South County Magazine December 2022

JASON SPATES

Doheny Bike • Advertising Partner since 2020

We can tell when the new issue arrives in mailboxes because our phones ring off the hook and we are slammed with new business. We have been extremely pleased with the response!

ENZO SCOGNAMIGLIO

Brio Tuscany Grille • Advertising Partner since 2012

We have been consistently participating in every issue and are very pleased with our experience. Jody and her team truly care about helping our business continue to succeed. If you are interested in reaching the South County community, I am absolutely thrilled to recommend Jody and her fabulous team!

JEFF MCCABE

One Way Painting • Advertising Partner since 2011

I really appreciate and value the service provided by Jody and her team at Community Publications. The close attention to detail that has gone into every article Jody has written is outstanding and has helped us get the word out on One Way Painting & California Gun Services. The articles you have written really show you understand what services we provide and what value we offer to our customers. Each time a magazine comes out, the calls increase, and we get to introduce the company to new people. Thank you for making everything so easy.

OTF Rancho Santa Margarita 22401 Antonio Parkway D200 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 949-424-8884

OTF San Clemente 802 Avenida Pico San Clemente, CA 92673 949-485-4885

OTF Foothill Ranch 27482 Portola Parkway Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 949-899-8181

Dining Experience Henry’s Coastal Cuisine

By Jody Robinson

isn’t necessarily a new term, but it is certainly taking on new meaning at Henry’s Coast al Cuisine. Located in the Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach’s most elegant and inspired oceanside dining experience, Henry’s takes end less waterfront views to the next lev el with an open-air patio, a carefully selected French and Californian wine selection and specialty craft cocktails.

Surf-fare

Dishes showcase regional flavors from the Southern California shores with an emphasis on seasonal, local ingredients. Executive Chef Lew is Butler pairs rich French traditions with an expansive, airy venue that put a delicious spin on farm-to-table fare.

Popular starters include grilled octo pus with sauteed spinach, confit Yu kon potato and blistered sweet cher ry tomatoes and the Nori (seaweed) infused fettuccini accompanied by summer squash and lobster dashi.

I love, love, love pan seared Diver scallops and the dish here doesn’t disappoint - super flavorful and per fectly prepared enhanced with mi rin stewed shishito peppers for just a touch of kick atop a miso carrot purée and baby squash ribbons. Our family’s meat eater, my husband Tim knows his way around a good filet. He says the grilled entree here was ten der and delicious, while diners at the next table raved about their roasted rack of lamb with eggplant purée and

the local roasted black cod with San Marzano tomato sauce and saffron whipped potatoes (both dishes Tim and I decided were “must-try” on a future date night).

A sweet treat to share to end the eve ning? The blueberry croustade was a delectable dessert I haven’t seen on any menu elsewhere - made with farm fresh blueberries, almond streu sel, vanilla ice cream and creme An glaise.

Seafood is a must here, as well as an elegant weekend brunch. Wind up for the day or wind down in surf coun try with fresh and sophisticated culi nary delights and spectacular ocean views.

Because Home is Where the Heart is

For the majority of seniors living in California, quality of life equates to living at home. A recent AARP survey reports that 77 percent of se niors want to remain in their home for the long term.

The advantages of aging in place are numerous. As we age we want to maintain the highest degree of inde pendence possible. Our home is fa miliar and comforting to us, it’s where we feel safe.

Throughout the pandemic we have seen our homes become a safe-ha ven, a place where we can heal and stay healthy. Our home is filled with memories and it’s what we’ve created over the years with our loved-ones.

Often times in order to keep seniors living at home in comfort and safety, services and help are needed. Many seniors have opted for home care services when they need help and want to remain at home.

As the senior population increases, so has the home care industry. We spoke

to Kyle Warner, co-owner of Your Home Care Inc. about what they do and the benefits of home care services.

Question: Tell us a little bit about Your Home Care and what it is that you do.

Answer: At Your Home Care, our mission is to enrich the quality of life for seniors by providing compassion ate caregiving services at home. The agency was created in 2003 and is family owned and operated.

Our agency is licensed, insured and bonded, all our amazing caregivers are vetted, trained and background checked. We service most areas of Orange County, CA with a concen tration in Laguna Woods and the surrounding cities. And we also work seamlessly with all Long-Term Care Insurance plans.

Q: What is the biggest gift or or blessing that you see while providing care for seniors?

A: The culture we have created here at Your Home Care is that of kindness and compassion. The most important

thing we can offer families is that we honor the people we are entrusted to care for. It is indeed a blessing to see our services make a positive impact in people’s lives. It is humbling to know that we get to provide a vital service that enriches and prolongs people’s lives.

Q: How many hours does a typical home care client start with?

A: The hours vary based on the needs of the client. Some clients like to start with a four-hour, or a six-hour shift. Others know they will need more care than that and schedule full days. We try to be as accommodat ing as possible to meet the scheduling needs of our clients.

We work with many clients coming home from the hospital, or skilled nurs ing facility and they require 24 hour care as they rehab and regain their strength.

Another important aspect of schedul ing is establishing consistency and de pendability for the families we serve. We work hard to have the same care givers work with our clients whenever possible in order to build rapport and strong relationships.

Q: Tell us about the staff at Your Home Care.

A: Employees and clients say they appreciate working with us because they get to deal directly with the owners. They like working with the decision makers because it tends to make things run more smoothly and the process is more streamlined. Owners Segal Ronen and Kyle Warner over see everything from client acquisition, employee opera tions to office administration.

But the real magic behind what we do is the talented, experienced team of caregivers we have the pleasure of working alongside. Our team is filled with special people and it’s apparent they genuinely love what they do and have “a calling” for this work. They are service-minded, kind people, who love to care for seniors as though they are family.

Q: What types of services does home care typically cover?

A: We offer a wide range of non-medical home care ser vices and customize a care plan for every client. These ser vices include personal care related services such as bath ing, dressing, bathroom assistance and other personal hygiene needs. We prepare meals, provide transportation and help with housekeeping duties. We help with mobility and fall prevention. We basically help with all the activities of normal daily living that seniors might need a hand with.

Companionship and social engagement is another key aspect of caregiving. Some of our seniors feel isolated and lonely, so a caregiver becomes a friend to talk to and their bond is lasting.

Seniors with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or Dementia can benefit greatly from a caregiver because they are experienced in working with people with cognitive impairments. They are trained on the techniques used to manage behavior, keeping them safe and well supervised.

Q: What makes Your home care stand out above the other home care agencies?

A: The senior home care industry is growing and chang ing. The trend we are seeing is an increase in rates, add-on fees and lengthy minimum hour requirements.

At Your Home Care we don’t have lengthy minimum hour requirements, nor do we up-charge. We make every effort to be as accommodating and flexible as possible to meet the needs of our clients. We are responsive and available to our clients and caregivers when they need us. We act quickly to address and resolve any issue or concern.

Going back to our mission…to provide compassionate home care services that enrich families’ lives… with this in mind we are always looking for ways we can exceed our clients’ expectations.

Your Home Care is a company with heart, we care about our clients, and we care about our employees. If you are considering home care for you or your loved one, you can call Kyle Warner directly at (949) 424-9322 and let us show you how much we care.

AEP- It’s About Saving You $$

By Stephanie Frisch

Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you looking to save some money on either your monthly premiums, your co-pays, your prescription drug co-pays or perhaps a trifecta and you get all three, then contact me to review your options.

The biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advan tage plan would work for you. If it does work, you cancel your Medi care Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2022 because a Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from costly medical bills. These type of plans in Orange County typically have no premium. The savings can be life changing to some people, es pecially married couples over the age of 70. Medicare supplement plan premiums go up as you get older AND they can also have increases re lated to the cost of medical care for their members.

Most people on a “standalone” Medicare prescription drug plan don’t realize when their monthly pre mium increases in the new year be cause if they’re taking social security the premium is usually being directly deducted from their social security check. Many insurance companies have either increased their monthly RX plan premium or their annual de ductible or both! Have your prescrip tions changed since you first enrolled in your current Medicare Drug plan?

If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you fill them) then it’s time for a review. If you’re on several name brand medi cations, and you started taking them mid-year, chances are that you won’t hit the “donut hole” this year. But you certainly have a good chance of it next year so you need to make sure that you’re on the best plan in terms of co-pays and avoiding en tering the “donut hole aka coverage gap”. Attention Type one diabetics, there is now a Medicare Advantage plan that covers insulin at a $0 copay,

even through the coverage gap! No standalone drug plan does that.

Another way to save money is to com pare Medicare drug plan premiums for your standalone drug plan. Like I said earlier, many plans have been increasing their premiums year after year. Also, while AEP is NOT the time to change your Medicare supplement plan (The month of your birthday and 2 months following that month is, it’s called the “birthday rule”) it could be a time to get educated about what other carrier’s premiums are for the Medicare supplement plan that you’re on. Medicare Supplement plans are all standardized by the gov

ernment. A Plan F, Plan G or Plan N, for example, are all the same, no matter what insurance company you use. However, some insurance carri ers have upped their game, adding additional benefits such as routine vision and hearing, acupuncture and more to their Medicare supplement plan for a more “value added” expe rience. The additional premium for these extra benefits are minimal.

The Medicare annual enrollment pe riod (aka AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost Medicare options review contact me soon, my calendar is filling up!

Stephanie Frisch is the owner of Insurance 101 and is an independent insurance broker dedicated to helping oth ers make “educated decisions” about their insurance choices when it comes to Medicare. For answers to your questions, or no-fee consultation, call 949-292-4958.

TAX PLANNING ONLY WORKS WHEN YOU DO IT IN DECEMBER IMPORTANT ACTION STEPS TO TAKE NOW

- Year-End Tax & Financial Planning

By Peter D. Prescott CPA, Masters in Taxation

1. Schedule a year-end tax planning meeting to consider the following:

A. Income shifting to reduce 2022 or 2023 taxes.

B. Fine-tune your taxable income to take advantage of the lower current tax rates before they go away.

C. Calculate your S Corporation/ LLC/Partnership Income to make a tax-deductible payment of your personal Income tax liability from your ownership income (called a Pass-Through Entity Payment, aka PEET payment)

D. Reduce 2022 income so you can reduce your 2024 Medicare premiums which are based upon 2022 income.

E. Consider a Roth-IRA conversion now to take advantage of the lower market valuations and future tax-free growth after conversion.

F. Review investment portfolio(s) to “harvest” tax losses in stocks, bonds or mutual funds.

G. Determine 2022 tax liabilities.

H. Review your deductions to see if you should take the new higher standard deduction or bunch your deductions when you itemize.

I. Review your S corporation owner’s wages to evaluate whether it meets the IRS reasonable compensation standard.

2. Weigh the advantages of incorporation if you are a business owner for tax savings and legal protection. It is a must to schedule a “Choice of Business Entity” meeting to determine the best course of action and the required steps/

procedures. For sole proprietors, this is a strong incentive to form an “S” corporation.

3. Address your “big” financial picture with a holistic planning review that examines and integrates all key aspects of your family’s financial planning – taxes, investments, college planning, retirement, risk protection, business and estate. Understanding the specifics of each key area utilizing cutting edge tools and techniques is invaluable. Finding ways to synergistically incorporate various wealth management solutions gives you the broadest range of flexibility, confidence and control moving into the future. Year-end is a superb time to do so as it may unearth current year tax savings at the same time.

4. Schedule a pension review meeting to see if the following provisions are advantageous to you:

A. The Secure Act now allows plans to be established as late as the extended due date of the return (September or October of 2023). This provides you with the flexibility to reduce your tax bill late into 2023.

B. Review how your pension account is allocated

CALL NOW OR GO ONLINE

C. Determine if you should be investing in your retirement plan on tax-deductible basis or on an after-tax basis (Roth). This is based upon your tax bracket.

D. Consider setting up a pension plan to take advantage of the loan provisions instead of taxable distributions.

5. Review your health insurance coverage during open enrollment season. In particular, obtain quotes for alternative plans that can take advantage of Health Savings Accounts (H.S.A.) which can allow you to deduct out-of-pocket medical costs.

6. Consider hiring family members (children/spouse) if you are a sole proprietor or corporation. Significant tax savings can be achieved including establishing a medical reimbursement plan and pension contributions.

7. Consider gifting to family members before December 31st to take advantage of the high estate exemption.

8. Schedule an insurance update analysis to make sure you have ad equate life insurance coverage and consider your decision to purchase or skip long-term coverage. No better time to formalize your living trust, will and contingency planning.

SCHEDULE

TAX PLANNING

AT (949) 248-9815, Ext. 1.

Prescott Tax & Wealth Management

Peter@Prescott500.com • www.Prescott500.com

Securities and advisory services offered through Independent Financial Group, LLC (IFG), a registered broker-dealer and investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Prescott Tax and Wealth Management and IFG are unaffiliated entities.

BLENDING TRADITIONS

Food and Faith Mix Well at The Covington

At The Covington, an ECS senior living community in South Orange County’s Aliso Viejo, holiday meals are an opportunity to create cultural experiences for residents.

The Covington is home to resi dents of many faiths. Holiday meals are a chance for residents to celebrate their faith and culture with others through food.

“There are multiple religious beliefs here at The Covington,” says Javier Sarmiento, Dining Services Director at The Covington, whose hospitality background includes The Four Sea sons and Hilton Hotels. “So, when there’s a religious holiday, we try to accommodate as much as we can by creating delicious meals that are typi cal for that celebration.”

Holiday meals at The Covington are frequent throughout the year, and in clude Seder dinner for Passover and Chinese New Year.

“Our Executive Chef, Mike Desim one, is great at coming up with dif ferent dishes that accommodate our residents,” says Sarmiento. “It’s something we’re really proud of – at tention to detail.”

Resident reaction is what makes it all worth it.

“Our residents are really appreciative of our dinners,” says Sarmiento. “I’m

surrounded by an extremely talented team and it is really gratifying to be able to host meaningful celebrations like this for our residents.”

It’s not just the Culinary Team at The Covington that helps make these holiday meals happen. The resident Dining Services Committee plays a large role, too. “Our Committee is comprised of approximately 25 resi

dents, but anyone can come to the meetings,” says resident Barbara Peck, Chair of the Dining Services Committee. “The purpose is to have an open, on-going conversa tion with our chefs, and to share comments and suggestions,” says Peck. “They’re always agreeable with what we have to say and open to ideas we have for upcoming events.”

The Committee gathers monthly, along with Sarmiento, Desimone, and the Dining Room Services Man ager, Gerardo Guerrero. The group discusses upcoming celebrations and menu options. It takes about 2-3 weeks to execute a holiday meal, from or dering food, testing menus and tasting dishes, and making sure the meals look great on the plate. Depending on the number of residents who are attending a particular holiday dinner, the celebra tions occur in The Cov ington’s variety of dining venues and event spaces such as the Grand View formal dining room, the Lounge, or Schum acher Hall.

These holiday meals are in addition to the approximately 11,500 meals The Covington’s Culinary Team ex ecutes each month.

“Food is a very important part of life at The Covington, and it’s done very well,” says Peck.

Part of what makes the meals at The Covington so delicious are the highquality ingredients used by the Culi nary Team.

Meals feature hormone-free poultry and beef that is USDA Choice or bet ter. Santa Monica Seafood delivers fresh seafood twice weekly and se lections are made per the Monterey

Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch guidelines. Locally sourced produce is always a priority to support nearby farmers and the region’s economy.

At one particular Committee meet ing, a resident requested the Culinary Team bring back the Triple Chocolate Cookies, which had been phased out because of pandemic-related sup ply chain issues. “Sure enough, that same week, we had Triple Choco late Cookies back on the menu,” says Peck. “Sometimes it’s the little things.”

“We normally wouldn’t be able to accommodate a request like this so quickly because of ingredients being on back order, so we got creative and had our pastry chef make the cook ies from scratch,” says Sarmiento.

“Whatever it takes.”

Another way residents are able to stay in touch with the Culinary Team at The Covington is through com ment cards in each of the dining rooms. The cards give residents an opportunity to share their feedback on a particular dish or meal. “It helps motivate our team when we hear positive comments,” says Sarmiento. “And it gives us a chance to coursecorrect when we receive not-so-great comments. We want to hear it all.”

The Culinary Team occasionally re ceives handwritten recipes on the

comment cards, a nice insight into residents’ tastes, memories, and pas sions. “Chef Desimone will take the resident’s recipe, work on it, and fig ure out how to implement it into our menus,” says Sarmiento. One such menu offering is called Grandma’s Favorite Meatloaf.

But while faith-based meals are an important aspect of life at The Cov ington, so, too, are the events that are simply a great time. These events add an extra air of festivity to an al ready active social life at The Cov ington. Events include luaus, barbe cues, and even an Elvis Presley Night. “Whether it’s religious or not, we try to be very creative with what we do,” says Sarmiento.

Oktoberfest 2022 was a huge suc cess and a lot of fun for residents. “The Dining Committee met with the Culinary Team, and we asked them to serve drinks and appetizers that would be found at a traditional Okto berfest,” says Peck. “So, they brought in kegs of German beer, pretzels with cheese sauce, and bratwurst. It was a lot of fun.”

“The main point is to be able to give the residents a great experience,” says Sarmiento. “That’s what we’re here for.”

Interested in learning more about The Covington?

Reach out at (949) 209-3829 and thecovington.org

What to Consider when Choosing Hospice!

Hospice care is a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient’s pain and symp toms and attending to their emotion al and spiritual needs at the end of life. Hospice care prioritizes comfort and quality of life by reducing pain and suffering. Hospice care provides an alternative to therapies focused on life-prolonging measures that may be arduous, likely to cause more symptoms, or are not aligned with a person’s goals.

You qualify for hospice care if you have Medicare Part A (Hospital In surance) and meet all of these con ditions:

• Your hospice doctor and your reg ular doctor (if you have one) cer tify that you’re terminally ill (with a life expectancy of 6 months or less).

• You accept comfort care (palliative care) instead of care to cure your illness.

• You sign a statement choosing hospice care instead of other Medicare-covered treatments for your terminal illness and related conditions.

Medicare-certified hospice care is usually given in your home or other facility where you live, like a nursing home. You can also get hospice care in an inpatient hospice facility. Origi nal Medicare will still pay for covered benefits for any health problems that aren’t part of your terminal illness and related conditions, but this is unusual. Once you choose hospice care, your hospice benefit will usually cover ev erything you need. The following are four levels of hospice care:

ROUTINE HOME CARE

• Most common level of care in hos pice. Patient is generally stable and the patient’s symptoms, like pain or nausea and vomiting, are adequately controlled

• Usually provided in the home

GENERAL IN-PATIENT CARE

• Crisis-like level of care for shortterm management of out-of-con trol patient pain and/or symp toms usually provided outside the home, in an inpatient setting at a medical facility like a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

CONTINUOUS HOME CARE

• Crisis-like level of care for shortterm management of out-of-con trol patient pain and/or symptoms

• Usually provided in the home.

RESPITE CARE

• A level of temporary care provid ed in nursing home, hospice inpa tient facility, or hospital so that a family member or friend who’s the patient’s caregiver can take some time off

• This level of care is tied to caregiv er needs, not patient symptoms

Level of care is one of many things to consider when choosing a hospice. Patient and caregiver needs may im pact the level of care a hospice pro vides. Additionally, hospices that see a small number of patients might not have patients that need a level of care besides routine home care. If you’re considering a hospice that hasn’t pro vided a level of care beyond routine

home care in a 3-year period, talk to your doctor and/or hospice represen tative.

YOUR COSTS IN ORIGINAL MEDICARE

• You pay nothing for hospice care.

• You pay a copayment of up to $5 for each prescription for outpa tient drugs for pain and symptom management. In the rare case the hospice benefit doesn’t cover your drug, your hospice provider should contact your plan to see if Part D covers it. The hospice pro vider will inform you if any drugs or services aren’t covered, and if you’ll be required to pay for them.

• You may pay 5% of the Medi care-Approved Amount for inpa tient respite care.

• You may have to pay for room and board if you live in a facility (like a nursing home) and choose to get hospice care.

Pamela Man gen is the CEO of Transition Care Telemetry, Inc. (dba TCT Health), a Home Care and Home Health agency and a Hospice agen cy. Prior to the formation of TCT, she held executive and clinical man agement positions with a few large hospitals here in Orange County and has also conducted various health re search projects. If you want more in formation or to set up an initial inter view, please call 888.757.2018 and speak with Brian Flammer at ext. 509 or Maylia Tsen at ext. 510.

Reported by Pamela Mangen, President - RN, PHN, MBA, MSN, PCCN-CMC, LGBBT

Winter Fest OC 2022

FarruquitoFlamenco

Winter Fest OC is Southern California’s largest winter festival, featuring 26 days and nights of attractions, live enter tainment and fun! Winter Fest OC transforms the OC Fair & Event Cen ter into a magical winter wonderland with oversized holiday decor, more than a million lights, and endless op portunities for memory-making. En joy the magic of the holiday season with past Winter Fest OC favorites as well as all-new activities, including outdoor ice skating under the stars, ice tubing slide, ice bumper cars, mini golf, trackless train rides, snow board simulator, and carnival thrills.

New for 2022, and included in all admission tickets, is an immersive Winter Wonderland walk-through experience that guides guests on an important mission to meet Santa

and save the holidays. Winter Fest OC features a variety of stage and strolling entertainment, including a nightly Christmas tree lighting show and parade, meet and greets with kid’s favorite cartoon characters, trib ute bands, and more. Also returning are wintery-themed bounce houses, an arts and crafts area, holiday mar ket, and seasonal food and drinks. All this plus unique photo opportunities with winter-themed selfie booths, a giant walk-through ornament, the World’s Largest Rocking Horse, and of course, meeting Mr. Claus himself.

Winter Fest OC OC Fair 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa

For tickets: WinterfestOC.com

Farruquito is simply “the greatest flamenco dancer of this century” (NY Times).

The heir to the most renowned Gypsy flamenco dynasty (the son of flamenco singer Juan Fernández Flores “El Moreno” and dancer Rosario Montoya Manzano “La Farruca”), he was immersed in the purest form of flamenco by his grand father, “El Farruco,” one of the great est dancers in the history of flamenco.

Farruquito made his first international stage appearance at the age of 4 on Broadway alongside his grandfather. At the age of 11, he was featured in the film Flamenco, produced by the legendary film director, Carlos Saura, that launched Farruquito’s career into a new stratosphere and positioned him among the most elite flamenco artists of the world.

He has not only been hailed by critics and audiences alike for his prodigious artistry, but also for his incredible per sonality, profound poetry and capti vating beauty. Farruquito was voted one of the World’s 50 Most Beautiful People by People magazine.

As the principal inheritor of the great est Gypsy flamenco bloodline, Far ruquito has made it his life’s mission to share the purest form of flamenco on stages all around the world while further broadening his influence by collaborating with the most para mount film directors, conductors and artists of our time.

For tickets or info, visit scfta.org

November

Look especially for change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a board-certified dermatologist right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin.

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW

1. Everyone needs to perform a self-skin exam once a month.

2. Melanoma can appear any where on the skin, including the palms/soles, under your nails, and places...for most, have never seen the light of day (genitalia). For this rea son, it is important to look ev erywhere. Lock the bathroom door, get out a hand mirror, and check, it could save your life.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

An actinic keratosis (AK) is a crusty, scaly growth caused by damage from expo sure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. An AK is considered a precancer because if left alone, it could develop into a skin cancer. AKs are the product of a lifetime accumulation of UV damage and typi cally appear on areas most commonly exposed sun, such as the backs of the hands, forearms, face, neck, and scalp.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, with more than 4 million cases of diagnosed in the U.S. each year. BCCs may look like open sores, red patches, pink growths, shiny bumps, or scars. Any skin lesion that doesn’t heal, or bleeds with even gentle trauma, such as drying with a towel, is concerning for a BCC.

3. What to look for: ABCDEs, and an ugly duckling

A - Asymmetry: If I draw a line down the middle, do the sides match?

B - Border: Is there a nice crisp border, or does the mole melt into the sur rounding skin?

C - Color: Moles should be one color, one shade of brown. Is there a variety of shades or additional colors, such as black, red, white, or blue?

D - Diameter: Any mole larg er than 6mm, ie the head of a pencil eraser, has a higher risk of becoming melanoma.

E - Evolution: Has it changed?

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells arising in the epidermis, the skin’s out ermost layer. SCCs often look like scaly red patches, crusty bumps, warts, or elevated growths with a central depres sion. SCCs may appear suddenly and some forms are tender to touch. They can become disfiguring and sometimes deadly if allowed to grow. More than 1 million cases of SCC are diagnosed each year in the U.S., which translates to about 115 cases diagnosed every hour. Incidence has increased by 200 percent in the past three decades in the U.S., and more than 15,000 Americans die each year from this type of skin cancer.

MELANOMA

Melanoma is a very dangerous form of skin cancer. Melanoma is caused mainly by intense, occasional UV exposure (frequently leading to sunburn), especially in those who are genetically predisposed to the disease. An estimated 178,560 cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the U.S. each year and is fatal for an estimated 9,320 of these patients. Fortunately, if melanoma is recognized and treated early, it is almost always curable.

F - The Ugly Duckling Sign: Most people have a “sig nature mole,” their own personal mole appearance and architecture. Is there a mole that seems different from all the others?

4. Everyone needs a full body skin exam by a board-cer tified dermatologist once a year, more frequently if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, or live in an area with substantial sunshine.

Royal Robbins Men's Billy Goat II Jacket

This one is durable, winter warm, and everyday comfortable. The design delivers heritage style steeped in our Yosemite DNA. The body of the jacket is lined with a soft flannel and 60g recycled insulation for core warmth. Outside is all Billy Goat canvas – rugged, naturally soft, and sustainable, with lower-impact organic cotton and TENCEL Modal. RoyalRobbins.com

Monaco Jewelers

Serving the community for over 30 years in the same location, Monaco Jewelers offers an extensive selection of the latest styles and designs in 14K/18K white gold. Super competitive pricing. Superb quality. Lifetime warranty. Special 12 Month, 0% Interest Financing. 33955 Doheny Park Road San Juan Capistrano JewelsbyMonaco.com 949.489.3510

The Somm's Stash

Started in the heart of California, The Somm’s Stash was created to make great wine for everyone. The experienced wine connoisseur will find our wines to be balanced, complex, memorable and a true expression of the regions they come from. The newer wine enthusiasts will find our wines to be approachable, delicious, exciting, and as I always like to say… uncomplicated. sommstash.com

HOLIDAY

gift guide

Our Highly Curated Selections of the Season

Costa Sunglasses

Newest Lifestyle Frames

Paunch XL

Named for the famous surf break in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, this frame is your missing ingredient for a sunny day scouting surf. The XL version of these frames are slightly larger than the original, yet retain the same prized features: Costa’s polarized and color-enhancing 580 lenses, integrated metal hinges and non-slip Hyrodlite™ nose pads.

Costa Irie

When wearing these frames, enjoy worry-free days with Costa’s polarized and color-enhancing 580 lens technology and make a statement with the unique keyhole nose piece. Irie is designed for those who like an oversized look, and more fun.

Costa Palmas

Featuring Costa’s polarized and color-enhancing 580 lens technology, premium integrated metal hinges and interior detailing, Palmas is guaranteed to set you apart from the crowd.

The Tailwind Nutrition Starter Kit is the perfect way to sample all of our Endurance Fuel and Recovery Mix flavors before committing to a larger bag. Endurance Fuel is a perfectly balanced blend of calories, electrolytes and hydration to fuel your adventures and can be used in place of energy bars since it's calorically dense. Recovery Mix delivers a delicious and optimal mix of carbs, complete protein, and electrolytes to get you back out there, stronger, faster and sooner.

TailwindNutrition.com

Developed using feedback from elite and professional athletes, The R1 Percussion Device was designed with four key elements: compact and powerful, exceptionally quiet operation, over 7-hours of battery life, and built with the highest quality of materials. Packaged in a beautiful, aircraft-grade aluminum anodized body for long lasting durability, it looks just as good as it works and will be an asset in your recovery arsenal.

RollRecovery.com

SoCal's most popular folding e-bikes available in an array of colors and styles with special pricing just in time for the season!

DohenyBike.com

34163 Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste. 100

Dana Point (949) 427-3305

Comfort, performance, and progress collide in the Rhune 25 through the combination of technical performance materials and recycled fabrics elegantly designed with the product's lifecycle in mind.

www.gregorypacks.com

Scarpa Spirit EVO

Representing the spirit of climbers and adventures everywhere, the Spirit Evo is at home on the streets and cobblestones of our favorite towns and metro areas in the world. The Upper is recycled evolo® suede, reducing CO2 emissions and water and chemical usage. A lace-to-toe closure system is upper adaptable, whether you want to cinch it down for a quick bouldering session or back it off for more casual use at the brewpub, and accommodates a variety of foot shapes. The upper is finished off with a recycled rubber toe rand for a little extra protection. The dual-density eco-friendly midsole provides a well-cushioned ride and plenty of support for long days on your feet. The outsole features out exclusive SuperGum Eco rubber for extra friction and traction, and is highly durable to stand up to street or slab. Scarpa.com

the American Academy of Dermatology, Fellow

Medicine and Surgery. Cosmetic services include Botox, Fillers, Laser and Professional Skin Care.

Absolutely Fabulous Unique Gifts & Decor

6026 Warner Ave Huntington Beach AbFabHB.com

Treasures Boutiques

7227 Edinger Ave

of Edinger

Huntington Beach

Gothard)

Orange Theory

Give the gift of fitness with a gift certificate. Want to try Orange Theory? Call for 2 FREE Introductory Sessions. Three locations.

Avenida Pico

Antonio

PackTowl

Our best-selling quick-drying microfiber towel on the market is ultra-versatile, absorbent and superfast-drying performance that makes it great for any activity, including camping, travel, fitness, swimming and more. The Personal towel also stays fresh longer thanks to Polygiene® odor control. Packtowl.com

NOVEMBER 10TH

MARC BROUSSARD

Marc Broussard is an artist with a unique gift of channeling the spir its of classic R&B, rock and soul into contemporary terms. Marc, whose song “Home” catapulted him onto the national touring stage, as recently returned to his independent roots, having released multiple successful original and covers records.

NOVEMBER 20TH O-TOWN

O-Town’s story began in 1999, when TV network, ABC, produced the very first musical reality show in major network history. “Making the Band” was produced in conjunction with Lou Pearlman, cre ator of both the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC . The group became the first to be signed by Clive Davis to his label, J Records, and released two full-length albums, which in cluded #1 singles, “Liquid Dreams” and “All or Nothing”.

NOVEMBER 27TH CHEST FEVER

SCHLOSS

Jerks, SUGARMILL SLIM, and HALL OF FAME SONGWRITER JACK TEMPCHIN!

DECEMBER

Radio City’s Most Wonderful Show of the Year

The Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular

By Jody Robinson

There’s an extremely popular Joni Mitchell song that starts, “It’s coming on Christmas/ They’re cutting down trees”, and it is one of my absolute favorite markers of the season, despite its melancholy tone. Christmas is just one of those seasons full of feeling that runs the spectrum - and at the very tip top of the other side, the truly joyful ecstat ic side, is the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

Coming on in just over a month, the variety show-inspired chorus line will run from November 18th through January 2nd, delighting audienc es in the same way it has for the last 90 years. With more than 69 million spectators since the original Special debuted in 1933, the one-of-a-kind show features nine separate numbers over the 90-minute run: showcasing its performers as some of the most technically savvy and unbelievably strong athletes around. The Rockettes unique style was an intentional move from its founder and chief choreogra

pher Russell Markert. Every decision has been made with precision since 1925 when the troupe was originally founded - just eight short years before the first Christmas Spectacular.

5’10 ½” to ensure the line of 36 danc ers appears equal in stature from any perspective in the audience, the tallest women are positioned in the middle with the least tall women on the end. Arguably some of the strongest wom en in America, the Rockettes were also the very first entertainers to volunteer for the USO, and by the early 2000’s, marked their 75th anniversary by cel ebrating the 2,500 women having that have been part of this iconic line through their diamond jubilee.

Dancers must be proficient in tap, modern, jazz, and ballet - and match the Rockettes’ height requirement too. Once capping at 5’6 ½”, the modern Rockette stands between 5’5” and

Elizabeth “Liz” Peterson, a California native and lifelong dancer is celebrat ing her 9th year as a Radio City Rock ette. Admittedly, no small feat. The dancers have to audition each year to be accepted and agree to leave fami ly and friends behind for training that begins in October - and the 16 shows a week that persist through the new year. Difficult, sure, but Liz says “the ladies I perform with are also familywe all work together so well and it’s a true sisterhood.”

With quick costume changes (the fast est takes only 78 seconds!) through out the show, there’s little margin for

Rockette Elizabeth “Liz” Peterson

as they are

“As a freshman in college, I was on a path to be an engineer but I thought I’d try auditioning for the Rockettes,” she says. “Dance has always been a big part of my family. I flew to New York, but I didn’t get called back after that initial two-day audition.” Later, after another two-day stint in the Big Apple, Elizabeth did get the call - while she was at her job dancing at Disney land. Six hours a day for six weeks got her foot in the door, and a high kick so lidified her place in the chorus line.

When she isn’t dressed for the Rock ettes’ iconic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” number, or a reindeer pull ing Santa’s sleigh across the stage at Radio City, Elizabeth works remote ly as an HR manager for a Bay Area company, and loves getting outside in any capacity: running, hiking, bik ing. Being a Rockette allows her to enmesh athleticism with creativity, and see that determination and ded ication can pay off.

“One of the most rewarding aspects is being able to perform for audienc es and seeing the impact we can have on young women - that they see they can follow their dreams.” Another is when people say they saw the show years ago, and still think fondly of the performance today - like Elizabeth’s grandfather. Later, in Joni Mitchell’s iconic and somber tune, she wishes for a long enough river so she could ‘teach my feet to fly’. Perhaps, I think, she should have just strolled on down to Radio City Music Hall for the Christmas Spectacular.

Celebrating September at The Covington!

Community Publications cover release party was held last month at the beautiful Coving ton community in Aliso Viejo. Guests included Bobbie Riddell and Marion Sandell, who graced the September covers, and our valued advertising part ners - all local business owners and professionals.

Local musician Brian Flammer provided entertain ment as guests noshed on delicious Argentine and Italian appetizers from Villa Roma Restaurant, includ ing a variety of empanadas and antipasto.

Thank you to The Covington team for all their help in coordinating our September soiree!

By Kim Weddon and Marlene Nielsen

Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee’s highly antici pated Cruise of Lights® returns after a 2-year covid hiatus!

Join us as Cruise of Lights® cele brates 60 years! Treat yourself to a 50-minute narrated boat tour and experience the beauty of thou sands of lights and animated displays on brightly decorated homes, decks, docks, and boats. Gather your family and friends – or even reserve a whole boat – for this fun and spectacular

holiday tradition. You’ll see the home decorating contest award-winners and beautifully decorated boats that celebrate this year’s theme: “Cele brating 60 Years, Swinging to the Sounds.”

Make your holiday gift giving easier by buying Cruise of Lights® tickets

for family, friends, colleagues, teach ers, babysitters, gardeners – your fa vorite service providers – and anyone who deserves a magical evening this holiday season. It will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

Cruise of Lights® is the largest fundraiser benefiting Philharmonic Society’s Youth Music Education Programs, offered free of charge to elementary through high school students. Tickets are on sale now on www.CruiseofLights.org We welcome your support!

hat do neon-colored ski outfits, a life–size yeti and thematic food, drinks, and décor all have in common? Each of these will be heavily on display at Kimpton Shorebreak Resort’s new winter pop-up bar, Pier Summit Ski Lodge - set to become one of the season’s most buzzed about dining and drinking destinations with dis tinctive eighties ski culture decor brought to life by Social Society and creative culinary offerings developed by Executive Chef Gilbert Laurie.

Upon entry to the Pier Summit Ski Lodge, guests will experience an im mediate departure from Surf City USA and be transported to a decade of the past. Neon-hued décor and light ing complimented by kitschy eighties trademarks will fill the space while

centric menu will feature dishes like the West Slope Rösti with fried grated potatoes, warm gruyere, caramelized onions, chive and dill crème fraiche and the Fireside Fondue for Two showcasing both sweet and savory options.

Pier Summit Ski Lodge’s beverage menu, however, is the real star of the show with a selection of affectionate ly named craft cocktails served up in experiential ways. Guests can choose to imbibe in the Feeling Nippy, a fro

zen beverage featuring notes of berry, lemon and ginger served up in a glass made of ice, Your Mom’s Mulled Wine sipped from vintage mugs, or Don’t Eat The Yellow Snow served up in a classic Snoopy snow cone machine.

Pier Summit Ski Lodge Features

City Cruises’ Seasonal WhaleWatching Experience Returns!

Photo credit: City Cruises by Hornblower

Along the California Coast, the ultra-popular maritime activity of whale watching kicks off for the fall/winter season with a oneof-a-kind opportunity to see gray whales migrat ing through the waters for a limited time. In San Diego, City Cruises' seasonal winter whale watch ing experience returns, which will run through the spring, featuring the best sightseeing of the

Bay paired with a professionally narrated tour of whale hot spots and not-to-be-missed San Diego sites. To guar antee a memorable experience for all guests, City Cruises will provide a pass to return for another whale watching or harbor cruise experience if some species of whale is not spotted.

Beth Carney - Owner

The Happiest Place in OC

Absolutely Fabulous the Holidays! for

By Jody Robinson

The nature of gift purchasing has changed greatly since the ad vent of the internet. How has Absolutely Fabulous stayed above the fray and blossomed while the rest of the gift industry flounders? “That’s easy,” responds Diane Silver stein, owner of the iconic Huntington Beach-based Absolutely Fabulous gift boutique, “quality, selection,

price range, and ease of shopping.” After many visits to her “absolute ly fabulous” gift and décor shop, I would have to agree. “Plus – we ship world-wide, so you can mail your stuff right from here!”

While the internet excels at making home shopping the easiest experience, when you know exactly what you’re

looking for, much of holiday gift-giv ing starts with “who is this for, and how much do I want to spend on them?” Absolutely Fabulous makes this type of shopping easy with their “you know the personality, we know the product” approach to holiday gift-giving. “You see,” Diane explains in her charming English accent, “we spend hours and hours searching for the best new prod ucts offered in the gift industry. When our customers come in with their lists, we walk them around and point out options that our customers would nev er have found in an internet search.”

Diane is not kidding on that last point. The variety and uniqueness of prod ucts at Absolutely Fabulous is as tounding: hand-made jewelry, Miche Bag purses (the ones where you just drop the “insides” of your purse into a new shell, rather than having to dump all of your stuff out!), $10 silk scarves, old-school shaving kits for men, a “Daddy’s Tool Bag” that includes dia per changing equipment, and instruc tional DVD, face mask and other funny items, rare paintings by successful art ists, large crystal chandeliers, crystal perfume bottles, stuffed animal baby bottle covers, piggy banks for kids, wedding party gifts, rare Disney art and collectibles, holiday-themed de cor and gifts, Christmas decorations

that range from very inexpensive bottle stoppers and tree decorations to 6-foot high collectible Santa dolls. Ab Fab really does cover the gam ut of gifts for anyone: “from birth to death and everything in-between is our moniker” Diane proudly states. I tend to agree.

This holiday season, find out why Absolutely Fabulous is so appropriately-named. Connect with Diane and the crew at Absolutely Fabulous located at 6026 Warner Avenuein Huntington Beach, call (714) 842-1608 or visit www.absolutelyfabulous1.com

PCH, Suite

545-7091

Minneapolis The City by Nature

Photo by Mike Krivit, courtesy of Meet Minneapolis

Walker Art Center + Sculpture Garden

By Jody Robinson

Known as one-half of the “Twin Cities,” Minneapolis is one of the most welcoming, cultur ally rich places to visit as a family in the country. With growing numbers of gorgeous parks, beautiful lakes, hiking trails, bike paths and verdant green spaces, this city is also home to a vibrant arts scene (think world-class museums and progressive galleries), inspired dining, destination shopping and the “Minnesota Nicest” people.

Lowry Avenue Bridge

Tour the Walker Art Center and get your fill of edgy contemporary works, or stroll through the Sculpture Garden - home to Claes Oldenburg and Coos je Bruggen’s iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry installation - and take in more than 40 different works from artists around the world. Prince fans can take a pilgrimage to Paisley Park, a half hour from city center.

WHERE TO STAY

One of the most recognized names in luxury hotel brands, Loews prop erties across North America operate with the philosophy that “hospital ity comes from the heart.” Situated near the Mississippi River in the heart of downtown, Loews Minneapolis

(LoewsHotels.com) is no exception - this chic, modern 22-story hotel features 251 elegantly appointed, newly ren ovated guest rooms and suites, abundant family-friendly signature services and amenities, innovative dining and a location that literally can’t be beat (Target Field is just 1,500 feet away - a quick walk to watch baseball in a gorgeous open-air stadium). This property proved to be the perfect “home base” from which to experience the city and its rec reation and attractions.

Staff here has thoughtfully compiled a local line-up of family activities whether you’re looking to explore the environs or staying comfy indoors - they even offer assorted games for all ages which was par ticularly great from a parent perspective to keep our teens engaged and off their elec tronics.

My husband and I consider ourselves to be fledgling food ies so we were thrilled to sam ple the fare at Cosmos - New American cuisine inspired by the Pacific Regions. My Yellow Thai curry with shrimp and fra grant jasmine rice was super fla vorful, while his Gerber Amish roasted half chicken was equally delicious, enhanced with lemon tyme pan jus and accompanied by mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.

The Apothecary Bar & Lounge is a sophisticated space showcasing a restaurant of its own, 20seat Library and chef’s table and specializes in small shareable plates, handcrafted cocktails, local microbrews and a Build Your Own Old Fashioned.

Apothecary Bar & Lounge

Loews Minneapolis

Cosmos - New American cuisine

Nickelodeon Universe is a seven-acre in door amusement park featuring over two dozen rides with something for everyone. Purchase an unlimited ride wristband for all-day access to carousels and crazy cars for junior enthusiasts to twisting, turning rollercoasters for our thrill-seeking teens. We were already fans of the animated series so another favorite was the Avatar Airbender - where the kids rode a “wave of air” rocking back and forth to reach heights of 70 feet as air and fire forces raged around them.

The state’s largest aquar ium is also housed under roof here - explore 1.3 million gallons of awe some - sharks, sea tur tles, stingrays and even a 14-foot-long sawfish. For an immersive adventurethe Escape Game allows you crack codes, uncov er clues, solve puzzles and complete a mission as a family.

A stunning skyline, delectable food, and more Midwest charm than you can shake a stick at round out the long list of reasons why it should be the next place on your list.

WHAT TO DO

If you’re seeking a thrill, take a spin around Minnehaha Falls: summer or winter, and gape at the iced majesty even Queen Elsa would be jealous of. For our part, our teens couldn’t wait for our much-anticipated visit to the Mall of America (MallofAmerica. com). Mind you, an entire day spent in a shopping mall wasn’t my first thought when planning this weekend away, but for a truly unique, most memorable vacation - this ginormous space offers endless entertainment, dining, attrac tion and retail experiences.

Experienced

Children’s

Desert Hills Premium Outlets is home to the largest collection of luxury outlets in California. Just twenty minutes west of Palm Springs, the center features 180 de signer stores including your favorites like Burberry, Gucci, Dolce & Gab bana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Coach, Balenciaga, Alo Yoga, Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Saint Laurent, Versace, the only Christian Louboutin outlet in the U.S. and more.

Located near the beautiful Palm Springs resorts, this shopping center is surrounded by majestic mountains and home to destination shoppers from around the world, as well as the Hollywood elite.

Whether you’re taking a day trip to shop with the family or want to spend the weekend exploring the shopping center and surrounding attractions, you’ll love stopping by Desert Hills Pre mium Outlets for a pleasant getaway.

Desert Hills Premium Outlets Destination Shopping

NEW STORES

Alo Yoga

The trendy and practical activewear line with apparel that can be worn from studio to street, is the first store location at an outlet shopping center, only available at Desert HIlls Premium Outlets. This premium lifestyle brand aims to bring yoga to the world, spread mindful movement, inspire wellness and create a community.

Buck Mason

Inspired by laid back California ethos of easy living, quality and simplicity, Buck Mason is a modern American brand that makes fashion less com plicated.

IRO

A beautiful French line of ready-towear pieces meticulously crafted with attention to pattern, texture and de tail, IRO embodies the fresh and fem inine spirit of modern young women.

GANNI

For those looking for some inter national flare, GANNI is the perfect brand to have in any closet. Each clothing collection connects with the

community, bringing a touch of Scan dinavian culture everywhere.

PUMA

Opened last month, one of the world’s leading sports lifestyle com panies joins Desert Hills Premium Outlets’ impressive retail lineup.

Moose Knuckles

As the West Coast’s first outlet lo cation, Moose Knuckles is the go-to store for the finest selection in warm parkas and down coats needed on that winter ski trip. The Canadian luxury outerwear collection provides innovative outerwear that withstands sub-zero temperatures in style, and is 30-50% off at this location.

Kevin Jewelers

With beautiful, high-quality jewelry and watches on display, Kevin Jew elers is the perfect place to shop for holiday parties, film festivals and ga las happening in the local area. No need to worry about third party help either as the store provides warran ties, repair services and in-house fi nancing.

Moose Knuckles

Frisch

AEP- It’s About Saving you Money

Calling all existing Medicare Beneficiaries, are you look ing to save some money on either your monthly premi ums, your co-pays, or your prescription drug co-pays? Then the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the time for you to make a change to your current plan. All chang es made during this time (10/15 – 12/7) go into effect 1/1/23.

biggest way to save money is to see if a Medicare Advan tage plan would work for you. If it does meet your needs, then you cancel your Medicare Supplement and Medicare Drug plan for 2023 because the Medicare Advantage plan gives you that type of coverage and financial protection from medical bills. You’re no longer paying a premium for Medicare Supplement or a Medicare RX plan if you decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans in Orange County typically have no or low premiums and are both HMO’s and PPO’s.

Regarding a “standalone” Medicare RX plan, some plans used to not have a name brand drug deductible and now they do. Have your prescriptions changed since you enrolled in your current Medicare RX plan? If they’re expensive medications (in the $40-$100 range when you refill them) then it’s time for a review. (FYI, Type 1 diabetics: there are Medicare Advan tage plans that cover insulin at a $0 co-pay now, for the entire year!) The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (also known as AEP) ends December 7th, if you’d like to schedule a no cost

me soon, my calendar is filling up!

Order an iced platter that arrives with a sampling of everything.

An all-time must-have on any self-re specting seafood connoisseur’s wish list is the California Spiny Lobster - now in season. Their counterparts from Maine are delicious, but this special crustacean boasts a sweeter flavor profile and more meat (gen erally around 25% more per pound).

Caught off the California coast in the waters from Baja to Morro Bay, these beauties were incredibly succulent and didn’t need anything other than drawn butter to enhance the flavor.

Now

Water Grill Crafts Incomparable Culinary Creations

There’s

something so satisfy

ing about seeing an iced tray of gorgeous Eastern or Pacific oysters on the half shell appear at the table, served with fresh horseradish, mignonette, cocktail sauce and ha banero-lime relish. Or the truly great Maryland Blue Crab - straight from the softshell crab capital of the world - where they are packed and flown alive and kicking direct from the Chesapeake to the restaurant several days a week.

I am the unabashed seafood aficiona do in our family so I am always partic ularly thrilled when ocean fare is on the menu. My husband, on the other hand, is a strictly meat-and-potatoes man who will never eschew a perfect ly grilled prime cut of beef.

With a lineup of exquisite seafood offerings (wild-caught and served fresh) and charcoal-grilled Harris Ranch steaks, Water Grill can’t be

By Jody Robinson

If charcoal-grilled or oven roasted wild-caught fish is more to your liking, popular picks include the melt-in-yourmouth wild Alaskan black cod served with soba noodles or the flavorful tog arashi seared local bluefin tuna.

Then for land lovers like my beau, Water Grill serves up Harris Ranch filets, prime New York Strip steak, prime split-bone “cowboy” ribeye or charcoal grilled “Mary’s” organic chicken paired with the favorite side of your choice: braised kale, Mexican street corn, grilled broccolini or sev en-cheese mac & cheese.

beat when it comes to crafting truly delectable memories. From the tallbacked leather chairs to the robust craft cocktail menu, every occasion is begging for the chance to be cele brated with such style and substance so we were confident both our culi nary leanings would be handily satis fied when we made a reservation for our recent wedding anniversary.

Starting at the raw bar, dive into the aforementioned oysters or chilled shellfish like wild littleneck clams, jumbo Mexican shrimp, farmed Peru vian Bay scallops or large Channel Is lands Red Sea Urchin. Can’t decide?

Start with the wild Spanish octopus (charcoal grilled with fingerling pota toes) and wade through the raw bar until your tastebuds are begging for a break. Save room for their choco late espresso ganache cake, or finish out your night with a French pressed espresso and homemade sorbet. Any are certain to be just as appealing as that first round of oysters.

WATER GRILL

3300 Bristol Street Costa Mesa (714) 208-7060

WaterGrill.com

California Spiny Lobster