and exhibition of world cultural arts plus displays with California focus. Opening Oct. 20 Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection. Admission for some exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13 fullerton muSeum center Ongoing Solid Design: Leo Fender’s Telecaster. Tu-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 8 pm. $1-$4, under 6 free. 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545 Map A3 getty center Superb museum in stunning structure on a West Los Angeles hilltop features breathtaking contemporary gardens, unparalleled collection of European masterpieces and provocative photography exhibits. Tu-Su 10 am-5:30 pm, Sa until 9 pm; Call for exhibition schedule and hours. Free. Parking $15, free after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, 310.330.7300 Map northwest of A1 huntington beach international Surfing muSeum Board culture spotlights legend Duke Kahanamoku, classic surfboards and the original
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Shopping Endless Summer film. M-F noon-5 pm, Tu until 9 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.3483 Map N8 Irvine Museum California Impressionism within office building. Through Sept. 20 Paradise Found: Summer in California. Opening Sept. 29 Autumn’s Glory, Winter’s Grace. Tu-Sa 11 am-5 pm. $5. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565 Map J14 Laguna Art Museum California Impressionism and contemporary cultural art. Through Oct. 7 Clarence Hinkle; Modern Spirit and the Group of Eight; Opening Nov. 4 Timothy J. Clark; Ex·pose: Macha Suzuki. F-Tu 11 am-5 pm, Th 11 am-9 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15 LYON AIR Museum Some of the world’s rarest operational 20th century aircraft and other historical vehicles; on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. Daily 10 am4 pm. $6-$12, under 5 free. 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585 Map J13 Mission San Juan Capistrano Exhibits at the jewel of the California missions (1776). Continuing Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed; Plein Air Art Reproductions. Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm. $6-$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17 Muckenthaler Cultural Center Displays, often design-oriented, in historic North County mansion. Through Nov. 4 Open Your Eyes; Opening Nov. 15 Type Matters: The Artistry of Bookbinding & Letterform. W-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 9 pm. Free. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595 Map A3 MUZEO In historic Carnegie Library building. Through Sept. 9 The Word, Ink & Blood; Through Oct. 31 Resonating Fields: Photography by Lois Greenfield. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $9-$13. Admission fees, hours subject to change by exhibition. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936 Map H10 Newport harbor nautical museum Ongoing Sea of Adventure; Extraordinary People. M-W 11 am-3 pm, Th and Su until 5 pm, F-Sa until 6 pm. $2-$4, under 4 free. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915 Map N14 Orange County Museum of Art Focus on California modern/contemporary art. Through Sept. 9 Jack Goldstein X 10,000; Opening Oct. 7 O.C. Collects. W-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th until 8 pm. $10-$12, under 12 free. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122 Map L15
Shopping Destinations ANAHEIM GARDENWALK Retail, entertainment and dining destination near Disneyland. Stores include Lush Cosmetics, Skechers, O’Neill, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim; some seats at 14-plex UltraLuxe cinema feature film-synced motion technology. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410 Map I10
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ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT Center Street Promenade from owners of Costa Mesa’s the Lab and the Camp includes Home Economics, Healthy Junk, the Good Californian Haberdashery and Heart & Sole. Nearby 1920s Packard showroom features Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery. Historic citrus-packing building housing 20 foodie vendors, not yet open. Center Street and Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.966.6661 Map H10 Bella Terra Striking Italian-themed open-air center; Whole Foods Market, REI and 20-screen cinema. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.897.2534 Map C2 Brea Mall County’s second-largest mall is home to department stores Nordstrom and Macy’s and 174 other retailers. 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, 714.990.2733 Map A3
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Shopping BuENA PARk DOwNTOwN More than 1 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment near Knott’s Berry Farm includes Krikorian Metroplex cinemas and Portillo’s popular hot-dog venue. 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park, 714.828.7722 Map G8 ThE CAmP Green-oriented enclave for outdoor enthusiasts includes eco-department store SEED People’s Market and a host of intriguing dining options. 2937-2981 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa Map J13 CORONA DEL mAR PLAzA Boutiques include Gail Jewelers, Jack’s Surfboards, Antonia shoes. Other draws: Savory Spice Shop and Ergonique spa. 800-984 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.2689 Map M15 CRySTAL COvE ShOPPING CENTER Ocean views amid Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques, home stores and fine dining; Coastal Cool boutique, Sweet & Saucy and Bear Flag Fish Co. are new. 7845-8085 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.720.2689 Map M17 ThE DISTRICT AT TuSTIN LEGACy One-millionsquare-foot retail, entertainment and dining destination. Boutiques include Madison Bleu and Ulta Cosmetics; Whole Foods Market; Bowlmor bowling lounge. Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin, 714.259.0290 Map J14 DOwNTOwN DISNEy Twenty-acre complex includes House of Blues, Build-A-Bear, Studio Disney 365 and Ridemakerz. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.7800 (See Attractions.) Map I10 FAShION ISLAND Elegant open-air center with dramatic new look. Nordstrom joins Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. C. Wonder, Johnny Was and Eva Varro boutiques, and trolleys in the parking lots, are new. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map L15 5 POINTS PLAzA Neighborhood center, a local favorite, offers Wet Seal, Ann Taylor Loft, Big 5 Sporting Goods and Hashigo Sushi. 18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.841.0036 Map D2 IRvINE SPECTRum CENTER Moorish-themed entertainment-retail center includes nation’s most visited movie complex. New eateries include Cucina Enoteca, Paul Martin’s American Grill, Capital Seafood and Wood Ranch. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5
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Golf THE STRAND Two blocks of coast-adjacent property offers retailers including Active Ride Shop, Varga and Crocs and Ra Sushi restaurant. 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714.465.4528 Map N9 Westfield mainplace Macy’s, Nordstrom, 180 specialty shops and boutiques. 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.547.7000 Map G13
Golf Courses Aliso Creek Golf Course Picturesque nine-hole course in canyon with coastal breezes and 19 bunkers. M-Th $27, F $32, Sa-Su $36. 31106 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.499.2271 Map I16 Anaheim Hills Golf Course “The Hills.” Fine golf value, with 18 holes set amid California terrain with vistas, valleys, stream, oaks, sycamores. M-Th $48, F $57, Sa-Su $66. Includes cart and use of GPS system. 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim, 714.998.3041 Map B5 Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Upscale course on the Ladera Open Space Reserve. M-Th $72, F $87, Sa-Su $101. 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.305.5100 Map E6 Black Gold Golf Club Challenges at oil-themed canyon course include elevation changes, blind tee shots. M-Th $87, F $99, Sa-Su $115. Includes cart and GPS system. 1 Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda, 714.961.0060 Map A4 Dad Miller Golf Course Walkable, treelined course—Tiger Woods’ home course during high school—for beginning to intermediate golfers. M-Th $27, F $35, Sa-Su $39. 430 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim, 714.765.3481 Map G8 Monarch Beach Golf Links Ocean views abound at 18-hole course at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. M-Th $175, F-Su $195. Includes cart with GPS system. Twilight rates available. 50 Monarch Beach Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.8247 Map J16 Newport Beach Golf Course Contoured executive course offers night play. $13-$27. 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.852.8681 Map M15 Oak Creek Golf Club Tapered fairways, bull-nose carved bunkers and picturesque greens on Tom Fazio course. M-Th $130, F $175, Sa-Su $166. Includes cart. 1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, 949.653.5300 Map D5 Pelican Hill GOLF CLUB Two gorgeous courses reopened after a two-year renovation as part of the sumptuous Resort at Pelican Hill; coastal views from virtually every hole. $280 daily. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 877.735.4226 Map L17 Strawberry Farms Golf Club Eighteen-hole course; rolling greens, picturesque canyon, wetland vistas, county’s longest hole. M-Th $110, F-Su $160. 11 Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine, 949.551.1811 Map D4
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Talega Golf Club Scenic canyons, marshes, Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse, 18-hole championship course with Augusta white-sand bunkers designed in part by Masters champion Fred Couples. M-Th $80, F $90, Sa-Su $100. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.369.6226 Map south of F6 Tijeras Creek Golf Club Play through front “lake” nine, old-growth sycamores, oaks and native chaparral on back nine. Ted Robinson-designed. M-F $95, Sa-Su $120. 29082 Tijeras Creek Road, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.589.9793 Map east of E6 Tustin Ranch Golf Club Upscale course designed by Ted Robinson has challenging greens, palm trees, lakes. County’s only public golf course with
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Beaches + Parks private caddie service. M-Th $110, F $130, Sa-Su $160. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611 Map C5
Beaches + Parks ALISO CREEk COuNTy BEACh Steep shore creates powerful waves. All amenities and fire pits. Pay and display parking $1/hour. 31131 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.923.2280 Map I16 BALBOA BEACh Pristine sunning and swimming beach. All amenities. Metered parking. Along Balboa Boulevard at Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N14
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BOLSA ChICA STATE BEACh Good for grunion hunts! All amenities and fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Main Street and Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 714.846.3460 Map N9 CAPISTRANO BEACh Wide, unblemished. All amenities. Pay and display parking $1/hour. 35005 Beach Road, Capo Beach, 949.923.2280 Map F6 CORONA DEL mAR STATE BEACh Large, sandy beach—with volleyball—below beautiful homes. Lifeguards, all amenities, fire pits. Waveless cove adjacent. Fee for parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 CRySTAL COvE STATE PARk Thousands of acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, 3.2 miles of sandy coves and steep cliffs. Historic district with beach cottages and the Beachcomber café. Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge offshore. Lifeguards, restrooms. Fee for parking. Along East Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, 949.494.3539 Map E4 DOhENy STATE BEACh Popular swimming beach, interpretive center. All amenities, fire pits. Fee for parking. Dana Point Harbor, along Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.6172 Map K17
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huNTINGTON CITy BEACh Wide, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.5281 Map N9 huNTINGTON STATE BEACh Expansive, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Bolsa Chica Wetlands are across the highway. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Ana River and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.1454 Map N10 LITTLE CORONA DEL mAR BEACh Steep paved path to picturesque cove; tide pools filled with anemones and starfish are great for kids. Good for snorkeling—and family photos. Free street parking. Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 mAIN BEACh Large beach close to shops and restaurants offers great people-watching, basketball, volleyball, chess. All amenities. Metered parking. At Broadway and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map F5 NEwPORT BEACh muNICIPAL BEACh Popular golden strand with many fine surf spots. All amenities, including fire pits. Metered parking. Along Oceanfront at Newport Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N13 NEwPORT DuNES RESORT Beach at RV park on the Back Bay has full-time lifeguards, giant inflatable in-water novelties (e.g., teeter-totter, climbing apparatus) and various water vessels for rent. Segway tours. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.DUNE Map M14 PICNIC BEACh Known for picnics and panoramas. Lifeguard and, picnic tables. Metered parking. Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573 Map H15 PIRATES COvE Secluded beach with harbor views; few to no waves make it perfect for little ones. Bouldering spot
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Beaches + Parks for local climbers. Paid parking at Corona del Mar State Beach; free street parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Harbor Channel, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3309 Map F6 POChE BEACh Small, sandy surfing beach. Free street parking. Camino Capistrano at Pacific Coast Highway, San Clemente, 949.361.8261 Map J17 ROCkPILE BEACh Rocky surfing beach. Metered parking. At Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573 Map H15 SALT CREEk COuNTy BEACh Long, pristine stretch below the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Beautiful, grassy Bluff Park with basketball court. All amenities. Pay-anddisplay parking $1/hour. Off Ritz-Carlton Drive, 33333 S. Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.923.2280 Map J16 SAN CLEmENTE CITy BEACh Historic 1,200-foot pier (1920s), wide beach, good surf. All amenities. Metered parking. The train goes right by the beach. 620 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, 949.361.8219 Map K17 SAN CLEmENTE STATE BEACh Popular mile-long beach below sandstone bluffs offers all amenities, a nature trail and butterfly trail. Fee for parking. 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, 949.492.3156 Map K17 SEAL BEACh Popular surfing beach has a lifeguard and showers. Metered parking. Main Street and Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach, 562.430.2613 Map C1 ShAw’S COvE Picturesque cove has tide pools; popular diving destination. Metered parking. At Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach Map H15 ThOuSAND STEPS BEACh Two-hundred-something concrete steps lead to a small beach at the base of a cliff. Free street parking. Ninth Avenue and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 714.834.2400 Map I16 vICTORIA BEACh Laguna’s prettiest beach has tower fit for Rapunzel and man-made, high-tide swimming pool circa 1920. Metered parking. Victoria Street off Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map H15 ThE wEDGE World-renowned bodysurfing and bodyboarding spot. The break is dangerous; watch unless you’re an expert. Free parking lot. West Jetty View Park, tip of Balboa Peninsula, end of Channel Road, Newport Beach, 949.644.3309 Map N16 wEST STREET BEACh Small cove beach; volleyball courts, bodyboarding. Metered parking. West Street and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 714.834.2400 Map I16
Regional Parks CARBON CANyON REGIONAL PARk Wild and rugged canyon terrain good for hiking and horseback riding. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, 714.973.3160 Map A4 CLARk REGIONAL PARk Ideal for picnicking, fishing and tennis. Interpretive center houses fossils of local prehistoric plants and animals. 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, 714.973.3170 Map A3 CRAIG REGIONAL PARk A 150-acre haven with a lake seemingly isolated from the outside world. 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, 714.973.3180 Map A3 IRvINE REGIONAL PARk On land donated by James Irvine in 1897, California’s oldest regional park houses the Orange County Zoo and Irvine Park Railroad. Setting features old-growth oak and sycamore trees. Families have picnicked at the park for more than 100 years. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6835 Map B5 LAGuNA NIGuEL REGIONAL PARk Wide selection of outdoor activities, including tennis, volleyball, jogging
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Beaches + Parks and bicycling in well-landscaped setting. There’s fishing on a 44-acre lake. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2240 Map F6
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mASON REGIONAL PARk Large grassy areas, picnic shelters, hundreds of acres of protected land with three miles of paved trails for hikers and bikers. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, 949.923.2220 Map D4 mILE SquARE REGIONAL PARk Reservable sports fields, walking and biking paths and fishing on two ponds. 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 714.973.6600 Map B1 O’NEILL REGIONAL PARk Expansive 3,300-acre park offers a unique spot for both day use and camping. Includes the Arroyo Trabuco area, 935 acres of relatively pristine land maintained as a wilderness preserve. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, 949.923.2256 Map east of D6 ORANGE COuNTy zOO Nestled among oaks in the century-old Irvine Regional Park. Specializes in animals and plants from the Southwest. Zoo provides permanent home to many animals that cannot be released to the wild. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map B5 PETERS CANyON REGIONAL PARk Blend of native vegetation and scenic trails. Lush groves of willows and black cottonwoods intertwine with a rambling creek and encase a 50-acre lake. Variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, 714.973.6611 Map B5 SANTIAGO OAkS REGIONAL PARk Secluded 1,750-acre refuge has a variety of trails, native oak trees and a historic dam. Nature Center open on weekends. Garden area is a popular location for small, weekend weddings. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, 714.973.6620 Map B4
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wIEDER REGIONAL PARk Overlooks Bolsa Chica BH Rent A Car_WOC-FA12v1.indd 1 Wetlands. Offers equestrian trails, hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds. 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, 949.923.2290 Map D2
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yORBA REGIONAL PARk Recreational facilities support parties and social gatherings, softball games and bike riding. 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714.973.6615 Map A5
Wilderness Parks ALISO AND wOOD CANyONS wILDERNESS PARk 3,350-acre park is home to world-class mountain biking terrain. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2200 Map H16 CASPERS wILDERNESS PARk 8,000-acres for day use and camping. Nature center; interpretive programs. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210 Map east of F6 RIChARD AND DONNA O’NEILL LAND CONSERvANCy 1,200-acre reserve; public access during special events. Call for schedule. Rancho Mission Viejo, 28672 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.9778 Map east of F6 LAGuNA COAST wILDERNESS PARk Sycamoreshaded canyons and high ridges offering ocean views are spectacular hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Nature center serves as a gateway to 7,000-acre natural habitat. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.923.2235 Map G15 LImESTONE CANyON AND whITING RANCh wILDERNESS PARk Docent-led hikes, bike rides and equestrian tours of 5,000 acres of forested canyons, rock formations, rolling hills, streams and trails. Natural history interpretive center. Portola Parkway and Market Place, Foothill Ranch, 949.923.2245 Map east of D6
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Nightlife modjeska canyon nature preserve At base of Santa Ana Mountains and bordered by Cleveland National Forest on three sides. Protected natural area accessible only by ranger-led tours with advance reservations. 949.923.2245 Map east of D6 riley wilderness park Oak groves, grasslands and deer. Native plant garden attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto DeCaza, 949.923.2265 Map east of E6 talbert nature preserve A variety of hiking and interpretive trails situated within an “ecological staircase” of a salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. 1298 Victoria Ave. at Santa Ana River, Costa Mesa, 949.923.2290 Map M11 upper newport bay nature preserve At Newport Back Bay with vistas of the coastal wetlands. One of the finest birding sites in North America; several endangered species make this home. Interpretive center is open Tu-Su, 10 am-4 pm. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, 949.923.2290 Map K13
Historical Parks arden: helena modjeska historic house and gardens Home of world-renowned 19th century actress Madame Helena Modjeska. National historic landmark named for its resemblance to the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Visits by appointment through Heritage Hill Historical Park. 29042 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon, 949.923.2230 Map east of D6 george key ranch historic park Beautiful grounds hold a botanical garden and citrus grove. 1898 building offers visitors a view of life in the early days of Orange County citrus farming. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 625 W. Bastanchury Road, Placentia, 714.973.3190 Map A4 heritage hill historic park Park preserves Orange County’s cultural heritage through four historic buildings representing distinct eras in the area’s development. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230 Map D6 irvine ranch historic park Once the heart of the Irvine agricultural empire, the park preserves the ranch operations headquarters, as well as the site of the original Irvine family home. Houses the O.C. Parks headquarters and a library branch. 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, 714.973.6609 Map C5 old orange county courthouse Site of the local governmental transactions and court proceedings that shaped the county’s early history. Restored in 1989; houses historical exhibits, archives, special events and a marriage license office. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.973.6605 Map H13 peralta adobe historic site One of the last remaining structures of the Peralta settlement in Santa Ana Canyon, home to pioneering families in the 1800s. Visits by reservation through George Key Ranch (listing above). 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, 714.973.3190 Map A4 yorba cemetery Dates to 1858. Final resting place for many O.C. pioneers. Visits by reservation through George Key Ranch historic Ranch, 714.973.3190. 6749 Parkwood Court, Yorba Linda Map A5
Nightlife AULD DUBLINER Classic Irish pub and restaurant; live music Th–Sa. 2497 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.1562; 71 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.437.8300 Map J14, northwest of C1
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Nightlife BAmBÚ Lounge is ideal for light dining or nightcap. Live entertainment. Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 Map K14 BOwLmOR Hip, state-of-the-art, glow-in-the-dark bowling lounge with 5,000-square-foot sports bar and global cuisine. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695 Map J14 CANTINA LOuNGE Mexican fusion restaurantsports bar-lounge with dancing and DJ after 10 pm. Dress code. 2736 E. Nutwood Ave., Fullerton, 714.879.8094 Map A3 COmmONwEALTh LOuNGE Speakeasy decadence at epicenter of Fullerton’s after-dark scene and Newport Beach peninsula. 112 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.525.8888; 2406 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.4444 Map B3, N13 CONTINENTAL ROOm Swanky enough for dressing up. Live music nightly. 115 W. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, 714.469.1879 Map B3 COPPER DOOR Watering hole in basement of a 1925 building in downtown Santa Ana offers pool tables, 40 beers. Front door is copper, natch. Tu-Su 8 pm-2 am. 2251/2 N. Broadway, Santa Ana Map H13 DETROIT BAR Downscale deco-meets-roadhouse-style bar, a hipster haven, presents eclectic mix of indie-rock artists, nationally acclaimed bands and DJs nightly. 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0600 Map M12 ThE DISTRICT LOuNGE Retro spot near Newport Pier has 100-foot mahogany and copper bar. Orange location is in original 1920s post office. 121 McFadden St., Newport Beach, 949.673.4470; 223 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.639.7777 Map N13, C4 DukE’S PLACE Live music and dancing at classy lounge with bay views. Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 888.445.7153 Map N13 hEAT uLTRA LOuNGE Vegas-style club with headline acts, state-of-the-art sound system and indoor smoking lounge. Th-Sa. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328 Map I10 hOuSE OF BLuES Touring bands, dancing and soul food. Filled with outsider art. Rafter-raising gospel brunch on Sundays. Call for schedule. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10
VIP STUDIO TOUR GO BEHIND THE SCENES!
IRvINE ImPROv Top comedy. Two-item minimum (food or drink). Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455 Map D5 LOLA GASPAR Bar and kitchen in Santa Ana’s Artist Village. Open until 2 am M-Sa, Su until midnight. 211 W. Second St., Santa Ana, 714.972.1172 Map H13 LuCky STRIkE LANES Retro-cool bowling lounge with DJ. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.5263 Map J11 mESA Small plates and cocktails at trendy lounge with retractable glass roof. Open until 2 am Tu-Sa. The Camp, 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 Map J13 muLDOON’S DuBLIN PuB Cozy spot with courtyard offers fun Irish-themed events in the Celtic Bar. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 Map L15 ROOFTOP LOuNGE Hot spot for sipping cocktails and watching the sun set on wraparound patio atop La Casa del Camino hotel. 1289 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446 Map I15 STEAmERS CAFE North County’s premier jazz spot. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800 Map B3
Buy Your Tickets Today 877.4WB.Tour • WBStudioTour.com Warner Bros. Studios – Burbank, CA © and ™ 2011 Warner Bros. Ent. Inc.
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Tours +Transport STILL WATER SPIRITS & SOUNDS Nightly live entertainment. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003 Map J17 Sutra Lounge Club open Th-Sa features big-name deejays and musical acts and cool decor. Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.722.7103 Map K12 300 Anaheim 41-lane bowling alley with club atmosphere, full bar, eclectic menu. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810 Map I10 WINE LAB Wine/cheese tasting room and store on the coast. Open daily. 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.515.8466; The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.905.9521 YOST THEATER Historical landmark now plays host to popular musical acts and deejays. Open daily. 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, 888.862.9573
Tours + Transport A List Limousine Private limousine tours and transportation. Complimentary champagne, CD player, TV/DVD. 888.886.6644 Adventures at Sea Luxury yachts for groups. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.2412 Map N13 AMtrak Train service within the county and to destinations throughout California daily. There are depots in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana. 800.USA.RAIL, amtrak.com
WILD AT HEART sandiegozoo.org
Best chauffeured Worldwide Chauffeured vehicles available in as little as two hours’ notice. 7472 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, 866.323.2378; 714.375.9128 Map C2
e s o Cho r safari you
Beverly Hills Rent-a-Car Luxury and exotic rentals; pickup service. 3939 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.250.4386; 800.258.5353 Map L13
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California Yellow Cab Transportation in sedans, town cars, minivans to/from airports, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping. 877.935.5692 Catalina Express Round trip from Dana Point Harbor and Long Beach to Catalina Island year round. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Harbor; 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, 800.481.3470 Map K16, northwest of C1
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Catalina Flyer Fastest boat from Orange County to Catalina Island: 75 minutes. 500-passenger, triple-decker catamaran departs from the historic Balboa Pavilion. Call for schedule. $52-$69, $5 children under 3. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744 Map N15 City Pass Pass includes discounted admission to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, and admission to other theme parks in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Available for purchase online or at attractions. $239$279, under 3 free. 888.330.5008, citypass.com CLINT CARROLL SURF SCHOOL Son of surf legend Corky Carroll offers instruction for all ages and levels. Beach transportation and surf equipment provided. Classes meet at Newport Cruisers Bike Rental Shop. 111 23rd St., Newport Beach, 949.355.7285 Map N15 COUNTRY TRAILS AND RIDING SCHOOL Guided horseback rides among massive coast live oaks and California sycamores. Tu-Su. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.538.5860, ctriding.com Map C5 DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING Sportfishing, 82-foot schooner yacht for charter and whale-watching expeditions. Available for corporate parties and private fishing cruises. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Map K16
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C02178 Room Service Ad 4.625x4.875_WOC-FA12.pdf
Tours +Transport
execucar Premier luxury sedan service. Sedan and SUV service, flat rates, special group services and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.410.4444, execucar.com
gw tours Segway tours of Huntington Beach. SoCal’s only company with tours on the sand. 120 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 657.464.9137 Map N9 Have fun tours Sightseeing tours to popular Southern California destinations including Hollywood and homes of the stars, Temecula wine country, Getty museums and beach cities. 714.658.2291 Hornblower Cruises F-Sa dinner-dance cruises and Sa-Su Champagne brunch cruises aboard elegant yachts. Mariner’s Mile Marina, 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.0155; 888.467.6256 Map M13 JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT Attractive gateway to O.C., vastly superior to LAX in ambience and ease of departure and arrival. Rotating art exhibits. “Red coat” ambassadors assist travelers. Free Wi-Fi. Ticket counters open at 5 am. New Terminal C offers new dining options. 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, 949.252.5200, ocair.com Metrolink Train system connects to San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles; stops in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton and Buena Park. $10 Metrolink Weekend Pass valid on Metrolink rails and public transportation throughout Southern California Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11:59 pm. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com
7/24/12
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Renting A Car Is As Easy As Ordering Room Service.
DAVEY’S LOCKER Year-round whale-watching, deep-sea sportfishing, fishing charters and boat rentals at Balboa Pavilion. 3400 Main St., Newport Beach, 949.673.1434, daveyslocker.com Map N15
gondola adventures Romantic gondola cruises through Newport Harbor canals. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.2067; 888.446.6365 Map N13
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Fd F O % Standar
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Forget the hassles of waiting for cabs or shuttles. Conveniently located in the lobby with everyday low rates, we’ll get you in a great car so you can go where you want, when you want.
Visit us in the lobby or call 1 888 484 Hotel. VIPHotel@erac.com
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Applies to Economy through SUV size vehicles reserved in advance for rentals up to 30 days at participating Southern California locations. Participating locations are available by calling 1 888 484 Hotel. Sorry, this offer is not valid at airport locations. Rates are as posted at time of reservation at enterprise.com or by calling 1 888 484 Hotel. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by December 31, 2012. Offer may not be used with other coupons, offers or discounted rates. Vehicles are subject to availability. Standard rental qualifications apply. Offer does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products and services including daminsurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, age waiver at $14.99 or less per day. Check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, may apply. Pick-up and drop-off service is subject to geographic and other restrictions. Void where prohibited. ©2011 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. C02178 01/11 MM
OCTA The Orange County Transportation Authority runs a comprehensive bus system throughout the county. $1.50. $7 day pass for OC buses and Metrolink trains, $6 for senior/disabled. Day pass $4, $0.60 for 65 and older, under 5 free. Exact change only. 714.560.6282, octa.net OC WILDLIFE & BEACH TOUR Four half-day itineraries including the Art & Wine Tasting, Beach Coastal & Shopping and two Wildlife & Beach tours. 949.500.6981, ocwildlifebeachtour.com Pedego electric bikes Electric bike rentals $14 per hour with 2-hour minimum or $50 per day. Tour three piers and Newport Harbor for $69. 301 Fifth Street, Huntington Beach, 714.465.2782; 2515 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar, 949.612.7989 Map N9, M16 PRIME TIME SHUTTLE Service around the clock to SoCal airports, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim Convention Center. 800.RED.VANS, primetimeshuttle.com SUPERSHUTTLE Transportation to and from all Southern California airports around the clock. Groups and charters welcome. 310.222.5500; 800.BLUE.VAN, supershuttle.com TMZ Hollywood Tour Bus tour with state-ofthe-art audio/video explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. Guides have interviewed celebrities, sent footage to newsrooms. $53-$63. Starline Tours, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868
where?
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Maps north county & coastal
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30 things we love Orange County
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New sushi tacos at RA Sushi in Huntington Beach. p. 42 The barn and windmill at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. p. 61
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Succulent arrangements from Organic Designs by Aggelige at the Camp in Costa Mesa. p. 60
Browsing the vinyl records at Sound Spectrum in Laguna Beach. 949.494.5959
Dancing to Euro beats at Brussels Bistro in Laguna Beach. p. 35
The ginger lavender martini at new Mare Culinary Lounge in Laguna Beach. p. 41
Art, such as Lisa Schulte’s neon sculpture A Conversation, at JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach. 949.510.5481
The distinctive tiramisu at Brazilian steakhouse Agora Churrascaria in Irvine. p. 55
Terry’s Tient De Rose cream at Space NK Apothecary, at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Island. 949.729.6803
Jewelry at Areo in Laguna Beach, now marking its 20th anniversary. 949.376.0535
Make-up tips at Primp Makeup Lounge in Corona del Mar. 949.723.0044
Boho-retro-chic Roadkill: Boutique and Ranch in downtown Fullerton. 714.773.1156
A blow-out at Shampoo and Style in Costa Mesa. 949.646.6345
Line-dancing at The Ranch saloon, new in Anaheim. p. 44
Lobster and shrimp spring rolls at Seasons 52 in Costa Mesa. p. 35 Marina B jewelry at Neiman Marcus, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. p. 60
where in the world
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The chai latte at Alta Coffee in Newport Beach. 949.675.0233 The Spanish latte, and pastries, at Euro Caffe in Santa Ana. 714.662.2222 Handmade ice cream sandwiches at Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream in Santa Ana. 714.979.8815
WHERE is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,
Sweeping views of the Laguna Beach coastline from Heisler Park. 361 Cliff Drive Salted caramel macarons at new ’Lette at Fashion Island. p. 60 Soaps at Mille Fleurs in Dana Point. 949.248.7668 Food-and-drink service at new Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas in Laguna Niguel. 949.489.0279 The lively dance floor at Woody’s Wharf in Newport Beach. 949.675.0474
Innovative productions at Chance Theatre in Anaheim Hills. p. 54 Revues at new Encore Dinner Theatre & Club in Tustin. 657.210.3200 Lapping the other racers at K1 Speed in Irvine. p. 57 The lion cubs at the Orange County Zoo at Irvine Regional Park in Orange. p. 57 The 1929 license plate chandelier at new Umami Burger in Anaheim. p. 44 Fashions at new C. Wonder boutique at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 949.644.4376
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Experience over 300 stores and restaurants on Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Newport Coast.
59th & Lex Cafe at Bloomingdale’s Canaletto Ristorante Veneto Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Le Pain Quotidien Mariposa at Neiman Marcus Native Foods Café R+D Kitchen True Food Kitchen
Gulfstream Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille Sprinkles Cupcakes
Bear Flag Fish Company Bluefin Restaurant Javier’s Mastro’s Ocean Club Modo Mio Cucina Rustica Pacific Whey Café & Baking Company Sweet and Saucy Shop Tamarind of London
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ShopIrvineCompany.com Goat Cheese and Scallion Naan with sides of Garlic Chili Chutney and Avocado Raita from Tamarind of London at Crystal Cove Shopping Center. Fashion Island and The Coastal Collection are registered trademarks of Irvine Company. ©The Irvine Company LLC, 7/2012.
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