50 Monkey Ferris Wheel Coming to the Santa Ana Zoo! 26
Views and Vintages in Napa and nearby Yountville 28
Destination Dining: Ritz Prime Seafood 34
Destination Dining: Raya and 180blu at The RitzCarlton, Laguna Niguel 38
Systematic Withdrawals In Retirement
By Ken earwood
Many of us grew up with the concept that making regular, periodic contributions to our retirement account was a sound investment strategy.
The idea was that, in a fluctuating market, regularly investing a set amount would enable an individual to buy more shares when prices were low and fewer shares when prices were high.¹
Does this mean that taking regular, periodic withdrawals during retirement makes similar good sense?
Actually, it can be quite problematic.
Systematic withdrawals do the precise opposite of systematic investments by selling fewer shares when the price is high and more shares when the price is low. This, in effect, reduces the number of shares that may be able to participate in any subsequent market recovery.
Here’s an example.
In the accumulation phase, if a portfolio falls by 25%, it will require approximately a 33% return to get back to its pre-decline value.²
In the distribution phase, if you withdraw 5% of your portfolio for income and suffer the same 10% market decline, you would need to see an 18% market rebound to get back to pre-decline value.²
SEQUENCE OF RETURNS
In the accumulation phase, investors tend to focus on average annual rates of return, less on the sequence of the returns. If you’re a buy-and-hold investor, ignoring short-term fluctuations may be a sound long-term approach.
If you are in retirement, however, you absolutely care about the sequence of the annual returns.
For instance, comparable portfolios might deliver the same average annual return over a 20- or 30-year period, but they could have radically different outcomes in terms of account balance
and income production. Generally speaking, negative returns in the early years of your retirement can potentially reduce how long your assets can be expected to last.
American writer H.L. Mencken once remarked that, “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.”³
Anticipating a lifetime of withdrawals from a defined asset pool over an indefinite period of time is a complex challenge for which there is no simple solution. Pursuing this challenge can require creative approaches and persistent vigilance.
1. Dollar-cost averaging does not protect against a loss in a declining market or guarantee a profit in a rising market. Dollar-cost averaging is the process of investing a fixed amount of money in an investment vehicle at regular intervals, usually monthly, for an extended period of time regardless of price. Investors should evaluate their financial ability to continue making purchases through periods of declining and rising prices. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market
be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SECregistered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2016 FMG Suite. Ken Earwood is a professional financial advisor with more than 20 years of experience serving clients in the financial service industry. CA Lic. #: OC44710. He can be reached at 16531 Bolsa Chica St. Ste. 250 in Huntington Beach, CA 92649. E-mail:kenearwood@titanfinancial.net or call (714) 840-9283, ext. 2. Securities offered through Parkland Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC.
GREAT HEALTH GREAT SLEEP BEGINS WITH
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• LIFESTYLE MODIFICATINO THERAPY
• WELLNESS TESTING
FINALLY,
At the Center for Sleep & Wellness, we are deeply committed to your overall health and well being. We understand the key role that proper sleep plays in overall health, and how this suffers when sleep is disrupted. What makes us truly unique is that we have combined the expertise of Sleep Doctors, Sleep Dentists, and Nutritionists to establish one of the most comprehensive sleep and wellness centers in the nation. This provides a unique opportunity for collaboration on each individual patient.
A WHOLE HEALTH APPROACH TO DENTISTRY!
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We offer a large range of general, biocompatible, and cosmetic dentistry services. Our approach is somewhat different from other dental centers. We take the holistic approach, treating you as a whole person, not just as someone who comes into our office with issues that involve their mouth and teeth. Your oral health can affect your entire body, so we endeavor at all times to take your dental health into the context of the rest of your body. We use the IAOMT protocol for removing metal restorations and utilize biocompatible materials whenever feasible.
Call today for a complimentary consultation!
KATHERINE AHN, DDS DIRECTOR ROBERT LEBBY, MD, FAASM, FCCP GWENDOLYN MOORE, MPH, RD, CLT
Weight Training with a Purpose
By Paul Fetters
Are you 40, 50, or 60 years old? Do you wish you had the “spring in your step” that you had in your younger days? How about being as strong and fit as you were in college or back in your 20s? I’m here to tell you that this is ALL possible and I am living proof. I’m sure I have met many of you, but for those I have not met, my name is Paul Fetters and I will turn 60 years old later this year. I have four children ranging in age from 20 to 25 years old.
Iam no different than you. I don’t have a superpower that allows me to stay on track with my workouts and healthy eating habits. There is a vast difference between walking into the gym only to aimlessly throw together a routine versus heading there with a plan to work hard and make the most of your time. I am speaking to you about training with a purpose. Wouldn’t you like to step into the gym knowing that each training session is going to make a difference? That you are experiencing change inside and outside of your body and seeing results? I want you to get excited about what is possible! I often lead seminars to policeman, firemen, city workers and professional athletes and my message is always the same: It is never too late to make a difference. What you may find surprising is that the older you get, the greater the impact you have on your health and fitness!
AFTER ALL THESE YEARS
When I first competed in bodybuilding in my early twenties I never imagined that I could feel this strong, vibrant and energized at nearly 60 years old! With each year that passes, I am more excited than ever before to experience for myself what is physically possible. And I want you to feel that way too!
I vividly remember as a teenager wanting to invite my then48-year-old father to play racquetball with me but was too afraid to ask, fearing he might have a heart attack. At that moment, I made a promise to myself that I would stay healthy and fit for my children. My father neglected his personal fitness so he could provide for the family. Unfortunately, he died prematurely due to poor health. He was once an All-American Lacrosse player. Any one of his eight children would much rather have had less “stuff “and at least two more decades to spend with a healthy father in our lives. Had he understood
that taking care of us included taking care of himself, who knows how his or our lives may have been different?
This is exactly why I feel so strongly about the type of service that I provide. I feel lucky to have found my purpose 40 years ago; even as a young bodybuilder I knew I was meant to carry out my passion for weight lifting by helping others discover what is truly possible through strength and fitness. How many families can I touch by helping fathers realize how important they are? The goal is not to make you look like Mr. America, but be able to run, hop, skip and jump with your children until you tire them out!
WEIGHTS ARE THE WAY
The ever elusive “fountain of youth” is found through weight training. More specifically, by way of shedding unwanted body fat and building muscle to support your aging bones and tissue—you can actually alter your body composition daily at the cellular level as you become more active, stronger, and ultimately healthier! Did you know that 80% of the bad knees, bad backs,
bad shoulders, etc. that many suffer as they grow older is due to lack of structural strength (muscle)? Believe it or not, it is muscle that holds the skeletal system together. It is muscle that is the “engine” which drives your body. It is muscle that burns the most calories even while you sleep. And it is muscle that makes your body that nice shape that you want it to be! Weight training can truly change your life.
But first, you have to make your health a priority. You have to accept that being able to run and play with your kids requires more than simple determination. It starts with closer awareness and understanding of the importance of making a lifestyle change right now to live the life you want to in ten or twenty years. Your quality and enjoyment of life depends on the decisions you make today and every day.
It is my goal as a leading Orange County health and fitness provider to help you not only realize your goals, but make them feel reasonable and achievable. Once you discover your true intention and motivation behind your exercise plan, you will experience the kind of results that you’ve been waiting years for. You’ll have enough energy for your family and who knows, you might even look forward to your workouts. It’s time to get the spring back in your step!
Paul and Carolyn Fetters own three Training Spot Gyms in Orange County. Home to The TakeDown Challenge™, TSpot is located at 16942 Gothard St. in Huntington Beach, a second HB location at 440 Main St., and the newest gym at 1534 Adams Ave. in Costa Mesa. Paul is certified through the State of CA to speak in Nutrition, Fitness and Wellness. He regularly speaks to several Police and City Agencies throughout OC. For more info, please call (714) 8419294 or (714) 374-7448 or visit www.tspot.org
By Jody Robinson
ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING MARKET:
Ripe for the
Picking with the John Aust Real Estate Company
In 1801, Orange County’s first real estate deal took place. The Spanish colonial government permitted Juan Pablo Grijalva, a retired Spanish soldier, to ranch the area surrounding Arroyo Santiago. The landholding stretched from the hills in Villa Park to the shores in Newport Beach, and was later expanded to include the foothills up to Riverside. In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildalgo ceded the territory of California to the United States. Following the rails into Orange County, Southern California experienced the “boom of the 80’s” (1880’s, of course), as visitors from the East purchased tracts of land and established hotels, libraries and schools.
Today, Old Towne Orange retains its original settler’s charm. Historical homes, darling shops and quaint eateries surround the center of town – the Plaza. Like much of
Photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
the rest of Orange County, the real estate market is at its strongest since the last recession.
John Aust has worked in the Orange County real estate market and particularly the town of Orange since 1986 -- almost 100 years after the fountain in the Old Towne Plaza was constructed. As John notes, “I live in Orange, I grew up in Orange and much of our business comes from referrals from Orange residents.” And John’s real estate / appraisal office is located on Chapman Avenue just off of the Plaza.
John has the unique distinction of specializing in residential and commercial property as both a real estate broker and an expert appraiser. He founded the John Aust Real Estate Co. and C P Appraisers within a few years of each other. Now John owns and operates three separate real estate platforms that serve not just Old Towne but all of Orange County and most of Southern California.
Just as the Plaza circle seamlessly feeds traffic through the Chapman and Glassell intersection, so too does John’s appraisal experience complement his real estate work –particularly in helping his clients with property values and price points when selling and buying properties. Likewise, John’s day-to-day experiences in the real estate sales market gives him a real-world perspective when appraising property or testifying about it as an expert witness in the courtroom.
What should a property seller or buyer look for when hiring an agent right for them? According to John, integrity and good ethics are musts, then “experience, knowledge and an agent’s ability to advocate for the client should be at the top of the list. A realtor needs to know California real estate law and be able to close – and in many instances, save – a deal. Passing a real estate exam alone does not necessarily include those things.”
John is involved in the real estate community as a member of the Professional Standards Committee for the Local Board of Realtors doing mediations and arbitrations. He also chairs the Education Committee, and is a member of the Board of Governors for the National Association of Appraisers. Education is also a priority for John, which is not surprising given his Ph.D. in business administration and Master’s degree in philosophy.
The first school in Orange was established in 1897 as a one-room schoolhouse at the corner of Sycamore and Lemon. Teaching has come a long way since then: no longer simply one room of a small house in a fledgling community. Education, in fact, is one of the factors that John feels sets his businesses apart. “I attend seminars and read journals,” he says. “I take continuing education
courses regarding real estate and appraisal frequently.” And beyond that? John has taught nearly all of the real estate classes at Santiago Canyon College, and he is also currently teaching the real estate appraisal licensing class at SCC for the California Bureau of Real Estate and the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers. This forces him to stay abreast of real estate trends and regulations and in constant contact with other professionals in his fields.
Over the years, John has learned that his education engenders trust, and trust is what folks are looking for when buying or selling a home. “Everything else in a real estate transaction is the second step to helping my clients.”
What can you expect when you work with John to buy or sell your home? A local expert, deeply entrenched in the local community with a singular goal to “always try my best to satisfy the needs of my clients.”
So what can you expect when you work with John to sell your home or investment property? First -- a local expert, deeply entrenched in the local community with a singular goal to “always try my best to satisfy my clients’ needs.” John is currently on the board of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, has been a member of the Orange Rotary Club for the past 28 years and attends Holy Family Cathedral. He also was on the founding board in 1989 and serves on the board of the Orange Housing Development Corporation, which to date has built or rehabilitated over $450 million of affordable housing in and around Orange County.
A great realtor has to be an advocate for their client to get them the deal they want. It isn’t a simple agreement between the Spanish government and a retired soldier anymore: it’s finding the right price point, in the right neighborhood, with the right schools, and the right access to stores and our transportation system. It is understanding the market and maximizing the impact of one’s endeavors. “I am proud to be a strong advocate for my clients,” John states. “If my client wins, I win.”
Connect with John directly by calling (714) 6397990, stop by the John Aust Real Estate Company located at 219 E. Chapman Avenue in Orange or visit www.johnaustrealestate.com
One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given is this: when traveling or looking for amazing shopping and dining hotspots, always ask the locals where they go. Nothing beats a great local reputation - and few retail developments in Huntington Beach have enjoyed such a long history of success as Surf City’s iconic shopping center: 5 Points Plaza, located on Main Street at Beach Blvd.
Aneighborhood fixture since 1961, 5 Points showcases national retailers including Bath & Body Works, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Charming Charlie, Chico’s, Loft, Gap, Gap Kids, Pier 1 Imports, Styles for Less, Tilly’s, Trader Joe’s, World of Earth Footwear, Vans, and Zumiez alongside local favorites such as Affinity & Co. Jewelers, Kahoots Pet Store, and The Wedding Day.
Enjoy diverse dining destinations like the fresh fish artistry of Hashigo Sushi or authentic south-of-the-border fare at Mario’s Mexican Food & Cantina. A favorite among locals, Mario’s is known for their epic portions, long happy hours, and their killer “create your own” margarita, made with Mario’s signature mix.
If you’re in the mood for a healthy meal or snack, Bowl of Heaven takes pride in its nutritious juice blends and bowls filled with fresh, frozen, and exotic superfruits like the Acai Berry from Brazil.
Relax on the recently renovated patio – complete with beautiful teak tables and chairs - or catch the game on the flat screen while enjoying one of Java Bakery Cafe’s signature sandwiches and fresh-roasted coffee creations. Or cool off on hot days with a sweet, healthy treat at Yogurtland.
Life’s little necessities are easily handled with one stop at 5 Points. AT&T, Bank of America, Chase Bank, 5 Points Cleaners, The UPS Store, and the optometry office of Dr. Jon Yamane are all located here, making the weekly errand list a snap!
Anyone who appreciates jewelry knows that its value often extends far beyond its appraisal price. More than being decorative or functional, the jewelry you cherish may symbolize the events and memories of a lifetime. The Lowenstein family, owners of Affinity & Co. Jewelers, have been making and selling jewelry for four generations. Whether you’re looking to establish your next family heirloom or searching for the perfect set of wedding rings, they will help you make the perfect selection.
Speaking of weddings: new to 5 Points Plaza in 2016 is The Wedding Day, a full service bridal boutique that has been helping brides find their dream dress in Orange County for over twenty years. Their warm, intimate setting and knowledgeable bridal consultants make outfitting the entire bridal party an exciting and pleasurable experience.
5 Points Plaza has all of your beauty bases covered. Enjoy the deluxe services of Main Stage Hair Salon and Trisara Nails & Spa, and stock up on all of your favorite supplies at Bath & Body Works. 5 Points is also home to CloudMover Day Spa, “where the locals go” for skincare, facials, massage therapy and body treatments. Visit the brand new Phenix Salon Suites at 5 Points for access to a bevy of talented stylists.
Holiday shopping is a breeze when buying for kids (Big 5 Sporting Goods, The Children’s Place, Charming Charlie, GAP Kids, Tilly’s, and Vans) as well as adults (Charming Charlie, GAP, LOFT, Styles for Less, and World of Earth Shoes).
5 Points Plaza, in partnership with Tilly’s and Vans, is proud to host community-friendly events such as the annual Learn to Skate event, where local skating celebrities coach area youth on their skateboarding skills while spectators enjoy live music, food, and a festive atmosphere.
In keeping with Huntington Beach’s designation as one of California’s most dog-friendly cities, 5 Points Plaza has created the “Barking Lot,” where you can dine alfresco or simply hang out with your pooch. 5 Points is also the “Top Dog” sponsor for the Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation’s annual “Wags n Wine” event, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help local animals. 5 Points Plaza features ample parking, a friendly neighborhood environment, and great customer service. Gift cards are available from the 5 Points concierge located in Titanium Tickets, who can answer almost any question you may have or get you great seats at the hottest concerts, shows and sporting events.
There’s something for everyone at 5 Points Plaza – where convenience, style, and flavor merge beautifully on the corner of Main Street at Beach Blvd.
Follow “5 POINTS PLAZA” on Facebook for updates on sales, events, and new store openings.
BRIDAL
The Wedding Day
CHILDREN’S APPAREL & SHOES
Charming Charlie
The Children’s Place
Gap Kids
Tilly’s
Vans
CONVENIENCE & SERVICES
AT&T
Bank of America
Chase Bank
5 Points Cleaners
The UPS Store
Dr. Jon Yamane, Optometrist
DINING & REFRESHMENTS
Bowl of Heaven
Hashigo Sushi
Lemon Thai Cuisine (COMING SOON)
Java Bakery Café
Mario’s Mexican Food & Cantina
Yogurtland
ENTERTAINMENT
Titanium Tickets
FOOTWEAR
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Tilly’s
Vans
World of Earth Footwear
FURNITURE & HOUSEWARES
Pier 1 Imports
GROCERY & PRODUCE
Omaha Steaks
Trader Joe’s
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Bath & Body Works
CloudMover Day Spa
GNC
Main Stage Hair Salon
Phenix Salon Suites
Trisara Nails & Spa
JEWELRY
Affinity & Co. Jewelers
MEN’S APPAREL GAP
Tilly’s Vans Zumiez
PETS
Kahoots Pet Store
SPORTING GOODS
Big 5 Sporting Goods
WOMEN’S APPAREL
Charming Charlie
Chico’s GAP
LOFT
Styles for Less
Tilly’s
Vans
World of Earth Footwear
Zumiez
Concierge Podiatry for Kids
A simple solution for life-changing results
by Jody Robinson • photography by Lana Farfan, Caught in the Moment Photography
If your child has flat feet, feet that turn in or turn out or complains of foot, knee, leg or back pain, the solution could be as simple as custom or thotics inserted into their shoes
Ivar Roth, DPM of the Newport Beach-based Concierge Podiatry is the only podiatrist in Orange County to offer the latest technology in custom orthotics for children with a NEW generation of inserts - that are
unobtrusive and do not require special shoes to fit. These custom orthotics are calibrated to your child’s weight and results in nearly 100% correction of common foot alignment problems
If left untreated, “flat feet” (also described as “fallen arches,” “rolle in ankles” or “excessive pronation”) can lead to a lifetime of foot, leg and backproblems.
If your child complains of pain, it often means the m uscles in the feet and legs are under pressure Tripping or falling or general clumsiness are often signs that your child’s foot and surrounding musculature is not able to support itself properly
And what many well-meaning practitioners diagnose as “growing pains,” may be alleviated altogether simply by looking at how your child walks or runs and treating any imbalances.
For Melissa Forrester’s seven-year-old daughter Olivia, the custom orthotics Dr Roth fit her with were “life-changing ”
“At the age of four, Olivia was experiencing recurring leg pain and her doctors thought it was ‘growing pains’ and couldn’t determine a specific cause,” says Melissa. “The pain would keep her awake at night and at the end of the day, she would literally be crying because of how much her calves hurt
“Our pediatrician referred us to Dr Roth who examined Olivia’s feet, took X-rays and knew immediately that she would benefit from the custom orthotics. Olivia was fitted for the orthotics and we got them back within a couple of weeks and within a week of wearing them, we noticed an amazing difference – Olivia stopped complaining of leg pain completely The orthotics are wafer thin and slip right into the bottom of her shoes It’s been over three years we are on our second set - Olivia refuses to wear any shoes without the orthotics because she knows how it makes her feet and legs feel when she doesn’t wear them for a day or two. The results were so simple and simply life-changing for our daughter.”
Suzanne Robinson, whose 16-year-old daughter Katie also wears Dr Roth’s custom or thotics, agrees with Melissa’s assessment and adds “I noticed that Katie’s foot was turned in and our pediatrician recommended that we see Dr. Roth. Katie’s been wearing the orthotics for about a year now and it’s made a tremendous difference in the wear and tear on her knees and performance in sports ”
In the following interview with Dr Roth, we asked Dr Roth to share his thoughts on common questions parents might ask when considering having their child evaluated to determine whether custom orthotics would be of benefit.
South County Magazine: What are foot orthotics and how do they work?
Ivar Roth, DPM: Foot or thotics are much like glasses in that when you wear them, they will change the poor foot posture nto normal or a much-improved position so that ergonomically the foot unctions like it should Once he foot works properly, the ody responds. This means ired legs/ feet and inside nee discomfor t, hip and ower back ache/pain imroves or goes away If your y problem whether you are aware of it or not.
South County Magazine: What conditions do custom orthotics help alleviate in children?
Ivar Roth, DPM: Flat feet for sure, but also any complaint of tired legs or not wanting to participate in sports or if your child suffers from knee pain, hip pain and/or lower back pain.
For parents who want to help their child improve their performance in sports and avoid future problems, this new generation of orthotic is a must
If your child currently has orthotics, I would strongly recommend
Flat feet
Ankles Turned In
that you come in for an examination to see if the new generation or thotics will help them more The VAST majority of children COULD use corrective orthotics to optimize their feet Just as most kids need vision correction or orthodontics, the same holds true with feet.
South County Magazine: What are the benefits of custom orthotics vs the prefabricated ones on the market?
Ivar Roth, DPM: Custom orthoti cs of the type I use are vastly different from prefabs The foot is corrected to nearly 100% of correction and these orthotics are calibrated to the child’s weight and so act as if they are wearing springs in their shoes.
South County Magazine: What should a parent look for in their child's feet, gait, etc to determine a possible need for orthotics? At what age?
Ivar Roth, DPM: If your child has flat feet or a foot or feet that point outward or have ankles that are collapsing inward, they would benefit from these orthotics The earlier you start the better around 3 years of age and DEFINITELY before their growth spurt If started before their growth spurt, these orthotics have the potential to help grow the feet into a better permanently corrected position, not unlike braces for the teeth.
South Cou nty Magazine: How do you fit the child's feet?
var Roth, DPM: Making the or thotics is simply maneuverng the foot into a special corrected position and making a foam impression It is painless and simple to perform
South County Magazine: How long do custom orthotics typically last?
Ivar Roth, DPM: The orthotics are good for between two and three shoes sizes of growth or 15% increase in wt gain Generally they are good for several years with yearly tune ups done in the office to keep them working in peak performance.
South County Magazine: Will they fit into all my child's shoes (i e can they be worn during athletics) and will wearing orthotics require that I buy my child a larger shoe?
Ivar Roth, DPM: The orthotic will work in all of their existing shoes. However, if the shoe is broken down, new shoes will be required for use with the new orthotics.
South County Magazine: If it is determined that orthotics can benefit my child, how long will my child be required to wear the orthotics?
Ivar Roth, DPM: Like vision correction, or thotics are a lifelong commitment if you want to continue to achieve the benefits you receive by wearing them.
Foot health is very important and will not only help your child today, but will mean less adult-acquired problems in the future. Parentslook at your own feet - if you have any problems, it’s highly likely that your child will as well You have the opportunity to help your children perform better and avoid future foot conditions and other health problems by having them examined to determine if they would benefit from custom orthotics.
Big Toes Turning In
Kick start the new school year with this month’s back-to-basics crafting project! These homemade Origami bookmarks will certainly keep the kids’ book reading homework in order! Teachers can make this a fun class assignment for the students or parents use this for a creative family night with the kids!
DIY Origami Bookmarks
A Fun Craft to Do With Your Grandkids!
Steps:
1. Select card stock color and cut into a 6” X 6” square
2. Fold in half to make a triangle
3. Fold the left corner to the center point of the triangle
4. Fold the right corner to the center point of the triangle
WHAT YOU NEED:
• Card stock or scrapbook paper: assorted colors
• Card stock or scrapbook paper: black, white, pink
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Hole punch
5. Open up the triangle and fold the top flap only down to the center of the bottom
6. Take the left corner and tuck it into the middle pocket
7. Take the right corner and tuck it into the middle pocket
8. You will now have a 3” X 3” square with a pocket
9. Turn the square so that the open side of the pocket faces downward.
10. Cut a piece of pink card stock into a square, slightly smaller than 3” x 3”
11. Use the glue stick to secure the pink square, making the inside of the mouth
12. Use the black and white card stock along with the hole punch and scissors to make eyes, teeth, hair, or any other embellishments. Get creative! Simply glue to secure.
enliu is an Orange County-based company specializing in homemade crafts and décor. enliu’s items can be found at various craft fairs around Orange County and online at www.etsy.com/ shop/enliu. All designs can be customized or personalized to create one-of-a-kind gifts, wedding favors and more. Contact enliu through Etsy or email shopenliu@gmail.com
Giving Back: Orange Rotary Club
By Carolyn CaveCChe
The Orange Rotary Club is on a mission to impact the City of Orange. Founded in 1921 Orange Rotary has been passionate about impacting their community for over 95 years, and the schools of the Orange Unified School District are a main focus.
Starting with Orange High School, Orange Rotary has completed two beautification projects with an investment of over $15,000. Joined by students from OHS, Rotarians painted, planted and installed new benches at two locations in the front of the school facing Shaffer Street.
Next up was a new kindergarten playground and sod installation at Palmyra Elementary School. Prior to this, kindergarten students had no grass and only swings and a large pipe to play on during school hours. Total investment in OUSD is now at over $30,000. Orange Rotary already has another school in their sights for the upcoming year.
In addition to these community projects you can find Orange Rotarians regularly volunteering at Mary’s Kitchen, as well as serving on many other projects throughout the year including what is planned on being an annual event; helping fund and work at a multifaceted effort providing dental service to the local community through Orangewood Home.
Orange Rotary meets at 12 noon, every Thursday at The Orange Conference Center at 300 South Flower Street 92868. This year Orange Rotary has introduced their Satellite Club to help those who want to impact their community, but are unable to commit to a weekly meeting.
The new kindergarten playground and sod installation at Palmyra Elementary School.
Orange Rotarians working at Mary’s Kitchen
credit: Brett Shoaf
By Ann Laurence
Just over the bridge from San Diego, Coronado is a small, quaint, tree-lined retreat characterized by beautiful, rarely crowded white sand beaches, a rich, romantic history and laid-back, small town atmosphere. Although locals refer to it as “the island,” Coronado is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a finger of land called the Silver Strand. With wide leafy streets lined with Victorian homes and Southern California beach bungalows, the island is small enough to walk almost anywhere (it’s only a mile from the San Diego Bay side of the peninsula to the Pacific Ocean). Once we parked upon arrival for a recent stay at the lovely Glorietta Bay Inn, we discovered that Coronado truly is a “car-optional” environment and were able to easily navigate the relatively flat paths on foot and by bicycle.
We chose the Glorietta Bay Inn (www.gloriettabayinn.com), a beautiful boutique hotel and historic landmark famous for its grandeur architecture, as “home base” during a recent weekend stay. The former private residence of sugar baron John D. Spreckels, the hotel (which features 11 historic mansion rooms in the main original building circa
36 Hours in Coronado: Paradise Perfected
1908 and 89 contemporary rooms and suites in structures added to the property in later years) is situated across the street from Coronado Beach and a short walking distance from an array of retail shops and restaurants.
Defined by an artful blend of Old World charm and contemporary southern California comfort, the Inn features a scenic outdoor verandah, a storied music room complete with a baby grand piano and a sun warmed lobby that once served as the grand foyer to Spreckels’ home.
Each of the historic mansion rooms are uniquely styled: the Sugar Baron Room, originally the private bedroom of Mrs. Spreckels, features king-bedded room with a large balcony and a spectacular view of Glorietta Bay; the Spreckels Suite the private bedroom of John D. Spreckels, this beautiful room has a living room area with a convenient kitchenette, and a separate bedroom with a king size bed.
Photo
Glorietta Bay Inn
Music Room at Glorietta Bay Inn
French doors off the living room open up to a spacious balcony with an equally gorgeous view of Glorietta Bay. Amenities for all accommodations include a complimentary continental breakfast, daily afternoon refreshments and the complimentary use of beach chairs, towels, and toys for Coronado Beach.
The best way to learn Coronado Beach is via the Coronado Walking Tour (619-435-5993). The 90-minute guided stroll starts in the Music Room of the The Glorietta Bay Inn and offers walk-bys of castles and cottages, along with a legendary tale or two about movie stars who’ve spent time basking and relaxing on the eternally sunny Coronado Island. I have to say, I learned everything I now know about the Spreckels Mansion and Coronado Island from our tour guide and Coronado Island resident Nancy Cobb, who provided a thorough and entertaining accounting of the island’s history and famous (and infamous) highlights.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
Sugar Baron John Dietrich Spreckels did more than any other individual in San Diego’s history to help the city prosper. His visionary leadership put the port city on the map of national and international commerce. Convinced by local civic boosters that San Diego was ideally located for commerce, Spreckels at the age of 34, began investing in the community. He bought the utility company, street car system, water company and established the San Diego & Arizona Eastern railroad, which opened San Diego to the east.
Spreckels dedicated much of his energy to building San Diego, but his love was Coronado Island. As a part of his many acquisitions, Spreckels invested $500,000 in the Coronado Beach Company which had developed The Hotel del Coronado, and by 1890 he held controlling interest in the hotel. Within the next decade he owned all but five parcels of Coronado Island and North Island. Spreckels gave the city its library, several parks and its largest commercial building - the Spreckels Building on Orange Avenue.
It was on Coronado Island that Spreckels built his dream home on five acres of land overlooking Glorietta Bay across from the Hotel del Coronado. In 1906, Spreckels, 53, contracted Architect Harrison Albright to design and build the Mansion. The building, designed with the simple, classic lines of Italian Renaissance, was complete in 1908 with six bedrooms, three baths, a parlor, dining room and library at the cost of $35,000. At that time, Spreckels’ Mansion featured a brass cage elevator, a marble staircase with leather-padded handrails, skylights, marble floors and some of the Island’s most spectacular gardens. The home was built with reinforced steel and concrete, an earthquake precaution Spreckels insisted upon after living through the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
In 1913, Spreckels, a dedicated musician and pipe organist, added a spectacular 800-square-foot Music Room with an enormous 41-rank Aeolian Pipe Organ. The horseshoe-shaped Music Room, which can be enjoyed today with its player piano and as the starting point of the aforementioned historic tour of Coronado, boasts nine French doors which lead out to the breakfast patio overlooking Glorietta Bay and the Hotel del Coronado.
Made famous by Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot”, the Hotel del Coronado was built by
Photo credit: Corporate Helicopters
The Wizard of Oz author
L. Frank Baum home and image of author
Orange Seed Lending Library
The mission of the Orange Seed Lending Library is to inspire and educate a community of backyard farmers in and around the City of Orange as well as to bring new users to the Orange Public Library (OPL).
Created as a joint partnership between OPL, Orange Home Grown, and the Orange Public Library Foundation, the Orange Seed Lending Library is a depository of organic, heirloom seeds held in trust for the community at large. Community members come to OPL and borrow free seeds donated by seed companies, for their garden. Since March 2016, when the Orange Seed Lending Library was created, it has provided over 1,000 seed packets to over 200 community members.
In conjunction with the Orange Seed Lending Library, several gardening programs are being presented at the Orange Public Library & History Center. Another community partner, the UCCE Master Gardeners of Orange County, gives free quarterly presentations on urban farming to the public. Community members may save over a thousand dollars per year by obtaining free seeds from the Library, growing their own fruits and vegetables, and by attending free Library gardening programs. The Orange Seed Lending Library is an innovative program that demonstrates that the Orange Public Library is more than a book depository. It is a community center and community partner.
In addition, these services bring in new library users who discover all of the other free resources provided by OPL, creating a new group of lifelong library users. By making organically grown seeds available at OPL, community members enjoy richer flavor in their foods compared to produce found in local grocery stores. They also reap the benefits of healthy living and exercise that gardening provides. Further, participants develop a sense of community by attending presentations with fellow gardeners, and sharing their crops with friends, neighbors, and co-workers. The Orange Public Library, through its Orange Seed Lending Library, fulfills the need of the community to have a place to gather, interact, and give.
FERRIS WHEEL the SANTA ANA ZOO COMING TO FIFTY MONKEY
At 64 Feet, the Ferris Wheel Structure Will Showcase the Santa Ana Zoo; 15 Gondolas That Seat Up To Six Riders Each will Soar Up in the Air Carrying a Projected 65,000 Riders Every Year!
Cathi Decker, Executive Director of Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), revealed plans for the Zoo to add a “Fifty Monkey” Ferris Wheel. The 64-foot Wheel will be installed near the entrance to the Crean Family Farm, placing a signature stamp onto this family favorite area. Nestled between the Zoofari Express Train and the Conservation Carrousel, the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel will become the perfect finishing touch for this local Zoo to present a total of three childfriendly attractions that can be shared and enjoyed by guests of all ages.
Uniquely designed to spotlight the Santa Ana Zoo’s Fifty Monkey heritage, each fully-contained gondola will feature a description of a unique monkey species, furthering the Zoo’s dedication to education and environmental conservation through the preservation of endangered species. Educational graphics telling the story of Joseph Prentice and the Fifty Monkeys will be found along the loading queue-line walkway.
“The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel at the Santa Ana Zoo is certain to become one of the great landmark attractions,” said FOSAZ Board President, David Exline. “There are very few opportunities in life to
get involved with a project of this magnitude and uniqueness that can contribute to building a better community for generations to come. We believe that the Wheel will quickly become an iconic fixture, and we are proud and excited to bring it to the Santa Ana Zoo.”
“As a partner in the advancement of the Santa Ana Zoo, I've seen firsthand what can be achieved when the City of Santa Ana and the non-profit sector work together,” says Zoo Director, Kent Yamaguchi. “I want to thank everyone for helping to usher in this project that will produce added revenue to help the Zoo on an annual basis.”
The Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel is expected be open 7 days a week (except on severe weather days and required maintenance days) from roughly 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, on the weekends; and 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on the weekdays. Rides will last approximately 10 minutes. During special events, the Wheel will stay open for longer hours. Construction is expected to begin fall 2016, with the goal of a grand opening in winter.
The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. The Conservation Carrousel Rides are $3 each and Zoofari Express Train Rides are $4 each, and combo tickets are $6 each. Children under 2 are free to ride with paid adult on the Train and adults standing with children on the Carrousel are free.
The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. For more information and current pricing, please call 714-836-4000 or visit www.santaanazoo.org
Views and Vintages
in Napa & Neighboring Yountville
By Jody Robinson
Full disclosure: I am a mom. It’s a fact that may belie my bias when I tell you that sometimes a girl simply needs a break. Children, husbands, work, the unending demands of every single day… it catches up with you. Even the oft-offered advice, “You must make time for yourself!” can feel like just another pressure.
The anecdote to the mayhem? A few relaxing days away in wine country, visiting family and friends. With our two young children in tow, my husband and I headed to Napa and neighboring Yountville, where we whiled away the days wining, dining, playing tourist and spending quality family time.
Visitors travel here from all over the globe to experience picturesque scenery and wine, paired with fine dining, entertainment and adventuring. For Orange County families, it’s a little getaway with a lot to offer: Far away enough to be really away and close enough to keep your separation-from-responsibilities anxiety in check.
For the ideal family vacation that leaves you refreshed and enriched, pack a little bit of everything into your visit.
NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN
Napa is known for its panoramic vistas, fine dining and history. So what better way to experience the views and vintages, enjoy a gourmet meal and step back in time to the days when rails ruled as the preferred mode of travel than to step aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (www.winetrain.com)?
Napa Valley Wine Train
The Napa Valley railway dates back to the late 19th century and eventually became part of the Southern Pacific Railroad (the original passenger service was discontinued in 1929). Sixty years later, when Southern Pacific petitioned to abandon the line, a group of local investors formed the Napa Valley Railroad (NVRR) and purchased the right of way. Since that time, the NVRR has evolved into one of the most popular excursion trains in the country. The Wine Train’s gourmet lunch and dinner trains began service in 1989 and the line, which now includes 36 miles of track, rolls by 26 different wineries at about 10 miles an hour (the trip, which lasted just shy of three, started and ended at the downtown Napa station).
Three onboard kitchens allow Napa Valley Wine Train chefs to create culinary works of art from scratch using “fresh seasonal ingredients as well as humanely raised, hormone-free meats and line-caught fish” in creating gourmet meals for lunch and dinner.
Meals are served at tables laid out in the opulent dining cars with white linen, beautiful china and silverware. The
meal starts with a selection of artisan cheeses and finely cut meats, followed by a choice of grilled and roasted beef tenderloin or the Chef’s fresh selection of seafood.
And now with the addition of a 36-seat Pullman railcar, for the first time in its 27-year history, the iconic Napa Valley Wine Train will make several stops along the route, allowing guests to spend time tasting and touring four wineries. If you’re contemplating this new indulgent "Quattro Vino tour,” plan to carve off six leisurely hours with stops at the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, and the V. Sattui, Merryvale and Charles Krug wineries in St. Helena (the Quattro Vino tour runs daily on separate tracks from the regular three-hour tour train tour).
NAPA VINEYARD HOUSE
We really lucked out in discovering a wonderful accommodation within easy driving distance to downtown Napa, tasting rooms and wineries. Because we have family friends who live in the area, we’ve been blessed to be
House
Napa Valley Wine Train
Napa Vineyard
able to visit the region fairly frequently, generally staying with our friends or in one of the nearby hotel properties.
The charming two-bedroom cottage at the Napa Vineyard House (www.napavineyardhouse.com) proved to be a tranquil retreat convenient to everything and yet just far enough away from the bustle of downtown to make you feel like you were really “getting away from it all.” On their web site, owners Kevin Hall and his wife claim that from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave “we’ll do our best to make you feel at home” and our family can attest that they certainly deliver on this promise.
Conveniently located to great wineries, restaurants and shopping and with wonderful vineyard views to the north and south ensures that you know that you are in the Napa Valley wine country. The cottage features two separate bedrooms, each with its own bathroom on either side of a common area complete with a kitchenette, dining table and chairs and lounge area. As lovely as the accommodation is, it’s the thoughtful touches that really made our stay memorable - from the fragrant L’Occitane bath products and bottle of wine and beverages chilling in the fridge to the daily morning delivery of breakfast on our doorstep (delicious
pastries, fresh seasonal fruit and juice from the renowned Bouchon Bakery - where you’ll find a line out the door of locals and tourists alike no matter what time you stop by).
If you don’t need the extra space, the property also offers a number of smaller, signature suites - all outfitted with the same luxurious Restoration Hardware furniture and linens, automated shade system, heated tile bathroom floors, complimentary wireless Internet, Bouchon Bakery breakfast and private vineyard views.
It’s easy to imagine a wedding taking place on the perfectly manicured lush green lawn. For our part, we chose to take full advantage of an adjacent space and unwind with a glass of wine in front of a crackling outdoor fireplace and step into the farmhouse-style lounge for a family board game.
Nearby Yountville ranks among the country’s most scenic communities. The postcard-perfect landscape surrounding this wine country town is reminiscent of the rolling French countryside while its downtown (on either side of its two-lane main drag - Washington Street) is defined by a collection of quaint structures built of brick, stone and wood adorned with ivy. These buildings are home to a concentration of one-of-a-kind boutiques, art galleries,
North Block Hotel
Napa Vineyard House
North Block Hotel
wine tasting rooms, informal eateries and gourmet restaurants.
Arguably the epicenter of Yountville shopping, V Marketplace features a number of specialty shops - highlighted stops include Scents of Napa (skin and beauty products inspired by the Napa Valley scents of lavender, French oak barrels, grape skins and rain water), Tay & Grace (‘wine country casual’ fashions) and Knickers & Pearls (a pink and frilly store stocked with beautiful lingerie and bridal accessories).
For our Yountville portion of our Napa Valley getaway, we chose the Mediterranean-inspired North Block Hotel (northblockhotel.com) Situated around a social courtyard, this boutique property features 20 sophisticated, comfortably chic guest rooms - all with either a patio or balcony, oversized bathroom with heated floors, a large soaking tub and separate rain shower, espresso machine, flat-screen TVs, music system and a mini fridge.
country destination” with a voguish vibe, osteria-styled restaurant menu and locally-favored wine list.
We loved the Superior King guest room, located on the hotel’s second floor, for its abundant natural light, plantation shutters, warming gas fireplace, balcony above the social courtyard and its proximity to the gorgeous pool area where the kids spent the better part of an afternoon while their parents enjoyed - you guessed it, a glass of fine wine - from the shaded vantage point of the cushioned lounge chairs.
The hotel is home to Redd Wood, a superbly stylish Italian-inspired eatery by renowned Chef Richard Reddington which “brings a new sensibility to this laid-back wine
Speaking of wine … one of the most frequently visited landmarks in the valley is located within easy walking distance from downtown Yountville: on a knoll shaded by ancient oak trees on one of Yountville’s premier pieces of real estate. Visitors to Domaine Chandon (chandon.com) can stroll the stunningly beautiful grounds across a bridge over ponds to a patio fronting the tasting room of the first winery to be established in the United States by a French wine and spirits producer, Moët Hennessy. Today, as America’s leading sparkling wine producer, Domaine Chandon applies meìthode traditionnelle techniques to showcase the ripe fruit and vibrant character of California. Over the course of its 43+ year history in Napa Valley, the winery expanded its portfolio to include still wines, including Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our tour provided a casual, informative education on the winery’s history, its winemaking process and grape-growing regions followed by a tasting that offered further insight into the world of sparkling wines and the grapes used to make them (tastings are offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Tasting Room or on the terrace).
DESTINATION DINING
Following our tour, we strolled back through town to dine at Bistro Jeanty (bistrojeanty. com) - the genteel iconic Michelin-star restaurant - and only French owned and operated dining establishment in Napa Valley - serving traditional French countryside dishes including Mussels au vin rouge, Cassoulet (baked beans, duck confit, toulouse sausage and apple smoked bacon), the famed rich and tasty
Bistro Jeanty
Domaine Chandon
tomato soup in golden brown puff pastry and coq au vin (chicken, mushrooms, apple smoked bacon and red wine stew). Between the four of us, every category was covered: seafood aficionado and meat lovers alike. The sole meuniere was perfectly prepared - Petrale sole fillet well cooked, moist throughout with lemon caper butter sauce atop a bed of mashed potatoes. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his Fliet au Poivre (Black Angus tournedos with a black pepper crust, haricots verts and a creamy mushroom sauce). The atmosphere was quaint and charming, the dishes delicious, the service attentive - all in all, an ideal ending to our culinary sojourn that day.
The next night, we opted an entirely different and equally enjoyable dining experience: this time at Lucy Bar and Restaurant at Bardessono (bardesonno.com) where the menu, derived from the seasonal offerings in and around Napa Valley, is characterized by fresh, innovative, gardeninspired cuisine, artisanal cocktails and of course, fine wine. Every dish is truly “field-to-fork” fare - all the cuisine starts in Lucy’s Garden, located onsite at Bardessono (an atmospheric hotel and spa with a sustainable, moderntheme that translates through to its signature eatery) only steps from the restaurant kitchen and proteins are sourced from local farmers and purveyors, as well as a majority of seasonal seafood from the bay area.
By focusing the menu on what is in the garden or grown at local farms and picked at peak ripeness allows the culinary team to create the most flavorful of dishes. We started with “shared plates” of baby beet salad (flavored with fried goat cheese, wild arugula mousse and gargen sprouts) and the rich, melt-in-your-mouth hand-rolled gnocchi with kale pesto and tartufata.
Two standout dishes among a menu of standout cuisine was the Diver Sea Scallops paired with English pea puree, pancetta, crispy beets and tarragon butter and the Dry Aged Striploin which was cooked to perfection and flavorfully enhanced by foraged mushrooms, truffled “rosti,” duck liver and smoked beef belly bordelaise.
According to its web site, Bardesonno is “built upon the possibility of a meaningful exchange between the traveler and host.” Every diner in our party would wholeheartedly agree that it was a spot on assessment of our evening at Lucy Bar and Restaurant, due in large part to our server, Frankie, who deserves to be mentioned by name. Clearly a seasoned professional, she more than delivered with exemplary service that was amiable, attentive, knowledgable and unobtrusive.
NAPA VALLEY ART MUSEUM
Just across the St. Helena Highway and again, an easy stroll from downtown Yountville is the Napa Valley Museum (napavalleymuseum.org), housed on the grounds of the California Veteran’s Home. A great way to gain an understanding of the region’s storied past is to view its permanent art and artifacts - from the 1950s Napa City Limits sign (population then: 13,155. Now: 77,000+) and photos of the pioneers of wine, the museum chronicles the history of Napa Valley, its people and geology, along with the wine industry that put the region on the map.
The Museum’s Main Gallery showcases a changing array of exhibitions featuring regional, national and local artists as well as treasures from local private collections. The newly opened current exhibit, scheduled to remain at the museum for the next six months, is entitled “Down the Rabbit Hole: Innovated Video Games” where visitors can explore the world of independent video games with an interactive experience of 10 fully playable gaming stations featuring both well known and fringe creators.
If you don’t feel like walking, you can always hop aboard the free Yountville Trolley that runs from downtown to the museum and back every half an hour.
Napa Valley Museum
Lucy Communal Table Bardessono
Mission Viejo Wigs
Destination Dining: The Ritz Prime Seafood
Paying homage to an icon, this reinvented Newport Beach restaurant offers a new generation of connoisseurs a world-class culinary experience
By Jody Robinson
In the months since the new Ritz Prime Seafood opened its doors to a new generation of culinary enthusiasts, much has been written about how this reinvented restaurant stacks up against the iconic Newport Beach establishment from which it draws inspiration (founded by Hans Prager in 1977, The Ritz enjoyed a 30+ year run as the go-to special event venue before closing its doors in early 2014).
Where the throwback dining institution was characterized by Old World charm and three-martini power lunches, the new-and-improved version is a contemporary iteration of a classic.
While the décor of the beloved brand was all dark wood, dark tufted leather booths and antique chandeliers, The Ritz Prime Seafood showcases a new address (a 6,800-square-foot space with seating for upwards of 200 in the old Chart House location along Mariner’s Mile), sleek, chic décor, cream and tan leather interiors, upholstered
booths, loads of natural light thanks to a wall of floor-toceiling windows and the piéce de résistance: a spectacular, sparkling waterfront view and scores of multi-million dollar yachts dotting Newport Harbor.
My husband and I have foodie friends who have introduced us to a number of truly diverse, unique and memorable dining destinations – each month, we alternate with this couple to select and host our respective “picks” for an evening out. I will concede that a few of our choices over the years have been a bit lackluster by comparison, so when we secured a recent reservation (it would be our first experience there as well), it was a highly anticipated event. I am happy to report that The Ritz Prime Seafood more than delivered with exemplary service (our server deserves to be mentioned by name –Matthew Tinnes was amiable, attentive, knowledgeable and unobtrusive), an elegant ambiance and a seafood-centric menu defined by the classics and eclectic dishes with a twist (think extravagant menu items like grilled lobster with
burgundy truffles, herbed butter, blistered lemon, truffle foam and levain toast, a succulent chilled seafood sampler dubbed the Ritz Tower, a bone-in fillet smothered in foie gras butter and Ossetra White Sturgeon caviar served with crème fraiche, egg, chives, red onions and brioche toast points).
For landlubbers, The Ritz Prime Seafood serves up tender filet medallions paired with grilled broccolini and a wild mushroom demi-glace, a flavorful jidori chicken and the aforementioned grilled to perfection bone-in filet.
As great as these entrees are, the seafood dishes are where this restaurant really shines - from sushi, sashimi and raw bar to the signature cioppino chock full of lobster, scallops, mussels and shrimp, almond-crusted Mahi Mahi and Chilean sea bass enhanced with pepita pesto, sweet garlic puree and braised leeks.
Our friends were so impressed by our “over the top” selection that they have added The Ritz Prime Seafood to their list of “favorites.” For our part, my husband and I would like to thank to the culinary team and wait staff for providing a dining experience that will be a true challenge for our friends to top next month.
The Ritz Prime Seafood is located at 2801 West Coast Highway in Newport Beach. For more information or to make a reservation, call (949) 720-1800 or visit www.ritzprimeseafood.com
hand (literally … with 300 laborers from China) in the early 1900s in the Queen Anne Revival style. With whimsical turrets and asymmetrical design, “The Del” has evolved into a world-class resort. If you enjoy history, the lower level of the hotel offers a historic overview of the creation of the hotel with its genesis as a tent city with 1,000 tents along the Coronado Strand.
TOURING TODAY
As our family discovered, it doesn’t take much planning to have a perfect day in Coronado.
We rented bicycles from PeDels at the Hotel Del Coronado and started off along Coronado Beach - a picturesque stretch of sand and surf that stretches for over a mile along Ocean Boulevard in front of historic and glamorous houses. Voted in the top 10 beaches in the USA by the Travel Channel, this long and wide beach is great for walks, runs, beach volleyball or sandcastle building. If you bring along a furry friend, there is a leash-free dog zone at the far end of the beach where pups chase each other in the waves.
Fans of author L. Frank Baum’s iconic classic “The Wizard of Oz” will enjoy pedaling past the quaint yellow Cape Cod-style home (located right across from Star Park) that he rented during his stays and the place where he penned three of the books in the Oz series.
We spent the better part of an afternoon tooling around town, along the Bayshore Bikeway, past Glorietta Bay and the Coronado Golf Course and under the Coronado
Bridge (if you continue following the well-marked bike path, you’ll end up at the Coronado Ferry Landing, where a ten-minute ride would bring you to downtown San Diego.) After returning the bikes, we strolled Orange Avenue, a beautiful commercial boulevard that curves back to the Glorietta Bay Inn, and stopped in Bay Books where staff members leave heartfelt handwritten recommendations under their favorite reads and stumbled upon MooTime Creamery - where locals and tourists alike were lined up for what they all (accurately) claimed was “the best handcrafted ice cream and hand-rolled cones” in town.
We kept the “enjoy the outdoors” theme going through the end of the day by dining at the refined, yet casual Sheerwater restaurant in the Hotel del Coronado (619522-8490). We were able to watch the sun set while relaxing on the umbrella-dotted patio overlooking a spectacular ocean view. The menu, which showcases California coastal cuisine, offers something for every palate - from fresh local seafood and delicious smoked meats with house made barbecue sauces and slaws to sandwiches, salads and a special kids menu. The sweet pea and Feta salad is not a dish you’ll find on many menus and if you’re a vegetarian or gluten-free, you’re in for a real treat with this salad that arrives with a sweet pea and cashew hummus, shaved heirloom carrots, radish, asparagus, fresh green peas, petite New Zealand spinach and Valbreso feta. Popular entrees include the 12 oz. New York Strip (firegrilled with the eatery’s signature spiced smoked salt and cracked pepper rub, finished with a red wine demi and accompanied by roasted wild mushrooms and shallots) and the peppercorn and coriander crusted Ahi Tuna with apple fennel slaw.
Sheerwater Restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado
SUMMER SALE
RAYA and 180blu offer inventive dishes, hand-crafted cocktails and unparalleled, awe-inspiring views
By JoDy Robinson
Here in Orange County, we’re pretty lucky to live so close to the coast and have an abundance of wonderful dining destinations to choose from. But for inventive cuisine coupled with awe-inspiring ocean views, there are few establishments that rival RAYA and 180blu.
Both reside in The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel - RAYA boasts a bright, open space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Pacific while the aptly named 180blu is an outdoor lounge/deck situated 150 feet above Salt Creek Beach, defined by the same breathtaking 180 degrees of blue sky and clear blue ocean water.
RAYA and 180blu’s culinary offerings (dishes on the 180blu menu come from the RAYA kitchen) showcases Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine prepared with sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meat. Acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval’s signature Latin flavors define the seasonal menu which draws inspiration from California and Asian cuisines.
RAYA has long been a favorite special occasion “date night” dinner destination - the service here is what you’d expect of the Ritz-Carlton and consistently so: Attentive yet unobtrusive, professional, yet casually friendly. The same could be said of the service at 180blu, the perfect locale to find yourself at happy hour - for the food, the handcrafted cocktails and the spectacular sunsets.
RAYA’s menu encompasses an array of small (appetizer) and large (entree) plates. If you’re having trouble deciding, a great option to start is the restaurant’s signature Seafood Sampler, which arrives with a trio of popular picks from the small plates options, including oysters on the half shell, rock shrimp aquachile, tuna tataki and salmon tiradito.
There is an abundance of gluten-free options (noted by a special label) ranging from a seafood risotto chock full of Maine lobster, prawn, Santa Barbara mussel, calamari, Spanish chorizo, saffron rice and Dungeness crab to the all-natural
Prime New York steak accompanied by a Dungeness crab potato puree, grilled pickled onion, chipotle hollandaise and truffle chimichurri.
The Miso Alaskan Black Cod is my favorite dish on the menu - this flavorful fish dish literally melts in your mouth and is perfectly paired with charred asparagus, daikon (Japanese turnip), kabayaki sauce (think a sweet soy sauce) and togarashi aioli.
The menu at 180blu is a more casual affair characterized by refreshing hand-crafted beverages (watch Mixologist Erin Snider demonstrate how to make Tequila Sangria, one of the specialty drinks served here), small plates and desserts from RAYA (our favorite here is the Wild Mushroom Huarache - a variation on flatbread piled with wild mushroom, caramelized onion, black bean, goat cheese and truffle oil. Bonus! Weather permitting, live music Thursday through Sunday from 6 pm - 9 pm.
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