WHERE Orange County Magazine Winter 2012

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WINTER 2012 WHEREOC.COM

Orange County

FOODIE

HEAVEN

✷ INGREDIENTS FROM AJÍ TO ZA'ATAR ✷ DISHES YOU WON'T GET BACK HOME ✷ A DOZEN SIZZLING NEW RESTAURANTS

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MICHAEL JACKSON IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR MARIO BATALI’S PIZZERIA ART: TWO SCHOOLS OF COOL

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©2011 Universal Studios.

All Rights Reserved.

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dining, e ntertainment & fun

Just across the street from Disneyland® Resort.

Find out what’s happening at Anaheim GardenWalk!

Facebook.com/TheGardenWalk

Twitter.com/TheGardenWalk

321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim • 714.635.7410 • anaheimgardenwalk.com

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where Orange County Winter 2012

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the guide 36 Dining Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

58 EntErtainmEnt Special events, performing arts and sports

60 attractions + musEums Theme parks, activities and exhibitions

62 shopping Retail destinations

64 golf The county’s best courses

64 bEachEs Paradise found

66 nightlifE Hottest clubs, lounges and bars

67 tours + transport Getting out, getting around

where now

features

10 Dining Cucina Enoteca in Irvine Broadway and Three Seventy Common in Laguna Beach Le Pain Quotidien in Newport Beach

18 coming attractions Leading Orange County chefs preview the latest, about-to-be-hot ingredients.

12 shopping New boutiques at Fashion Island Lamb & Flag in Brea and Mission Viejo 14 arts + Entertainment Come Fly Away in Costa Mesa Two Schools of Cool in Newport Beach

by rogEr groDy

22 against all odds PB&J burger? Cotton-candy martini?

Unusual dishes can carry the day. by bEnJamin EpstEin

32 Worth a shot Pros at the county’s best golf courses beat the hardest holes. by John WEylEr

city tours 24 26 28 30

Metro Cities The Coast South Coast North County

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also insiDE 6 a notE from thE EDitor 9 hot DatEs Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour 15 Q+a Chef Pascal Olhats 16 thE looK: WhErE to finD it 72 30 things WE lovE

on thE covEr Carrot halwa dessert with silver leaf at new Tamarind of London in Newport Coast; see pages 35 and 42. connEct With us onlinE

wheretraveler.com Get the city buzz from WHERE editors worldwide online and on your smart phone.

iSToCkphoTo.CoM/eSolla

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Fennel blossoms; fennel pollen is among chefs’ hottest new ingredients

69 maps Navigate the county

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ExpEriEncE World-class shopping, dining and pErforming arts,

southErn california stylE.

250 boutiqueS, 30 reStaurantS anD SegerStrom center For the artS an experience you will FinD only at South coaSt plaZa balenciaga chloé

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bottega veneta

choparD

harry winSton praDa

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brunello cucinelli

chriStian louboutin

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Dior

burberry |

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bvlgari

ermenegilDo Zegna

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cartier |

FenDi

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chanel gucci

| hermèS | loro piana | louiS vuitton | miu miu | omega | oScar De la renta

rolex

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tiFFany & co.

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toD’S

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valentino

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van cleeF & arpelS

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yveS Saint laurent

partial liSting

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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On the Web: WhereOC.com publisher Jeff Levy eDiTOr Benjamin Epstein ArT DireCTOr Bree Berri ADVerTisiNG DireCTOr Nicole Bordges MArKeTiNG DireCTOr Audrey Nimura AssOCiATe ArT DireCTOr AssOCiATe eDiTOr

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Katie McCarthy

prODuCTiON ArTisT

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CONTribuTiNG ArT DireCTOr

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Heather Howard-Heintz, Scott O’Hanlon, Sara Kemp, Joanna McLean, Mali Mochow, Laura Napolitano, Laura Renner CirCulATiON MANAGer Sarah Trainor prODuCTiON MANAGer Dawn Kiko Cheng Web MANAGer Christina Xenos ADMiNisTrATiON

Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline, Christine Noriega ViCe presiDeNT Of NATiONAl sAles Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 hONOrAry presiDeNT

Ted Levy

where Orange County

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Sea of Turtles Original oil painting by Wyland © 2011.

S TA R T YO U R L AG U N A B E AC H E X P E R I E N C E AT W Y L A N D G A L L E R I ES ...from our beach front deck, picturesque fountains, coffee bar, gift shop and ocean art from environmental visionary Wyland.

Open Daily 9 am to 9 pm | 509 South Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 800-WYLAND-1 | www.wyland.com

eMAil Advertising Nicole.Bordges@WhereOC.com business JLevy@WhereOC.com editorial Benjamin.Epstein@WhereOC.com Art Art@WhereOC.com production Ads@WhereOC.com Website Christina.Xenos@WhereOC.com Circulation Sarah.Trainor@WhereOC.com 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 © 2011 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.

“Visit Wyland Galleries Laguna Beach and mention this ad for a free Wyland print.”

Plus! Join our weekly whale watching excursions through February at Dana Wharf in Dana Point. Details at wyland.com

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Welcome

A note from the editor

MENU BY...ME?

A restaurant in l.A. recently blew the cover of the Los Angeles Times dining critic and tossed her out of the place. Those who picture the loathsome character in Disney’s animated film Ratatouille when thinking about restaurant reviewers surely cheered it as a victory. but at least a few O.C. restaurateurs have a different attitude toward food writers and have taken an innovative tack: having them evaluate dishes before they go on the menu. At fleming’s prime Steakhouse & Wine bar, a national chain based in Newport beach, culinary consultant and radio show host Jamie Gwen invited a dozen media members, including yours truly, to sample items for a proposed small-plates menu and give written assessments. “it was a novel concept. We wanted feedback from discerning palates; we tweaked the dishes based on the comments. lamb lollipops with polenta fries were the biggest hit, but we added our f17 steak sauce for dipping the fries. We crusted one side of the ahi kebabs for better balance of seasoning to tuna. The seared filet mignon got the most comments—somebody asked us to put the porcini butter in a shot glass for sipping! We didn’t.” A case of the tail wagging the dog? “The dishes improved,“ Gwen says. “for that, we’ll do whatever it takes.” When chef Greg Daniels hosted a dinner before launching Taco Asylum in Costa Mesa, he says, “i never had the intention of taking something off the menu. but it seems escolar didn’t translate into a taco—the fish was too strong. it didn’t matter if i liked the dish. if the tastemakers in that room didn’t like it, people who are tasting food all the time and whose opinion i respect, it didn’t make sense to serve it.” A taco using ghost chili—my single favorite taco anywhere—stayed on the menu; see page 22. for a peek at other hot new ingredients, see p. 18, and new restaurants on pp. 10, 35 and 36. And find more tasty morsels from cover to cover. —BENJAMIN EPSTEIN 6 WHEREOC.COM WINTER 2012

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Shop Orange County’s Only Outlet Center The Outlets at Orange has always been the fashionable place to shop and save. With more stores, restaurants and entertainment places to choose from, you’re bound to find the perfect something for everyone without loosening your purse strings.

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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MEL’S BOUTIQUE

31752 South Coast Highway 949.715.8300 melsboutique.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

BROADWAY

BY AMAR SANTANA

328 Glenneyre Street 949.715.8234 broadwaybyamarsantana.com

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ADAM NEELEY FINE ART JEWELRY 353 North Coast Highway 949.715.0953 adamneeley.com

TABU GRILL

2892 South Coast Highway 949.494.7743 tabugrill.com

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Hot Dates Winter 2012

Dec. 14-18 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE One of the county’s most cherished traditions features vessels of all sizes, from kayaks to luxury yachts, cruising the harbor and bedecked from bow to stern with holiday lights. p. 58 Through dec. 24 THIS WONDERFUL LIFE James Leaming portrays every Bedford Falls character, from George Bailey to Old Man Potter, in a rendition of Frank Capra’s film It’s a Wonderful Life at Laguna Playhouse. p. 58 Dec. 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOCK PARTY Ring in 2012 in board shorts and flip-flops at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa; enjoy tunes from the 1960s to the ’90s on four stages and treats from gourmet food trucks. p. 58 Jan. 8-29 TOPDOG/UNDERDOG South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa presents dramatic Pulitzer Prizewinning play about two brothers scamming their way through life and surviving its hardships. p. 58

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What’s sizzling in seconds flat

Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour

JAN. 24-25

Seeking Immortality

OSA Images

A fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy immerses audiences in the King of Pop’s creative world. Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour combines Jackson’s music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil’s creativity and literally turns his signature moves upside down. Backdrop for the show, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, is a fantastical realm that nourished Jackson’s creativity and his love for music, dance, fairy tales, magic and nature. Jamie King, multiple Emmy Award and MTV Video Music Award nominee, wrote and directed the show; King, who in his early years worked for Jackson, has choreographed music videos and directed some of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time for artists including Madonna, Rihanna, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera. p. 59 NEARBY Consider Anaheim GardenWalk (p. 62) before or after the show. Boutiques include Lush and HarleyDavidson. Some theaters at UltraMax Cinemas have film-synced motion seats and serve beer and wine. Enjoy the midweek happy hour, or dinner, at McCormick & Schmick’s (p. 47). Heat Ultra Lounge is a Vegas-style club (p. 66).

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Jan. 22 ANAHEIM DUCKS VS. COLORADO AVALANCHE Former Stanley Cup champion teams go head-to-head on the ice at the Honda Center in Anaheim. p. 59 Jan. 31-Feb. 5 COME FLY AWAY New Broadway musical at Segerstrom Center for the Arts combines the classic crooning of Frank Sinatra (“My Way,” “New York, New York”) with the thrilling choreography of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp. p. 59 feb. 5 SURF CITY USA MARATHON Huntington Beach’s oceanfront course inspires runners of all levels with its stunning Pacific views. Spectators cheer in the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden. p. 58 feb. 17 CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Riccardo Muti leads one of the country’s great orchestras in works by Arthur Honegger, Mason Bates and César Franck in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. p. 59 Continuing WARRIORS, TOMBS AND TEMPLES Exhibition at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana displays art and artifacts from China’s most influential dynasties, including awe-inspiring life-sized terra-cotta warriors. p. 61 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 new Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo features acoustics by Yasuhisa Toyota, known for Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. p. 59

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where now Orange County

The best in entertainment, museums, shopping and dining.

» DINING

Cal-Ital Contemporary kitchen meets rustic farmhouse at Cucina Enoteca, a new spinoff at Irvine Spectrum Center of San Diego’s Cucina Urbana. It combines executive chef Joe Magnanelli’s California-inspired Italian classics—prepared with organic, sustainable and local products—and a wine shop. Chef de cuisine is Lulu De Rouen, former chef at Pinot Provence in Costa Mesa, recently at Fig & Olive in West Hollywood. Signature dishes include ricotta gnudi (pictured here), stuffed squash blossoms, veal piccata, short-rib pappardelle and foraged-mushroom and truffleoil pizza. “Vasi” are mini-mason jars filled with seasonal creations such as Gorgonzola walnut mousse to be tasted atop Tuscan toast; kids enjoy the make-your-own Modo Mia Pizza. Wines are offered at retail prices, plus $10 corkage. p. 43

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Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach

OFF BROADWAY Amar Santana, longtime chef at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza, and other staff members left to open Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach (p. 36). New York’s Broadway—as opposed to Laguna’s nearby main street—informs the decor. Dishes include slow-braised lamb belly with cumin caramel, carrot “textures,” sour cream and pistachios; and butter-poached Jidori farm chicken with Brussels sprouts, acorn squash, hen of the woods mushrooms, black garlic and gizzards . Steps away, Sorrento Grille chef Ryan Adams took over the space and launched Three Seventy Common (p. 37). He’s redone it with charcoal ceiling hues, butcher-block tables and antique-knife collages. Maple bacon popcorn replaces bread service.

Menu highlights include wild mushroom bruschetta with Parmesan and bitter greens; salmon with root vegetables; and “retro reinvented” sweets such as Grandma B’s chocolate cake “with vanilla ice cream and love.”

Rising in the West Belgian bakery and cafe Le Pain Quotidien—pronounced luh PAN koh-ti-DYAN—is known for simple, elegant boulangerie fare including organic breads and beverages. Founded in Brussels in 1990 by chef Alain Coumont, it has more than 150 locations worldwide. The expansive new Fashion Island spot has a communal table and a patio with ocean views; it’s the second LPQ to offer baking classes. Breads including wheat, rye, spelt, five-grain walnut,

baguettes, brioche, croissants and challah as well as muffins and other pastries are baked in full view of diners. In addition to soups and salads, the menu features tartines—open-faced sandwiches, a specialty—such as Paris ham and aged gruyère; organic blackbean hummus with avocado and spicy tahini; and chicken curry salad with a side of harissa-cranberry chutney. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus accommodate vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. p. 42

Croissant at Le Pain Quotidien

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WHERE NOW Orange

County

New at Fashion Island: the look at Ella Moss, and the Newport jean at Earnest Sewn

» SHOPPING Island of Fashion

Los Angeles-based Ella Moss opens its first-ever freestanding boutique at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, offering playful collections Ella Moss, Ella Girl and Little Ella amid decor designed to suggest a girl’s dream closet; this season, look for pleating and lace, faux fur and chunky knits as well as flowy chiffon frocks (949.644.4261). Also new at the center is New York-based Earnest Sewn, showcasing denim and sportswear for men, women and children as well as footwear and fashion, home and pet accessories; it celebrates the launch with the “Newport,” a sophisticated, limited-edition, over-dye black micro-flare jean with 24-carat-gold buttons and rivets and gold-foil screen print ($198; 949.759.1329). Opening presently is Rebecca Taylor, offering feminine fashions by the New Zealand-born designer that are characterized as urban, bold and kittenish with a touch of sparkle.

IN LIKE A LAMB New rock ’n’ roll-inspired denim brand Lamb & Flag, based in Orange County but named for a venerated pub in Oxford, England, opens at Brea Mall (p. 62) and the Shops at Mission Viejo (p. 64). “Beautiful rebellion” is the theme, and those words appear on some of the clothes. The boutiques carry the Lamb & Flag collections as

well as brands including A.P.C., Nudie and Cheap Monday. Women’s offerings include both super-slim and flare-leg jeans, off-the-shoulder knits, cinched dresses and color-blocked sweatshirts.

In the lineup for men are logo T-shirts, striped hoodies, military jackets and vintage-denim styles. There are also men’s and women’s fragrances. 800.422.5489

“Beautiful Rebellion” T-shirt by Lamb & Flag

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Shop the finer collection of men’s apparel inspired by our authentic surf heritage and our Waterman Collection sponsored athletes who live the Waterman lifestyle to the fullest

Visit our Waterman Collection store in Fashion Island 259 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach 949 718 9792

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County

» ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

TWO COOL!

Sarah Cain, Untitled (Spring 2011)

WELL CHOREOGRAPHED

The history of the Orange County Museum of Art is rooted in Los Angeles art and artists of the 1960s and ’70s.

Two Schools of Cool, through Jan. 22, pairs elder statesmen of cool with artists from a new generation, that emerged for the most part in Los Angeles since 2000, to create collaborative projects. The exhibition shows similarities as well as shifts in the art world over the decades, including the increasing prominence of female artists and the use of new technologies. There are five mixed-media installations. The collaborating artist teams are John Baldessari and Shana Lutker; Llyn Foulkes and Stanya Kahn; George Herms and Sarah Cain; Allen Ruppersberg and Amanda Ross-Ho; and Robert Williams and Ed Moses.

Select public programs during the run of the exhibition include artist talks, performances and workshops. p. 62

CAIN, JOSHUA WHITE; COME FLY AWAY, JOAN MARCUS

WHERE NOW Orange

Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away

New Broadway musical Come Fly Away, Jan. 31-Feb. 5 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra (“Fly Me to the Moon,” “New York, New York”), the creative vision of Tony Award-winning choreographer Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out) and a live big band. In it, 15 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, exploring the the excitement of a first dance, exhilaration of a first kiss and bittersweet moments of a first goodbye. “Come Fly Away delivers the purest jolt of pleasure to be found on a Broadway stage,” enthused Time magazine. In its highly anticipated Southern California debut, the prestigious, century-old Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo presents choreographer-director Jean-Christophe Maillot’s contemporary interpretation of Cinderella, set to Prokofiev’s score, at the center Feb. 9-12. p. 59 14 WHEREOC.COM WINTER 2012

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Who were the influences in your formative years as a chef?

First, spending time cooking with my mother in our kitchen, then working with a master chef such as Paul Bocuse. From my mother, I learned to cook everyday foods, to entertain family and friends, to be creative with what we have on hand—that leftovers could be a great dish. From Bocuse, the consistency of being good day after day after day, every dish the same today and tomorrow, and the quality of the preparations.

Your résumé begins in Rouen.

My first work experience was in the first French restaurant Julia Child ever ate in (La Couronne).

I was already connecting with the American chef when I was 16 years old without knowing it!

Later, I was one of the chefs who cooked for her 80th birthday.

You worked under Bocuse.

Many of O.C.’s finest chefs trained under you.

Yes. Florent Marneau of Marché Moderne, Bernard Althaus of Basilic, Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub, Lindsay Rosales of Nirvana Grille....

» Q+A KEEPER OF THE FLAME

French chef Pascal Olhats, 57, oversees five restaurants: He owns two—Tradition by Pascal in Newport Beach (top-rated

by Zagat for a decade, p. 42) and Café Jardin in Corona del Mar (p. 41)—and is executive chef at three, Brasserie Pascal at Fashion Island (p. 41), French 75 in Laguna Beach (p. 41) and Savannah Chop House in Laguna Niguel (p. 48). He also owns gourmet epiceries in Newport Beach and Santa Ana. Olhats began his career with apprenticeships in his hometown of Rouen in France and worked under legendary chef Paul Bocuse in Lyon. Since arriving in California in 1984, he has served for three years as president of the French Chefs Association. He lives in Tustin with his wife, Chris.

You’ve changed menus dramatically at your partnered spots.

They’ve changed 80 percent, but progressively. French 75 is California-style with French technique. Savannah is more American, steakhouse style, with European flair. The Brasserie is definitely French, more bistro, more French than French 75.

So many dining categories— California cuisine, American, new American, Mediterranean, eclectic, fusion—seem increasingly meaningless. Do you foresee a time when we dispose of such categories entirely?

Most successful restaurants now offer a more variation type of cuisine—interpretations of cuisine. A famous French chef in France might have an Asian influence on the menu. As long as you use local ingredients, it is fabulous to bring in other flavors. On the other hand, if you really want a Korean dinner or American or Lebanese, there are always places that do the right

thing with right flavors. There’s not much in the middle.

So it’s traditional or creative.

Exactly. Tradition by Pascal is really French, and that is where I spend most of my time—I need to keep this going. In the other restaurants, I have fun putting new ingredients into the menu.

Where do you like to shop?

Hugo Boss. Tiffany for my wife.

The farmers markets, especially Saturdays opposite UC Irvine, for the organic foods—it is important to eat seasonal ingredients.

Are there other food trends you’re passionate about?

Foie gras. The ban would take effect July 1, so until then for sure we have several foie gras courses. It is so special. We are still fighting; we are not yet done.

Where in Orange County other than your own restaurants do you go for a celebration?

Usually I would stay home. Seafood is my favorite. Or roasted squab, roasted meat, roasted squash. Very warm and homey. I like traditional cuisine; I owe it to my past to keep traditions going.

But there are two restaurants I like to go to for celebrations with friends and family: the Cannery and the Balboa Bay Club. I like to eat on the water. I like having seafood looking at the seaside.

Where would you show guests from France the real O.C.?

We walk along the coast in Laguna Beach, by the seaside, the rocks. The French want to see the Pacific coast, to know why they call it the California Riviera. I show them something as pretty as the French Riviera.

Details Balboa Bay Club, First Cabin, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000 The Cannery, 3010 Lafayette Road, Newport Beach, 949.566.0060 Hugo Boss, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.641.8661 Irvine Farmers’ Market, (Sa 8 am-noon) Irvine Center, Bridge Road and Campus Drive, Irvine, 714.573.0374 Tiffany & Co., South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.5330

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11/7/11 3:01 PM

The Look: Where to find it Whether you enjoy browsing cutting-edge, one-of-a-kind boutiques or major department stores, Orange County is a shopper’s paradise. This time of year, when some of us skew more toward luxury accessories and jewelry, it seems even more of a paradise. Here are some items we’ve spotted of late that either shot straight to the top of our shopping list—or made us wish they were at the top of somebody else’s!

RiNg oF FiRE You can’t take your eyes off an intensely vivid yellow oval-cut 7-carat diamond such as this; stunning white stones play a supporting role. Price upon request.

Available at: Black Starr & Frost, 341 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.673.1771 SKiN gAME For the holidays, award shows, Valentine’s, you name it: Henri Bendel’s Milliner Wristlet, pictured in Red Multi Snake, also available in materials including Black Stingray, Gold Sequin and Rose Gold Lizard ($148).

Available at: Henri Bendel, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1647

WRAP iT uP! Baume & Mercier Linea ladies’ wristwatch, stainless-steel case on a light-brown calfskin wraparound strap with contrasting stitching ($1,950).

Available at: Traditional Jewelers, Fashion Island, 203 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.9010

PlEEEEEASE? One-of-a-kind, tear-drop chandelier precious-gemstone earrings from Bulgari’s Mediterranean Eden collection. Price upon request.

Available at: Bulgari, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.751.7833

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COMING AT T Leading chefs preview the Latest ingredients. BY ROGER GRODY

Thanks to the Food Network and reality shows such as Top Chef, chefs are beginning to be regarded as rock stars—and like real rock stars, they’re only as good as their last hit. A generation ago, menus hardly fluctuated, and new products took years to make their way into kitchens. Today, chefs use novel ingredients—whether an exotic fish from icy waters off the Tasmanian coast or an ancient spice blend from a Moroccan bazaar—to distinguish themselves from the competition.

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T TRACTIONS za´atar

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rvine’s Lucca Café & Market celebrates a Mediterranean cuisine inspired by sunny locales from the Côte d’Azur to the Costa Brava. Among the items that currently excite chefowner Cathy Pavlos is fennel pollen, harvested from the blossoms of wild fennel. The potent but pricey ingredient—it takes a couple of acres of wild fennel plants to produce a few ounces of pollen—has been growing in popularity since Mario Batali brought some back from Tuscany, where local chefs dust it over a fennel pesto for added nuance. At Babbo in New York, the Iron Chef uses it to finish a dish of goat cheese tortelloni with dried orange, and chefs across America are beginning to experiment with it. Writer Peggy Knickerbocker championed it in Saveur magazine: “If angels sprinkled a spice from their wings, this would be it.”

Pavlos uses fennel pollen whenever she wants to brighten a dish, noting that it’s particularly effective when combined with lime zest, black pepper and garlic in a rub for pork tenderloin. “Most people can’t figure out what it is, and their curiosity alone will cause the

dish to become quite memorable,” she reports. “I like to play around with subtle nuances of the same flavor profile, so I might use fennel bulb, frond, seed and pollen on the same dish—but in different layers and for different impacts.” For a salad of shaved fennel bulb, the chef recently added roasted oranges with crushed fennel seeds, kalamata olives, red onions and avocados, then sprinkled the dish with fennel pollen just before sending it out. “The guests didn’t know what hit them…. The flavor was subtle and intense at the same time,” says Pavlos. She even suggests dusting cookies and crackers with fennel pollen, claiming it adds a faint honey taste.

Pavlos’ love of fennel pollen is shared by chef David Myers, who for years pioneered new concepts in fine dining at his nowshuttered Sona in Los Angeles. Few chefs are more inquisitive about new ingredients, and Myers is one of the few American chefs operating restaurants in Tokyo. There may not be quite as much opportunity for culinary adventure in Costa Mesa, but at Pizzeria Ortica, Myers’ only Orange County outpost, he constantly experiments with new products. He finds fennel pollen, which ties in

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culinary fashion statement was Piero Selvaggio’s Valentino in Santa Monica, where it is still shaved over spaghetti. “It gives a great deep-sea flavor to dishes,” says Myers, who currently uses it as a final flourish on his Calabrese pizza, which is first topped with mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, rapini and Calabrian chilies. “It’s an amazing combination of flavors,” promises the chef.

Among the world’s great hams, the best known is prosciutto di Parma, which is cured in open barns in EmiliaRomagna for up to three years. Stateside restaurateurs assumed it had no rival, until jamón ibérico started making its way into American kitchens. Many chefs insist jamón ibérico, made from a breed of Spanish pigs that feed almost exclusively on acorns, is worth its exorbitant price. At stylish Sapphire Laguna in Laguna Beach, chef Azmin Ghahreman offers the product in his adjoining Sapphire Pantry, typically at less than $100 per pound. Explaining the bargain price—it often sells for as much as $140 per pound—Ghahreman says, “We like to share the wealth with others so they can discover and enjoy the product.” He occasionally offers a precious slice at no charge to inquisitive guests in the dining room. He insists that the ibérico has a much richer taste; its nutty flavor distinguishes it from other Spanish hams such as jamón serrano. “It’s important to eat it at room temperature,” cautions Ghahreman. “Like a glass of wine, the flavors are diminished when it’s consumed too cold.”

Lucca’s Pavlos doesn’t deny the glories of ibérico but suggests that only the most selective foodies would tolerate the stratospheric prices. “It is an incredible product, but the subtle flavor difference between it and jamón serrano, prosciutto di Parma or prosciutto di San Daniele may be lost on the general public,” she says. Some outstanding domestic products with much lower prices have recently emerged. Among them are La Quercia prosciutto from Iowa, an artisanal product that influential food writer Jeffrey Steingarten called the best he ever tasted, domestic or imported. The company’s “Acorn Edition” is produced from free-range acorn-fed pigs, à la ibérico.

“I use La Quercia speck and heirloom prosciutto, which are just as good as their Italian counterparts, but in different ways,” says Pavlos, who finds them less salty, less dry and sweeter. At Lucca, she also showcases Paul Bertolli’s Fra’ Mani cured meats from Northern California, which she believes nearly replicate imports from Italy. “His recipes are very traditional and very reminiscent of my childhood,” says Pavlos, whose family has a strong Italian heritage.

For a counterpoint, she offers products from Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, the Seattle-based company of Armandino Batali. “His products are very contemporary and bold. Like his son [Mario], Armandino doesn’t hesitate to experiment and has created his own signature products.” At Lucca, the biggest seller is the mole salami, made with

Haven Gastropub 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680.

Map C4 Lucca Café & Market 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, 949.725.1773. Map D5 Pizzeria Ortica 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900. Map J13 Sapphire Laguna 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888. Map I15 Savory Spice Shop Corona del Mar Plaza, 928 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.717.7776. Map L15 True Food Kitchen Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400. Map L15

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nicely with the pizzeria’s cuisine, attractive for its subtle delivery of flavor. “Fennel pollen is the best!” he proclaims. “It’s not as strong as fennel seed, so it gives dishes a background taste of licorice that’s not in your face.” Consistent with Pavlos, he likes to stuff porchetta with fennel pollen, allowing it to permeate the flesh as it marinates overnight. Myers also appreciates the versatility of the ingredient and frequently sprinkles it on raw fish.

Various grains that are trendy for reasons of taste, nutrition and sustainability are suddenly popping up on menus. Myers has high praise for farro, incorporating it into a compelling frutti di mare antipasto at Pizzeria Ortica. Flavored with spicy peppers, lemon juice and blistered grape tomatoes, it serves as a delicious platform for mussels, calamari and shrimp. “Farro is so versatile…. Not only does it give texture to most dishes, but it really soaks up the juices that it’s involved with, creating a great flavor profile,” he says.

True Food Kitchen, a burgeoning chain of health-conscious eateries with a location at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, also champions unfamiliar grains.

High in fiber and micronutrients, farro and quinoa frequently appear at True Food, which offers a globally inspired menu punctuated by tofu, brown rice, Greek yogurt and other healthful ingredients. But executive chef Michael Stebner doesn’t deprive his guests, creating enticing items including wild-mushroom pizzas, bison burgers, Thai curries, and a penne Bolognese using brown rice pasta with turkey sauce. “Our No. 1 objective is to create food that tastes great,” says Stebner. “It just happens to be good for you.” He and his colleagues scoured the globe, searching for the foods that the healthiest people on the planet ate, then incorporated those ingredients into a menu that would satisfy Americans.

Quinoa is used liberally at True Food, where it appears in a Mediterranean salad in place of couscous or alongside salmon instead of rice. Favored by the Incas, who grew it at altitudes too high for corn, quinoa is incredibly versatile, and True Food adds it to pizza dough, bread and even pancakes, along with farro. “Incorporating nutritional ingredients like flax meal, spelt flour and millet seeds into a burger bun actually adds flavor,” says Stebner. “And it definitely doesn’t taste like a hockey puck, either!” he teases, claiming True Food is crushing the stigma long associated with health-conscious restaurants.

David Myers is fond of bottarga, the dried, salt-cured pouch of roe from tuna or gray mullet—it’s sometimes referred to as a poor man’s caviar—that is popular in seaside villages throughout the Mediterranean. The first place in Southern California to make bottarga a

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two kinds of chilies, chocolate and cinnamon.

Ghahreman has lived and cooked all over the globe, and the eclectic flavors of North Africa, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Hawaii are regularly represented on his menus at Sapphire. His personal international orientation is supported by the county’s growing cultural diversity and an increasingly food-conscious public whose interests are constantly piqued by cable TV. Ghahreman is fascinated by South America, whose culinary traditions will be in the spotlight when Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. At Sapphire, the Iranian-born chef prepares Peruvian tiradito, a Japanese-influenced dish akin to ceviche. Scallops or albacore are thinly cut, drizzled with coconutlime juice and accented with house-made ají, a fiery chili sauce that is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. For a South American riff on the Italian specialty beef carpaccio, Ghahreman creates an aioli with Argentina’s signature chimichurri sauce and artistically plates it with pickled shallots and crispy potatoes.

The very existence of Savory Spice Shop, whose first Southern California store is at Corona del Mar Plaza in Newport Beach, demonstrates just how far the American culinary scene has progressed. There, a local chef or novice home cook can explore every continent for the hottest new seasonings. “On a Saturday, people often just follow their noses into the shop,” reports co-owner Laura Shute, who happily offers tastings and dispenses cooking tips.

In addition to a half-dozen paprikas and a dozen salts ranging from British Maldon (a current chef favorite) to Portuguese flor de sal, the 1,500-square-foot spice boutique also offers specialty blends such as garam masala, herbes de Provence and ras el hanout, the complex northern African spice mix made from up to a hundred ingredients.

One bit of exotica popping up on menus these days is za’atar, a blend of spices for which every spice monger has a different recipe.

An aromatic signature of the Arab culinary world, za’atar usually includes oregano, thyme, salt, sesame seeds and sumac. “Za’atar is a

huge seller for us, for both restaurants and home cooks who are beginning to see it featured in magazines,” says Savory Spice’s Shute, who indicates her company’s blend incorporates a generous dash of sumac. She personally suggests (Opposite) Jamón a liberal rub of it under the skin of a chicken to ibérico from Spain. transform a boring bird into something special.

At Sapphire, Ghahreman dusts warm pita bread with za’atar, offered as part of a mezze tasting.

Shute observes that customers are now willing to expand their tastes beyond more familiar Indian and Thai curries, occasionally experimenting with a fiery Ethiopian curry blend called berbere. She also carries a sweet-and-savory variety of ras el hanout named after the Moroccan town of Tan-Tan. It’s so versatile that she even recommends a pinch of it in macaroni-and-cheese!

Gastropubs are at the forefront of introducing novel ingredients, and chef Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub loves challenging Orange County palates with the likes of rabbit liver, lamb neck and pig’s ear.

“The ear just has a unique fatty texture that, when matched with a crisp and salty fried outer layer, makes for an amazing mouth-feel,” says Daniels. He also sees greater acceptance of unfamiliar dishes among customers, suggesting that many of these products will eventually become as ubiquitous as sweetbreads and pork belly. He recently served porchetta di testa (hog’s head) at an event, and some people were apprehensive. “I reminded them that they’re perfectly happy eating a pig’s ass when they enjoy ham, but for some reason they can’t possibly think of eating the cheek or ear,” quips the classically trained chef. He identifies goat, reputedly the most popular protein in the world, as an emerging trend in American restaurants.

Daniels is a chef who clearly has a passion for working with interesting products, including the so-called “trash” parts of livestock.

Notes the chef, “We do this to pay respect to the animals we eat and not waste the lives they give for us.”

(Above) Roasted chicken with farro, red spinach, cranberry and walnut at True Food Kitchen.

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(Above) Persimmon pain perdu with candied pepitas and hand-whipped cream at Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano.

(Left) Peanut Butter and Jellousy burger at Slaters 50/50 in Anaheim Hills and Huntington Beach.

(Right) Ghost chili taco at new Taco Asylum, at the Camp in Costa Mesa.

(Opposite) Pink Lotus martini at Anqi at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

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AGAINST ALL ODDS PB&J Burger? Cotton-Candy martini? unLiKeLy diSHeS Can Carry tHe day. By BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

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t is all too common on menus these days to find dishes and combinations of ingredients that are unusual for the sake of being unusual —attention-getting but not worth the attention they get. But sometimes those items, like the best travel experiences, not only take you into uncharted territory but also make you forever grateful that you went there. And like the best in travel, they offer something you likely won't experience at home.

The Peanut Butter and Jellousy burger at Slater's 50/50 (p. 38) sounds ludicrous if not perverse. But it's also deliriously scrumptious.

Slices of Papa Cantella's bacon, chunky Skippy peanut butter and Smucker's strawberry jam top the beef; request the "white" bun, an egg-washed brioche. Despite the endless burger options at Slater's, located in Anaheim Hills and Huntington Beach, the PB&J burger is one of the most popular. It's owner Scott Slater's favorite.

Amar Santana offered bone marrow as the longtime chef at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale's South Coast Plaza. At his hugely popular new Broadway by Amar Santana in Laguna Beach (p. 36), he pairs roasted bone marrow with anchovies. "It tastes like fat," says my wife of the marrow—but such heavenly, luxurious fat! The marinated Spanish anchovies are a perfect foil. (New Pizzeria Mozza offers another impeccable rendition.)

Most recipes for pain perdu (aka French toast) call for sweet toppings such as maple syrup or fruit sauces. At charming Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano (p. 37), owner-chef John Q. Humphreys presents savory pain perdu in versions using kabocha squash, or peanut butter banana, even sweet-pea pain perdu with lobster relish. His persimmon pain perdu with candied pepitas uses fruit picked on the property.

Haven Gastropub in Orange (p. 38) offers a goose pastrami

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sandwich and a beef cheek poutine, but both were recently eclipsed by a special of fried pig ears tossed with tangerine-Fresno chili glaze. It's a hard sell that we hope makes it onto chef Greg Daniels' regular menu. Daniels offers 10 unusual tacos at his Taco Asylum (p. 46) at the Camp in Costa Mesa. One featuring threads of ghost chili—bhut jolokia, one of the world's hottest—and pork cracklings is in a class of its own.

For many diners, everything at 118 Degrees (p. 49), also at the Camp, is unusual; the menu features only raw plant-based cuisine.

The coconut ceviche, for instance, recalls the seafood ceviches of Baja California but uses no seafood. Young Thai coconut, in strips suggesting calamari, joins roma tomato, mango, cilantro, green onions and chilies, all topped with California avocado and served in an oversized martini glass.

Anqi, at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa (p. 42), is known for its innovative Vietnamese fusion fare; its advance-notice-only molecular menu offers Kumamoto oyster with "yuzu-ade" air and Pop Rocks. But a cocktail alone is worth the trip. Recount your culinary adventures over a Pink Lotus martini; Finlandia pink grapefruit vodka, Cointreau and hand-pressed juices are poured through a shock of pink cotton candy.

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exploring

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 Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s and Marché Moderne.

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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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 and the Oc Mart Mix. 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.

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.

PHOTO crediT infO SOUTH cOAST PLAzA, BJArne G. JenSen; cOncerT HALL, rMA; irVine SPecTrUM, edWin SAnTiAGO

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. The new east end Promenade replaces the fiesta Marketplace along historic fourth Street; the Yost Theatre, now a concert venue, is a centerpiece. The area is filled with hip restaurants and bars. Historical highlights include the 122-year-old, Queen Anne-style 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, dating back beyond the Spanish rancho days.

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.

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 out of the irvine co.’s huge land holdings. The vibe extends to nearby John Wayne Airport, vastly superior to LAX in terms of pleasant surroundings and ease of departure and arrival.

IRVINE

TUSTIN

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—restaurants and the nation’s most visited movie complex that draw 15 million visitors annually.

The 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. Off campus but 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. for spirit of place, there may be no better place to start than the Irvine Museum. it houses Joan irvine Smith’s collection of turnof-the-20th-century california impressionist art on the 17th floor of an office building.

At some point the fledgling Orange County Great Park will be a centerpiece of recreation for the county, twice the size of new York’s central Park. for now, there are outdoor events, such as a weekly farmers market, a

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 more than 100 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 pages 70-71.

GRAND PLAN

gREAT fINd Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center is not in Fullerton but in downtown Santa Ana, the result of a partnership between the university and the city 10 miles south. Built in 1924, the Grand Central Building served as Orange County’s central market until the 1940s. Today, the art center is a three-level residential-commercial-educational complex that includes living-and-studio spaces for graduate arts students, the Gypsy Den cafe and the Grand Central Art Gallery. In the gallery through Jan. 15: Ride, exploring the intersection of car-centric boulevards with bicycles, roller skates, skateboards and other modes of mobility. 125 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.567.7233, grandcentralartcenter.com

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exploring

The Coast

(Left to right) Charming shop on Balboa Island; beneath the Huntington Beach Pier; the koi pond at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

The 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 pleasant shopping destinations anywhere, relaxed and elegant, and it’s gotten dramatic upgrades. Anchors Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s offer popular lunch spots. Ella Moss and Vineyard Vines boutiques are new; among new dining options are Le Pain Quotidien and Great Maple.

Also in Newport Center is the Orange County Museum of Art, which focuses on 20th-century California artists. OCMA throws some of the hippest fetes around: Orange Crush is an after-hours 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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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 shops include Gail Jewelers, Savory Spice Shop and Antonia, A Shoe Boutique— to Corona del Mar, a gem of a town with streets named for flowers, 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 new 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.

FUN, EVEN!

great find For 20 years, two sisters—an even number, notice—have provided a sense of fun and style at Even Sisters on Balboa Island. Helen and Katie Lewis offer sandals by Toms, Sanuk and Reef; hats by Walleroo and San Diego Hat Co.; surfwear by Roxy, Element and Toes on the Nose; kids’ clothing by Roxy Girl and Teenie Wahine; and jewelry by Dogeared and Zad, not to mention bike bells, kids’ books and decorative home cleaning items by Alice Supply Co. Just look for the life-size cow out front; Bessie’s colors change from time to time, prompting locals to ask where all the cows are kept, but there’s only one, a favorite of passers-by seeking a souvenir Balboa photo. 207 Marine Ave., Balboa, 949.673.2130, evensisters.com

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exploring

South Coast

(Left to right) Mission San Juan Capistrano; the slips at Dana Point Harbor; and downtown Laguna Beach.

Colorful cities on or just off 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 new 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.

TWO PARTS SUNSHINE

grEat finD While traveling in the 1990s, Kerry Cassill was drawn to the colorful Indian prints she discovered in the markets of Paris and followed them to their origins in India, where she began developing her own signature look. A few additional influences resulted in an adventurous collection of clothing and bedding with a coastal vibe that she’s offered at Lala in Laguna Beach since 1998. Items in the boutique center on “the most comfortable luxury-weight Indian fabrics for body and home,” this season blending frilly femininity with vintage floral and bold, mod geometric patterns. Cassill’s philosophy: two parts sunshine, one part cloud. 1145 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.464.9220, kerrycassill.com

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exploring

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.

Across the esplanade, sister park Disney’s California Adventure recently made a splash with the launch of the Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure, featuring great songs, animatronics and special effects. Last year’s smash hit, World of Color, still wows nightly with choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. You can already see the Cadillac Mountain Range taking shape in Cars Land, opening in 2012. 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, watch world-class dancers strut their stuff at Battle of the Dance, a dinner-show spectacular combining the colorful artistry of Spanish, Irish, pop and Bollywood choreography.

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HONDA CENTER AND crystal cathedral, EDWIN SANTIAGO; california adventure, BJARNE G. JENSEN. macaw, noah epstein

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 Sade, and its ice regularly hosts ice 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, featuring Muzeo, an interactive museum in the Carnegie Library building (1908) with a main gallery for exhibits. Sunny days are always cool at the NHL and Olympic-size rinks at Anaheim Ice, official training facility of the Anaheim Ducks, open for public 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 still wander through the California Marketplace and take in historic events at the brick-by-brick replica (circa 1966) of Independence Hall.

Inside the park, daunting roller coasters separate the bold from the bashful. Silver Bullet turns riders upside down six times, GhostRider is one of the world’s longest and tallest wooden coasters, and Montezooma’s Revenge rockets to 55 mph in three seconds.

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 Block at Orange— changing its name to the Outlets at Orange— a collection of retailers at once high-end and discount. Teens can’t resist Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding; adults and kids alike fall like pins for hip bowling alley Lucky Strike Lanes.

Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove is a must-tour for architecture buffs. Philip Johnson’s striking structure is wholly enclosed

by 10,000 silver-tinted windows. Two more world-class 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. The district’s ongoing revitalization brings an endless supply of distinctive boutiques and watering holes.

The mini-zone SoCo (for south of Commonwealth) alone is jammed with pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants, all 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 a company town for Union Oil Co. workers, now takes pride in its Birch Street Promenade. The pedestrian-friendly village 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.

REALITY CHECK

great find Moscow-born Larissa Morais’ passion changed from piano to painting in high school, and later she studied conservation and restoration of 15th-and 16th-century paintings.

Her own paintings, which she now displays at Larissa Morais Fine Art in Old Towne Orange, are contemporary realist and surrealist, figurative and floral, lush and sensual, highly detailed and otherworldly. Her paintings were featured at Bowers Museum’s recent Russian White Nights event. An iconic work depicting a peeling tangerine is a centerpiece at her husband’s restaurant, Francoli Gourmet, just around the corner. 45 Plaza Square, Orange, 310.430.5578, larissamorais.com

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Wor th a Shot

PGA pros at the county’s finest golf courses share their favorite and most challenging holes—and how to beat them. And why you should tee up at their club first. BY JOHN WEYLER

Ocean South Course, 18th hole, at Pelican Hill Golf Club

Here’s the thing about golf: The game is so difficult, so frustrating, so filled with negatives, yet we manage to focus on a few positives. Maybe it’s that one birdie during an otherwise horrible round, or the one 4-iron shot that flew straight and true, or a high-five with a buddy after snaking in a long putt—or just a memory of the cool sea air against your cheek.

There are few places on earth that a golfer would rather be than on a course, looking down the fair-

way at a beautifully designed hole—heck, even a devilishly designed hole—taking in all the risks, considering the potential rewards, and ready to take another swing … always knowing this could be the one that will be the focus of all the conversation on the 19th hole.

We asked the PGA pros—and one general manager—at the county’s finest tracks to describe their favorite and most challenging holes, and the reasons a visitor should tee it up at their golf club first.

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Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Mission Viejo / 6,439 yards / Par 72 Michael T. Block, Head Professional

What makes the course unique “The second you arrive, you’re immediately immersed in the relaxed, California ranch atmosphere—a contemporary reinvention of the good life of classic Orange County. We’re the only course in the county without a single house on the course. Also, there are no linking holes, so once you start on the first tee, you’re alone to explore the beauty and challenge of the course as it winds its way through the canyon. From the beef brisket slow-cooking on the smoker at O’Neill’s Bar & Grill to the expansive views of the Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve, the course exudes ranch style and luxury at every turn. The course, designed by Tom Lehman and Casey O’Callaghan, opened in July 2004, making it the newest golf course in Orange County. It’s an adventure you’ll want to take over and over.”

Favorite hole “No. 13, a par 3, 190 yards. It’s a long and difficult par 3 that forces you to carry the ball at least 170 yards over water. The lake also lines the right side of the green. If you bail out to the left, you’ll find the greenside bunker. The shot out of the bunker to the pin is challenging, with the lake ominously lurking behind the pin. In the afternoon, this hole is one of the most beautiful scenes on the course. The hills of Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve turn amber during sunset, and the contrast between the golden hills and the tranquil blue of the lake make for the perfect natural color palette. Throw in the innate challenge of the hole and, as a golfer, there’s no other place you’d rather be.”

Hardest hole “No. 12. It’s a long par 4—498 yards—that forces you to carry your drive at least 220 yards off the tee. A canyon lines the entire right side of the fairway, creating a scenic, but dangerous, hazard. Your second shot—normally played with a fairway wood or long iron—must be pinpoint accurate. If you hit to the left, there’s a Pinehurst-style runoff area adjacent to the green. If you go there, you’ve essentially taken par out of the equation. The right side of the green has a bunker (with a 10-foot lip) standing guard. If you’re skilled enough to evade these obstacles, the large green is full of breaks and undulation and makes a two-putt difficult. My best advice: be aggressive with a long drive, use the slope of the hill to carry extra yardage, therefore lowering the distance to the green on your second shot, increasing accuracy. Take your time aligning your putt, and plan on lots of break.”

Black Gold Golf Club

Yorba Linda / 6,439 yards / Par 72 Art Guevara, Head Professional

What makes the course unique “We are the only course in the county built on a former oil-drilling field, and we maintained that theme as we opened, thus the name Black Gold. We kept the original tips of the drill bits and use them for our tee markers. We also have some unbelievable sweeping views that stretch to the coast. Our greens are known for their consistent speed. On average, we keep our greens at around a 10 on the Stimpmeter.

I also believe our value to consumers is second to none, with very competitive greens fees.”

Favorite hole “My favorite hole at Black Gold is No. 17, a 371yard, par 4. First of all, the tee shot is elevated, and hitting to the valley below requires some local knowledge because the fairway slopes from right to left. A well-placed tee shot aimed at the right center of the fairway leaves a mid iron to an elevated green that slopes severely from right to left. There are five yards of false front that funnel the ball to the front of the green. I know when playing this hole to eliminate the location of the flagstick and aim for the right-center of this green. This is a hole that can ruin a good round … and it has proven this many times.”

Hardest hole “The hardest hole on our course is No. 5. It’s the No. 1-handicap hole and requires a long and accurate tee shot.

Although the hole measures 430 yards, the second shot is the most important because you are hitting to an elongated green with bunkers on the left side. The green is tucked to the left of the fairway landing area and you really need a slight draw when hitting into this hole. The green on this hole has many undulations, putting even more importance on an accurate approach shot.”

Monarch Beach Golf Links Dana Point / 6,052 yards / Par 70 Corrie Sternquist, Associate Head Professional

What makes the course unique “First, our golf course is managed by Troon Golf, the leader in upscale golf management.

We have a very experienced staff to provide unparalleled service, whether you’re a single player just walking on or holding a 180-player celebrity charity outing. The golf course, which was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and is fashioned in the Scottish links tradition, provides awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island and has ocean views from most of the holes, and two are directly adjacent to the beach.

The ocean keeps temperatures at Monarch Beach very mild all year round. And Monarch Beach has been voted Best Greens in Orange County by greenskeeper.org.”

Favorite hole “No. 3, ‘Point Break,’ is my favorite hole. Our signature hole is a short par 4, dogleg left and is a great risk/reward hole. Players can choose to lay up off the tee with a mid to long iron to set themselves up for a short approach. They can also try and cut the dogleg and drive the green, but this brings into play the deep greenside bunkers.”

Hardest hole “No. 7, ‘Tsunami,’ is the hardest hole on our golf course. This par 5 plays over 600 yards from the black tees. Salt Creek runs the length of the hole, and players must battle the creek on the tee shot, on the second shot and on the approach shot into the green. The secret to playing No. 7 is to hit the tee shot to the wide portion of the fairway.”

Pelican Hill Golf Club

Newport Coast / Ocean North Course / 6,481 yards / Par 71 Ocean South Course / 6,200 yards / Par 70 Steve Friedlander, General Manager What makes the courses unique “Tom Fazio designed both courses to fit into the environment like they have been here for hundreds of years, using all of the natural elevation changes and

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Strawberry Farms Golf Club Irvine / 6,276 yards / Par 71 Tom McCray, Head Professional

What makes the course unique “The conditions of Strawberry Farms are among the best in the county, and the beauty of the landscape is always part of a golf shop conversation with new customers after a round. These aesthetics, accompanied with the challenge of the Jim Lipe design, make it something you do not want to miss. Keep your eyes open, because many majorleague ballplayers and NFL stars can be seen coming to visit our course developer, former Angel third baseman Doug DeCinces.”

Monarch Beach Golf Links, Hole 3

natural coastal sage scrub environment to perfection. There are Pacific Ocean views from all 36 holes. Three Ocean South course holes are on bluffs right on the ocean. We have a professional forecaddie program, the best-conditioned greens in SoCal, and an eco-friendly, state-of-the-art water system. Did I mention the Tom Fazio design and the Pacific Ocean?”

Favorite hole (North) “No. 12, because I made a hole in one on it last November…. Actually, No. 17 is a favorite of mine and of many guests, a terrific three-shot par 5 with great risk/reward challenges starting with the tee shot. How close to the bunker on the right do you want to risk to be rewarded with a shorter second shot? Each of the three shots necessary to set up a birdie has risk/reward opportunities for every skill level golfer. The green complex looks like it’s on the edge of the world with the ocean in the background.”

Favorite hole (South) “No. 13, one of Tom Fazio’s best designs of a short par 3. Mostly because there are two greens surrounded by sand to make them look like islands. They are on the bluff right on the ocean; the views forever in every direction are spectacular.”

Hardest hole (North) “No. 9 demands an excellent tee shot to a narrowing fairway protected by a bunker right at the end of the fairway and then an approach with a mid to long iron or hybrid into an elevated green complex with a false front and protected by a deep bunker right and tight collars left. A par on No. 9 is a great score for any skill level golfer. It takes two great shots and two great putts, because Fazio created terrific illusions on the green, and the green is always faster than it looks.”

Hardest hole (South) “No. 18, an incredible finishing hole demanding a perfect and long tee shot and then a mid to long iron or hybrid of all carry distance into an elevated green, one of the larger and more undulated greens at Pelican Hill. The green is protected by several bunkers front right and left, and it’s very challenging to read the many breaks. The view from the tee box is spectacular, as is the view from the green looking back to the ocean. All of the senses are engaged, and many a bet has been won or lost on No. 18 South.”

Favorite hole “My favorite hole is No. 10. It’s a short par 4 that sits on top of the banks of the reservoir looking down at what looks like a very narrow fairway. You have the option of taking a driver over the bunkers, leaving yourself a short wedge approach, or playing safe with a layup and leaving a mid-iron.

Any pull or push on a driver shot will lead to a hazardy grave and a drop area third swing. Views in every direction are the best on the course.”

Hardest hole “Hole No. 12 is the longest hole in Orange County. It’s a dogleg left, uphill, 630-yard par 5 with a hazard playing the entire length of the right side. You need to play three long shots to reach in regulation. Make sure your fairway woods are tuned up at the range before teeing off. The yardage off the course GPS system is accurate, but you’ll need to add at least one club on your approach due to the elevation of the putting surface.”

Tustin Ranch Golf Club Tustin / 6,446 yards / Par 72 Cameron M. Carr, Head Professional

What makes the course unique “Our facilities and course conditions. We’re open to the public but provide a private feel, and we were voted Orange County’s No. 1 golf course by readers of the Orange County Register.... Visitors would want to play Tustin Ranch first because we’re the most player-friendly facility with a country club-type atmosphere and turf-lined fairways that make for an enjoyable and challenging round for all levels of golfers.”

Favorite hole “My favorite hole on the golf course is No. 18.

First off, it’s a pretty tough finishing hole. It’s a par 4, 397 yards, with the possibility of many penalties—out of bounds, lost ball, sand and water. Pin position on this hole is everything. The massive, three-tiered green has water left and OB long or right.

When the pin is in the back, good luck, ‘cause you’ll need it!”

Hardest hole “In my opinion, No. 17 is our hardest hole. It’s a 198-yard par 3, typically into the wind, and can play as long as 220 yards with the pin in the back and the tees tipped out. It’s a pretty straightforward hole with a fairly flat green (for Tustin Ranch), but there is a large bunker up the left side of the green, as well as palm trees, a cart path and a water hazard on the right. For the average golfer that hits the ball to the right, that cart path is like a magnet. It’s a very tough hole to make birdie or even par sometimes.”

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where

the guide WINTER 2012

DINING

Star of India Tamarind, sibling to the Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in London, opens at Crystal Cove Promenade in Newport Coast, offering tandoor-oven favorites and innovative seasonal crossover dishes in elegant presentations. Consider the grilled scallops with peppercorns, fennel and star anise seen here, or chicken tikka with pureed tomatoes, ginger, green chilies and fenugreek. Among seating options are a communal table with a view into the kitchen and a lush garden room with retractable walls and fire pits. p. 42

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American A RESTAURANT The menu at this stylish spot offers as much nostalgia as the red-leather booths, but beef stroganoff, pot roast and scallops still get on-the-moment treatment. Plus O.C.’s best burger. Cafe/market adjacent.

L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 3334 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.6505 $$$ Map N13 ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Conscientiously created dishes—slowly braised octopus salad with chorizo chip; sweet-and-sour lemon-curd tart with Italian meringue, pear crisp and Chocolate Millionaire ice cream—and superb cocktails. Striking decor includes two-story water wall. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887 $$ Map D4 BACK BAY BISTRO Snazzy spot at the Dunes has wraparound windows overlooking Back Bay and a retractable roof. Linguini pescatore, mojito pork chops, USDA Prime flat-iron steak; prime rib Thursdays. B (Sa-Su), L (daily), D (Th-Su), Br (Sa). Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144 $$ Map M14

Craft Pizza Culinary stars Mario Batali, an influential TV and Web personality; Nancy Silverton, known for her breads at La Brea Bakery; and Joseph Bastianich, who oversees a string of acclaimed Italian eateries, together open Pizzeria Mozza in Newport Beach, replicating their lauded collaborations in Los Angeles and Singapore. Start with fried squash blossoms or bone marrow al forno. Continue with salumi or with finely crafted pizzas, such as one with speck, buffalo mozzarella, tapenade and oregano, which use a distinctive dough and have very puffy rims. Finish with desserts just as distinctive, notably the caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts.

The wine bar offers 50 Italian wines at $50 and under. p. 44

BANDERA Perennially popular spot offers grilled fare.

Wood-fired rotisserie chicken and sliced leg of lamb, the lamb served with red chili sauce and escabéche; start with iron-skillet corn bread. D (nightly). 3201 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.3524 $$ Map M16 BAYSIDE Stylish spot offers a limited view of the harbor canals and first-rate New American fare. The handsome space and sprawling bar and patio draw a local crowd for exec lunches, romantic dinners and lazy brunches. Live jazz; art displays. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222 $$$ Map M14 THE BEACHCOmBER On the beach at Crystal Cove State Park; inside, it’s like a weatherworn yacht. Highlights: roasted French feta; rib-eye with wild-mushroomand-truffle-mac; and the Gimme S’mores! dessert.

There’s likely a wait; head to the outdoor Bootlegger Bar, a gem. Shuttle or walk from the Los Trancos lot. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949.376.6900 $$ Map E4 BROADWAY BY AmAR SANTANA New. Former longtime chef at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza opens in former Five Feet space, serving creative “cuisine of the Americas” such as pan-roasted sea scallops with sea urchin risotto, passion fruit, jalapeño, sea beans and chive flowers, and pan-roasted lamb belly with cumin caramel and carrot “textures.” 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234 $$$ Map H15 CHAPTER ONE: THE mODERN LOCAL New. Hip library-themed spot offers creative fare such as skirt steak with apple chimichurri sauce and yucca fries; soft chocolate ganache with chocolate “soil,” soy caramel and fried wontons; “culinary cocktails” such as Holiday in Cambodia. Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225 $$ Map H13 CHARLIE PALmER Awash in sunshine by day, smartly lit by night, star chef Charlie Palmer’s space is superstylish, roomy and relaxed. Out of the kitchen come exceptional modern American dishes that favor top-flight purveyors. Palmer’s wine shop and new DG Burger are adjacent. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525 $$$ Map D3 COLISEUm POOL & GRILL Casual venue at the Resort at Pelican Hill overlooks the world’s largest circular pool, serves thin-crust pizza, gourmet burgers and seafood. B, L, D (daily). 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 949.467.6800 $$$ Map L1 THE COUNTER Hip and lively spots offer more than 300,000 burger combinations you customize on a clip-

Guidelines

Restaurants are listed by city on page 57. 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 American ...............................36 Brewpubs/Gastropubs ....38 California................................38 Continental...........................40 Eclectic.....................................41 French.......................................41 Indian...................................... 42 International ........................ 42 Italian ...................................... 43

Japanese ...............................44 Mediterranean.................... 45 Mexican/Latin .................... 45 Seafood..................................46 Steak .......................................48 Thai.......................................... 49 Themed ................................. 49 Vegetarian ............................ 49 Quick Bites ........................... 49

board order form. L, D (daily). Westcliff Plaza, 108 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.642.0700; 6416 Irvine Blvd., Irvine, 949.336.7272 $$ Map L13, D5 CROSSROADS AT HOUSE OF BLUES Southern hospitality and rafter-raising music: shrimp and grits, jambalaya, buttermilk-fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, chili-braised short ribs. Saturday Reggae Brunch, Sunday Gospel Brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).

Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.BLUE $$ Map I10 THE DECK New. Open-air spot serves breezy cocktails and beach fare such as burgers and baked clams, as well as a flat-iron steak and paella for two, steps from the sand. L, D (daily). Pacific Edge Hotel 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700 $$ Map I15 GREAT mAPLE New. Replaces Rustica near Nordstrom.

Creative small plates, wood-fired flat-bread pizzas, 10-spiced grass-fed beef burger, house-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 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 $$$ Map J13 mAmA’S ON 39 New. Casual creative comfort fare, brainchild of chef Brian Black (ex-Stonehill Tavern) and Salt Creek Grille founder. Consider Mama Mary, a huge bloody mary in a jar; buttermilk-fried chicken and bacon waffles; Thrifty Ice Cream. B, L, D (daily). 21022 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.374.1166 $$ Map L8 mEmPHIS Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwest dishes in a hip retro setting. Start with gumbo or the pulled-pork 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 $$ Map J13, G13 NEWPORT RIB CO. Family-owned, -operated spot has offered “best baby-back ribs anywhere,” choice steaks, slow-roasted tri-tip, seafood, chicken, sandwiches, salads and kids’ items for 25-plus years. Full bar with sports TV; takeout from 10:30 am. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.631.2110 $$ Map K126 PALm TERRACE Inspired small plates, lush atrium look.

Macaroni ’n’ cheese with Taleggio cheese, truffles, Parmesan tuile; blue Caledonia prawns ricotta gnocchi; rum-and-pepper-braised sous-vide beef short ribs; dazzling dessert sampler. Weekday lunch buffet, $9.95.

In an unprecedented repeat, Taps Fish House & Brewery in Brea was named Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver, the world’s largest. p. 48

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Dining 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 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 $$ Map I10 Ramos House Café The county’s best breakfast, and one of its best restaurants of any kind, is served in an 1881 house steps from the train tracks in the historic Los Rios district. Don’t miss the Soju Bloody Mary—a meal in itself—or whatever pain perdu chef-owner John Q. Humphreys happens to be offering. B, L (Tu-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342 $$ Map I17

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Seasonal local and regional ingredients...

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Fashion Island 451 Newport Center Dr. Newport Beach, CA 949.644.2400

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ROYAL HAWAIIAN Landmark spot known for Lapu Lapu cocktail and tiki decor opened in 1946, got an update 60 years later. Loco Moco; coconut French toast with Portuguese sausage; Spam and spicy fried-egg sandwich; spare ribs Ala Moana. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su).

331 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8001 $$ Map E4 Sandy’s beach grill Steps from the sand at the base of Huntington Beach Pier; same owners as adjacent Duke’s. Sunnyside’s Famous Fried Zucchini; Beer Can Half-Chicken; Prime steak and fries; plus burgers and wood-fired pizzas. L, D (daily). 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 $$ 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 spicy chipotle shrimp flat bread, lemongrass salmon salad under glass, oak-grilled filet mignon and Mini Indulgences desserts.

Superior wine list. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252 $$ Map J13 Stonehill Tavern Celebrated chef Michael Mina offers sensational contemporary fare in shimmering room at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, turning the cozy tavern concept on its ear by bringing the ocean indoors via windows, mirrors and sea-view veranda seating. Urbane ode to New American dining includes braised Kurobuta pork short rib with kumquats and sweet-potato purée; roasted banana soufflé. D (Tu-Su). 1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive, Dana Point, 949.234.3318 $$$ Map J17 THREE SEVENTY COMMON New. Sorrento Grille’s longtime chef Ryan Adams redoes the space with metal and wood elements, charcoal ceiling hues and butcherblock tables and offers maple bacon popcorn instead of bread; menu highlights include wild mushroom bruschetta with Parmesan and bitter greens, and salmon with root vegetables. It’s a winner! 370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map H15 25 DEGREES Foodie-friendly design-your-own-burger and wine bar with speak-easy decor. Burger options include artisan cheeses, extras such as hatch green chili, sauces including gallego. L, D (daily). 412 Walnut Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.2525 $$ Map N9 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

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Dining Antonio Cagnolo Presents

Brewpubs and Gastropubs

Antonello Specialty Restaurants

THE Crow Bar and Kitchen New chef is James Beard Award-nominated John Cuevas, ex-Montage Beverly Hills. Aussie yellowtail crudo with stewed grapes, serrano chilies, garden parsley; Pork ‘N Beans, crispy pork belly, cannellini beans, pearl onions, heirloom carrots, spilling from a can; S’mores 2.0. Superb brew selection.

L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0070 $$ Map M16 HAVEN GASTROPUB Thought-provoking list of palate-provoking 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 $$ Map L15 SIDE DOOR Superb spot shares historic building (replica of Ye Olde Bell, England’s oldest inn) with fine-dining landmark Five Crowns; regional accolades in 2011 include Restaurant of the Year. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.4322 $$ Map M16 SLATER’S 50/50 Design-your-own-burger spots; new in Huntington Beach. Adventurous? Consider the Flamin’ Hot or the Peanut Butter & Jellousy options. The rich 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 $$ Maps L9, B5 Yard House Yards and yards of beers on tap—hundreds of them, in fact, the world’s largest selection of draft beers—distinguish this thriving chain of upscale brewpubs offering American fusion fare. Lively taverns draw an energetic crowd for sloshing and noshing with a vibrant soundtrack of favorite tunes. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 849 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.9273; Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.9373; Triangle Square, 1875 Newport Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0090; 160 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.529.9273 $$ Map L15, D5, K12, A3

California Cuisine Bambú Creative fare creatively presented in a fourstory atrium amid lush palms, orchids and bamboo trees; Asian, French and Italian influences enhance seasonal and regional foods of Southern California.

Four-course prix-fixe lunch for those on the go. B, L, D (daily). Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 $$$ Map K14 The Californian Colorful, contemporary, elegant fine-dining room with creative cuisine and ocean views at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort. Roastedchicken tortilla soup; pan-seared salmon with gremolata crust; goat cheesecake. B, L, D (daily). 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234 $$ Map N9

Cucina Nostalgica Italiana 3800 S. Plaza Dr., Santa Ana 714 751 7153 antonello.com

A Touch of Southern Italy 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa 714 540 3365 nellocucina.com

Contemporary Northern Italian Cuisine 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 714 754 0300 quattrocaffe.com

K’YA BISTRO BAR Handsome bistro at Hotel La Casa del Camino offers tremendous variety of small plates paired with wide selection of wines by the glass. Chicken

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OON N COO MWI N GOS P EN

Dining empanadas, petite lamb or ahi burgers, lobster macaroni ’n’ cheese, Hawaiian poke, grilled filet mignon and truffle risotto reflect the diversity of the cuisine. B, L, D (daily). Hotel La Casa del Camino, 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 $$ Map I15 MIX Imaginative, often organic dishes in Anaheim Hilton atrium lobby; new executive chef Kyung Soo Carroll presents “classical French and nuevo American fusion” cuisine. Open-face tuna niçoise; natural-chicken fricassee. B, L, D (daily). 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412 $$ Map I10 Napa Rose Wine country comes to the Disney Resort by way of this stunning celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature. Ace executive 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

Small Plates Large Plates Sunday Family Style Drinks + Nosh

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 sILVeR TRUMpeT New. Musically themed restaurant and bar steps from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, ideal for pre- or post-theater repasts; locally sourced, free-range and market-fresh cuisine as well as housemade pastries and desserts. B, L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). Wyndham Orange County, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714.442.8593 $$ Map J13 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

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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 gilded by genteel service—earning highest marks on all fronts. D (Tu-Su). Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 $$$$ Map I16 sUNdRIed ToMaTo Cafe Eclectic Cal-Med dishes, bold flavors. Creamy sundried-tomato soup with Gorgonzola; crispy blackened chicken spring rolls; chopped salad. Excellent pastas. 361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3312 (L, D daily); 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.1167 (L, D daily; Br Sa-Su); 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.388.5757 (L, D daily; Br Su). $$ Map H15, I17, K17 TabU GRILL Bamboo, teak and stone local in-spot and Zagat high scorer offers Cal-Pacific Rim comfort-fusion surf-and-turf: miso-marinated mero sea bass with black radish, mixed mushrooms, cipollinis and truffle soy broth; prime bone-in rib-eye with forbidden rice risotto, roasted corn, applewood-smoked bacon, fresh horseradish, sweet corn cream and pasilla chili cream. 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 tanger-

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Dining ine chicken, tangerine scallops or Malibu culotte steak.

B, L, D (daily). Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.772.1186 $$ Map I10 Vine Laid-back beach burg takes wine-country detour at top spot for poised California cuisine and enlightened wine selections. Surfer-chef-owner Justin Monson’s seasonal cookery suits the hand-hewn space. Adjacent new St. Roy Chef’s Pub. D (Tu-Sa). 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2079 $$$ 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 $$$ Map J16 THE WINERY Renowned chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers superior contemporary California regional cuisine at handsome, bustling spot at the District at Tustin Legacy. The freshest seafood, wild game and USDA Prime steaks can be complemented with wines from the 7,000-bottle cellar. Excellent bar menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600 $$$ Map J14

Continental Five Crowns Venerated Lawry’s-owned spot in English inn replica gets new decor, new head chef and new dishes such as oxtail and farro soup with roasted chanterelles, and seared duck breast with crispy spaetzle; 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 $$ Map C4 Orange Hill Hilltop hideaway with endless city-light views; traditional and updated fare includes seafood appetizers, pastas, prime rib, lobster. New Orange Bar has retro orange theme, small plates, Burning Mandarin martini, even an orange piano. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910 $$ Map C5 The Ritz Restaurant & Garden Ritzy enough for special occasions with continental classics, casual enough for a burger at the bar. Excellent live music in the bar by the Baker Brothers and Jimmy Hopper W-Su. Barbecues in the garden Tuesdays. L (M-F), D (nightly). 880 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.1801 $$$ Map L15 21 Oceanfront Romantic restaurant offers sunset views, cozy bars, classic decor, award-winning wine list, servers in black tie and menu featuring abalone, oysters Rockefeller, jumbo prawns and superb crab legs. Topnotch steaks and osso buco, too. Live entertainment in the lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront (Newport Pier), Newport Beach, 949.673.2100 $$$ Map N13

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Dining 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 $$$ Map K14 KiMERa Bayside and Bistango owners offer inventive, artfully presented, globally influenced cuisine; decor with contemporary vibe includes a bamboo-canopied ceiling. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.261.1222 $$$ Map K14 K’Ya stREEt FaRE The spot celebrates what 2.5 billion people eat daily—local dishes dispensed by street vendors. Dishes from every corner of the world: hibachi salmon from Tokyo, Cubano sandwiches from Miami, pommes frites from Paris and crisp calamari from Bangkok—and not a dish over $10. B, L, D (daily). Hotel Ménage, 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 888.462.7275 $ Map I10 saPPHiRE LagUna Chef Azmin Ghahreman offers globally inspired dishes at his stylish restaurant and lounge. Begin with Vietnamese duck spring rolls, move on to paella or prime rib-eye 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 $$$ Map I15 savoY Smart dining room in smartly redone hotel offers cross-cultural small plates, main plates and wine salon; pre-theater menu. B, L, D (daily). Hotel Hanford, 3131 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 877.426.3673 $$ Map J13 staRFisH New. 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, 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 chef Pascal Olhats offers croque monsieur, steak tartare with fries, seafood vol-au-vent, côte de bœuf with béarnaise-truffle sauce.

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 tHE cELLaR Romantic dinners in a subterranean setting oozing with character. Classic French fare, California accent, in cellar of 1920s-era California Hotel. Buffalo tartare with fried quail egg; Trois “B” Hash (Brussels sprouts, bacon, butternut squash); soufflés. Top-notch service, smashing wine list. D (Tu-Su). 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$$ Map A25 FREncH 75 French-American bistro and champagne bar helmed by Pascal Olhats (Tradition by Pascal) offers romantic ambience and outdoor dining beneath antique chandeliers. D (nightly). 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444 $$$ 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

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Dining duck. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063 $$$ Map K16 Marché Moderne Chef Florent Marneau and pastry chef wife Amelia raise the bistro to delicious heights with their unstuffy but oh-so-French effort. He revels in what’s good and what’s seasonal. Dessert? Choose among exquisite cheeses or Amelia’s transcendent desserts. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900 $$$ Map D3 Pinot Provence Sophisticated French-Med dishes at enduring Patina Group marvel. A favorite for executive lunches, pre-theater dinners and 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 $$$ Map J13 Tradition by Pascal Acclaimed chef Pascal Olhats celebrates more than 20 years at this spot near the airport offering elegant and rustic dishes, a relaxed ambience and vin-de-pays wine list. Adjacent Pascal Épicerie offers sophisticated quick fare. Sibling to Brasserie Pascal at Fashion Island and French 75 in Laguna Beach. L (M-F), D (M-Sa); Br, prix-fixe dinner (Su). Plaza Newport, 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.263.9400 $$$ Map K13 Vie de France Classic onion soup made from scratch, 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

Indian Royal Khyber Elegant northern Indian spot excels in tandoori dishes; the specialty is Khyber’s nectar lamb shanks. L (Su-F), D (nightly). South Coast Plaza Village, 1621-D Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.436.1010 $$$ Map J13 TAMARIND New. Highly anticipated sibling to Michelin-starred spot in London has opened at Crystal Cove Promenade, serving elegantly presented Moghulderived tandoor-oven favorites and innovative seasonal fare. L, D (daily). East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive, Newport Coast $$$ Map J13

International anqi Spinoff of Crustacean in Beverly Hills offers innovative cuisine dominated by small plates: filet mignon potstickers, steamed buns with braised pork belly, the family’s secret garlic noodles—plus cutting-edge 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 belacan Grill Malaysian bistro spotlights sambals, spicy sauces combining chilies and toasted shrimp paste. Roti canai flat bread; Nasi lemak (rice, coconut milk, screw pine leaves, anchovies, peanuts, beef rendang); crispy curry-leaf shrimp. L, D (daily).

17460 17th St., Tustin, 714.505.9908 $$ Map C4 LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN New. Belgian bakery-cafe serves simple, elegant boulangerie fare; organic breads and pastries baked in view of diners. On the menu: soups, salads and specialty tartines (open-faced sandwiches).

Communal table, ocean-view patio, baking classes. B, L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.287.5592 $$ Map L15 Marrakesh Marvelous Moroccan multicourse prix-fixe feasts including b’stilla (phyllo-chicken pie), served sans silverware. Great value. Belly dancing (W-Su). D (nightly). 1976 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.8384 $$ Map L13

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Sandy-DHB Combo Ad:Where 10/24/11 9:17 AM Page 1

Dining

Twice the View, Double the Dining.

Italian

Anaheim White House Restored 1909 manor provides a romantic setting for one of North County’s finest restaurants. 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 beetroot 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

Seafood, Steaks and a Lot More

Antonello Ristorante Top-notch, romantic northern Italian restaurant adds dishes including 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

Downstairs

BUCA DI BEPPO Gluttony at its finest! Family platters of ravioli or spaghetti and meatballs (three half-pound meatballs, 2 pounds of pasta) in fun, kitschy atmosphere. L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 13390 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714.665.0800; 7979 Center Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.891.4666; 11757 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, 714.740.BUCA; 1609 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.529.6262 $$ Map J14, C2, J10, A3

315 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach

714.374.7273 sandysbeachgrill.com T S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII AND CALIFORNIA

canaletto Ristorante veneto 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 served table-side—star at this impressive Venetian-style restaurant. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.0900 $$$ Map M16 cucina enoteca New. Spinoff of San Diego’s popular Cucina Urbana combines California-inspired Italian classics and a wine shop. Chef de cuisine is Lulu De Rouen (ex-Pinot Provence). Vasi (filled minimason jars), boards (polenta and ragu), stuffed squash blossoms, veal piccata, short-rib pappardelle, foragedmushroom and truffle-oil pizza. Wines are retail plus $10. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222 $$ Map D5 ECCO Cozy, hip spot serves up goat-cheese-stuffed squash blossoms; sophisticated wood-fired pizzas, among O.C.’s best; ricotta gnocchi with grilled prawns; pork porterhouse saltimbocca; sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and chilies. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.444.ECCO $$ Maps J13

Memorable Dining Endless Views, Simpler Times Upstairs 317 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach

714.374.6446 dukeshuntington.com

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

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Dining

The Orange County Concierge Association Congratulates

IL FORNAIO Inspired by the traditional Italian trattoria, this upscale casual restaurant and bakery features crusty fresh bread, house-made and imported pastas, woodfired pizzas and roasted meats in a romantic atmosphere.

L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.261.1444 $$$ Map J14 IL GARAGE New. David Slay of acclaimed ParkAve opens a beguiling Italian spot in a garage, amid a 1924 tractor and red-checkered tablecloths, overlooking the ParkAve garden; the menu is inspired by items from the garden. D (Tu-Sa). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8

Restaurant of the Year 2008 & 2009

NELLO CUCINA Italian steakhouse plus thin-crust pizzas, innovative pastas in airy foyer at South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court; sibling to acclaimed Antonello Ristorante. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365 $$ Map J13 PIzzERIA mOzzA New. Highly anticipated spot from culinary stars Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicates their collaborations in Los Angeles and Singapore. Top-notch pizzas use beguiling ingredients, distinctive dough. Start with fried squash blossoms or bone marrow al forno; end with caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. $$ Map M13 PIzzERIA ORTICA Spot owned by Los Angeles 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 $$ Map J13 qUATTRO CAFFé Antonio Cagnolo of nearby, much-lauded Antonello Ristorante rejuvenates shoppers with stylish fare. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0300 $$ Map J13

Crush Hour ... Happy Hour, The Winery way!

M–F 3:30–6:30 pm | M–Th 9–10:30 pm | F–Sa 9–11:30 pm | Su 4:30–10 pm Specialty Martinis • Wines • Beers • Appetizers

R&B Saturdays & Smooth Jazz Sundays Enjoy live performances by top artists!

Please call for reservations • Private Rooms available

714-258-7600 • www.thewineryrestaurant.net

Located at the District (at Jamboree & Barranca) • 2647 Park Avenue • Tustin, CA 92782

SAPORI RISTORANTE Tucked away near Balboa Island, WOC_Winery_WI12v2.indd 1 the charming spot offers both inside dining and an outdoor, fire-warmed patio. Chef-owner Salvatore Maniaci thrives on creating special meals—and memories. L (M-F), D (nightly) 1080 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.4220 $$$ Map N14

10/25/11 6:00 PM

Japanese BENIHANA The original exhibition kitchen—at your table! Fun dining experience. L (M-F), D (nightly). 4250 Birch St., Newport Beach, 949.955.0822; 2100 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.774.4940 $$ Map K13, I10 BLUEFIN Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrees. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle sauce, matcha salt; prime filet mignon with mixed mushrooms. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373 $$$ Map M17 GEISHA HOUSE The soaring space is as seductive as the artfully plated dishes of seafood. Menu highlights include uni shooters, matzo-miso soup(!), grilled Mongolian lamb chop, Geisha Lips no-rice roll and robata-yaki skewers. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2773 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.564.0350 $$$ Map G13 GEN KAI Local favorite for more than 30 years features colorful sushi plates prepared by chefs trained and certified in Japan. Lobster roll uses whole 6-ounce lobster, king crab roll an entire crab leg. L (M-F), D (nightly). 3344 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0771 $$$ Map M16 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

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

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Dining KATSUYA BY STARCK New. Splendid bento boxinspired 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 KITAYAmA Classic Japanese cuisine, private tatami rooms, top-notch sushi and sashimi. L (M-F), D (nightly).

101 Bay View Place, Newport Beach, 949.725.0777 $$$ Map K13

Join us for a One-of-a-kind Dining Experience!

View from Orange County to Catalina!

Happy Hour M-F 4-7pm Sunday Brunch Special Events

Private Parties Chef’s Tables Wine Dinners

Mediterranean

Reservations Accepted. Now Booking Holiday Parties.

6410 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92869 714.997.2910 TheOrangeHillRestaurant.com facebook.com/orangehill

>

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; 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 $$ Map D5 mESA Stylish spot offers hip scene, retractable glass roof, intriguing decor, inventive appetizers, superb cocktails and unisex restrooms at the Camp. D (Tu-Sa). 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 $$ Map J13

Bluewater Grill C A S U A L , M O D E R AT E LY P R I C E D

RA SUSHI Upbeat sushi restaurant and bar offers Japanese-fusion dishes such as Chili Ponzu Yellowtail, crab-and-shrimp Tootsy Maki and salmon-and-mango Crazy Monkey Roll. A red-globe-light-bedecked ceiling, oversized aquarium and hip soundtrack give the Huntington Beach location a club-like feel. L, D (daily). The Strand, 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.6390; the District at Tustin Legacy, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700 $$ Map J14

O P E N 7 DAY S , 1 1 A M - 1 0 P M

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 WHERE MAGAZINE Beach Resort and Spa, 1 Monarch Beach, Dana Point, 949.234.3320 $$$ Map J16

4.625x4.875

SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR Whether 24/06/09 indoors by the fireplace or on the patio steps from the sand, the water’s-edge Pacific view provides a dramatic backdropdawn.cheng@wherela.com for meals meant to be gorgeous memories.

Molecular cocktails on Thursdays. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Surf & Sand Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.4477, Ext. 550 $$$ Map H15 zOv’S BISTRO Zov Karamardian’s obsession with quality and culinary passion propels her spots. Acclaimed takes on Med cuisine in Tustin; the bakery-cafes in Newport Coast and Irvine offer jewel-like desserts and premium breads. L, D (M-Sa). 3915 Portola Parkway, Irvine, 714.734.9687; Enderle Center, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855; 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, 949.760.9687 $$$ Map C5, C4, L17

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

Mexican/Latin ASADA New. Tequila flights and housemade sangrias are a specialty at this Mexican steakhouse and tequila bar. California-inflected Mexican cuisine includes USDA Prime steaks and fresh local seafood as well as salads and sandwiches. L, D (daily), B (Sa-Su). 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.5533 $$ Map H15 EL ADOBE California historical landmark serving traditional Mexican fare is housed in two structures, one a 1797 adobe, the other the 1812 jail. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163 $$ Map I17

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

GABBI’S mEXICAN KITCHEN Old Towne day-trippers and tequila connoisseurs duck into this rustically stylish haven for spirited takes on regional Mexican fare far beyond tacos and burritos. The space packs them in during peak periods despite the absence of a sign. L, D (daily).

141 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3038 $$ Map C4

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Dining HABANA Hip setting, hip clientele, nuevo Latino by candlelight. Signature dishes include paella and ropa vieja (shredded pot roast). Great patio. L, D (daily). The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.556.0176 $$ Map J13

2607 Main Street Irvine, CA 92614 949.387.8887 www.andreisrestaurant.com

Creative Dining • Elegant Event Venue • Gourmet Catering

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 $$ Map H15, D5 LAS BRISAS Window-lined elegant cliff-top spot with sensational guacamole and coastal views. Happy hour on the patio is packed nightly. B, L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434 $$$ Map H15 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 $$$ Map A3 PABLO’S New. Bigger than la vida! Expansive space with patio offers specialties from Oaxaca and the Yucatan Peninsula, served in generous portions and with huge margaritas that are a highlight of the lively happy hour. L, D (daily). The District, 2601 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.617.8230 $$ Map C4 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

Responsibility Never Tasted So Good Serving Local, Sustainable & Organic Ingredients We Donate all Profits to Charitable Causes An inspiring menu, atmosphere and mission is what Andrei’s is all about.

2 Course Dinner for $20 Monday - Friday after 5pm Jazz Guitar Thursday & Friday 5:30-7pm and Saturday 6-9pm Lunch & Dinner • Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Menu Available

SOL COCINA Stylish spot overlooking Newport Harbor canals features vibrant Baja-inspired dishes

by Deborah Schneider, author of the cookbook Amor y Tacos. Pibil-roasted 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 TACO ASYLUm Team from Haven in Orange offers 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 TIA JUANA’S LONG BAR AND GRILL Lively spot with 70-foot bar, the county’s longest; fresh-made tortillas and salsa. Dancing nightly; dance lessons M-Tu. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 14988 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, 949.551.2998 $$ Map D5

Seafood AmELIA’S SEAFOOD & ITALIAN RESTAURANT Charming spot, a local favorite for almost half a century, offers classic fare such as 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 BLUEWATER GRILL The selection of seafood at these handsome spots is so fresh that the menu changes daily.

Consider grilled Australian barramundi, Costa Rican mahi mahi; or farm-raised Mississippi catfish. Outdoor waterfront dining in Newport Beach; 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 BUBBA GUmP SHRImP CO. Fun, very entertaining spot inspired by the film Forrest Gump. Start with the peel-and-eat Shrimper’s Net Catch. L, D (daily).

Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.4867 $$ Map I10

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Spectacular Waterfront Dining Since 1961, Chart House has built it’s reputation on delighting guests with spectacular views, outstanding cuisine and impeccable service.

Enjoy fresh fish specialties, award-winning prime rib and decadent dessets while you dine leisurely right on the Pacific Coast.

Dining THE CATCH Sleek spot popular with baseball and hockey fans as well as concert-goers. Drunken mahi mahi; 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 location offers a panoramic view of Newport Harbor’s gleaming yachts and sailboats. Chef Josef Lageder’s seasonal Cal-Continental fare includes king crab legs in lemon butter and a chateaubriand for two or more. Wine list is a Wine Spectator award winner.

B, L, D (daily). Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000 $$$ Map M14 HARBOR GRILL Excellent mesquite-grilled seafood, pastas, gumbos, bouillabaisse at Dana Point Harbor; consider the rosebud martini and the sustainably farmed oysters. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34499 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.240.1416 $$$ Map K16

Newport Beach

Dana Point

Newport Beach

Dana Point

Waterfront dining & picture perfect sunsets over Newport Bay

Perched high atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean & Dana Point Harbor

949.548.5889

949.493.1183

2801 Coast Highway West WhereMag.pdf

1

7/23/09

34442 St. of the Green Lantern

1:13 PM

Online reservations at

chart-house.com

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. Poke sampler (three scoops), Hawaiian chili-glazed calamari, steamed crab legs, mahi mahi and opakapaka grilled or blackened. 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 Block 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 known for abundant menu of simply prepared fresh seafood.

Old-school cocktails, legendary happy hour; microbrews on tap in the Pilsner Room at the Irvine location. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2000 S. Main St., Irvine, 949.756.0505; 2791 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.558.1963; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.535.9000 $$$ Map L14, G13, I10 ROCK‘N FISH American regional menu of red oakgrilled seafood brought in daily as well as steaks and spirits. Consider oak-grilled artichoke, New Orleans BBQ Shrimp, blackened wild Alaskan halibut, Kapalua rib-eye steak, signature Navy Grog. L, D (daily). 422 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.3113 $$ Map H15 ROY’S Roy Yamaguchi pioneered the Pacific Rim cuisine that led to his Hawaiian fusion fare; his O.C. spots have stylish tropical decor. Yamaguchi-style sushi; pineappleinfused Hawaiian martini. D (nightly). Fashion Island, 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.7697; The Shops at Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.7697 $$$ Map L15, I10

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Dining Scott’S Versatile fine-dining stalwart 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—plus excellent cocktails in the lounge. Live music (W-Sa). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400 $$$ Map J13 tapS FiSh houSe and Brewery Gold medalwinning brewmeister (just named Brewer of the Year at the world’s largest commercial beer competition—again, an unprecedented repeat!) plus oyster bar and fine steaks. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Birch Street Promenade, 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.257.0101 $ Map A3 wildFiSh SeaFood Grille Pedigreed fish and aged center-cut steaks amid seductively lit contemporary decor. The must-haves: Georges Bank Lemon Sol with Parmesan crust and lemon garlic butter; pineapple upside-down cake. D (nightly). 1370 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.9925 $$ Map E4

Steak aGora churraScaria Choice cuts at Brazilian steakhouse 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 $$$ Map J13 the capital Grille Elegant East Coast steakhouse offers dry-aged beef amid portraits of local historic figures. Pan-fried calamari with cherry peppers; bone-in kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin with caramelized shallot butter; coconut cream pie with macaroon crust. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa $$$$ Map J17 FleminG’S prime SteakhouSe & wine Bar Sleek venue serves prime everything. The classy feel extends to the bustling bar, which offers more than 100 wines by the glass and in flights. Sizzling steaks with sauces on request; prime rib on Sundays; new smallplates menu. D (nightly). 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633 $$$ Map L15

Welcome Home.

maStro’S SteakhouSe Swanky spot offers largerthan-life portions. 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. Showand-tell table-side menu recitation. Adjacent Bar 1221.

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

1500 S. Harbor Blvd.

Anaheim

ruth’S chriS Steak houSe Bone-in “cowboy” rib-eye; 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

Across the street from Disneyland® Park.

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 of-the-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

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Dining Thai DIHO SIAM Thai (and Chinese) dishes in spot across from Triangle Square include excellent, well-spiced larb and curries. L, D (daily). 1835 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.3259 $$ Map K12 THAI THIS “Cuisine to Thai for.” Fun names of dishes: Handrool Salad, Porkupie and Holly Cow. I See Dead People cocktail. L, D (daily). 24501 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.240.7944 $$ Map J17

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 $$ Map I10 Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Eleventh-century pageantry, utensils-optional four-course meal. Reservations only. D (nightly); matinee (Su). 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.521.4740 $$$ 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 $$$ Map G8 RAINFOREST CAFE Creative decor, animatronics and special effects bring the adventure of the rainforest indoors. The fare includes seafood, beef and chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches and pizza; kids menu. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.424.9200; Downtown Disney, 1515 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413 $$ Map J13, I10

Vegetarian Native Foods Casual Cal-vegetarian fare. L, D (daily).

2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.751.2151; 26705 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, 949.831.1926; 2453 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.0400 $ Map J13, G16, 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 BRUXIE Yearling serves gourmet Belgian waffle sandwiches both sweet and savory, cane-sugar sodas and frozen custard. Opens presently in Brea. B, L, D (daily).

292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3900 $ Map C4 IN-N-OUT SoCal’s iconic burgers, cooked to order— try the off-menu “animal-style”—fries, shakes. B, L, D (daily). 18062 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 800.786.1000, 20 other county locations $ Map D2

Giant Grays may spy hop, breach, or fluke.

Also enjoy the playful dolphins and sea lions!

Daily 2 Hour Trips on large comfortable vessels Dana Wharf is the Original Whale Watch Company!

SAVE 40% on adult tickets when you book online Not valid on 1/2 price days, use promo WHERE40

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 VALHALLA TABLE Gourmet house-made sausages— e.g., wild boar Balinese, buffalo-and-pistachio—unusual sauces and interesting brews. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.2960 $ Map J13

holidays or on the Wyland Adventure trips

To buy tickets: 800.979.3370

or DanaWharf.com

where?

Log on anywhere.

WhereOC.com WINTER 2012 WHERE ORANGE COUNTY 49

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OC dining French 75 This French and American bistro features contemporary renderings of classic bistro dishes, such as escargot cassoulet, shrimp Provençal and a grill selection for the American palate. The décor inside the 70-year-old cottage is rich and romantic, and the ambience intimate. The charming bar offers an extensive selection of champagne cocktails and housemade martinis; a mural on its ceiling depicts a “champagne war” between cherubs and monkeys holding bottles of champagne. Patio dining is available in the garden, which looks out onto Coast Highway. Happy hour is 4:30 to 6:30 pm nightly; live entertainment begins at 7 pm. French 75 is the perfect spot for a date, for company dinners, or for just a relaxing night away from everyday life. d (nightly)

1464 s. coast hwy., laguna Beach 949.494.8444 french75.net

royal haWaiian Royal Hawaiian has been a Laguna Beach landmark since 1947. Beachgoers and businessmen alike flock to the casually upscale dining room and full bar, which boasts an array of rums, fine wines and tropical cocktails, like the Royal’s legendary Lapu Lapu. The Polynesian weekend brunch menu features coconut French toast, Portuguese sausage and eggs and loco moco, a native Hawaiian dish. From the dinner menu, standouts include an award-winning ahi poke, grilled mahi-mahi and ala moana-style spare ribs. Be sure to drop in for Tiki Taco Tuesday, as well as live entertainment and a popular happy hour. d (M-Su), Br (Sa-Su)

331 n. coast hwy., laguna Beach 949.494.8001 royalhawaiianlagunabeach.com

Mix restaurant Mix Restaurant and Lounge, the contemporary new centerpiece of the Hilton’s atrium lobby in Anaheim, features an extensive variety of imaginative dishes created from some of the finest organic and natural ingredients available in the region. The restaurant ambiance offers a soothing escape from urban life, embracing the four natural elements of earth, wind, fire and water while maintaining slick sophistication and a distinctly California feel. Signature entrees include Pacific lobster Benedict on brioche with spinach and lobster sabayon, and the “Mix” Cobb salad shaker with natural turkey breast, romaine lettuce, niman Ranch bacon, eggs, avocado and tomatoes prepared tableside. B, L, d (daily)

hilton anaheim hotel, 777 convention Way, anaheim 714.740.4412 hiltonanaheimtour.com special advertising section

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OC dining asada laguna Beach For Mexican food made with the finest ingredients, Laguna Beach locals count on Asada, which serves up filet mignon tacos and prime rib-eye carne asada in a stylish contemporary setting. Leather booths, butcher-block tables and an exhibition kitchen make it clear that this isn’t your standard cantina. For non-carnivores, the warmroasted salsa quemada served with crisp tortillas and blackened halibut enchiladas are popular dishes. Wash it all down with a Mexican draft beer or sample from Asada’s wide assortment of top-shelf tequilas. The breakfast menu features unique Latin dishes like huevos rancheros asada.

B (Sa-Su), L, d (daily)

480 south coast highway, laguna Beach 949.715.5533 asadalaguna.com

il Barone Since Franco and donatella Barone opened il Barone in February of 2010, they have continued to impress Southern California diners with chef Franco’s distinctive approach to italian cuisine. The award-winning chef blends timeless family recipes, contemporary italian culinary concepts and fresh seasonal ingredients. His signature dishes include home-made pastas, dry aged meats, the famous facci ri veccia appetizer (paper-thin focaccia filled with Crescenza cheese, topped with Parma prosciutto and drizzled with white truffle oil), entrées such as lasagna al forno and cinghiale al pepe con cappelletti (wild boar loin in peppercorn brandy sauce with house-made hat-shaped pasta), and the Limoncello Tiramisu dessert. Fresh seafood and meats are served daily. Private dining available.

L (M-F), d (M-Sa) 4251 Martingale Way, newport Beach 949.955.2755 ilbaroneristorante.com

savannah chop house Steaks, chops and seafood dominate the menu from award winning chef Mark Anthony Pariano at this contemporary American restaurant with a Southern twist. Also making standout appearances are soul food specialties like honey and buttermilk fried chicken breast and signature guinness braised short ribs. Savannah Chop House creates a swank ambience with its clubhouse lodge style décor—think dark wood, oversized booths, soft lighting and several stone fireplaces. Savor a single-malt scotch while listening to live jazz in the lounge, snag a table in the dining room or on the coveted ocean view patio with Catalina island vistas. no matter where you settle down, you’ll be treated with georgia Peach hospitality. d (daily)

32441 golden lantern, laguna niguel 949.493.7107 savannahchophouse.net special advertising section

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OC dining mr. stox Conveniently located near disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center, Mr. Stox combines the finest in dining with impeccable service under the watchful eye of the Marshall family. Mr. Stox, set in a charming early Missionstyle building that belies its elegant interiors, offers California contemporary cuisine that includes fresh seafood, prime Angus steaks, rack of lamb, veal and chicken. Breads and pastries are baked on the premises in stone hearth ovens. Mr. Stox is a diRonA Award winner, and its 1,200-label wine list has been honored by the Wine Spectator since 1983. Pianist nightly. Private party rooms and valet parking. Reservations suggested. L (M-F), d (nightly)

1105 e. Katella ave., anaheim 714.634.2994 mrstox.com

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. dine in the al fresco dining area, poolside, or inside the comforts of the beautifully appointed dining room. Enjoy live music under the stars on Friday and Saturday nights. B, L, d (daily).

1030 W. Katella ave., anaheim 714.772.1186 tangerinegrillandpatio.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, organic flavors. The flagship restaurant of the Wyndham Orange County hotel 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 dĂŠcor, 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

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 for 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 West Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949.673.2100 21oceanfront.com

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

Francoli Gourmet

Francoli Gourmet proudly brings a piece of Italy to historic Plaza Square in Orange. Authentic Northern Italian cuisine includes prosciutto crudo di Parma e melone, fresh homemade lasagna, toasted panini, tagliata piemontese and cioppino alla Livornese made with fresh top-quality ingredients. Enjoy a glass of Italian wine and a regional dish on the plaza-view patio; inside, soft-lit Murano glass chandeliers, rustic iron tables and live entertainment in the evenings create a superb Italian ambience. A selection of desserts and Illy coffee such as house-made tiramisu and cappuccino complete the experience. The specialty gift store offers wines from all 20 regions of Italy, a variety of Italian gourmet products and hand-painted ceramics. L, D (daily)

100 S. Glassell St., Orange 714.288.1077 francoligourment.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 now features Hawaiian-style favorites including chili-glazed calamari, plate lunches, chunky chowders, noodle bowls, kalua pork in guava barbecue sauce and poke three ways.

Fish fans will enjoy the various preparation options, including grilled or blackened, plus the choice of sauces and toppings.

Its prime location in Laguna Beach boasts an upbeat atmosphere with ocean views, energetic bar crowd and great spot to watch sports. Happy Hour Mon-Fri 2:30pm-6:30pm where prices change every hour starting at $2.30. Late Night Happy Hour 7 Nights a Week 9pm to Close. Live Entertainment (Th-Su). L, D (daily) 540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.715.4500 houseofbigfish.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. L, D (daily)

2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 jtschmidsrestaurant.com

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 fresh fish and mouthwatering combination dinners such as the filet mignon and scampi. Fine wines available.

Private parties from eight to 48. D (nightly), Br (F-Su)

311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island 949.673.6580 ameliasbalboaisland.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

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 4-7pm. B, L, D (daily)

Hotel Ménage, 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 714.758.0900 kyastreetfare.com

K’ya Bistro Bar

K’ya Bistro Bar, located in Laguna Beach’s 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 Francisco-style 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 dishes like herb risotto, as well as comfort classics like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. Prices range from $3-$12, making it a cheap-chic night out. If there’s a wait, have a glass of wine by the fireplace and listen to live music. Visit The Rooftop Lounge for mojitos overlooking beautiful sunset views. $5 happy hour daily 4:30-5:30 pm.

B, L, D (daily)

1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.376.9718 kyabistro.com special advertising section

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OC dining bacK bay bistro Back Bay Bistro, on the water at the newport dunes Resort & Marina, is a hidden treasure. The casually elegant patio features a state-of-the-art retractable roof that allows guests to enjoy the best views of the bay in comfort yearround. Start with the award-winning seafood chowder and follow it with such specialties as fresh local seasonal seafood, signature pasta dishes, mojito pork chops and prime flat iron steak. The Bistro offers live entertainment Friday nights, the Family Brunch on Saturdays and the Famous Bistro Champagne Brunch on Sundays; the restaurant is also available for special events. Happy hour Thursday-Sunday, 4 to 7 pm. B (Sa-Su), L (W-Su), d (Th-Su)

1131 back bay drive, newport beach 949.729.1144 backbaybistronewportbeach.com

pablo’s The owners of Pablo’s know what it’s like to crave chips and salsa and a big, tasty burrito. The Tustin eatery— the only Mexican joint in the shopping area known as The district—crafts fresh, authentic Latin fare, including specialties from Oaxaca and the Yucatan Peninsula, all served in generous portions. Even the margaritas are huge.

And the 9,000-square-foot space means you’ll always find a table. it’s also well worth stopping by for Pablo’s happy hour, which features attractive prices on selected appetizers and drinks. For those seeking a lively, upscale atmosphere for Taco Tuesday or Sunday brunch, Pablo’s is an excellent choice. Pablo’s is an ideal venue for large parties with the capacity to accommodate up to 75 guests.

Br (Su), L, d (daily) 2601 park ave., tustin 714.617.8230 pablostustin.com

Kimera restaurant Experience globally influenced modern American comfort food at Kimera Restaurant and Lounge. The next generation in the dining as Art Collection of restaurants, which also includes Bistango in irvine and Bayside in newport Beach, Kimera has a modern vibe that features an innovative take on the lounge dining experience.

The ambience throughout the restaurant and lounge is contemporary, yet warm and inviting, with a dJ on Fridays and Saturdays. guests can dine in the stylish indoor and outdoor dining areas or enjoy the lounge/bar area, both lively and relaxed. Kimera’s cuisine, like the restaurant’s design, mixes flavors and textures to create a stylish yet affordable menu utilizing fresh ingredients. Complimentary valet parking. L (M-F), d (M-Sa).

19530 Jamboree rd., irvine 949.261.1222 kimerarestaurant.com special advertising section

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Restaurants City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.

Anaheim anaheim White House (Italian).................43 benihana (Japanese)............................................... 44

Marrakesh (Moroccan).......................................... 42

BUCA DI BEPPO (Italian)........................................43

pizzeria mozza (Italian)................................... 44

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)..................48

Cucina Enoteca (Italian)..................................43

The Ritz (Continental)................................................ 40

MEMPHIS (American).................................................... 36

THE COUNTER (American)...................................... 36

Roy’s hawaiian (Seafood)................................. 47

BUBBA GUMP (Seafood)...........................................46

MESA (Mediterranean)....................................................45

Il Fornaio (Italian).................................................. 44

SAM & HARRY’S (Steak)..........................................48

buca di beppo (Italian)........................................43

Morton’s (Steak).......................................................48

Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................46

Sapori Ristorante (Italian)......................... 44

THE CATCH (Seafood)................................................. 47

Native foods (Vegetarian)..................................49

KIMERA (Eclectic)............................................................ 41

SOL COCINA (Mexican).............................................46

crossroads at h.O.B. (American)............. 36

nello cucina (Italian)......................................... 44

lucca cafe (Mediterranean).................................45

TRADItION by Pascal (French).................... 42

McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood).......... 47

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (Eclectic)........................ 41

ESPN ZONE (Themed)................................................49

NEWPORT RIB CO. (American)........................... 36

J.T. Schmid’s Restaurant (Brew Pub) ....... 38

118 degrees (Vegetarian)........................................49

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Steak).......48

21 Oceanfront (Continental)........................... 40

K’ya STREET FARE (Eclectic) .............................. 41

Pinot Provence (French).................................. 42

6ix park grill (California).................................. 39

wildfish seafood grille (Seafood)........48

McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood).......... 47

pizzeria ortica (Italian).................................. 44

TIA JUANA’S (Mexican).............................................46

YARD HOUSE (Brew Pub).......................................... 38

Mcdonald’s (Quick Bites).....................................49

quattro Caffe (Italian).................................... 44

YARD house (Brew Pub).......................................... 38

newport coast

MIX (California)................................................................... 39

RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)............................49

Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean)..............................45

andrea (Italian)...........................................................43

mORTON’s (Steak).......................................................48

Royal Khyber (Indian)......................................... 42

LAGUNA BEACH

the beachcomber (American)....................... 36

Mr. Stox (Continental)............................................... 40

savoy (Eclectic)............................................................... 41

BROADWAY (American)............................................. 36

bluefin (Japanese)..................................................... 44

napa rose (California)............................................. 39

Scott’s (Seafood).........................................................48

the deck (American)................................................. 36

COLISEUM POOL & GRILL (American)......... 36

RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)............................49

SEASONS 52 (American)........................................... 37

FRENCH 75 (French)..................................................... 41

Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................46

ralph brennan’s (American)......................... 37

Silver trumpet (California)............................... 39

HOUSE OF BIG FISH (Seafood).......................... 47

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Seafood)............... 47

ROY’S hawaiian (Seafood)................................. 47

taco asylum (Mexican)........................................46

Katsuya by starck (Japanese) ....................45

tamarind (Indian)...................................................... 42

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak).......48

valhalla table (Quick Bites)..........................49

K’ya (California) ............................................................... 38

ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean)..............................45

slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 38

vie de france (French)........................................ 42

Las Brisas (Mexican)...............................................46

ORANGE

TANGERINE GRILL (California)............................ 39

YARD house (Brew Pub).......................................... 38

NIRVANA GRILLE (California)............................... 39

bruxie (Quick Bites)......................................................49

BREA

DANA POINT

rock ’n fish (Seafood)........................................... 47

FrANCOLI GOURMET (Italian)..........................43

BUCA DI BEPPO (Italian)........................................43

Chart House (Seafood)........................................ 47

ROYAL HAWAIIAN (American)............................. 37

GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN (Mexican).....45

taps fish house (Brew Pub/Seafood).............48

gemmell’s (French).................................................... 41

Sapphire (Eclectic)...................................................... 41

haven gastropub (Brew)............................... 38

YARD house (Brew Pub).......................................... 38

Harbor Grill (Seafood)....................................... 47

savannah chop house (Steak)................48

the hobbit (Continental)....................................... 40

BUENA PARK

motif (Mediterranean)..................................................45

Splashes (Mediterranean).......................................45

MARKET BROILER (Seafood)............................... 47

RAYA (Latin fusion)...........................................................46

STUDIO (California)........................................................ 39

orange hill (Continental)................................... 40

stonehill tavern (American)........................ 37

sundried tomato (California)........................ 39

thai this (Thai)...........................................................49

TABU GRILL (California)............................................. 39

il garage (Italian).................................................... 44 Medieval Times (Themed)..................................49 Park Ave. (American)................................................ 37 PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE (Themed)........49

CORONA DEL MAR Bandera (American).................................................. 36 cafe jardin (French).............................................. 41

Vue (California)................................................................ 40

FULLERTON The Cellar (French)................................................. 41 Matador CANTINA (Mexican).........................46

CROW BAR AND KITCHEN (Gastropub)...... 38

HUNTINGTON BEACH

Five Crowns (Continental).................................. 40

BUCA DI BEPPO (Italian)........................................43

gen kai (Japanese)...................................................... 44

the californian (California)........................... 38

SIDE DOOR (Gastropub)............................................. 38

duke’s (Seafood)............................................................ 47

COSTA MESA/

IN-N-OUT (Quick Bites)................................................49

south coast metro

mama’s on 39 (American)..................................... 36

ANQI (Vietnamese fusion).............................................. 42 Antonello Ristorante (Italian).............43 THE CAPITAL GRILLE (Steak)............................48 CHARLIE PALMER (American)............................. 36 DIHO SIAM (Thai).........................................................49 ECCO (Italian)...................................................................43

MARKET BROILER (Seafood)............................... 47 ra sushi (Japanese)....................................................45 SANDY’S BEACH GRILL (American)................ 37 SHADES (California)....................................................... 39 slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 38 25 degrees (American)........................................... 37 ZIMZALA (American).................................................... 37

three seventy common (American)......... 37

NEWPORT BEACH Amelia’s (Seafood)......................................................46 A RESTAURANT (American)................................... 36 back bay bistro (American)............................ 36

SAN CLEMENTE sundried tomato (California)........................ 39 VINE (California)............................................................... 40

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO EL ADOBE (Mexican)...................................................45 Ramos House Cafe (American).................... 37 sundried tomato (California)........................ 39

bambú (California/French)........................................... 38 BAYSIDE (American)..................................................... 36 benihana (Japanese)............................................... 44 BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................46 BRASSERIE PASCAL (French).............................. 41 CANALETTO RISTORANTE (Italian).............43

SANTA ANA CHAPTER ONE (New American)............................ 36 GEISHA HOUSE (Japanese).................................... 44 MEMPHIS (American).................................................... 36 McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood).......... 47

Chart House (Seafood)........................................ 47

TUSTIN

THE COUNTER (American)...................................... 36

Belacan grill (Malaysian)................................ 42

crab cooker (Seafood)....................................... 47

BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................46

FIRST CABIN (Seafood)............................................. 47

CRAB COOKER (Seafood)........................................ 47

Fleming’s (Steak).......................................................48

J.T. Schmid’s Restaurant (Brew) ........... 38

great maple (American)...................................... 36

native foods (Vegetarian)..................................49

IL BARONE RISTORANTE (Italian).................43

NIEUPORT 17 (Continental)..................................... 40

HAMAMORI (Japanese).............................................. 44

IRVINE

Kitayama (Japanese)..................................................45

Pablo’s (Mexican)........................................................46

Habana (Cuban)...........................................................46

IL DOLCE PIZZERIA (Italian)...............................43

AGORA CHURRASCARIA (Brazilian)..............48

le pain quotidien (Belgian/bakery)............. 42

RA SUSHI (Japanese)....................................................45

Leatherby’s cafe rouge (American)....... 36

ANDREI’S (American)................................................... 36

Muldoon’s (Irish pub)............................................. 38

THE WINERY (California)......................................... 40

MARCHÉ MODERNE (French).............................. 42

Bistango (Eclectic)..................................................... 41

PALM TERRACE (American)................................... 36

Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean)..............................45

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Entertainment O.C. FAIR NEW YEAR’S EVE BLOCK PARTY Dec. 31. Entertainment includes music stages playing hits from the ‘60s-90s, dancing and casino games. Gourmet food trucks offer a variety of dining options. 7:30 pm. $40-$55. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, ocfair.com Map J12 SuRF CITY uSA mARAThON Feb. 5. Largest oceanfront running event in California; half-marathon through Huntington Beach. Start is 6:30 am at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, runsurfcity.com Map N9 TASTE OF SAN juAN Feb. 15. The kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrias (Festival of the Swallows) features more than 20 local eateries. 6-9 pm. $20. El Adobe Restaurant, 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700 Map I17

Holidays

Snow Play

“Irving Berlin’s most famous song, by far the most valuable copyright in his (or anybody else’s) catalog, is ‘White Christmas,’ ” writes Judy Rosen in a book about the song. But, she adds, “it may be the Berlin hit least associated with him.” The classic holiday movie White Christmas comes to the stage in a new musical featuring Berlin hits such as “Blue Skies” and “How Deep is the Ocean?” as well as the title song. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Dec. 13-Jan. 1 at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, tells the story of two Army buddies putting on a show in a Vermont inn and finding their mates—and providing a merry theatrical experience full of dancing and laughter— in the process. p. 58

ChRISTmAS AT ThE mISSION Dec. 3. Holiday festivities and caroling. Adults $5, children $3, under 3 free. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map H17 SAWduST WINTER FANTASY Dec. 4-5, 10-12. 170 artists and artisans display wares in a winter-wonderland setting. 10 am-6 pm. $3-$6, 5 and under free. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15 dANA POINT hARBOR BOAT PARAdE OF LIghTS Dec. 9-10, 16-17. Boats decked out in festive lights and decorations. 7:30 pm. Free. Dana Point Harbor, end of Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.923.2255 Map K16 NEWPORT BEACh ChRISTmAS BOAT PARAdE Dec. 14-18. “Lights ... Camera ... Christmas in Newport Beach!” 103rd annual event features decorated boats large and small. 5:45-10 pm. Free. Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, 949.675.0551 Map M14 CRuISE OF LIghTS Dec. 15-23. Narrated boat tour of elaborately decorated homes benefits Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tours run hourly from 5:30-8:30 pm. $9-$15. Huntington Harbour, Huntington Beach, 714.840.7542 Map C1 SCIENCE OF gINgERBREAd Through Jan. 1. Kitchen science, decorating demonstrations and gingerbread award-winners. Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map K11 hOLIdAY ON ICE Through Jan. 31. Seasonal ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center. $12 M-Th, $14 F-Su; $2 skate rentals. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5

Theater IRVINg BERLIN’S WhITE ChRISTmAS Dec. 13-Jan. 1.

Holiday movie featuring the classic songs of Berlin comes to the stage. In it, two sisters and two Army friends put on a show for the general—and find each other. $20$85 Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 ThE EIghT: REINdEER mONOLOguES Through Dec. 20. Go behind the tinsel and hear the truth about Santa straight from the reindeer who know him best.

Adult content. Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033 Map B5 A ChRISTmAS CAROL Through Dec. 24. Beloved Dickens classic about Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future. South Coast

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 ..................58 Holidays .............................58 Theater ...............................58 Music + Dance..................58 Sports..................................59 Attractions ....................... 60

Museums ...........................61 Shopping Destinations ..62 Golf Courses.................... 64 Beaches ............................. 64 Nightlife..............................66 Tours + Transport ............67

Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 ThIS WONdERFuL LIFE Through Dec. 24. James Leaming plays George Bailey, Clarence the Angel and 20 more of Bedford Falls’ citizens in this reimagining of Frank Capra’s classic film It’s a Wonderful Life. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 ANNE OF gREEN gABLES Through Dec. 27. A delightful musical adaptation of the classic novel about Anne Shirley, a red-haired, wide-eyed orphan who is thrust upon the town of Avonlea. Chance Theater, 5552 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim Hills, 714.777.3033 Map B5 TOP dOg/uNdERdOg Jan. 8-29. Pulitzer Prize winner about the gritty lives of street-savvy hustlers deals with wounds and healing. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 LONESOmE TRAVELER Jan. 10-Feb. 5. Journey down the rivers and streams of American folk music and our musical roots. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 CATS Jan. 17-22. Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece is one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history and winner of seven Tony Awards including best musical. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 ELEmENO PEA Jan. 27-Feb. 26. Keenly observed comedy about class, family and the choices that shape us set in Martha’s Vineyard. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

Music + Dance COACh hOuSE Dec. 1 Los Lobos, Bastard Winos. Dec. 2 Dave Mason, Jonny Relic. Dec. 8 Peter Murphy, She Wants Revenge. Dec. 10 Don Dokken, Un D Vided, White Lie, Souljourners. Dec. 14 X. Dec. 16 Gary Hoey, The Mai Tais, Points North. Dec. 17 Shawn Colvin, Alice Wallace.

Dec. 22 Jadon Lavik, Evan Wickham, Pawn Shop Kings, Tim Timmons, Molly Jenson, Roy Schenkenberger, Dec. 31 Dada, Groove Kitty. Jan. 13 Paul Cotton of Poco, Gunboat Kings, 4N’ Country. Jan. 14 The Colin Hay Band, Southland. Jan. 15 Pat Travers, Union of Saints, Un D Vided.

Jan. 21 Queen Nation, Mex Zeppelin. Jan. 22 Blues Harp Blowout: John Mayall, Mark Hummel, Billy Boy Arnold, Curtis Salgado, Sugar Ray Norcia. Jan. 26 Albert Lee, the Farmers, the Jackpot Club, Scarlet Furies. Jan. 28 Don’t Stop Believin’, Alter Ego. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930 Map I17 gALAxY CONCERT ThEATRE Dec. 1 Matt Skiba.

Dec. 3 Celso Pina, Girl in a Coma, Fences. Dec. 9 David Bazan. Dec. 15 The Naked and Famous. Dec. 16-17 Hometown Holiday Show: Young the Giant. Dec. 18

“The Great Picture” features the world’s largest photograph (3 x 11 stories) and largest camera obscura through Jan . 29 at the O.C. Great Park, where they were created. p. 60

TANNER PHOTOGRAPHY

Special Events

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Entertainment Pinback. Dec. 23 The Growlers, Tomorrows Tulips. Dec. 30 Kreayshawn, Toxic Holocaust, Havok. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600. Map I12 Grove of anaheim Dec. 16 DJ Quik, Suga Free, Flesh-N-Bone. Dec. 17 David Archuleta. Dec. 18 Boyz II Men. Dec. 29 War. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700 Map I11 honda center Dec. 11 Tenor Andrea Bocelli. Dec. 20-25 Disney on Ice, Toy Story 3. Jan. 24-25 Cirque du Soleil, Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11 house of blues Dec. 11 The Vandals Christmas Formal. Dec. 31 Iration, Seedless, Micah Brown. Jan. 12-13 NOFX with Old Man Markley. Jan. 18 Eric Johnson.

Jan. 27 The Adicts with World/Inferno Friendship Society and Plagues. Jan 28 O.A.R. Feb. 2 August Burns Red. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 Irvine barclay theatRE Dec. 2-3 Men Alive: The Wonderful Worlds of Christmas. Dec. 4 An Irish Christmas. Dec. 10-24 Festival Ballet Theatre, The Nutcracker. Jan. 26 La La La Human Steps. Jan. 27 JazzReach: Big Drum/Small World. Jan. 29 Mozart Classical Orchestra. UC Irvine, 4199 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646 Map K14 SEGERSTROM Center FOR THE ARTS Segerstrom Hall Dec. 4 Johnny Mathis Christmas Show. Dec. 10 Bill O’Reilly & Dennis Miller Bolder. Dec. 13-Jan. 1 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Jan. 11-12 Shen Yun. Jan. 17-22 Cats. Jan. 31-Feb. 5 Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Dec. 3 Orange County Mormon Choral Organization, On Christmas Night.

Dec. 8-10 Conductor-violinist Henning Kraggerud, Pacific Symphony. Dec. 11 Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale, Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 13 Fiesta Navidad. Dec. 15-17 Christian singer Michael W. Smith. Dec. 18, 21 Pacific Chorale, “Tis’ the Season.” Dec. 20 Pacific Symphony, organist Todd Wilson. Jan. 12-14 Pacific Symphony, pianist Dejan Lazic. Feb. 2-4 Pacific Symphony, violinist Nicola Benedetti. Feb. 9-11 Pacific Symphony, vocalist Roberta Flack. Feb. 17 Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Feb. 18 Charlie Haden Quartet West. Feb. 23-25 Pacific Symphony, violinist Vadim Gluzman. Samueli Theater Dec. 3 UCI Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 15-18 Paulo Szot. Jan. 5-8 Steve Tyrell. Feb. 4-5 ImaginOcean. Feb. 16-19 Andrea Martin Feb. 25-26 Zen Shorts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Dec. 3 Halau Hula Lani Ola Ho’ike. Dec. 10 Aliso Viejo Holiday Concert.

Jan. 12 Peking Acrobats. Feb. 9 Tokyo String Quartet. Feb. 16 Pacific Symphony Chamber Concert. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000 Map G16

Sports honda center Dec. 2 Anaheim Ducks vs. Philadelphia Flyers. Dec. 3 Mares vs. Agbeko II championship boxing. Dec. 4 Anaheim Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild. Dec. 6 Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings. Dec. 10 UCLA Bruins vs. Penn. Dec. 14 Anaheim Ducks vs. Phoenix Coyotes. Dec. 17 UCLA Bruins vs. UC Davis. Dec. 29 Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks. Dec. 31 Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche. Jan. 4 Anaheim Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks. Dec. 4 John R. Wooden Classic.

Jan. 6 Anaheim Ducks vs. New York Islanders. Dec. 4 UCLA Bruins vs. Arizona State. Jan. 8 Anaheim Ducks vs.

Columbus Blue Jackets. Jan. 10 Anaheim Ducks vs. Dallas Stars. Jan. 18 Anaheim Ducks vs. Phoenix Coyotes. Jan. 21 Anaheim Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators. Jan. 22 Anaheim Ducks vs. Colorado Avalanche. Feb. 1 Anaheim Ducks vs.

Dallas Stars. Feb. 3 Anaheim Ducks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets. Feb. 6 Anaheim Ducks vs. Calgary Flames. Feb. 8 Anaheim Ducks vs. Carolina Hurricanes. Feb. 18 Harlem Globe-trotters. Feb. 26 Anaheim Ducks vs. Chicago Blackhawks. Feb. 29 Anaheim Ducks vs. Buffalo Sabres. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11

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Attractions + Museums Discovery Science Center 120 hands-on exhibits, live shows, laser theater. Boeing Rocket Lab inside the tilting cube. Through Jan. 1 Science of Gingerbread. Opens Jan. 28 Dora & Diego. Through April 15 Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination. M-Sa 10 am5 pm, Su 11 am-5 pm. $12.95-$17.95, under 3 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13 Disneyland Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and Mickey’s Soundsational Parade are new. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $74-$80, under 3 free. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Disney’s California Adventure The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Undersea Adventure is new. Classics include spectacular 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): $74-$80. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Anaheim Convention Center arena New indoor soccer season. Dec. 2 Anaheim Bolts vs. Turlock Express. Dec. 3 Anaheim Bolts vs. non-league opponents.

Dec. 18 Anaheim Bolts vs. Tacoma Stars. Jan. 6 Anaheim Bolts vs. Revolucion Tijuana. Jan. 27 Anaheim Bolts vs.

San Diego Sockers. Jan. 28 Anaheim Bolts vs. Phoenix Monsoon. Feb. 19 Anaheim Bolts vs. Revolucion Tijuana.

Feb. 26 Anaheim Bolts vs. Tacoma Stars. 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.464.2901 Map I9

Attractions Air Combat USA Dogfight training in actual highperformance small planes. Instructors handle takeoff and landing, riders have control in the air. Fullerton Municipal Airport, 3815 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 800.522.7590 Map A2 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. $12.95-$24.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 Balboa Fun Zone The beloved zone is shrinking.

Remaining rides include Ferris wheel and carousel.

Su-Th 11 am-9 pm; F-Sa until 10 pm. Pay per ride.

600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach Map N15 Battle of the dance International dance and dinner show fashioned after the Son Amar in Mallorca, Spain, features flamenco, Celtic, Bollywood and pop dancers, plus magicians and acrobats. 2232 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.740.1045 Map J10 Boomers Family entertainment centers offer bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag.

Open daily; call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8341 Maps L9, K14 Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari Dolphin and whale-watching excursions aboard catamaran. Departures daily. $35-$55, under 3 free. Charters available. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828 Map J16 Crystal cathedral The renowned church boasts three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson’s spectacular 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 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

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 Environmental Nature Center Intimate center offers 15 California native plant habitats. M-F 8 am5 pm, Sa until 4 pm. Free. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, 949.645.8489 Map M13 FLIGHTDECK air combat center Civilians turn into dogfighting machines using F-16 fighter jet cockpit simulators. No flight experience necessary.

Sessions start at $69 for 60-minute session. Tu-Su 11:30 am-10 pm. 1650 S. Sinclair, Anaheim, 714.937.1511 Map I11 FULLERTON ARBORETUM County’s largest botanical garden, with 26 lush acres and more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams.

Four main collections: Mediterranean, woodland, desert and cultivated. 8 am-4:30 pm. Free; $3 suggested donation. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3 Knott’s Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. The county’s best collection of coasters includes Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Xcelerator, Pony Express and new WindSeeker. Call for hours. $24.99$46.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 Legoland California Theme park features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions, including new Star Wars Miniland, plus the Octopus Garden at the adjacent Sea Life Aquarium. Call for hours. $59-$69, under 3 free. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO Map south of F6 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; seasonal tide-pool sessions; marine-mammal exploration cruises; blue-whale safaris. Behind the Scenes Tour Th-F 3:30 pm. Open to public Sa-Su 10 am-3 pm. $2-$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. Through Jan. 29: The Great Picture: The World’s Largest Photograph & The Legacy Project. 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 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 Pacific Marine Mammal Center Injured sea mammals and pups nursed back to health for return to the sea. Daily, 10 am-4 pm. Free, donations encouraged. 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3050 Map G15 Pirate’s dinner adventure Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard Spanish galleon replica in lagoon. Call for hours. $37.95-$56.95, 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. $5.50-$11. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6 Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace Numerous provocative exhibits include presidential helicopter and presidential tapes. Permanent gallery Watergate is new. Garden tours on Saturdays. M-Sa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $3.75-$9.95, 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. $40; children 3-11 $30; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60+ $36. Cars $10-15. Open daily, 9 am-5 pm (holiday weekends till 6 pm). 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map east of F6 San diego Zoo World-famous zoo has some 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state-of-the-art environments. $40; kids 3-11 $30; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60+ $36. Free parking. Open daily, 9 am-5 pm. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515 Map east of F6 Santa Ana Zoo Modest, idyllic zoo. Tierra de las Pampas (“land of the grasses”) exhibit featuring giant anteaters and greater rheas. M-F 10 am-5 pm. $5-$8, 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. $61.99-$69.99, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map south of F6 Sherman Library & Gardens Ten gardens showcase intimate botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am-4 pm. Library open Tu-Th 9 am-4:30 pm. $1-$3, under 12 free. Mondays free. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16 sky high sports Fun center features 360 degrees of trampoline walls; free-bounce, dodgeball and AIRobics. M-F 10 am-midnight; Sa 11 am-midnight; Su until 10 pm. Call for rates. 2970 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5867 Map J13 Universal Studios Hollywood World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include Jurassic Park and Simpsons Ride, Special Effects Stage and King Kong 360 3-D. Tram studio tour includes War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $69-$77, under 3 free. VIP Experience $259. 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 Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800 Map J11

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Attractions + Museums Museums Autry national center of the american west Continuing The Art of Native American Basketry.

Through Jan. 8 Art Along the Hyphen: The MexicanAmerican Generation. Tu-F 10 am-4 pm; Sa-Su 11 am5 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 Bowers Museum Dedicated to preservation and exhibition of world cultural fine arts. Through Jan. 22 Scrimshaw: The Art and Craft of the American Whaler.

Through Mar. 4 Warriors Tombs and Temples: China’s Enduring Legacy. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $9-$12, under 6 free. Additional admission for certain exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13 Fullerton Museum Center Opening Dec. 17 Citrus: California’s Golden Dream. 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, 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, 310.440.7300 Map northwest of A1 Huntington Beach IntERNATIONAl Surfing Museum Board culture spotlights legend Duke Kahanamoku, classic surfboards and the original 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. Opening Nov. 12 Gardens and Grandeur.

Tu-Sa 11 am-5 pm. Free. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565 Map J14 Laguna Art Museum Focuses on regional art, especially California Impressionism, and contemporary cultural art. Through Jan. 22 Best Kept Secret.

Opening Feb. 26 Victor Hugo Zayas: Mi Obra. Through April 29 California Artists. Daily 11 am-5 pm. $10$12, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15 LYON AIR Museum Displayed are some of the world’s rarest operational 20th-century aircraft and other historical vehicles; located on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. Daily 10 am-4 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. $5-$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17 Muckenthaler Cultural Center Historic North County mansion. Through Dec. 31 The Muckenthaler Legacy: A Fullerton Family History and a Home for the Arts. 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 Jan. 8 The Queen’s Gallery and Steampunk. 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

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Shopping 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, closed Tu. $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 Jan. 22 State of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970; Two Schools of Cool. Opening Feb. 26 Richard Diebenkorn: The Ocean Park Series. 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 have film-synced motion technology. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410 Map I10 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 including Nordstrom, Macy’s and 175 other retailers including new Lamb & Flag. 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, 714.990.2733 Map A3 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, Savory Spice Shop. 800-984 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.2689 Map M15 CRYSTAL COVE PROmENAdE Ocean views amid Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques, home stores and fine dining; Coastal Cool boutique and Indian restaurant Tamarind 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 upgrades. Nordstrom joins Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. Ella Moss, Rebecca Taylor and Earnest Sewn boutiques, Great Maple restaurant and Le Pain Quotidien bakery-cafe are new. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map L15 5 POINTS PLAZA Neighborhood lifestyle center is a local favorite. Find values at Loft, dine at Hashigo Sushi.

Big 5 Sporting Goods and Wet Seal are new. 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 and Capital Seafood. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 ThE LAB Once a night-vision-goggle factory, now an indoor-outdoor venue featuring youth-skewed boutiques, gallery and salon. Gloss Boutique is new. Dining

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Golf options include Zipangu, Gypsy Den and Habana. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660 Map J13 LAGUNA HILLS MALL Macy’s, Swiss Watch Gallery and 90 other specialty stores, many youth-skewed: Disney Store, Claire’s Accessories. 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, 949.586.8283 Map E6

FULLERTON GOLF CLUB Creek plays into many holes. Call for rates. 2700 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.578.9201 Map A3 MILE SQUARE GOLF COURSE Two challenging 18-hole courses. M-Th $34-$38, F $39-$45, Sa-Su $48. 10401 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, 714.962.5541 Map C2

THE OUTLETS AT ORANGE Formerly known as the Block at Orange. Calvin Klein Co. Store and Esprit outlet join Perry Ellis and Tommy Hilfiger outlets, Neiman Marcus Last Call Store and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Off 5th.

Home to Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding. 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.4001 Map J11

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

THE SHOPS AT MISSION VIEJO From Aveda to Z Gallerie, plus Nordstrom and Macy’s. 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, 949.364.1832 Map E6

NEWPORT BEACH GOLF COURSE Contoured executive course offers night play. $12-$27. 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.852.8681 Map M15

SOUTH COAST COLLECTION New center of design showrooms and creative studios. The OC Mart Mix features 25 specialty vendors including 31 Bits, We Olive & Wine Bar and Surf Heritage Museum. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.333.0893 Map J12

OAK CREEK GOLF CLUB Tapered fairways, bull-nose carved bunkers and picturesque greens on Tom Fazio course. M-Th $125, F $145, Sa-Su $165. Includes cart.

1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, 949.653.5300 Map D5

SOUTH COAST PLAZA “The Ultimate Shopping Experience” is a state tourist destination. Marquee retailers include Prada and Christian Louboutin. Between the Sheets, Omega and XXI Forever are new. Macy’s Home Store and Crate & Barrel anchor Bear Street wing. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13 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 $68, F $80, Sa-Su $95. 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 COSTA MESA GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Mesa Linda course is shorter, more difficult than Los Lagos.

Mesa Linda $26-$38; Los Lagos $33-$47. 1701 Golf Course Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.540.7500 Map D3 COYOTE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Course designed

by Cal Olson and PGA Tour legend Payne Stewart.

Lighted driving range, chipping and sand play area.

Call for rates. Includes cart and GPS system. 1440 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.672.6800 Map A3 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

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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. $250 daily. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 877.735.4226 Map L17 RANCHO SAN JOAQUIN Course offers big hilly greens with water on seven holes. Call for rates. 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, 949.786.5522 Map D4

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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 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

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TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB Upscale course designed by Ted Robinson has challenging greens, palm trees, lakes. County’s only public golf course with private caddie service. M-Th $110, F $130, Sa-Su $160. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611 Map C5

Beaches 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 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 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

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Beaches 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 cafe. 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 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 Pirates Cove Secluded beach with harbor views; few to no waves make it perfect for little ones. 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 Salt Creek County Beach Long pristine stretch below the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Beautiful, grassy Bluff Park with basketball court. All amenities. Pay and display 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

ANAHEIM

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 One of the world’s most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding spots. The break is dangerous;

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Nightlife 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

Nightlife bowlmor Hip, state-of-the-art, glow-in-the-dark bowling lounge with 5,000-square-foot sports bar, global cuisine. Formerly Strike Orange County. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695 Map J14 Bambú Lounge is ideal for light dining or nightcap. Live entertainment. Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 Map K14 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 Speak-easy 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 DETROIT BAR Downscale deco-meets-roadhouse-style bar 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

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EMBER CAFÉ & MUSIC CLUB Cavernous bi-level nightclub with cool decor. Th-Sa. 401 N. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.991.3686 Map H10 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; new reggae brunch on Saturdays, rafter-raising gospel brunch on Sundays. Call for schedule. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 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. 2nd 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

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Tours +Transport 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 OC WINE MART Enomatic! The county’s first automatic self-serve wine bar is also one of its best. 2272 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.250.0033 Map J14 Perqs Live rock ’n’ roll and blues opposite pier. $5 cover on weekends. 117 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.960.9996 Map N9 Renaissance Dana Point Nightly live entertainment includes pop, rock, blues, jazz and swing. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003 Map J17 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 The North County’s premier jazz spot. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800 Map B3 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 Forty-one-lane bowling alley with club atmosphere, full bar and eclectic food menu. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810 Map I10 TIA JUANA’S Long Bar and Grill has 70-foot bar. Dancing nightly; lessons M-Tu. 14988 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, 949.551.2998 Map D5 WINE LAB NEWPORT Wine/cheese tasting room and store on the coast. Open daily. 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.515.8466 Map N13

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 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 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 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 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. $51-$68, $4 children under 3. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744 Map N15

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Tours +Transport

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ChINA COVE KAYAK AdVENTuRES Customized, affordable way to view Newport Bay. Bicycle adventures around Newport, Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Island also offered. Hidden beach Jeep and kayak tour is new. $49. 949.632.4694, chinacovekayakadventures.com 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. $229$276, 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 CRYSTAL LImOuSINES & TOuRS Full-service chauffered car and limousine company offers luxury ground transportation. 888.722.2202, limos-la.com 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 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

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gONdOLA AdVENTuRES Romantic gondola cruises through Newport Harbor canals. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.2067; 888.446.6365 Map N13 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 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

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mETROLINK Train system connects with 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. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com OCTA The Orange County Transportation Authority runs a comprehensive bus system throughout the county. $1.50. Day pass $4; $1.25 for 65 and older, under 7 free.

Exact change only. 714.560.6282, octa.net PRImE TImE ShuTTLE Service around the clock to SoCal airports, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim Convention Center. 800.RED.VANS, primetimeshuttle.com STRACK PREmIER TRANSPORTATION Ground transportation via limousine, town car, bus or van; aircharter service. 888.781.LIMO, stracktransportation.com SuPERShuTTLE Transportation to and from all SoCal airports around the clock. Groups and charters welcome. 310.222.5500; 800.BLUE.VAN, supershuttle.com

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Copyright © 2011

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30 things we love Orange County 6

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The mix of rustic Italian cuisine and contemporary decor at Il Barone Ristorante in Newport Beach. p. 43 Artisan and farmstead cheeses at Vin Goat in Corona del Mar. 949.673.2200 Listening to bands at newly renovated Yost Theatre in Santa Ana. 888.862.9573 Listening to chamber music at intimate Samueli Theater at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. p. 59 The pan-fried calamari with hot cherry peppers at Capital Grill at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. p. 48

Shirts for men at Moonlight Graham in Old Towne Orange. 714.639.0084 The Crystal D-Styling Bag— $8,175—at Tod’s at South Coast Plaza. 714.556.0239

where in the world

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Meandering along the trails at Fullerton Arboretum. p. 60 Traversing the one trail at tiny Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach. p. 60

Waffle sandwiches, sweet and savory, at Bruxie in Old Towne Orange. 714.633.3900

Jewelry by Isabelle Posillico at Silver Blue & Gold in Laguna Beach. 949.715.3000

Pineapple upside-down cake at Wildfish Seafood Grille in Newport Beach. p. 48

Hole No. 18 at Tustin Ranch Golf Club in Tustin. p. 64

Browsing at sumptuous Assouline bookstore at South Coast Plaza. 714.557.1882

Whale-watching with Dana Wharf Sportfishing. p. 60

The Black Forest Milkshake at new Three Seventy Common in Laguna Beach. p. 37

Wyland whaling walls in Laguna Beach and elsewhere.

949.376.5263

Chiffon tops at the LF Store in Laguna Beach. 949.497.9194

Wine and beer at Anaheim GardenWalk’s UltraLuxe Cinemas. p. 70

French and English antiques at George the Second in Old Towne Orange. 714.744.1870 Charcoal and pastel sports art at Hobrecht Sports Gallery in Laguna Beach. 949.945.3283 The World of Color choreographed fountains and soundlaser-light show at Disney’s California Adventure. p. 60

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 & Yukon, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,

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Evening-sparkle elegance at LaMonir boutique in Corona del Mar. 949.723.2800 The spectacular seasonal displays at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach. 949.640.5800

The new trolleys in the parking lots at Fashion Island. p. 70

The Versace for H&M line at H&M at South Coast Plaza (714.966.1745), Irvine Spectrum Center (949.754.0681) and Outlets at Orange (714.634.3834).

A cup of coffee at McClain’s in Fullerton. 714.525.5282 Korean-style tea at 419 Veronese Gallery & Cafe in Fullerton. 714.578.8265 Scones at Coffee, Tea and Tulips in Mission Viejo.

949.587.9988 Classic and art-house films at Regency Theatres at South Coast Village. 714.557.5701 The innovative cocktails at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. p. 36

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