Orange County April 2011 by Locale Magazine

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I have two areas that I consider home; the small Northern California town of Hughson (pop.1100), that I was raised in and coastal Orange County, where I have lived for the past 10 years raising my family. I have moved around quite a bit due to semi-nomadic parents and a stint in the US Army. Only later in life have I experienced the beauty of community. I started Locale Magazine to focus on what is amazing about where we live and why it is such a unique locale. Our area is overflowing with culture and diverse businesses that I intend to bring into the spotlight. It is my hope that our readers take the time to visit the places we mention, they are truly special.

Ashley Hickson Chaos Manager Born and raised in New Jersey, Ashley Hickson had made yearly visits to her family in sunny Southern California, quickly realizing that there wasn’t anywhere else she would rather live. Ashley found her calling after achieving the position as the editor of the school yearbook and newspaper in high school. When she relocated to Orange County at the age of 17, she began her studies at Chapman University in Old Town Orange. Upon graduation, Ashley pursued her dream and began working with the Orange County Hotel Magazine, where she was a key player in production. Ashley has since moved onward and upward to Locale Magazine where she is currently the “Chaos Manager” and is THE go to girl for everything LOCALE.

Michael Zschoche Clean Up Michael Zschoche takes “jack of all trades” literally. Michael is a world traveler, photographer, race car driver, vintage motorcycle rider, entrepreneur and foodie. His lifestyle includes the retail store Zschoche on Balboa Island and a branding and advertising firm, Nzsch. Michael’s eclectic style and interests have led him to the creation, delivery and management of interactive, print and outdoor communications for an equally diverse client base. He has had the great fortune of working in a multitude of dynamic industries not limited to: mega-yacht, art, law, engineering, tug boat, music, film, retail, adult, pet, internet infrastructure, clothing and periodical.

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Coming from a nomadic family, Melissa Lunt has spent equal amounts of her life in Northern California, Florida and Hawaii. Currently a resident of South Laguna, Melissa embodies the soul of the Southern California lifestyle with a passion for creativity. She practices yoga, is an avid reader and does not believe in microwaves. As Senior Project Manager and Designer at the boutique advertising and branding firm Nzsch, she has participated in developing successful brands and campaigns for a diverse clientele.

Jenna is a sponsored kitesurfer, action sports journalist, host, athlete, and model. She is your not-so-typical blonde. Hailing from the Rocky mountains of Canada, Jenna has always had an affinity for sport. Her love for board sports led her to kitesurfing. Her goal is to be on a board everyday, whether it be a skateboard, kiteboard, surfboard, snowboard or wakeboard. She is always on the move and therefore very hard to pin down. That is why we decided to Pin Her Up.

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Jenavieve Belair is a girl who looks at the world through a lens, whether it be a fisheye, wide angle, or macro, her camera is always by her side. She lives in Newport Beach with her two sisters and cat Bill. She began taking photos at a young age with disposable cameras and over the years her camera collection has grown along with her portfolio. She lives by three words her mother always said, “dare to be.”

Erin Rose Belair Erin Rose Blacque Belair is a writer living happily in Newport Beach. She received a Bachelors of Arts in English with a creative writing emphasis from the University of California Irvine in the spring of 2010. She has since then spent her time traveling the world, reading endlessly, and writing constantly. You can catch all of her adventures and works in progress on her blog roseblacque. blogspot.com. She loves ice tea and her black cat Belladonna.

Geoff Ragatz Born and raised in Laguna ~ University of Oregon Journalism Graduate -- who loves to see the Ducks Kick SC’s ASS ~ beauty , fashion , lifestyle, destination and sports for advertising and editorial clients for over 15 years ~ recent work past month: Worldwide Ad Campaign for Zimmer Medical, a destination travel feature for The Surfers Journal on behalf of Tahiti Tourism and an ad campaign for Ramanav Diamonds ~ looking forward to a spring trip fly fishing through Patagonia, the south swell season and my reps changing of the music industry as we know it - top secret - but when it happens the game has just begun ~ ragatzphoto. com

Nicky Vallee Nicky Vallee is a musician, writer, wine blogger and public relations professional. For more than a decade, Nicky worked as a television news reporter, most recently as a general assignment reporter for the CBS affiliate in Palm springs, where

she covered a variety of stories, including the devastating and deadly Sawtooth and Esperanza wildfires. In her spare time, she enjoys collecting vintage pop culture memorabilia, hiking, wine tasting, cooking, reading and traveling.

Nancy Villere I have been a professional photog for 18 years (sounds better than 21!!) and love to always push my limits for creativity. My passion for photography lies in the discovery of another human being. Their energy and excitement gives me energy! Our images are a cocreation! I am currently uncovering my purpose as a photographer through my studio, Crush Photo Studios, crushphotostudios.com. Fashion, Commercial and Boudoir Photography are my emphasis. It is my greatest joy to witness the freedom and self-confidence women experience after their boudoir sessions. It is an honor to contribute to their process. I love Locale and Erik and the commitment to expand awareness of our local passionate business owners!

Jeff Farsai Jeff Farsai specializes in editorial, celebrity, fashion, sports and wedding photography. After earning his B.F.A. in photography and visual communication, he quickly dove into the commercial world of photography. Since then, Jeff has photographed countless celebrities, musicians and gold medal athletes all over the world. He recently started writing and directing music videos. Additionally, he is working on a feature film which is projected to finish by the end of 2011. For more info check out his site: http:// www.JeffFarsaiPhotography.com

Jen Hood I am Jen Hood, an artist and designer, a sponge of culture, a piano man, a sieve of word and song. I’m a rolling stone, a product of manifest destiny, a onetime creative director, an avid bath taker, a reader, a writer, a doodler, a “miner of truth and delusion”, but partial to love and hope. I seek the beauty and “crazy” that shines on.

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All rights reserved © 2011, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without the express written prior permission of the copyright owner.

LOCALE Magazine 2043 Westcliff Dr. #204 Newport Beach, CA 92660 ph: 949-436-8910 fax: 949-682-4807 info@localemagazine.com

to contact the Big Chief: erik@localemagazine.com to submit events: info@localemagazine.com to advertise: ashley@localemagazine.com to subscribe: home@localemagazine.com

Cover: Photographer: Nancy Villere of Crush Photo Studios

FRESH • ORGANIC • HOMEMADE

Hair & Makeup: Leah Zaby

Napolitan style Pizzas & regional Pastas

Stylist: Nicole Hanriot

In a Los Angeles Time Review, S. Irene Virbila said:

Jewelry: Aurora Lopez: Price upon request

“Delicious Naples Style pies and pastas at Il Dolce.” 1902 HARBOR BOULEVARD COSTA MESA, CA 92627 WWW.ILDOLCEOC.COM | 949.200.9107 FACEBOOK.COM/ILDOLCE

Clothes: Lola by Tavik Swimwear, $126.00; Amarees Sunglasses: Halston by SALT Available at and provided by A’maree’s Location: Amarees

Can’t Pin Her Down (Fashion spread): Photographer: Nancy Villeree of Crush Photo Studios Model: Jenna Hannon Hair & Makeup: Leah Zaby Stylist: Nicole Hanriot

Locale Looks: Photographer: Jonah GIlmore Locations: Rancho Las Lomas, Newport Harbor High School, The Dock Restaurant, Charlie Palmer’s at South Coast Plaza, The Vintage Steakhouse Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publication cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Sincerely, Erik Hale Big Chief

Multiple Choice.

Piece-a-pie story and Photography by Erik Hale

izza is at the center of many debates. Deep

Orange County that we adore. I know this list might

dish or thin crust. Chicago or New York. Just

stir up a debate (especially amongst the East Coast

a slice or the whole pie. Regardless of where you

transplants), but being Californian gives us perspective.

stand on the type, origin, or serving size of the pie

We tested slices you had to fold to eat, dishes so deep

you are most likely (94% are) a consumer (literally)

we needed a fork, and traditional Italian with prosciutto

and probably a connoisseur. The average American

and arugula. We hope to give you options. We hope it

consumes 23 pounds of the flat bread topped

inspires you to get off your couch, remove the national

greatness every year. With so many local options, it

brands from your speed dial, and visit one of our local

would be impossible to give you a comprehensive list,

parlors for your next piece-a-pie.

so we have given you restaurants sprinkled throughout

"Chicago's Finest" at P.H.A.T. Pizza

Ecco Restaurant Pie: Seasonal Toppings: Fig & Guanciale - basil, pesto, fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, wild arugula Price: $15.00 What to expect: The Camp in Costa Mesa was built to be eclectic. The current variation of restaurants contained therein are the best to be found anywhere is Southern California. Re-imagined taco shops, Far East sandwiches, raw, vegan, and even sausages. What a collection. Ecco is has taken its place along with The Old Vine as one of the casual yet sophisticated older brothers in this uber-trendy collection of excellent eateries. They take advantage of local fresh ingredients and a wood fired oven to produce their brand of an Italian favorite.

2937 Bristol St., #A103 | Costa Mesa | (714) 444-3226 | www.eccocm.com

Il Dolce Pizzeria Pie: Prosciutto e Rucola Toppings: tomato sauce, prosciutto di parma, fresh mozzarella, arugula Price: $18.00 What to expect: If you could park your car and be escorted in, eyes closed, you would have a difficult time imagining the smells and taste associated with this new restaurant in Westside Costa Mesa weren’t emanating from a small family restaurant in downtown Buenos Aires. Roberto and his wife are from Argentina, and their pride in ownership shines through in everything they do. The smell of almond wood greets you as you enter. The wood fuels their oven which cooks your dough at more than 800 degrees. The warmly painted restaurant is perfect for lunch or a casual family dinner. Rest assured that everything that can be homemade is. The day we visited, they were putting the finishing touches on their home made mozzarella.

1902 Harbor Blvd | Costa Mesa | (949) 200-9107 | www.ildolceoc.com

Laventina’s Big Cheese Pizza Pie: Large, 3 topping (your choice) carry out. Toppings: Ham, pineapple and Jalapenos Price: $11.03 What to expect: If you have ever been out consuming adult beverages after midnight on the Newport Beach Peninsula, then there is a very good chance you have been in the long line waiting for your slice to be passed through the walk up window. They have been making hundreds of returning local customers very full with their giant pies since the current reincarnation opened in 1995. If you come during daylight expect to carry this pie home, or to the beach, or onto your Duffy.

2819 Newport Blvd # B | Newport Beach | (949) 675-1980 | www.laventinasbigcheese.com

Original Pizza II Pie: The Balboa Toppings: White pizza with grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, chopped garlic and basil. Price: $21.50 What to expect: Original pizza on the Newport Peninsula has been a staple for locals and visitors for nearly 30 years. OG II is a neighborhood pizzeria trying to live up to the reputation of the iconic beach restaurant. This joint sports a Newport Beach address but is for sure an Eastside Costa Mesa location. You have your choice of sitting with your family in a booth, on an outdoor patio overlooking Newport Beach golf course, or with your buddies at the bar. This is pizza you eat with a fork served piping hot with great tasting sauce and hot melting cheese. They serve a variety of unique pizza with locally tuned names (ex. “The Wedge” and “The Balboa”). The pizza takes about 25 minutes, so play some bumper pool while you wait.

2675 Irvine Ave. | Newport Beach | (949) 574-4995

Pizzeria Ortica Pie: Margherita Pizze Toppings: Crushed San

Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil Price: $ 12.00 What to expect: As you enter this pizzeria, take a moment to appreciate the detail that went into constructing it. The long and narrow restaurant feels as if it could be resting alongside a piazza in Calabria. Beautifully decorated throughout, the restaurant’s feature attraction is the open kitchen that boasts an almond wood burning stove that leaves the Neopolitan pies crispy, bubbled, and slightly blackened on the outside while retaining a soft and chewy core. The dough they use is from a 300 year-old “biga” from outside Naples which they always hand-stretch. The sausage is hand made, the ingredients are fresh, and the atmosphere is refined, yet cozy. A power lunch with the boss or Happy Hour with the guys would fit perfectly here.

650 Anton Boulevard | Costa Mesa | (714) 445-4900 | www.pizzeriaortica.com

P.H.A.T. Pizza Pie: Chicago’s Finest Toppings: A special blend of spinach, mushroom, cheeses and spices Price: $ 20.75 What to expect: As you drive north along the 55, going late enough to avoid the traffic snarls, you might ask yourself if we are sending you to Bakersfield: we are not. As you pull into the shopping center where the restaurant resides you might be tempted to flip a b, don’t. As you are asked to wait for 30 minutes for your pie to cook (without beer) you might consider leaving (like we did). On this occasion, speaking from experience, make the drive, pull into the shopping center, and spend the 30 minutes talking with Rance as your pie percolates. The recipe is his grandmother’s (and is sublime), the crust taste like it should be on an actual pie (all buttery and flaky), and you will not meet nicer people.

18340 Yorba Linda Blvd | Ste 104 | Yorba Linda | (714) 985-1515

The Pizza Bakery Pie: Margherita Pizza Toppings: Olive oil, salt&pepper, mozzarella, basil and roma tomatos Price: $ 18.25 What to expect: Tucked inside an upscale strip mall in the zig-zagged border that separates Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, this New York style restaurant has been serving locals for over 20 years. It is perfect for pizza after soccer practice, an informal family dinner, and is convenient enough for most neighbors to place a to-go order. With over 30 ingredients available including eggplant, home-made meatballs, and fresh zucchini, you can build a pizza for any taste. Stop by on Monday for their famous “All you ‘should’ eat.”

1741 Westcliff Drive | Newport Beach | (949) 631-1166 | www.thepizzabakery.com

The Pizza Lounge Pie: Slice of Chicken and Peach Toppings: Alfredo sauce, pesto, mozzarella, chicken breast and peaches

Price: $ 14.95 What to expect: The unexpected. You would expect a very laid back beach vibe at this just off PCH walk in location. What you get is flat screen TV’s, upscale decor, comfy benches, overstuffed pillows, and one of the most comfortable places to people watch in Laguna. They offer take out and delivery but in true New York style have a wide variety of pre-made pies in their glass display case just waiting to be fired up. There are over 20 options to decide between. They have meatball, BBQ, and Santa Fe Taco varieties. We tried the peach and chicken and I suddenly understood what an explorer must have felt like discovering a new continent, or at least how the guy felt who made the first Canadian bacon and pineapple.

397 S Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach | (949) 497-2277 | www.pizzalounges.com

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And the Winners are... Ambiance Pizzeria Ortica

This is not your typical neighborhood pizzeria. Do not expect vintage Ms. Pac Man, screaming Soccer championship parties or copious amounts of red pepper and parmesan displayed in ex-sugar containers on your table. What you should expect is a restaurant that will leave you content, ignoring your companions conversation, staring at the intricate detail that was lovingly poured into restaurant. The over sized golden cloth chandeliers dominate but do not allow them to distract from the use of white porcelain tile, glass, steel and wood. The restaurant is large but comfortable, sophisticated yet inviting. The smells emanating from the wood fire are intoxicating as the chef stokes the fire before inserting the dish he created out of fresh ingredients moments earlier. You can take a date, your boss or the in-laws and they will all be equally impressed. Pizzeria Ortica is our winner for best Ambiance.

Native Knowledge: They are intentionally serving you pizza with a slightly blackened edge. The idea is super crispy exterior with a soft and warm interior. Success.

Taste Il Dolce

House made Mozzarella, fresh arugula and a sauce that tasted like it was made from tomatoes pulled from the vine that morning. Food can be transport you. Maybe paella reminds you of tooling around Europe as an undergrad or BBQ that reminds you of family picnics and instantly delivers you to that moment in time. Il Dolce is that type of experience. From the first bite you will probably close your eyes to savor the spices, the crispy crust, the melting cheese. Second bite, open your eyes to discover that you love the taste of fresh arugula and that the pizza has transported you thousands of miles south to a family home in Argentina. You are now sitting at a wooden table, drinking wine and you are surrounded by friends. The pizza you are eating had only moments before exited the outdoor oven on the patio. Take a third bite and you might stay here forever. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a bad thing.

Native Knowledge: The white bags piled in front of the counter are Almond wood.

Originality ECCO

You should expect by now that any restaurant located within The Camp in Costa Mesa is going to be original. ECCO does not disappoint. The restaurant serves fine Italian cuisine in an atmosphere that is welcoming and warm. They also happen to have a wood fired oven and have become quite proficient and turning out original pies. The seasonal pizza we experienced should make it to the menu all year long. The use of fig and goat cheese was superb mixture of sweet and salty, the pesto sauce provided a perfect amount of moisture and the mozzarella dripping off the side reminded us we were eating pizza. The pizza was tasty, the restaurant was cozy and the vibe was hip. Tell your date you just want to grab pizza, then bring them here and knock their socks off.

Native Knowledge: Grab dinner here on Tuesday then walk across the parking lot to MESA for C.A.M.M. Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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SEASONS 52 [

3333 Bristol Avenue Suite #2802, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 437-5252. www.seasons52.com

52 seasons opened their doors in August of 2010 at South Coast Plaza to help Orange County “celebrate living well through healthier dieting.” This fine establishment originated in 2003 on the East Coast, growing quickly to thirteen locations, and we are lucky enough to enjoy their first venture here on the West Coast. This is the scoop on Seasons 52: every single one of their dishes contains less than 475 calories. This doesn’t mean they are serving you measly portions of tasteless, diet food. Their dishes are perfectly portioned and fully- flavored creations designed to let you enjoy fine cuisine without popping a button. You can order anything on the menu without having to consider how much longer you will need to stay on the stair master. The dishes are created to showcase everything in its most natural state. They use only healthy natural fats like nuts, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil. They don’t even own a deep fryer and they don’t use butter. That’s right, no butter at all. The full menu changes four times a year with each season and the specials menu changes every week, 52 times a year. Changing the menu this often gives guests an opportunity to be continually dazzled by the cusine, and gives

the chefs endless opportunities to get creative. They designed their menu to be “sensitive” to all diets and they offer dairy free and gluten free options so everyone can find something to enjoy. Head chef Tim Kass, and Sous Chef Jessica Koine, have created something truly unique and are committed to a concept of sustainability by sourcing local ingredients, sticking to organics, and paying attention to where these products originate. They take great pride in everything they offer. My Picks: Try the Spicy Shrimp Chipotle Flatbread prepared in the stone fire oven, a Spicy Chicken Chile Relleno with goat cheese, and the Hamachi Tataki with avocado (available only at this location.) Follow these up with a few of their “mini indulgences.”

Photography by Jenavieve Belair

by Erin Rose Belair

Resolutions. Whether you resolved to eat right or lace up your sneakers a few times a week in the New Year, statistics tell us that by now most of us have forgotten or given up. I am here to remind and encourage you and to also let you in on a little secret: you don’t have to give up delicious food to have a healthier diet. I spent seven incredible afternoons in the company of vegetarian, vegan, raw, and “right choice” restaurants to deliver you this list of “must eats.” Every one of these restaurants brings something different to the table and every one of them is committed to helping you live a healthier and happier life. Put your previous opinions aside for the next few minutes, read on, and I assure you that your taste buds and waistline will thank you.

Mini Indulgences from 118 degrees

118 degrees [

2981 Bristol Suite B5, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714)-754-0718. www.118degrees.com.

The smells coming from the kitchen are both new to me and incredibly intoxicating. Created and owned by Jenny Ross, 118 degrees was opened in June of 2008. Chef Jenny has created a menu of “gourmet living cuisine.” This means that nothing in her kitchen ever exceeds 118 degrees and nothing is processed. Are you wondering why specifically 118 degrees? I was too, so I found this on her website www.118degrees.com: “118 Degrees is the commonly accepted temperature at which the natural enzyme value and nutritional contents of raw plant foods begin to break down and become useless for the body.” Jenny shops locally and uses organic produce whenever possible, the menu changes slightly with what is currently available. All their food is living. They use no tofu, no soy, no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, and no gmo’s (genetically modified organisms.) So, what do they use? They use vegetables; every single one of their dishes is 60-80% fresh vegetables, and only one nut or seed is used per dish to help aid digestion. I tried the living lasagna that was made with layers of yellow squash and zucchini, tomato, and creamy macadamia nut ricotta, then topped with basil cheese. I know this description may confuse

NEKTER JUICE BAR [

474 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 642-4473. www.nekterjuicebar.com

Their goal is to help educate and empower mainstream society to make better choices and at the very least incorporate more vegetables into their daily diet. What she is sharing with the world is truly remarkable, and the dishes are beyond delicious. She sent me home that with some leftovers, a new state of mind, and a copy of her cookbook “The Art of Raw Living Food.” My Pick: Happy Hour. On weekdays from 4-6 they offer specials on their organic beers, wines, and martinis that are made from sake, shochu, and organic fresh pressed juices.

2801 E. Coast Hwy, #C Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

I am sitting in a lush courtyard sipping “the toxin flush” and getting some much needed vitamin D on my face and arms. I can hear a few cars on 17th street whistle by but mostly I hear the hum of juicers and blenders coming from Nekter Juice Bar. Nekter opened their glass doors on October 9th 2010, introducing their line of specially crafted juice blends and smoothies to the public. All drinks are sugar free and dairy free. The juices are all fresh, never frozen, and made from the produce of local growers. They buy organic as much as possible and take pride in supporting our community with their business. The smoothies are made with a nut milk base and are sweetened with natural agave nectar. Their smoothies are incredibly popular with children and their parents, who can add the “sneaky spinach,” a handful of spinach that blends so well with the berries, the kids never know it is there. The Popeye Acai is currently their most popular smoothie. One month after opening, Nekter released their Cleanse. The Cleanse is six bottles a day of all raw juices, one nut milk, and no food. It is the perfect way to reset your body and start making the right choices for yourself. It is offered in one day and five day options. They recommend starting with the three day so as not to overdo it but really give your body a chance to respond. Common results in addition to detoxification are weight loss, energy boosts, glowing skin, whiter eyes, and a reset of your palate. In addition to their smoothies and juices, Nekter offers a selection of raw treats that are both savory and sweet, several gluten free snacks, shots of wheat

AU LAC [

you slightly because I just told you they don’t use dairy. The “cheeses” they use are all nut cheeses (a fresh blend of herbs, nuts, and sprouted grains) that they make in house; in fact they make everything in house from scratch.

grass, organic hot tea, and zero sugar acai bowls served with organic hemp granola and fresh fruit. They also have a concoction made of warm ginger, lemon, honey, and cayenne pepper that will clear you out and bolster your immune system for sure; it saved me several times this winter from descending into sickness. Alexis and Steve Schulze, the creators and owners of Nekter Juice Bar, designed their menu to appeal to a wider mass than what most juice bars aim for. They created all their juices to be incredibly palatable and even throw in an extra apple or two for newbie juicers. Their goal is to make juicing less intimidating to the public. They want anyone and everyone to feel comfortable walking in, asking questions, and ordering a juice that is just right for them. They want to be a part of the community and are committed to helping their clientele make better choices this year and in the years to follow. I have to admit, they definitely captured my attention and helped me to kicked my Starbucks habit. Start your morning or slow down your afternoon with one of their delicious sensations. My Pick: Order your Popeye “over ice,” which makes the juice more refreshing.

16563 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708. (714) 418-0658. www.aulac.com

Tucked away in Huntington Beach on Brookhurst behind a nondescript glass door hides the wonder that is Au Lac. During a bustling lunch hour, Au Lac is an oasis of calming sounds and delicious smells. I was treated with the utmost respect by the staff and joined by owner Mai Nguyen for my lunch. While we wait for dishes that Mai has selected for us to try, she begins to tell me the story of the restaurant that saved her life. Mai was a diehard meat eater and says she never went to bed without a bite of steak. She became ill and weighed in at nearly 200 pounds. Looking now at her now svelte frame, I find it hard to believe she ever looked any other way. What saved her life was becoming a vegetarian. She had dropped close to100pounds and knocked seventy points off her cholesterol when she opened Au Lac fourteen years ago. The restaurant had been strictly vegetarian for some time but now provides an all vegan and raw Vietnamese menu. Au Lac operates with two kitchens; one serving hot vegan food and the other for all-raw dishes. The raw kitchen churns out organic, unprocessed foods that get their protein from raw nuts. They use no fire and nothing ever reaches above 118 degrees Fahrenheit. In the cooked kitchen, the protein comes from soy. It is their firm belief that it is the flavors, the textures, and the technique used to cook the meat that we are addicted to and not the meat itself. They create traditional Vietnamese and Chinese food by healthier means by “duplicating” the familiar

tastes and textures of meat. The dishes are anything from boring. They use food dehydrators, blenders, and raw nuts. I tried seven dishes during my stay. Even after so much food, I still felt light and energetic. For 14 years, Mai and Chef Ito have been devising new ways to trick your palate and change your mind about eating vegan. They call their food “humanese,” a term they coined themselves which means, “We are all one.” They believe that we must have love for animals, the planet, and ourselves. They live by their belief that you don’t have to give anything up, they will duplicate it for you. The taste will always be there. Take a chance, take a drive, and let them open your mind and taste buds to a whole new way to do food. My Pick: Two traditional Vietnamese dishes that Mai said are always served together “like husband and wife.” The hot and sour soup was incredibly flavored and pairs with the “clay pot fish sensation.” They used soy instead of fish in case you thought they were slipping.

AVANTI CAFE [

16563 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (714) 418-0658. www.aulac.com

Avanti Café in Costa Mesa has been open for six years and operating by the motto “Eat Well, Live Well,” which seems to be working. I learned right away that I had been missing out on this spot for years. Their worldly influenced menu is entirely vegan vegetarian. They pride themselves on interesting tastes and spices to keep their food fun. Their goal is to turn people onto healthy food and help our community realize that making good choices for your body is easy and delicious. They focus on the seasonality of foods, adapting their dishes and specials to the freshest produce during each season. By shopping locally, they are able to provide their customers with fresh and delicious dishes year round. Working with South Coast Farms in San Juan Capistrano makes it easy for Avanti to stay dedicated to their message of healthy local eating. It also gives them the opportunity to make almost everything in house, from their pizza dough to their ketchup. “It’s certainly more fun than opening a bag,” says Trisha, part owner and chef of Avanti café who treated me with the warmth of an old friend during my visit. In addition to their beautiful menu, Avanti makes and sells their own sauces, spices, and mustards so that you can bring some of their flavors into your own home. While the classic tune “Que Sera Sera” hummed softly through the speakers, I felt like I was enjoying lunch in small café somewhere overseas. Trisha served me a personally-sized pizza toasted to perfection with asparagus, red peppers, and topped with a fried egg. I was in heaven, and quite pleased to find that their portions are reasonable and perfect. The pizza was followed by Trisha’s personal favorite, the Portobello Stack. The mushroom was sliced and stuffed

BANZAI BOWLS [

with garlic-mashed potatoes, falafel flavored eggplant, and a vegetable blend that changes slightly with the seasons, and then topped with a homemade nut cheese. It was accompanied by lime coleslaw and oven roasted cherry tomatoes that popped in the mouth and were full of warm, delicious flavors. The Portobello stack is a vegan dish that has literally revolutionized my idea of eating vegan entirely. I wish I had saved room for dessert because they had a delightful selection, and after trying the cookies that Trisha sent home with me, I know I will the next time it is offered. Avanti will be undergoing a brief aesthetic remodel in the month of March that will include a new bar with a few beers on tap to add to their local beer and wine selection. The project has been duly influenced by many of the establishment’s regular customers, who were given the chance in early spring to voice their opinion on color swatches, and even which dishes to keep on the revamped menu. The new menu will retain the values, message, and some of the classic dishes that have made Avanti a Costa Mesa gem. Stop in sometime for a quick bite or a long luxurious meal, and if your mind isn’t made up already in terms of what to order, they will make it your decision for you. My Pick: The Portobello Stack. What else?

488 E 17th St Ste 107, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 722-8329

Banzai Bowls is just around the corner from my house and since the day they opened in September of 2009, it has been one of my favorite things in life to walk there, enjoy a bowl, and walk home with a full belly and a mellow smile. The place is owned and operated by Joe and Tiana Bard, who put their hearts and souls into opening their stores. Their bowls are a favorite among students, police officers, Moms and Dads and surfers across Orange County. They are the “original acai café” and have turned something they love into a thriving business. For years they made acai bowls in their home for friends and family, but it was only after an inspirational camping trip in northern California that the dream stared to take shape. Their second store, located on PCH in Laguna Beach,was opened just one year after their Costa Mesa location debuted. Banzai Bowls is the epitome of a locals spot, and they work hard to be a part of the community by supporting other local businesses, sponsoring surfers and skaters, and remaining environmentally conscious. The place is filled with a homey vibe that invites you to have a bite and hang out awhile.

and then topped with fresh fruit, dried coconut, and organic hemp granola. They never use ice, sherbet, yogurt, or added sugar. They cut no corners when it comes to freshness. You cannot buy frozen, organic bananas, so every employee at every Banzai location cuts and freezes fresh bananas nightly for the next day’s operation. They go through product so quickly that nothing sits for more than a day.

Banzai Bowls are delicious and healthy. They are made from Sambazon Acai smoothie packets, frozen and fresh fruit, organic juices, soymilk, almond milk,

My Pick: The Diamond Head Bowl with extra blueberries.

While I sat outside Banzai on a fresh spring morning and spoke with Joe and Tiana, I was amazed by how involved they are with their local customers. They are truly living and breathing everything abouttheir philosophy behind the business. Come by and be a part of their journey.

1890 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 www.mothersmarket.com (949) 631-4741

MOTHER’S MARKET AND KITCHEN [ Some of my best memories as a child growing up in Costa Mesa are of eating in the small restaurant tucked away in Mother’s Market on 17th Street under those large paintings of the rainforest. I still eat at Mother’s quite frequently, but was in the mood to find out more. Mother’s is all about choices. They will never tell you what you should be eating, and they will never tell you what not to eat. They operate under “a philosophy of choices,” positive choices for any type of diet. Mother’s Kitchen opened their first store in 1978 on 17th Street in Costa Mesa. They have since grown to six locations; Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Woods, Santa Ana, Anaheim Hills, and will make it seven when Brea opens in the summer. They offer a full service market, makeup and vitamin section, juice bar, deli, salad bar, hot bar, and a full service restaurant in every location (Anaheim and Santa Ana are exceptions). In every aspect of their operation they offer you choices. They offer an incredibly wide selection of vitamins, and while they may help you find what you need, they will never tell what to buy. Their grocery stores do not sell beef or pork but they do offer fresh seafood and chicken. They will help steer you in a healthy direction by offering products that benefit your life and well being. The restaurants are open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The kitchen has the same philosophy in regard to choice. They are vegetarian conscious and they do

not crosscontaminate. They use mostly tofu as a meat substitute in addition to tempeh, a soy based alternative, and a few others. You can however still order the ever popular tuna sandwich that is sold in the deli. They offer gluten free options, but the kitchen is not a gluten free. They make 90% of everything in house and use organic products as often as possible. The original Mother’s moved in June 2010 to the corner of 19th Street and Newport Boulevard, giving that corner of Costa Mesa an incredible makeover. The store is twice the size of the original and is open, beautiful, bright, and spacious. My Pick: Mother’s Ice Tea (you must try this), an order of raw hummus, and a springtime salad served with Tahini dressing.

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The Taste

Pascal Olhats Shares His Passion for International Travel, One Seaport at a Time

by Nicky Vallee

Photography by Ronda Chatelle

is every food and wine lover’s dream: to travel the world, eating in the best neighborhood restaurants, drinking the handcrafted wine of each particular region, and indulging in the sights and sounds that only a local would know about. Each season, that dream comes true for customers of Pascal Olhats, the Newport Beach-based Chef who seems to have cornered the market on enjoying life from an insider’s perspective. Olhats has made it his mission to educate discerning guests about his favorite and littleknown hot spots in far-flung areas of the world; a “back alley” tour guide, if you will. “I take them to the best hotels, the best restaurants, the best cafes, and it is nice to see the enjoyment in their faces as they experience new places and people for the first time,” says Olhats, who moved to California from France in 1983 and took the Newport Beach restaurant scene by storm shortly thereafter. “There is something to be said for a place that not many people know about. I want to go to the chef who is like a fisherman, bringing in his own fish caught that day, or the guy who grows his own tomatoes. That is what good travel is all about.” Olhats certainly does his homework, arriving in each destination at least two nights before his guests in order to shop for local ingredients like artisan olive oil and cheeses, wine, and any local specialties that may appeal to his travelers. “When we visit the Amalfi Coast, I make it a point to find the best rabbit in the area,” he explains. “I plate the food for them and discuss its origins so they can compare regions. The thing is, when the boat moves from one harbor to another, I am the first one up in the morning, because I want to meet the locals before my passengers do. I try to connect with them and ask them where I should

take my customers for lunch or dinner. We don’t want to be treated as tourists. I want to know where they go with their friends and family. I manage to find really private, noncommercialized places. That is really the best way to experience the local culture.” On each cruise, guests are treated to a private cocktail reception hosted by Chef Pascal, exclusive on shore events, butler service in all suites, complimentary 24-hour in-suite dining, complimentary fine wines, champagnes, and spirits served throughout the ship, and a full spectrum of enrichment and entertainment programs. Olhats has presided over many a memorable voyage, and counts a recent trip to the Greek Isles among his favorite journeys.

Olhats owns and operates four restaurants located throughout Orange County, including Tradition by Pascal and Pascal Brasserie, where his award-winning signature style of fresh, health-minded French cooking has garnered him cult status in the region’s culinary circles. Born in Normandy, France, he was exposed to good food and wine from an early age, and raised in a household where there wasn’t a day that went by without the enjoyment of a memorable three-course meal. “One you are raised like that, you want to keep it up. My mother, Therese is 84 years old and still cooks every day,” Olhats chuckles. “Food is very important in my life, and growing up I always had friends come to my home, even unannounced. Mom

always managed to open the fridge and make a great meal from anything she had, so from these experiences I learned that when you know how to cook you are always willing to have people show up so that you have the chance to throw a good meal together. You find out what good friendship and good times at the table really mean. That is why I opened my restaurant and how I developed my love of travelling.” Olhats’ unique brand of globetrotting has not been lost on other travelers who are often witness to the extravagances he bestows upon his passengers. “Many times we will be on the boat and I see that people are actually looking at my group in envy,” he laughs. “They ask me ‘Why do

You do need to have an adventurous spirit at times. “We were at a lovely hotel in Athens and I was chatting with the maitre d,” he recalls. “The gentleman told us he had just eaten at this wonderful little place and was encouraging us to go there as long as we were willing to go for a ride. Well, it took an hour to get to the place, which was in this little countryside town. We ended up in a village at a crossroads restaurant where the food was cooked on a rotisserie. When we pulled up, there was this amazing aroma of goat, every part of the goat. The tripe, feet, neck, head, stomach were all part of the experience, along with delicious grilled vegetables, toasted bread, and tomatoes. It was like a safari. You do need to have an adventurous spirit at times.” 44

Take Capri for instance. We got off the boat on this gorgeous island and all the guests went to tour the city they get to do all these special things? How did they get to go to that restaurant?’ It makes me feel good that I am doing this for my passengers. That being said, I don’t like to rub it in too much, so on at least one night during each cruise, I bring my cuisine to those who weren’t in my group. It’s a treat for them, and for me it’s a chance to share my love of cooking with everyone. I am like the guest chef on the boat so I get to connect with everyone, which is great networking for me.” Olhats is a firm believer that where delicious food is concerned, there is undoubtedly a killer bottle of wine nearby to go along. His philosophy is that a person can drink without eating, but they cannot eat without drinking. “Local food paired with wine is what makes the trip memorable. When we visit these regions, I find local winemakers and take my guests to experience the process firsthand,” he explains. “I once took my guests

to a local baker in Italy and next door was one of the oldest wineries in the world. There, they experienced a real ancient winemaking process where the grapes are crushed by hand and feet on concrete. It is something to see, a real Roman winemaking process. You witness the origin of winemaking and then you drink it, which is really something else. Old vines, rough terrain, you just can’t beat that.” Olhats’ next sojourn is a 10-day voyage that departs from London, England to a Franco-British island off the Normandy coast. Subsequently, guests will be treated to a Seine River cruise to Olhats’ hometown of 45

Ruen, France, where his mother still lives. “I am so excited about this trip,” he gushes. “We are going to spend the night in Ruen where we will eat a meal in my home with my mother. Then we’ll visit an artist’s village there before moving on to Belgium and then finishing the trip in Copenhagen and Denmark.” It isn’t just his regular restaurant patrons who are signing up for these trips. Olhats has received interest from travel-hungry Chicagoans, East Coasters and many others who have never met him, all of whom are enticed by the idea of experiencing remote locales firsthand. “Take Capri for instance. We got off the boat on this gorgeous island and all the guests went to tour the city,” he recounts. “While they were off seeing the well known destinations, I shopped around for a great lunch spot. There were twelve of us who piled into taxis and headed for the other side of the island, where we dined on the most amazing seafood. We had fried calamari, fried feta cheese and the Chef took is into his kitchen, where everything was so fresh and grilled to order just for us. Our taxi drivers ate with us, and it was a party at the table. If this isn’t what life is all about, I don’t know what is.” For more information about booking a Silversea Voyage with Pascal, contact the TravelStore in Irvine at (949) 930-9282. For reservations and information about area restaurants operated by Pascal Olhats, go to www.pascalnpb.com.

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Inside or outside? The question you get at any restaurant with a patio is much like “paper or plastic” (I’m still not sure which is supposed to be better). It leaves most of us stumped.

The answer is simple. You will spend more than two thirds of your life indoors. Stale air, cubicles, and florescent lights probably dominate your work week. So, when you have the chance to take-in fresh ocean breezes, soak up the warm sun or listen to the crashing waves, it would practically be sacrilegious for one to request to sit inside.

They boast ocean views, fire pits, and live music, but most importantly, they give us a way to get our dose of Vitamin D the old fashioned way: from the sun, outside.

The next time you are asked this question we recommend you answer emphatically, “outside!” This list contains some of our favorite area patios.

By Kelly Shannon Photography by Jonah Gilmore

The Dock Restaurant, Newport Beach 49

THE BEACH HOUSE

THE DOCK

GULFSTREAM

Nestled in the few hundred yards between PCH and the Pacific, The Beach House boasts the tiniest patio on our list. Placed just south of downtown Laguna Beach, the eatery feels more like you’re dining at your friend’s beach house (wouldn’t that be nice?) than at a restaurant. With the patio resting precariously above the surf, the unobstructed view of the Pacific coupled with the sound of the pounding surf, will probably leave you sitting in your seats long after the table has been cleared. Whether you’re looking to catch a sunset, or dine under the stars, you will be glad you are not viewing it through glass.

Located in the picturesque Cannery Village, The Dock is absolutely one of the most charming restaurants in Orange County. The nautically influenced eatery rests on the calm Newport Bay and is frequented by the Peninsula’s prestigious locals. Walking past the eatery, you can see the chefs in action from the street, preparing food in the restaurant’s petite kitchen.

Super stylish and incredibly delicious, this contemporary eatery is spacious and boasts an exhibition kitchen. The patio however, is the star. Relax fireside in the wooden Adirondack chairs, elevate your feet on the fire-pit and enjoy a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Native Knowledge: Go on a weeknight and your chances at nabbing a coveted patio seat will increase.

Native knowledge: Travel by Duffy boat to The Dock for a romantic evening with your significant other. Reservations Thurs thru Sat starting at 5:15pm (hours vary seasonally) Call ahead if arriving by water vessel 2816 LaFayette Avenue | Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 673-3625 | www.eatatthedock.com

Native knowledge: Be sure to walk around the perimiter to check out the chef’s garden, where they grow fresh mint, heirloom tomatoes, and many of the items served in their dishes. Open Sun-Thurs 11:30am-10pm | Fri & Sat 11:30am-11pm 850 Avocado Ave. | Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 718-0188 | www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/gulfstream

Brunch 8:00am-3:30pm | Dinner 4:30pm-10:00pm | Sunset Specials 4:30pm-6:00pm 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-9707 | www.thebeachhouse.com

BLUEWATER GRILL

With over 42 miles of gorgeous coastline you would think that there would be a plethora of open air, water facing dining options in Orange County but unfortunately there are only a handful. Bluewater Grill in the Cannery Village on the Lido Peninsula is charming, offers an enormous menu and can boast that it possesses true waterfront dining. Request a seat on the patio, order some of the areas freshest seafood and enjoy the view; it is rarer than you think. Native Knowledge: Bring you boat and tie up to the new City of Newport Beach dock which opened in November right next to the restaurant. 630 Lido Park Drive | Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 675-3474 | www.bluewatergrill.com

LAS BRISAS

RA SUSHI

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Laguna Beach coastline, the patio at Las Brisas would be a must visit destination even if it wasn’t serving great food. Located adjacent to the Laguna Beach Art Museum, Las Brisas prides itself on outstanding Mexi-Cali flair. The patio has its own menu, which features lighter dishes and strong cocktails. Brunch is available daily, but go on Sunday, when brunch includes four-courses and endless champagne with forever views.

Trendy, energetic, and loud, Ra Sushi is fun. Located in Tustin at The District, this place definitely has a “big city” feel. Known best for their happy hour, the restaurant pumps music and serves up wittily-named rolls (see: Viva Las Vegas roll) and funky cocktail concoctions like the Shiso Naughty. The patio is large, lively, and first come first serve. Leave work early this Friday and start your weekend off right.

Native knowledge: Snuggle with your honey in the gazebo just yards away before heading home. Open Mon-Thu 8am-10pm | Fri & Sat 8am-11pm | Sun 9am-10pm 361 Cliff Drive | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 497-5434 | www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com

Native knowledge: Ra Sushi offers half-off on more than 30 appetizers and sushi choices during happy hour, as well as drink specials starting at just $2. Open daily 11am-1am | Happy Hour Mon-Sat 3pm-7pm 2401 Park Avenue | Tustin, CA 92782 (714) 566-1700 | www.rasushi.com 50

LUCCA CAFE

SAPPHIRE

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN

Mossy walls, potted plants and ivy are scattered across the semi-outdoor patio at this Quail Hill Village gem. The Euro-bistro serves local, organic products and all their proteins are raised wild or cage-free. Their wine list is superb, featuring European and Californian wines from small vintners and boutique wineries. Don’t be fooled when you walk in… Lucca is located in a strip mall but that’s where the comparison ends.

The casual yet polished eatery sits across the street from one of the best surf spots in town on an old Laguna landmark, The Pottery Shack. Snag a seat under an umbrella on the brick patio and warm up by the jumbo fire pit or under the sun. Sapphire’s internationally inspired menu changes seasonally, utilizing the freshest local ingredients possible. Their abundant wine list isn’t filled with big-name vineyards but is thoughtfully handselected by the chef.

Fresh, nutritious, and flavorful are not the only things True Food Kitchen is known for. The new restaurant at Fashion Island prides itself on food that’s good for you and tastes incredible as well. Take in the fresh air and sit outdoors next to the beautiful, succulent wall on the brightly colored patio and drink in the sun while you are sipping on an Acai Mojito.

Native knowledge: Stop in for Lucca’s signature bread pudding with Pumpkin, spices, toasted Pecans, butterscotch sauce, white chocolate sauce ,and homemade whipped cream. Open Weekdays 11am-9pm | Sat 9:30am-10pm | Sun 9:30am-9pm 6507 Quail Hill Pkwy | Irvine, CA 92603 (949) 725-1773 | www.luccacafe.net

Native knowledge: If you don’t have time to sit and dine, the Sapphire Pantry serves incredible coffee drinks, cheeses, pre-made sandwiches, soups, salads, and much more. Open for Lunch Mon-Fri 11am-2:30pm | Open for Brunch Sat & Sun 11am | Open for Dinner Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-10:30pm | Open for Dinner Sat & Sun 5:30pm-11pm 1100 South Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 715-3300 | www.sapphirellc.com

Native knowledge: If there’s a long wait, lounge by the fire with one of their signature beverages or a glass of organic wine. Open Mon-Thu 11am-10pm | Fri 11am-11pm | Sat 8am-11pm | Sun 11am-9pm 451 Newport Center Drive | Newport Beach, CA 92660 (949) 644-2400 | www.truefoodkitchen.com

continued....

JESSICA HAEFELFINGER

COMMITMENT . LOCAL EXPERTISE . RESULTS Jessica Haefelfinger consistently provides extraordinary results for her clientele. Her reputation in the community, industry expertise, and extensive area knowledge, makes her invaluable to both buyers and sellers. Established in Newport Beach, and a second generation sales agent, Jessica offers an innate understanding of the unique lifestyle opportunities afforded by the areas she serves. Committed to the community in which she lives and works, Jessica also dedicates her time to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, SOS Adopt-A-Family, Our Lady of Mount Carmel religious education, the Peninsula Point Racquet Club tennis team.

jessica haefelfinger | m 949.287.1781 | t 949.478.7765 | f 949.478.7765 | jessicah@homgroup.com

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WOODYS WHARF

HABANA

Located at The Lab in Costa Mesa, Habana offers a beautifully lit and incredibly romantic patio. The deep red ambiance of the restaurant creates a lovely mood that is in direct contrast from the uber hipster mini-mall it resides in. Tall votive candles and string lights illuminate the nights on the patio of this Cuban-inspired eatery, while serving flavorful ethnic food and delicious Mojitos. Whether the air is cool and crisp or hot and muggy (there are heat lamps for the chilly), sit outside and enjoy Habana’s unique experience.

Native knowledge: Forget Del Taco for those mate night munchies, Habana serves dinner until midnight.

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LOCAL VENUE

at the Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort 21100 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach CA 92648 for reservations call: 714-845-8444 Text SHADES to 67777 to start receiving special offers. * Message & data rates may apply

Native knowledge: Boat slips are available to those who travel by water. Mon-Sat 11am-2am | Sun 10am-2am | 21+ after 10pm daily 2318 Newport Boulevard | Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 675-0474 | www.woodyswharf.com

Open Sun-Fri 11:30am-12am | Sat & Sun 11am-12am 2930 Bristol Street | Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-0176 | www.thelab.com

LOCAL INGREDIENTS

Set on the edge of the Newport Bay, Woody’s Wharf is a Newport Beach landmark. Whether you arrive by bike, vehicle, or boat, this nautical establishment doesn’t judge. Open daily for lunch and dinner and known for their lively Sunday brunch, this local watering hole was once owned by the one and only Chuck Norris (If you don’t believe me, Google ‘Chuck Norris’). Dine outdoors on the dockside patio overlooking the harbor and enjoy the unlimited champagne brunch or freshly caught fish.

LOCAL VIEW

In Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano 26701-B Verdugo Street San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Open Daily 8:00 am - 10:00 pm thevintagesteakhouse.com 949.661.3400

What memories will you capture?

Kauze for story and Photography by Erik Hale

Kruz was born in Costa Mesa in 2007

The goal Kruz adopted was that of

with an over-sized heart. Check that.

providing fresh drinking water to those

He was assembled with.....

back up

billion or so unfortunate souls who

He was designed with an

do not have a faucet, delivering life’s

again.

over-sized heart.

So imagine the

necessity to their kitchen sink. Those

strength, toughness, and durability

magical, silver delivery units of fresh,

of a robot, combined with the vast,

clean, hot/cold water mechanisms do

loving, caring, and giving resources

not exist in nearly 20% of the world. It

the heart contains and you will start

is worth contemplating just hwo lucky

to understand the ability Kruz and

you are the next time you run the

his Kauzbot brothers and sisters have

water for three minutes while brushing

had in order to accomplish what mere

your teeth or take a 20 minute shower.

humans cannot.

Kruz wants everyone in the world to feel lucky.

What motivated you to try and change the world at only 3 years of age?

Have you visited any of the areas you are trying to help?

“A few things. My older brother Kalvin (who coincidentaly is working towards ending homelessness) and the thought that so many people and especially kids do not have clean water.”

“I traveled with Kalvin (leader of Kauzbots) and Keith Page (founder of Kauzbots) to install a well in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh in Southern India. (beep) That was quite rewarding.”

I have never heard of a robot having a heart. What is yours made of?

Where does the money go to?

“From what I am told by my inventor Dr. Krakowitz, it is comprised of wires, small tires and miniature trees, balloons, cartoons, and honey from bees, dreams, idea streams and pieces of art. All of these things together make up my robot heart.”

“We donate 10% of the profits to Lifewater International (www. lifewater.org). This agency is focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene education for developing nations around the globe.”

You are tackling a huge problem. What is your plan and how do you hope to succeed?

“Easy breezy. Go to Kauzbots.com.”

“I think by talking about the problem, great gains are made. We have so much information to wade through on a daily basis that famine, drought and sick heads, do not receive the headlines. Our society only seems to look up from their morning coffee (beep) for headline grabbing explosions. I think that by getting people to donate to a cause (even by buying a robot) is the first step. Educating the children and hoping they care when they grow up is also important.”

For an inanimate stuffed robot you have dreams that seem to be larger than your heart. How can humans help?

Photo: LovinLife Multimedia

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Name: Samuel Orozco Nickname: Slam,the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bullâ&#x20AC;?, Silent Slam Hometown: Dana Point, California Sport (s): Surf Sponsored by: Rusty, Etnies, Von Zipper, Buell wetsuits, Mica watches Goofy or regular? Regular (not sure what regular means) Age: 17 Started at age?: 6 Favorite trick or move: Air reverse Trick you wish you could nail? Full rotation lean air Favorite music group: Misfits, Led Zeppelin, Cramps, Crosby, Stills and Nash Who is your favorite athlete? Shaun White Favorite place to practice/compete? Salt Creek, Lower Trestles Finish this sentence: Someday I will be an actor

Photography by Geoffrey Ragatz

Name: Victor Done Hometown: Newport Beach Sport (s): Surfing, Golf, Beach Volleyball, Tennis Sponsored by: SurfSide Sports, Cordell Surfboards, Banzai Bowls, Watermans Sunscreen, ShoresCrew, Freestyle Watches, On a Mission Goofy or regular? Goofy Age: 19 Started at age?: 8 Favorite trick or move? Backside Macca Trick you wish you could nail? The Houdini Favorite music group: Billy Idol Whose is your favorite athlete? Tiger Woods Favorite place to practice/compete? 28th Street Finish this sentence: Someday I will be living a life of absolute leisure.

Name: Kylie Loveland Hometown: Carlsbad Sport: Surfing Sponsored by: Roxy, Rusty Surfboards, Sticky Bumps, Hoven Sunglasses, Kicker Audio Goofy or laid back? Goofy Age: 13 Started at age?: 5 Favorite trick or move? Straight up hit Trick you wish you could nail? Air Reverse Favorite music group: Maroon Five Whose is your favorite athlete? Sally Fitzgibbons Favorite place to practice/compete? Oceanside Harbor Finish this sentence: Someday I will be on the Pro Tour.

Name: Calvin Saxton Nickname: Kid Creature (White Lightning) Hometown: Newport Beach Sport: Surfing Sponsored by: Volcom (For Art) Goofy or laid back? Goofy Age: 11 Started at age?: 4 Favorite trick or move? Getting Shacked Trick you wish you could nail? Rodeo Favorite music group: The Clash! Whose is your favorite athlete? Dane Reynolds Favorite place to practice/compete? Lowers Finish this sentence: Someday I will use my talents to help people.

Name: Alize Montes Hometown: Orange County, CA Sport (s): Skateboarding & Snowboarding Sponsored by (if any): Volcom, Etnies, Bones, Destructo, Coolgirls skate decks Goofy or regular? Goofy Age: 11 Started at age?: 4 Favorite trick or move? now, rails stairs, boxes, I like it all. Trick you wish you could nail? oh gosh I want to nail it allâ&#x20AC;Śvarious flips. Favorite music group: Blink 182 Whose is your favorite athlete? Shaun White (snowboarding), Geoff Rowley, Mark Appleyard, and all the skaters I skate. Favorite place to practice/compete? All over, I mostly skate at Houghton in Long Beach, or Downey. Finish this sentence: Someday I will take womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skateboarding to another level.

Name: Nick Marshall Hometown: Encinitas Sport: Surfing Sponsored by (if any): Hurley, Sex Wax, Dragon, Xanadu Surfboards Goofy or laid back? Goofy Age: 10 Started at age?: 5 Favorite trick or move? Barrel Trick you wish you could nail? Air Reverse Favorite music group: Black Eyed Peas Favorite athlete? Mick Fanning Favorite place to practice/compete? Seaside Reef Finish this sentence: Someday I will be a pro surfer and win the world tour.

Name: Mark Contreras Hometown: Newport Beach Sport (s): Surf, Footie Sponsored by: Fyasko, Uhuru, Frog House. Zippo Goofy or regular? Goofy Age: 19 Started at age?: 8 Favorite trick or move? Bowled Trick you wish you could nail? Anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Favorite music group: 9th Wonder Whose is your favorite athlete? Rob Machado Favorite place to practice/compete? Windows Finish this sentence: Someday I will be on another level

crush clothing

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nancy Villere of Crush Studios By Shannon Funk and Charlie Donegan

Danielle

lunden

joanne

tiffany

caitlin

We Are Changing!

Come and see all of the newest lines at V.Holland 69

V. Holland formerly

The Chantel & Vicki Shoppe

432 E 17th St # B Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.646.7506 â&#x20AC;˘ vholland.net

Danielle

Tiffany

Danielle hit the Orange County scene wearing her favorite Stuart Weitzman lace up boots. She completed the look with a patterned scarf (a scarf by OC standards, that is). She showed her love for labels with her red Gucci bag and classic Chanel watch. The look was tied together with a pop of purple. Danielle swears that she wore this same outfit while running errands all day. We wish we looked that good running errands!

Tiffany didn’t have to reveal that she is a FIDM student for us to know that she is a true fashionista! Her look was effortless thanks to her comfy yet chic James Perse shirt. This trendy skirt came from every girls “go-to,” Forever 21. She really won us over with those strappy Christian Louboutin pumps! Can we borrow those Tiffany? She admitted to taking advantage of her employee discount at Henri Bendel by completing her look with the brand’s striped clutch.

Lunden Lunden’s ensemble for a night out reveals this Long Beach native’s wild side! Pairing a scarf with shorts wouldn’t fly anywhere else but the OC! Maybe she’ll turn to her furry bag to keep her warm? Her crop top shows that she is definitely up on this season’s trends. Although she wouldn’t reveal all her secrets, she did say that Costa Mesa’s Project Habit boutique provided this look from head to toe. Now if we could just figure out where she picked up that fierce red lip color…

Joanne Joanne was turning heads on the streets of Orange County with this number! She perfectly accessorized her Flexis dress with a House of Harlow ring, Forever 21 purse, and Michael Kors watch. And the shoes, the dolls call these shooties, the perfect combination of a shoe and a boot, thanks Chinese Laundry!

Caitlin We struck gold when running in to this little diva! Caitlin was walking the streets of L.A. like it was her very own catwalk. Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Her Laundry by Design dress was perfectly paired with Top Shop black tights. Many thanks to Mr. Yves Saint Laurent for this statement belt; she spotted this one in a vintage shop in Paris. Trés Chic! Even while carrying her whole life in her Louis Vuitton tote, her “Never Full” really is never full!

Shannon (yours truly) Let me be proof that you don’t have to break the bank to look chic. After seeing leather covering this spring’s runway, I knew this was a trend that I’d be following! To my surprise, I found the perfectly on trend camel leather dress at H&M for less than $50.00. I paired it with my trusty Yves Saint Laurent Tribute pumps, simple black tights, and my “just the right size for a night out” Hobo clutch. The gold chain is a staple that I picked up at LA’s most famed consignment store, Wasteland. At xPose PR, we call this a babe on a budget!

shannon

Just when the other Dolls at xPose got tired of my fashion policing, Locale gave me the platform to use my expertise! In this Action Issue, I decided to hit the streets of my two favorite counties with only the 405 between them. Being a native of OC and a current resident of L.A., this

It was a bit more difficult narrowing down Friday night’s hot spot in L.A., as this seems to change every week; maybe the only thing changing quicker than the fads in fashion! Although there seemed to be a common trend of muted colors, the ensembles were anything but ordinary. L.A. ladies have a way of staying true to their personal styles, regardless of their name-brand additions. The variety among the girls proved that the shopping options in Los Angeles seem to spread wider than those in Orange County. Maybe I was taking a risk by classifying myself as an L.A. girl, but I tend to keep up with the fashion trends much better than the nightlife trends! It’s safe to say that Danielle, Lunden, and Joanne could start their evening with a nice dinner at AnQi and end with a nightcap at Chateau Marmont, and would remain on the best-dressed list. If I grabbed the dolls for dinner with an ocean view, we might be thought of as a tad over dressed, but hey, you know what they say: it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed!

opinion has no bias.

My OC fashionista recruiting took place at Scott’s, the current hot spot. Narrowing down my search to only three girls was the biggest difficulty. Some reoccurring trends that I noticed from the 949 babes were: perfect layering, pops of color, and effortless attire. Danielle, Lunden, and Joanne were prime examples of the modern girl on a night out!

D.N.A Couture Women’s and Men’s high end Boutique 31271 Niguel Rd. #F | Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949-481-5577

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Candace Paige Stop by for a shopping experience youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget!

324 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662 949.673.5707 | shopcandacepaige.com

photography:dominicpetruzzi.com/ Makeup&Hair by Carina@FlawlessFacesInc.com | using MAC Cosmetics

Everything you need at prices you want.

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LET’S ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

THE

THAT’S WHAT

SHE SAID

(An irreverant fashion column)

STAGECOACH

FEST FASHION EDITION

FRINGE & LACE, GAUDY GLITZ, BOLD COLORS, NATIVE PATTERNS, ORGANIC, UNPOLISHED JEWELRY THROWBACK FARE, & A TOUCH OF BIZARRE.

ONE GIRL’S VOYAGE ACROSS OC TO FIND THE BEST FEST FASHION FOR THE SUMMER’S BLOCKBUSTER MUSIC FESTIVALS TAKE HER WORD FOR IT --> JENNIFER HOOD Get ready to sweat, sway, swoon and sing (or wail in some of your cases) under the Indio sun. This summer’s two most anticipated music festivals are right around the corner, with the eclectic and varied Coachella Fest on April 15th (which means you’ll need to do your taxes sooner than the night before, oh procrastinator), and the epic country congregation of Stagecoach on the weekend of April 30th. The days require that you look your best. Who knows who you might meet in the porta-potty line? You want to strut out there looking like the muse for Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire”, or at least with the good humor of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”, because what is style without the substance of a fun and fancy free personality? What do you wear to a desert fest? Not a lot. I’ll be hunting Orange County’s boutiques for light and breezy feminine pieces, edgy accessories, sheer tops over hot bikinis, short shorts, airy dresses, pop colors that would make Kanye proud, and native, organic patterns that give a shout out to the festivals’ desert setting. My first stop on my treasure hunt for fest fashion? The northerly parts of OC in Old Town Orange.

LAURENLY CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 142 N. Glassell St., Orange | 714-538-7467 | Laurenly.net

Laurenly Boutique is a treasure trove of femi-

nine styles in lightweight, silky mediums. Lace, sheer, and floral adorn the racks, all quaintly illuminated by dollhouse white chandeliers. This will be the perfect spot to garner a flowy, comfy but girlish blouse or a sexy sweet dress from signature lines like Free People (figure a-1), Collective Concepts (figure c-2), House of Harlow, and the vintage inspired Siwy brand. You’ll be able to get a sweet but sassy look of the Taylor Swift variety at this fashion forward boutique owned by the stylish, young Lauren Miller, a grad of the local Chapman University. This is also a great place to pick up dainty, gold charm necklaces, gaudy statement necklaces, skinny accent belts, and colorful scarves to hide your desert sweat hair in the 12th hour of your 2nd day of camping at Coachella. We’ve found a frilly foundry of feminine pieces. Gentle is only it’s best with a bit of rough, though. We need some edgy pieces to contrast the soft. Lets head to the coast for a threesome on Balboa Island. The Mighty Threesome: Along Balboa’s length, you’ll find a triad of boutiques with tons of fest fashion pieces. At the beginning of the stretch:

CANDACE PAIGE

324 Marine Ave, Balboa Island | 949-673-5707 ShopCandacePaige.com

Owned by a mother and daughter duo, this boutique combines pieces for the more mature female, as well as the flirty, foxy teen and twenty-something. When I dropped by Candice Paige (after trading a Balboa resident my soul for a parking spot in front of his house) I was loving the casual but chic pieces by Merritt Charles, and the flowy, oversized, super soft graphic tees she was carrying by Wildfox and Lauren Moshi (figure b-1). These are perfect tops to wear loosely over a sexy bikini, with their bold images and sans serif fonts screaming warnings like “je t'aime.” The shirts pair nicely with the store's offering of James Icon “Jagger” jeans – skinny, black, come hither denims, with subtle, black studded knee patches (figure b-3). Candice also offers a nice array of accents: thick chain necklaces, leather and bead bracelets by Chan Luu, and intricate, studded leather belts that look equally fitting of a country diva or a rocker mama. Just a few paces away is the second member of our threesome.

THE FEST FASHION LOOKS Figure A:

The SWEET & SASSY 1. Amanda’s Tunic Dress by Free People (Laurenly Boutique) 2. Stellar top by Wish (Just Basics)

*Message & data rates may apply.

3. Leather Shorts by Vila (ASOS.com)

We range in spectrum from glamour girl chic to hippie boho babe... here’s

4. Crystal Beaded Necklace & Bracelet (Heather Pullis Designs)

a taste of our favorite lines...

5. Leather Laceup Boots(Ebay/vintage store near you) 6. Estee Lauder long Lasting Lipstick in Melon (almost any department store)

Figure B:

Add 20% off your ENTIRE purchase when you text Luna to 67777!*

The ROUGH & TUMBLE 1. Oversized Graphic Tee by Lauren Moshi (Candace Paige) 2. Metallic Knit Sweater by Vince (Candace Paige)

Blank Denim - Olive Olivia Chaser - Lush - Wildfox - Indah - Jens Pirate Booty - Audrey LaMade - Costa Blanca - Urban Behavior - Three Green Hearts Lucca Couture Celebrity Endorsed brands along with up and coming boutique brands, at prices so unbelievably AFFORDABLE you wouldn’t believe us if we told you... so come in for yourself and see what the hype is all about....

3. James Icon “Jagger” Jeans (Candace Paige) 4. Gold Winged Sided Round Sunglasses by Unique (topshop.com) 5. 1960s Necklace with Black Resin by House of Harlow (Laurenly Boutique) 6. “Ginger” sandals by Sam Edelman (SamEdelman.com)

Figure C:

The UNTAMED & EARTHEN 1. Roulette Ruffle dress by Wish (Just Basics) 2. Collective Concepts top with lace accents (Laurenly Boutique / Etc Etc Etc.) 3. Assorted beaded necklaces (Just Basics) 4. Hobo Int. “Avilia” handbag (Just Basics) 5. Crystal ring with twined gold setting (Heather Pullis Designs) 6. Teal Nail polish by China Glaze (Sally Beauty) 7. “Akira” Boot by Free People (FreePeople.com)

Like us at Facebook.com/LunaBoutique HuntingtonBeach to see our “New Arrivals” posted weekly! 19680 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.962.9749 76

ETC ETC ETC.

312 Marine Ave., Balboa Island | 949-673-5321

This spacious boutique is a conglomerate of funky and frilly patterned clothes by Collective Concepts (figure c-2), “effortlessly elegant” Jenny Han tops (one in particular, a glitzy sequined top that Stagecoach performer Loretta Lynn would salivate over), casual but slinky striped shirts and button ups by Joe's Jeans, and bottoms from the coveted Hudson Jeans line, whose new poster child, Georgia Jagger, could make legless monks want to buy this sexy denim. This store is a well rounded stop for basic tees and button ups in hippy-ish tones, lightweight fabrics, feminine dresses, and a nice helping of gaudy goddess fare. Tie it all up with a helping of Streets Ahead leather belts in skinny to chunky weights, with studded to tooled leather varieties. And now to the petite but well endowed girl-next-door...

JUST BASICS

308 Marine Ave., Balboa Island | 949-675-6216

MUST

Just Basics is half the size of the previous boutiques, but brimming over with just as much and maybe more succulent swag. The styles are varied and vast, with boho chic pieces, flirty femme blouses and tanks, beachy dresses, sailor-inspired tops and jackets, and a wall of super soft, basic tees in every color. And the jewelry, oh the jewelry:

BUST

FEST LIST

(As told by innuendos) [1] COVER YOUR HEAD! Wide brimmed fedora hats, or floppy brimmed hats. Try ASOS (ASOS.com)

[2] TAKE IT OFF! When it comes to cut offs, the shorter and scrapier, the better.

LET’S GET IT ON MUSIC A fest artist playlist to whet your appetite...

[1] “ Delta Lady” Leon Russell

A’S MARKET

3334 Pacific Coast Hwy., Newport Beach | 949-650-6505 ARestaurantNB.com

Better stop by A's Market just up PCH in Newport, for a hearty pulled pork sandwich. On second thought, let's get the Mediterranean salad so my legs don’t look like sausages bulging out of my cut-off shorts. Is it going to take a little more than “hold the mayo” and swapping doughnuts for baby field greens to get your bod looking femme fatale? No worries, I’ve got just the solution.

CORE REFORM PILATES

1058 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach | 949-646-8600 CoreReform.com

“The best of the lengthening and strengthening power of Pilates with fat-burning cardio”? You can't go wrong with this great combo from the Newport studio who promises to help you transform your body.

[3] “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Loretta Lynn [4] “Intervention” Arcade Fire

HOLIDAY SALON

[2] “Shampain” Marina and the Diamonds

[5] “Genius” Kings of Leon [6] “Troubles Will Be Gone” Tallest Man on Earth

[8] “Road To Joy” Bright Eyes [9] “Would You Go With Me?” Josh Turner [10] “Portland” Loretta Lynn & Jack White [11] “Time To Wander” Gypsy & The Cat [12] “Reasons To Quit” Phosphorescent

Break time. Stamina is waning.

How do those endorphins feel? Good, eh? Take advantage of your momentary high on confidence, and brave the salon for a fresh look and a good wax (because you don't want to be mistaken for Leon Russell while tooling around Stagecoach).

[7] “Runaway” Kanye West

[3] WEAR PROTECTION! Eye and skin, that is. Try throwback Ray Bans and Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50.

there were bold colored, zig zag beads, lining extra long tarnished gold necklaces, a mosaic Soixante Neuf tooth/claw pendant necklace (figure c-3), and rich gold chains glimmering, just begging to be twined into a fence of gold and bronze on your neck. The store also carries a brand I am obsessed with right now, Wish. The Australian line does sexy and sweet in the form of lace tops (figure a-2), floral dresses (figure c-1), ruffled garments, etc. Also noteworthy, Just Basics' assortment of small, leather handbags by Boho International, which are a perfect accessory to carry your necessaries in at the fests (figure c-4).

LEON RUSSELL

369 E. 17th St., Suite 5, Costa Mesa | 949-642-4040 HolidaySalon.com

This place is a powerhouse of artistic talent. Get a new do, freshen up highlights, be brave with flat bangs and a new color, or simply rid your face of the uni and upper lip fluff. The owners have 30 years of combined styling and makeup experience in both editorial and runway! You're in safe hands at this creative hair haven. Next on our treasure hunt for fest fashion, the consignment store to end all consignment stores.

TWICE THE STYLE

369 E. 17th St., Suite 1, Costa Mesa | 949-642-1844 2xstyle.com

Never has recycling looked so good. This consignment boutique boasts only in-fashion pieces from current collections and in-style brands. Shirts, jeans, dresses, scarves, bags

shoes and accessories by brands like Prada, Bebe, Theory, Ringspun, Stella McCartney, Ecote, and more line the abundant racks with price tags marked down to amazingly affordable prices. You can be sure that all the clothes sold are no more than two years old and in excellent condition. Scantily clad is the only way to be when rockin out in a desert. Your Coachella or Stagecoach outfit will most likely tend to the light side, with barely there shirts and meager cut off shorts that your father/priest/fiancé would cringe at. It can be hard to make a fashion statement when clothes seem like a burden of heat. Make up for it with copious helpings of stylish and eccentric accessories and jewelry. We've found tons of greats belts and bags at the aforementioned boutiques. Now lets make our final stop at a local jewelry shop to stock up on ensemble embellishments.

HEATHER PULLIS DESIGNS

1670 Santa Ana Ave., Suit A, Costa Mesa | 213-309-7918 HeatherPullisDesigns.com

Heather Pullis is not only gorgeous and stylish, she is also the keeper of a magnetic personality. She's the perfect person for a custom, fashion forward jewelry line. Having worked in the music industry, she knows how to spot what's happening, while also respecting the timeless styles that ground a band or a brand. Her jewelry line is a menagerie of crystal and bone beads (figure a-4), semi-precious stones, geodes, vintage silver charms, and dainty to chunky layer-able chains in rose gold, sterling silver and 18 kt. plated gold. You can choose from a variety of handmade bracelets, rings (figure c-5), and necklaces, or work with Heather to create a custom piece exactly the way you want. She can even hand hammers initials into small charms. Natural beauty meets striking chains, accented by contrasting skull charms or animal teeth pendants. Her line offers beautiful and casual original jewelry sold at affordable prices. Phew. What a finish. This kind of climax requires some celebration. After a day of town hopping, boutique crawls, digging through well endowed racks, and pre-fest primping, I think we deserve a drink or few and a side of dinner. My picks for the perfect post-retail repast:

SCOTT'S SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa | 714-979-2400 ScottsRestaurantandBar.com

This seafood steakhouse is a great place to take a dinner you intend to savor. Don't rush this. Gather some friends, get some pre dinner cocktails, a tantalizing appetizer, and then a decadent Chilean sea bass plate, perhaps, for the main course. Stick around and pontificate about the Coachella or Stagecoach lineup over some after-dinner drinks and oh-so-sweet desserts.

THE QUIET WOMAN RESTAURANT & BAR 3224 Pacific Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar | 949-640-7440 QuietWoman.com

The Quiet Woman - sounds like a mythical

SANTA ANA

5F WY

Scott’s Seafood Bar & Y Grill Core Reform FW 55 Twice The Pilates Style Y HUNTINGTON FW 55 COSTA BEACH Heather MESA Pullis Designs A’s Market NEWPORT BEACH BALBOA ISLAND

CORONA DEL MAR

creature, right? But no, it exists on the quaint drag of PCH in Corona del Mar, a cozy restaurant offering sophisticated comfort food. Center loin thick cut swordfish, baseball steaks from the mesquite grill, and caramelized Maine diver scallops are just a few of the residents at the inviting residence of the Quiet Woman. Finish your rendezvous with a homemade dessert and a sigh of sweet relief.

Best of British to you as you brave the lines, heat and hormones at Coachella and Stagecoach. I hope you've found the perfect ensemble for the festivities. I also hope they play your song. Stay beautiful, ladies.

CONSIGNMENT

WHY PAY RETAIL?

BOTTLENECK OF DOOM

The Quiet Woman Restaurant & Bar

TWICE THE STYLE

Candace Paige, Etc Etc Etc., Just Basics

55 F

Holiday Salon

RT SE DE Y S& IN IN ST TA DE ST

FE NI

ORANGE Laurenly Boutique

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LAGUNA BEACH

GIMME MORE! + Nice Tool For more info on Coachella and Stagecoach, including handy phone apps to help you navigate the grounds and organize your band-pick lineups, visit StagecoachFestival.com and Coachella.com

The Festival Piece de Resistance: THE BIKINI Sure, it’s the high desert, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a taste of OC with you. Bring your sassiest bikini, wear it under sheer tees, lace tops, or meshy tunics. The bikini is the staple piece of the festival experience. Just ask everyone commenting on the “Girls must wear bikinis” thread of the Coachella.com’s message board. May I recommend OC’s own Tavik Industries...

TAVIK’S SPRING 2011 SWIMWEAR LINE, “a fanciful, feminine collection that celebrates the allure of the 60's.”

Photos by Joseph Tran. Tavik.com

Tavik’s Jayne top and Fonda Bottoms

Tavik’s Babette Top and Doll Bottoms Go to Tavik.com to find one of the many OC locations near you.

We’ve raided the best closets in Orange County to save you thousands on the finest designer brands Missoni • 3.1 Philip Lim • Current Elliot • Roberto Cavalli • Jimmy Choo • Chanel • Diane Von Furstenburg • Balenciaga • Valentino • Prada • Gucci • Tory Burch • Vince • Elizabeth and James • Chloe • Manolo Blahnik • Louis Vuitton • Christian Louboutin 369 East 17th Street | Costa Mesa, CA 949-642-1844 | Hours: Mon - Fri 10-6 Sat 10-5 | Sun 12-4

CHECK OUT WHAT’S NEW @

WWW.2XSTYLE.COM updated daily

The Hidden Jewel Women’s Fashion ~ Accessories ~ Gifts ~ Home Decor

what you’ve been searching for.... what you’ ve been

searching for....

New Spring Lines: Alexia Admor, Bernardos, Charlotte Tarantola, David Lerner Free People, Michelle Jonas, Spanx, Twisted Heart, Yumi Kim

1686 Tustin Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92627 (949) 574-2160 hiddenjewelca.com facebook.com/thehiddenjewel

Chosen by Panache Partners as one of Southern California's best boutiques in the upcoming luxury destination book Experience Southern California

Gorgeous (gorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;-jes) 1. The quality of being

brilliant, magnificent, attractive, beautiful, dazzling, & lovely. 2. Being all of the above, all the time,

Everyday...

1808 Newport Boulevard Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.307.2602 Facebook.com/Hey.Gorgeous.Boutique

photography by Chris Chavira

an interview with Kristi Mcknight

What must it have been like growing up in the House of Q. Your dad (Bob McKnight) and his partner (Jeff Hackman), having had licensed Quiksilver for the U.S. market in 1976, were already dominating the industry by the time you could walk, much less surf. You were being “pummeled by waves” at the age of two and “grinding” on your snowboard by the time you were nine. You grew up hanging with Eric Diamond “E.D.,” Jeff Booth, Tom Carrol, and Kelly Slater. Dad wanted you to follow him to USC so you could share in his “perpetual glory days”. You wanted to be an artist. You spent your whole life thinking you were working your way away from “The Industry.” You did stints at OTIS, you traveled and even watched your younger sister graduate from USC. Then you returned home, to the House of Q, and you have never been happier.

What do you remember about where you grew up? “E-Bay?. I love Emerald Bay, it was so special to me. We were able to grow up around a great group of friends. We hung out by the pool, went to camp and all had the same babysitters. I miss being a kid.”

So tell me about your experience at OTIS (College of Art and Design). “I went to all of the fashion shows and I was in awe of the art they were making with fashion. I started school and they were teaching the basics of how to sew a t-shirt together. Are you frickin’ kidding me? I didn’t want to learn “how to make a t-shirt” I just wanted to do my art on clothes.”

Finally, you landed a gigin the public relations department at Quik. Why does that feel right? “I finally realized that being creative doesn’t just mean having a paint brush in my hands all the time. It (the PR job) forced me to network and use my social outreaches. It also made me realize how much goes in to making this giant operation tick.”

What’s next? “I definitely want to work more on events, music, and art for the future of Quiksilver. Moving from Marketing to PR. “

What are you passionate about? “Painting. It has been my blessing and my burden.”

Where do you like to shop?

What do you do for fun?

“My favorites around here are LF, Free People and Project Habit.”

“I am perpetually 13. I like to go out and dance. My friend started this website, gottadancedirty.com. They are always posting up fun idea starters. I like to go the The Roxbury.”

Where did you do first when you went to work at Quik? “I started in t-shirt design. I’m a painter and I use my hands to make art, so I felt like a gorilla hacking at the computer. T-shirt design wasn’t right for me.” 81

Tell us something that not even your closest friends know about you. “I have a dirty secret. I love to sneak out by myself for a Tommy’s chili burger.”

laurenly clothing boutique

142 North Glassell Street Orange, CA 92866 714.538.SHOP (7467) www.Laurenly.net follow us on facebook... facebook.com/laurenlyboutique

Wildfox • Alternative Apparel • Free People • Toms • Audrey • Paige • Collective Concepts • & much more

Trouble finding The perfecT fiT? We have The SoluTion for every booTy.

Over 120 Styles, 50 Brands, including: True Religion, Joe’s, AG Denim, Rich & Skinny, Hudson, Genetic Denim, Citizens of Humanity, Current Elliott, Paige Denim 1719 WESTCLIFF DRIVE, NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92660 949.650.0479 • SOLUTIONSDENIM.COM

You can’t pin her down Photography by NANCY VILLERE OF CRUSH PHOTO STUDIOS Model: Jenna Hannon

L*Space Beverly Bandau $70.00; Flip Bottom $68.00

Tavik One Piece (FINDING OUT NAME AND PRICE); Lanvin Wedges, Grosgrain sandal $480; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique

Quiksilver Polka Shop Mini $44.00; Volcom Space Station Black One Piece $86.00; Lanvin Shoes Flower Sandal $1,062.00; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique 89

Tyler Rose Swimwear Rag Doll Top $86.00 & Bottom $88.00

Lucien Pellat-Finet $644.00; Lanvin Wedges, Grosgrain sandal $480; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique

Beach Bunny Suit (FINDING OUT NAME AND PRICE; Pierre Hardy Shoes, Peep the Pump $745.00; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique

Quiksilver Sea Stripe Henley $34.50 & Marching Band Short $44.50; Vitamin A Paige Push Up $110.00 & Wink Haute Pant $82.00; Celine Boots, Tall Leather Boot $1,290.00; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique 96

Vitamin A Bel Air Retro Maillot $238.00; Lanvin Shoes, Flower Sandal $1,062.00; available at Amareeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boutique 98

brunch. lunch. dinner. brunch saturday-sunday 11am-3pm lunch & dinner daily live entertainment & late night hours thursday-saturday

happy hour. private events. late night lounge.

714.979.2400 www.ScottsRestaurantandBar.com 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa Ca. 92626

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story and Photography by Erik Hale

I'm sorry mama, I never meant to hurt you, I never meant to make you cry, but tonight i'm cleanin' out my closet... -Eminem

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tuff piles up. We have six giant red and green boxes nicely stacked in the garage that serve the express purpose of storing our Christmas decorations. You probably know what is in these boxes. Ten strands of lights, neatly rolled away, five of which won’t even work next year. We will buy more lights to replace the broken strands, mix them in with the good ones when the holidays end, and next year we will have seven boxes to store. Stuff is hard to dispose of. While getting ready for work this winter, I realized that “stuff” had begun taking over my closet. The “stuff” clogging my closet were suits. There were suits that were too big and some that were too small and some that I had never worn at all. I had twenty suits total. Twenty suits might not seem like too many for most people, but I was wearing flip flops to work most days. Why did I need 20 suits? I thought about selling them, then about giving them to a friend, and finally thought about putting them in a large plastic bag and dropping them off at a donation center. I decided on donating them and went online to find an appropriate place to drop them off and typed in “suit donation Orange County” and hit enter. 1.1 million results returned by Google in 0.15 seconds. I chose the second site on the list. Working Wardrobes. Perfect. I pulled up to the donation center in Costa Mesa with my box full of suits, shirts, ties, shoes, and belts (might as well get rid of it all), only expecting to drop everything into a receptacle and check one more errand off of my list. When donating in the past I had found it perfectly reasonable to assume that the good feeling generated by donating (along with the receipt and consequential tax deduction) were sufficient gratitude. Today was different. I wanted to know where my suit was going. Who was I helping? Where would my suits end up once they wheeled them away? I wanted proof that I was helping. It was probably self serving, but I asked to speak to someone in charge. They were glad to help. I asked about their process. I asked who they helped. It all seemed to check out. Then they asked me if I wanted to meet the person that would receive one of my suits. Did I?. I wasn’t sure. That was awfully personal. It is not easy to look someone, who is in need, directly in the eye. I have no problem shuffling my spare change into the UNICEF jar but I cannot watch the Feed the Children infomercials. I always change the channel. I can hand a buck to someone holding a cardboard sign at an intersection, but it is hard to look directly into their eyes. Was this something I wanted to do? Did I want to know how my suit would affect someone’s life? I was starting to think I should have just left the bag and finished my errands. I got a call two weeks later. They had found someone named Chris to take my suit. I was happy and nervous. I asked if he could hang out with me for the day (I thought it would be easier for me to relate to him in my world). They said that would be fine. I made an appointment to pick up Chris the following Monday. I checked the website again. There was a list of the types of people they helped. I browsed the list.

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Welfare-to-Work, alcohol & substance abuse, domestic violence, transitional homelessness, and catastrophic illness. Yikes. I was nervous. Then I wondered what Chris must be feeling. I am sure it is very humbling to accept charity (it was always weird just wearing my cousins hand-me-downs), much less having to meet the donor. The morning of our meeting I received a call. Chris had called in sick and cancelled our appointment. Typical I thought. We rescheduled for the following Tuesday. I was not as nervous this time. I did wonder if he would cancel again. He did not. I entered the building and made my way to the office of the administrator. They were very happy I was there and even more so for me to meet Chris. “He is a wonderful young man,” they informed me. “We are so proud of his progress,” they added. “We will see” rattled around in my head while “sounds great” came out of my mouth. “Erik meet Chris,” someone said from behind me. He had snuck up on me. I did not get a chance to size him up. I turned around and stuck out my hand. “Nice to meet you Chris,” I said and to my surprise Chris extended his hand, shook it firmly while saying “nice to meet you as well,” all while looking me dead in the eye. I liked Chris immediately. As an interviewer, I am no Howard Stern or Piers Morgan. I am probably closer to Larry King (without the suspenders). So I started off with the typical softballs. I found out where he was from. Santa Ana. What he liked to do. He was an avid swimmer before hitting a rough patch his senior year. Chris was 18 years old and came from a large and broken family. His Dad had not only left the family when Chris was five but it was rumored that he had the audacity to start a new family only 40 miles away. He had never visited or called any of his children. Chris was hesitant (read embarrassed) to let me in on everything that had brought him to this point. He was perfectly willing to tell me what led to his troubles(drugs, (mostly pot and a little Ecstasy). He would talk about his dreams (owning his own business someday). But he did not want to tell me exactly what had led to him being here. He did eventually reveal his innermost demons to me, but....I am not going to tell you. Leave it be that you would consider what he did more immature than criminal. Acting out to control a situation where he had little. Acting

like a kid while so many around him demanded he become a man. We talked for a while about the negativity that had pervaded in his life. I felt he was beginning to tire of recounting the bad. In an effort to change the subject I asked “how tall are you?” “I’m 5 foot 8” He said immediately. Then “five foot seven” spilled out. I think if I would have let him continue he would have continued this self depracating shrinkage until he disappeared. It was obvious that he didn’t feel very big. Let me tell you, Chris is a good looking young man. He is every bit of 5’8” and maybe an inch taller. He is so athletically built that you would guess free safety before free style swimmer. He has a warm demeanor, big dreams, and a will to succeed. In the right situation Chris might have had a full scholarship to the school of his choice instead of a free ride to four months in jail. When I watch shows about jail on television, I cannot imagine someone coming out better than when they went in. Chris did. He did not graduate high school with his class but did obtain his diploma while incarcerated. Chris now lives in a group home. He is conflicted living there. It is difficult for him to understand (ready for this) how he has been so lucky. He has had a very difficult time coming to terms with staying in a house that is nicer than where his mother and siblings reside.

clothes neatly arranged throughout. Next we toured the job center, class room, beauty/barber salon and were finally shown the suits. They did not skimp one bit here. We were greeted by a personal stylist. He asked Chris what he liked. Chris didn’t really have an opinion on this. He measured his neck, arms, waist, and chest. He showed Chris several options before they both settled on a custom, white shirt, brown silk tie (David August), and black cap-toed Zegna lace ups. Luckily for me we were both 42 regular and my dark blue suit jacket fit him perfectly. The pants were a different story (since I am 6’2” they would need to be hemmed). I was still asking questions as Chris was changing into his new duds. “Where would you wear an outfit like that?” I asked. “To an interview man,” he responded through laughter.

fast food job?” I yelled back over the dressing room curtain. “You gotta dress to impress,” he said. Next proclaiming, “Because I look good in a suit,” as he pushed the curtain away and made his grand entrance standing in front of the three way mirror. He was strutting now and from the way he looked had every right to feel proud. Chris was no longer five eight. The suit had made him taller, prouder. He was the biggest man in the room. There is an old expression that says “the suit makes the man.” There are several times in life that I have found this holds true. Your wedding day, graduation day, and on the day of your first big job interview. I would like to add one more day to this list. The day you give the suit away. To find out how you can donate go to www.workingwardrobes.org

“What if you were interviewing for a

Chris was no longer five eight. The suit had made him taller, prouder. He was the biggest man in the room.

The day I met Chris, he was in the midst of a 100 hour contract with Working Wardrobes. Sounds like a long contract right? 12 days. A dozen days to find another job. Chris was hopeful that he could remain employed there, but I had my doubts. I was sure that everyone who received such a life saving gig would try to cling to it. It was something to hold onto, at least for a few weeks. Chris was a big help to me all day. He never complained. As we made deliveries he was the first one out of the car asking to carry something (anything). We talked about music, girls, and cars. We stopped at TK for a burger. We hung. The time came to head back to Working Wardrobes for the fitting. This now seemed anti-climatic. Was I just going to hand him my suit? That seemed more bizarre now than before. We returned to the Working Wardrobes office in Costa Mesa where I had picked up Chris earlier that day. I was given a tour. The massive warehouse was our first stop. I quickly realized that I was just one of many who had donated. This giant warehouse had men’s and women’s 104

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by Allison Flaker

You wouldn’t think that anyone would need an excuse to visit a beach, take a hike, or explore nature in the haven which is our home. Why do we need a reason to enjoy these blessings (much less need motivation)? If you are not enjoying the wonderful gifts listed here, we will chalk it up to not knowing instead of not caring. While listening to Jonsi’s song “Go Do” I was motivated by this powerful and inspirational anthem that is the musical personification of rolling through a meadow of freshly bloomed flowers. It inspires me. I want to climb something. So please read the following with child-like wonderment and curiosity while picturing yourself hiking, exploring, learning, and basking in the radiance of our region’s natural landscape. Then, when you’re done, stop dreaming and GET OUTSIDE! 113

El Moro Canyon El Moro Canyon just south of Crystal Cove on the Pacific Coast Highway offers a moderate hike with spectacular views of the ocean. Hikers can either take the El Moro Short Loop, which is three and a half miles, or the El Moro Ridge Grand Loop, which is nine and a half miles round trip and a bit more strenuous. Both trails offer a variety of wildlife, flourishing vegetation, and heavy woodland areas full of Sycamore and Oak. With similar terrain as the Laguna Wilderness Park, the trails are perfectly accessible to bikers as well as to those on foot. Native Knowledge: Both trails can be taken clockwise as well as counter clockwise, though most people recommend doing it clockwise. www.crystalcovestatepark.com/recreation.htm

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s forty miles of exploratory trails filled with wild flowers and overgrown shrubbery is an Orange Country historical hiking treasure. The slight uphill climb leads visitors to the plateauing vistas overlooking the neighboring canyons, as well as the not so distant Pacific. The panoramic view of Laguna’s expansive coastline is worth the sweat expended on the way up. As I hiked with my Diana Mini (my point-and-shoot of choice) I couldn’t help but be stopped by every small detail, from a hiding bird house beneath a tree branch, to the deserted creek beds under my feet. The vivid green rolling hills surrounding the dirt walking path create a foreign feel as though you’re walking through an undiscovered land. The Wilderness Park’s 7,000 acres are preserved by the Natural Community Conversation Planning Program, whose mission is to maintain the Park’s natural and most precious species. Native Knowledge: While many of the state parks require a larger parking fee, you can park for only $3 here, much lower than the value of the experience. www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Upper Newport Bay Upper Newport Bay(or Back Bay) is 1,000 acres of open sky, land, and sea. Probably the most tranquil spot in Newport, the Bay is full of preserved Coastal Sage Scrub as well as many other native inhabitants managed by the California Department of Fish and Game. It’s one of the few remaining natural estuaries in Southern California, which makes defending it all the more important to keeping Newport’s wildlife thriving. Standing on the observatory deck atop the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and feeling the breeze on my face while staring at the glistening blue water, I felt a sense of peace and thankfulness that I live just blocks away from such natural beauty. Though I often drive along Irvine Avenue where Back Bay sits, I seldom take the time to walk the trails and learn more about my wild neighbors. Taking the Big Canyon Trail half mile nature walk, I was able to learn about the diverse birds and plants that inhabit the bay, and so along with the outstanding views, I actually received an ecological education. Native Knowledge: To learn more about Upper Newport Bay you can attend a free Friends Tour on every second Saturday of the month from October through March. www.ocparks.com/uppernewportbay

Torrey Pines State Reserve Just south of Del Mar before you hit La Jolla’s coastline lies Torrey Pines State Reserve, the only 2,000 acre plot of undeveloped land in San Diego County (or at least it seems that way). The park is obviously known for its most prevalent specimen and namesake, the Torrey Pine, and its preservation is vital as it’s the rarest species of pine in the United States and only found here and on Santa Rosa Island. The park itself is just as rare, as it lies next to a thriving suburban sprawl. With eight separate trails to choose from with a range in difficulty, length, and functionality (some lead to beach access) this natural playground of sorts never gets dull. Stand at the top of High Point Trail, which offers views of the neighboring lagoon, ocean, and San Diego County, or take the Perry Grove Trail for more of a challenge. Feel the cool breeze from the ocean below and soft shade of these enormous pines and take in the majesty of this well preserved and monumental state park. Native Knowledge: If you’re planning a trip to the park don’t bring your picnic basket. Only water is allowed on the trails. But don’t worry, a Roberto’s Mexican Cafe is just a short drive away and their California burrito is a necessity after a hike! www.torreypine.org/activities/hiking-trails.html

San Clemente State Beach San Clemente State Beach is home to remarkable bluff lined trails, isolated beaches, and of course the famed surf haven, Trestles. For a day (or weekend) outside, San Clemente is a prime choice. Book your campsite and get your bike, surf and hike on as the myriad of outdoor activities will certainly keep you occupied. I have fond memories of walking beneath the sandy colored bluffs along the shoreline, watching the train pass by with an overwhelming feeling of timelessness. On days when traffic is bad and work is hard, this is one of the places my mind drifts off to and fervently hopes it can vacation there soon. Maybe not the same as camping in the wilderness, but the San Clemente SB camp ground can be just as exciting. Take the trail to San Mateo Point, which borders San Diego and Orange County, and keep it moving down to the San Onofre State Beach while taking in the sweet smell of ocean air and the salty wind on your face. The walk is a meager hike good for any aged explorer. Native Knowledge: Camping sites fill up quickly, especially during warmer months, so make sure you reserve your site well in advance of the time you wish to camp. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=646

Bolsa Chica Ecological Preserve The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach is a massive wetland that is occupied by hundreds of bird species, as well as a variety of fish and plants. Upon arrival, you can either park in the north or south parking lots, depending on which trail you’d like to take. Parking in the north allows you to start from the Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center, which then leads you to the Mesa Trail and the overlook at Mesa Point. The south lot takes you on the one and a half mile Loop Trail across a wooden footbridge that traverses the wetlands, where you can find Sting Rays and Grey Smooth-Hound Sharks roaming the waters underneath two lookout points. The Reserve is covered in lush greenery and the sand dunes produce vivid lilac-colored Sea Rocket year round. No matter where you roam from the marsh to Barren Island, you’ll become everything from a bird watcher and first hand observer in an alive, completely native, and growing ecological environment void of unsanctioned muck. Native Knowledge: Pets are not allowed on the Reserve unless they are inside a vehicle. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=642

Shipley Nature Center The Shipley Nature Center in Huntington’s Central Park is an 18-acre environmental education tour of California’s native plants and wildlife. Opened in 1974, the Park was closed in 2002 due to budget cuts and neglect. Since it’s reopening in 2005 and thanks to volunteers and donations, the park is back to educating students and neighbors about our environment and the important inhabitants we share our land with. The park has several habitats displaying plants that are all indigenous to California from Redwoods to Chaparral. The neatly laid out trails lined with logs and tree stumps lead you around the park from one habitat exhibit to the next. Perhaps the most interesting and beautiful is their Monarch Butterfly waystation. Volunteers have carefully planted Narrow-Leaf Milkweed to attract the Monarchs, and during the right season visitors can witness hundreds of them feeding on the Milkweeds. Native Knowledge: The Shipley Nature Center is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 1pm and is usually in use by a school field trip. Visitors can still meander along the trails during these tours. www.shipleynature.org 114

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Nourishing the Neighborhood Since 1990 photo by Olivia Taddeo

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Trunk ShowS April 22 & 23 : Mori Lee May 13 & 14 : Casablanca Bridal May 20 & 21: Erica Koesler Veils and Accessories June 3 & 4: Inventory sale

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New York is where I'd rather stay. I get allergic smelling hay. I just adore a penthouse view. Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue. -Eva Gabor (Green Acres)

by erik hale

Contrast. Orange County. The Big Apple.

One, a semi-suburban sprawl. An aggregation of cities, once distinct, that are now known simply, like it or not, as The OC. The other, towering over the Atlantic on the opposite coast is a super-concentrated, hyper urban metropolis of 11 million souls. However, as with the light and dark shadows of a photograph, difference can be measured in degrees. What could make someone leave our beautiful sunshine, pristine beaches, and wide open spaces for the cold, snowy streets of New York Cith? Easy. A wife.

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Contrast. When I yearn to get away, I dream of beaches. She dreams of Bergdorf’s. I want to be around fewer people. Camping, hiking,lounging, and re-charging. I know when I ask she will tell me, as I have heard so many times before; there is dirt when you camp, you can’t hike in heels, and charging sounds good if we are talking about the AMEX card. You cannot argue with that kind of logic. So I make reservations and love-inspired concessions. I may not be able to avoid the crowds of NYC on my vacation, but I can avoid LAX. I book the tickets on Jet Blue out of Long Beach, my second favorite place to depart from (John Wayne being the first). Contrast. 75 degrees and sunny. 32 degrees and snowy. I look in my closet, she looks in hers and then we look at each other. I own four pairs of shoes. Really. My wife owns a bazillion. What are the odds that out of a bazillion and four pairs of shoes we would not have anything appropriate for four feet to wade around in the two feet of accumulated snow at our destination? We made our way to the mall to buy warm clothes. An hour later we emerged carrying enough cold weather gear to brave the Antarctic. Snow boots? Check. Long underwear? Check. Boots, gloves, and face masks? Check. Giant, super puffed up snowboard jackets? LOL. Check. We might look like tourists, but we would be warm. I love Jet Blue. Leather seats, Satellite TV, and room for my 6’2” frame. We boarded our plane, ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ through the rear of the plane, and settled in with magazines and headphones. Five hours later we touched down. It is amazing how far from home you can get in that short amount of time. We gathered our bags and made our way to the cab line. As we exited the revolving door, it hit me. Not an

idea. The COLD hit me. For those of you who don’t make it to the East Coast that often, let me tell you that 25 degrees in person is much colder than it looks on the iPhone weather ap. Now for a taxi ride. Not counting the freezing temperatures, the taxi was the first big difference I noticed. How often does someone else drive for you in Orange County? Prom? Wedding? Bachelerotte party? We drive ourselves. It seemed strange to entrust someone you do not know with this task, especially in these conditions. We had the stereotypical nightmarish taxi ride into the city. Did he realize the roads had ice on them? We were sure to use our feet for the majority of our transportation after that. Our plans were probably pretty typical of novice explorers of this monstrous city. Enjoy the hotel, walk the city, shop, get a massage, and catch a show. What I had not planned on were; a Duxiana bed, a four-hand massage, Justin Bieber, and Robert Plant. Wait, that sounds weird. Let me explain.

from Central Park, blocks from the Mayor’s house, and be-speckled with doorman we made our way from the cab, past the doorman and into the lobby. We were greeted by Kate Moss and champagne and led to our rooms. Yeah, I wish I could leave it at that because being greeted at reception by a super model would make our story that much cooler, but it was only an over-sized portrait of the undersized model. We were escorted to our room, shown the amenities, and given a tour of our Manhattan-sized digs. You would not normally need a tour of something this size but in this case I am glad the bellman provided one. The bed was a Duxiana, the whiskey was bottled locally, there were hand-made chocolates, and all of the white furniture and luxurious appointments were especially made for the hotel as directed by Lauren. Impressive. There is something about this city that drags you outside. Even though it only encompasses a few square miles, it feels like it is constantly evolving. You feel like if you sleep

too much you might miss some dramatic change. We dropped our bags and headed out. We intended to cram as much into these three days as possible. First stop. Mama Mia. Walking. There was another activity you do precious little of in Orange County. At home, we often went out for a walk but it was not a form of transportation to anywhere. Even with all of the snow covering the park and piled up around the cars, the sidewalks were relatively clear of any snow, slush or ice. Our booty of boots, long underwear, and wool socks would not leave the suitcase on this trip. Contrast. We walked into the Winter Garden Theatre and it was similar to entering the Lido Theatre at home. The exceptions were the neatly dressed men escorting us to our seats with little flashlights, the assigned seating, and $5 bottles of Arrowhead. Suddenly I was looking for a water fountain. We watched. It was cute. Not something I would

We set up camp on the Upper East side at the fantastic, newly remodeled, ultra sheik boutique hotel, The Surrey. The former residential apartment has been transformed by designer Lauren Rottet into an understated masterpiece. Wedged into a neighborhood of multi-million dollar homes a literal stone’s throw

Corey Green as “Sky” (center) and company in Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. Photo © Joan Marcus 2009.

do every day, but fun nonetheless. I never realized the actual length of the ABBA catalog is just that… long. As we exited the theatre I noticed a marquee with three foot tall letters that spoke to me. Late Night with David Letterman. This was something you could not do at home. We would have to be back tomorrow morning at 9:30 to enter the lottery. I thought we could swing that.

The Surrey Hotel, NYC | www.thesurrey.com

There is something about this city that drags you outside. Even though it only encompasses a few square miles, it feels like it is constantly evolving.

We walked home. Nearly two miles. We arrived a little cold and tired. We showered, wrapped ourselves in luxurious robes, and collapsed our Orange County bodies into our luxurious bed, and allowed The Big Apple’s nightfall to swallow us whole. Woke up early. Back to the theatre. Stood in line outside. There was room inside but I think they wanted us to suffer for those coveted Letterman stubs. Short interview. Yes, I liked Dave. Yes my wife would be coming, and yes we would be there for sure. I left andgot a call 20 minutes later as I 118

Lisa Brescia as “Donna Sheridan” in Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre. Photo © Joan Marcus 2010.

of you who have never had oneI highly recommend you try it. I was greeted in the lobby by a pair of attractive, towering blondes. I am not sure you can guarantee this would be included in every treatment, and it surely was a bonus. Four hands working on you in tandem all at once. It makes it difficult to concentrate. Ten minutes into the massage I was lost. I could no longer keep track of where the hands were or who they belonged to. I tried not to snore. My wife and I met in the lounge, sipped black tea, and agreed to go shopping. Woo hoo. We went to Bergdorf’s and Bloomingdale’s, then explored SOHO and 5th Avenue. My wife was truly at home. Didn’t we have all of these stores at South Coast Plaza? She told me it was the same, but different. Contrast.

made my way through a snow covered Central Park back to The Surrey. We were in. Yes. “Who was the guest?” I asked. She couldn’t tell me. Still, very stoked. I arrived at the hotel just in time for our

massages. We made our way down to the spa at the hotel, were greeted by their friendly staff, and seated in semi-private chairs as we waited, feet up, for our treatments. My wife chose a scrub. I chose the “Four Hand Massage.” I couldn’t resist. For those

I could tell you every store we entered, every bag I carried, and every place we “window shopped,” but that wouldn’t be the whole story. Suffice it to say, we shopped til we nearly dropped. Now it was time for some fun. We entered the Ed Sullivan theatre and found a seats in the third row just feet away from Dave himself. We laughed when prodded, which was quite often. We rocked out to the music of Paul Schaeffer’s house band and

quiksilver

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marveled at the backstage workings of the show. We expereinced “Beiber Fever” as Justin read the infamous Top 10 list, watched Martha Stewart toss cream cheese into Dave’s face, and then it happened. Dave announced the guest for the evening. It was rock icon Robert Plant, and he was going to sing. Yes! My first album (yes, not CD or cassette) was the classic Physical Graffiti by Led Zeppellin. I felt very lucky to be listening to this legend from the third row. This made my trip complete. It was an amazing trip. How great that we can travel such distances in such short amounts of time. Amazing that our cities can be so similar, and yet so different at the same time. We vacationed 3,000 miles away, recharged and refreshed our bodies and souls, and accomplished it all in just one weekend. Thank you NYC for showing us a great time, and if you are ever in Orange County, look me up and I will show you around.

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Put on your spandex, go heavy on the eye shadow and participate in “Smokey Karaoke” at Beach Fire in San Clemente. 204 Avenida Del Mar # D | San Clemente (949) 366-3232 | Beachfire.com

STRETCH! Take a pilates class at Core Reform Pilates. Go as a couple or take a girlfriend. A very fun class. 1058 Irvine Avenue | Newport Beach (949) 646-8600 | CoreReform.com

Fill up while you fill up. Take a road trip to Peter’s Gourmade Grill for a incredible hamburger in this cute restaurant attached to a gas station.

Sweat out those gnarly weekend toxins with a 40 minute infared sauna at Suite Sweat (burns 600 calories) in Costa Mesa.

615 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa | (714) 429-7640

488 E 17th Street A103 | Costa Mesa (949) 722-1264 | SuiteSweat.com

Take in a night game at Angel’s stadium, spring for good seats and arrive an hour or so early to have dinner at The Knothole Club. Club Level at Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Raise your Taco Tuesday thermometer a notch with Ghost Chili Taco’s at Taco Asylum in The Camp.

Treat your puppy to a spa day and drop him/her off to play with friends at The Bone Adventure.

2937 S Bristol St, Ste B102 | Costa Mesa (714) 922-6010 | TacoAsylum.com

629 Superior Avenue, Costa Mesa | (949) 650-2692 2700 North Bristol Street, Costa Mesa | (714) 604-1414 TheBoneAdventure.com

16851 McFadden Ave | Tustin (714) 273-7922 | GourmadeGril.com

CAMM (@ MESA) a mixture of cinema, art and music is the place to be on Tuesday nights. We like it even more when they open the retractable roof. 725 Baker Street, Costa Mesa (714) 557-6700 | MesaCostaMesa.com

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A very Happy Hour can be had at Leatherby’s Cafe Rouge where they serve up $4 martinis in a very refined setting.

2000 East Gene Autry Way | Anaheim (714) 940-2482 | AngelsBaseball.com

You do not go enough. Head to the beach. Walk the boardwalk in Laguna, build a castle in Newport or build a fire in HB.

Just a taste. Try some Pliny the Elder or Russian River brews at The OC Wine Mart and Tasting Bar. 2272 Michelson Dr #100 | Irvine (949) 250-0033 | OCWineMartShop.com

Dress to impress. The OC Social Group attracts a beautiful crowd at Scott’s in Costa Mesa on Thursday nights.

Drive to Buena Park at lunch today for a real Chicago dog at Portillo’s and finish it off with a chocolate cake shake.

Make a twilight reservation at Pelican Hill Golf Resort and save almost $100. Even at full price this is a wonderful splurge.

8390 La Palma Avenue | Buena Park (714) 220-6400 | Portillos.com

22701 Pelican Hill Road South | Newport Coast (949) 467-6800 | PelicanHill.com

Put your racing gloves on and take the kids racing at K1 Speed in Irvine.

Put on your headband and leg warmers and see if you can still backwards skate at The Fountain Valley Skating Center.

17221 Von Karman Avenue | Irvine (949) 250-0242 | K1Speed.com

3300 BRISTOL STREET | COSTA MESA (866) 957.5445 | ScottsRestaurantandBar.com

Low key, big TV’s and great pool tables at the Classic Q. 4250 Martingale Way | Newport Beach (949) 261-9458 | TheClassicQ.com

Check out The Cove shopping center on PCH in Newport. 10+ great local designers in an ultra hip setting.

Make a suset dinner reservation for The Studio restaurant at The Montage.

Customize your new slaps at the flagship Havaiana store in downtown HB.

30801 Coast Hwy | Laguna Beach (949) 715-6420 | StudioLagunaBeach.com

300 Pacific Coast Highway | Huntington Beach (714) 536-0001 | Havaianas.com

Order a Vietnamese Sandwich (Cucumber, cilantro, jalapeños, pickled daikon & carrots served on fresh baked baguettes) at East-Borough in the Camp.

Take in beautiful views and wonderful food with lunch overlooking the Pacific at The Coyote Grill.

9105 Recreation Circle | Fountain Valley | (714) 847-6300

Take the family to BRINNER. Have a Bacon, Egg and Cheddar waffle sandwich at BRUXIE in Orange.

Get dolled up and have a drink at the super sexy speak easy The Copper Door in Santa Ana.

The Red Chair lounge inside of The Hyatt Regency in Hunting Beach is super sexy and host live Jazz tonight.

292 N Glassell St | Orange (888) 927-8943 | Bruxie.com

225 1/2 N Broadway | Santa Ana

Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach | 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach | (714) 698-1234

31621 S Coast Hwy. | Laguna Beach (949) 499-4033 | CoyoteGrill.com

2937 Bristol St | D102 | Costa Mesa (714) 641-5010 | East-Borough.com

Get up early and take a romantic drive up the coast to Los Olivos. Your destination is Sarloos and Sons super cute tasting room for their great wine and awesome CUPCAKE pairings.

Get ready for a big night out or just pamper yourself with a wash and blowout at Dry Bar in Fashion Island. It’s only $35 and you will feel like like shrieking after your big reveal.

Want to have a great date night? Reserve a cooking class at TSpoons in Ladera Ranch. Tspoons Cooking School

Live music in a romantic setting at Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine where every dollar of profit goes to the Andrei Foundation.

Stop saying “I don’t surf, but I would like to learn” and take a class from a legend at Corky Carroll’s Surf School.

6 Gilly Flower | Ladera Ranch 949-545-6978 | Tspoons.com

2607 Main Street | Irvine | (949) 387-8887 AndreisRestaurant.com | AndreiFoundation.com

Bolsa Chica State Beach | Lifeguard Tower 18 Huntington Beach | (714) 969-3959 | SurfSchool.net

Go to Sharkeez in Newport for their do-it-yourself Bloody Mary Bar.

Irvine Lake Mud Run (nuff said). Located at Oak Canyon Park.

114 McFadden Place | Newport Beach (949) 673-0292 | Sharkeez.net

Blue Diamond Haul Road, Silverado (714) 637-1871 | IrvineLakeMudRun.com

Make a reservation for a Sunday morning brunch and lounge on the overstuffed chairs with views of the harbor while sipping champagne at The Dock.

TheDryBar.com

2971 Grand Avenue | Los Olivos (805) 688-1200 | saloosandsons.com

Take the Kids to Disneyland with the express purpose of visiting Goofy’s Kitchen for a Peanut Butter and Jelly Pizza. 1313 S. Harbor Boulevard | Anaheim | (714) 956-6755

Take a hike: Peter’s Canyon Regional park in Orange has a hike/run for every level. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave. | Orange (714)973-6611 | OCParks.com/PetersCanyon

2816 LaFayette Avenue | Newport Beach (949) 673-3625 | EatAtTheDock.com

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by Erin Rose Belair

Photography by Jenavieve Belair

In the swing of things

One Gal’s Life-changing Adventure in Swing Dancing

hen I was a sophomore in high school, I tried out for the cheerleading team, which I didn’t make. It wasn’t because I couldn’t learn the cheers, and it certainly wasn’t because I couldn’t land the high kick. I didn’t make it because I couldn’t dance. I couldn’t remember the steps, I could hardly keep count, and there was no way I could do it all with a beaming smile plastered on my face. I chalked up the experience to a lesson learned, and as something to be added to the short list of things I can’t do. Now, fast forward a decade later, and here I am walking into a private dance lesson carrying with me all of the apprehension of that sophomore student of old.

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I decided to enroll at the Atomic Ballroom in Irvine so that I could master the fine art of the swing dance. Swing has always captured my attention: from their outfits to the music to the way they move, it all seems magical to me. I knew that if I was going to try my hand(or feet in this case) at dancing, this was the only style I would be willing to try. The staff at Atomic Ballroom welcomed me with big smiles and open arms. They held no pre-conceived expectations of my abilities; which immediately made me feel more comfortable. They gave me a tour of their massive facility, which includes a D.J. booth, large mirrored ballroom (where group classes are held every

night of the week), and a smaller ballroom upstairs. This space is most welcoming, with large windows that allow the afternoon light to filter in during private lessons. I met with Trisha, a lovely woman with a bubbling personality who made me laugh and relax while going over the extensive menu of classes available at Atomic. They offer more than 60 different types of classes in Latin, ballroom, and swing dancing. There are also a dozen other types of lessons that range from acrobatic lifts to hiphop and even belly dancing. I imagined myself mastering the Mambo and the Cha Cha, trying out the Fox Trot, or wearing some “sweet” duds while doing the Disco Hustle. They also offer a special wedding series so that you can impress your friends and family when your fiancé lifts you on the dance floor the way Swayze did in Dirty Dancing. Classes are offered as private, group, and progressive group and advance over a several week period. While all of it sounded great, I was there to learn

my dance partner, stayed home at my request. I figured if I was going be performing awkward gyrations in front of an audience, I would rather endure the sarcastic ribbing of my girl pal to my boyfriends raucous laughter. We had come fresh from the beach on that bright Friday afternoon and both wore flip-flop sandals, a testament to how little either of us knew about dancing. We headed upstairs to the smaller ballroom and before entering, kicked off our sandals, shook out our nerves, and tried to leave our self-consciousness at the door. We spent the majority of the 45 minute lesson learning the “Triple Step”. This rhythm is one of the most important components of swing dance fundamentals so I was determined to master it quickly. I had flashbacks of trying to keep time as a cheerleader and being left behind in the dust while the other girls shook their stuff in perfect unison to a “Jock Jams” remix. When I looked in the

matter where your partner takes you. In order to move forward I had to get this down. No matter how mightily I struggled, Jofflyn would not give up on me. He was encouraging at every turn (and trip). His patience, coupled with Andrea’s good-natured humor and a lot of determination had me triple stepping up a storm by the end of my first lesson. “See you again next Tuesday?” he asked. “You bet,” I responded. Next time, I would bring my boyfriend. Tuesday came quickly, and I was still nervous, although I had practiced in the privacy of my room, at work, the grocery store, and really anywhere else I went. I brought Kevin (my boyfriend) with me. We arrived a bit early for the 7:45 beginner’s Lindy Hop class, which gave us a chance to check out the more experienced dancers. There were students of every age, size, shape, and color. Everyone there was at some early skill level, exactly like me. They were all still learning to dance better, regardless of their current ability. I had an immense

I imagined myself mastering the Mambo and the Cha Cha, trying out the Fox Trot, or wearing sweet duds while doing the Disco Hustle. how to swing dance. Trisha introduced me to Jofflyn, who would be my new friend and private dance instructor. I attended my first private lesson with my best friend Andrea. My boyfriend Kevin, who would inevitably become

mirror I had to do a double take. Who was that girl prancing like a newborn deer in obvious disregard to the bass line? Oh yeah, that was me. The triple step creates a rhythm with your feet and ultimately keeps you dancing, no

appreciation for everyone. They were exposing themselves to ridicule and humiliation to learn something new. I now felt much more at ease about getting out there myself. The dances held at Atomic are big events. There are usually food trucks and a D.J., and they even attract nonstudents since you don’t have to be enrolled in classes to get in on the fun. For just eight - ten dollars, anyone can cut a rug at Atomic. The group lesson is run in a round-robin style format, giving you the chance to dance with a variety of people and develop your steps with different partners. I danced with men of all ages and backgrounds. I even danced with a gentleman who was nearly six-footfour. I was reaching into the sky for his shoulder when his triple step took me clear across the dance floor. I also shared a dance with an eighty-something-yearold Latin fellow who showed me for the first time how to really move my body with the steps. Everyone I shared a sixcount with brought something new to my experience. By the time I had made my way through the circle and back to Kevin, he had not only learned the Triple Step but was throwing me through turns with ease. I thought to myself ‘Of course he is a natural,’ and the ladies in the class loved him. I must admit that I struggled a bit. However, the anxiety was gone. I no longer carried with me the failure of my adolescence, and I left that night with new friends and new moves. The

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Six-count Lindy Hop moves you in a circular pattern. No matter where you start, you always end in the same place. I loved the fact that if this is the only dance you know, you can still keep on dancing all night long. Kevin and I now knew the moves mechanically, but the art of “how” to move was still foreign to us. Practicing at home, the steps seemed awkward and forced. I felt nothing like the girls I had seen in the movies, with their ponytails flying in the wind at a sock hop. We needed personalized attention in combination with group classes to help us become the dancers we wanted to be, so we both went back the following week for a private lesson with Jofflyn to solidify what we had learned. A private lesson is 45 minutes of individualized attention, and we grew by leaps and bounds in that three quarter hour session. We learned

about our frame, which is essential, as the dance is all about lead and follow which begins with a clear connection in the arms. I learned that I was at my best when I stopped thinking so much and just let Kevin take the lead. This was not an easy for me. The dance became less of a science and more of a language between our bodies when I decided to “let go.” After running through the steps many times and adding in a few new moves, it was time to try it with music. When the music began I felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. I hoped to look a lot like Sandra Dee in Grease. I heard Jofflyn count out “and… five, six, seven, eight..” Then it began. We Triple-stepped and he spun me around; we exchanged places and went into “the cuddle,” closed position, open position, and more Triple-stepping. I tried not to think too hard and I tried not to lose my rhythm by shouting out in excitement. I just followed the music

and kept my feet in time. Everything else was up to Kevin. I could feel his hand on the small of my back throwing me in different directions, while the other arm pulled me back in. And then came the moment I was waiting for. I felt my ponytail fly in the wind as he whipped me through a turn: success, sweet simple success. When we did fumble a step or two, we just laughed and kept on going. The beauty of it all is that if you miss a beat you just pick up on the next one. We danced all the way through Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly with Me,” and for the first time, everything started feeling very natural.

so that we can show off our new skills. I know dancing is one of those things that many people go through life thinking, “You know that looks like fun. I wish I could dance.” Let me tell you, you can! I am proof. I am stepping, spinning; dancing proof that no matter how uncoordinated you think you may be, the folks at Atomic Ballroom can draw the dancer out of you. Take THAT cheerleading squad! Turns out, I did make the team after all. Please visit Atomicballroom.com for pricing, class schedules and locations. Hope to see you out on the dance floor!

I am so smitten with the moves and the music that I purchased another round of group and private lessons. The next class we will attend will be the intermediate class. I am very proud that we are able to bump up an entire level after just one private lesson! We plan on going to their weekly dances

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From the Movie "Meatballs" by Rick Dees and his cast of Idiot

Sand between your toes, the smell of BBQ every night, staying up late, and waking up late. Any of these remind you of anything? Well when I was growing up, they were the definition of summertime, and the feeling of freedom and unlimited fun that came with it. But one of the best things by far about the season was the anticipation of summer camp. Living in Southern California and more specifically Orange County,

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By Caroline Landon

meant that the possibilities were endless. I could learn to surf, paddleboard, ride horses, or camp, and nd I could do all of these things with my friends while making new ones! Though my days of summer camp are over, I wanted to see what sort of camps Orange County still has to offer, so without further ado, bring on that hot fun in the summertime!

Young Chefs Academy

Now I will admit, as amazing it is to be the owner of an easy bake oven and wait two days for a light bulb to cook brownies, there is a great alternative for the kids. Young Chef’s Academy in Irvine offers kids the opportunity to learn firsthand how to cook all of their favorite foods (and some of yours as well). Young Chef’s Academy lets kids get in touch with their culinary creative side and learn all about kitchen safety, etiquette, menu planning, and of course, food tasting. Young Chef’s Academy strives to open your taste buds to new and exciting ways to cook and eat everything from veggies and fruits to chocolate and ice cream. For more information, visit their website at www.youngchefsacademy.com/irvine or call (949) 679-8390. 15435 Jeffrey Road (@ Irvine Center Dr.) #A132 Irvine, CA 92618

Camp James

Can’t decide between a camp with water activities, sports, or the arts? You don’t have to! Camp James is the camp for you! Kids will participate in everything from archery, martial arts, miniature golf, music, and hiking. They can also enjoy daily trips to Wild Rivers for swimming and water fun. Each week has a new theme so that kids can dress up and play themed games such as Quiddich during Camp Hogwarts Week. Cold drinks with lunch and an afternoon snack are provided. Register online and receive a free tee shirt as well as request placement in the same groups as your friends. Camp James is also offering two specialty camps this summer. For those adventurous tykes, check out Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer Adventure Camp from August 22- 26. Got a knack for solving mysteries and crimes? Check out the Super Sleuth Detective Camp August 29-September 2. Register online at www.campjames.com or call (949) 585-0464. Native Knowledge: Camp James is located on more than 30 acres right in the backyard of Wild Rivers Water Park. 8790 Irvine Center Drive Irvine, CA 92618

Quicksilver Surf Camp

Got a future Kelly Slater or Layne Beachley in the house? Quicksilver Surf Camp is the perfect place for kids to get wet and learn the fundamentals of surfing as well as important lessons about the ocean. Each day kids will learn a lesson ranging from the importance of ocean safety and lifeguards to waves and ocean ecology. Every Thursday, the kids will participate in a beach cleanup and on Fridays, will enjoy the extra special treat of having a pro surfer come down and answer questions and have a pizza party! Parents are welcome to join on Friday to watch their kids in action and enjoy the pizza party. All instructors are CPR and first aid certified and with 25 years of experience under Erik Nelsen’s belt, your surfers will be in good hands. Nine, one week camps will start June 20 and run through August 26. Boys and girls ages 5-14 are welcome! The camp is held in Northern Newport Beach off Orange Street. Surfboards will be provided. Visit the website for a ‘day in the life’ video and for more camp information: www.eriknelsensurf.com. To register, call the City of Newport Beach at (949) 664-3151. Native Knowledge: Erik Nelsen also runs a Roxy girls surf camp as well as an ocean adventure program. For more details, see the website.

Camp Discovery at the Discovery Center

Calling all Science Whizzes! Camp Discovery has several programs geared toward kids aged 5-10 and held at either the Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Center, or the San Joaquin marsh. Future zoologists will find themselves in paradise at either location. Kids will get hands on experience with the animals as well as learn about the different careers available for animal lovers. For those adventurous kids who can’t get enough of the outdoors, Summer Smiles is the place to be. Located at the San Joaquin Marsh, kids will learn all about frogs, insects, and other animals while getting up close and personal with a magnifying glass. Have dreams of being an inventor or a scientist? Ultimate Exploration at the Discovery Science Center is the perfect place where kids will participate in various science experiments including investigating fingerprints, the secrets of dinosaurs, and the new summer exhibit “water works.” For more details and other camp information, call (714) 542-2823 or visit the website at www.discoverycube.org. Native Knowledge: Members get registration privileges and discounts.

Renaissance Club Sport

Though summer is the time for vacations and lazy time, staying active is also important. Renaissance Club Sport has that covered for you and your kids. Centered on sports and fitness, Renaissance Sport Kids Camp encourages kids to get moving and meet new friends with tons of activates including sports, swimming, and games. From safari and jungle week to wacky science week, each session has a theme. Though geared toward ages 5-12, Renaissance also offers a Jellybean Camp for kids aged 3-5. Schedule always changing? Renaissance has got you covered with a flexible camp schedule, making it easy to customize your child’s plans. To sign up or for more information, contact Corrie Baer at (949) 330-5558. For more information on Renaissance Club Sport, visit the website at www.renaissanceclubsport.com. Native Knowledge: Renaissance Club Sport also offers one day camps for those school holidays. 50 Enterprise Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Team OC

Got a future Olympian in the house? Team OC’s summer camp is the place for those future gymnasts, martial artists, and rock climbers. With your choice of a half or full day, kids will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of fun activities including obstacle courses, trampolines, arts and crafts, and rock climbing, and a slip and slide. All equipment used year round is available and for the ready for the kids in the 45,000 square foot, state of the art facility. Kids will also enjoy Water Fun Wednesday and Finale Friday, which will give them a chance to show off those new and improved skills. Team OC strives to help your child set goals, gain confidence, and have fun at the same time. Team OC also offers instruction for kids interested in dancing and cheerleading. All activities are catered to a 3-13 age group. For more information, call (714) 4441144 or visit the website at www.teamocfun.com/camps. Native Knowledge: Team OC also offers winter camps and hosts birthday parties with themes including dance, cheer, and gymnastics. 385 Clinton Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 130

South Coast Repertory Summer Acting Workshop

, For some it’s a shampoo bottle, for others it’s a pancake syrup bottle. Now don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. We have all practiced our Academy Award acceptance speech in the mirror, but for some of us it doesn’t have to stop there. South Coast Repertory’s Summer Acting Workshop allows kids to get a taste of acting with lessons in movement, vocal expression, and character development. Classes feature warm ups, interactive lessons with the teachers and students, as well as special surpriseguests. Two sessions are offered, each lasting two weeks. Session one begins July 25-August 6 and session two runs from August 8- August 20. For more information and to register, call (714) 708-5577 or visit the website at www.scr.org. Native Knowledge: South Coast Repertory won the Tony Award for best Resident Theatre in the United States. 655 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Bridges Equestrian Training Stable

Interested horseback riding? Bridges Equestrian offers week long summer camps where kids will learn the care and keeping of horses and basic horseback riding skills. Classes are taught by college educated instructors, with each child provided with his/her own horse. Each day kids will participate in morning chores, clinics, riding lessons, ecology hikes, crafts, and touring the stables. Bridges is the premier horse trail in Orange County and centrally located off the 5 Freeway in San Juan Capistrano. With more than 29 years of experience, Bridges is the perfect place for beginners and intermediates to learn and have fun horsin’around. For more information and to register, call (949) 858-0970 or visit the website at www. bridgestrainingstable.com Native Knowledge: Bridges is the host of the Orange Coast Cooler Horse shows, and all students who have reached an ability level can participate. 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Camp

Photo courtesy of Dana Wharf Sportfishing

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Experienced fishermen will tell you there is no feeling quite likefeeling that tug on your fishing line. Now you can experience the excitement at Dana Wharf Kids Fishing Camp. Your kids will get the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of fishing from experienced instructors while meeting new friends and maybecatching The Big One. Dana Wharf will provide the gear, lunch, and a kids raffle at the end of the clinic. On the last day of camp, parents and siblings are welcome to join the crew and campers for a day of fishing. Don’t want to keep the fish you catch? No problem. Dana Wharf promotes catch-and-release fishing for anyone who prefers it. Come aboard the private boat and get ready for fishing and fun in the sun. Contact Monique at (949) 496-5794 or visit the website for more information.:www.danawharf.com Native Knowledge: Come down every Sunday from 12:00-12:20 for a free kids fishing clinic. Call for availability. 34675 Golden Lantern Dana Point, CA 92629

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Roxy Girl in the Curl Surf Camp

Are you ready to dive into some surfing fun? Girl in the Curl Surf Camp offers the opportunity for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers to learn and sharpen their skills. Beginners will be given lessons in water safety and awareness while learning the fundamentals of surfing. Girl in the Curl also offers private lessons, birthday parties, and ‘surf safari’ surf trips. Instruction for kids as young as six is available (with an extra fee) and kids with disabilities are welcome. Bring your swimsuit and your sunscreen and get ready to get wet! Space is limited and fills fast so don’t miss out! For information on registering, call (949) 661-Girl or visit the website at www.girlinthecurl.com. Native Knowledge: Girl in the Curl isn’t just a camp. Stop by the shop to check out the surf gear, jewelry, and accessories available. 34116 Pacific Coast Hwy #A Dana Point, CA 92629

Starr Ranch Sanctuary, Junior Biologists Summer Camp

Interested in knowing the day to day activities of a real wildlife biologist? Starr Ranch has the camp for you! The junior biologists’ summer camp allows kids to observe and participate with biologists in various activities while walking them through the scientific process and method. Kids will learn about various native ecosystems, as well as the local wildlife, through catch and release of birds, small mammals, reptiles, arachnids, and amphibians. This coming summer, kids will get to participate in research of large mammals including cougars, bobcats, and foxes. Contact Sandy at (949)-858-0309 or visit their website at www.starrranch.org/. Native Knowledge: All of Starr Ranch’s camp instructors have graduate degrees and are committed to the study of wildlife ecology. 100 Bell Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

We’ve all seen those Dawn dish soap commercials where the baby sea lion is washed and returned into the wild after an oil spill. Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to it than that. Love helping animals and learning about their care and rehabilitation? The Pacific Marine Mammal Center has the perfect summer camp called Camp Pinniped for those future veterinarians, animal rescuers, and environmentalists. Kids will learn firsthand the steps it takes to nurse seals and sea lions back to health through a series of mock activities including weighing fish, preparing food, and learning the proper care of marine mammals. Each day is themed and includes games, arts, and crafts. Spots fill up quickly so sign up early. Call (949) 494-3050 or visit the website for more information www. pacificmmc.org/day_camp. Native Knowledge: Anyone can contribute to the cause of helping these animals. Call now to sponsor one of the patients and be part of a great cause and experience. 20612 Laguna Canyon Rd. Laguna Beach, CA 92651

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FIRST TIMERS GUIDE

by Samantha Korb

Blood? Maybe. Sweat? Definitely. Tears? Not in front of the boys. I had no idea what to expect, but the word CrossFit had been popping up on my Facebook feed for weeks so I had to find out more about it. What I discovered changed my preconceived notion of fitness. These athletes put the bad in badass. They put the tense in intense. If you thought you lived and breathed fitness but you haven’t tried CrossFit, think again. This isn’t just another fitness craze; CrossFit is a way of life. I consider myself a gym rat. My personal trainer, Rory, whips me into shape twice as week. As if that’s not enough, I kick my own butt at the gym 4-5 additional days per week. I consider myself fit, however my recent visit to CrossFit brought to my attention that I have never really grasped the definition of being “fit.” According to the convenient and trusty dictionary.com, the definition of “fit” is “in good physical condition; in good health.” Okay, fine, but could this definition be any more generic? “Good” compared to what?

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photography by Nancy Villeree of Crush Photo Studios

Chris Worden, one of the owners of CrossFit Costa Mesa, began our tour by reviewing the 10 components to fitness: cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. Well I scored a 4 (and a half?) on this one! Chris was teaching me a whole new language. I started taking notes just to keep up with allthe lingo. We would start with “Onboarding.” This was a series of classes that all new members must attend to familiarize themselves with CrossFit. Divided into lectures and drills, each day is different. The drills incorporate gymnastics, weightlifting, powerlifting, and cardio. Luckily for me the Onboarding classes are scaled to each individual depending on their abilities, so that everyone can participate. Seems pretty straightforward and logical, right? Once these classes are completed the real workouts begin. Here’s the kickermembers don’t know what the workout is until they arrive. Just to give you an idea, here’s yesterday’s workout:

FOR TIME135 lb. Thruster 15 reps 35 lb. weighted pull-up 15 reps 95 lb. Thruster 21 reps 20 lb. weighted pull-up 21 reps 65 lb. Thruster, 36 reps 36 pull-ups It’s a good thing that they keep it secret until you get there. If you knew you were supposed to do that workout tomorrow, you might not want to go. After my interview with Chris concluded, I thought I would do a little more investigation. I decided to ask the next person who walked by what their opinion was. The next person was a mom coming to retrieve her kids from the waiting area that doubled as a playroom. “Are you a member here?” I asked. “Oh yeah!” She responded, dripping with sweat (I guess I missed that clue). “Do you absolutely love it?” I asked. “That’s an understatement,” she said emphatically. She loved it so much that she told me her entire story. She had gained a significant amount of weight (70 pounds to be exact) after having her two children

and needed to change her life. She found CrossFit Costa Mesa and has since dropped the weight and has become more active and fit than she thought she’d ever be. When she told me all of this my mouth was catching flies and I somehow managed to utter, “CrossFit did this to you?!” She then said, “Yep, and I’ve never been so happy.” My interest was piqued. This was going to be interesting. I made an appointment for the following week to put my 4.5 level of gym rat-attained fitness to the test. The night was finally here, so I text messaged Alec to confirm my arrival. His message back gave me an idea of what I was in for. It read, “I hope you’re ready!!!” Pumped up by Alec’s enthusiasm, I was super excited for my first CrossFit workout. Was I scared? A little bit, I’ll admit. Alec Hanson, the owner of CrossFit Costa Mesa, was generous enough to welcome me into his warehouse with open and chiseled arms.

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As I hesitantly shuffled towards a sweaty fate, I noticed an old gymnastics vault, or “horse,” and was momentarily relieved. Being an ex-competitive gymnast, I now had hope that I might be utilizing some long unused muscle memory. Alec was waiting for me at the door and acted as my CrossFit mentor, tour guide, and drill sergeant. As he took me on a tour, I noticed two things: everyone involved in the warm-up at that moment, was smiling and joking around with each other, and women my size were lifting 95 pounds worth of iron. Inspiring and impressive. “What made you start this?” I asked Alec, trying to distract him from starting our routine. He laughed and took me over to the stretching area. Alec handed me a foam cylinder to stretch on, and I was ready to listen. “After my best friend and I had graduated from college, we both got office desk jobs and gained 20 lbs,” he told me. “We wanted to get in shape so we started working out in my garage” he said, and then continued, “...we weren’t sure what to do so we decided to start mimicking the WOD [workout of the day] posted on www.crossfit.com.” Then Alec told me that when other friends saw their results, they asked to join. So many friends wanted to join that they started a website to

help manage the flow of people. Then, people they didn’t know were showing up. Alec concluded his story by telling me, “It came to the point where we had to move our workouts out of the garage and find a gym to call our own before the city shut us down for not having a license. And here we are, changing lives.” Now for the workout. I attempted three sets of three separate exercises. You cannot take your time here. Everything is timed and everyone writes their times on a giant white board. I didn’t want to record the slowest time in history so I did all the reps as fast as I could. The three exercises Alec had me attempt were cleans (an Olympic lift consisting of a “clean and jerk” with a barbell and 45 pounds), situps, and jump-roping. Notice I said, “attempted.” Sit-ups I definitely had in the bag. Cleans, on the other hand, were initially more foreign than speaking Chinese for the first time. Each time I lifted that barbell from the floor to my shoulders it became easier, but it wasn’t a move that came naturally. The jump roping was probably the most challenging. We were supposed to do double jumps. “Huh?” was my eloquent response. Alec wanted me to swing the rope entirely around my body twice during one jump. Did he realize that

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was 720 degrees? I was pretty good at about 680 degrees. This was the perfect rotation amount to smack the hell out of my shins with the wire-thin jump rope, I had no choice but to do single jumps. Sigh. Considering my crash course, I excused myself this small failure. Maybe next time they would let me show off my prowess on the “horse.” I left feeling very proud having merely “completed” this mini version of the

quiksilver

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actual workout, and immediately considered posting it on Facebook. I left impressed by the people I met. Not only do I admire their “fitness” (or working towards it), but also their dedication, community support, and passion. If you think you can handle it, and maybe more importantly if you don’t, I highly suggest you give CrossFit Costa Mesa a shot. Maybe one day, you too will be “fit” to the core.

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hen the paddle slices into the cold Pacific and it draws backward through the current, my muscles strain, salty water splashes across my face,and the world disappears around me. I close my eyes and feel the energy of six bodies moving in unison to propel our outrigger canoe forward. “Hut, hike, hoe.” The rhythmic voice of the “caller” is not just a set of instructions for when to paddle on the right side and when to switch to the left in harmony with your other teammates; it is also a meditative chant. An impenetrable sense of calm permeates the small boat as each individual focuses inward to connect with the boat’s natural momentum. The spiritual aspect of this sport is rooted in its history: outrigger paddling originated in the Polynesian Islands and is deeply connected to their values of “family, respect and togetherness,” according to Makapo Aquatics co-founder RJ DeRama. Makapo (meaning “dark eyes” or “blind” in Hawaiian) is a paddling team for blind and visually-impaired athletes. They train from the Newport Aquatics Center in Back Bay and compete professionally against sighted teams. Though racing a 40-foot outrigger manned with five blind teammates may seem extraordinarily difficult, Makapo handles it with expert ease. A paddling boat consists of six team members in the boat. The steersman sits in the last seat, directing the boat from right to left and warning of impending obstacles. The other five focus on paddling, propelling the boat forward in perfect unison. With only one sighted member, the steersman, the Makapo team can still compete on a level with sighted athletes. Most members of the team actually consider their condition an advantage because they can hear and sense

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How I came to know these inspiring athletes and to paddle with them on that Saturday morning is a story as profoundly turbulent as any ocean race. Growing up within the confines of Laguna Beach, my older brother Andrei and I spent our afternoons and summers running down Emerald Bay beach, playing in the waves and watching the sun go down over boxes of half-eaten Gina’s Pizza. It was on one of our nightly walks home from the beach that I noticed Andrei couldn’t see the road as well as I could. He tripped on the curb and while I snickered like a typical little sister, I think we all knew that it could be a sign of something serious. It was. Andrei was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that slowly robs its victims of sight by destroying the retina. It was a slow process, but a frightening one, and Andrei did everything he could to minimize the effects and to help doctors in their research for a cure. His fight was tragically cut short in 2005 when he lost his life in an auto accident at the age of 32. In the weeks that followed his death, my family and I searched for ways to honor his life. We settled on two major endeavors: opening a restaurant and starting a charitable foundation in his name. Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails and The Andrei Foundation were born from our grief. We knew we wanted the Foundation’s work to support the causes that were important to Andrei, namely vision-related efforts. We had the obvious line-up that he had already been donating to – The Foundation Fighting Blindness, and other research teams at UCI and USC. We got to know some fearless and fabulous guide dog owners and through them

Keeping H by Natalia Olenicoff Photography by Cam Oden

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the paddles’ movements with much more precision than those athletes who rely on their most obvious (but less accurate) sense of sight.

began supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind. But in addition to those larger organizations, we wanted to support something more local, something grassroots. As we started to search, a friend of mine asked if I’d heard of Makapo Aquatics. The next few months were a blur of friendly emails with RJ, followed by The Andrei Foundation’s first major donation to the Makapo team. Until that

through the waves. Two paddlers are subbed in every 30 minutes and must quickly jump from the trailing power boat into the canoe without tipping it over. By way of reference, I tipped the canoe over while trying to climb into it in twofeet of still harbor water. The racing process is no easy task, and the Makapo team courageously maneuvers through it with unbelievable prowess.

Beyond the bravery of these incredible individuals, I am most struck by their attitudes. Never have I seen them curse the cold winter water or sigh at the ungodly hour of practice on Saturday mornings. time they had been borrowing boats, but in order to train and compete efficiently, they needed their own. We donated the funds and the team designed and ordered two gorgeous outrigger canoes of their own. Adhering to the principles of Hawaiian tradition, they held a bayside christening ceremony and blessed this new beginning for the boats Andrei and Salsa (a college nickname for Andrei). Since that time I have seen the Makapo team achieve many exciting milestones. They have grown to include a men’s, women’s and youth team. They have competed annually in Southern California’s most grueling long distance race from Newport Harbor to Avalon. Unlike the cushy 26-mile cruise aboard a sport fisher, an outrigger canoe takes four to six hours of intense athleticism by eight committed teammates. As the often overwhelming swells (5-6 feet last year) catapult the canoe up and down, five blind or visually-impaired paddlers and one sighted steersman heave their paddles

In 2008, they traveled to the granddaddy of the paddling world: The Queen Liliuokalani Race, held at the beginning of September each year from Kailua to Honaunau Bay (women’s teams) and back again in the same day (men’s teams). To call this feat amazing

ebullient coach, says they hope to offer more blind and visually-impaired people that opportunity this year and are currently seeking new participants for all teams. Beyond the bravery of these incredible individuals, I am most struck by their attitudes. Never have I seen them curse the cold winter water or sigh at the ungodly hour of practice on Saturday mornings. Over the past few years I have come to understand that “old soul” calm in their eyes and smiles. When I climb into Andrei and join them in that harmonic paddle, closing my eyes and listening to the sound of the water and wind, I can feel Andrei sitting behind me and I feel instantly at peace.

is an understatement; even traveling to Hawaii is a monumental challenge for the Makapo team, filled with busy airports, confusing bus rides, hotel check-ins, and a huge financial commitment. The drawbacks were far outweighed by the magic of the race, says DeRama. As the newness of the warm tropical surroundings overtook them, smiles erupted through the boat and they were met at the finish line with a 1200-person strong standing ovation. Tears were shed by almost all and the overwhelming pride of that moment still lingers within each team member. Kirsten Garwood, the team’s

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choose green every day by Jim Fitzpatrick and Erik Hale

green adj \grēn\tending to preserve environmental

quality (as by being recyclable, biodegradable, or nonpolluting)

Most of us talk a good “green” game. We might have a separate blue trash can for recycling, we probably wouldn’t let the sprinklers run until our gutters are overflowing local rivers, and we may even frown menacingly at people (and industries) that pollute. Our live are dominated by excess in so many ways. Natural resources, energy, and food are not only readily available, but available at our fingertips in infinite quantities. We take for granted what most of the world can only dream of. We are not asking that you become and “eco-warrior,”start handing out packets for Green Peace or to move into a Micro-bus. On the contrary.We want to introduce you to the people, places and things in our community that deviate from the norm, accept responsibility for your own environmental sensibilities, and help implement change wherever and whenever you can. We hope that the following profles inspire you to choose green every day.

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people

places

Derek Sabori

Blue Water Grill

Director of Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility at Volcom, Inc.

Sabori is a father, blogger, public speaker, and environmental advocate. Derek’s mission is to educate, andhe believes that the best way to effect long term change is by teaching our children. Derek invented “Lu and the Earth Bug Crew,” a ‘green’ allegory, of sorts The premise is thatLu and his mates came to earth after ‘ungreens’ destroyed Zew, their home planet. When the crew is not out shredding waves or grinding a bowl, they are looking for ways to be eco-friendly. They battle “energy spikes,” “water hogs,” “oil slicks,” and “litter bugs.” Derek challenges and inspires the kids who read his book to be “Earth Bugs.”.

Jeff Yokoyama Generic Youth

The guy who brought us Maui & Sons in the 80’s, Modern Amusement in the 90’s, and Generic Youth in the new millennium has developed another industry leader, Yoki’s Garden, a line of green fabrics (why is name in bold?). Jeff ‘s Generic Youth brand is already green,noteworthy for taking old beach towels and end bolts of fabric and assembling them into fashionable clothes. He developed Yoki’s Garden shortly after his daughter started attending the University of Oregon He took note of the uniforms the teams wore and wondered what would be done with them when the the season was over. When he found out they were destined for the trash, Jeff decided to implement his ideas, but closer to home. He contacted the University of Southern California, where they were more than happy to provide their old jerseys, uniforms and sweatshirts. Jeff re-imagined their logos and styles, even reproducing the school’s iconic “Fight On” symbol in a new and unusual way. He transformed these cast offs into funky teeshirts, computer bags, and coffee sleeves. Even the Generic Youth brand logo is an amalgam of an actual game jersey and an old water bottle. Generic Youth products arenow available at the OC Mart Mix at SOCO (South Coast Collection).

Have you ever been to a coastal restaurant that brags of having “fresh fish” flown in daily? Aren’t there plenty of fish in our own backyard? This is the question that Jim Ulcickas, Founder of Blue Water Grill in Newport Beach, is attempting to answer every day. Ulcickasmakes all of his fish-related decisions based on the recommendations of The MSC (The Marine Stewardship Council) in conjunction with the guidelines provided by The Long Beach Aquarium. He practices sustainability by purchasing the catches of local ‘day boats” which harvest mature fish utilizing lines instead of nets to reduce the “bicatch” (dolphins and turtles). If you time it right, you can watch the ceremony-like event of transferring 200-pound swordfish directly from the boat, up the dock and into the kitchen.

Paul Mitchell @ SOCO

“Where does all the water go?” A simple question answered by Paul Mitchell: The Salon School,located within the SOCO (South Coast Collection) in Costa Mesa. This flagship salon school is working in conjunction with SOCO to implement an award winning grey water recycling program that filters, then re-uses the water from house sinks and washing machines. The water is then passed through a filtration system that disinfects it. This process produces a bacteriafree product which is then re-used for flushing toilets at the complex and to provide irrigation for the SOCO landscape. This process is estimated to save more than 400,000 gallons of water annually and reduce by 50% the amount of freshwater needed to supply the entire SOCO Center’s sustainable landscaping.

ANDREI’S

‘Think globally, act locally’ might be the slogan for Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine in Irvine. They are extremely “conscious” of where they source the food they prepare. You are more likely to find a locally grown pumpkin than the canned variety. By sourcing as much produce as possible from local, organic farmers, they are providing the best possible taste while being “conscious.” They have also made great strides in reducing their footprint by only providing take-out menus online and by using recycled paper for things like business cards and ‘togo’ boxes.

SOBECA (The Camp and The Lab)

There is a giant sign hanging over the parking lot at The Camp in Costa Mesa that reads COMMUNITY. The owners of SOBECA, The Camp, and The Lab have always done their part to respect the community. The Lab is literally built on recycling. They constructed the on-site planters from concrete recovered from the initial remodel from over 20 years ago. They collect rain in their underground percolation tanks to water their indigenous plants on property instead of allowing it to drain into the ocean. There’s even a grass roof atop the Patagonia store at The Camp.

communities. The welcome center, designed by Irvine based LPA, Inc., is the first LEED platinum-certified building in Orange County. The building includes bicycle storage, shower facilities, drought tolerant, indigenous landscape, waterless urinals and low-flow faucets, efficient storm water management and daylight harvesting, roof panels that provide 100% of the power needs, and even insulation made from blue jeans.

things Woodway EcoMill

Photo courtesy of Jason Ellis Photography

It is probably the last thing you are thinking about as you pound away the miles, but the treadmill you are currently running on is probably plugged in. The Sports Club LA, Irvine(why bolded?) has been thinking about this and have installed the first self-powered treadmills in Orange County. The EcoMill treadmill is non-motorized. Your footsteps generate the energy which in turn charges the battery and even lights the display. It even has an electromagnetic braking system that maintains a consistent speed throughout the workout. Instead of taking energy from the grid, you make it yourself.

Rent-A-Green Box

Environmental Nature Center (ENC)

The ENC in Newport Beach was a community jewel even when it was based out of trailers. This 3.5-acre site tucked quietly behind Newport Harbor High School gives over 16,000 students the abilitty and opportunity to study local ecology in 15 on-site, native Southern California plant

Spencer Brown, a serial entrepreneur and winner of the Green Genius award has built his entire company on trash. He has invented 26 products that all fill some basic need and are composed of what we throw away. Last year, his company purchased more than 800,000 tons of recycled material. His most popular product to date is his “Rent-A-Green-Box” product. This product is meant to take the place of the cardboard box you use to move and is the first comprehensive, zero-waste, environmentally friendly, packing and moving system developed entirely from recyclable trash, Continued...

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which is mined from local landfills. His goal is to someday buy all of the recyclable trash America produces and sell it back to us in ways we can use

Ricoh Electronics, Inc

The global producer of copiers, toner cartridges, and fax machines based in Tustin puts an interesting spin on an old mantra of the three “R’s.” They added two to create a new slogan: Refuse, Return, Recycle, ReUse and Reduce. With 1200 employees and a global outreach, they truly felt they could make a difference for the environment by taking responsibility for their own actions. They believe that they own any trash they produce due to shipping from “cradle to grave.” They re-size packages to make them the most efficient, mandate that their suppliers do likewise, and ensure that their packaging material stays out of landfills. Their motto is “If you generate it, you are responsible for it.”

KOR Water

Eric Barnes was drinking water out of an old Gatorade bottle when his wife admonished him for drinking out of a “bacteria trap.” He went in search of a reusable bottle and came back with an idea and a new career. After three years filled with trial and error, the Fountain Valley-based KOR Water launched the KOR ONE hydration vessel in 2008. The family of KOR hydration vessels are as beautiful as they are functional. The initial goal of the company evolved from creating a product that met a need, to designing products that were sustainable, eventually adding the goal of providing support for water conservation-related causes across the globe through a percentage donation of sales. You can find their product locally at SEED peoples market, Sports Club LA, Irvine, GATEHOUSE and Mother’s Market.

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laguna motor werks

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Considering the proximity to Hollywood, the generations of movie stars that called this beach community home, and the lack of cultural opportunities available in the late 1990’s, Todd Quartararo and Greg Schwenk decided that a film festival in Newport Beach was the perfect remedy. Todd grew up in Irvine, Laguna Niguel, and Coto de Caza, and as he reached his twenties, began complaining (as most do at that age regardless of where they live) that there wasn’t enough to do. He felt that he needed to travel to L.A. or San Diego to satisfy this craving. Todd decided to stop complaining and came up with a solution. The pair began The Newport Beach Film Festival. That was 12 years ago, and because they were unable to attract even one new film. They were forced to open with a retrospective. Last year, they hosted more than 51,000 attendees and 350 new films from 40 countries around the world. We recently sat down with Todd Quartararo, who talked about the Festival’s humble beginnings, and about the future of the film fest circuit.

What put your festival on the map? “We hosted the U.S. premier of the movie Crash in 2004, and the film won the Oscar for Best Motion Picture in 2006. That was the moment that catapulted our festival into the upper echelon of the film fest circuit. Daily Variety recently named us one of their Top 30 film festivals.”

How many films will you show this year? “We will b preview about 350 films from 40 different countries over eight nights. We offer a blend of both studio and independent as well as classic and contemporary cinema.”

You co-founded this festival at age 27. Is this something you see yourself being involved in for the foreseeable future? “It has taken on a role of its own in my life. I have watched it grow and flourish, and it would be hard to turn over the reigns at this point.”

How did you handle the near tragedy of the renovation of Island Cinema at Fashion Island during the festival in what year? “We were temporarily displaced when that happened, but the folks at Fashion Island were really supportive and helpful in finding us alternatives and solutions. You will be able to see the Newport Beach Film Festival this year at Triangle Square in Costa Mesa, which is just one of our screeningvenues.”

What sort of support have you received from local celebrities? “They have been extremely supportive. “McG” was our honorary chairman a few years ago, Will Farrell has been the Honorary Chairman of the Youth Film Division and the Wayne family has been quite supportive. It is name recognition like this that helps to propel our success from year to year.”

How does the public get involved? “People are often confused by the term festival and think that only industry types can attend or that they need some sort of credentials to gain admission. The truth is that anyone can log on to our site and buy a ticket for any of the films. Ticket prices start at $12. Just go to our website at www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.”

Where do you like to eat locally? “Hands down, True FoodKitchen is my favorite Orange County destinationfor lunch, and Charlie Palmer’s is my favorite place for dinner (especially before I take in a show at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts).”

Last question. What movie or movies are you excited about watching at this year’s Fest? “I can’t really comment on that for two reasons. One, there is a separation between the organizers and selectors. Second, I am just the wrong guy to ask about which film to watch. My tastes are across the board and border on pretty bad.(laughs) Let’s just say they don’t ask me, because they wouldn’t want to watch a retrospective of Bring It On.”

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an interview with Todd Quartararo

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Photography by Jeff Farsai

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b to: Wrestle and play football. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your move? Crossfit along with MMA training seems to hit every

little piece of my body and mind. Shout out: I get mentally and physically beat and I love it. I chow down at 118 degrees in Costa Mesa.

Benji Radach (Radack), Laguna Beach LA Boxing Franchise Corporation & Strikeforce as a Pro MMA Athlete/ Director of Instructor Training

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b to: Trail run. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your move?

Crossfusion.

We focus on high intensity movements that involve Olympic style lifts, body weight

progressions, athletic skills and compound exercises. Shout out: TRAIN LIKE A TRAIN, TURN INTO A BEAST.

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Doug Katona, Lake Forest The Sports Club/LA, Endurance Coach

In the Summer I...

Make the outside my gym.

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b to: I love finding new hiking trails with my golden retriever Maverick. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your move? I choose back dancing. It sounds dirty but it is

Shout out: Embrace the burn! In the Summer I love to go to Big Bear Mountain with my whole extended

Monica Pommier, Newport Beach Pure Barre Newport Beach & Pure Barre Mission Viejo/ Owner Instructor

effective. Lie on your back facing the wall. Take feet hip width apart on the wall. Lift hips up into bridge, super 153

tuck hips under 30 sec. Tuck side to side 30 sec. Stay on toes, bring knees together, feet stay hip width, tuck under final 30 seconds.

family. I chow down close to my house at Alta Coffee.

arms by sides. Tuck hips under 30 sec. Tuck hips side to side 30 sec. Rise up onto toes (staying on the wall)154

into a table top position, head and chest lifted. As you exhale, rotate towards the bent knee as

b to: Practice pilates, yoga, hike and read. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your move? Criss Cross: Lying on your back, fingers interlaced behind head, knees

155bent

the other leg straightens. Inhale, cross through center and change legs.

Repeat 10 times each side. Shout out: This summer my goal is to try paddle boarding! I chow down at Banzai Bowls and Mothers Market.

Exhale, rotate to other side156 .

Kelly Curtis, Long Beach Core Reform Pilates (Newport Beach)/Studio Manager and Lead Instructor

b to: Watch the

Tour of Flanders on TV while drinking Belgian beer (if your not a cycling fan I know you are scratching your head). Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your

157move?

Mike Faello, Costa Mesa Surf City Cyclery, Manager

Cycling. An hour of cardio with intervals mixed in. Shout out: I ride my bike.I chow down at EAT CHOW!!

yoga practice. In the Summer I love to stay up later and get up earlier and enjoy my long summer days. I chow down at any place local and organic.

b to: I love spending time at Hollister Ranch with my family and friends, cooking, and enjoying good meals with good company. What’s your move? Yoga. I

Carly Farmer, Newport Beach Villa Pilates and Yoga, Owner and Pilates instructor

really do believe that yoga is the best thing you can do for yourself. Shout out: My body just ‘works’ when I have a regular 158

b to: eat dark chocolate Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your move? Scrambled Eggs! Because it defines your obliques, hamstrings, & most importantly your

bum! Shout out: We want to surf! I chow down at Nekter Juice Bar

beach 159

Vanessa Malchev & Amy Briant, Corona Del Mar Pilates Plus OC, Studio Owners

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esake “Michell’s Plum Glazed Salmon”.

Michell Gullett, Orange County The Renaissance ClubSport, Aliso Viejo/Senior Membership Manager

active and fun, riding bikes, surfing, running.

b to: Travel to third world destinations What’s your move? Boxing, (with Coach Frank Rivera) and Pilates reformer. Shout out: I love

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I chow down at...Citrus Grill. It is located inside The Renaissance ClubSport and features my nam

the variety and diversity of the work out it incorporates. In the summer I...Do anything outdoors,

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by Jennifer Hood

ummer is almost here, the season of hot days, cool pools, short shorts, and long nights. You're going to need to be looking and feeling your best, whether it be dealing with your leg dimples, or taming the frown lines you've been collecting during the current tax season. To help you in your quest for beauty and relaxation, we labored and toiled, enduring facials and massages in some of the best spa's across OC to find the cream of the crop in local spa treatments!

Pelican Hill Resort; Photogrphy by Don Riddle Images 165

Pacific Waters Spa at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort Our Treatment Pick: California Full-Body Facial (90 min - $180/$190) The Bennies: Exfoliation + Cleansing Detox + Relaxation Prepare Yourself: To Get Drenched! The Long and Short of It: California grape seeds and geranium essential oils make up this facial that begins with a diligent exfoliation of your body (arms, legs, stomach, and back). After the scrub, a seaweed, green tea, and ginger body mask is applied to draw out the impurities in the skin. Next step: let marinate. The specialist wraps you in what looks like tin foil, to maximize the cleansing mask. The mummy phase is easily passed by a relaxing scalp massage. This is where the real fun starts. The foil is removed, and the mask and facial cleansed away by cascading waters coming from overhead shower heads, because what would a “California” inspired treatment be without water? The towels that have wrapped around you during the treatment become a cocoon of therapeutic waters. It’s what I imagine a jacuzzi suit would feel like. The treatment is capped with a relaxing massage integrating essential oils and your choice of lotion. This treatment Photo courtesy of Don Riddle Images is targeted to stimulate lymphatic drainage, drawing out toxins and promoting overall health. By the end, your skin will feel smoother and tighter! The spa facilities are spacious and gorgeous, featuring saunas, steam rooms, jacuzzis and more, so be sure to take advantage before or after your treatment. Treat Yourself! Pacific Waters Spa: 714-698-1234 • HuntingtonBeach.Hyatt.com/Hyatt/Pure/Spas

The Spa at Pelican Hill Our Treatment Pick: Lavender Body Gelato (50 min - $90 Mon-Thurs, $145 Fri-Sun/Holidays) The Bennies: Exfoliation + Hydration + Relaxation Prepare Yourself: For Dessert! The Long and Short of It: The Spa at Pelican Hill is everything a Forbes 5-Star rated, AAA Five Diamond award winning facility should be. The spa setting is a Renaissance-inspired building with tall ceilings, cascading wall fountains, a fitness center with personal trainers available for use to spa guests, an oversized communal Roman soaking tub, an herbal steam room, and more. The treatments offered at The Spa at Pelican Hill are a balance of indulgence and wellness therapy. They’ve even hired on a professional naturalist who works with the spa, pushing the classic boundaries of spa amenities to include hikes to nearby Crystal Cove and horticulture classes that explore the natural Newport Beach surroundings! I diverge. Back to the treatment. The Body Gelato treatment is as decadent as it sounds. This full body treatment will indulge your inner and outer sweet tooth, using seasonal Italian gelato flavors as the signature scent and ingredient of your gelato body treatment. Spring’s flavor is honey and summer’s flavor is lavender (some of which is freshly harvested on Pelican Hill grounds!). A seasonal sugar Photo courtesy of The Pelican Hill Resort body scrub with natural sapphire and coconut and almond oils is gently applied to your body, followed by a rich yet cooling aloe vera. A warm towel wrap ensues to maximize the hydrating benefits of the aloe. Next you’ll be invited to use the in-room shower to rinse off for the final step: the full body massage with seasonal body butter. The cherry on top? At the end of your treatment you’ll be invited back to the spa lounge to enjoy a serving of the signature flavored gelato of your treatment. The gelato is made at Pelican Hill’s authentic Italian cafe. No question why this is one of The Spa at Pelican Hill’s most popular and unique treatments! Treat Yourself! The Spa at Pelican Hill: 949-467-6800 • PelicanHill.com/#/Spa/

Burke Williams Spa Our Treatment Pick: Emilee’s Intrigue (75 min - $170) The Bennies: Detox + Immunity Boost + Therapeutic Massage Prepare Yourself: To Sweat! The Long and Short of It: A bouquet of fresh eucalyptus is the cornerstone of this treatment. Well, that and a lot of heat! Heating pads, layers of sheets, steamed towels, blankets, and extensive, targeted massage techniques will get you sweating like Kobe in the 4th quarter, and releasing the harmful toxins your body takes in daily through eating, physical contact, and even just breathing. But you won’t notice the sweating for the most part, because you’ll be in comatose bliss from the energizing yet calming smell of eucalyptus throughout the treatment. The specialist then does a diligent massage of your arms, legs, back, feet, hands, and scalp. You’ll leave with an afterglow, feeling completely limber, relieved, relaxed and purged, your senses still tingling from the eucalyptus. And don’t forget to arrive early to take advantage of the spa’s laundry list of Photo courtesy of Burke Williams amenities (sauna, steam room, misting room, jacuzzi, showers, and even a quiet/nap room!). Treat Yourself! Burke Williams Spa: 949-367-9717 • BurkeWilliamsSpa.com

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Spa Montage Our Treatment Pick: Clay Body Sculpting (90 min - $305) The Bennies: Detox + Skin Smoothing (in cellulite prone areas) + Massage Prepare Yourself: To Get Worked! The Long and Short of It: The Pacific Ocean is the muse of Spa Montage, a 2009 Mobile 5-Star Award winning facility. Breathtaking views of Pirates Cove in Laguna Beach are the backdrop of the spa’s own private pool, which leads up to men’s and women’s facilities fully loaded with outdoor cold plunge and whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms, and every other lavish amenity you could ever need. But enough about the facilities andon to the main act. It’s April, and the beach beckons. Heck, it beckons right outside the Montage’s backyard. The only thing holding you back from a hot bikini and a daiquiri on the beach is the cellulite plaguing your behind and legs. Worry no more. Spa Montage’s Clay Body Sculpting treatment uses targeted massage and a mineral-enriched mud to encourage the elimination of cellular wastes, improving the skin’s appearance. Some fairly intense kneading of your thighs, butt, and hips Photo courtesy of Spa Montage work to flush out wastes through lymphatic massage techniques. The warm clay applied to your skin after the massage is then set in a wrap of cold towels and foil. Next, shower heads above the treatment bed will rinse the clay treatment off your body. Finally, a caffeinated anti-fluid gel (yes, I said caffeinated) is applied to the skin to encourage circulation. You’ll notice an almost immediate change in the smoothness of previously dimpled skin in your thighs and butt! Tip: if you’re getting this treatment and want to use the jacuzzi spa, arrive early to use it before the treatment, so as not to work against the gel applied at the end. Treat Yourself! Spa Montage: 949-715-6010 • SpaMontage.com/LagunaBeach

The Island Hotel Spa Our Treatment Pick: Pearl Powder Facial ($230 – 90 min) The Bennies: Smoothing + Depigmentation + Anti-aging Prepare Yourself: To Radiate! The long and short of it: They aren’t lying when they say you’ll leave from this facial with luminous skin. This facial was concocted by the spa as their ultimate answer for fine lines, dark spots, hyper pigmentation, and uneven texture of the face. When I was done, my face was literally a shade brighter, and had the luminous iridescence of the pearl powder that is the signature ingredient of the treatment. Active ingredients like licorice, salicylic acid, and mulberry and bearberry extracts work to smooth the skin and noticeably alleviate discoloration. The hour and a half treatment takes place in a spacious and quiet room (surprisingly rare qualities in some spas!) where special focus is paid to making it an experience that is as relaxing and rejuvenating for your body and mind, as it is for your face. Hand, feet, and facial massages make sure no part of your person feels neglected. When the facial creams and cleansers were applied to my face, every stroke was intentional, aimed at putting me in a trance of rest. All in all, I would say it was 95% complete relaxation and 5% extractions and tingly facial applications. The momentary bite of the actively working treatment left my skin visibly glowing, while the texture and tone having been clearly evened out! Treat Yourself! The Island Hotel Spa: 949-759-0808 • TheIslandHotel.com/Spa

Photo courtesy of The Spa at Island Hotel

Spa Gregories (Rancho Santa Margarita or Newport Beach) Our Treatment Pick: Ultimate Signature Facial ($145 - 90 min with NuFace Lift) The Bennies: Anti-Aging + Exfoliation + Firming + Cleansing Prepare Yourself: To Turn Back The Clock! The long and short of it: Can you really go wrong with a facial that is both ultimate and signature? I think not. This treatment package really is the ultimate answer for that pesky wear and tear of age and stress. Using cutting edge products from Spa Gregories’ signature line and the most progressive skin technology, this treatment will really leave your face looking smoother, firmer, and more youthful. The treatment is a sequence of targeted remedies performed in utter calm, lowlit ambience: a microderm exfoliation cream treatment, botanical peptides, a firming lip treatment to get you closer to your inner Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johansson, collagen stimulating eye treatment to counteract the sag of time, an antioxidant mask of Acai, Gogi Berry, Noni, and Pomegranate, an instant line filler, and a finish of tinted moisturizer with sunscreen. That’s not all, relaxing hand and foot massages are thrown in too, as if Photo courtesy of Spa Gregories this whole affair wasn’t ultimate enough already. One more thing: the NuFace thingamabob. The science of this device might be deep, but the results are written plain as day on your face. A cutting-edge boost of micro currents emitted will instantly tone & lift your facial muscles and last for days. You can actually buy the device through Spa Gregories to keep your face perky and youthful looking. Treat Yourself! Spa Gregories: 949-858-9455 (RSM) or 949-644-6672 (NB) • SpaGregories.com

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Mandara Spa at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel Our Treatment Pick: Elemis Exotic Fangipani Body Nourish Wrap with 25 min back massage ($145 – 50 min) The Bennies: Hydration + Conditioning + Massage Prepare Yourself: To Get Greased! The long and short of it: The name Mandara comes from an ancient legend about the gods’ quest to find the secret to eternal youth and beauty. If they could find it anywhere, why not at the epicenter of magic, in Disneyland? Grand Californian’s Mandara Spa features Balinese-inspired treatments and therapies aimed at reviving your inner fountain of youth. Although this spa is a bit smaller than your typical hotel retreat spa, the treatments are given with care and a healing touch. The Frangipani Body Nourish Wrap treatment begins with a Tahitian recipe of fragrant coconut and frangipani flowers, or Monoi Oil, which is applied generously and lavishly to the arms and legs. The concoction was used by Polynesian women to protect their skin from environmental stressors. Relaxing massage of the arms, hands, legs, feet, and back follows, rubbing away the stress of driving on the 405 North at 9am to make a 9:45 appointment (bad planning on my part!). Next a foil-like sheet is wrapped around your anointed body to seal in the hydrating oils. While waiting in the wrap, a calming and mesmerizing scalp massage is performed with the same conditioning oils, the aroma of sweet tranquility filling your senses. It feels amazing! Word of caution, it will leave your hair looking like John Travolta in Grease; but it will be worth it because you’ll also feel as careless and free as Ferris Beuller sitting poolside on a sunny day while the rest of the world is at school. Finally, you’ll be led back to the shower area in the women’s or men’s quarters to use a body scrub and wash off. By the end of it, your skin will feel buttery soft and smooth, fully conditioned, and ready for summer. Treat Yourself! Mandara Spa: 714-300-7350 • MandaraSpa.com/Spa/Anaheim-Disney’s-Grand-Californian-Hotel

Photo courtesy of Mandara Spa

Splash Spa at Sports Club LA Our Treatment Pick: The Pure Facial ($160 - 50 min) The Bennies: Anti-Aging + Firming Prepare Yourself: For a Face-lift Effect! The long and short of it: Splash’s Pure Facial is your painless spa alternative to invasive anti-aging surgical techniques. The treatment is recommended for men and women who have just started to see fine lines and wrinkles, as well as those with deeper lines who want to reduce the appearance. Youth doesn’t have to be wasted on the young anymore! Extract of Hibiscus esculentus seeds, Matrikines, and Kombuchka Extract combine in a professional treatment line called Kronoxyl-9. The anti-aging treatment is applied topically to your cleansed and exfoliated face, targeting three types of wrinkles: surface lines, or superficial wrinkles through a lifting action; deep wrinkles, through a restructuring element, and expression lines, through a compound that promotes dermo-relaxation. After the active product is applied to your trouble areas, your face is covered in strips to cocoon and maximize the effects of the treatment. A hand massage passes the time easily. Finally your face is cleansed, leaving your skin noticeably tighter and firmer, especially in areas where fine lines used to lie. Without any pain or burden on your wallet, your skin will get a lift from smile lines, frown lines, stress lines, and any other lines you picked up across the years. The treatment can even be incorporated into a 30 day program shared between at-home upkeep and an in-spa series of treatments. By the end Photo courtesy of Splash Spa of the 30 day regimen, your skin will have the ultimate lifting effect of the Kronoxyl-9 product. This is a great option if you’re getting ready for a big event and want to look years younger. Treat Yourself! Splash Spa: 949-251-6310 • TheSportsClubLA.com (click on the OC location and then find Splash Destination City Spa on the left side menu).

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Lunch • Dinner • Take-OuT • FamiLy FrienDLy • Large grOups WeLcOme $3 happy hOur • $1 TacO TuesDay www.micasa1.com •

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Spring has sprung, people of the OC! It’s time to come out from hibernation in your UGG boots and scarves, take off a few layers, and throw on some warm-weather clothes! Get ready for the sun to shine brighter and the days to get longer—which is pretty fabulous, really. Means you get to enjoy this beautiful Southern Cal country even more. And what better way to pass the time than to be out and about, in search of new fun stuff to do, new places to shop, eat, and play. Per usual, Locale Looks is givin’ ya all of the tips on making the most of your OC residency, and lookin’ good along the way. Take a trip with me (or at least imagine it) to the hot-spots of the spring season. You don’t wanna miss out on anything!

by holly clinard photography by Jonah Gilmore; Rocket Science Studios www.nouveauxchic.com

Face it, you’re a local at it’s finest. Now get out and enjoy your surroundings in style! You can follow Holly on her chic fashion blog: www.hollyinheels.com Holly in Heels smitten with shoes, addicted to style.

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awwrrr! Well, it’s not every day that you get to cut loose—footloose and fancy free! It’s time to show ‘em what you’re made of out on that dance floor, and truly get your groove on. I think most of us have been locked up inside too long, awaiting the winter rain and gloom to disappear and lookin’ for a good time to kick off our shoes! Tonight’s the night that you party like its 1999 (or maybe 2011 - wow, how time flies!). What better way to dance, dance, dance than to live it up at a local hidden gem? And since it is 2011, why don’t you ask him to dance? Rancho Las Lomas is honestly the place to be for lettin’ the good times roll. When you step onto the property, tucked away in the hills of Silverado, just beyond Irvine, it might just strike you that you’ve walked right out of the hustle and bustle of Orange County, and into a sanctuary for animals and peacefulness, alike. A spectacular location, and one of the few spots in Southern California that has preserved its orange groves, plant life, and wildlife. Jeannie Lawrence, the owner of this magical property, is a homegrown Midwesterner, with a passion for travel, gardening, and a love for this ranch. And man, does it show! Jeannie has sprinkled bits of her world-traveler inspiration all over this property—there’s even a small zoo here, decked out with tigers, zebras, llamas, and birdies (oh my!). Impressed yet? Said to have been originally owned by the Serrano Family of Mexico, the present-day grounds reflect their culture of origin with the Spanish tile roofs and painted ceramic tile that adds a dash of color. And speaking of color, the roses at Rancho Las Lomas are insane—seems like they’re always in bloom and adding their own melody to the song that is this place. This is now Ms. Lawrence’s getaway spot that she’s always dreamed of owning—and she’s been generous enough to share it as a local event hot-spot for weddings, parties, corporate events and more (and currently where YOU are showin’ off your two-step!). And what’s charging that dancin’battery you’re fueled by, you ask? Two things tonight: food + fashion. That’s right, 24 Carrots Catering & Events is the lucky-duck caterer of choice at Rancho Las Lomas, and

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man do they know how to throw a party! With an extensive menu of eats and treats, 24 Carrots lives up to its diamond-hinted name. Filling up the outdoor Teatro with festive food, or even the indoor/outdoor Grand Salon with their fabulous cocktail bar, the guests at this party are livin’ it up! 24 Carrots Catering boasts a few specialties, including their to-die-for mashed potato martini bar and taco martini bar— basically anything you can stack with toppings in a chic martini glass, they make it happen. The caterer of choice for various event venues around OC, you can find 24 Carrots at these romantic locations in addition to inviting them to cater your special event.! 24 Carrots shows off their work for events like casino night, Bar and Bat Mitzvah’s, posh evening lounges, engagement parties, open houses, family reunions—the list goes on and on. Voted Best Catering Company in Orange County, this fantastic and one-of-a-kind catering company is owned by a true culinary school graduate. The team has been featured with top airtime on channels like Bravo, The Knot, and even MTV. So dig in, and get down with your bad self! Luna Boutique is along for the ride tonight in women’s wear—a perfect place for the ladies to shop for an outdoor wedding like this. Nominated for OC’s HOTLIST of best boutiques, this Huntington Beach storefront is quite something! The moon-mimicking white globe lamps that hang from the ceiling at Luna are strikingly reminiscent of the evening sky (hence the name Luna). They stock their shelves with worthy threads, fresh and ready for you to throw on. Aside from the fabulous brands built into Luna Boutique, we love this place for their amazingly move-in-ready dressing rooms. Sounds strange, but trust us on this one! Head to Luna and you’ll not only find that generous try-on space, but see an “are you serious?” sticker price (in a good way), which will catapult Luna Boutique to the top of your Saturday shopping list! Those welcomed bargain prices sure don’t show when you make a purchase at this Beach Boulevard boutique. We found that the threads we picked up at Luna were compliment-catchers all around town. That’s right, any of Luna’s playful patterns, floral and lace textures, draped tops, stretchy leggings, and oversized tees are sure to please. This place is top notch.

24 Carrots Catering & Events www.24carrots.com Rancho Las Lomas www.rancholaslomas.com Luna Boutique 19680 Beach Boulevard, Huntington Beach, CA, 92648 www.facebook.com/lunaboutiquehuntingtonbeach 174

Charlie Palmer 3333 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 www.charliepalmer.com Candace Paige 324 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662 www.shopcandacepaige.com 5 Seas 224 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92662 www.facebook.com/5seas Laurenly 142 N Glassell Street, Orange, CA 92866 www.laurenly.net

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eems like you’ve been countin’ down the hours (and even minutes!) ‘til the clock strikes 5PM and you’re home free! It’s been a loooong stinkin’ week at the office, and you’re ready to trade in your pinstripes for a cocktail or two! Charlie Palmer. Ok let’s be real here. South Coast Plaza is not only home to great shopping, but also home to dozens and dozens of amazing places to drink and dine. Wedged inside your beloved Bloomies is the oh-so deservedly famous Charlie Palmer restaurant. Eatery to many local celebs, this dining room and bar feels like a step into San Francisco life. I don’t know if it’s the glass walls and floors, the uber-mod décor, or even the cute & well-dressed bartender at the counter, but there’s something magical about the CP. Their small plates and cocktails menu in the swanky lounge is enough to fill anyone up after a long day’s work. Fish and shellfish, tasty meats and cheeses, and you’ll never wanna skip the sweets when they include their specialty trio of creme brulee, or the saffron Anglaise churro! Hungry yet? Sweet little cocktails include their delish Skinny Margarita, The Day Spa (cucumber + lychee, yum!), The Lavender Gin Fizz, and of course their honorable mentioned Signature Cocktail (Vino Fresco Belvedere, basil, grapes, lime). Stay for dinner, sip some wine, enjoy the ambiance at Charlie Palmer. And you know you must dress to impress when you’re at a place like South Coast Plaza! I rarely see a human being who’s even in sweats in this mall. What is it with us Southern Californians anyway? Well, a fancyschmancy place like Charlie Palmer surely calls for the good threads, even if it is just a happy hour outing. That’s why we’re highlighting Candace Paige, Five Seas, and Laurenly to dress you up on this post-work outing. Candace Paige is another OC HOTLIST nominee, that’s got the perfect bayside location right on quaint Balboa Island. Get away from the hot, hot heat of the shopping mall and take a trip down to the island to visit the gals at Candace Paige. Let the wrought-iron black & pink sign catch your eye, and lead you into this bright, chandelier-adorned spot of fashion and fun. Owners and buzz worthy fashionistas Candace and Tamee Paige have got this store filled with some of our favorite designers,

like Frankie B, Maj, SKY, Merritt Charles, Alexis Lamontagna, Haute Hippie, and many more. Amongst these top designers, you should surely expect to find your perfect happy hour outfit, that’ll take you well into the evening (if you’re lucky!). Not one, not two, not three or four but 5 Seas is where the counting stops at fashion by the sea! Just a few doors down from Candace Paige and other darling neighboring shops on Marine Avenue, you’ll find this gem of a spot that sells literally everything on your shopping list (also with a black & pink sign, hmmm!). From Diane Von Furstenberg, Splendid, Ella Moss, Alice + Olivia, Elizabeth & James—even denim from all-time beloved designers like True Religion, Genetic and Citzens—this place is an everyday girl’s dream come true. Basics and solids and patterns and jewels, 5 Seas has a wide ranging selection of all of the trends that are IN at the office and even with the celebs. Let the sweet 5 Seas ladies give you their shopping expertise for your night out on the after-work scene, and we’ll promise you that ya won’t find anyplace else like 5 Seas. Visit this beach-town boutique and you’ll be glad you stopped by bright and shiny Balboa Island once again! Laurenly has to be the newest and best little treasure that Old Town Orange has to offer. On the historic street of Glassell, in between the antique shops, old-fashioned candy store, and beer tasting rooms, you’ll find a sweet little boutique owned by a sweet little gal named Lauren Leigh (you see where she got the name?). You will 100% dig this place. Laurenly fills her quaint spot on Glassell Street with brands like Free People, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Seychelles, and even locally handmade jewelry and accessories. This is one perfect place for any low-key fashion queen looking for soft tees, draped designs (and did we mention fabulous shoes including TOMS Shoes?). Yep, Laurenly boutique has it all, and at just the right price. You heard me straight, ma’am, owner Lauren knows that every girl, every now and then is lookin’ for a good deal—without it showing on the outside. You will absolutely positively be blown away by the low, low prices of her apparel, and find yourself stacking the register counter with Laurenly’s $1020 accessories just because you can! Finding something chic and wispy at this Old Town locale won’t be hard to do—and you’ll wanna share your new North County find with your friends!

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ts just about that time in your relationship. Yep, she’s the one! It’s quite a feeling of relief—but it’s also pressure filled. What will she say (YES, we’re hoping!)? Will she dig the ring you got her (it’s mighty big enough!)? Well, whatever the angst is that surrounds this everincreasingly big decision, you’re ready for it. You’ve been waiting your whole life for it! And boy has Locale Mag picked out the place for you to pop THE question! Vintage Steakhouse. Take the short and romantic train ride down the Amtrak south to the lovely town of San Juan Capistrano. Only two steps out of the train station and take a deep breath, knowing that you’re in one of the most romantic cities in Southern California! You will immediately notice the crisp beachclean air and the old-time Spanishinspired structures that fill the narrow city streets. Upon exiting the train, you are just steps away from what was once a train car, and now a finedining restaurant called The Vintage Steakhouse. Owner Matt Timmes is usually found greeting guests at his beloved rail car turned steakhouse, and will often show you to your seat. For this special engagement (pun intended), you won’t wanna forget to make a reservation to sit in the train car. The finest and most scrumptious steaks and seafood, while relaxing in cozy cab car seating with the one you love (are your palms sweaty yet?). Try the desserts here: they will make the evening even more special! Flowers are KEY tonight—heck, it’s not just any ol’ date with any ol’ girl! Good thing Bliss Fine Floral is hookin’ you up with lovely petals to bring a smile to your lady’s face. Don’t even think about heading anywhere else than this place for special occasion flowers. Betti Bliss, owner and operator herself is here to help, along with her blossomingly friendly team. Betti opened up her OC-based store ten years ago now, and has been picking distinctive arrangements ever since. Reminiscent of Paris marketplace style bouquets, Bliss Fine Floral sends daily floral service out to Southern California cities like Newport Beach, Laguna, Irvine, and more. Heck, after you’re done poppin’ the big question to your lady-love, you can use Bliss Fine Floral for your engagement party, wedding day, bride-to-be bridal shower, and eventually baby shower (first comes love, then comes marriage…). Bliss keeps you stopping to smell the flowers for any and every lovely lifetime event. 177

And of course, you’re both dressed to the nines for this very special day in your lives! DNA Couture is dressing you both right, for what is the start of a very important next chapter. Grecian sisters Artemis and Demetra Nicholas are just as goddess-like as they sound—both talented, stylish and owners of this great little Niguel Road boutique! With a European edgy style, these ladies let their true colors show in their decked out storefront. DNA boasts top brands like Soul Revival, Bejeweled, Smet by Christian Audigier, Civil Society, Hale Bob, Supreme Being, Chip and Pepper, Triple 5 Soul, Jones Jeans, People’s Liberation, and more! DNA is not only a fantastic place for threads, but they have a huge heart for charity. DNA hosts and produces numerous fashion shows for local charities, donating their clothes, stylists, musicians, direction—all from the goodness of their designloving hearts. In addition to these events, this lil’ shop sells swag that gives back: like our personal fave, the inspirational leather ‘Humanity’ bracelets by Helena Cho, with imprinted heartening words on each design. DNA Couture boutique is your next South County stop, no doubt. Where did you get that bling anyway, dude? Shoot, we’ve never seen anything like it! Cue your answer: ALTIN place of course! Just off of breezy East Coast Highway, ALTIN has love, love, love written all over it: oversized glass and gold doors to greet you, dark wood and white walls, dramatic lighting, sparkle all around—it’s no wonder she said YES to this proposal! Don’t ya shy away from this fine jewelry store, ALTIN is altogether a completely different kinda jewelry experience—offering OC’ers one-of-a-kind diamond jewelry, vintage handbags and jewels, rare collectables, and luxury timepieces (like vintage Rolex people!). This is serious, jeweled-up goodness right at your fingertips in Newport Beach! Wow. This astounding little shop prides itself on being a pressure-free, high-end shopping experience, promising an eclectic mix of new and vintage one-of-a-kind shiny stuff, ranging in price tag from $20-$20,000. Find just what you’re looking for (or just what you thought you didn’t need but have to have now that you saw it). Antique and vintage jewels don’t come around every day—but they certainly do at ALTIN place!

Vintage Steakhouse 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 www.thevintagesteakhouse.com DNA Couture 31271 Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 ALTIN place 377 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92660 www.altinplace.com Bliss Fine Flowers 224 Marine Avenue, Balboa Island, CA 92662 www.blissfinefloral.com

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The Dock 2816 LaFayette Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.eatatthedock.com On Que Style 2900 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 www.onquestyle.com Twice the Style 369 East 17th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Carol Klein Fine Jewelry 1028 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 www.ckfj.com

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fter slaving over some difficult decisions like ‘should I choose the pink one or the yellow one?’ on your coastal OC shopping trip with your favorite ladies, it’s high time to rest up and get some fuel in that system of yours! That’s why a ladies’ power lunch is what’s in store for you! And we can’t think of a more perfect place to lady-lunch than The Dock in Newport Beach. A calm getaway from parking spot hunting and icky beach traffic, The Dock offers the best of the best in table service, at a waterside location that’s sure to get you recharged for the next hours of the day. Known for their outstanding list of domestic and imported wines and infused continental dining, The Dock is just the right dose of elegance and hometown that a seafood spot has to offer up. No need to get fancied up for this power lunch—you’re just glad to be feelin’ the breeze and warm spring sun! Munch on their oh-so good grilled romaine salad, beef short ribs or even the halibut, and your tummy will be full of happiness, we just know it. After your power lunch you can come back to The Dock for a romantic dinner with your lovey-love, or even a decadent breakfast in the a.m. For this sunny dock day, On Que Style is one of the spots dressing your beach-lovin’ bod. Featured on myFoxLA’s prestigious Style File, Denmark-raised On Que owner Kirsten Prosser has officially lived the dream. Kirsten always imagined having her own boutique and now that it’s on a prominent Orange County corner in CDM, she surely has arrived. Kirsten moved from Tarm, Denmark to Newport Beach where she was a leading runway specialist for DKNY. Not a bad gig, eh? Shortly thereafter in 2009, her dream of boutique owning began, and now this fashion-forward gal is moving mountains in her store and even on screen in Danske Hollywoodfruer (aka, Danish Hollywood Wives – no, we’re not joking). A local and international celeb all rolled up into one hot fashionista! Ms. Prosser boasts OC’s premier designer consignment boutique where you’ll find a walk-in closet full of this season’s most fabulous luxury designer apparel, handbags, shoes and even accessories. And we’re not talkin’ any ol’ brands here at On Que, we’re talkin’ Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Hermes, YSL, Lanvin…you get the picture. In addition to everyday shopping, catch On Que Style’s occasional trunk shows, featuring runway collections and exclusive spotlights. Can you believe this place?!

on a crunch in the wallet department. This locally-run women’s vintage and consignment shop has been around for years and years, and the ladies who work the chic counters in this boutique sure do have twice the pride in their shop (and rightly so!). Not just any second hand store, Twice the Style is meticulous about what brands they buy and sell—making sure only the best circulate their stock. Brands to be found here are Bebe, Free People, BCBG, Prada, Dior, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, and more—all at bargain basement prices that are hard to beat! It’s even rumored that a Burberry occasionally makes an appearance here, if you’re lucky. The perfect place for so-called ‘recessionistas’ Twice the Style raids the best closets in Orange County, to give you that touch of luxury and high-class, right at your Costa Mesa fingertips. Best part = no one has to know you paid half price! It’s a great place for shoes and accessories (some of them new) too, so you can add a little or a lotta fashionista flair to your midday lunching. Before you can wrap up your power lunch outfit, you’ll surely wanna head down Bayside Drive in preppy Newport Beach until you hit the finest of fine that local jewelry has to offer. Carol Klein Fine Jewelry is quite a find, and we’re shouting it from the rooftops to all of you locals! Once you find this little hidden gem of a spot you won’t wanna keep it a secret for long. What started as a watch findings and supply house spot back in 1953 has turned into a full service jeweler, providing keepsakes that last and heirlooms that hold memories for lifetimes. Representing three generations of “fine jewelry, craftsmanship, impeccable quality, and innovative designs,” Carol Klein has something that every woman of elegance desires. Adorn yourself in their diamond or gemstone collection, silver, gold, or any other lovely and unique piece that will go well with that luncher’s delight of an outfit you’ve got on. Make sure to browse their one-of-a-kind collections, vintage jewelry, wedding bands for men and women, religious jewels, and even watches—only found at this Newport Beach hideaway. Here’s an added bonus: Carol Klein Fine Jewelry has most recently joined forces with jewel designers Natalie K. and Gelin Abaci to bring even more beautiful designs to their clients. Fab, right? Hey, after you make some blingy purchases at Carol Klein, you’ll soon find that friends and passersby are noticing your shiny stuff, and wondering what your secret is! Well, do Ms. Klein of CK Fine Jewelry a favor and spread the word.

Twice the Style must be one of the top spots for regulars to visit when they’re 180

an you even believe it’s been 10 whole years since you said goodbye to your classmates and your teens, wearing that cheesy ol’ cap and gown? It seems like yesterday that you were running up and down the hallways, trying to beat the bell while cramming in a little snuggle time in between classes. Well, time has literally flown by and it’s about that time to relive those wonder years and attend your 10-year reunion! Arrive to the party in style with your hipster ride from Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car! With six snazzy locations throughout SoCal, you’re sure to find the ride of your life here. Founded in 1992, this leader in luxury wheels has served corporate leaders, royal families, big-time execs—and now add YOURSELF to the list! From Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Porsche, to Bentley, Mercedes, RollsRoyce, and Audi—BHRAC has their showroom stocked with the ride that you’re in need of, and ready to splurge on. You can even take a trip down memory lane with their selection of divine classic cars: Cadillac DeVille, Pontiac Lemans, Dodge Challenger, Corvette Stingray—even an Auburn Speedster, to name a few. Yow! Hey now, don’t fret and let these big poppa names fool you, Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car regularly runs specials and hot deals so almost anyone can partake in the fun of renting a ride for the night, day or weekend! Great news, huh? And worth it! As they say at this place: “Don’t just get there. Arrive.” And arrive you will! You never know, you might run into an ex or even make a few new friends at this reunion after all! It would be any guy or girl’s personal tragedy if they didn’t arrive to such a landmark event sporting the best of the best in wardrobe-wear! Well, good 181

thing Crush Clothing has got it all figured out for you. Crush prides itself on styling each of their customers to looking their absolute best. Tunic dresses, best basics, lace tops, embroidered tanks—this “Crusthtique” (as it’s often referred to) has got everything you need for dressing to impress. And just when you thought you found the perfect place for your high school reunion threads, the deal gets even sweeter: check out the super reasonable price tags! No wonder owner Diane Pratt is so proud of her Crush-tastic spot in Costa Mesa—good deals on the racks and the business just keeps growing! Crush recently moved locations from their starter store on 17th Street to their newer, bigger, better giant space on Newport Boulevard, just a stone’s throw from the end of the beach-bound 55 freeway. Drop on by and let the gals here do the fashionista work for ya! Head down to south Orange County to the breezy small town of San Clemente, and you’re sure to find the popular shopping spot among locals here, called Bliss Boutique! Bliss is another must-see place for your reunion-wear, carrying a wide array of high-end, contemporary brands, including Ella Moss, Bailey 44, Trina Turk, Citizens of Humanity, Free People, Tart, Michael Stars, Testament… the list truly goes on and on. To sum it up, they sell your favorites. Ok? Ok! And did I mention shoes yet, ladies?! Well here goes: you’ll find kicks for your happy feet here at Bliss, by hard-to-find brands like Calleen Cordero, Havianas, and more. Not only will your little shopper’s heart pitter-patter at the clothes and shoes at Bliss Boutique, but you’ll find yourself as giggly as a schoolgirl when you see all of the earrings, necklaces, handbags, accessories, and gift items sold here. A shopper’s delight,and just in time for this reunion! Reunited and it feels so good.

Beverly Hills Rent-A-Car 3939 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.bhrentacar.com Crush Clothing 1835 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 www.crushclothing.us Bliss Boutique 167 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672 www.shopblissboutique.com

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A 1909 nationally registered historical landmark restaurant serving Italian bistro style cuisine. 12 private rooms for business luncheons, dinner meetings and a newly constructed 1800 square foot West Wing Banquet room for groups of 80-170. 183

story and photography by Erik hale

Tenly is a princess.

No, really. She moved from her small home town of Newberg, Oregon to attend Hope International University in Fullerton and found herself on a whirlwind journey through the wonderful world of reality television, Disney (including a stint in the Pacific Rim), and public opinion. Tenly is one of “them.” By "them" I mean the kids in elementary school that knew exactly what they wanted to be. At 12, Tenly said she was going to be a Disney princess. Poof. 10 years later, she was a princess. Not because of hocus-pocus, fairy god mothers, or magic dust but because of hard work, dedication, overpowering charm, and determination. I am sure it helps when you are born with chiseled features, an unwavering positive disposition, and athleticism, but there are just as many of those girls squishing lemons at Hot Dog on a Stick (no offense intended). Tenly, who has been cast as Arial, Sleeping Beauty, and Cinderella set her sights on finding her prince charming on the highly rated reality show, The Bachelor. Tenly, the fan favorite and front runner throughout the dwindling rose ceremony contestants, was a shocking (to fans and Tenly alike) runner-up. She followed up this appearance with an appearance on the not so highly-rated summer series, The Bachelor Pad. If you put your money on her to win, you would have been wrong. She placed, again. We recently caught up with Tenly to find out what had been happening lately. Well, let me tell you, she’s still smiling. After meeting her I would advise you to place your wager on Tenly in a boxed trifecta, because this young lady will most likely win, place, or show at whatever she tackles next.

Since Disney and ABC are part of the same company was it easier for you to get onto The Bachelor? “"No, no, no, no. Not even close. It was more of a hindrance for me. I had to quit Disney.”

What do you like to do at home? I am not home much but when I am I love the beach. I love Main beach in Huntington and have just recently discovered the Balboa fun zone. I love to run on Balboa Island it is so inspiring. I also love riding my bike from Huntington to the Wedge."

Where are some of your favorite places to eat locally? "Thanks to LOCALE I feel like I am finding so many new places," she says giggling. "My favorite right now is The Gypsy Den for breakfast. I also just ran past Wilma's Patio on Balboa and it is next on my list to try."

Where do you see yourself in ten years (at 36) Since you are so good at determining your future? "Living in a beach community with my family. Maybe Orange County or Encinitas."

Will The Bachelor define you or is it just a launching pad? "I never ever expected my life to turn the corners that is has. I hope down the road this fame will have faded and my life will be quiet. I would like to make changes in a quiet way but I am very glad to have this voice for now."

I think we have enough. Anything we shouldn't mention? "My parallel parking?" she asks timidly. I agreed. If she plans on living in a beach community, driving school might be in her immediate future. location: The Rooftop Bar 184

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Voted “Restaurant of the Year” 2008 & 2009 by the OC Concierge Association

Crush Hour ... Happy Hour, The Winery Way! Monday - Friday 3:30-6:30 pm | Monday - Thursday 9-10:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 9-11:30 pm | Sunday 4:30-10 pm Specialty Martinis • Wines • Beers • Bar Appetizers

Smooth Jazz Sundays

Enjoy contemporary smooth jazz with live performances by top artists Located at the District (at Jamboree & Barranca Pkwy.) | 2647 Park Ave. | Tustin, CA 92782

Please call for reservations 714.258.7600 | www.thewineryrestaurant.net 191

transform your body and spirit â&#x20AC;˘ first visit 1/2 off â&#x20AC;˘ infrared sauna pilates yoga shop contact:

949-673-6800

villapilatesandyoga.com

501 31st street, newport beach, ca 92663

across the street from Alta Coffee, down the street from Bear Flag Fish Co.

celebrating our one year anniversary! 192

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Hi sweetie-pie! Thanks for stopping by! I’ve spent years perfecting the art of self-tanning so EVERYONE instantly can look like they just stepped off the beach, and ANYONE can feel confident, sexy and ready to strut what they got! I am a firm believer that “if you can’t tone it... TAN it!” Be sexy. Be radiant. Be the curator of your own beauty regimen and paint yourself in excellence, Unique Excellence! You will be glad you did. XOXO

Sherry Lee Meredith Available at all Unique Tan Locations: Mission Viejo 27640 Marguerite Parkway 949-347-8600

Aliso Viejo 22912 Pacific Park Drive, 949-716-4826 San Clemente 943 East Avenida Pico, 949-940-9006

Laguna Beach 1100 S. Coast Highway 949-709-8320g Free Parking

San Marcos 630 Nordahl Road 760-489-0250

OR Online at uniqueexcellence.com

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