BEST OF
SAN JUAN 2009 P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E H O R S E S H O E AWA R D S CO N T E N TS Dining Best… Breakfast • 1 Lunch • 1 Appetizer • 1 Dinner • 1 Dessert • 2 Ambiance • 2 Outdoor Patio • 2 Cup of Coffee or Tea • 2 Taco • 2 Salsa • 2 Pizza • 2
Businesses come and businesses go, but even in the worst economy in 80 years, some merchants find the right combination of quality, price, location and service to not only survive tough times, but strive. A good meal at the right price, friendly service and finding just the right gift for someone special and having that special getaway spot for a cold beer is more important than ever these days. And that’s why we’re proud to present The 2009 Best of San Juan Capistrano People’s Choice Golden Horseshoe Awards, our annual tip of the hat to the very best businesses and local favorites based entirely on votes from you, our readers. While some of the winners are familiar in this, our third year of tallying the “Best of,” some new names and faces have made their way onto the list, a testament that as much as Capistrano keeps a foot in its past, it’s also looking forward to new opportunities, too. The poll had more votes this year than ever before, which means those coveted Golden and Silver Horseshoe stickers in the doors and windows of this year’s honorees mean more than ever. When you see one at a business you frequent, please tell the merchant “Congratulations.” And if there’s one business you haven’t tried, stop in and see why your neighbors think it’s a special place. But through it all, one thing hasn’t changed: “The people” still ranks as the No. 1 reason to live in Capistrano.
Nightlife Best… Night Spot • 2 Margarita • 2 Bartender • 2 Our Local “Cheers” • 2 Spot for a Glass of Wine • 2 Wine Selection • 2
Living
Mollie’s Cafe (l-r) Joan Klunder and Tina Hampson. Photo by Sara Borman
DINING BEST BREAKFAST
Golden Horseshoe
MOLLIES FAMOUS CAFE
32033 Camino Capistrano 949.240.9261
More than just home cooking, breakfast at Mollies feels like your mom made it and a family member’s bringing it to your table. Our favorite breakfast there is the mixed scramble of potatoes and eggs and onions, but the menu offers everything from steak to biscuits and country-style gravy. Try the apple butter, too.
Silver Horseshoe
RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ 31752 Los Rios St 949.443.1342
Incredible location, incredible food. Ramos House is probably the busiest place in town on a Sunday morning, next to the Mission. Maybe.
BEST APPETIZER
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
Three words: Turkey Zuni Roll. Such a favorite we might have to just rename the category. Only Cedar Creek has them, and you have to try the raspberry dipping sauce with them.
Silver Horseshoe
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
We’re not sure if they named the Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup, gorgonzola cheese, after the restaurant, or whether they named the restaurant after the soup. It’s that good.
BEST DINNER BEST LUNCH
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
From the Marcy’s Salad ($14) to the Crab and Chopped Scallops Cakes ($14) to the Culotte Sirloin Steak Sandwich ($18), lunch at Cedar Creek is an experience.
Silver Horseshoe
BAD TO THE BONE
31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227
They’re good corporate citizens, so you’ve probably had Bad to the Bone at an event around town. You’re still missing out: It’s even better at the restaurant.
Golden Horseshoe
CEDAR CREEK INN
26860 Ortega Hwy, 949.240.2229
No restaurant in town has come close to knocking Cedar Creek from its perch. They just do everything right, every time. The dinner menu has great salads, a $10 burger and rack of lamb for $31 and plenty in between. You can’t go wrong.
Silver Horseshoe
SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167
Unique menu items demand you try something new. You’ll like it.
Best… Shopping Plaza • 4 Hair Salon/Barbershop • 4 Spa or Gym • 4 Manicure • 4 Car Repair/Service • 4 Dry Cleaner • 4 Jewelry Shop • 4 Clothing • 4 Flowers • 4 Home Decor • 4 Spot for that “Perfect Gift” • 4 Vet • 4 Art or Framing Shop • 6
Outdoors/Heritage Best… Trail • 6 Park for Kids • 6 “Illegal” Spot for Dogs • 6 Stables • 6 Picnic Spot • 6 Historical Spot • 6 Capistrano Tradition • 6 Spot to Spot the Swallows • 6 Example of “Preserving The Past to Protect the Future” • 6 Reason to Live in San Juan • 6 Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 6 Best Place to Take Children • 6
Who Else Was Nominated? See all of the businesses and places nominated for the Horseshoe Awards at www.thecapistranodispatch.com