GETTING OUT INTERNATIONAL OBSERVE THE MOON NIGHT 7-9 p.m. Join astronomers from The Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo for an evening outdoors in celebration of International Observe the Moon Night. Visitors will peer through telescopes of the volunteer astronomers and learn more about the moon and constellations. Guests are encouraged to bring warm clothing, a red-cellophaned flashlight and binoculars. Beach chair optional. $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for Reserve supporters. RSVP at www.rmvreserve.org. 28811 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. FAREWELL TO THE SWALLOWS BBQ AT ZOOMARS Noon-4 p.m. Join the Fiesta Association as they bid farewell to the swallows returning home and welcome the 2019 Fiesta de Las Golindrinas. Food plates are $12 for adults and $6 for children 10 and under. Music will be provided by the Electric Tumbleweeds. 31791 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano. www.swallowsparade.com.
Monday | 22 KOI FISH FEEDING 12:45 p.m. Visitors are welcome to help Mission San Juan Capistrano feed their koi fish. Fish food is free for Mission Preservation Society members and $1 for
non-members. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949.234.1300. www.missionsjc.com.
ON THE MENU
CHICKEN KATSU
Wednesday | 24 YOGA BUNGALOW AT SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO REGIONAL LIBRARY 5:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a free yoga session at the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library. No experience needed; no reservations required. Reduce tension in the body and calm the mind. This is part of the Eat. Move. Grow. Healthy Living Series. 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano.
Thursday | 25 YAPPY HOWL-O-WEEN 4-7 p.m. Bark your calendar for the season’s most anticipated Yappy Hour. Yappy Howl-O-Ween at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel provides pups the chance to strut their stuff in their favorite costume for the chance to win a prize. Costume contest entry is $10 per category. Haute hounds enjoy lapping up libations, thanks to water in such flavors as bacon, chicken, beef or vegan. Humans can enjoy a glass of wine or a Tito’s Vodka cocktail. Proceeds support The Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence. One Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point. 949.240.2000.
Chicken Katsu from Nalu’s. Photo: Eric Heinz THE CAPISTRANO DISPATCH
T
he latest culinary inspiration from the island state of Hawaii is Nalu’s Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen, located in the Los Mares plaza where the Krikorian theater once operated. The restaurant has a range of Hawaiian and American-inspired dishes for just about anybody’s palate. Panko-breaded chicken, originating from Japan, was provided in a traditional display, with a choice of vegetables over a bed of rice. The chicken’s texture was nicely blended with the shreds of bread and assorted vegetables. There’s a somewhat indescribable flavor with this style of chicken, one that slips outside
the norm, but still—no pun intended—tastes like chicken. The chicken katsu is probably going to be popular, but it will likely pale in comparison to the diverse poke bowls and fish dishes offered by the grill; however, it’s a nice detour off the beaten path. Nalu’s opened just weeks ago and has already breathed some new life into the north San Clemente plaza, with the help of incoming chains Jersey Mike’s and Dunkin’ Donuts also having arrived within the last year or so. Nalu’s Hawaiian Fish Grill & Tutu’s Kitchen 641 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente 949.877.8577 | www.nalusgrill.com