Orange Coast magazine - May 2021

WA R C O R R E S P O N D E N C E C H A P M A N ' S T R O V E O F L E T T E R S

M AY 2021

TIPS FOR DESIGN UPDATES

HISTORIC LET TER COLLECTION AT CHAPMAN

SEPARATING YOUR SPACE

PRICES IN EACH CIT Y

ERE TH

GARDEN IDEAS & MORE! H

/ MIIRCH SOCIAL IN FULLERTON

MAY 2021 $5.95

H

E

HOMEOWNERS SURVIVAL GUIDE

ADVICE FOR BUYERS

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AT HOME IN O.C. /

At Home

E A T IS R

We design custom solutions for the stories of today. Together with us, the space where you live becomes the place you love.

Find yourself at home with

Joy Cho Los Angeles, CA

California Closets

©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. Photos: Closet - Bethany Nauert; Portrait - Lily Glass

Walk-in closet custom designed

by California Closets

Free Virtual or In-Home Design Consultation | californiaclosets.com | 800.274.6754 Locations throughout Southern California

2001 KEWAMEE Corona del Mar 2001kewamee.com $7,495,000 Constructed by the acclaimed Nicholson Companies, this 4-bedroom plus office, single-level residence exudes endless sophistication, superior finishes and fixtures, and deluxe amenities.

1 CASEYLESHER.COM 949.702.7211 | caseylesher@gmail.com CO LDWELL B AN KE R RE ALT Y

CalRE# 01795953

The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations.

Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2021 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Realogy Brokerage Group LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. (23382538)

401 Snug Harbor Road, Newport Beach

The brand that defines luxury.

As an exclusive Orange County affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, First Team is distinguished as best in class. Together, we bring the most desired luxury homes to the world’s most discerning buyers. Christie’s International Real Estate commands recognition among high-net-worth buyers and sellers worldwide and is the noted authority on the marketing of high-value properties. Our finely-tuned suite of programs provides a world-class showcase for distinguished homes, and our clients benefit from ties to the world’s leading art business and its worldwide real estate network.

Discover the advantages of partnering with our worldwide network at FirstTeam.com/Luxury. © First Team® Real Estate. All rights reserved.

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# open for businessOC Do what you can to shop local first.

Every dollar you spend locally will help open doors of local businesses and support jobs in our community.

Shop safely. Follow our local health guidelines and respect others around you.

Share how you are safely open for business using the hashtag #OpenForBusinessOC and tag @orangecoastmag for your chance to be reposted.

MAY 58

AT HOME IN O.C.

We spoke with experts for tips on making the most of your living space—whether you’re updating interiors, working from home, looking to build a unique addition, or eager to improve outdoor areas.

72

“I think the thing I’m most looking forward to is re-rooting in Orange County. I feel like I uprooted and moved to the East Coast. And now I’d like to replant myself here and live the rest of my life here.”

—L AUREN LIM JACKSON, DIRECTOR OF MUSICAL THEATRE AT ORANGE COUNT Y SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

LETTERS HOME

An immense collection of American war letters at Chapman University offers a glimpse into the minds of troops writing from battles throughout history.

BY MILES CORWIN

78

HER SECOND ACT

O.C. native and Orange County School of the Arts alumna Lauren Lim Jackson returns to her old stomping grounds, in more ways than one, after a successful career on Broadway.

BY AL AN GIBBONS

O N T HE COV ER

French Tudor home in Santa Ana with garden design

by Heirloom Potager, photographed by Emily J. Davis

8 ORA NGE CO A ST • May 2021

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

GENEROSITY GOES A LONG WAY MAKE AN IMPACT IN A CHILD’S LIFE

G I V E T O D AY.

CHOC.ORG/DONATE

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2/26/21 9:32 AM

MAY 31

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41 14 21 22 24 26 28

EDITOR’S LET TER PEOPLE & PL ACES A visually striking staircase in Laguna Beach by muralist Beau Stanton

31

ST YLE & HOME Clay earrings from Anaheim-based Greda Co.

32

HOT SHOP Flowers at the Coast, a boutique in Newport Beach FINDS Stock your closet with this season’s monochromatic trend.

FOOD NEWS Four places to visit for imaginative cookies

50

36

ON THE MARKET A Dana Point property with ocean views and a dedicated art room

MY O.C .

Memories span generations at this Santa Ana treehouse.

54

38

AT H O M E W I T H . . .

She Shed Living, a Laguna Hills-based company helping women create spaces for themselves

EXCURSIONS Ideas for everyone in the family to enjoy safe Mother’s Day activities away from crowds

88

DINING GUIDE Some of our 200-plus restaurant reviews

41

FOOD & DRINK Spice lures foodies to Miirch Social in Fullerton.

96

PERSON OF INTEREST Holly Gresto, owner of Dare to DIY in Fullerton

34

S TAT S Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s dedication to wildfire prevention

O.C . E VENT S Some of our favorite in-person and online happenings this month

10 O RA NGE CO AST • May 2021

5 QUESTIONS WITH ...

Joel Gutt ierez, the new executive chef at Lido Bott le Works in Newport Beach

48

’HOODS Fresh finds in Dana Point’s Lantern District

C U LT U R E P H I L E Mission Viejo native Maggie Shipstead on her latest novel, “Great Circle”

46

WEB EXT R A S

Cathy Thomas shows how to make bass en papillote (in parchment), a creamy concoction tucked into a folded pouch. orangecoast.com /cathythomas For the latest on what’s happening in Orange County, head to our homepage. orangecoast.com Read more about local in-person and virtual events. orangecoast.com/events

@ORANGECOASTMAG

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

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MAY

Mom deserves some bubbles this year & so do you!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE

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Waikiki Restart and Renewal

Open Mon-Sat (9am- 7pm) & Sunday (10am-6pm). Face masks required.

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12 Ora nge C o a st • May 2021

importantly, ways to help give back to 82

Goodwill

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United Way

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Fristers

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MaxLove Project

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TGR Foundation

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NAMI Orange County

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Charitable Events Calendar

Orange Coast ad_Apr2021v2.pdf 1 3/4/2021 4:36:16 PM

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The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom has everything you need in one place: informative consultants, an inspiring chef, innovative designs, and interactive products.

SCHEDULE A SHOWROOM APPOINTMENT 657.269.5874 subzerosocal.com/costamesa OR SCAN HERE

655 Anton Boulevard | Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Hours: Monday - Friday 9a.m. to 5p.m., Saturdays 10a.m. to 3p.m.

EDITOR’S LETTER

T

he mission of this magazine is to help readers live better in their communities. That means you’ll meet intriguing people and discover where to shop, what to eat, and when fun things are happening in O.C. For this issue, though, the goal is more specific and literal: how to live better in your space.

After a year at home, many of us are ready to spruce things up even more than the usual spring cleaning. We have a new perspective. If you’re looking to adjust your entire house or just shift a few things in one room, here are suggestions from designers, safety experts, realtors, and landscapers (Page 58). You’ll find examples of serene home office spaces, kitchen designs that bring the outside in, plus the biggest mistakes people make when buying a house. The idea that most resonated for me? Designer Bobby Berk’s advice to do a thorough edit and get rid of stuff.

As our house got crowded and privacy diminished—one kid Zooming in the TV room, another with schoolwork spread across the dining table, a parent working in the home office, and another on the front porch—my family focused on improving our outdoor space. Our county, with its nearly perfect year-round weather, is the ideal place to spend time outside for all kinds of activities—weddings, entertaining, gardening, and building a backyard coffeehouse are a few of the examples you’ll discover in this issue. We even talked to a mental health expert about how to maintain boundaries between work and other activities, especially when everything happens at home.

Maybe you just need ways to make your space feel welcoming and soft, a respite from the no-touch world we’ve been in. We hope you find ideas here for whatever you’re craving when it comes to home, so you can most relish your time there.

MS. AL AN GIBBONS

E D I T O R-I N- C H I E F

A G I B B O N S @ O R A N G E C O A S T.C O M

M Y F AV O R I T E T H I N G S I N T H I S I S S U E I love, love, love the she shed pictured in the At Home With feature.

PA G E 38

14 ORA NGE CO AST • May 2021

There’s a bit of a trend with outdoor structures this month. A writer fondly recalls good times in a treehouse.

A vast collection of correspondence dating back to the Civil War is housed at Chapman University.

PA G E 50

PA G E 72

Lauren Lim Jackson’s energy and experience will be great assets for the students at OCSA. PA G E 78

illustration by M A R T H A N A P I E R

Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. The California Department of Real Estate has not inspected, examined, qualified this offering. All recreational facilities are privately

owned and operated as a club with mandatory membership fees. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy in Ohio or in any other jurisdiction in which registration or any other legal requirements have not been fulfilled. © 2021 Red Ledges Land Development, Inc. ©2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.

E D I T O R-I N - C H I E F Alan Gibbons

PUBLISHER Shelby John Russell srussell@orangecoast.com

DESIGN DIRECTOR Andrew Hart

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Linda Wallis Goldstein lgoldstein@orangecoast.com

SENIOR EDITOR Astgik Khatchatryan

ACCOUNT DIRECTORS Randy Bilsley, rbilsley@orangecoast.com Edward Estrada, eestrada@orangecoast.com Dionna Harris, dharris@orangecoast.com Richard Lockhart, rlockhart@orangecoast.com

D I G I TA L M E D I A E D I T O R Michelle Pagaran ST YLE & HOME EDITOR Chelsea Raineri

HEAD OF EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING Traci Takeda, ttakeda@orangecoast.com

DINING CRITIC Gretchen Kurz

D I G I TA L D I R E C T O R Ping Tsai, ptsai@orangecoast.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Emily J. Davis

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Denise Philbert, dphilbert@lamag.com

EVENTS EDITOR Robin Jones

P R O D U C T I O N C O O R D I N AT O R Mallory Young, myoung@lamag.com

COPY EDITOR Shayna Sobol

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR Sheila Ramezani, sramezani@lamag.com

EDITORIAL INTERNS Crystal Chang, Hannah Dilanchyan

S A L E S A N D M A R K E T I N G C O O R D I N AT O R Julianne Quirong, jquirong@lamag.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elizabeth Arrighi Borsting, Miles Corwin, Benjamin Epstein, Greg Nagel, Laura Saari, Allene Symons, Valerie Takahama, Cathy Thomas, Barbara Neal Varma

COMMUNIT Y LIAISON EMERITUS Gloria Zigner

CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Hannah Agosta, Martha Napier

N AT I O N A L S A L E S O F F I C E S NEW YORK Cynthia Donaher, cynthia@donahermedia.com

ORANGE COAST MAGAZINE LLC 5900 Wilshire Blvd., 10th floor Los Angeles, CA 90036 949-862-1133, orangecoast.com

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16 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

SOUTHEAST Whitney Dick, wdick@atlantamagazine.com

THERE IS REASON TO BE HOPEFUL ABOUT CANCER BREAKTHROUGHS IN 2021

BY EDWARD KIM, M.D., M.B.A., PHYSICIANINCHIEF, CITY OF HOPE ORANGE COUNTY A recent report from the American Cancer Society finds that death rates from cancer have dropped by the biggest single-year decline on record – encouraging news for us all. But one cancer death is one too many; we must keep pushing for breakthroughs.

Edward Kim, M.D., M.B.A.

How to go from good news to great?

I’m betting on City of Hope to lead the way. Here’s why: • City of Hope is a nationally recognized cancer specialty hospital. It’s powered by more than 1,000 highly specialized clinicians and scientists committed to providing safe and expert cancer care.

COH P-AD - Orange Coast 03-Mar 2021 - Advertorial_FINAL-.indd 1

• We improve upon today’s treatments and push to break new ground. While many of our patients receive well-known treatments such as chemotherapy, we finetune and improve these practices.

• We redefine health care delivery. City of Hope’s expansion into Orange County will put our extraordinary science, research and care squarely in the community we serve.

I describe these capabilities because I believe they have the power to profoundly change the way we treat and eventually eradicate cancer – and that’s welcome news for everyone.

2/5/21 4:46 PM

A GIFT OF HOPE We’re proud to announce the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at City of Hope Orange County.

Opening in 2022.

COH P-AD - Orange Coast 04-Apr 2021 - Gift of Hope_FINAL-.indd 1

© 2021 City of Hope

Thanks to a $50 million gift from the Lennar Foundation, cancer patients in the Orange County community will be able to get groundbreaking treatment and world-class care locally. This transformative gift will help us conduct lifesaving cancer research and offer the latest therapies to patients in the area. It’s a partnership that will help power innovation and offer hope to patients, families, friends and our entire community.

Learn more at CityofHope.org/Lennar

4/1/21 6:27 PM

NEWEST • FRIENDLIEST • SAFEST morongocasinoresort.com/playsafe

PEOPLE

PLACES

IN PL AIN SIGHT  T H E S C E N E A hand-painted staircase in Laguna Beach by muralist Beau Stanton  G E T T I N G T H E R E Find the bottom of the stairs at Third and Mermaid streets.  E X P L O R E R C R E D I T Robyn Mietkiewicz @robyns_travel_adventures  B E H I N D T H E S H O T “One of our favorite features in Laguna Beach is all the incredible artwork throughout the city,” Mietkiewicz says. “These (stairs) are a perfect reflection of the Laguna Beach lifestyle.”

33°32'35.7"N 117°46'48.1"W

May 2021 • O R A NGE COAST 21

PEOPLE

PLACES ’ H O O D S

F O O D, F U N, A N D F R I L L S Craft beer is flowing in DANA POINT thanks to new spots in the Lantern District. by Robin Jones

Ú G O O D TO KN OW

Not a beer drinker? Station Craft also offers wine by the bottle and by the glass.

Pair with a classic cheese board.

S TATI O N CR A F T

The huge patio, bright and airy dining room, and minimalist decor at this new restaurant and brewery draws crowds eager to try one of the 17 beers brewed in-house, available in 8-ounce ($4 to $6) or 16-ounce ($7 to $9) pours. Diners match the IPAs and stouts to shareable starters, such as chicken wings ($14), shishito peppers ($8), and house-made pimento cheese dip ($10), or more substantial fare such as salads, burgers, and sandwiches ($10 to $18). 34150 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, 949-264-8288

22 ORA NGE CO AST • May 2021

STATION CRAFT MANAGER JASON OLMEDO

N A IL S LO U N G E BY TH E S E A

R A D B R AT

C YCLE O G I C A L B IKE S

Plush velvet lounge chairs line the exposed-brick walls at this sunny, friendly nail salon, which opened in February. Customers sink into the cushions with a complimentary mimosa while getting gel manicures, acrylics, dipping-powder manicures, and pedicures, complete with little luxuries such as hot towel wraps, arm massages, and organic foot soaks. A “Princess of the Sea” mani-pedi for kids under 12 and a full range of waxing and lash services round out the offerings.

The beer garden vibe at this new spot comes courtesy of the setup—you order at the bar and eat at picnic tables—and the nearly 30 rotating taps, some from local outfits such as Riip Beer Company. To accompany your craft brews, the menu offers a range of bratwurst, sausages, and hot dogs, from a basic chili cheese dog ($8) to the Angry Samoan, a Portuguese sausage topped with fried Spam, teriyaki sauce, pineapple jalapeno salsa, and Maui onion chips ($9). 34091

The knowledgeable mechanics at this neighborhood bicycle shop are known for fixing bikes quickly, and the shop itself carries road bikes, mountain bikes, and commuter and hybrid styles from brands including Fuji, Marin, and Santa Cruz. Not sure what kind of ride you need? Rent a demo bike for a day, and your rental fee will be applied toward the purchase of a new bike.

24625 DEL PRADO, 760-683-9999

LA PLAZA, 949-427-2238

34102 LA PLAZA, 949-542-4777

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

Take time to revel in the joy of travel, share magical moments with loved ones, and discover new adventures at Ojai’s beloved 220-acre retreat — just a short drive away. Rejuvenate at our reimagined Spa Ojai following a yearlong transformation to enrich your wellness journey. Delight your palate with epic culinary experiences at The Farmhouse and sublime outdoor dining on our breathtaking open-air terrace. And find sanctuary in our new collection of luxury private villas and fully refreshed guestrooms. Our serene mountain valley setting welcomes you to celebrate every moment of Ojai’s rare spirit.

844.891.9754 OjaiValleyInn.com

©2021 Ojai Valley Inn

PEOPLE

PLACES S T A T S

PROTECTING THE WILD Irvine Ranch Conservancy has been a steward of O.C.’s wilderness for 15 years.

by Michelle Pagaran

5

MILLION Number of people visiting conservancy landmarks yearly

24 ORA NGE CO AST • May 2021

40,000 Acres of land the group manages

greatest threat to the long-term health of these plants,” says Michael O’Connell, the conservancy’s president and CEO. “These lands are adapted to burning once every 70 to 100 years. They’re currently burning every seven to 10 years.” The organization has a dedicated Fire Watch program, which monitors areas prone to wildfires during Santa Ana winds, Red Flag Warning days, and other days with potential fire danger such as the 4th of July.

360

Number of trained volunteers in the OC Fire Watch program

100

Feet of brush clearance recommended around structures

99

Percent of wildfires caused by humans, mostly ignited along roadways

P H O T O G R A P H C O U R T E S Y O F I R V I N E R A N C H C O N S E R VA N C Y

T

he first Saturday in May is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, a national campaign to reduce the frequency and severity of wildfires. Orange County’s two major fires last year burned a third of the land that the Irvine Ranch Conservancy manages, including Limestone Canyon and two restoration projects the conservancy had worked on for more than a decade. “Wildfire is the single

g n i t a r b e el

S R A E Y 0 4 RADISE A P OF C

0 8 9 1 ed h s i l e s ta b

W W W.INSTANTJUNGLE.C OM

PEOPLE

PLACES

C U L T U R E P H I L E

AERIAL ADVENTURES

A novelist and Mission Viejo native takes flight across the decades with a pioneering female aviator.

by Valerie Takahama

M

aggie Shipstead’s “Great Circle” tracks the lives of Marian Graves—who learns to fly as a teenager in 1920s Montana and dreams of circumnavigating the globe—and the Hollywood star cast in her biopic a century later. The novel was inspired in part by the statue of pilot Jean Batten the author spotted at New Zealand’s Auckland Airport years ago.

Shipstead, who grew up in Coto de Caza, is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and author of two previous novels, “Seating Arrangements” (2012) and “Astonish Me” (2014).

She talks about writing and her own travel adventures.

TRAVEL WRITING AS RESEARCH As I was writing the book, I Ú started freelancing for travel magazines. I’ve been to the Arctic five times. I’ve been to the Antarctic twice. I got a magazine assignment where I got to go to the Greenland ice shelf. Just that vision of this flat disc of snow going all the way to the horizon was something important to see and experience. It really informed one of the themes of the book: scale.

26 O RA NGE CO A ST • May 2021

AN ASSIST FROM HER BROTHER Ú The only time I’ve been at the controls of a plane was in a glider in New Zealand for just a minute. And I found it very unsettling. But my brother has been in the Air Force for 20 years, and he used to fly C-130s, the big transport planes, so he was a very useful resource. So helpful.

WRITING ABOUT SEX

Ú It seems to creep into my

books; my other books also have some sex. It’s funny because I would have thought it was something I’d feel embarrassed about writing, but I only feel moved to put it in the story when it’s telling us something about the characters. It’s not in there just to be erotic.

Particularly for someone like Marian, she’s sort of a feral child and doesn’t think a lot about the limitations her gender might put on her until she’s older. So her sexual experiences are starting to inform her sense of what it means to be a woman.

LEARNING ABOUT PHYSICAL COURAGE Ú Doing adventurous travel in wilderness areas, I encounter people who have immense amounts of physical courage, and I find them inspiring. Part of my ongoing process of travel writing has been to become a little bit braver. I’ve always been afraid of deep water, but I did a travel story where I swam in

the open ocean with humpback whales in Tonga. When I pitched the idea, I didn’t know if I would spend the whole time being terrified. But it was so extraordinary to be with these animals and being suspended in this emptiness, that it ended up being OK. When you take a risk and it pays off, it makes it easier to do the next thing and the next thing.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD

AMELIA EARHART’S LAST FLIGHT Ú When you say you’re writing a book about a female pilot who disappears, everyone thinks of Amelia Earhart. Certainly, she was part of the seed of the idea.

One thing I think is so interesting is the way people perceive disappearance versus death. I think it’s overwhelmingly likely that she crashed in the ocean and died. But because we don’t 100 percent know, it’s become this mystery that’s not really a mystery.

Celebration Join us for a special seated al fresco dining experience at Sherman Library & Gardens to honor a selection of our 2020 and 2021 Best New Restaurants in Orange County.

Two nights only!

Thursday, May 6th & Friday, May 7th

For details and tables, visit: orangecoast.com/bestrestaurants

PEOPLE

PLACES

N O T E : THE EVENTS LISTED HERE WERE SCHEDULED AS OF PRESS TIME IN EARLY APRIL. RESTRICTIONS FOR GATHERINGS CAN CHANGE SUDDENLY, SO PLEASE CHECK BEFORE MAKING PL ANS TO ENSURE YOUR IN-PERSON EVENT IS HAPPENING.

MAY 13 AND 14 “OPERA THROUGH THE SEASONS”

Sopranos Liv Redpath and Andrea Zomorodian headline this concept opera. The audience will move from stage to stage during the performance, representing the change in seasons. Redpath, Zomorodian, and other soloists from LA Opera, will perform a piece inspired by one of the seasons. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente, 949498-2139, casaromantica.org

MAY 19 MARIA BAMFORD

Many people know Bamford for her voiceover work: She has created characters on “Big Mouth,” “BoJack Horseman,” “Adventure Time,” “Bob’s Burgers,” and many more animated series.

She also has a loyal following for her stand-up comedy and her Netflix series, “Lady Dynamite.”

Irvine Improv, 527 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949-854-5455, irvine.improv.com MAY 28 OUTDOOR SCREENING: “FANTASIA”

DON’T MISS IN MAY

Comedy, concerts, art exhibits, and more by Robin Jones IN-PERSON EVENTS MAY MAY 1 THROUGH 29

MAY 4, 11, 18, 25

“COLL ABORATE, CREATE AND HEAL”

“TUESDAY NIGHT DANCE: BOLLYWOOD”

Large-scale works by Andrea Moni and Yuri Boyko focus on healing. Moni’s multimedia paintings were created in collaboration with survivors of trauma, and Boyko’s black-andwhite photographs depict nude figures leaping and jumping. Orange County Center for Contemporary Art, 117 N. Sycamore St., Santa Ana, 714-667-1517, occca.org

Learn Bollywood dance from Apra Bhandari, the director-owner of Adaa Dance. Bhandari will lead dancers of all levels through upbeat moves for a great cardio workout. No experience is required, but masks are. Julianne and George Argyros Plaza, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, scfta.org

28 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

MAY 28 JAMES TAYLOR WITH JACKSON BROWNE

Singer-songwriter Taylor brings his signature mix of folk, rock, and pop to Anaheim, where he’ll be joined by fellow singer-songwriter Browne. In March, Taylor became the third artist to have won Grammy Awards for both Pop Vocal Album and Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714-704-2500, hondacenter.com THROUGHOUT MAY “HYMNS TO THE SILENCE”

Photographer Jacques Garnier’s 25 black-andwhite photographs explore the concept of negative space. Some of the pieces received honorable mention recognition at The Worldwide Photography Gala Awards in October 2020.

Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949-494-8971, lagunaartmuseum.org

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CASA ROMANTICA

E V E N T S

Walt Disney’s 1940 masterpiece featuring animated scenes set to classical music will screen in the Bowers Museum courtyard at sunset. The “Inside the Walt Disney Archives” exhibit and Bowers Gallery Store will be open for ticket holders an hour before the screening.

Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714-567-3600, bowers.org

PEOPLE

PLACES

VIRTUAL EVENTS THROUGHOUT MAY PACIFIC PL AYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL

South Coast Repertory’s annual event spotlighting up-and-coming playwrights will be online.

Five new plays will be available to stream on demand. “Covenant” by York Walker will be online through May 2; “Coleman ’72” by Charlie Oh, available from May 10 to 16; and “Park-e Laleh” by Shayan Lotfi, from May 24 to 30.

South Coast Repertory, 714-708-5555, scr.org MAY 8 NEWPORT BEACH VIRTUAL GARDEN TOUR & SUMMER GARDEN PART Y

The 25th annual event will be online, taking garden lovers onto the grounds of some of Newport Beach’s most beautiful homes via videos. Tickets are also available for the Summer Garden Party at the Sherman Library and Gardens on Aug. 28, which will include live music, a silent auction and raffle, food, and artists. Sherman Library and Gardens, 949-6732261, thesherman.org MAY 12 THROUGH 18 “42ND STREET”

This classic musical follows young actress Peggy Sawyer, who gets cast in the chorus of a

new show and is thrust into the spotlight when the lead is injured. Ticket holders can watch livestreamed performances of the London revival at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 949-854-4646, thebarclay.org MAY 12 BL ACK VIOLIN: LIVE Q&A, PERFORMANCE

The Grammy-nominated duo of Wil B on viola and Kev Marcus on violin will perform in a livestreamed concert followed by a Q&A session. Both classically trained, they merge traditional string arrangements with hiphop and have collaborated with Kanye West, Aerosmith, Tom Petty, Wu-Tang Clan, Wyclef Jean, and Alicia Keys. DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes will join them. Musco Center for the Arts, 714-997-6812, muscocenter.org MAY 14 LIBRARY LIVE: STEVEN ROWLEY

Rowley hit the bestseller lists with his novel “Lily and the Octopus” in 2016 and released his follow-up, “The Editor,” in 2019. In this MO RE O NL INE!

orangecoast.com/events

online talk, he’ll discuss his second novel, which follows a writer who sells his book to a publishing house in New York City and learns that his editor is Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Newport Beach Public Library, 949717-3892, nbplf.foundation MAY 14 THROUGH 16 L AGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL

Pianist and composer Conrad Tao will serve as artistic director for this online festival.

The New York Philharmonic, Hong Kong Philharmonic, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra have commissioned Tao’s work. He has created a composition for dancer-choreographer Caleb Teicher, who will join him on the first night.

On the second night, Tao will perform with the JACK Quartet; on the third night, with violinist Stefan Jackiw and The Westerlies.

Philharmonic Society of Orange County, 949553-2422, philharmonicsociety.org MAY 16 “ANNA & SERGEI: LIVE FROM FLORENCE”

Hershey Felder plays Sergei Rachmaninoff meeting Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Princess Anastasia, the only surviving member of the Romanov family. Laguna Playhouse, 949497-2787, lagunaplayhouse.com

FULL-DAY CAMP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS! PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF CASA ROMANTICA

Academics • Arts • Athletics

REGISTER NOW!

Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

For full course descriptions and registration, please see www.sagehillschool.org/summer.

Camp Sage is an exciting opportunity for middle school students to experience Sage Hill School. Students 10-14 years old, and entering grades 5-8, are invited to attend our day camps filled with a variety of activities. Students will choose an AM and PM activity, and each day includes a Teaching Kitchen lunch.

Also available for students entering grades 7-12: Academic Credit Classes, August Workshops and Enrichment Classes.

Spaces are limited and fill up quickly.

May 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 29

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P L AY I T BY E A R THE FIND Anaheim-based Greda Co. earrings ($20 to $32) GOOD TO KNOW The company name comes from the Latin word for clay as the earrings are made from polymer clay. WHERE gredaco.com

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

May 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 31

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S H O P

F L O W E R S AT T H E C O A S T This Newport Beach boutique, open since November, has goods in the front and florals in the back.

by Chelsea Raineri

I

tems including leisurewear, candles, and custom florals make Flowers at the Coast unlike most boutiques you’ve visited. Jocelyn Khalil hoped to open a store that had a different vibe from the apparel industry she has worked in for years. “I wanted a little escape; I wanted to have my secret little gem that I could go and have some fun with,” Khalil says.

Although Khalil originally planned to open a flower shop, she decided to include a section of clothing that reflects the loungewear people have gravitated toward since the start of the pandemic.

“Everything now is about comfortable wear, and I’m not just talking about people who are working remotely,” Khalil says. “We’re seeing it on the runway—I think that this is going to change society for years.”

Customers can shop sweaters, tops, and more from Khalil’s brand, HeyYou, and brands such as P.J. Salvage. The shop’s jewelry is hand-picked

by Khalil from vendors who custom-make pieces for her.

Head to the back of the store and you’ll find floral arrangements, potted plants, and orchids.

You can also purchase a custom arrangement.

Keep an eye out for the boutique’s flower cart that Khalil plans to post outside the shop.

Flowers at the Coast 932 Avocado Ave. Newport Beach 949-640-6393

PRETT Y IN PINK HeyYou top, $38

32 ORA NGE CO A ST • May 2021

FRESH SCENT

Urban Apothecary candle, $60

CALMING VIBE

Succulent arrangement, $75

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

g ae tanoi nc . c om 714.536.6942 CUSTOM INSTALLATION & REFINISHING FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1955

Orange County Estate by: Patterson Custom Homes | Photography credit: Ryan Garvin Photography

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HOME Local Find!

1

2 3

F I N D S

WHITE OUT

Stock up on this season’s monochromatic trend.

by Chelsea Raineri 4

6

O.C. brand!

5

Lack of Color Zulu hat, $99, Cleobella, Huntington Beach, 562-310-2911

1

Ruffle Trompe L’oeil dress, made to order, Alexander McQueen, South Coast Plaza, 657-205-4477

2

34 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

Freshwater pearl necklace in sterling silver, 16 inches, $2,100, Tiffany & Co., South Coast Plaza, 714-540-5330

3

Illesteva Seattle oval acetate sunglasses, $180, Neiman Marcus, Fashion Island, 949-759-1900

4

Pelican slide sandal, $260, Beek, Newport Beach

5

Staud Large Moon leather bag, $395, Nordstrom, South Coast Plaza, 714-549-8300

6

THE SANDPIPER LUXURY LEATHER 1/3” DOUBLE NARROW STRAPS SINGLE LAYER ARCH DISTRESSED LUXURY LEATHER UNIQUELY DISTRESSED SURFACES ANILINA WAX FINISHING PROCESS INCREASED SOFTNESS WAXED EDGES NYLON TOE PIECE BOX X TOE CONSTRUCTION BONDED NYLON THREAD TRIPLE GLUED NON-SLIP RAINBOW® BOTTOM ORIGINAL RAINBOW® WOVEN LABEL LIFETIME RAINBOW® GUARANTEE

REPAIR • REUSE • RECYCLE Our commitment doesn’t end when you leave the store. Since 1974, we have repaired and reused over 400,000 sandals that are donated to needy feet around the world. Our goal is to help those in need and stop broken sandals from going to a landfill and polluting our oceans.

WWW.RAINBOWSANDALS.COM

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CREATIVE SPACES $19.5 million Dana Point

WISDOM

UC Irvine alumni Hope Duong and Joelle Sy are the co-founders of The Succulent Scene. They host virtual classes that teach you how to create a succulent terrarium at home.

FROM

Crafting Connoisseurs

HOW THEY STARTED …

Sy: We’ve been friends since college, and we just started making succulent terrariums as gifts for our friends. As we graduated, we thought we could spread that joy to other people. We started in 2017, and we teach people how to create terrariums that they will love.

ONLINE CL ASSES …

Duong: Before the pandemic, we were doing all in-person events.

36 ORA NGE CO A ST • May 2021

We really had to adapt to what (was happening in) the world. We were reached out to by someone who was hoping to have a party in person in September … and we decided to make it a virtual event.

That really skyrocketed our virtual events. We mail the DIY succulent kits to each participant, and we meet on Zoom. Each kit includes the succulents, sand, decor, a care-instruction card, and building tools.

RAVE REVIEWS …

Sy: I think people really love being able to literally just walk to their fridges or wine coolers and do everything from the comfort of their own homes. I think a lot of people love our choice of succulents. They’re sturdy and don’t need attention.

You can really create one of your own original creations with what we offer.

P R O P E R T Y P H O T O G R A P H B Y I C O N S P H O T O G R A P H Y, P E T E R T R A N ; H E A D S H O T P R O V I D E D B Y T H E S U C C U L E N T S C E N E

 9,308 square feet  5 bedrooms  8 bathrooms  Indulge in this home’s massage room, gym, and theater.  Of note: The home features ocean views from three levels, as well as an art room for you to craft, paint, sculpt, and more. 47 Strand Beach Drive  Suzi Dailey, 949-315-5255

MILAN SERIES EUROPEAN KITCHEN CABINETS 100+ COLORS 1-888-299-1261 BuildersSurplus.Net 1800 East Dyer Rd. Santa Ana, CA 92705 Tuesday-Saturday 7:30AM - 6PM Closed Sunday & Monday

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W I T H . . .

SHE SHED LIVING

The Laguna Hills-based company helps women create a space for themselves. by Hannah Dilanchyan

F

ounded by Sabrina Contreras and Erika Kotite in 2017, She Shed Living designs and builds sheds for women—but probably not the type of shed you’re imagining. “When you go to the backyard, you’re with nature. The garden, the landscape, the sunshine … you’re in this little building made just for you, and it’s very magical,” Contreras says.

How did you and Erika start She Shed Living?  Erika had written two books about she sheds, and I had seen her at an open-air market where creative women were selling goods out by the coast. When I saw Erika at this event, I just went nuts and glowed. I had a big outdoor event that I did monthly in O.C. as well.

I featured her at my event, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how many opportunities there would be with this she shed movement. For a few months we pondered what we could do and how we would do it.

This (idea) just hit home for both of us, and we never looked back. We are all about connecting women, encouraging them to take more time for themselves. We also have our private-label paint called She Shades, which is the only outdoor chalk paint on the market.

What is a she shed?  It’s a place to be rejuvenated, where you can decompress, dream, and plan. Many companies are having employees work from home, and (women are) finding they work better in the shed. Some women are even starting their business in or moving it to their she sheds, including hair stylists and massage therapists. This is a place where you can create—it’s a backyard retreat to do what you love.

What types of sheds do you create?  The most common size for a she shed is 10 by 10 feet. In most areas, that is the largest size you can build without a permit. You have to con-

38 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

photographs by E M I LY J . D AV I S

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FOR THE FINEST FIT IN BRAS

Voted BEST LINGERIE by Also seen on The Doctor Show • Specializing in Bra Fittings • Nursing Bras Available • Elegant Sleepwear • Bridal Foundation & Bridal Registry • Sizes from AA to K • Sports Bras

We are taking appointments during this difficult time She Shed Living founders Sabrina Contreras (left) and Erika Kotite

sider what size you want, what style, the location, type of foundation, the color, how many windows, a porch, a pathway, French doors. Creating an enchanting entrance is so key because you want it to call out to you and remind you to come outside and take time for yourself. How you landscape around it just adds more beauty. One popular feature is a drop-down bar where you can put barstools. It just extends the space.

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17300 E. 17th St., Ste. A, Tustin

714-665-5994

aperfectfitonline.com TUES-SAT 11:00 am - 6:00 pm GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Do you have your own she shed?  I do; I built one with my husband after I met Erika. I designed it, and he had a hammer and drill. I used reclaimed wood and chicken wire.

The best thing I did was designing it with wheels. There are no rules about how sophisticated or intricate the sheds need to be. Sometimes simple is best. It depends on what you want and your budget. We can help women get their shed built, but we are about more than just building a she shed; we are trying to (help women make) time for themselves and have a beautiful place. sheshedliving.com May 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 39

Love Brunch?

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SAVE THE DATE Burger Week Returns July 11 - 17, 2021

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M A N G O AVO C A D O A R U G U L A B E R RY S A L A D THE DISH Arugula with mango, avocado, strawberries, blueberries, toasted almonds, and a sweet-spicy mango dressing THE DETAILS Diners can add protein for $3. THE PRICE $12 THE PL ACE Miirch Social in Fullerton TURN THE PAGE for our review.

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

May 2021 • OR A NGE C OAST 41

PHOTOGRAPH BY TKTK

42 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

FOOD

M A I N

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C O U R S E

MIIRCH SOCIAL

Spice lures foodies to this new spot in downtown Fullerton. by Gretchen Kurz

F

PHOTOGRAPH BY TKTK

ive years ago, this address was all about the beer when Evans Brewing Co. debuted a slick retool. I didn’t realize it was gone until Miirch Social quietly opened in the space in November. Though it looks mostly unchanged, the aromas make it clear that today, it’s all about the spice.

Downtown Fullerton is rebounding nicely from last year’s covid contraction: The sound of laughing brunchers and cheering fans echoes about the alleys and parking lots once more.

Miirch Social is a good fit here.

The small kitchen and handsome 16-stool bar churn out an impressive menu of made-toorder options. The cocktail lineup alone is daunting, but start there anyway because you’ll need fortification for decision-making.

A dozen taps allow room for some unusual players, but it’s a shame no hyper-local brews appear here, given that some are minutes away.

Signature drinks are ingenious and precisely executed. The mezcal Manhattan surprises with a perfect balance of spice, sweet, and smoke. My gin-only friend fell for his Tarabooj martini despite its flashy components of saffron, watermelon, and orange bitters. I suggest buffering said booze with snacky bites such as the fiery gunpowder hummus or crushed samosas with tamarind glaze. Next visit, I’m ordering the freshly griddled kulcha (flatbread) with cheddar and jalapeno.

Sensing a theme yet? Miirch is not your 2019 buffet lunch Indian joint. Founder Jesse Singh’s passion project is a relaxed haunt that leans modern. Most items are traditional dishes tweaked with global ingredients, or Indian flavors applied to popular non-Indian fare. Think butter chicken paneer poutine, onion and gorgonzola naan, or nine-spice tandoori wings.

Sidhant Sehgal (once of Beverly Hills’ Spice Affair) is executive chef, commandeering an open kitchen with no place to hide. Sit close for a free show. Long banquettes beg for small groups, but for the solo diner, check out the muted vintage movie behind the bartender. Last time it was “Lawrence of Arabia.”

Asking a server for advice is always dicey. It’s one thing to ask about something relatively objective, say serving size, as in “Will this dish serve two or three?” But venturing into a subjective area is fraught. So what a delight to learn

138 W. Commonwealth Ave. Fullerton 714-519-3501 5 BEST DISHES

Samosa chaat

Lamb biryani

Rogan josh

Black dal

Tarabooj martini PRICE RANGE Appetizers, $8 to $15 Entrees, $12 to $20 Drinks, $6 to $14 FYI Miirch is Hindi for spice or green chile.

LEFT Clockwise from top: Prawn koliwada, Miirch mezcal Manhattan, truffle oil chicken tikka, biryani with pastry lid, naan chips, gunpowder hummus, Old-Fashioned RIGHT Gulab jamun cheesecake photographs by E M I LY J . D AV I S

May 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 43

FOOD

DRINK the biryani truly is best with lamb, just as the waiter suggested. The marinated chopped lamb imbues the fluffy basmati rice with savory notes the chicken can’t match. A lid of dough bakes to a crust that, when cracked open, releases a rush of aromas—cardamom, turmeric, cloves, chiles—from the steamy layers of colorful rice, meat, and aromatics. This is a great rendition that goes with almost anything else on the menu. Long-simmered black dal (lentils) are complex and sumptuously rich. Vegetarian and gluten-free folks, this is for you. So is the smashing gobhi bezule, crispy, batter-fried cauliflower sauteed with mustard seeds and coconut milk. The rising popularity of in a sweet-zesty dressing that pairs well cauliflower creates waves of copycat rec- with an icy, spicy lemonade. And that it ipes, but this is one to order when you tilts robust with a red curry rogan josh are weary of cauliflower pizza crust or loaded with fennel in a saucy gravy roasted florets in buffaloSuperior sauce. Tree Care that9/3/03 demands a side 11:35 AMof lofty, Page 2slenderI like that this versatile all-day menu grained rice. Follow the comfort food goes as light as the vivid mango avocado curry with the rich, house-made cheesearugula berry salad with toasted almonds cake with a crust of Parle G tea cookies

in lieu of graham crackers.

Mashups can fall flat, but at Miirch Social they soar. Much credit goes to the discerning kitchen and clever beverage agenda. Add great pricing and welcoming service, and there’s every reason flavor fiends should become fast friends with Miirch Social.

TREE CARE FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES Rustic, modern, California comfort food with an ocean view.

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oak laguna beach provides catering services from drop-off orders, to banquets, to private events!

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Mention this ad on your next visit and receive our local's discount on your meal!

44 ORA NGE CO AST • May 2021

website: State License 765846

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714-502-0226 photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

OC Magazine_April 2021 Issue_8.25x10.75_BLEEDS.pdf

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2/19/21

10:40 AM

Paella. Tapas. Gypsy Music.

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AN authentic spanish experience since 1987!

Live Music & Late Night Dining is Back!

Costa Mesa | (949) 688-1555 | 1870 Harbor Blvd.

Long Beach | San Diego | CafeSevilla.com

DRINK 5

Q U E S T I O N S

W I T H …

JOEL GUTIERREZ

The Costa Mesa resident is the new executive chef at Lido Bottle Works in Newport Beach. by Michelle Pagaran WHAT ARE YOUR PL ANS NOW THAT YOU’RE IN CHARGE? Putting my spin on what the restaurant is already doing, making even more things in-house, and staying true to the concept of being hyperseasonal, which fits my style of cooking very well.

ANY EXPERIMENTS TO SHARE? A preserving and vinegar program for the kitchen, which will allow us to preserve some of last season’s (produce).

WHAT’S A PAIRING YOU RECOMMEND? The Pruim & Proper wild ale from Mikkeller Brewing and our dry-aged pork chop. The brewery uses pluots and plums from Sunny Cal Farms, which is (the farm) our restaurant sources fruit from.

WHAT IS SOMETHING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? I was a professional poker player. I’ve always played recreationally, but I took it pretty seriously for six months playing at L.A. casinos.

YOUR LEADERSHIP ST YLE? I want cooks who have the same passion and love for food that I have. The best way to do that is to be a mentor, be very nurturing, and teach them things.

MADE IN ORANGE COUNTY

Costa Mesa

G O O D A N D G O O E Y P H O T O G R A P H B Y M I C H E L L E PA G A R A N

FOOD

Founded by food blogger Lindsay Grimes Freedman, G O O D A N D G O O E Y offers baking mixes based on her health-forward recipes. The chocolate chip cookie and double chocolate brownie mixes are gluten-free and grain-free, made with almond flour, and sweetened with coconut sugar ($13 each). Order online and view recipes at goodandgooey.com.

46 O RA NGE CO AST • May 2021

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

Follow Us! Tips on the best O.C. dining, shopping, events and more.

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NEW-SCHOOL COOKIES Here are flavors you never imagined and familiar flavors reimagined. by Benjamin Epstein

Seeking sensory overload?

The walls at THE COOKIE PLUG explode with street graffiti and mug shots, the subjects’ eyes covered with a black text band and the company logo.

That sensibility extends to Phatties, inch-thick cylinders baked fresh daily in flavors such as Tart AF lemon cheesecake, Purple Haze purple velvet, and Black Magic keto chocolate.

One Phattie is $4, but every day brings special deals.

Unbaked dough—“bake ’em where you rest at”—makes a dozen cookies. You can also design your own Iced Up Phatties ice cream sandwiches. 1801 E. KATELLA

Pastry chef GiGi Pascual and partner Jennifer Green met a decade ago when they had breakfast and banh mi food trucks, respectively.

Inside their game-changing DOUGH & ARROW hangs a picture of a “brewnicorn.” Brewed drinks include Iced Cookie Cream Latte. Espresso is part of some flavors, such as the Grown Up Chocolate Chip with brown butter, dark chocolate, and Maldon sea salt. But there’s no coffee in the festive Funfetti or Ube Toasted Coconut ($2.50 to $5.50). Weekends bring vegan flavors. Take-and-bake cookie dough yields eight cookies. 3033 BRISTOL ST.,

AVE., ANAHEIM, 714-602-0377

COSTA MESA, 657-247-4483

Standards are high at stylish PADERIA BAKEHOUSE , and its cookies are, too—in some cases nearly 2 inches high. School chums growing up, founders Nathan Vuong and Davion Tran reunited after college. Their bakery uses premium ingredients and is open until everything sells out. There’s often a line; patience is rewarded.

Cookie flavors are mostly chocolate—triple chocolate, chocolate walnut, peanut butter chocolate—but seasonal flavors might include blueberry coconut pecan. Cookies are $4.

Other offerings include a Portuguese egg tart as well as intriguing coffees, infusions, and horchatas.

17935 MACARTHUR BLVD., IRVINE, 949-287-8931

48 ORA NGE C O AST • May 2021

Dozens of CRUMBL locations dot the country. The decor is white and black, boxes are pink, and the logo depicts a cookie emerging from a baker’s head. Cookies are baked fresh before your eyes.

Lemon Glaze, topped with a lemon slice, and Reese’s Pieces versions are served warm; the popular Chilled Sugar, with sweet almond frosting, is served, well, chilled. Crumbl Cream—in flavors such as Muddy Buddy and Biscoff, inspired by the European cookie—is the ice cream equivalent. One large cookie, or a half pint, is $4; a dozen cookies run $35. 22205 EL PASEO, RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, 949-298-5540

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DOUGH & ARROW

FOOD

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MY O.C.

Sunset Views and Souvenirs A dreamer imagined his treehouse would stay forever young. by Allene Symons

I

f I say treehouse, it’s not hard to picture a hideaway for a latter-day Peter Pan like my husband. Alan grew up in a Chicago apartment and had no branches to scramble up and down. He had no notion then of the joys—and the unexpected woes—such a whimsical structure might bestow should he someday become a suburban homeowner.

Then, lo and behold, in 1990 and shortly before we met, he bought a home in Santa Ana’s Floral Park district. It came with a huge ash tree in the front yard, one so towering that in 1994 when O.J. Simpson went on his infamous Ford Bronco chase through the interchange of the 5 and 22 freeways, this tree was visible in the TV footage. My husband would dine out on that story for years to come.

When the grandkids were born— first a girl, then 18 months later a boy, and never mind that they lived in Illinois—he decided the half dozen stout branches begged for a treehouse.

Now he had his excuse.

Hearing of her dad’s plan, his daughter said she would try to ensure that the kids visited us every summer. I knew his heart was set on this project, so I pushed back gently.

“You know ... the kids will outgrow it.”

“Not until they go to college,” he replied.

I negotiated. “Then why don’t you build it without a roof? That way it can be used by adults, maybe for sunset cocktails.” That’s how it became a multipurpose plan.

HE FOUND A CARPENTER willing to take on the job, and together they worked up the design. Alan did his research and set about clearing hurdles: Front yard means no problem with neighbors’ privacy, so check that one off. Height level? Lower than the threshold for a permit. Check. Liability? Lock on the hatch. Check. At least, those were the rules in our city at the time, and ours would hardly be the only 50 ORA NGE CO A ST • May 2021

illustration by H A N N A H A G O S TA

Tune in or Stream

April 28

MY O.C. treehouse in a county of homes and trees and children. Almost every day lately, I drive by one in a Tustin front yard.

Our treehouse turned out like a beautiful piece of furniture. It seemed to hover, almost floating in the air. From spring through fall, the slim wooden columns of its graceful railing sat nestled among a green bower of boughs.

When the tree shed its leaves around the winter solstice, and the solitary structure stood out in bold relief, it provided an excellent display platform for lighted holiday decorations. After that, the annual cycle would begin again.

For a decade, our grandkids squealed and read and snoozed in a hammock we kept up there, even if they didn’t spend a lot of time being arboreal during summer vacations. We had wine-and-sunset-viewing parties, for six people max. Usually the guests were close neighbors, including members of our coed book club.

And sometimes on a beautiful day,

FOR A DECADE, OUR GRANDKIDS SQUEALED AND READ AND SNOOZED IN A HAMMOCK WE KEPT UP THERE, EVEN IF THEY DIDN’T SPEND A LOT OF TIME BEING ARBOREAL DURING SUMMER VACATIONS. especially in those early years, Alan and I would scramble up the ladder and hoist up a picnic, sit back in a pair of folding chairs we also stored up there, and enjoy the sight from above.

On those occasions, we’d see firsthand how it lured other Peter Pans, when a car pulled over to the curb and its driver looked up. If he didn’t see us I’d

43 YEARS

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call down, “Hello, we’re up here,” and I’d hear a response such as, “Great treehouse!” I figured he’d always wanted one of his own.

Or sometimes the curious took it further: The doorbell rang and there stood a dad seeking the inside scoop on how to build one. On a rare occasion, if a kid begged his parents and the dad rang our bell, my husband would agree to take a child up the ladder and through the hatch. They’d climb up and look down, a guarantee of grins, waves, and laughter as if they were boys who happened to come in two sizes.

By now, the treehouse has presided over our front lawn for more than two decades. Like us, you could say it has seen better days. The wooden railing has termites, poor thing, and creaking joints, too, as I noticed when I was up there recently. Unlike the tree, or us for that matter, the structure does not grow new surface layers. Fresh concentric rings are not added to its life span.

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MY O.C. The grandkids are now in college in the Midwest, their childhood summers behind us. Somehow we’ll need to take action this year, either by replacing a large percentage of the timbers or tearing the whole thing down.

N E I T H E R O F U S A N T I C I PAT E D facing this decision when it was built, but I think that is largely true of how we all plan our lives. We don’t want to live in a constant end-game state of mind. We go forth, try something, take a chance, and hope for the best. We intend to fare well and prosper.

After all considerations, it looks like the treehouse will be demolished, and this makes me sad. It’s like an unfair payment on optimism has come due. A kind of pre-nostalgia sets in, though it is still there commanding its airy space.

Or is this guilt I feel? If the treehouse could talk it might say, “Hey, I gave my all for your family’s best years.” I suppose I would reply that in exchange it has enjoyed—as my husband and I have enjoyed—a good, long run.

“Take plenty of pictures before you tear it down,” his daughter says.

“Take several photographs,” says a real estate broker we often consult.

“Someone might want to build another one for their child. This way they can see what it looked like.”

This prospect is not hard to imagine, even if it’s gone. One of the thick center branches of the trunk was sliced off to create a stable foundation for construction. Removal will leave a gap tooth for a few months, but the tree is an expert at sprouting and colonizing its greenery. Soon it will inhabit the sunny space near its center and extend its far perimeter, including the top branches once famously visible from the freeway.

While the ash tree is reaching inward and skyward at the same time, down on the ground we humans will adapt to change and loss and our diminished capabilities, even as we seek, like the tree limbs, future growth and a clear path forward.

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EXCURSIONS

Mother’s Day Adventures Ideas for everyone in the family to enjoy a safe holiday away from crowds by Laura Saari

T

he traditional Mother’s Day brunch is likely to be packed this year, considering limits on capacity, the normal demand for brunch, and diners eager to get back to eating out. Here are some alternative ideas—from experts and my own decades of Orange County exploration—to get mom out of the house safely for your Mother’s Day celebration.

THE MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

54 O RA NGE CO AST • May 2021

SPAS Outdoor treatment areas are hard to find in Orange County. Here are two that are definitely worth a visit.

Sycamore Spa by Hudson, Laguna Beach Tucked in a pretty canyon on the grounds of The Ranch Laguna Beach, this is just what a local spa should be: a getaway when you are unable to get away. There are three outdoor treatment tables for massages. The tented massage area is next to a dry infrared sauna and a eucalyptus shower. “A Mother’s Day Bliss” package includes a glass of Champagne, a 60-minute massage in the outdoor tent, a custom facial indoors, and access to the heated saltwater pool for $295. 949715-1393, spabyhudson.com Montanya Spa, Santa Ana This treasured urban spa is a secret find. A neighbor to the Bowers Museum, the Asian-inspired space lowers the blood pressure immediately. An outdoor massage in the garden will set you back $84 to get an annual membership, as those tables are reserved for members only.

Do check out the other benefits for members.

Mother’s Day specials (which are not part of the membership) include the Bliss, which for $350 features a facial and hand paraffin, a massage and foot reflexology, sea salt body glow, and cranial massage with scalp treatment. There’s also the Mother’s Love, which for $135 includes a 55-minute massage and 20-minute sugar foot scrub, as well as a more elaborate Mother and Daughter Spa retreat for two at $500. 714-918-8888, montanya-spa.com photographs by E M I LY J . D AV I S

EXCURSIONS G A R D EN S While the Fullerton Arboretum has been closed throughout the pandemic, there are other gorgeous gardens that are ready for visitors.

Sherman Library and Gardens, Corona del Mar This is my go-to spot when my soul is crying for an island getaway—pretty much this whole year. The tropical greenhouse hits you harder than a Mai Tai with a blast of hot, humid air, and the plants are exotic enough to excite your video game-deprived kids. Walk the gardens, then wind down at Café Jardin with celebrated chef Pascal Olhats. The gardens are open 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is $5.

On May 8, Sherman Gardens hosts the 25th Annual Newport Beach Virtual Garden Tour, featuring beautiful area gardens that might not normally be part of a tour ($20 for members, $30 general). 949-673-2261, thesherman.org Casa Romantica, San Clemente Only a few blocks from the bustling San Clemente pier, Casa Romantica, the original home of San Clemente founder Ole Hansen, exudes a quiet glamour with its grand courtyard perched on a cliff over the sea. I have enjoyed the gorgeous courtyard and its events over the years, including A-list poetry readings. On Mother’s Day, stand and take in the endless view over the Pacific all the way to Catalina, explore the stark white 1920s Spanish Colonial Revival, and walk the gardens buttressed by a long, mystical stand of Monterey cypress ($5, free for children). 949-498-2139, casaromantica.org The Mission San Juan Capistrano If your mother loves roses, this is her place. The Mission is in full bloom this month ($14 for adults, $12 seniors, $9 students, free for children younger than 4). For Mother’s Day, picnic lunches can be preordered and eaten on the grounds, among the bougainvillea and the timeless brick arches.

CASA ROMANTICA

There are many dining options within walking distance, as well. 949-234-1300, missionsjc.com PICN ICS Cool Breezes, Whispering Pines Pines Park in Capistrano Beach, on the bluffs above Hole-in-the-Fence beach, features green grass, small rolling hills, and swaying pines, all with an endless view of the ocean. Our family loves this place so much we’ve packed up holiday dinners and eaten there.

34941 Camino Capistrano, Dana Point Mason’s Wild Sister William R. Mason Regional Park in Irvine can get crowded on Mother’s Day. It offers big trees, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a pond with ducks.

It’s best to get there early, move away from the tables, and bring your own blanket. Whether you find space to picnic or not, plan to stroll across Culver Drive to a little-known and less-populated refuge, the park’s 123-acre wilderness area. It has 3 miles of meandering flat trails, where you might see quail, rabbits, and even the occasional roadrunner. Parking is $7 on Mother’s Day. 18712 University Drive, Irvine

Beyond the Basket Lots of people go to Caspers Wilderness Park to hike, bike, and camp. Not many go there for a picnic. So for you last-minute types, hustle over. There are also some wonderful small hikes that even your tiny ones can handle.

Check out The Nature Loop Trail, a fairly flat loop of less than a mile, or the Vista Trail by the visitor center. Bell Canyon Trail is a fairly flat out-andback hike (1.85 miles each way) with a few hills and good shade. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano AR T S ADVEN T U R ES Muckenthaler Cultural Center, Fullerton Mom might not be able to poke around the endless rooms of the 1924 Italian Renaissance mansion, but what a lovely setting for a picnic. Guests can access a map to the sculpture gardens online and then wander the grounds enjoying the art, the grand home of a pioneer family, and the lovely 8.5 acres of lawns. 714-738-6595, themuck.org Noguchi Garden—California Scenario Though only 1.6 acres and sandwiched between flashing steel highMay 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 55

EXCURSIONS rises, the Isamu Noguchi garden has always seemed larger to me, and a world unto itself. The sculptor’s love letter to his birthplace, California, it celebrates the regions and biodiversity of the state through carefully placed sculptures and plantings. There are pyramid “mountains,” jagged “rivers,” sample redwood forests, and grassland.

It’s a wonderful place to let the kids explore while mom sits and reflects.

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OU T DOOR S Fly a Kite At 208-acre Fairview Park, tug a kite across the plateau that gives Costa Mesa its name. While most people go to the beach to fly kites, some locals have discovered this wonderful, flat field with a steady wind and no trees in the way. Parts of the park were closed last year for the pandemic, but we still found a strip on the windy mesa where we could fly our kites. 2501 Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa Another great kite spot: Thornton Park in Santa Ana. Last time we flew our kites here, we saw a great blue heron and white pelicans, as well as the pond suffused with an electric pink and orange sunset. My kids begged me to take them here when they were little.

They called it the pirate park because it has a ship, among some other great play equipment, including the Kiwanis Barrier-Free playground with accessibility features. 1801 W. Segerstrom, Santa Ana Disc Golf For those of you who forgot to make reservations, anywhere, there is still hope. Take your mom to the gorgeous gardens and pond of Central Park in Huntington Beach. While you’re there, pay $3 to play disc golf all day. You can even go out for lunch and come back to play another couple of rounds.

The sport is blowing up right now, and Huntington Beach has one of the only courses in Orange County. 18189 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach

56 O RA NGE CO AST • May 2021

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

DESTINATION HAWAI’I

S P O N S O R E D C ONT E NT

Waikiki

RESTART AND RENEWAL

T

his spring marks new beginnings for the famous stretch of beach and resort area on the island of Oahu. Starting from May 6, 2021 direct service from Orange County’s John Wayne International Airport to Honolulu will being offering a convenient non-stop flight and a route that has been absent for more than

10 years. As restrictions slowly started to lift in 2020, hotels and businesses in the area took this opportunity to move forward with reinvesting, upgrading and implementing robust health and safety guidelines. Highlights include: an $80 million transformation of Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort set to reopen in spring;

enhanced safety and cleaning protocols at the recently reimagined Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani; the completion of a multi-year renovation of Sheraton Waikiki; and a unique Safe Travels Hawaii Concierge service at Alohilani Resort to assist with logistics on the latest travel requirements to arrive in the state.

LEFT PHOTO CREDIT: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ben Ono . TOP PHOTO CREDIT: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Vincent Lim

Voted Hawaii’s Best Hotel 2020.

Discover simplicity that surprises at Waikiki’s newest boutique hotel.

Voted Hawaii’s Best Hotel 2020 by readers of Travel + Leisure and #1 Hotel in Hawaii

by Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. Visit Halepuna.com.

HALW-4287_Pool_LVX_OrangeCoast_HalfPg.indd 1

3/24/21 5:23 PM

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 57

JOB#: HALW-4287

Halepuna Waikiki COLOR: 4C, non-bleed CLIENT:

PUB: Orange

Coast

No w 6.667” x h 4.438” LIVE: .25” margin BLEED: TRIM:

RUN DATE:

2021

58 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SNITKO, MODERN TAKE MEDIA

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SNITKO, MODERN TAKE MEDIA

At Home IN O.C.

Our county’s diverse collection of cities provides a chance to live by the coast, near Disneyland, up in the hills, or in the canyons. We spoke with experts for tips on making the most of your living space—whether you’re updating interiors, working from home, looking to build a unique addition, or eager to improve outdoor areas.

May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 59

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60 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

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BEFORE

BEFORE PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LL DESIGN CO.; AFTER PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL RADFORD

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VOICES

HOMEOWNERS SURVIVAL GUIDE

Expert tips for owning a home and staying safe.

Crafting a Kitchen OWNER OF HUNTINGTON BEACHBASED LL DESIGN CO. SHARES HER VISION FOR THIS CUSTOM ALISO VIEJO KITCHEN.

L BEFORE PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF LL DESIGN CO.; AFTER PHOTOGRAPH BY MICHAEL RADFORD

isa Rossman turned this family’s dated kitchen into an elevated, coastal-modern design. Pulling inspiration from the renovated backyard, Rossman brought the outdoors in with a pop of green. “It’s a pretty neutral home, so I thought it was a nice opportunity to bring in some color,” Rossman says. “It has a gray tone to it, so it’s not one of those in-your-face greens; it’s definitely more muted down and powdery.”

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“This was definitely the wow factor when you walk in. I actually laid out all of the white oak sticks for that hood and came up with that pattern.”

“The terra cott a brought in that touch of something that feels unique and handmade. I think when you have pieces that feel found rather than cookie-cutter light fixtures, it warms it up and makes it feel unique to the family.”

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“The cabinetry feels timeless; the door styles are a micro shaker, which keeps it really sleek and modern, but you still get that detail around the doors.”

“It’s a long, skinny kitchen and their main dining area is in the front of the house; they really didn’t have a casual space to sit as a family and eat. It’s a twist on an island, having it more of a table mixed with storage, so it was a really nice mixed-use space.”

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“We wanted to bring in something that had leather so you get more natural elements. On top of the barstools is a wrapped leather, and it just brought in a touch of softness.”

“If you get the small fire extinguishers from the store for your kitchen and laundry room, make sure you’re replacing them about once a year. There is an expiration date on the side of the extinguisher. And always clean out your lint traps in your dryer—not just the screen, but also the part below it, and the hoses that run from your dryer outside your house. Lint can get trapped in there and spark a fire if the dryer gets really hot.”

RYAN O’CONNOR, City of Orange Deputy Fire Marshal “With earthquake kits, make sure you’re putting something together yourself that fits your family’s specific needs and includes things like medicine or food for special dietary needs. Check it at least annually.

I pack clothes that are a size too large, especially for my kids, because it’s easier to make something smaller than bigger. I also keep a pair of scissors in my kit. If tennis shoes are too small, for example, I can cut off the back and make them slip-ons.”

BRENDA EMRICK, Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue’s fire protection specialist/community education and national and state instructor for Community Emergency Response Team “People call me to replace their faucet and shower heads a lot because they’re having problems with low water pressure and think the faucets are broken. The truth is, a lot of the time, they just have a lot of calcification on them, and you can fix them yourself. Just twist off the faucet screen or shower head and soak it in apple cider vinegar. Then use a toothbrush to clean it, and the deposits should come right off.”

EDWARD WAITES, owner and handyman, SPCBS Building Services “The biggest mistake I see homeowners make with their insurance is that they seldom review and update their policies and coverages to ensure maximum protection. Homeowners should review their policy every few years. And if you remodel your home with an add-on or other upgrade, that should definitely trigger a review of your policy.

If your policy isn’t updated, worst case scenario, you have a house fire that burns your home down, and you don’t have enough to rebuild.”

SAMANTHA LEE, insurance agent, Auto Club of Southern California “When you’re buying a home, you should make sure to do a CCTV scan of the house’s main sewer line. It’s not included in most home inspections, so it’s an extra step, but it’s important because in 80 percent of houses, there’s some sort of problem down there, like tree roots growing into the line. You want to take care of that because it can cause your sewer line to back up into your house, and that can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars to repair and clean up.”

ELIZABETH DAVIDSON, off ice manager, JustinTime Plumbing May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 61

62 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPH BY TESSA NEUSTADT; BERK PHOTOGRAPH BY LUKE FONTANA

Mixing high and low pieces …

I think the best-looking houses are the ones that aren’t too matchy. You know when you go in and you just buy everything the exact same wood tone or metal finish or the exact same set exactly the way it’s set up on a sales floor—I don’t like that as much as things that come from Goodwill or places like that. I think that mixing things up like that looks the best.

INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPH BY TESSA NEUSTADT; BERK PHOTOGRAPH BY LUKE FONTANA

Trend to shop for …

Neutrals. Especially when you’re buying furniture, buy things in neutrals because that way when you want to switch it up in a few years, or six months, or a month, or however long you get bored with things, you can switch it up with accessories or pillows and rugs—things that aren’t a higher price point that you can just run and buy.

Design Talk

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BOBBY BERK SHARES INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS.

ou know him as the interior designer who works miracles on the Emmy-winning show “Queer Eye.” Now you can shop his furniture line, A.R.T, locally at Mathis Brothers, C.S. Wo & Sons, and West Coast Living. Berk shares ideas to refresh your interiors and some behind-thescenes insight from the hit Netflix series.

Updating interiors …

Honestly my biggest suggestion, because obviously everyone’s budget is so tight right now, is to get rid of stuff—there’s no need to get more stuff. It’s amazing sometimes how you can make a space completely different when you just edit. Another fun thing to do without spending any money is moving things from room to room; move your art from your bedroom to your living room. My friends and I would have community decorating parties too, where we’d put together all the things that we were bored with in our houses and we’d bring it all and we’d come together and switch stuff. Instead of home interior parties, home swap parties.

Finding your style …

It’s hard not to get caught up in the trends, especially when you see it happening all the time. My advice is finding that piece that you really love and build from that. Instead of just looking at a trend and being like, “Oh, I want my whole place to look like that,” find that one piece that really speaks to you and decorate around that. That way you know you’re not just following a trend, you’re following your heart.

“Queer Eye” design process …

My starting point is always thinking about how they’re going to use the space and how changing the space is going to help change their day-to-day lives. I try to find out as much as possible about them.

I’ve learned not to ask about design, because they don’t know, or if they do know, they don’t know how to articulate it. I ask them about their favorite movies, their favorite television shows, dream vacations, their favorite piece of clothing. If I start to see a common thread in things you’re passionate about, that’s what I tie into the designs.

READ MORE FROM BERK AT orangecoast.com May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 63

SOURCED

Home Office

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HOW TO SET UP A WORKSPACE IN YOUR HOME

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“It took me six months before I decided it was time to set up an actual desk. I was working from the kitchen table before that—or sometimes the couch. I bought the desk from Target and then added a few pieces to make it look styled. Now it feels like I have an actual mini office to go to each day.”

CHELSEA RAINERI, Style and Home Editor

1. Line-drawn lady vase, $158, Rex Design, Costa Mesa

64 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

2. Solid brass letter tray, $59.95, CB2, Costa Mesa, 949-308-7100

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“It’s nice to have a devoted workspace that you can walk away from for lunch or at the end of the day. I think when you are creating a work area, keep things simple. There will be computers and files and papers and books to clutter up your work area. So I think starting with a nice clean space helps you to be productive.”

ASHLEY CLARK, Skout Interiors 3. Mallery hard-knotted rug, $799 to $4,999, Rejuvenation, Costa Mesa, 714-241-4150

4. Gwyneth ivory bouclé chair, $899, CB2, Costa Mesa, 949-308-7100

Raineri office photograph by Emily J. Davis

SKOUT PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN GARVIN

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PURE SALT INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPH BY VANESSA LENTINE

ith the stay-at-home order last year, many of us had to transition from going into an office every day to working from the kitchen table, couch, bed, or a mix of all three. Whether you’re looking to have an interior designer give insight or just want to set up a desk in a room, there are many ways to make the perfect workfrom-home space.

BALANCING ACT

Jessica Borelli, associate professor of psychological science at UC Irvine, discusses mental health tips for working at home.

How do you separate work and leisure time if you don’t have a dedicated office?

This is something that’s challenging even when we’re not in a pandemic. But it’s heightened during this time. One of the things that can be most effective is setting boundaries around time. So having a clocking in and out time and not breaking those boundaries. You can also think about visually hiding everything work-related, so you don’t have reminders of work when you’re trying to relax. Even something as crude as throwing a blanket over your desk will work. The other thing I try to do is change clothes for the workday. I’m a pajamas person. But putting on nicer clothes for work changes your physical state, which can help your body know that you’re entering a new psychological state. Otherwise, it can feel like one long workday that never ends.

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PURE SALT INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPH BY VANESSA LENTINE

SKOUT PHOTOGRAPH BY RYAN GARVIN

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“Our client wanted a space that felt calm and fresh so that she could be productive and focus on work. This room had a lot of natural light and already felt bright and airy, so we wanted to amplify that with a neutral palette and natural materials.”

LEIGH LINCOLN, Pure Salt Interiors “A classic white desk is key here; something sleek with storage is ideal.

Complement that with plenty of texture—a rug or a rattan desk chair, like we did here. It’s all about finding a balance between clean lines and warm weaves.

Lastly, add plenty of greenery for that fresh and vibrant feeling.”

ALY MORFORD, Pure Salt Interiors 5. Get pieces such as these marble taper holders, $24, House of Morrison, Costa Mesa, 949-612-8070

6. Glen Ellen armchair in natural, $718, Pure Salt Interiors, Newport Beach, 949-423-7356

What about working parents with kids at home?

The first thing to do is just acknowledge how hard this is and be gentle with yourself. This might not be the time when you’re going to excel in either work or parenting. We’re really being taxed to our limits here. Figure out what are the nonessential responsibilities that you can be cutting from your life. Allow yourself to have downtime. Take a few breaks during the day.

Take a short walk outside. And do something at the end of the workday—have dinner, work out, anything that gives you closure and solidifies the idea that you’re entering the relaxation part of the day.

May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 65

Garden Design

ASHLEY IRENE IS THE OWNER OF HEIRLOOM POTAGER, WHICH DESIGNS AND MAINTAINS CULINARY GARDENS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND RESTAURANTS. HER SHOWCASE GARDEN IS ON THE PROPERTY OF A 1920s FRENCH TUDOR HOME IN SANTA ANA’S HISTORIC FLORAL PARK.

What inspired Heirloom Potager?

Part of the name came from the idea of history. I love to grow heirloom varieties, which are seeds that are older than 50 years. And potager is the French word for kitchen garden.

It’s the idea of being able to eat fresh from your garden every day and how that could transform not only your relationship with food, but also your health, well-being, and mindset.

How do you custom-build gardens for your clients?

I love to incorporate details from the home’s architecture and personal details from my client’s memories. We usually start people off with a lot of fresh herbs and greens, and we help build their confidence as a gardener and suggest new varieties. That way, they can customize what’s in their garden every season and expand their culinary horizons.

Tips for planting an edible garden?

Grow things that you really love and want to eat, and write down your experience as you go.

We give all of our clients a garden journal and encourage them to take meticulous notes. This month, I recommend planting avocado, carrots, melons, summer squash, watermelon, arugula, lavender, sage, and tomatoes.

PANKEY ESTATE PHOTOGRAPH BY GRANT RIVERA

What are some ways you focus on sustainability and philanthropy?

We choose to use California-sourced redwood for our wooden garden beds. One tree can provide so much, and in addition, they have a really long life span. I also take out a percentage of proceeds to give back.

Favorite plants to grow?

I really enjoy growing everything, but tomatoes are my all-time favorite. This year, we’re growing 20 varieties of tomatoes—from pea-size spoon tomatoes to 2-pound brightorange accordion tomatoes.

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photograph by Emily J. Davis

Historic Find

QUOTES

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REALTOR JENNIFER WEERHEIM SHARES SECRETS OF THE PANKEY ESTATE.

hen this 1935 California Spanish Revival home hit the market in Orange County, it drew the interest of house hunters and historians alike. Situated in Tustin’s Lemon Heights neighborhood, the gated estate was built for philanthropists Edgar and Elizabeth Pankey. The compound includes a main house with 360-degree views, plus a guest cottage. Original elements such as art deco tiles, hand-hewn beams, and arched windows recall the elegance of a bygone era. A concealed staircase leads to the former speakeasy where socialites are said to have gathered. Weerheim discusses the property.

From the moment I entered the motor court, I knew this house was something special.

I would compare this home to my grandmother: It becomes more beautiful and classic with each passing year.

PANKEY ESTATE PHOTOGRAPH BY GRANT RIVERA

Every time I show this home to a prospective buyer, I discover something I had somehow overlooked before, from the counterweight to the original fire hose.

The entire estate is just stunning and quite a showpiece. The owners have done a magnificent job in maintaining its architectural integrity.

On the 4th of July, you can see fireworks erupting in every direction, from Dana Point to Long Beach and all the way to Catalina Island.

May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 67

Photographing Real Estate

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ou’ve seen it on Zillow, Redfin, and the like— beautifully shot homes that make you feel like you could jump right into the photo. But then the next home you click on might have images where the rooms are untidy or the photo is crooked. While not all of us are professional photographers, there are many ways you can get a betterlooking photo to draw in potential buyers if you’re listing your home.

Chris Snitko, a self-taught photographer who has been working in the industry for more than a decade, has three pet peeves when it comes to real estate photography: When a toilet seat is left up, a barbecue cover is left on, and a garbage can is left out. “I think sometimes people get in a bit of a hurry and miss stuff,” Snitko says. “We try to take our time and be meticulous about it and capture 68 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

the home as well as we can on location.”

While these are quick fixes, there are other mistakes Snitko spots instantly. “A lot of the time, when a seller shoots (on their iPhone) they hold the phone up and shoot, so 99 percent of the shots the average person takes are vertical,” he says. “For the sake of selling a property, (turn your phone horizontally)—you want it to look as wide as possible and as big as possible.” He also notes that images can come out crooked if you don’t have your grid on, which can be turned on in your settings. Sellers also tend to shoot from high up, which puts too much ceiling and too little floor in their shot. To remedy this, shoot from a lower angle, such as near your hip, or use a tripod and take the time to set up your shot.

Be sure to tidy your home and remove any clutter that will distract the viewer’s eye from the focal point. If

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SNITKO, MODERN TAKE MEDIA

THE FOUNDER OF TUSTIN-BASED MODERN TAKE MEDIA SHARES TIPS ON HOW TO BEST CAPTURE YOUR HOME.

BUYING A HOME? 5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Kimberly Schulze, co-owner of Wise Choices Realty in Aliso Viejo, shares tips for finding and buying your dream home.

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Get preapproved “Suppose you fall in love with a house but don’t have a secured loan ready to go. In today’s low-inventory market, by the time you get your loan paperwork done, someone else has snatched up the property.”

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Know the competition “People need to understand how crazy the current market is. The inventory is lower than normal right now, so there’s more competition for the properties that are available. Sellers are getting multiple offers a day. Buyers who come in offering only asking price are likely going to lose the house.”

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Know the pandemic’s impact “Folks have been living with their extended families for a while now.

With some restrictions being lifted, they feel now’s the time to get a bigger house.

Or they’re getting a divorce as in, ‘I’ve been cooped up in this house with this person all year’ and they need a new place.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHRIS SNITKO, MODERN TAKE MEDIA

4 you’re trying to capture a beautiful sink, put the paper towel holder away. “You want to give people the easiest way to look at the space and what you’re featuring as opposed to anything else your eye might be drawn to,” Snitko says. “Less is always more, and in photographing properties, you want people to be able to visualize their stuff in it.”

He also suggests shooting interiors during the day so they’re light and bright. Be sure to check the colors of your walls at various times to see when they look best before snapping a photo.

If you’re still not completely sure how you want to photograph your home, spend some time looking through real estate photography. “You’ll see right away what you like and what you don’t like, and I think the more you look at photos, the easier it is to emulate,” Snitko says.

Do your homework “Buyers can best help themselves by doing their research before contacting a realtor. Less working hours for the agent means more savings for the client. Doing your homework ahead of time is like scratching off a winning lottery ticket. Suddenly you’ve got money to get that new carpet.”

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Keep calm “Agents deal with all aspects of home buying and selling. Appraisals, repairs, negotiations … it’s a lot. Buyers deal with all that plus the emotions. Some clients panic and end up canceling the deal only to come back a week later saying they’ve changed their minds. But by then, the house is gone. Take deep breaths and work with your agent. That’s the fastest way I know to getting the keys to your new home.”

May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 69

ED STEFANOVIC OF HUNTINGTON BEACH BUILT A MINI COFFEEHOUSE IN HIS BACKYARD, WHICH WENT VIRAL WHEN HIS DAUGHTER JULIANNA POSTED ABOUT IT ON TWITTER. Why build a cafe in your yard?

I’m a carpenter by trade. I’ve always loved cafes, and I told my family I was going to build one in our backyard, right before Covid hit. The idea was that I’d be in my own yard, but I would feel like I was somewhere else.

job. I’m still constantly adding fi ne touches onto it, and I think that will go on forever. It’s freestanding and built with mostly repurposed stuff or materials other people would throw out. But that makes it one of a kind, and it only cost about $12,000 in materials.

How long did it take?

It’s 120 square feet, and it took me three months working on it on and off between my full-time

What do you have brewing?

Nothing too fancy, but I have a small coffee maker and an espresso maker. I have an acrylic bakery

70 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

case that I fill up on weekends when my kids come over.

What was your reaction to going viral?

I was overwhelmed and excited.

I never thought something I built would be seen by so many.

Suddenly I was on the news. I’ve had people ask me to build them their own, or a juice bar or ice cream shop. It was all because of my daughter. photographs by Emily J. Davis

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMEE & KATHY ABOUBAKARE

Coff ee & Comfort

MEDIAN SOLD HOME PRICES BY CITY

Source: realtor.com (February 2021)

‘I DO’ AT HOME

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SAMEE & KATHY ABOUBAKARE

This local couple moved their wedding to a backyard.

When new COVID-19 restrictions were put in place a month before their big day, Samee and Kathy Aboubakare were forced to shift gears quickly and plan a backyard wedding. The wedding was held at Samee’s parents’ Garden Grove home, which was also where the couple got engaged. “In 23 days, with the help of our friends, family, and vendors, we were able to transform the backyard into the wedding venue we never imagined,” Kathy says.

Some of the O.C. vendors included wedding coordinator Roselyn and Co., The Flower Boutique, and Twenty Eight Restaurant & Bar, which provided beautifully packaged, individual dinner boxes that came with an entree, salad, hors d’oeuvres, and a cocktail or other beverage. The standout design elements included a floral arch, a rustic backyard fence, and pipe and drape backdrops by Ben’s Events. “A backyard wedding is not often what many people imagine their weddings to look like,” Kathy says. “In the end, we were able to create our special day because we never limited ourselves to what ‘normal’ weddings look like.”

ALISO VIEJO • newest city

$675K

ANAHEIM • most populous city

$700K

BREA

$805K

BUENA PARK

$685K

COSTA MESA • official motto is “City of the Arts”

$949K

CYPRESS

$770K

DANA POINT • the Whale Watching Capital of the World

$1.3M

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

$836K

FULLERTON • considered the birthplace of the electric guitar

$719K

GARDEN GROVE

$640K

HUNTINGTON BEACH • has the only beach where dogs can be off leash

$915K

IRVINE • Its park system is ranked seventh in the nation.

$899K

LA HABRA

$557K

LA PALMA • the smallest city by size at 1.8 square meters

$900K

LAGUNA BEACH • more than 3 million visitors annually

$2.4M

LAGUNA HILLS

$835K

LAGUNA NIGUEL • one-third of the land is designated open space

$800K

LAGUNA WOODS • 90 percent consists of a retirement community

$300K

LAKE FOREST

$660K

LOS ALAMITOS

$822K

MISSION VIEJO

$805K

NEWPORT BEACH • 10 miles of coastline

$2.2M

ORANGE • The Shaffer house is the city’s oldest home, built in 1874.

$775K

PLACENTIA

$728K

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

$816K

SAN CLEMENTE

$1.2M

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO • oldest city

$1.1M

SANTA ANA • home to a 20-acre zoo

$620K

SEAL BEACH • listings range from $160K to $4.2M

$252K

STANTON

$503K

TUSTIN

$714K

VILLA PARK • least-populous city

$1.6M

WESTMINSTER • home to Little Saigon

$810K

YORBA LINDA • has dozens of horse trails

$1.1M

WRITTEN BY ELIZABETH ARRIGHI BORSTING, HANNAH DILANCHYAN, ROBIN JONES, ASTGIK KHATCHATRYAN, BARBARA NEAL VARMA, MICHELLE PAGARAN, AND CHELSEA RAINERI May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 71

72 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

LETTERS HOME An immense collection of American war letters at Chapman University offers a glimpse into the minds of troops writing from battles throughout history.

by MILES CORWIN photography by EMILY J. DAVIS

ne letter was written by a Black soldier fighting for the Union Army to the woman who had enslaved his daughter. Another, written by a Confederate soldier, was pulled off the soldier’s dead body. A sailor, trapped aboard a ship, dashed off a note as Japanese planes were bombing Pearl Harbor. A prisoner of war during World War II scrawled a message on the back of a family photo, shortly before his death. An army sergeant who had pilfered Adolf Hitler’s personal stationery, emblazoned with a swastika, crossed out the name at the top, inserted his own, and penned a letter to his family.

Some of these war letters are stained with blood, dusted with desert sand, encrusted with mud, or pierced by bullets. They are from troops that span the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and are part of a growing collection of more than 150,000 housed at Chapman University’s Center for American War Letters, the largest private collection of its type in the nation.

This remarkable epistolary history of American warfare was donated to Chapman by Andrew Carroll. Many universities and museums had been vying for Carroll’s collection, but he decided Chapman was the ideal repository because he knew the letters would not be stuck in a corner of a library, gathering dust; they would be a resource for students and faculty, in addition to scholars and the general public. Chapman professors employ the letters in various departments. Graduate students in the War and Society program and undergraduates in history and Holocaust studies classes use the letters as source material for projects. Theater students have acted in a play based on Carroll’s collection.

May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 73

“I said to Chapman that I’ll give you the entire collection for no payment, but I have only one request: I don’t want them locked in an archive,” Carroll says. “I want them accessible, and I want the project to be ongoing so it will continue to receive letters. The students have been so respectful of the material and the professors so supportive, that I feel Chapman is the perfect home.”

The project, Carroll says, has no agenda. The letters neither glorify war, nor are they anti-war. They represent a multitude of views and perspectives: eyewitness accounts of storied battles, letters to sweethearts, heartfelt feelings of patriotism, reflections of mortality, skepticism of a war’s purpose.

“This is America’s undiscovered literature,” says Carroll, whose passion for the project has remained undiminished during his 23-year quest. A brief question often precipitates a lengthy monologue, an animated recitation of the project’s 74 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

origins and an enthusiastic recounting of recent gems he has uncovered.

“Some are so profound and beautifully written. They remind this generation of the sacrifices the troops made and what this country has been through.

If you stripped away the dates and location, you might not know the war.

The emotions are so timeless and universal.”

It is pretty hard to check out this way without a fighting chance, but we can’t live forever. I’m not afraid to die, I just hate the thought of not seeing you again. Take care of my nieces and nephews. Don’t let them ever want anything as I want even warmth or water now.

LT. THOMAS R. KENNEDY, who was aboard a Japanese prison ship, died soon after he wrote to his parents.

While there is a universality of emotion among troops throughout history, the writing styles during the various periods of war are distinctive.

The language used by soldiers in the Revolutionary War and Civil War was often flowery and distinctively eloquent, Carroll says, because during that time most people’s reading was limited to the King James Bible. The language during and after World War I was more conversational.

Troops from Iraq and Afghanistan sent mostly emails. Because so many troops served in World War II, these are the most varied and represent the largest portion of the collection, but they differ from those in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, which were more candid and sometimes critical because they weren’t censored.

Being a good platoon leader is a lonely job. I don’t want to really get to know anybody over here because it would be bad enough to lose a man—I damn sure don’t want to lose a friend.

DEAN ALLEN wrote to his wife from Vietnam, four days before he was killed stepping on a land mine.

LETTER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ANDREW CARROLL

BELOW: Spotswood Rice letter RIGHT: Dean Allen letter OPPOSITE PAGE: Lt. Thomas R. Kennedy letters

LETTER PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ANDREW CARROLL

thousands. Some sent one letter. One couple sent 2,000 they’d exchanged.”

The correspondence continued to grow and eventually evolved into Carroll’s life’s work. He compiled several bestselling anthologies, including “War Letters” and “Behind the Lines”—the profits from which he donated to veterans’ organizations— and collaborated on a number of documentaries, all of which spawned more letters. Soon his apartment was overrun with file cabinets and crates of letters, and he ended up renting another unit in his building for storage. His most valuable letters were stored in a safety deposit box.

Carroll’s pursuit of war letters stems from a fire that gutted his family’s Washington, D.C., home while he was a sophomore in college.

He was most distraught by the loss of photos, memorabilia, and letters. A distant relative, James Carroll Jordan, who had been a pilot during World War II, responded by sending a piece of family history: a letter he had written to his wife in April 1945. Jordan described in graphic detail the horrific scene his squadron had observed at the Buchenwald concentration camp, which had recently been liberated. “I saw something today that made me realize why we’re over here fighting the war,” Jordan wrote. When Carroll promised to return the letter, Jordan told him to keep it.

“This is what sparked the whole project,” Carroll says. “I was shocked he was going to get rid of it. I’ll never forget holding the thin, onion-skin paper and thinking how fragile the paper was compared to the enormity

of the words. This is what really made me realize that these letters reflect the human side of history, and how many people don’t realize how important it is to preserve this history.”

Carroll spent the next decade asking friends, family, teachers, and acquaintances for war letters. The project was merely an avocation; his vocation was co-founder with Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky of the American Poetry & Literacy Project, a nonprofit that distributed free books of poetry. What began as a desultory quest was immediately transformed when his plea for wartime correspondence was published as part of the Dear Abby column on Veteran’s Day 1998. Carroll had hoped to receive a few dozen letters. Four days later, a postal clerk called and told Carroll his P.O. box was full. He said he’d hop on his bicycle and head right over. The clerk told him he should bring a car.

“There were hundreds of letters, just bins and bins,” he recalls.

“Within a few months there were

I want you to understand … that where ever you and I meets we are (enemies) … When I get ready to come after Mary, I will have … a power and authority to bring (her) away and to execute (vengeance) on them that holds my Child. Then you will know how to talke to me.

SPOTSWOOD RICE, a freed man who had joined the Union army, realized he was only a few miles from his former slave owner’s home. He wrote to the man’s wife, who had enslaved his daughter, Mary. (The project has a copy of this letter, not the original.)

Carroll’s connection to Chapman began more than a decade ago when theater professor John Benitz contacted him. Benitz believed the story of Carroll seeking the letters interspersed with actors and actresses reading them could be the basis of a play. Carroll wrote the script and Benitz offered guidance.

The play, “If All the Sky Were Paper,” premiered at Chapman in 2010, was directed by Benitz, and students in the theater department were cast.

The play was later performed at the Kirk Douglas Theater in Los Angeles, Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and other theaters across the country.

Renowned actors, including Annette Bening, Laura Dern, and Ed Asner, May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 75

have played featured roles.

Carroll was impressed that Daniele Struppa, then a chancellor at Chapman and now the president, was so enthusiastic and insightful about the project. Their rapport was immediate, Carroll says, which eventually led to his donation.

Struppa now hopes the collection eventually becomes the largest repository of war letters in the world.

“I thought this was such a fabulous collection that it was a pity it was kept in someone’s closet,” Struppa says. “A university can do so much with these letters, even more than a museum, because we have students and faculty who can value and study them. I reached out to Andrew and 76 O R A N G E C O A S T • May 2021

the idea was born.”

We were just struck by a bomb near the bow. I don’t know why I am writing this because if we are hit with a bomb here they won’t find enough of me … let alone this letter. I imagine it is to show myself that I can be calm under fire.

ENSIGN WILLIAM CZAKO wrote to his sister from Pearl Harbor as Japanese bombers roared overhead. He survived the war.

Carroll splits his time between Washington, D.C., and Orange County, but he has remained on the East Coast since the pandemic, so archivist Andy Harman provided a reporter with a tour of the Center

for American War Letters, which is housed on the ground floor of Chapman’s Leatherby Libraries. The letters are stored in acid-free folders and the hundreds of boxes, shelved in chronological order, are housed in the archive room. The collection includes letters written on wallpaper, a coconut, and toilet paper, and one includes a shard of wood peeled off Hitler’s desk from his Berlin office.

The spacious reading room is lined with tables and chairs for classroom activities as well as posters, display cases, and bookshelves filled with Carroll’s collection of Armed Service Edition paperbacks that were sent to the troops during World War II. Before the pandemic, the

ANDREW CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHS AND LETTER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ANDREW CARROLL

BELOW: Andy Harman with a letter inscribed on a coconut RIGHT: Ensign William Czako letter OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Andrew Carroll OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM: Gary Cole, columnist “Dear Abby,” Andrew Carroll, Laura Dern, and Daniele Struppa

ANDREW CARROLL PHOTOGRAPHS AND LETTER PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF ANDREW CARROLL

reading room featured frequent exhibits, including one about the 100th Anniversary of the World War I Armistice, “California in the World Wars,” “War in the Pacific,” one on love letters, and another about Christmas overseas. One poignant exhibit remains: “The Casualty Corner,” which includes last letters sent from soldiers and sailors before they were killed in combat, condolence notes sent by commanding officers to surviving family members, and telegrams informing families that their sons were missing in action or killed.

Removing a letter sent by a family member from an envelope and perusing it is often quite moving,

Harman says. “You can feel what the letter writer felt—that sense of emotion—and you realize the sacrifice they made. The sense of history is amazing. When I have a Civil War letter, I can literally feel the history of the country in my hand.”

A year ago today I was sweating out shells on Anzio Beachhead. Today I am sitting in Hitler’s luxuriously furnished apartment in Munich writing a few lines home. … I can’t shrug off the feeling of utter hate I now hold for these people.

HORACE EVERS writing to his mother

including letters from parents to children and husbands and wives to spouses serving overseas, and from nurses serving in war zones.

Carroll eventually embarked on a seven-month journey meeting with veterans and historians and collecting letters in numerous war-torn cities around the world, including Baghdad, Kabul, and Hiroshima.

Included in the collection is a letter sent to the surviving family members of six people, five of them children, who were killed by a Japanese balloon bomb while on a church picnic in Oregon. They were the only Americans to die during World War II in an attack on the continental United States. Tetsuko Tanaka was 16 years old when she was pulled out of school and sent to a munitions plant to construct the bombs. She wrote the letter 42 years after the incident, and included 1,000 folded paper cranes, a Japanese symbol of peace and reconciliation.

We learned for the first time about what is known as “The Oregon Tragedy,” involving the loss of six lives. … Such a realization truly sent a chill down my spine. My heart pains. … These 1,000 cranes were folded one by one by some of us who made the balloon bombs, seeking forgiveness, and with a prayer for peace and a vow that the error of the past shall never again be repeated. We pray from afar in Japan that the six victims rest eternally in peace.

TETSUKO TANAKA

The project also contains correspondence from the home front, May 2021 • O R A N G E C O A S T 77

HER SECOND ACT S N A P S H O T

O.C. native and Orange County School of the Arts alumna Lauren Lim Jackson returns to her old stomping grounds, in more ways than one, after a successful career on Broadway.

by Alan Gibbons

After a few years at Harvard, Jackson wanted to quit and pursue her Broadway dreams.

Her father nixed that plan but agreed that once she graduated, she could do what she wanted. With her degree in hand, she moved to New York and spent nearly 15 years performing in hit shows such as “Memphis,” “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Motown,” and “Pretty Woman,” as well as acting for film and TV. She also got married and had a baby. “When I had my daughter, we thought, ‘How long do we want to stay in New York?’ It’s horrible raising a toddler in New York City unless you’re a millionaire. Carrying strollers up and down icy stairwells, plus the subway, and schooling is so expensive. We made the decision it’s time to move back to California.”

Jackson grew up in Lake Forest and found her love for performing early. “I have an older sister, and I did whatever she did. She was in ballet class, so I wanted to be in ballet class. I started dancing at 3; I’ve been professionally dancing and working since the age of 6. I started choreographing at OCSA. Every year, they do a choreography showcase. Rarely would freshmen be able to choreograph, but my piece got chosen.”

After she came back to Orange County last summer, OCSA leaders invited her to host the season premiere and be a guest mentor. When the director of musical theatre photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

In any off time, we have our feet in the sand. The ocean is our sanctuary; we didn’t get to do stuff like that in New York.

took another job, Jackson seemed the logical choice to take over. “That job literally fell out of the sky in the most magical way possible. … I wrote my personal statement for college about the importance of arts education.

I’d always planned and dreamed of coming back to OCSA at some point. I’m now ready to share the knowledge I’ve accrued with the next generation. They’re the ones who are going to take the torch and keep running, and I want to give them a well-lit torch.”

She says she feels right at home after many years away. “The energy has not changed.

The best part about OCSA, it’s a community where all are welcome. You’re different; that’s cool. If you’re exploring who you want to be in life, you are welcome. That culture has maintained. What’s really fun is that there are still teachers who were there when I was there. Our new principal, I was one of his first students. He was a mentor.

To see him grow as an educator and administrator and to work alongside him is the best thing ever.”

Being actors, Jackson and her husband, Vince Oddo, had originally planned to move to L.A. After spending time with her parents in Lake Forest during the pandemic, they decided to stay here. “My family is still here, and it’s so important for my daughter to spend time with her grandparents. My sister has a daughter, and we’ve been podded together.

Being in Orange County is a game changer for us. The innate quality of life—the sunshine, family, Disneyland, the beaches—it’s such a gift. We want to focus on enjoying that gift.”

May 2021 • OR A NGE COAST 79

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S P O N S O R E D C ONT E NT

A HELPING HAND

PROFILING LOCAL NONPROFITS & CHARITIES – MISSIONS, STORIES, EVENTS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, WAYS TO HELP GIVE BACK TO THE ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY.

Illustration: vecteezy.com

vecteezy.com

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 81

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UPCOMING EVENTS: See The Good Virtual Tour Year Round Join us for a virtual inside look at the heartbeat of Goodwill, the programs and services we operate and the incredible people we serve. RSVP to communitydevelopment@ ocgoodwill.org to join the next tour.

OUR STORY After nearly 100 years matching the right candidate with the right job, Goodwill of Orange County knows one thing to be true: a job can change a life.

For individuals with physical or developmental disabilities, a young person trying to start a new chapter after making a mistake or a veteran transitioning from the military to civilian life, finding meaningful employment can change everything.

For these individuals, a job means more than just a paycheck. It means empowerment through employment.

For Salvador, a job allowed him to turn over a new leaf.

Connected through Orange County’s Young Adult Court to Goodwill’s Young Adult Life Launch, or YALL, program, like so many of us, Salvador needed a second chance. Goodwill gave him that opportunity.

Today, Salvador thrives in his job as an Ecommerce Clerk for shopgoodwill. com. Salvador’s manager Ted saw beyond his past with the justice system, and instead gave him the opportunity to start over.

MISSION Goodwill helps people who are facing barriers find and keep jobs, which provides purpose, pride, and dignity.

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The YALL program is one of 25 Goodwill programs aimed at changing lives through the power of work. Salvador is one of more than 17,800 individuals whose lives were transformed by employment last year.

Goodwill of Orange County has been a part of the fabric of Orange County for 97 years. We are the leader in workforce development and job placement for people in our community.

Our employment training specialists, job coaches and advocates are ready to help individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, people with mental health diagnoses, veterans, individuals with limited work experience or justice involvement, those in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, and more, find their own pathway to greater independence.

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2021 Goodwill Golf Classic May 25, 2021 Pelican Hill Golf Club Newport Beach

Join Goodwill of Orange County for its annual Golf Classic to support local veterans and their families. The tournament will raise important funds for the Tierney Center for Veteran Services, a comprehensive resource for veterans in Orange County that provides job placement, housing assistance, support navigating and accessing benefits, emergency services, and more.

If you need a job.

If you have a disability.

If you are a veteran.

If you are an employer ready to hire.

Goodwill is here. And we see the power of employment every day.

410 N. Fairview Sreet Santa Ana, CA 92703 P. 714-547-6308 ocgoodwill.org

WHY DONATE Change a life. Everyone deserves to feel the purpose, pride and dignity that comes from meaningful employment.

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UPCOMING EVENT: Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast Thursday, May 20, 2021 Connect virtually with over 900 of OC’s most influential philanthropists at our annual Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast. This signature event, ranked #1 Charity Breakfast for community impact by the Orange County Business Journal, raises funds for our programmatic work to help local families transition from surviving to thriving, making a difference for those facing housing instability or struggling to get by. In the wake of COVID-19, the continued support of these programs is critical.

As part of our pandemic relief efforts, we provided $500 emergency debit cards to close to 8,000 OC families impacted by COVID-19 to help with rent, food, and other basic needs.

OUR STORY Orange County United Way is committed to leading the fight for equity by removing barriers, closing gaps, and leveling the playing field for everyone who lives here.

We’re proud to present Lisa Ling, executive producer, journalist, and host of CNN’s This Is Life as this year’s celebrity guest.

We put our mission into action through three initiatives: United for Student Success, United for Financial Security, and United to End Homelessness. Each includes programming to meet basic needs, develop skills, and ensure long-term success. Orange County United Way also steps up whenever our communities need us to respond to immediate or emerging crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us in helping our students succeed, our struggling families gain financial security, and our homeless neighbors find a place to call home.

Learn more at UnitedWayOC.org.

VISION We envision an Orange County where every person receives a quality education, is financially stable, is healthy and thriving, and has a place to call home.

To learn more, visit WPFBreakfast.org.

Our Class of 2021 program is helping 300 high school seniors from OC communities hardest hit by COVID-19 graduate on time and bridge the digital divide. It includes an e-Mentorship component, a robust virtual workshop series, and a new laptop to incentivize students to fi nish high school strong.

18012 Mitchell South Irvine, CA 92614 P. 949-660-7600 UnitedWayOC.org

WHY DONATE When you contribute to Orange County United Way, your gift transforms lives right here in our community.

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 83

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UPCOMING EVENT: Celebration Gala September 24, 2021

OUR STORY: Becoming a parent at any age is a life-altering experience. When a teenager becomes a parent, the new responsibilities can be overwhelming. Fristers helps young parents become successful parents. We provide education, mentoring, and case management for mothers, fathers and children. With our support adolescent parents are graduating high school, enrolling in college and vocational training, securing employment, building healthy relationships, and learning how to parent. Children are improving their developmental, social and educational gains. Families are being strengthened.

MISSION

Fristers is dedicated to helping adolescent parents build healthy and stable lives and families.

17815 Sky Park Circle, Ste. H Irvine, CA 92614 P: 949-387-7889 fristers.org

Gather to support Fristers’ programs for young parents and children, and celebrate the positive impact made - including 100% of mothers who graduate from Fristers have earned a high school diploma, compared to 50% national average.

Cocktails, dinner and live auction.

Sponsorships available.

WHY DONATE:

Young parents face enormous challenges, most often alone. You can help provide the community of support they need to thrive.

UPCOMING EVENT: #forkchildhoodcancer Campaign July 1-September 25, 2021 Virtual Event

OUR STORY:

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After their young son Max was diagnosed with brain cancer, Audra and Justin Wilford started MaxLove Project to help other families thrive in the face of childhood cancer.

MLP employs evidence-based practices in all of its programming, including wholefood cooking classes at hospitals and the MaxLove Connect mobile app, serving childhood cancer families nationwide. Since Audra’s appearance in Orange Coast’s 35 Kick-Ass Women issue in 2020, the Wilfords began expansion of MLP to the East Coast, and Max continues to thrive.

MISSION

To increase quality of life and reduce health risks for all children surviving cancer, in treatment and beyond, by empowering families with “fierce foods,” whole-body wellness, education and research.

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805 W. La Veta Ste. 205 Orange, CA 92868 P: 888-399-6511 maxloveproject.org

Farm To Fork Dinner September 25, 2021 Tanaka Farms Irvine, CA

WHY DONATE

Most kids with cancer survive to adulthood but experience significantly reduced quality of life and enormous health risks.

Our goal is to ensure that every kid with cancer thrives against the odds.

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PATHWAYS FORWARD TOGETHER TGR Foundation builds pathways to student success.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT Pathways Forward continues Tiger’s vision to provide underserved students with access to STEM education, workforce readiness and tangible pathways to career success.

PARTNER WITH US to expand our impact among underserved youth in Orange County.

Learn more: TGRFoundation.org/PathwaysForward Contact us: Giving@TGRFoundation.org

“Join us in preparing youth for success in the workforce and in life.

Together we can make a difference, and we can make it now.”

President & CEO, Gordon McNeill

THANK YOU TO OUR ORANGE COUNTY PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING PATHWAYS FORWARD Walter & Jeff Cruttenden | Nick Gross | Cindy & Mike McKee

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 85

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Orange County UPCOMING EVENT: NAMIWalks Orange County Coming this Fall

OUR STORY NAMI Orange County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofi t organization that provides no-cost education, support, and advocacy for those affected by mental illness within Orange County. Over the past 40 years, we have been a founding member of OC’s push toward creating a more inclusive and #stigmafreeOC. In addition to our signature programs available to all community members, we offer a wealth of no-cost programs and events targeted toward First Responders, Transitional Aged Youth, and Healthcare Workers.

Visit namioc.org to learn more.

MISSION

To provide mental heath education, support and advocacy to all Orange County families affected by mental illness.

24822 Jeronimo Lane Lake Forest, CA 92630 P: 714-544-8488 namioc.org

NAMIWalks Orange County is our largest community awareness campaign to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness and to fund crucial NAMI programs for families, peers, and providers.

WHY DONATE

All NAM-OC programs are always provided at no-cost to our community.

Donations to our organization help countless families navigate their mental health journey’s.

Charitable Events CALENDAR ALL YEAR LONG See The Good Virtual Tour Goodwill Orange County RSVP to communitydevelopment@ ocgoodwill.org OneOC Volunteer Opportunities volunteers.oneoc.org MAY 3 Annual Golf Tournament Big Brothers Big Sisters OC ocbigs.org/events 8 *Virtual* March for Babies March of Dimes Orange County Marchforbabies.org/team/ marchofdimesoc

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13 Adventure Guides Golf Tournament YMCA OC Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club ymcaoc.org/community-events

23 Pickleball Tournament CASA OC Tennis Club of Newport Beach casaoc.org/event/pickleball

15-25 Field of Honor Exchange Club of Newport Harbor Castaway Park exchangeclubofnewportharbor.com/fieldof-honor

25 Goodwill Golf Classic Goodwill OC Pelican Hill Golf Club Newport Beach ocgoodwill.org

20 *Virtual* Women’s Philanthropy Fund Breakfast Orange County United Way wpfbreakfast.org

JUNE

22 *Virtual* CHOC Walk CHOC Foundation chocwalk.org

4 *Virtual* Better Together Girls Inc. of Orange County girlsinc-oc.org

3 *Virtual* 1000 Founders’ Virtual Celebration Hoag Hospital Foundation hoaghospitalfoundation.org

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6 Harvesters Fashion Show & Luncheon Second Harvest Food Bank TBA feedoc.org/harvesters

4 Brighter Futures Luncheon Laura’s House Balboa Bay Resort laurashouse.org

FALL 2021 NAMIWalks Orange County NAMI Orange County namioc.org

10 Audi - Volvo Cars Mission Viejo Golf Classic Mission Hospital Foundation Pelican Hill Golf Club supportmissionhospital.org

SEPTEMBER 17 Romance of the Mission Benefit Gala The Mission Preservation Foundation Mission San Juan Capistrano missionsjc.com

17 Wine Celebration Rooster’s Foundation Old Ranch Country Club roostersfoundation.org/roosters-events

26 *Virtual* Blaze Your Own Trail Make-A-Wish Orange County wish.org/ocie/2021-blaze-your-own-trailchallenge

10 HomeAid OC’s Annual Fundraiser HomeAid Orange County Christ Cathedral homeaidoc.org

24 Making Strides of Orange County American Cancer Society TBA acsevents.org

27 Chef’s Table Illumination Foundation Private Estate ifhomeless.org JULY 1-September 25 #forkchildhoodcancer Campaign Virtual Event Max Love Project maxloveproject.org 15-17 38th Annual Concert The Wooden Floor The Wooden Floor Main Street Location thewoodenfloor.org/annualconcert 24 Celebration Gala Fristers OC Pelican Hill Golf Club fristers.org

18 32ND Annual Crabfeast & Auction YMCA OC Fullerton Family YMCA ymcaoc.org/community-events 23 Keep The Promise Wine Tasting Benefit The Wooden Floor TBA thewoodenfloor.org/winetasting 24 Celebration Gala Fristers OC fristers.org 25 Farm to Fork Dinner Max Love Project Tanaka Farms maxloveproject.org

NOVEMBER 5&6 Chapman Celebrates Chapman University TBA Chapman.edu/chapman-celebrates DECEMBER 4 Holiday Gala Celebrating Proidence Mission Hospital 50th Anniversary Providence Mission Hospital – Mission Viejo campus supportmissionhospital.org/blog/2021holiday-gala

30 Gourmet Dinner Big Brothers Big Sisters Orange County Balboa Bay Resort ocbigs.org/gourmetdinner

AUGUST 7 Relay for Life South OC American Cancer Society Oso Viejo Community Park acsevents.org 29 Table for Ten Newoprt Beach Marriott wish.org/ocie/table-ten

OCTOBER 2 Light the Night Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Angel Stadium of Anaheim Lightthenight.org/events/orange-county

Please check with event organizers as some dates and details may have changed.

For more events and updated listings, visit orangecoast.com

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 87

DINING GUIDE NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

AS OF PRESS TIME IN EARLY APRIL, RESTAURANTS WERE ALLOWED TO SERVE DINERS IN LIMITED CAPACIT Y. RULES CHANGE OFTEN: PLEASE USE THIS GUIDE AS A STARTING POINT, THEN CALL THE RESTAURANT TO LEARN ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND RESERVATIONS. DESCRIPTIONS HERE ARE MOSTLY BASED ON DINING BEFORE SOCIAL DISTANCING. MA

Y 202 1

BRE A

DINING GUIDE ORANGE COUNT Y’S DEFINITIVE SOURCE F O R R E S TAU R A N T N E W S & M I N I R E V I E W S P R I C I N G $$$ $50 and up $$ Less than $50 $ Mostly less than $25 Denotes Critic’s Choice restaurant

ANAHEIM CATAL RESTAURANT AND UVA BAR Dead center in Downtown Disney, Catal is the Patina Group’s nod to Spain’s Mediterranean cuisine.

Expect an urbane spin on rustic fare such as lobster paella, making this one of the zone’s better spots for fine dining. Just outside, Uva Bar is an alfresco saloon with light eats and great people-watching.

1580 Disneyland Drive, 714-774-4442. $$$ NAPA ROSE Wine country thrives at the Disneyland Resort by way of this classy dinner house— no park admission required. Star chef Andrew Sutton leads his crew in an exhibition kitchen, turning out imaginative, highly seasonal New American fare. The room mixes rustic with refined, and the notably wine-savvy waitstaff, many qualified as sommeliers, deftly tailors unforgettable meals around wines from one of the region’s finest cellars. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 1313 Disneyland Drive, 714-300-7170. $$$ THE RANCH RESTAURANT & SALOON Oozing top-notch ambition, The Ranch packs some big guns—executive chef Michael Rossi and his brother David, pastry chef. The large venue also includes an upscale saloon and dance hall, sited in the six-story headquarters of Extron Electronics. The whopping (mostly) seasonal American fare is a mashup of down-home and uptown.

1025 E. Ball Road, 714-817-4200. $$$

TRUE SEASONS ORGANIC KITCHEN This sleek storefront by Saifon Plewtong now adds wraps, bowls, smoothies, and desserts to a menu that once focused solely on hot pots. Still, the spotlight is on organic, GMO-free local produce and all-natural proteins. Do try the fresh-pressed sugar cane juice for a refresher like no other in these parts. 5675 E. La Palma Ave., 714-462-9223.

Beer and wine. $$ URBANA This colorful latecomer to the Anaheim Packing House brings vibrancy and a cool cantina attitude to a food hall that really needed a good taco and mezcal cocktail. Executive chef Ernie Alvarado’s short menu of savvy street food changes often, and you can’t go wrong with his daily specials. Cozy surroundings offer a choice of ambience—festive or sultry. 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., 714-502-0255. $$

ANAHEIM HILLS REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK Popular with the locals, this dapper haunt oozes bonhomie thanks to a solid team led by industry vet Scott McIntosh, whose feel-good American classics are consistently executed by a tight kitchen. Service is sharp. Look for a homey meatloaf, laudable fried chicken with yummy mashers and fresh biscuits, and house-made desserts. Modern cocktails and a roomy patio increase the pleasure factor. 5775 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, 714-283-1062. Second location (not yet reviewed) in Laguna Beach. $$

CHA CHA’S L ATIN KITCHEN This cool hang with a wraparound sidewalk patio is Birch Street Promenade’s most enduring dining success. Helmed by industry vets Don Myers and Peter Serantoni, the menu of modern Mexican fare is boosted by a wood-burning oven and new dishes that blur some borders—sopes, empanadas, aguachile, and pozole. Taco Tuesday is just one of many weekly specials. Impressive tequila menu.

110 W. Birch St., 714-255-1040. See Irvine location. $$ MACALL ANS PUBLIC HOUSE Chef Andrew Wang’s modern but comforting pub cooking is just one upgrade that’s helping this young venue finally catch on in North County. Topnotch whiskey offerings and a killer Irish breakfast on weekends also entice. Don’t miss the ridiculously authentic Irish coffee, or stop in for the very robust happy hour. The upscale vibe is a welcome switch from the usual timeworn pub conditions. 330 W. Birch St., 714-529-1224. $$ OLD BREA CHOP HOUSE Finally, North County’s fine diners can skip the trek south to splurge on old-school steakhouse dinners. Longtime Morton’s veteran Tony Fasulo breaks away, polishing the classy formula to a high sheen. Expect deluxe beef, say a Tomahawk chop or a strapping Delmonico, boosted with firstclass seafood, precise cocktails, and cosseting service.

Marinated skirt steak is the sleeper call. Cozy yet utterly contemporary, the venue includes a 25-seat bar with charcuterie platters and an alluring happy hour. 180 S. Brea Blvd., 714-592-3122. Dinner only. $$$ TAPS FISH HOUSE & BREWERY Taps continues to be O.C.’s landmark pick for dining on a wide range of appealing seafood, pasta, steaks, and spunky New Orleans specialties that go down well with award-winning ales and lagers that change often. Happy hour is a big draw for valueseekers. Sunday brunch is a popular feast. 101 E. Imperial Highway, 714-257-0101. $$

CORONA DEL MAR FARMHOUSE AT ROGER’S GARDENS This beguiling patio is chef-owner Rich Mead’s fourth and busiest enterprise yet, an inspired collaboration between a farmer’s dream chef and O.C.’s iconic outdoor lifestyle retailer. The restaurantgazebo seats 120 with rustic style, making this the fresh favorite for dates and celebrations. Mead’s seasonal menu shifts often to reflect his passion for local family farms and ranches. Craft cocktails have a farmers market tilt, and a nascent cheese

OUR CRITERIA Restaurants are reviewed by our dining critics and staff and have no relationship to advertising in Orange Coast.

Listings are updated regularly. We do not accept free meals; visits are anonymous. Price classifications are based on a typical three‑course dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert) for one person. Alan Gibbons edits this listing. You can reach her at agibbons@orangecoast.com.

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Margherita pizza at 2145 program rounds out the ever-changing feast. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, 949-640-1415. $$$ FIVE CROWNS O.C.’s beloved, vine-covered, fine-dining landmark of 1965 stays current thanks to a refreshed menu by executive chef Alejandra Padilla (formerly with Hillstone and Patina groups). Foodies thrill to foie gras brûlée and roast goose with wild grains, but sumptuous feasts of prime rib retain a hallowed spot on the carte at this Lawry’s-owned institution.

As always, service is polished and accommodating.

Leave room for the righteous sundae made with C.C. Brown’s hot fudge, an old Hollywood marvel. 3801 E. Coast Highway, 949-760-0331. Dinner only. $$$ QUIET WOMAN Perpetually packed with locals for decades, the Q-Dub (as it’s known) pours mean drinks and notable wines by the glass, and keeps a teensy kitchen busy cranking out more-than-decent American grub such as filet mignon sliders and crab cakes, at prices that reflect the ZIP code. Most nights, a house band cranks up the decibels and enlivens the vibe.

3224 E. Coast Highway, 949-640-7440. $$ SIDEDOOR Nested within the landmark Lawry’s Five Crowns, this gastropub welcomes come-asyou-are diners with a changing daily menu of imaginative small plates, seasonal soups, prime rib sandwiches, potpies, and desserts. Don’t miss the charcuterie station with choice cured meats and artisanal cheeses. Always interesting wines by the glass, craft beers, and signature cocktails boost the inviting room’s jolly British vibe. 3801 E. Coast Highway, 949-717-4322. $$

photograph by M A R I A H TA U G E R

COSTA MESA [

SEE ALSO SOUTH COAST METRO

]

2145 Santa Ana native and Pizzeria Ortica veteran Eduardo Salcedo brings an artisan mindset and Japanese aesthetic to this Neapolitan-style pizza joint in a cleverly repurposed auto shop. Aromas of almond-wood fire whet the appetite for his finely crafted pies and imaginative toasts on house-baked shokupan, Japan’s beloved breakfast loaf. Sit at the white marble bar or under umbrellas on the patio to enjoy bresaola and burrata salad with pickled fennel, or hyper-tender octopus with diced potato, charred scallions, and squid ink mayo. Star dessert: horchata tiramisu. 2145 Placentia Ave., 949-873-5853.

Beer and wine. $$ CASABL ANCA Owner Abder Amokrane refreshes this venue with a new identity, decor updates, and menu upgrades.

The vast and ancient cuisine of the Mahgreb is nicely executed here with a bit of Spain (paella) and France (shrimp Provençale) included. Bountiful platters of appetizers span regions and centuries of legendary cuisine. Seating options aplenty mean this is a good call for gatherings of many sizes. But even the five-course dinner for two is appealing and a steal at $36 per person. 1976 Newport Blvd., 949423-7990. Dinner only. $$ DESCANSO Descanso’s novel twist is the elevation of the taquero to center stage. Inspired by the dynamic street foods of Mexico City, owner Rob Arellano seats diners right at the plancha grill to watch their tacos sizzled with pizazz. Happy hour is particularly tempting if you can scoot in midweek, from 3 to 6 p.m. 1555 Adams Ave., 714-486-3798. $$

HABANA Flickering candles light the way through a highceilinged dining room, convivial bar, and lush patio at The Lab’s enduring Cuban hang for date nights and late nights. Most of the fare sticks solidly to classics, such as roast chicken and ropa vieja, but the appetizer side is loaded with winners. Updates include a lavish, all-you-can-eat brunch with live island music and an array of delicious baked goodies.

Intimate confines make reservations a smart move.

2930 Bristol St., 714-556-0176. See Irvine location. $$$ IZAKAYA HACHI A handsome, modern izakaya from the owners of Manpuku, Hachi is a boisterous, convivial gem.

The charcoal-grilled skewers shine, including the chicken meatball and chicken thigh. Expect a little bit of everything here: gloriously marbled beef, fresh oysters, composed salads, fried chicken, and unique pressed sushi. 3033 Bristol St., 657-231-6566.

Dinner only. $ MESA At this high-style hipster hang with a retractable roof, expect shareable dishes that play by the seasons and don’t shy away from intense flavors. Highlights include mussels sizzled in cast iron and fried cicchetti olives. An interesting, value-packed wine list beckons, as do inspired artisan cocktails. 725 Baker St., 714-557-6700. $$$ OLD VINE KITCHEN & BAR Popular for its brunch-type fare in a town rife with competing options, this charming nook has upgraded with a larger space. Foodies rave about urbane dishes, many with an Italian accent. Think barbecue pork omelet by day, seasonal tasting menu by night. Chef-owner Mark McDonald likes to pair his dinners with interesting wine flights from the world over, and he regularly leads culinary excursions to southern Italy. 2937 Bristol St., 714-545-1411. $$ PITFIRE ARTISAN PIZZA The first O.C. shop from this thriving L.A.-based chain is not your nonna’s pizzeria. Upbeat and casual, it’s a Cal-Ital original. A menu packed with classic and seasonal wood-fired pies, pastas, and salads has wide appeal, so this retooled Marie Callender’s stays packed with fans of all ages. Check out its back-door speakeasy, Pie Society. 353 E. 17th St., 949-313-6333. $ TACO MARÍA Every dish is a marvel of deeply considered modern Cal-Mex cuisine from chef-owner and O.C. native Carlos Salgado, who parked his esteemed food truck enterprise for this site. Even the stripped-down setting draws all attention to the food. Dinners are four-course prix fixe affairs, with thoughtful wine pairings. Lunch—when the tacos appear—is a more laid-back and affordable way to sample the refined slant that snagged Salgado a Michelin star and several James Beard nominations for chef awards. 3313 Hyland Ave., 714-538-8444. Beer and wine. $$$

DANA POINT GLASSPAR Now an improv market offering the primo seafood typically sold to coastal resorts, Glasspar launched as a classic seafooder, oyster bar, and tap room.

Veteran top toque and local Rob Wilson helms his dream retool of the old Mahé site, open for dining as well as supporting the community with ultra-

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 89

DINING GUIDE fresh goods and his five-star tips for serving seafood at home. A tight focus on top-shelf cocktails is sure to be much appreciated once groups gather within toasting distance. 24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949-240-6243. $$$ SALT CREEK GRILLE Rambling Craftsman architecture and a lovely terraced patio supply a handsome backdrop for mesquitegrilled chophouse favorites and comfort classics.

The roomy lounge does a vigorous business when live music lures coastal partiers too chic for beach dives and too dignified for dance clubs. 32802 Pacific Coast Highway, 949-661-7799. $$

FOUNTAIN VALLE Y THE RECESS ROOM This city’s first gastropub exists because five childhood pals needed a local haunt for gathering after their weekly basketball game. Food and booze enjoy equal amounts of love at this 148-seat venue—a cleverly retooled former Coco’s. Expect small-batch, offbeat brews and ace craft cocktails, plus lots of rich, shareable noshes. Think tender octopus with toasted quinoa for contrast, luscious pork cheeks confit, and lime-yuzu panna cotta. 18380 Brookhurst St., 714-377-0398. $$$

FULLERTON THE CELL AR Downtown Fullerton’s abiding choice for classy, oldschool French dining is a North County staple for romantic meals, thanks to an underground room that’s ornate, yet cozy. Expect swanky choices such as chateaubriand, and a fine dark chocolate souffle.

305 N. Harbor Blvd., 714-525-5682. $$$ KHAN SAAB DESI CRAFT KITCHEN Born in the crucible of the pandemic, this halal bistro serves flavorful kebobs, curries, and street snacks alongside wood-fired Wagyu steaks. Creator and executive chef Imran Ali Mookhi applies a Michelin mindset acquired after years in fine-dining kitchens.

Khan Saab has the best stocked alcohol-free bar in O.C. 229 E. Commonwealth Ave., 714-853-1081. $$ MIIRCH SOCIAL This Indian mashup is a relaxed haunt that NEW leans modern. The open kitchen serves traditional Indian cuisine tweaked with global ingredients or Indian flavors applied to comfort foods.

Think butter chicken paneer poutine, nine-spice tandoori wings, and a fabulous lamb biryani. Don’t overlook the ingenious cocktails and mocktails. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., 714-519-3501 $$ SUMMIT HOUSE Set high above Fullerton’s northern city limits, this imposing Tudor manor house offers a sparkling citylights view at night, though the attractive grounds are pretty by day, too. The American menu offers few surprises; British-style prime rib and oak-grilled Skuna Bay salmon are reliable. Polished service brings back plenty of special-occasion diners. The cozy tavern bar is popular for light meals and happy hour. 2000 E. Bastanchury Road, 714-671-4111. $$$

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Truffle oil chicken tikka at Miirch Social

GARDEN GROVE NOVA KITCHEN & BAR This glamorous sleeper is a terrific dinner choice for distinctive fare that nods to Japan, Korea, and China. The handsome 35-seat lanai covered patio is beyond fine. Executive chef Abel Vargas oversees a sizable menu that also includes showy sushi and top-shelf cocktails. Do consider the tuna tartare, corn tempura, or coriander-braised short rib. Genteel service. 12361 Chapman Ave., 714696-0888. $$$

HU NTINGTON BE ACH FISH CAMP From Sam King of the King’s Fish House fleet comes this overtly dressed-down seafood cantina at the northern edge of coastal O.C. Order the day’s catch from the counter and await delivery of straightforward classics such as pristine oysters, ahi poke, Idaho trout, and crab galore. Sandwiches, skewers, and worthy clam chowders also recommended.

16600 Pacific Coast Highway, 562-592-2267. $$ RED TABLE The “red” in Red Table, Huntington Harbour mall’s neighborhood tavern, stands for “relax, eat, drink.”

The creative menu of American eats is big on highcarb snacks, savory share plates, and strapping proteins that feel right in a welcoming setting accented with quirky design elements and a red communal table. 16821 Algonquin St., 714-846-4700. Beer and wine. $$ SESSIONS Surf City is the ideal spot for the second “West Coast deli,” this time across from the sand. Terrific sand-

wiches that eat like a meal for two are gourmet creations, meticulous stacks of top ingredients with exacting ratios, so every ’wich is scrumptious to the last bite. From-scratch soups, sides, and dressings. A surfer ethos extends to hearty breakfasts featuring Kéan coffee and house-made granola. 414 Pacific Coast Highway, 714-594-3899. Beer and wine. See Irvine and Newport Beach locations. Fourth location (not reviewed) in Newport Beach at 101 Newport Center Drive. $ SLOW FISH Easily overlooked in a strip mall along busy Bolsa Chica, this slightly hip storefront serves distinctly modern Cal-Asian fare, artfully plated by chef Sean An. Don’t miss the signature Fat Avo appetizer or entree of braised short rib over black rice. Good sakes, great prices, and a teensy sushi bar are unexpected extras. 16051 Bolsa Chica St., 714-846-6951. $$ WATERTABLE Here’s a rare bird, a hotel restaurant in a tourist resort that the locals love for lots of reasons. Progressive takes on global dishes, tip-top craft cocktails, copious happy hours, and the steady hand of longtime Chef Manfred Lassahn keep this venue on point. We return just for the white cheddar and thyme biscuits with seasonal butter. The morning lineup of health-first bowls, smoothies, and toasts caters to beach runners. Hyatt Regency, 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, 714-845-4776. $$$

IRVINE ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Irvine’s ever-slicker business zone is a good home for this classy, top-floor, New American choice for photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

Brown butter roasted maitake mushrooms at Porch & Swing power diners, office pals, and couples. Modern craft cocktails enhance a menu that blends California ingredients with global flavors. Top toque Porfiro Gomez’s menu retains favorites such as the beef spring rolls, watermelon salad, and Duroc pork T-bone. Happy hour is a standout in a crowded field. 2607 Main St., 949-387-8887. $$ BISTANGO A longtime airport-area mainstay, Bistango has remained surprisingly contemporary, with creative dishes such as sweet, soulful garlic soup, and black truffle ravioli. It’s also a classy venue for live music, and its rotating art collection adds to the air of urban sophistication. 19100 Von Karman Ave., 949-752-5222. $$$ CHA CHA’S L ATIN KITCHEN This addition to the restaurant family owned by industry vets Don Myers and Peter Serantoni is an inviting casa with a menu of modern Mexican fare boosted by commendable new dishes that blur some borders—sopes, empanadas, aguachile, and pozole to name a few. The indoor-meets-outdoor patio by designer Thomas Schoos is a fine upgrade of the Brea flagship. Weekly specials add value and excitement. Impressive tequila menu. 13126 Jamboree Road, 714-408-7819. See Brea location. $$ CUCINA ENOTECA This 285-seat operation from San Diego’s Urban Kitchen Group offers two sprawling patios and a huge, lively dining room with bar and wine minimarket, and the scene oozes chic with scads of handmade furnishings for sale. The Cal-Ital menu is equally large and inventive, from spreads in Mason jars and salumi platters to handmade pastas. Particularly good for large parties. 532 Spectrum Center Drive, 949-861-2222. See Newport Beach location. $$ photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

HABANA We waited 22 years for this glamorous Habana sibling, and it was worth it—a sprawling 300-seat compound that co-opts Cuba’s frozen-in-time splendor.

A roomy patio open to the sky is made intimate by high walls and lots of beautiful props and vignettes, with alcoves dedicated to house pastries and coffees. Despite the impressive scale, the menu hews tightly to the focused offerings at its Costa Mesa original. 708 Spectrum Center Drive, 949-419-0100.

See Costa Mesa location. $$$ JA JIAOZI It’s all about handmade dumplings here.

They grace every table, anchoring meals rounded out with other hot and cold dishes. Firsttimers, ask your able server for help. Top picks include steamed Flaming Hot and boiled Signature jiaozi, along with refreshing tofu-skin salad. Topnotch shrimp fried rice is a winner, too. Watch the masters at work from a five-seat bar. 13776 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 714-786-8999. $$ PORCH & SWING This delightful new indie serves a BEST NEW RESTAURANT “taste of Charleston” starring original 2021 riffs on American classics by chef Justin Werner and cocktails by Andrew Parish. Musttry dishes include roasted pork jowl over grits, amazing creamless creamed corn, and gorgeous salads. House-baked breads are a strength, too. The patio is lovely. 2010 Main St., 949-418-7988. $$ PUESTO San Diego’s high-profile taqueria has two Irvine options for O.C. fans. Delectable tacos are the main event, elevated by crispy griddled Oaxacan cheese, and tortillas made by hand from organic, non-GMO, blue corn masa. The cheese is

especially brilliant on vegetarian tacos. Always ask about the monthly taco special. The Park Place center location’s indoor-meets-outdoor venue is intimate and color-splashed. Park Place, 3311 Michelson Drive, 949-608-7272; Los Olivos Marketplace, 8577 Irvine Center Drive, 949-608-9990. $$ SESSIONS No. 3 is a charm for O.C.’s indie chainlet of “West Coast” delis. Expect terrific sandwiches that eat like a meal for two, gourmet creations that are meticulous stacks of top ingredients with exacting ratios, so every ’wich is scrumptious to the last bite. Fromscratch soups, sides, and dressings. A beguiling lakeside setting beckons for lazy breakfasts featuring Kéan coffee and house-made granola. 4736 Barranca Parkway, 949-333-3949. Beer and wine. See Huntington Beach and Newport Beach locations.

Fourth location (not reviewed) in Newport Beach at 101 Newport Center Drive. $ SAM WOO RESTAURANT Many don’t know this reasonably priced, no-frills place is not named after someone called Sam Woo— the term actually refers to the Chinese notion of harmony. Yanked-from-the-tank seafood is a specialty, as are dim sum and Hong Kong noodle dishes. Service is reliably speedy and brusque. For faster carry-out meals, try the express buffet next door. 15333 Culver Drive, 949-262-0688. Beer and wine. $ TACO ROSA With agave-sweetened margaritas, daily aguas frescas, and house-made churros, these flagships of the Taco Mesa chain take fresh Mex to the max. Try the Oaxacan enchiladas. 13792 Jamboree Road, 714-5056080. See Newport Beach location. $$

LAGUNA BE ACH ALESSÁ BY CHEF PIROZZI This village center magnet for robust Italian fare by chef-owner Alessandro Pirozzi boasts a bar featuring primo versions of burrata, scamorza, and other cheese delights, as well as elite cured meats from Italy and up-and-coming domestic producers, all hand-sliced to order. 234 Forest Ave., 949497-8222. $$ BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA Boy wonder chef Amar Santana and industry vet Ahmed Labbate decamped Charlie Palmer to create this sexy urban bistro. Fans old and new keep the tight quarters humming to the backdrop of an open kitchen and vintage flicks playing on the flat-screen over the expansive bar.

Santana’s dishes are opulent and intense. The wine list includes many notable half-bottles. 328 Glenneyre St., 949-715-8234. $$$ BRUSSELS BISTRO Loud and lively, this bistro brings a bit of Belgium to Orange County, with traditional beers on tap and an authentic menu. Stick with the tasty burger on rustic bread, or the mussels, served with the requisite frites. 222 Forest Ave., 949-376-7955. $$ THE DRAKE The grown-ups sipping cocktails are here for a full serving of primo live music paired with the cuisine of Paul Gstrein (ex of Bistango and Bayside). Laguna’s own Alec Glasser prevails in creating a dashing joint where both the musicians and the kitchen have serious chops. Diners dig into Euro-inflected dishes (try the lamb lolMay 2021 • Or a nge Coast 91

DINING GUIDE lipops, the Alpine Melt, the chile-lime swordfish).

Musicians dig the highbrow sound system, and the room generates a superlative groove. 2894 S. Coast Highway, 949-376-1000. $$$ DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN With its gorgeous seaside panorama, this place perfectly illustrates the food-versus-view gamble.

Prudent choices on chef Rainer Schwarz’s seasonal menu include whole fried fish, an unusual entree pairing of butcher steak-pork belly, and tarts by pastry chef Rene Baez. Brunch items and craft drinks also are good bets. 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, 949715-7700. $$ NICK’S Perched on Laguna’s prime stretch of Coast Highway, this inviting, urbane bar and grill lures grown-ups who prefer to skip the surfer grub scene in favor of tasty cocktails and a compact all-day menu of comfort classics with modern twists. Ace bets include the steakhouse salad and blackened halibut sandwich. Softly lit and cushily appointed, the openair space boasts a sidewalk patio. Sociable service is notably polished. 440 S. Coast Highway, 949-3768595. See San Clemente location. $$ OLIVER’S OSTERIA Wedged into an oddball canyon retail center, this tidy shop is chef-owner Erik De Marchi’s all-out defense of faithful fare inspired by his home turf of Italy’s Emilia-Romana region. Pastas are wondrous, but do wait to hear the daily specials that can include juicy lamb chops or crepes (crespelle) with porcini mushrooms in truffle-perfumed béchamel. Tight quarters make dining noisy when the room is full. And Oliver? He’s De Marchi’s first child, born on opening day. 853 Laguna Canyon Road, 949-715-0261. $$$ SAPPHIRE CELL AR CRAFT COOK The latest incarnation of Laguna Beach’s historic Coast Highway venue is much better than it has to be, given its bulletproof location.

Upmarket, innovative American cuisine by executive chef Jared Cook includes irresistible weekend brunch waffles and Benedicts, classy lunch salads, and dinners that star fresh oysters and a splendid ribeye. On-site pantry for beach eats. 1200 South Coast Highway, 949-715-9888. $$$ SEL ANNE STEAK TAVERN Anaheim Ducks star Teemu Selanne cements his brand with this polished and popular steak joint on a venerated stretch of Coast Highway.

Prime, pricey beef rules the day on executive chef Vince Terusa’s menu designed for a pro athlete’s appetite and fan base. We like the main floor’s easy, breezy tavern for terrific cocktails, the superlative burger, and world-class people-watching. 1464 S. Coast Highway, 949-715-9881. Dinner only. $$$ SPL ASHES RESTAURANT Easily one of our coast’s top resort options for a surf’s-edge indulgence, this contemporary dining room and lounge are famed for pricey romantic meals and sunset drinks. Ron Fougeray is executive chef. A stunning Pacific view dazzles, as does Fougeray’s five-star resume that includes a James Beard nomination. Surf & Sand Resort, 1555 S. Coast Highway, 888-281-3502. $$$ 230 FOREST AVENUE Lagunatics and sightseers mingle at this lively openair cafe, where the martinis are as popular as the modern California cuisine. Noisy, cramped quarters are overlooked once the waiter brings your day boat 92 Ora nge C o ast • May 2021

Heirloom beet salad at Fable & Spirit scallops. Primo people-watching from the tables fronting one of the village’s busiest sidewalks. 230 Forest Ave., 949-494-2545. $$$

LAGUNA HILLS BREAK OF DAWN Fine-dining chef Dee Nguyen never looked back when he escaped five-star kitchens to create this daytime diner serving wildly creative comfort fare with Asian inflections. Whether sweet—French toast crème brûlée with Mexican chocolate—or savory— Hawaiian sausage with fried eggs, scallions, green papaya, and rice—the result is spellbinding. 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, 949-587-9418. $$ IRONWOOD The savvy team behind Vine in San Clemente notches another hit with this welcoming dinner house in a zone with scant options. Executive chef Jared Cook’s modern, seasonal menu roams from delicate to hearty, but all dishes showcase his knack for upping the crave factor. Examples: chicken schnitzel with mushrooms, Zinfandelbraised lamb shank with mint yogurt. Terrific craft cocktails shift with the seasons. On-point service from a gracious crew. 25250 La Paz Road, 949-4468772. Dinner only. $$$

MISSION VIEJO DUBLIN 4 GASTROPUB Publicans Darren and Jean Coyle welcome a varied crowd to this chipper modern pub, designed to rival Dublin’s finest. Executive chef David Shofner applies fine-dining cred and scratch cooking to a menu of new and old-school fare that sparkles. Don’t-miss items include premium cottage pies, a killer lamb burger, and anything with house-cured meats. Upscale pricing and dapper surroundings prove this is not your frat brother’s Irish pub. 26342 Oso Parkway, 949-582-0026. $$$ WINEWORKS FOR EVERYONE This near-hidden pocket bistro is a top choice for wine-centric cuisine in South County. A retooled menu by chef David Shofner, who also helms the kitchen at Dublin 4 next door, brims with seasonal California fare that flatters a wine list of West Coast and international bottles. Must-haves include sausage flatbread, and a killer cheese plate. 26342 Oso Parkway, 949-582-0026. Beer and wine. $$$

N E W P ORT B E AC H A&O KITCHEN + BAR A serious reboot of this fabled lounge—formerly Duke’s—transforms this waterside venue into a gas-

photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

tropub with a newly youthful vibe. Expect all the usual share plates: battered fries, shishito peppers, bacon-wrapped dates, plus several hearty plates including a worthy Kobe burger with bacon mayo on a cheddar-bacon bun. Bold, neonautical decor plays off the “anchors and oceans” theme and brings the bay view to life. The water’s-edge patio is inviting for sunset drinks or gathering ’round the fire pit. Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, 949-630-4285. $$ BAYSIDE Classy Bayside remains a go-to choice on many fronts. Nightly happy hour stars a winning small-plates menu that keeps the bar hopping.

Rotating artwork keeps the dining room ever fresh for relaxed meals of debonair American fare. Long favored by the coastal set for jazzy brunches, insiders stop in on Friday nights for a legendary jam session in the bar. Prix fixe menus are a strength here. 900 Bayside Drive, 949-721-1222. $$$ BELLO BY SANDRO NARDONE

Previously of upmarket pizzeria Angelina’s, Sandro Nardone flies solo with this molto moderno Italiano overhaul of a sprawling spot. Nardone’s style is urbane, so expect no lasagna here. Instead, look for distinctive creations such as mortadella mousse canoli with liquid pineapple mustard. Crispy octopus with Calabrian vinaigrette is another crowd favorite.

Cocktails show imagination, and the wine list has some rare gems. Coming soon, Nardone’s take on hip patio brunching. 1200 Bison Ave., 949-520-7191. $$$ THE CANNERY The 1921 landmark structure has dazzled diners for more than 50 years with its waterfront site, pristine seafood, and top chops. Executive chef Marcus Hagan keeps the menu relevant by adding new dishes, say baked Peruvian scallops, to classics such as the trusted lobster roll. Also check out The Snug, a cozy bar downstairs, carved from the main dining room. Dockside dining offered for boaters. 3010 Lafayette Road, 949-566-0060. $$$ CUCINA ENOTECA Chef de cuisine Cesar Sarmiento helms the busy scratch kitchen of this Fashion Island sibling. The sprawling, lively space with its alluring garden room, hip cocktails, and fun wines supports inventive takes on classic pastas, cured meats, and creative breads.

Like the Irvine location, this venue offers a retail wine boutique and lots of quirky-chic furnishings for sale. Daily happy hour is a deal for tony Fashion Island. 951 Newport Center Drive, 949-706-1416. See Irvine location. $$ EDDIE V’S WILDFISH Wildfish lures a loyal following. The finely calibrated menu of pristine seafood and first-class steaks keeps the glossy room and fireplace patio hopping, especially for nightly happy hour deals when upscale locals crowd the sleek bar. Urbane service.

Strong wine list. 1370 Bison Ave., 949-720-9925. $$$ FABLE & SPIRIT From the family behind Dublin 4 BEST NEW RESTAURANT comes this lush addition to the area 2020 across from Lido Marina Village. But don’t assume this is an Irish pub that mimics the other. This plush room features inventive fare that’s a mashup of American and Irish. Here you start with Hares Looking at You, a cocktail starring Wheatley vodka and carrot juice, move on to the refined beet agnolotti with chèvre foam, or share a woodfired duck confit pizetta. Yes, the fish and chips are

superior, but so is the rabbit fricassee. 3441 Via Lido, 949-409-9913. $$$ FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR This flagship location’s makeover includes a renovated bar, a much larger patio, and the debut of lunch service. Dry-aged steaks star at this red meat specialist, supported by a luxe array of seafood starters. New a la carte lunch options include a filet mignon wedge salad. The sensational happy hour is one of Fashion Island’s most popular. Another house signature: an all-star wine list with more than 100 choices by the glass. 455 Newport Center Drive, 949-720-9633. $$$ LIDO BOTTLE WORKS This handsome waterfront venue sounds like a liquor store, but it’s a sleeper of a full-service restaurant hiding in the swanky Lido Marina Village development. Hyper-seasonal and prettily plated, notable creations include Dory Fleet catches of the day, opulent Iberico secreto pork, a solid burger, and one glorious chocolate mousse. 3408 Via Oporto, 949-529-2784. $$ OLEA CELL AR CRAFT COOK Eastside’s dapper dinner house is the latest offering from the polished crew behind sister restaurants Ironwood and Vine, a homegrown hospitality group. Fans of chef Jared Cook will recognize some familiar dishes from his sibling shops, but there are exclusives here, too. We’re mad for the opulent duck liver terrine with bacon and bourbon, and those fine oysters baked with blue crab in tarragon butter. Add top-notch cocktails and 50 notable wines by the glass. 2001 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949-287-6807. Dinner nightly. $$$ PESCADOU BISTRO After three decades at its vintage location, this vestpocket bistro owned by Jacques and Olga de Quillien is as cozy and classically French as ever. The blackboard $40 prix fixe rules supreme, but you can also indulge in classics that would thrill Julia Child: braised rabbit, duck confit with frites, and luscious ratatouille. Seasoned servers keep the regulars content, so it’s no wonder that diners quietly keep this gem their secret. 3325 Newport Blvd., 949-6756990. Dinner only. $$ SESSIONS This busy “West Coast deli” on the peninsula crafts terrific sandwiches that eat like a meal for two. Gourmet creations with kooky names are meticulous stacks of top ingredients with exacting ratios, so every ’wich is scrumptious to the last bite.

A surfer vibe extends to hearty breakfasts at 7 a.m. daily, starring Golden State Coffee Roaster coffee.

2823 Newport Blvd., 949-220-9001. Beer and wine.

See Huntington Beach and Irvine locations. Fourth location (not reviewed) in Newport Beach at 101 Newport Center Drive. $ SHOREBIRD Hidden inside the Vue Newport enclave, Shorebird is invisible until you enter the airy split-level space dominated by its waterfront view.

Expect contemporary American fare plus familiar side detours for sushi and tacos. Best bets include Duroc pork chop, lump crab cakes, avocado fries.

2220 Newport Blvd., 949-287-6627. $$$ SUSHI ROKU The sixth location of this Cal-Japanese concept makes a huge impression with striking decor and vibrant cuisine. If the dining room’s bus-

ier than the sushi bar, blame the thoughtfully designed and executed menu, notably dishes such as fluke kumquat sashimi, blue crab tartare, Prime ribeye Japonais, and the deconstructed s’mores. The creative sushi deserves a night all its own, and the bar and patio offer their own vibes. Look for scores of noodles, salads, and bento boxes at lunch, and sakes. 327 Newport Center Drive, 949-706-3622. $$$ TACO ROSA With agave-sweetened margaritas and house-made churros, these flagships of the Taco Mesa chain take fresh Mex to the max. 2632 San Miguel Road, 949720-0980. See Irvine location. $$ THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR The snazzy venue overlooks the yacht and Duffy boat traffic in Newport Harbor, flaunting its waterfront charms with 180-degree views from two floors plus a cigar patio. The space sizzles with bonhomie— and diners who love their surf, turf, wine, and VIP treatment. Expect cosseting service from partners JC Clow, William Lewis, and executive chef Yvon Goetz.

Best bets include Goetz’s signature Alsatian “pizza” and the Colorado buffalo carpaccio. 3131 W. Coast Highway, 949-999-6622. See Tustin location. $$$

NE WPORT COAST THE BEACHCOMBER The surf’s-edge view might be better than the food, but the drinks and eats are good enough to keep this iconic spot packed with beachgoers, especially in summer. Stick with basics such as grilled artichokes, lobster club, and stuffed salmon. Executive chef Carlos Olivera oversees the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus that change slightly each season. 15 Crystal Cove, 949-376-6900. $$$ BLUEFIN Adroit chef Takashi Abe applies his considerable talents to pristine ingredients he fashions into gorgeous works of edible Japanese art. His omakase is transcendent (and cheaper at lunch). The setting is suitably spare and visually soothing. Superior sake selection. 7952 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 949-7157373. $$$ MARCHÉ MODERNE The finest French bistro south of BEST NEW RESTAURANT Beverly Hills is reborn in coastal digs 2018 that express a fresh chapter for the redoubtable Florent and Amelia Marneau. Added space and oversize windows let the outdoors into a room that oozes grace and sophistication. Beloved dishes such as Spanish octopus with chorizo return to the dinner menu alongside new creations from the open kitchen—think crispy suckling pigs and beans, a three-day cassoulet. Amelia’s new desserts include ravishing Napoleons served weekends only.

7862 E. Pacific Coast Highway, 714-434-7900. $$$ WASA SUSHI James Hamamori cemented his stardom at this striking shopping-center spot brimming with devotees of modern spins on sushi. Renowned for such fare as salmon with ginger sauce and fresh orange. Exceptional selection of salads, appetizers, and entrees as well. 1344 Bison Ave., 949-760-1511.

Beer and wine. $$ ZOV’S NEWPORT COAST This attractive shopping center offshoot of the popular original Zov’s in Tustin is a go-to patio cafe that lures locals with creative Cal-Med dishes

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 93

DINING GUIDE such as Moroccan salmon salad, spiced lamb burger, and pomegranate baby back ribs. Desserts are a standout, as are cocktails and chic mezze starters.

21123 Newport Coast Drive, 949-760-9687. See Tustin location. $$$

ORANGE GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN Gabbi Patrick grew up working in her family’s Mexican restaurants, then studied at the Greystone Culinary Academy in Napa. The menu reveals her formal training as it embraces her family’s background. With items such as gorditas al pastor (masa cakes with Kurobuta pork belly and a pineapple-onion relish), Patrick’s plates celebrate simple, honest flavors. 141 S. Glassell St., 714-6333038. $$ HAVEN CRAFT KITCHEN + BAR A serious contender in the gastropub category, this popular storefront in Old Towne lures a mixed crowd of brew fanatics and foodies, thanks to a rich roster of esoteric suds and polished pub grub from chef Craig Brady. Dishes such as a braised lamb pappardelle and coriander roasted baby carrots.

Lunch and early dinner are options for bypassing the deafening din that rises with the crowd. 190 S. Glassell St., 714-221-0680. $$

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA THE BLIND PIG KITCHEN & BAR Lakeside seats, terrific craft cocktails, and daring fare by young chef Karl Pfleider earn local love for this rare gastro-canteen in Rancho Santa Margarita. Midweek tapas start at 3 p.m. with goodies such as steak tartare with pistachio XO sauce. But wait until 5 p.m. for the mahi-mahi with paprika mole. 31431 Santa Margarita Parkway, 949888-0072. Second location (not reviewed) in Yorba Linda, 4975 Lakeview Ave., 714-485-2593. $$

SAN CLEMENTE BRICK The menu of authentic, seasonal cuisine says Italy, but the unfussy setting and beach-casual regulars make for a solid California vibe at this trattoria by chef-owner David Pratt. Thin-crust pizzas from the wood-fired Valoriani oven are composed with care, but don’t miss the house-made pastas and seasonal salads. Amazing meatballs, too. 216 N. El Camino Real, 949-429-1199. $$ MRK PUBLIC Three chefs, two of them former co-chefs at Tabu Grill in Laguna Beach, transform a fast-casual fixture into a winning spot that offers craft beers, all $5, and a tightly edited menu of elevated favorites, notably Tuscan toast, and a terrific fried chicken sandwich.

The rear counter offers a distant ocean view. 1402 S. El Camino Real, 949-441-7621. Beer and wine. $ NICK’S On a prime stretch of vintage Avenida del Mar, this inviting bar and grill is just urbane enough to lure grown-ups who prefer to skip the surfer grub scene in favor of crackerjack cocktails and a compact allday menu of comfort classics with a modern twist.

Ace bets include the steakhouse salad and blackened fish sandwich. And there’s a sidewalk patio

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Osso buco at Mayfield with fireplace. Sociable service is notably polished.

213 Avenida del Mar, 949-481-2200. See Laguna Beach location. $$ VINE A decor revamp of the cozy dining room and a menu overhaul add up to impressive new heights, because owner Russ Bendel Jr. wisely gives sauce monster and executive chef Jared Cook full reign over the kitchen. Look for killer duck wings and nightly specials that tend to sell out. A garden out back only sweetens this gem. 211 N. El Camino Real, 949-3612079. Dinner only. $$$

SAN JUAN C APISTRANO MAYFIELD Modern, hyper-seasonal California fare meets the timeless food ways of the Middle East at this ingenious newcomer. Breezy two-story digs include a pretty quartz bar for leading-edge cocktails. Do try fried eggplant, lamb meatballs, and shareable dips. By day, look for indulgent brunch dishes. 31761 Camino Capistrano, 949-218-5140. $$$ PUBLIC 74 This county-line gastropub radiates a welcoming vibe that attracts customers of all types to its fauxramshackle chic, second-story venue. Craft brews, booze, and decidedly eclectic eats change often, as executive chef Gerry Kent keeps the smallish

menu seasonal. Definitely consider the two-handed Reuben, and there’s a seasonal monster burger. 27211 Ortega Highway, 949-481-2723. $$ RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ A sweet adobe hiding in the historic Los Rios district, Ramos House Café turns out some of South County’s most delectable daytime fare. Contemporary and clever American breakfasts and lunches (brunch on weekends) have a distinct Southern accent that fits the rustic, alfresco setting with passing trains as soundtrack. Look for ethereal biscuits and crab hash. And don’t miss the killer bloody mary. 31752 Los Rios St., 949-443-1342. $$

SANTA ANA [

SEE ALSO SOUTH COAST METRO

]

BENCHMARK Quirky but capable, this Santa Ana newcomer goes all-in for alfresco, luring diners with a tree-shaded setting on a vintage residential street. The modest menu of American bistro dishes is just big enough to have wide appeal. Happy hour and weekend brunch have a backyard party vibe. Dinner surprises with upmarket dishes, say a lovely bavette steak atop celery root purée. 601 E. Santa Ana Blvd., 714480-0225. $$ CHATO’S BAR AND GRILL This intrepid Mexican canteen offers less familiar dishes—corundas, roast quail—alongside comfort favorites such as ceviche and chilaquiles. Michoacán photograph by E M I LY J . D AV I S

native Sergio Ortega previously of Descanso, is executive chef. Inaugural meals include dinner nightly and Sunday brunch. Commendable drinks.

400 N. Broadway, 714-852-3256. $$ EL MERCADO MODERN CUISINE Deceptively bare bones, the menu offers about 20 dishes, each showcasing a regional recipe from Mexico’s distinctive territories. Don’t miss a sublime aguachile verde. Also impressive: crisp tacos ahogado in hot broth. We loved the guajillo salsa-soaked bread in the open-face pork pambazo at brunch.

Inventive cocktails lean on mezcal and house-made bitters. The vintage site with soaring ceilings seats 115 and boasts modern artwork. Expect kind, unflappable service. 301 N. Spurgeon St., 714-338-2446. $$ MIX MIX KITCHEN BAR DTSA got a major dining upgrade BEST NEW RESTAURANT with this winner from chef-owner 2017 Ross Pangilinan. A veteran of highend dining, his major culinary chops rule the day but not the tab at his breakout venue with zero pretension and multicourse meals packed with finesse. Think prosciutto toast with quince honey, and seared foie gras with al pastor spices and charred pineapple. Spiffy craft cocktails, too. 300 N. Main St., 714-836-5158. Dinner only. $$$

SOUTH COAST ME TRO ANQI

Tight focus on the fare makes dining at this South Coast Plaza hot spot better than ever.

Executive chef Ron Lee makes delicious harmony with matriarch master chef Helene An’s spicy beef tacos and roasted New Zealand lamb rack, as well as her fabled roast crab (Tuesday only). Zen chic decor turns heads. Drinks at the dramatic bar dazzle the cocktail crowd, but try Sunday brunch for a more kickback experience, or snag a padded stool at the adjacent noodle bar. 3333 Bristol St., 714-557-5679. $$$ ANTONELLO RISTORANTE For more than three decades South Coast Plaza’s Italian grand diva has reigned for ultrafine feasting on authentic, traditional dishes backed by a savvy wine selection deep with Italian stars. House-made pastas, breads, and desserts. The restaurant’s aura of privilege is underscored by pampering service for VIPs. A full-service wine bar is the latest update.

3800 South Plaza Drive, 714-751-7153. $$$ THE HALL GLOBAL EATERY The Hall’s 10,000-square-feet is a wonderland of casual offerings, but do search out the seasonal poke creations from Amar Santana. They explode with worldly flavors best enjoyed on the tranquil patio lounge with sophisticated cocktails by bar star Michael Rooney. Inside The Hall, graze on shawarmas, sandwiches, salads, and superb pastries and coffees from the patisserie. 3333 Bristol St., 714-515-5544. $$ DIN TAI FUNG Fans happily endure long waits to satisfy their craving for xiao long bao, juicy pork dumplings, handpleated with care. Bowls of noodles, rice, and stacks of bamboo steamers crowd tables as diners blend their own aromatic dipping sauce from rich soy, black vinegar, and shreds of fresh ginger. 3333 Bristol St., 714-549-3388. $$

HAMAMORI Sushi master artist James Hamamori applies persuasive talent to this South Coast Plaza penthouse dazzler of a sushi bar. Son Jim is now behind the bar, too, but this heavenly venue also shows off non-sushi dishes such as uni floating in edamame puree, Kobe rissole, and miso-marinated lamb chops. Omakase is truly top-notch. 3333 Bear St., 714-850-0880. $$$ KNIFE PLEAT Knife Pleat replaces Marché Moderne in the penthouse of South Coast Plaza. The radically transformed 80-seat setting is a clear signal that this French arrival is wholly apart from its predecessor. Chef Tony Esnault and partner Yassmin Sarmadi are new to O.C. though acclaimed in Los Angeles, and in the case of Esnault, covered in Michelin star dust after years with mentor Alain Ducasse. Esnault is a disciple of the seasons; his style is light, graceful, and precise as revealed by escargot ravioli in broth, his famous legumes de saison, or the ultrarefined cassoulet. Don’t skip Germain Biotteau’s indulgent desserts. 3333 Bristol St., 714-266-3388. $$$ RITTER’S STEAM KETTLE COOKING Chef-partner Mike Ritter and crew create CajunCreole magic in 12 steam-heated steel caldrons that cook seductive versions of gumbo, chowder, and the legendary pan poast—a heady concoction of various shellfish bubbling in a rich sauce of cream, tomato, and secret spices, topped with a dome of perfect jasmine rice—that’s by far the best-selling dish.

And don’t miss the mean po’ boy sandwich. 1421 W. MacArthur Blvd., 714-850-1380. Beer and wine. $$ ROYAL KHYBER Arun Puri, the creator behind Orange County’s first Indian restaurant, is still buying the spices and manning the tandoor oven in the skilled kitchen at this upscale choice for first-rate renditions of classics such as butter chicken, tikka masala, and the signature Khyber’s Nectar, a dish of slow-cooked lamb shanks said to be an aphrodisiac. 1621 W. Sunflower Ave., 714-436-1010. $$ TERRACE BY MIX MIX Canny chef-owner Ross Pangilinan leverages the success of his original Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in downtown Santa Ana with this minimalist aerie overlooking the stylish Bridge of Gardens skywalk at South Coast Plaza. This venue lacks a full bar, but it has wine and beer and is open daily with ample free parking. Fans love the three-course lunch for $20, but weekend brunch with its mimosa cart beguiles, and dinner offers the best prix fixe in the center.

Don’t-miss dishes include Asian ribs, hamachi crudo, and pork cheek adobo. 3333 Bear St., 657-231-6447. $$ VACA Top chef Amar Santana and ace partner Ahmed Labbate return to Costa Mesa with an exuberant, singular ode to Spain. Santana sidesteps the “eat local” crusade, offering peerless jamon Iberico, lush bomba rice for paellas, and verdant Mahon gin for cocktails. Dozens of authentic tapas beg to be tried, but do consider excellent wood-grilled steaks, dryaged in-house. Dinner tables at prime times are scarce, so plan, wait, or aim for lunch. 695 Town Center Drive, 714-463-6060. $$$

TUSTIN CENTRO STORICO Old Town Tustin’s new kid on the old block transforms a vintage building into a spaghetteria and bar, plus a back pocket cafe. Artisan, fresh daily pasta is the latest effort from the Pozzuoli family behind Centro, the excellent micro pizzeria next door. Signature dishes include Capperi e Olive (casarecca), Aglione (bucatini), and grilled porterhouse for two.

405 El Camino Real., 714-258-8817. $$ CHAAK Gabbi and Ed Patrick of Gabbi’s Kitchen chose Old Town to show off the county’s most sophisticated take on the regional fare of Mexico’s wondrous Yucatán Peninsula, naming their new location after the Mayan rain god. The dazzling space features a retractable roof and sliding Roman shades to lovely effect. Must-have dishes include sikil pec, a roasted pumpkin seed dip, as well as cochinita pibil and carne cruda. A 16-seat bar invites lingering over elaborate cocktails or a glass from an uncommonly diverse wine list. 215 El Camino Real, 657-699-3019. $$$ THE WINERY RESTAURANT & WINE BAR The O.C. power crowd doesn’t care that this isn’t a winery, but a huge, handsome restaurant that attracts disciples of steak, wine, and cigars. They’re exactly the folks you’d expect would follow partners JC Clow and William Lewis from their previous gig at Morton’s, with executive chef Yvon Goetz in tow. Best bets include Goetz’s signature Alsatian “pizza” and the Colorado buffalo carpaccio. If the 7,500-bottle wine cellar isn’t enough, you can always purchase a private wine locker. 2647 Park Ave., 714-258-7600. See Newport Beach location. $$$ THE YELLOW CHILLI The Yellow Chilli is another franchise by Sanjeev Kapoor, India’s mega-celebrity chef. Bigger than Wolfgang or Martha. The massive menu proves the master chef isn’t stingy with recipes, not after writing more than 150 cookbooks. Knowledgeable servers help navigate the options. Don’t miss Sham Savera, one of Kapoor’s most famous creations: open-face spinach dumplings filled with fresh white paneer that float in silky tomato gravy spiked with garlic, cardamom, and mace. 2463 Park Ave., 714-389-5280. $$ ZOV’S TUSTIN BISTRO Fans love Zov Karamardian’s modern, creative way with Mediterranean flavors. Zov keeps her flagship venue fresh and stylish. Expect Cal-Med dishes such as Moroccan salmon salad, spiced lamb burger, and pomegranate baby back ribs. Desserts are a standout, as are cocktails and chic mezze starters. The patio cafe out back stays busy at lunch and weekend breakfast. 17440 E. 17th St., 714-838-8855. See Newport Coast location. $$$

DINING NEWS To keep up with the latest Orange County dining news, subscribe to our O.C. Dining newsletter and follow our food‑and‑dining coverage at orangecoast.com.

May 2021 • Or a nge Coast 95

O F

I N T E R E S T

DARE TO DREAM

Holly Gresto opened her craft workshop studio, Dare to DIY, in Fullerton right before the pandemic.

Then came Plans B, C, and D. by Astgik Khatchatryan

What made you start Dare to DIY? I was working in the event industry, and I taught cookie-decorating classes on the side. I left my job and started teaching full time. After a while, I wanted to have my own space so that I could teach but also have outside artists come in and teach crafty workshops. The weekend I had my grand opening was actually when everything started to shut down. I have since learned that you have to have many backup plans for your business.

How did you adapt?

We still do some limited in-person workshops, and we do virtual workshops

96 ORA NGE CO AST • May 2021

such as macramé, watercolor, and calligraphy. But we’ve also pivoted to focusing on private events and hosting small-business markets. I’ve had micro weddings, baby showers, bridal showers—they rent the space per hour, and they can add on rentals or in-house event coordination. Normally, I can fit 48 people for a dinner party, but with COVID-19 it’s obviously fewer, and it just depends on the rules at the time.

Tell us about the small-business markets.

Twice a month, I host the markets at Dare to DIY, and then I also partnered with my friend Michelle Casillas of Desert Hangers

to form Creative Babe Market, which is a vendor market we organize but it’s held at different venues such as Golden State Coffee and other small businesses. In either case, the vendors are all local, womanowned small businesses—all sorts of things from clothing and jewelry to candles and macramé. Small businesses are struggling, so we just wanted to find a way to help.

CHECK IT O UT!

Find out about upcoming workshops, markets, and event rentals at daretodiyoc.com.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SUSAN GRESTO ART

Vol. 47 Issue 5 ORANGE COAST (ISSN 02790483 and USPS 360-630) and ORANGECOAST.COM are published monthly by Orange Coast Magazine LLC, 5900 Wilshire Blvd., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90036. 949-862-1133. Copyright 2021 by Orange Coast Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. Not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Periodical U.S. postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and additional entry offices. Subscription rates in continental U.S. $15 for 12 months. Canada, one year only $81; international, one year only $111. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Orange Coast, 1965 E. Avis Drive, Madison Heights, MI 48071. If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we have no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

P E R S O N

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And I believe in its mission.

There is no better or more effective way to improve one’s social mobility than education, and Long Beach delivers a transformative experience without forcing students into heavy debt.” csulb.edu/explore

source: edreformnow.org

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