where GUESTBOOK
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Welcome to orange county
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ExpEriEncE World-class shopping, dining and pErforming arts,
Southern caliFornia Style.
250 boutiqueS, 30 reStaurantS anD SegerStrom center For the artS APPLE StorE • BALLy • BArBArA Bui • BoSS Hugo BoSS • Brioni • BrunELLo CuCinELLi • BurBErry • BVLgAri • CArtiEr CHAnEL • CHLoé • CoACH • Dior • ErMEnEgiLDo ZEgnA • fEnDi • guCCi • HArry WinSton • iWC • J.CrEW MEnS SHoP JAEgEr-LECouLtrE • LAnVin • LongCHAMP • oMEgA • PrADA • rALPH LAurEn • rogEr ViViEr • roLEX • SAint LAurEnt SALVAtorE fErrAgAMo • tiffAny & Co. • tory BurCH • tournEAu • ugg AuStrALiA • VACHEron ConStAntin • VALEntino partial listing
SAkS fiftH AVEnuE, BLooMingDALE’S, norDStroM, MACy’S
San Diego Fwy (405) at briStol St., coSta meSa, ca 800.782.8888 southcoastplaza.com @southcoastplaza
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oyster perpetua l d ate jus t
rolex
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oyster perpetual and datejust are trademarks.
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O.C. essence 16 SO COOL
30 SMACKDOWN!
40 THEMED PARKS
SOUTH COAST COLLECTION Costa Mesa’s new retail center has just the right mix.
TESLA VS. MERCEDES Could Tesla unseat the longtime unofficial car of the Gold Coast?
TUNES TOWN Music for Disneyland attractions tells stories and touches hearts.
By ROGER GRODY
By JOHN WEYLER
BY LIBBY SLATE
22 GLAMOUR KING PHOTO ESSAY Laguna Art Museum’s George Hurrell portraits, from Laguna Beach artists to Hollywood elite.
34 PERFECT ON PAPER
42 THE ART OF THE TACO
31 BITS IS A JEWEL Ugandan women in need create jewelry sold by O.C. women.
shell game A tortilla and a filling offer a canvas for creation and re-creation.
By STEPHANIE SANCHEZ
By BENJAMIN EPSTEIN
36 DIXIE ON THE BAY GONE WITH THE BREEZE A Georgia plantation recalling Tara finds a place in the O.C. By JOSEPH LEMOYNE
cover and welcome spread: SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS, edwin santiago. from left, anne watson; courtesy 31 bits; courtesy tesla motors
contents
4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
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contents
O.C. essentials must-see DESTINATIONS County-defining attractions include beaches, museums, golf courses and theme parks.
48 NEIGHBORHOODS CITY GUIDE A dozen of the county’s most noteworthy communities, from Anaheim to San Juan Capistrano.
52 SPENDING TIME SHOPPING Profiles of the county’s major shopping destinations and select boutiques and galleries.
63 CHOW TIME DINING A guide to O.C.’s best restaurants, from gastropubs to molecular gastronomy.
79 PLAY TIME aTTRACTIONS Get out! What to do, what to see: museums, performing arts, theme parks, golf courses, nightlife and tours.
88 Parting shot Dana Point.
left, anne watson. center, george hurrell, courtesy laguna art museum
10 FIRST LOOK
6 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
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where GUESTBOOK
ORANGE COUNTY On the Web: guestOC.com
publisher Jeff Levy EDITOR IN CHIEF Benjamin Epstein ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano MARKETING DIRECTOR
Audrey Nimura Heidi Schwindt
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER production artist
Ryan Furuya
contributing WRITERS
Roger Grody, Joseph LeMoyne, Stephanie Sanchez, Libby Slate, John Weyler contributing photographers
Idris Erba, Jeff Farsai, Sarah Hadley, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago, Ashok Sinha, Anne Watson ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Heather Howard-Heintz, Sarah Trainor, Kerry Brewer, Sara Kemp, Joanna McLean, Mali Mochow CIRCULATION MANAGER Stephanie Reid PRoduction manager Dawn Kiko Cheng WEB MANAGER Christina Xenos Administration
Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline, Christine Noriega vice president of national sales
Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550
MVP CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER honorary president
Haines Wilkerson Ted Levy
125 E. baker st., suite 250 costa mesa, California 92626 Phone: 714.825.1700 Fax: 714.825.1710 EMAIL Business JLevy@SoCalMedia.com Editorial Benjamin.Epstein@SoCalMedia.com Art Art@SoCalMedia.com Production Ads@SoCalMedia.com Circulation Stephanie.Reid@SoCalMedia.com Where GuestBook Orange County is published by Southern California Media Group under license from Morris Visitor Publications. Where GuestBook publishes editions for the following U.S. cities and regions: Amelia Island, Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Beverly Hills, the Big Island, Bonita Springs, Boston, Boulder, Cambridge, Captiva Island, Charlotte, Chicago, Clearwater, Colorado Springs, Dallas, Denver, Fort Myers, Fort Worth, Greater Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Kaua’i, Los Angeles, Marco Island, Maui, Memphis, Naples, Nashville, New Orleans, New York, O’ahu, Orange County, Orlando, Palm Beach, Philadelphia, Ponte Vedra Beach, Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, San Antonio, San Diego/La Jolla, San Francisco, Sanibel Island, Santa Barbara, Seattle/Eastside, South Florida, Tacoma, Tampa, Tucson, Wailea, Washington, D.C., and Winston-Salem/Greensboro/High Point. Copyright© 2013 by Southern California Media Group. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. Printed in the United States. Circulation audited by Audit Bureau of Circulations.
A Maggie Award-WINNING publication Best consumer annual
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The CoasTal ColleCTion
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Experience over 300 stores and restaurants on Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Newport Coast.
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firstlook THE COUNTY’S TOp mUST-SEE aTTRaCTiONS: BEaCHES, THEmE paRKS, mUSEUmS, pERfORmiNG aRTS ... viSiT aT YOUR LEiSURE.
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Beaches
Orange County’s coast is among the world’s most beautiful. Half a dozen cities—from Dana Point and San Clemente at the south end to Seal Beach in the north—offer an amazing array of beach experiences, from intimate coves to sandy expanses, some visible from Coast Highway, others hidden behind cliffs. Laguna Beach boasts distinctive beaches such as Victoria Beach, which has a tower fit for Rapunzel; accessing Thousand Steps Beach offers as much exercise as a StairMaster. Huntington Beach offers two of California’s cleanest beaches; Huntington State Beach hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing. The Wedge in Newport Beach is a world-renowned body-surfing mecca; explore tide pools at photogenic Little Corona Beach in Corona del Mar.
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Galleries Traditional art, contemporary art, photography, sculpture, California Impressionism, Native American pottery—the renowned galleries of Laguna Beach run the gamut. Highly recommended stops include Peter Blake Gallery for new works, Dawson Cole Fine Art for sculpture, and Wyland Galleries for marine art. An arts haven since its inception, the seaside town has been attracting 1918, artist Edgar Payne opened a gallery that would ultimately become the Laguna Art Museum. California impressionism was the pre-eminent genre, but today, stylistic diversity rules, and the contemporary art gets edgier all the time. Summer art festivals attract visitors from all over the world. Most Laguna galleries participate in the monthly First Thursdays Art Walk.
Disneyland Resort
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland, the original Disney theme park, in 1955, he famously said, “Disneyland will never be completed … as long as there is imagination left in the world.” Visitors continue to explore its eight lands, from Frontierland to Tomorrowland, and iconic landmarks such as the Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and Haunted Mansion beckon even as new attractions debut. Sister park Disney California Adventure zooms into focus of late with an expansion featuring Cars Land, inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars, and Buena Vista Street, inspired by early Disney history. The spectacular World of Color light-and-water show wows nightly; the thrills never end at California Screamin’ and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Downtown Disney, between the two parks, is a lively, admission-free promenade with shops, cafés and entertaining venues such as House of Blues. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565, disneyland.com
PREVIOUS SPREAD: SALT CREEK COUNTY BEACH/DANA POINT, IDRIS ERBA. TOP AND OPPOSITE, EDWIN SANTIAGO. BOTTOM, COURTESY DISNEYLAND
artists and collectors since the late 19th century. In
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Bowers Museum Blockbuster exhibitions at the Bowers
have
been
devel-
oped with venerated venues around the world, such as the Shanghai and British museums. This year, the venue presents shows including Gods & Gifts: Vatican Ethnological Collection and A Quest for Beauty: The Art of Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring iconic designs from the jewelry house’s own collection. The county’s largest museum is also its most diverse. More than 130,000 artifacts and works of art make up collections of Native American art, pre-Columbian art, Asian art, art of the Pacific, art of Africa and Orange County history. Ongoing displays include Spirits
and
Headhunters:
Art of the Pacific Islands and Ancient Arts of China: A 5,000-Year Legacy. The world’s indigenous peoples, and cultural art, remain the focus, yet many consider the California-themed exhibitions to be the highlight. Bowers Kidseum
is
nearby.
2002
N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600, bowers.org
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Mission San Juan Capistrano
Take any of a number of tours, including audio tours downloadable to your smartphone. View museum exhibits. Listen to the mission bells. The jewel of the California missions, the birthplace of Orange County, was founded by Spanish padres in 1776, the seventh of the state’s 21 missions. The Great Stone Church was begun in 1796, completed in 1806 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1812. The Serra Chapel is the oldest church in California. You can visit all of those sites, as well as the padres’ quarters, soldiers’ barracks and cemetery, and wander about 10 acres of lush gardens and fountains. A few descendants of the indigenous Juaneño tribe still work at the mission. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, missionsjc.com
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Segerstrom Center for the Arts The center is the county’s go-to venue for the performing arts. This season, Segerstrom Hall, its largest venue, offers the exclusive Southern California engagements of the Hamburg Ballet and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, as well as the local premieres of Broadway musicals including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz; Ghost the Musical, based on the Oscar-winning film; and Once, which won a Tony Award for best musical. Cesar Pelli’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall is home to the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and national and international touring orchestras, such as the Vienna Philharmonic, presented by the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. There’s jazz in both halls. More intimate presentations—cabaret and chamber music—take place in Founders Hall and Samueli Theater. 600
top, edwin santiago. bottom, courtesy pelican hill golf club. opposite, ashok sinha.
Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, scfta.org
Golf Orange County ranks high on the national scene as a golf destination. Entire vacations can be planned around a single day on the greens at one of its immaculately designed and groomed public courses, yet the number of excellent clubs in the county would allow a golfer to play daily for a month and never play the same course twice. Some clubs feature two courses. Several offer fine dining. Many offer fabulous views. Pelican Hill Golf Club, seen here, boasts two courses, fine dining and unforgettable ocean views. The terrain at Strawberry Farms Golf Club reveals rolling greens, a picturesque canyon, wetland vistas, O.C.’s longest hole—and a barn and windmill. Virtually all can provide fodder for stories that can be retold for a lifetime. See listings on page 84.
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SOCOOL By
ROGER GRODY
SOUTH COAST COLLECTION MAY LACK ITS NEIGHBOR’S SIZE AND GLAMOUR, BUT IT HAS JUST THE RIGHT MIX.
I
Operating not far from South Coast Plaza—with one-tenth its square footage and no Prada or Christian Louboutin boutiques—is the endearing new South Coast Collection, better known as SoCo. N 2009, DEVELOPERS TOOK A FAILING HOME FURNISHING center and transformed it into an environment that adds a new wrinkle to shopping in the burbs. Newport Beach-based Burnham USA/Burnham-Ward Properties continues to own and manage the strategically located 20-acre South Coast Collection. “We wanted to reinvent it in a way that was much more conducive to consumers,” says Burnham USA’s Scott Burnham, “to create an alternative everyday lifestyle experience that isn’t found anywhere else in Southern California, or possibly the world.” The chairman/CEO and his partners envisioned a communal setting with generous outdoor spaces, a place whose vibe is inspired more by New York’s SoHo and European town squares than traditional suburban shopping centers. Drawing on elements from Santa Monica’s Brentwood Country Mart, San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace and the Grove in L.A., SoCo was designed to engage all the senses. No department store anchors were sought, only design showrooms and eclectic, independently owned boutiques and eateries. “In the world of retail, it’s entertainment at its best,” Burnham, an Orange County native, says of the project’s mix of design, food and fashion. Adjacent to a freeway carrying about 400,000 cars per day, South Coast Collection is relatively pedestrian-friendly. Larger furniture and warehouse-style stores are located on the site’s perimeter; the central OC Mix, a communal marketplace, is by a courtyard landscaped with drought-resistant native plants. An eco-friendly theme pervades the entire site, which uses sustainable materials such as concrete and reclaimed woods for warmth and style. The OC Mix features more than two dozen vendors under a single 30,000-squarefoot roof punctuated by skylights and exposed infrastructure. The collection of retailers, heavily weighted with food purveyors, is conspicuously devoid of Starbucks or Pinkberry. Burnham explains that ubiquitous chains are not the kinds of companies he and his partners are looking for. “All of our tenants are the best in their particular disciplines, and all are proprietor-driven,” he says. “Walk into any store and you’re likely to meet the owner, who’s the passion behind the venture.” Although many of the retailers are in spaces of less than 250 square feet, a presence
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at the OC Mix gives these businesses the opportunity to create a major following. “There is a rhyme or reason for every tenant, as well as for the specific location of every tenant within the project,” Burnham says. He and his colleagues strive to create valuable synergies between neighboring stores. A magnet for foodies, the OC Mix offers wine, olive oil, gourmet tacos, oyster platters, exotic spices, gelato, cheese and chocolate. Portola Coffee Lab, a quintessential OC Mix tenant, appeals to coffee aficionados too selective for any company with 20,000 locations worldwide. And it gets even more exclusive: Its six-seat Theorem—a reservations-only counter in an elegant little alcove around the corner from the roasting room—pours craft coffees using exotic, pampered beans. Guests enjoy fermented Kintamani coffee from Bali that has been barrelaged in oak for six months; liquid nitrogen adds a dose of drama to affogato. At Theorem, unlike the rest of Portola, wireless connectivity is as frowned upon as perfume at a wine tasting; guests leave their iPads at home. Portola owners Jeff and Christa Duggan also operate adjacent Seventh Tea Bar, where more than 50 single-estate teas are poured in a space where urban edginess meets Victorian charm. The cucumber sandwiches that are de rigueur elsewhere here give way to fresh ricotta with apricot jam and pistachio pesto or a citrus-cured salmon roll. Handcrafted breads are slathered with house-made marmalades or an alluring cinnamon-maple-almond compound. To find the Cellar Cheese Shop, just look for the statue of a cow, a mascot named Clementine. Consider pleasantly stinky Époisses or nutty Manchego cheese, or some pricey jamón ibérico, made from pampered Spanish pigs, or a sandwich for shoppers on the run. It’s hard to resist sidling up to the polished concrete counter at Shuck Oyster Bar, which dispenses New England clam chowder, grilled cheese sandwiches and an oyster selection that changes daily. For a true indulgence, but not always offered, opt for an oyster on the half shell topped with crème fraîche and osetra caviar. Just across the fountain-laden courtyard from
the OC Mix—and from the same owners as Shuck—is Arc, where everything on the menu is passed over burning wood. Favored menu items include garlicky, whiskey-spiked meatballs, cheddar-topped chicken casserole with broccoli, and a seasonally changing vegetarian option that simply brings the farm to the fire. “Arc’s culinary focus is on flame, flavor and finesse. Every item is crafted over an open fire in a kitchen where there is nowhere to hide,” says chef/co-owner Noah Blom. The restaurant doesn’t even have a conventional range or oven. And its potent, marketdriven cocktails are among the county’s best. When she and Blum first learned of the OC Mix, recalls Marin Howarth, co-owner of Arc and Shuck, “the unique mix of businesses was definitely appealing, since we really don’t like to fit into any mold.” They tested the waters with Shuck, which immediately earned a loyal following from as far away as L.A. and San Diego. On the heels of that success, they decided to make SoCo a home for ARC as well. We Olive & Wine Bar, a venture of passionate olive-oil specialists Deb and Phil Brooks, offers complimentary tastings of California olive oils and balsamic vinegars at one end of its OC Mix space and wines by the glass or flight teamed with tapas at the other. There’s even live music. The OC Mix features more than just food. Lili Claspe Jewelry showcases the products of Huntington Beach designer Stephanie Tchamanian, whose celebrity following includes Pink. She offers an accessibly priced collection of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces pairing vintage
above: shirts at deer lovely Opposite: top row, milk and honey baby; bottom row, portola coffee lab
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this page: heirlooms and hardware OPPOSITE, clockwise from top left: grilled cheese sandwich at shuck oyster bar, the cheese shop, tags at deer lovely, and we olive & WINE BAR
all soco photos Anne watson except left, Vladimir perlovich
materials with unusual minerals and gemstones. Milk and Honey Baby sells fashion-forward clothing for babies and toddlers by O.C. native Nichole Horiuchi. Heirlooms & Hardware specializes in antiques and furniture repurposed by owner Joseph D’Ambra, an artisanal carpenter able to visualize the potential of architectural salvage. He recently crafted a line of maple furniture from what was once a gymnasium floor. Of his initial attraction to SoCo, D’Ambra says, “We were impressed with the overall aesthetic at the OC Mix, which felt like the Ferry Building in San Francisco.” The OC Mix generates the most buzz, but in terms of square footage, upscale home design retailers are SoCo’s dominant category. Among them are Stark Home & Design, Deco Home and fashionable, Honolulu-based C.S. Wo & Sons. Developer Burnham cites the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood as one of the places that inspired SoCo, but he and his partners insisted on a far more approachable setting. Design Within
Reach, which makes stylish midcentury-modern design available to suburban households, opened its largest showroom here. Pirch, specializing in bath and kitchen products, offers an eye-popping maze of glistening chrome, high-gloss enamel and polished marble, as well as luxury products such as $50,000 La Cornue stoves; customers are offered a caffé latte upon entering. “We created an environment that would still service the trades”—interior designers and architects—“but give retailers the opportunity to serve the public as well,” says Burnham. The Pacific Design Center showroom of Brown Jordan, a high-end outdoor-furniture manufacturer, can be intimidating for a suburban couple without a designer in tow; SoCo’s developers encouraged the company to open a retail showroom. In an era of laminate flooring, the Vintage Wood Floor Co. is a refreshing nod to authenticity. It markets floors with character, created from woods salvaged from old European estates, Midwest barns or Napa Valley wine barrels. There are foodie draws, too, apart from the OC Mix. Since 1937, for instance, restaurateurs have relied on Surfas Culinary District for the finest culinary equipment and products and the design of cutting-edge kitchens. Now that a cavernous branch has arrived at SoCo, there’s no need to trek to Los Angeles. Its cozy café serves coffee, salads and pressed sandwiches. Taking the concept of the pressed sandwich a step further at SoCo is the Iron Press, where you can sit at a wraparound counter enjoying a craft beer while watching your buttermilk-fried-chicken waffle sandwich being prepared. A farmers market on Saturdays features two dozen farmers and vendors celebrating the bounty of Southern California and offers tours for kids. The county’s reputation as mall-obsessed is surpassed only by that of L.A.’s San Fernando Valley. SoCo is the most recent evidence of a refreshing countercultural movement in which smaller Costa Mesa projects featuring a communal experience, such as the Camp and the Lab, also flourish. South Coast Plaza needn’t worry about its parking areas emptying—but it’s no longer the only game in town.
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glamour KING PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE HURRELL
In the 1930s and ’40s, George Hurrell photographed virtually every major star, the elite of the Hollywood galaxy. He was an innovator who turned glamour into an art and was, ultimately, the “grand signeur of the Hollywood portrait”; he brought the genre to its dizzying apex with images of almost tactile vibrancy, images whose sheer sexiness still resonates. Hurrell’s subjects included Jean Harlow, Clark Gable, Norma Shearer and Greta Garbo at MGM. He shot Bette Davis, Errol Flynn, Ann Sheridan and Humphrey Bogart for Warner Bros., and Rita Hayworth for Columbia Pictures. His early portraits, however, were of Laguna Beach artists. Janet Blake, Laguna Art Museum’s curator of early California art, recently mounted the fascinating exhibition George Hurrell: From Laguna to Hollywood, using some 60 works, most from the museum’s permanent collection—highlights seen here—to trace → 22
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Jean Harlow /1934 HARlOW WAS nOt AFRAId OF tHE cAmERA, HuRREll REmARkEd. “SHE REActEd tO It, And In SOmE StRAngE WAy, I WAS A tHIRd pARty—tHEy WERE cOnSpIRAtORS.” tHIS, HuRREll’S SIgnAtuRE ImAgE, WAS tAkEn At bullOck'S WIlSHIRE dEpARtmEnt StORE.
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Norma Shearer /1929 SHEARER, WIFE OF mgm
producer irvinG thalberg and one of hurrell’s first hollywood subjects, had him remake her girl-nextdoor image for a screen test for the divorcee—for which she won an academy award for best actress.
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“In this business, you have to concentrate on the face. You have to glorify the personality by showing what’s in the face. In other words, it all boils down to anatomy.” —George Hurrell, 1939
SHEARER AND HURRELL SELF-PORTRAIT (1930), ESTATE OF PANCHO BARNES. ALL OTHERS, LAGUNA ART MUSEUM COLLECTION; HARLOW, GIFT OF SUSAN RATHBOE; SHERIDAN, GIFT OF MICHAEL HADLEY EPSTEIN AND SCOTT E. SCHWIMER
→ his career trajectory. According to Blake, Hurrell (1904-
92) studied painting at the Art Institute of Chicago, where he also learned to photograph his paintings and where, in 1924, he met Laguna Beach artist Edgar Payne and his wife, who were in Chicago following a long European sojourn. Hurrell accompanied the Paynes when they returned to California. After a short stay in Los Angeles, he moved to Laguna Beach, living in a cottage called “The Paint Box.” Hurrell became close friends with artists William Wendt and William Griffith; he photographed them and other leading Laguna artists including Anna Hills, Thomas Hunt and Frank Cuprien. He also met aviatrix Florence “Pancho” Barnes in Laguna; she introduced him to silent-movie star Ramon Novarro. Hurrell’s photographs of Barnes and Novarro caught the attention of Hollywood. He moved there in 1927 and by 1930 was head of the MGM portrait gallery. Laguna Art Museum’s collection contains many Hurrell photographs of the early artists and two portfolios of his Hollywood portraits.
Edgar Payne /1926
IT WAS LANDSCAPE
PAINTER AND MURALIST
Frank Cuprien /1926
FROM HIS BLUFF-TOP
“CITADEL OF INSPIRATION” IN LAGUNA BEACH, CUPRIEN BECAME NATIONALLY KNOWN FOR HIS “OPALESCENT MARINES,”
PAYNE, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE LAGUNA BEACH ART ASSN., WHO BROUGHT HURRELL TO CALIFORNIA, HAVING MET THE ASPIRING ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER IN CHICAGO IN 1925.
PAINTINGS THAT CAPTURED THE IRIDESCENCE OF SUNLIGHT OR MOONLIGHT REFLECTED ON CALM SEAS.
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Rita Hayworth /1941
HURRELL SHAPED THE IMAGE OF the love GODDESS/femme fatale for COLUMBIA PICTURES. hayworth was the studio's top star in the 1940s.
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Bette Davis /1938
hurrell said that davis had “a special kind of beauty in her face.”
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Ann Sheridan /1939 HURRELL’S PHOTOGRAPHS OF ANN SHERIDAN AND JEAN HARLOW CAUSED A SURGE IN SALES OF BEARSKIN RUGS. SHERIDAN later reflected, “THERE WAS A CERTAIN KIND OF FANTASY, A CERTAIN IMAGINATION THAT IS NOT ACCEPTED NOW.”
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Hurrell’s women “were available, untroubled and ready to play.... The name of the game was sex appeal with all its heavy eyeshadowed, white-satin voluptuousness.”—fashion writer Eugenia Sheppard, 1965
Walt Disney /1940
PHOTO TAKEN ON A SOUNDSTAGE AT NEW WALT DISNEY STUDIOS IN BURBANK. HURRELL WOULD BE MARRIED TO THE NIECE OF DISNEY'S WIFE, LILLIAN, FOR 11 YEARS. LATER, FROM 1958 TO 1960, HE FILMED TV COMMERCIALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DISNEY.
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SMACKDOWN! Could Tesla replace Mercedes-Benz as the unofficial car of the Gold Coast?
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BY JOHN WEYLER
These days, you might be better off being paid for counting those $70,000 electric cars that everybody said would never sell. Recent sales figures showed that more people in the U.S. purchased a Tesla Model S than any of the similarly priced gasolinefueled cars from Germany’s top three luxury brands— Mercedes, BMW and Audi. In California, which accounts for a whopping 50% of Tesla sales, it trails only Mercedes’ E-Class and BMW’s 5-Series. Meanwhile, Fletcher Jones Motorcars in Newport Beach has been the nation’s No. 1 Mercedes-Benz dealership for 14 years running. It and Orange County’s other Mercedes dealers combined sell more Mercedes than all but a handful of countries.
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Yet the unlikely and meteoric rise to rock-star status of the Model S— about $63,000 after a federal tax rebate—has car dealers and carmakers shaking their heads and rethinking plenty. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson created a team to study the threat Tesla Motors poses to the industry juggernaut. A spokesman said his boss was well aware that “history is littered” with big companies that ignored innovation. If you can believe the reviews, the Model S is cutting-edge innovation. It was named car of the year by both Motor Trend and Automobile magazines. It was Popular Science’s Auto Grand Award winner for Best of What’s New, and Time honored it as one of the Best 25 Inventions of
the Year. Consumer Reports rated it a 99 out of 100, the highest a car has ever tested. And it got a perfect safety score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Model S has headinto-the-headrest acceleration—there’s lots of dragracing proof on YouTube— and an interior equipped with a touch-screen onboard computer system that makes your iPad seem old-school … and tiny. Sexy? Yes. It bespeaks environmental concern, but it screams, “I’m faster off the line than your Ferrari!” If Tesla burst onto the scene like the iPhone, Mercedes is hoping it doesn’t end up playing the part of the BlackBerry. “My husband and I love our Model S,” says Judy Chang, a Newport Beach
PHOTO CREDIT GOTHAM BOOK 5.5/9PT
ot very long ago, if somebody offered you a dollar for every Mercedes-Benz you spotted during an afternoon cruise through Orange County’s Gold Coast, you’d have enough money to buy your own before sundown.
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TESLA THE MODEL S WAS NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR BY BOTH MOTOR TREND AND AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE. TIME MAGAZINE DEEMED IT ONE OF THE BEST 25 INVENTIONS OF THE YEAR. CONSUMER REPORTS GAVE IT ITS HIGHEST CAR RATING EVER. THE
arts commissioner; they also own a Mercedes E330 and a Range Rover. “You know how things get hyped up so much that when you finally experience them, it’s a letdown? Not this car; it’s the real deal.... It’s beautiful and so chic. It’s luxurious and a fantastic ride. “And it’s revolutionary. It changes your life forever, for the better. Everyone should own one of these cars.” Still, you might want to consider the possible downside. Consumer Reports didn’t give the Tesla a perfect score because it can travel only 300 miles without a recharge. That’s very good for electric cars but still restricts travel and means you’d better not forget to plug it in overnight. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also created billion-dollar companies PayPal and SpaceX, says that “charge anxiety” is likely the biggest obstacle facing Tesla. But he envisions a not-far-off day when Tesla owners who want to travel longer distances will be able to swap batteries at stations across the country for a fee of about $70 and in about half the time it takes to fill an empty tank with gasoline. A few “super-charge” stations—a complete charge of a depleted battery takes 30 minutes—between Los Angeles, San Francisco and Las Vegas, with more planned, make road trips from O.C. to those destinations feasible. But if luxury is the No. 1 priority, a Mercedes might be the right choice. “My Mercedes has features that I really like that our Tesla doesn’t,” says Jeff Levy, a tourism advocate and magazine publisher (including GuestBook) with offices in Costa Mesa; he owns a 2011 Mercedes CL550 and a Model S.
“It has that beeper that alerts you when you’re backing up and there’s something behind you. The mirror lights up if there’s a car in your blind spot. There’s a built-in massager in the seats. The leather and trim are nicer in the Mercedes. The Tesla is not really [like] a fine European auto in that sense—it’s more about technology than creature comforts.” Levy’s wife, AnnDee, is the Tesla’s primary driver. The couple purchased the zero-emission car because the “carbon footprint was a huge factor for her,” Levy says. And they love that white sticker that lets you drive in HOV lanes solo. Levy is devoted to his Benz but drives the Tesla whenever he can pry it away. Since there is no transmission, he notes, driving the Tesla is a different experience: “It has incredible pickup—it accelerates like a ride at a theme park.” There are no buttons on the Tesla’s dashboard, just the large touch-screen monitor; it’s easy to read, even in splitscreen mode. You can have the navigation system on the top half, for instance, and surf the Web on the bottom; the car comes with a free 3G wireless connection. Says Chang, “I read the Wall Street Journal at stoplights.” Levy figures it costs $100 to $150 a month to charge the Tesla every night; his wife had been spending $180 in gas for the Porsche she’d been leasing. A second meter at their house will be connected only to the Tesla charger, and they’ll be billed at a rate lower than the regular residential fee. Chang imagines freeways crowded with electric vehicles in the future. For now, Mercedes is flourishing by selling less-expensive internal-combustion cars. The company is launching a
NHTSA’S SAFETY SCORE? PERFECT.
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previous spread and opposite, courtesy tesla motors. this page, courtesy mercedes-benz USA
Mercedes number of new models priced at less than $50,000, some starting at or near $30,000. But the German giant sees the writing on the wall, even if it’s across the globe at California-based Tesla, where there is already a waiting list for its crossover concept. Chang is on that list, she says, so “we can get rid of both the Range Rover and the Mercedes and be a completely electric family.” Mercedes introduces its B-class hatchback in California next year, built on a drive system—electric motors, lithium ion battery, onboard charger and more—developed and manufactured by Tesla. Tesla already produces the electric drive components for the battery-powered Toyota RAV4 EV. It will be the first time the smaller B-class will be available in the United States. The price hasn’t been confirmed, but it figures to be below $50,000 before tax breaks. If you want to buy a Mercedes, you can drop by Fletcher Jones, grab your favorite latte at the on-site Starbucks, roll a few putts on the green and even snag some free treats for your dog. The perks keep coming after you buy, among them free car washes and airport shuttles. If you decide to buy a Tesla, you’re in for a completely different experience in car purchasing. You won’t be sitting in a salesman’s office with your spouse—“Do you think this place is bugged, honey?”—as he consults with the manager to make sure he can give you such a sweet deal. You can purchase a Tesla in your pajamas … from bed … with your smartphone. And everyone pays precisely the same price.
“There is no haggling,” Levy says. “The price is the price. You put $5,000 down, and they give you 30 days after the delivery date to back out if you want to. If you finance through one of the banks they have a deal with, the bank agrees to buy the car back between months 36 and 39 for 46 percent of what you paid for it.” That is a bit of insurance in case the company goes out of business, leaving you nowhere to have your Tesla serviced or repaired. The history of high-end electric cars isn’t exactly electrifying; Fisker Automotive, based in Irvine, and Coda Automotive, which sold only about 100 vehicles before going under, both recently filed for bankruptcy. There are no Tesla dealerships per se; instead, the company has showrooms of sorts in upscale, high-traffic shopping centers such as Fashion Island in Newport Beach and Brea Mall at the north end of the county. Service-center locations include Costa Mesa. Conrad Boyse, publishing-firm owner and Newport Beach resident, has spent a good bit of time lately sitting in a showroom Tesla. He’s a longtime Mercedes owner, but his wife, Maria, is leaning toward getting a Model S when the lease for her current car expires. “We’re certainly intrigued, but a little surprised that it’s the same price as the big Mercedes SL550,” he said. “But my wife loves the design, the style, the luxury and the political correctness of it—well, she loves everything about it.” Sounds like the atmosphere in the Gold Coast is about to get even more charged.
fletcher jones motorcars in newport beach has been the nation’s no. 1 mercedes-benz dealership for 14 years running. it and the other dealers in orange County combined Sell more mercedes than all but a handful of other countries.
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Perfect in Paper Fashion for good: Four inspiring friends in Costa Mesa lift prospects for 130 Ugandan women by selling their trendy jewelry in the O.C. BY STEPHANIE SANCHEZ
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allie Dovel’s path from Orange County college student to fashionista was an unconventional one. She grew up on a llama farm in Klamath Falls, Ore. During summer break she didn’t dress up to intern at Elle but dressed down to help others in poverty-stricken Uganda. Now 26, Dovel designs and sells her own line of jewelry through a company called 31 Bits. Its slogan, “Fashion for good,” only begins to tell the story. The summer after her junior year in college, Dovel traveled to Uganda to work with disadvantaged children. During her stay in the city of Gulu, she met some women who spent their days handcrafting unique pieces of jewelry. Dovel was awed by these beautiful products in which paper beads—repurposed from posters that would otherwise go into the trash—were substituted for precious metals or gems. But the women had no way of getting the jewelry to market, beyond the occasional tourist. Dovel was enchanted by the spirit of these women, who faced daily challenges of famine, AIDS and war. She desperately wanted to find a way to give them an opportunity to sell their wares—and in the process, improve their lives. While finishing her degree in cultural anthropology at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Dovel envisioned a company that could benefit both the talented, impoverished producers and fashion-forward, socially conscious consumers. She recruited classmates Anna Nelson, Jessie Simonson and Alli Swanson and founded 31 Bits, whose name references Scripture (Proverbs 31, which praises the ideal woman and “woman of worth”). In 2008, Dovel and her new business partners—young Southern California women who might look more at home on the Huntington Beach boardwalk than in equatorial Africa— returned to Gulu, selecting the first six artisans to begin buying jewelry from on a monthly basis. “None of us had a business background,” says Dovel, “so we surrounded ourselves with people who knew how to do this and who believed in us.” 31 Bits’ production team has since expanded to more than 130 women whose sunny spirit is almost inconceivable given the troubled history
of their country. Receiving profits generated in a marketplace created by 31 Bits, these women are now fledgling entrepreneurs themselves. There is an application process for craftswomen candidates, but Dovel says that need trumps artistic proficiency. She tells the story of Florence, now working with the company: “When I first met her, she was selling bananas at the local market, but she showed up at our door after her husband died.” The woman had sold everything she had to send her seven kids to school. “We didn’t have any openings at the time, but we all agreed, ‘We need to find a place for her’,” Dovel recalls. Each woman has her own story, usually a blend of sorrow and celebration. Another Florence, 48 years old, was abducted by rebels 15 years ago but is now saving to build a home for her six children. When Margaret was a girl, rebels killed her parents, but now, an optimistic woman in her mid-30s, she’s also dreaming of building her own home. Julliet, 24, who’s fascinated by America, is committed to earning a university degree. “All of these women have experienced such hard lives, but when you visit our compound, you don’t see that. You see people laughing and enjoying themselves,” Dovel says. Marketing director Alli Swanson shares her partner’s wonderment at the hope and faith of these women. “There’s so much joy in the midst of poverty,” she says. “Their joy doesn’t come from material things.” Citing the nurturing attitudes in the face of suffering, Dovel tells of a woman with five of her own children taking a week to care for a colleague who had just lost her 3-year-old. “All the women took turns to come around, demonstrating an incredible sense of community,” she says. Swanson believes these positive attitudes are reflected in the company’s merchandise: “It’s amazing how recycled paper can be transformed into something so beautiful and how such beauty can come from a dark situation.” Through the 31 Bits website, as well as through retailers around the globe carrying its products, the Ugandan craftswomen earn money they can use for shelter, food, health care and education. They become financially literate and, because one-third of the women are HIV-positive, receive health education. They are also trained to
become independent businesswomen after they conclude a four-year contract with 31 Bits. 31 Bits merchandise is colorful and beguiling. Necklaces ($24-$74) typically consist of several strands of beads that glisten from multiple coats of varnish. Coral and turquoise are prominent among a diverse color palette; shapes and sizes of beads vary greatly. Bracelets ($10-$46) feature whimsical names such as Guava Twist and Candy Drop. Distinctive headbands accentuate the line’s boho-chic styling. The jewelry crafted by 31 Bits’ Ugandan craftswomen has become trendy. Swanson suggests that the combination of style, artisanal production and affordability makes the line particularly desirable even without factoring in the social benefits derived from their sale. Jessica Alba, Kathie Lee Gifford, Tara Reid and Sprinkles Cupcakes founder Candace Nelson are among celebrities who wear pieces from the collection, and 31 Bits has been featured on the pages of People and Harper’s Bazaar. The line is found at boutiques including Deer Lovely at South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa, Ellison Rd. in Seal Beach and Quiksilver at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, as well as at the retail store at 31 Bits headquarters (1663 Superior Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.612.7295, 31bits.com). Swanson says she and her partners would prefer that customers buy their products because of their hip design and handcraftsmanship, not because doing so supports a cause. She admits, however, that the story behind the merchandise is a compelling bonus. The artists behind 31 Bits’ distinctive bracelets, necklaces and headbands overcome incredible odds and offer hope to others in their communities as well as in other impoverished, wartorn places around the world. 31 Bits recently expanded to the Ugandan capital of Kampala, and Dovel is exploring opportunities in other troubled nations. Now that the principals are successful entrepreneurs, they’re offering summer internships in Uganda for college students just a few years younger than themselves. It’s one more way 31 Bits is likely to change lives—while setting out to change the world one paper bead at a time.
LEFT TO RIGHT: FOUNDERS ALLI SAWNSON, ANNA NELSON, JESSIE SIMONSON AND KALLIE DOVEL in 31 BITS JEWELRY
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T HE BAY ORANGE COUNTY’S LUXURY HOUSING IS SO ECLECTIC THAT EVEN A GEORGIAN PLANTATION CAN FIT IN. IT’S ONE OF A HANDFUL OF ELITE HOMES ON AN UNUSUAL STRIP OF REAL ESTATE OVERLOOKING NEWPORT BEACH’S BACK BAY. BY JOSEPH L E MOYNE
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ewport Beach represents one of the hottest luxury markets in the nation, with a steady stream of $10-million-plus listings featuring glass-and-concrete modernism or California interpretations of Tuscan villas. Rarely, however, is the classic film Gone With the Wind an inspiration for designers along a stretch of coastline coveted by Fortune 500 executives and NBA stars. Village Crean, built by RV magnate John Crean in 1990, is straight out of the beloved Clark Gable-Vivien Leigh movie. Barbara Venezia, a journalist, broadcaster and close friend of the Creans, knows the extraordinary property better than anybody. And because she lives just around the corner, she appreciates its context, describing the equestrian neighborhood as “unique and eclectic” and noting that it was originally unincorporated county land. When the Santa Ana Heights neighborhood was annexed in 2002 by Newport Beach, economic realities brought about a change in character, but the three-block stretch of Mesa Drive has retained a hint of rusticity. “It still has a country-like feel that you really don’t see elsewhere in Newport Beach,” Venezia says. Real estate agent and family friend Andrea “Duffy” Routh of Star Real Estate, who at time of publication had the property listed for $10.9 million, concurs. “The neighborhood is very unusual, still heavily agricultural and equestrian,” she says, citing horse trails, orchid gardens and a winery a few homes to the west, “not to mention the Back Bay in all its beauty and the afternoon breezes that go with it.” The home abuts the 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, a coastal wetland that is among the premier birdwatching sites in the U.S. During winter migration, the winged population can swell to 35,000, with rare or endangered species including the brown pelican, peregrine falcon and Belding’s savannah sparrow. This stretch of Mesa Drive, dubbed Mesa-Birch Park, features relatively unpretentious ranch houses on the north side of the street. The south side, which offers Nature Preserve frontage and water views, is lined with more opulent, gated properties such as Village Crean and the winery that Routh refers to: Newport Beach Vineyards’ 3.5 acres encompass botanical gardens, an aviary, koi ponds and owner Richard Moriarty’s sleek concrete-and-glass home, an exceptional piece of modernism by acclaimed Newport Beach architect Fleetwood Joiner. A ranch-style home a few doors down was listed at about $5 million by Surterre Properties; it was built in 1957 for actress Ruby Keeler, star of the 1933 Busby Berkeley-choreographed film 42nd Street. “There’s no other place in Newport Beach
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top: THE CLASSIC ANTEBELLUM ESTATE HAS SOARING COLUMNS AND GABLED DORMERS PUNCTUATING THE ROOF. ABOVE: THE VAULTED DINING ROOM FEATURES A SEEMINGLY ENDLESS TABLE HANDCRAFTED BY JOHN CREAN.
previous spread: the second-story veranda at village crean. OPPOSITE: ABOVE, A MAJESTIC STAIRWAY EMBODIES THE SPIRIT OF TARA; BELOW, THE HOME LOOKS OUT ON A GAZEBO AND THE BACK BAY BEYOND.
where you can buy two acres of equestrian-zoned property with a view of the Back Bay,” agent Stephanie Lowe says of the location. The front facade of Village Crean’s main structure is clearly modeled after the mansion Tara, as depicted in the 1939 film Gone With the Wind. The home is a classic antebellum estate with soaring columns, a sprawling second-story veranda bordered with white railing, and multiple gabled dormers punctuating the roof. One could argue that it’s completely out of place on the California Riviera, but in this price range, eclecticism and excess are both indulged. Furthermore, who’s to say replicating Southern traditions in Orange County is any more inappropriate than importing the design of a Loire Valley château or Amalfi Coast villa? The choice of architecture was hardly accidental; Gone With the Wind was the favorite movie of John Crean’s wife. As Barbara Venezia puts it, “The house was a love letter to Donna, the ultimate tribute to his wife.” Crean founded Fleetwood Enterprises, building it into a $3 billion recreation-vehicle concern that, along with the Interstate Highway System, transformed leisure activity in the U.S. In fact, Builder magazine named him one of American housing’s most influential leaders, sharing a list with luminaries such as architect Frank Lloyd Wright and developer William Levitt, the godfather of suburbia. The home is actually a massive compound on 3.6 acres. With a total of 43,000 square feet of living space, it’s one of the largest estates in Orange County. Crean and his wife of 58 years were among the county’s most prominent philanthropists. They might have been accused of erecting an ostentatious mansion, but in fact it
was used almost exclusively for special events, primarily fundraisers for local charities. John Crean passed away in 2007 and Donna in 2012. The main house, which is oriented toward the Back Bay rather than Mesa Drive, encompasses more than 15,000 square feet in three rambling stories. In addition to the Creans’ private quarters, there are four luxurious suites facing the Back Bay and another six without water views. Ancillary structures include a 7,600-square-foot workshop/office building, an apartment and gym over an eight-car garage, and an additional eight-car garage capped by two more apartments. The grounds include a large pool—only four feet deep because Donna Crean didn’t know how to swim—and a courtyard featuring an ice cream parlor that thrilled visiting children. Guests entering the main home are confronted with a majestic stairway—illuminated by a massive crystal chandelier hanging from a domed ceiling with handpainted murals—that embodies the spirit of Tara. On one side is the Creans’ private living quarters and on the other a living room, impressive formal dining room and sprawling commercial kitchen that regularly accommodated guest lists in the hundreds. The dining room features a muraled, vaulted ceiling from which three crystal chandeliers hang over a seemingly endless table that comfortably seats 32 guests. The formidable table was handcrafted by John Crean in his garage workshop, as was the detailing on the grand staircase. Incredibly, John and Donna Crean occupied only a 2,500-square-foot apartment, accounting for a mere 6 percent of the compound’s floor space. “They were very simple people,” says Venezia. “They weren’t flashy, just
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very down-to-earth, homey folks. They came from humble beginnings and believed in sharing what they had.” On the third floor is a media room seating 20, and just outside it Crean installed an old-fashioned movie theater-style snack bar, complete with popcorn machine and candy bar display case. John and Donna Crean were Duffy Routh’s godparents, and her father, actor Patrick Hawley, collaborated with John Crean in the production of several Hollywood films in the 1970s. An original poster of their film Moment of Truth hangs on a wall in the media room. “It’s probably one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen,” says Routh. “And I was in it!” Also on this level is a spacious library. In addition to a sunlit reading area, the room provides secret access to a hidden chamber behind built-in bookshelves, à la Batman’s Wayne Manor or the board game Clue. Venezia, who specializes in food journalism, met John Crean when while penning a series of columns on successful entrepreneurs, and he expressed an interest in appearing on a cooking show. The two collaborated on a comedy-spiced local program called At Home on the Range, filmed in a studio inside a garage at Village Crean. Over the course of six years, 228 episodes were produced at the compound. She fondly remembers Crean’s dry sense of humor as reminiscent of W.C. Fields’. Through their joint appearances on television, Venezia and Crean established a close bond, and she and her husband were married on the grand staircase at Village Crean. “We spent many holidays with the family at that huge dining room table and enjoyed John’s celebrity friends like Milton Berle and Joey Bishop,” she recounts. Venezia suggests that the next owners will be challenged to reinvent the unorthodox property to suit their own lifestyle. Routh admits that its massive proportions and Georgia-themed architecture limits its marketability. “It’s not your standard granite and travertine Mediterranean- or Tuscan-inspired home,” says the agent, yet she reports strong interest in the marketplace— Southerners who identify with the architecture as well as Asian buyers satisfied with the home’s feng shui. Pressed to compare the property to other sprawling estates she has listed, Routh demurs: “It simply doesn’t compare.... There’s nothing quite like it.” It takes her a couple hours just to show the property, but, she adds, “after a little time inside, it begins to feel more intimate.” Given Venezia’s enduring emotional connection to the property, the anticipated sale is bittersweet, but she’s quick to reflect, “When I think of Village Crean, I just have to smile. It’s a slice of heaven on the Back Bay.”
One could argue it’s completely out of place in California. But who’s to say replicating Southern traditions in Orange County is any more inappropriate than importing the design of a Loire Valley château or Amalfi Coast villa? W H E R E G U E S T B OO K 3 9
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Themed
PARKS
DISNEYLAND RESORT MUSIC TELLS STORIES AND TOUCHES HEARTS. BY LIBBY SLATE
THE ENCHANTED TIKI ROOM AT DISNEYLAND; THE ATTRACTION RECENTLY MARKED ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
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When Walt Disney was developing the attraction for the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair that later became It’s a Small World at Disneyland, he called in staff songwriters Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman to create a song that would convey the message he wanted as riders sailed past tableaux of Audio-Animatronic children in their native costumes. “Walt said, ‘I want a song that can be translated into different languages…. A little roundelay,’” recalls Richard Sherman, the surviving half of the duo known as the Sherman Brothers; older brother Bob died in 2012. We wrote a song about a world where we learn from, respect and understand each other—but we didn’t say it, we implied it. “It’s a basic prayer for peace,” Sherman says. “We first wrote it slower. Walt said, ‘[Use] a faster tempo. It’s a happy song, and the happiest ride on earth.’ So we did it at a happy tempo—and now people want to kill us for it!” The repeated refrain of “It’s a Small World” does indeed annoy some listeners, Sherman good-naturedly notes, whereas for others, it’s the sunniness that sticks. The tune is unquestionably the most famous of the Disneyland theme songs written by the brothers, also known for “The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room” for the Enchanted Tiki Room and “There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” for the Carousel of Progress. Non-Sherman Disneyland classics include “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” for Pirates of the Caribbean, with music by George Bruns and lyrics by Xavier Atencio, and “Grim Grinning Ghosts” for the Haunted Mansion, by Atencio and composer Buddy Baker. “Walt felt music was vital to all of his work,” Sherman says. “It enhanced the mood, was another stroke of color.
Music played a great role in everything he did. He never felt a project was complete without it.” That perspective remains strong in all the Disney theme parks worldwide. “Music provides the emotional thread through the stories [being told],” says John Dennis, director of music production for Walt Disney Imagineering. For attractions, he says, “we have to engage the guests quickly. We generally have a much shorter time frame to get them involved. In a classic attraction like Pirates, the scenes are relatively short. The music has to be delivered in a concise manner, 32 bars and a terrific hook you’ll be humming as you leave.” Bruns and Baker were longtime Disney staffers who arranged as well as composed music. Nowadays, some of the leading composers in film and television count Disney theme parks among their credits. The late Jerry Goldsmith, an 18-time Oscar nominee (and winner for The Omen) and five-time Primetime Emmy winner, scored Disney California Adventure’s Soarin’ Over California. Oscar and Emmy winner Michael Giacchino handled the music for the revamps of Disneyland’s Space Mountain and Star Tours. Emmy winner Richard Bellis arranged John Williams’ Star Wars music and created original music for the original Star Tours; he subsequently worked on Williams’ Indiana Jones Adventure music. His other credits include Disney California Adventure’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Disneyland’s Captain EO pre-show, heard in other Disney parks as well. “Doing the Disney theme parks is probably the most fun I have [musically],” Bellis says. “They bring you in six months to a year before a project opens. You’re welcomed into the creative team. And it’s fully funded, so rarely do we
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edwin santiago. opposite, Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort
use electronic music—it’s an orchestra.” For the Indiana Jones Adventure, Bellis chose cues from Williams’ film score, produced demos, rode prototypes and walked through the site. His greatest challenge proved to be “spotting” the ride as he would a film: deciding where music cues should go and how long they should last. Aboard the vehicle, the ride was rough, full of jolts, making it difficult for Bellis and his team to hold on to stopwatches, pencils, pads and flashlights. With the vehicle unable to back up, they were left shaken and bruised after numerous ride-throughs. Unlike a film, Bellis notes, “we do smaller bits and put [musical] ‘tails’ on them so there will be a crossover when the next cue is triggered. For a three-minute ride, there are 10 to 12 segments.” There also has to be flexibility for ride stoppages. The score was recorded by an 86-piece orchestra consisting of top Hollywood studio musicians. When it comes to scoring theme park shows, composers
have to take into account the “fill and spill”—guests’ arrival into and departure from the theater—according to Bruce Broughton, a 10-time Emmy winner who scored the Disney California Adventure attraction It’s Tough to Be a Bug. “They have it timed,” he explains. “They take in all considerations: of safety, people with disabilities, confused visitors who speak another language. I work off of that timing.” For the show itself, he says, “you’re always going forth: What are you bringing out to tell the story?” One fun element: show tunes that were turned into “bug tunes,” such as an arrangement of “Tonight,” from West Side Story, melded with “Flight of the Bumblebee.” Music also sets the mood in the lines, sowing seeds, Imagineering’s Dennis says, for what’s to come. “We’re following the same philosophy Walt gave us,” Dennis says. “Music should propel the story very quickly. And it should bypass the head and go straight to the heart.”
RICHARD M. AND ROBERT G. SHERMAN CREATED THE INFECTIOUS SONG FOR DISNEY’S IT’S A SMALL WORLD
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the
ARTof theTACO
A TORTILLA AND A FILLING OFFER A CANVAS FOR CREATION AND RE-CREATION. BY BENJAMIN EPSTEIN // PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNE WATSON
Those who assume that the now ubiquitous taco must have been the first south-of-the-border food to insinuate itself into north-of-the-border culture would do well to read Gustavo Arellano’s Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America. In it, the author of bestselling ¡Ask a Mexican!—and editor of the local alternative O.C. Weekly—notes that “chili queens,” operating from makeshift stands, were this country’s first superstars of Mexican cooking, circa the 1880s, and “tamale kings,” street vendors selling their wares from pails, became popular a decade later. Tacos didn’t begin their ascendance until the 1950s and ’60s, thanks to a company based in Orange
County: Taco Bell, headquartered in Irvine, the world’s largest Mexican fastfood chain and still growing. Its preformed hard-shell taco hardly jibed with most Mexicans’ idea of a taco—but it was an unimaginably huge hit. More than half a century later, as Taco Bell serves 2 billion annually in this country alone, some 21st-century practitioners pay homage to the Mexican ideal even as they elevate it to a highly individual art form. At that level, there are no best tacos, only favorites. Whether they’re from a food truck or high-end restaurant, whether creation or re-creation, they leave you with only one thought: It doesn’t get better than this.
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this page: jicama tacos at gabbi's mexican kitchen previous spread: sweet potato and black bean taco at sol cocina
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ghost chili PORK taco
sol cocina
at taco asylum
“Mexico’s culinary heritage is ancient but far from static,” Deborah Schneider, chef-partner at Sol Cocina in Newport Beach, writes in her cookbook Amor y Tacos. “Modern Mexican food can be stunning, precocious, groundbreaking—yet still recognizably Mexican, confidently walking the tightrope between a bone-deep understanding of tradition and the kind of head-turning, selfconscious innovation that is hip to the point of irony.” Her Baja-inspired renditions dazzle. Start with her sweet potato and black bean taco, with caramelized onion, poblano chilies, jack and menonito (Chihuahua) cheeses, and chipotle sauce; those flavors pop! Continue with the popular Taco Vampiro, a double tortilla stuffed with melted cheese, serrano chili and scallions and topped with carne asada, guacamole, pico de gallo, chipotle sauce and Cotija cheese. The Taco Viper—grilled sliced chicken and melted cheese with a pitch-black salsa of dried and charred meco chipotles, ghost chilies, caramelized onion, agave and a dash of blanco tequila—might finish you. New Solita, a spinoff of Sol in Huntington Beach, focuses on tacos and margaritas.
taco asylum For the second anniversary of his ode to the taco at the Camp in Costa Mesa, chef-partner Greg Daniels changed up the menu of 10 gourmet tacos. He added a rabbit taco with celery root puree and carrot-cumin hot sauce; a coconut-milk-braised pork-belly taco with pickled shimeji mushrooms, fresno chilies and kaffir-lime emulsion; and, perhaps best of all, a surf-and-turf taco with lobster, pancetta, arugula and Sriracha mayo. He also added nachos using housemade serrano-dusted potato chips and similarly untraditional “rice” (using quinoa) and “beans” (cold lentil salad). But the ghost chili pork taco, there since Day One, continues to seduce with its siren song of texture, its crunchy cracklins and ghost chili threads a counterpoint to the tender braised pork, and the threads—from the storied bhut jolokia pepper, until recently considered the hottest in the world—delivering a searing coup de grace. The heat varies with the individual pepper and the whim of the chef de cuisine, not to mention diners who avail themselves of the superb hot sauces—red savina and cucumber-serrano, among others—set out on every table.
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TACO ACORAZADO AND (OPPOSITE) MULITAS AT the ALEBRIJE'S GRILL FOOD TRUCK
gabbi's mexican kitchen The daughter of entrepreneurial parents from Mexico’s Yucatán, Gabbi Patrick managed two of their Los Angeles restaurants by age 17, then furthered her culinary education at UCLA and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley. She opened Gabbi’s in Old Towne Orange in 2006, in a structure built in the early 1900s ideal for her “colonial Mexican” concept, offering indigenous and traditional regional dishes. There’s no sign outside. Inside are colorful contemporary glass wall sculptures and rustic chandeliers. The salsa on each table, its ingredients roasted in-house, is a calling card. The papas y chorizo taco, made with fingerling potatoes, red onions, panela cheese, house-made chorizo, chives-crema and salsa de árbol, served with yucca fries, is a favorite. But for a truly distinctive take on the taco, a breath of flourless fresh air—a healthful tasting taco!—consider the tacos de jicama: shells made from 4-inch jicama slivers filled with delectable shrimp, cabbage, pico de gallo, papaya, avocados and jalapeño crema, served with plantains scrumptious enough for dessert.
alebrije's grill “Can we ever stop talking about the taco acorazado, the legendary battleship taco from Cuernavaca forged from milanesa, nopales, onions, rice, and a handmade tortilla? NEVER,” gushes Gustavo Arellano, deeming it his No. 1 dish of any kind in the county in O.C. Weekly; he pegs it as his No. 3 Mexican dish in the nation in Taco USA, devoting three pages to “bliss by a thousand bites.” Because he doesn’t stop talking about it, taco aficionados eventually make their way to Alberto Hernandez’s pink food truck—parked on Cubbon Street near Main Street in Santa Ana—which then gains new converts who also can’t stop talking about it. The thick corn-flavor-packed tortilla is topped with breaded, deep-fried cutlet, avocado, pickled carrots, tomatoes and Cotija cheese and plated with grilled cactus and jalapeños; you can add pickled onion-habanero mix. A truckload of other fine choices includes mulitas: practically encyclopedic choice of meat (from carne asada and carnitas to suadero and surtida) with Oaxacan cheese, cebolla, cilantro and cactus between two tortillas—a taco sandwich!
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Photo credit gotham book 5.5/9pt
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Neighborhoods
ANAHEIM Disneyland put Anaheim, and Orange County, on the global map. Sibling Disney California Adventure shares the spotlight these days, thanks to its new Cars Land and the spectacular water, light and sound attraction, World of Color. Between the parks is admissionfree pedestrian shopping, dining and entertainment zone Downtown Disney. Nearby Anaheim GardenWalk is a dining, retail and entertainment center. New hip and historic Anaheim Packing District includes Center Street Promenade and foodie-skewed Anaheim Packing House. Angel Stadium is home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball; Honda Center hosts Anaheim Ducks ice hockey and pop acts such as Rihanna. The Anaheim Convention Center has a new Grand Plaza.
BUENA PARK Knott’s Berry Farm, a mecca for roller-coaster and boysenberry-jam enthusiasts, was the nation’s first theme park, predating Disneyland. What started as a fruit stand along Highway 39 today now centers on attractions for thrill-seekers—the Xcelerator coaster rockets to 82 mph in 2.3 seconds—as well as Camp Snoopy for youngsters and tasty chicken dinners just outside the park. There’s a Halloween Haunt in the fall, adjacent water park Soak City in the summer and ice shows that change with the seasons. Also on Beach Boulevard is a family entertainment row that includes Medieval Times and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Nearby Stanton boasts Googie-style eatery ParkAve and adjacent Il Garage.
COSTA MESA The city just marked its “60 and fabulous” anniversary year, and it has plenty to celebrate: Orange County’s premier performing-arts venues, some of the region’s finest dining and one of the nation’s most successful retail centers. South Coast Plaza’s several hundred stores and boutiques represent the highest concentration of elite retailers anywhere. The center’s owners donated the land and most of the millions to build the nearby Segerstrom Center for the Arts—home of Segerstrom Hall and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and future home of the Orange County Museum of Art—and South Coast Repertory theater. Among other draws are the new South Coast Collection, anchored by the OC Mix; Metro Pointe; and a hip shopping and dining stretch that includes the Lab and the Camp.
DANA POINT Dana Point is one of the most picturesque cities in California, combining Cape Cod style with its surf and yacht lifestyle. It’s best known for its harbor—there are 2,500 yachts in its two marinas— and as a departure point for whaleand dolphin-watching excursions, sport-fishing expeditions and trips to Catalina Island. Doheny State Beach is popular, too. The town, and spots such as the Killer Dana surf break, are named for 19th century seafaring writer Richard Henry Dana, who described the headlands in his book Two Years Before the Mast. Classes at the Ocean Institute take place aboard a replica of the tall ship Pilgrim, on which Dana sailed.
from left: vladimir perlovich, jeff farsai, edwin santiago (2)
ORANGE COUNTY comprises MANY VERY DIFFERENT communities. HERE ARE THE MOST VISITED.
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edwin santiago (4)
FULLERTON Civic spirit runs high in Fullerton, which used to be the city visitors passed through on their way to Disneyland; these days, they might pass through Disneyland on their way to Fullerton! Music spills out from the bars; dining options are many and varied; the shopping is distinctive and vintage. The city blends historic architectural styles and a savvy vibe thanks to its university and city college. Plummer Auditorium presents concerts and shows. Fullerton Museum Center offers intriguing exhibits, including one devoted to native son and electric-guitar pioneer Leo Fender. Fullerton Arboretum is the county’s largest botanical garden. The train station is its busiest and its major Metrolink stop. To the north is the Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum in Yorba Linda.
HUNTINGTON BEACH Surf City USA has a surfer statue, a quirky surfer museum and even a surfer walk of fame; it hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing every summer. Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach are two of the cleanest beaches in California, drawing the fun- and sun-loving throngs each summer. Main Street intersperses dining options with its surfwear shops. The pier is one of the longest on the West Coast; also along Pacific Coast Highway are restored wetlands that attract bird-watchers, and luxury hotels. The city will always be thought of as America’s surf capital, but there are more attractions inland: Its Central Park and library are among the county’s finest; Bella Terra is an outdoor Tuscan-themed entertainment and shopping destination.
IRVINE The Irvine Spectrum Center, where the 405 and 5 freeways meet, is a shopping, dining and entertainment magnet with Moorish architecture that claims more visitors per annum than Disneyland; you can’t miss its giant Ferris wheel from the freeways. Look for the tethered orange balloon to find the Orange County Great Park, a mammoth work-in-progress whose attractions include rides in the balloon as well as an arts complex, carousel and farmers market. The University of California’s Irvine campus is also huge. The attraction for residents? Irvine is the nation’s safest city for nine years running; it’s is also its largest planned urban community, all of it impeccably manicured.
LAGUNA BEACH The beaches and coves along this stretch of the coast are stunning, chief among the lures that first drew artists to the now charming and sophisticated village. Art remains the city’s soul. Galleries are everywhere. Laguna Art Museum offers fun and provocative exhibitions. Crowds jam the town each summer as they head to the art festivals along Laguna Canyon Road. At the Pageant of the Masters—which seems to be in a new Golden Age—volunteers remain motionless to re-create artistic masterpieces of the past. The Laguna Playhouse presents theater fare from comedic to profound. Fine restaurants abound.
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ORANGE Plaza Square, the picturesque traffic circle—actually an oval—is at the center of Old Towne Orange, bustling with antique shops and fine newer restaurants. The older buildings are steadfastly preserved, so the historic district appears often in movies and commercials. The city radiates outward from there. Chapman University just marked its 150th year. Nearby homes date from the late 1800s to the 1940s. To the east is the equestrian neighborhood Orange Park Acres. To the west is the Outlets at Orange, where the likes of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have upscale discount venues. Farther west, in Garden Grove, is spectacular Christ Cathedral, formerly known as Crystal Cathedral.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Orange County’s birthplace reveals a vast panorama of history: the Shoshone tribe of Indians; the founding in 1776 of the jewel of California missions by a Spanish expedition; the Mexican rancho era in the 19th century; the area’s development in the 20th century into an agricultural center that preserved its heritage; and the charming, sophisticated but still laid-back burg of the 21st century. Los Rios Street is much as it was two centuries ago, and the original families still own many of the homes. Downtown retains the distinctive flavor of the rancheros. Homes in the $10-million-plus range and lavish horse stables dot the hills above downtown. For MORE OF WHAT’S HAPPENING IN o.c., see where orange county magazine, whereoc.com or the where usa app
SANTA ANA Long known primarily as the county seat, the city now has a skyrocketing hip factor and a vibrant night scene to go with it. It’s dedicated to the arts: Bowers Museum hosts blockbuster exhibitions, and downtown Santa Ana hosts a thriving contemporary art scene amid its restaurants, bars and coffeehouses. The East End Promenade replaces the Fiesta Marketplace along historic Fourth Street, but it’s still colorful; the restored Yost Theater, now a live-music venue, is a centerpiece. The civic center’s Old County Courthouse has been used for dozens of movies and has its own historical museum. Santa Ana is O.C.’s only city with its own zoo.
edwin santiago (3); newport, sarah hadley
NEWPORT BEACH A harbor lined with gorgeous homes with docks for yachts; wide, sandy beaches; huge homes on the bluffs and hills behind with endless ocean views.... Newport Beach is an oceanfront paradise, the county jewel. Balboa Peninsula and seven man-made islands house the rich and often famous. Summer beach visitors along the Newport peninsula number more than a million. There’s distinctive shopping on charming Balboa Island and in lovely Corona del Mar. Up the hill in Newport Center is Fashion Island, one of the county’s premier retail destinations—with 200 stores, boutiques and an impressive array of fine restaurants—and Corona del Mar Plaza. To the south, in affluent Newport Coast, is Crystal Cove Shopping Center.
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spending time SHOPPING ORANGE COUNTY OFFERS AMERICA’S GREATEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. THERE—WE SAID IT. THE REASONS? THE MOST SUCCESSFUL, MOST BEAUTIFUL AND MOST PLEASURABLE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS ANYWHERE. HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST.
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SHOPPING Destination Shopping
istockphoto.com/@laurent. OPPOSITE: courtesy kendra scott
h Anaheim GardenWalk Outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment center with waterfalls and gardens is steps from the Disney Resort and the Anaheim Convention Center. Among the draws are shops including White House | Black Market and Harley-Davidson; restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Roy’s; upscale Bowlmor bowling lounge; and stateof-the-art movie theaters, some with synced-motion seats. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410, anaheimgardenwalk.com Anaheim PACKING DISTRICT The owners of the Lab and the Camp, innovative shopping destinations in Costa Mesa, work their hip magic, with an eye to historic preservation, at new Center Street Promenade and environs. Center Street features eco-conscious Home Economics; BarBeer Shop, a barbershop serving beer; the Good Californian Haberdashery; and Heart & Sole for shoes. The Anaheim Packing House is a historic building featuring foodie vendors; adjacent is a 1920s Packard showroom housing Anaheim Brewery and Umami Burger. Center Street and Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.966.6661 Bella Terra Tuscan-themed destination with cobblestone walkways boasts an attractive roster of outdoor sports and activewear specialists including Huntington Surf & Sport, REI and Diane’s Beachwear, women’s boutiques No Rest for Bridget and ANGL Inc., and Whole Foods market. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.897.2533, bellaterra-hb.com
The CampCL0000022718 Outdoors-themed center opposite the Lab is geared to action-sports and dining enthusiasts. Hip spots set amid woods, aluminum and piped-in sounds of burbling brooks and chirping crickets include SEED People’s Market, Ecco for Italian cuisine and Taco Asylum for unusual tacos. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6661, thecampsite.com h Corona Del Mar PlazaCL0000022719 Boutiques and restaurants at Corona del Mar Plaza reflect the area’s casual yet sophisticated coastal lifestyle. Shops include Gail Jewelers, Jack’s Surfboards, Diane’s Beachwear and Bikini, Marmi Shoes, Sienna Brown boutique, Savory Spice Shop, Gulfstream restaurant, Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille and Sprinkles Ice Cream. 800-984 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar, 866.491.7864, shoptheirvinecompany.com h Crystal Cove SHOPPING CENTER The exclusive designer boutiques and restaurants at this elegant center reflect the gorgeous coastal community it serves. Among the boutiques, all with ocean views, are Coastal Cool, Z Collection, Millie and At-Ease for Men. Fine-dining options include Bluefin, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Javier’s and Tamarind. 7845-8085 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.720.2689, shoptheirvinecompany.com The District at Tustin LegacyCL900687 Center offers 1 million square feet of retail, restaurants and entertainment. Ulta Cosmetics and DSW Shoes are anchored by one of the world’s most impressive Whole Foods. Hip bowling lounge Bowlmor Lanes, with 30
glow-in-the-dark lanes and flat-screen sports walls, is among the hot spots. There are outdoor performances and a wealth of dining options. Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin, 714.259.9090, thedistricttl.com Downtown DisneyCL0000022721 Outdoor retail esplanade in the heart of the Disney Resort features family favorites such as Build-A-Bear Workshop, World of Disney, Lego Imagination Center and Ridemakerz for radio-controlled-car buffs. Among boutiques are Apricot Lane and Sanuk. Dining options include House of Blues and Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen. 1565 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.7800, downtowndisney.com h Fashion IslandCL0000022722 Southern California’s premier coastal shopping experience, the elegant, sophisticated Fashion Island features the county’s only Neiman Marcus as well as Bloomingdale’s and a new Nordstrom. Boutiques include Kate Spade, Trina Turk and Elie Tahari; Kendra Scott jewelry and See Eyewear are new. Among fine-dining options are new Fig & Olive, Lark Creek and Red O. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000, shopfashionisland.com
LUXE RESALE Have haute couture tastes and a bourgeois budget? Check out this trio of luxury resale shops along Coast Highway. Delux Luxury in Newport Beach (949.631.3688) is a boutique as chic as the luxury brands it carries, yet prices are deeply discounted. Owner Samantha Matteson can set you up with a little black dress from Giorgio Armani, a Louis Vuitton clutch and Jimmy Choo shoes, some still with original tags. On Que Style in Corona del Mar (949.717.7795) is stylist Kirsten Prosser’s “walk-in closet” boutique studio. It’s loaded with red-
Irvine Spectrum CenterCL0000022724 Outdoor center has ornate walkways, courtyards, campaniles and nine fountains inspired by Moorish architecture. Anchors Nordstrom and Macy’s are complemented by more than 120 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Check out the Giant Wheel, visible from freeways, and the nation’s most popular cinemas and Imax theater. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180, shopirvinespectrumcenter.com
carpet names; you can pair an Alexander McQueen handbag with a sexy dress by Chanel, and even gloves from Hermès. Classic French couture labels, even limited-edition items, abound at Monique’s Boutique in Laguna Beach (714.336.6681). With fashions from Lanvin, Dior and Christian Louboutin, it’s like shopping in Paris ... but on the Pacific.
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CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA, NEIMAN MARCUS at FASHION ISLAND
Shops & Boutiques A’maree’sCL9000006934 It’s been a standout among local boutiques since the 1970s, but A’maree’s raised its own lofty bar when it moved into its stunning stand-alone quarters overlooking Newport Harbor. The goods include fashion-forward couture from Paris and Milan. Semiannual sales are legendary among local fashionistas. 2241 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.642.4423, amarees.com h Adam Neeley Fine Art JewelryCL9000006886 Nationally influential jeweler Adam Neeley has developed Iris gold, a color gradient of gold that he uses in unique creations fusing fine jewelry and fine art. Modern lines and sensuous forms showcase rare gemstones and precious metals; Neeley’s specialties include custom design, appraisal and advanced goldsmithing. 352 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.0953, adamneeley.com
The LabCL0000022725 Alternative retail center offers the kinds of shops you’d find on L.A.’s trendy Melrose Avenue. They include Urban Outfitters, Klein Epstein & Parker for men, As Issued bookstore, Mode for bicycles, Creme Tangerine for vinyl records and Eye Society for eyewear. Dining options include Habana for Cuban fare and Zipangu for sushi. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660, thelab.com
South Coast COLLECTION00276 Called SoCo for short, the progressive center offers more than 300,000 square feet of design showrooms and creative studios. Star of the show is the OC Mix, a mix of about 25 vendors under one roof. Among them are Alexander Gray eyewear, Eva’s Trunk Denim Bar, MICA Beauty Cosmetics, Stoned Jewelry and Savory Spice Shop. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, southcoastcollection.com
h THE OUTLETS AT ORANGE Huge shopping, dining and entertainment center—120 stores, including the county’s only outlets—is at the confluence of the 5, 57 and 22 freeways. Among upscale discount draws are Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Levi’s Outlet. Also there: Lucky Strike Lanes for bowling, Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding, Burke Williams Day Spa and more than a dozen dining options. 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.4000, outletsatorange.com
h South Coast PlazaCL0000022726 The highest-grossing planned retail venue in the U.S., and one of the largest, has been dubbed the ultimate shopping resort. It includes high-end department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, several hundred elite boutiques, including new Brioni and Diane von Furstenberg, and some 30 restaurants. It’s within walking distance of the county’s major performing-arts venues. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888, traveler.southcoastplaza.com
Beach Bunny SwimwearCL9000006888 Former swimwear model and cover girl Angela Chittenden founded her lingerie-inspired line of swimwear 10 years ago, got global distribution and lots of media attention, and opened this, her first boutique, a provocative environment in which each suit gets its own mannequin. Braziliancut designs are made for the poolside runway. 950 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.548.0348, beachbunnyswimwear.com h BETWEEN THE SHEETSCL90068 These stores are known for the finest 100% Giza Egyptian cotton bedding from Italy, Siberian down comforters, plush towels, distinctive home furnishings and lighting, beautiful bath accessories and much more. New in Newport Beach. South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.9999; 377 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.640.9999. betweenthesheetsinc.com
AREO0687 Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary gift? Areo offers a beguiling mix of distinctive jewelry, books and housewares, all appealing to the artistic eye. Typical: a silver cuff imprinted with a map of Laguna, cast-iron mermaid bottle openers and dog doorstops. Gift-wrapping is free, and beautiful; corrugated boxes are wrapped in a blue ribbon and sealed with a French gold wax. 207 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.0535, areohome.com
Christian LouboutinCL9000006890 Since Parisian designer Christian Louboutin hit the scene with his supersexy, super-high pumps, sandals and boots, a glimpse of those red-lacquer soles is all it takes to set a fashionista’s heart aflutter. Handbags and clutches come in inventive shapes and bold colors. The boutique itself, with its tile facade and butterflies on the ceiling, is among Orange County’s most stylish. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.9200, christianlouboutin.com
Art For the SoulCL9006921 Owner Valinda Martin handpicks merchandise from small gifts to works of art for her colorful gallery boutiques. Her aptly named spots offer a whimsical, inspirational experience; they’re filled with blown glass, funky prints and handcrafted jewelry. Items also include clocks, mirrors, frames and paperweights. 210 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, 949.675.1791; 272 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.497.8700. art4thesoul.com
De Beers JEWELLERYCL9000006891 The only thing that rivals the architecture, with its etched-glass facade, is the precious merchandise displayed in the seductively illuminated cases. Custom-designed diamond pieces in the high-end jewelry room are museum-worthy; an extensive selection of engagement rings, watches and bracelets attracts anybody looking for a special gift. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.641.5820, debeers.com
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An Amazing Collection JUST STEPS FROM DISNEYLAND® RESORT
321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim • 714.635.7410 • anaheimgardenwalk.com
Facebook.com/thegardenwalk
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DELUX LUXURYCL9000006891 If you thought resale boutiques couldn’t have the class of Neiman Marcus, visit this spot, where fashionista owner Samantha Matteson offers Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Jimmy Choo and Valentino at dramatically reduced prices. The shop is as chic and sophisticated as the merchandise displayed, and Matteson is committed to five-star service. Many of the items still have the original tags. The Cove, 410 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.631.3688, deluxluxury.com DVFCL9000006891 Diane von Furstenberg, renowned for her iconic wrap dress and prints, opens her boutique at South Coast Plaza to coincide with the 40th anniversary of her company. Her aesthetic incorporates bright colors and patterns in all of her ready-to-wear and accessory designs and is often inspired by warm, vibrant environments such as Southern California. Accessories extend to shoes, handbags, small leather goods, scarves, eyewear, jewelry, watches and the Diane fragrance. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.312.5480, dvf.com
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ELIE TAHARICL9000006891 Elie Tahari's designs are inspired by his belief that “clothing should be quieter than the woman so that her true beauty can shine through.” He also offers women’s luxury shoes, bags and jewelry, as well as men’s shirts, ties and leather accessories. This was his first freestanding boutique in California. Fashion Island, 575 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.258.7933, elietahari.com KLEIN EPSTEIN & PARKERCL9000006891 Personal creativity meets precision, made-to-measure fashion for all! You make the decisions for fit, style, details and overall look. Choose your Italian fabric, threading, embroidery and buttons—for starters; walk away with an exceptionally well fitting garment of your own imagining. The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.668.9008, kleinepsteinparker.com
FETNEH BLAKECL9000006891 One of Southern California’s most progressive boutiques recently marked a decade of seemingly effortless chic as visionary Fetneh Blake—who originally featured then-unknown Rick Owens and Olivier Theyskens— continues to showcase fashion’s most forward-thinking designers. 427 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3787, fetnehblake.com
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Harley-DavidsonCL900689 The boutique exhibits vintage bikes, and the interior suggests a motorcycle engine complete with giant shock absorbers and cylinders. It offers virtually everything with the storied company’s bar-and-shield logo. Hats, jeans, T-shirts, mugs, poker chips, belt buckles—even teddy bears—are available, along with touring atlases and accessories. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.399.0080, harleyfullerton.com Harry WinstonCL9000006895 The name most often associated with red carpets is Harry Winston, king of showstopping diamonds. His salon has a private viewing room where serious shoppers discreetly ogle rings, timepieces and baubles. In addition to earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches are men’s cuff links, money clips and tie bars. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.371.1910, harrywinston.com h The HearthstoneCL0000022734 For some 45 years, the fireplace specialist has offered the finest in French, English and American antique, reconditioned, contemporary and original components. The 2,400-square-foot showroom displays the latest custom fireplace fixtures in brass, bronze, steel, chrome, aged silver plate and wrought iron. 2711 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.7065, orangecountyfireplace.com Island Cowgirl JewelryCL98 Rugged and romantic handcrafted jewelry is carved with poetic etchings
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Great Brand Names. Terrific Low Prices. Shop Orange County’s Only Outlet Center
The Outlets at Orange offers the ultimate Southern California outdoor shopping experience with up to 70% off designer and name-brand fashions every day. With more than 120 outlet and value stores, and over 25 different dining and entertainment options, finding the perfect something for less will be a breeze. So now you can relax in style.
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ON THE CITY DRIVE JUST OFF THE 5 IN ORANGE, CA. 4 MILES FROM DISNEYLAND. 714.769.4000
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only watch worn on the moon—and the first diver’s watch. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.850.0558, omegawatches.com h On Que Style With its striking designs, beautiful collections and couture fashion, stylist Kirsten Prosser’s “walk-in closet” boutique studio is the place to find distinctive pieces from luxury labels, as well as remarketed luxury designer and vintage clothing and accessories. Prosser accesses the latest fashions, seeking hard-to-find pieces as well as pieces by renowned designers. 2900 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.7795, onquestyle.com
RENDEZ-VOUS CELESTIAL AT JAEGER-LECOULTRE, SOUTH COAST PLAZA
and words of inspiration. Ownerdesigner Heather Kraty finds beauty in things that she loved as a child: “the sun on my back, the sand in my toes, flowers along the garden path....” 320½ Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.580.9909, islandcowgirl.com Jewels by JosephCL900687 Peter Storm, Simon G, Zasha, Philip Stein and Edward Mirell are among the designers whose pieces are carried at the boutique. The family-owned, fourth-generation jeweler is a member of the American Gem Society; certified gemologists are on hand to answer questions and to assist with custom designs, repair and appraisal. Corona del Mar Plaza, 948 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.640.6788, jewelsbyjoseph.com KENDRA SCOTT8 With nearly 5-foot touch-screen display monitors, 26 kinds of gemstones and 23 jewelry silhouettes in both gold and rhodium silver settings, the signature Color Bar at this new spot allows
guests to customize their own one-ofa-kind jewelry. Scott’s own jewelry designs are available as well. 235 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.258.9285, kendrascott.com OC MIX A centerpiece of the South Coast Collection, the hip, disarming venue features more than 30 shops and vendors, many of them skewed to foodies, under one very eclectic roof: Alexander Gray, Deer Lovely, Eva’s Trunk Denim Bar, Smocking Birds and Stoned Jewelry as well as Portola Coffee Lab, Savory Spice Shop, the Cheese Shop, We Olive & Wine Bar and N’iceCream. 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, shoptheocmix.com h OMEGACL9000006927 It took 162 years for the luxury Swiss watch manufacturer, now a member of the Swatch Group, to open its first boutique in Orange County. The brand is known for its world-record accuracy, the Moon Watch it has produced since 1969—the one and
Oscar de la RentaCL9000006903 The legendary name in fashion, known for red-carpet gowns and evening wear, comes alive at this boutique, where magnificent outfits are displayed in an elegant whitewashed space with bold art. Timeless glamour is expressed in sophisticated dresses, formalwear, shoes, jewelry and accessories. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.9044, oscardelarenta.com Recycled RagsCL0000022739 For four decades, Recycled Rags has provided sophisticated clothing from the wardrobes of the best-dressed people. The store is filled with ball gowns, blue jeans, shoes, handbags, hats and accessories. Classic and contemporary designs from Chanel, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Dolce & Gabbana are offered at reasonable prices. 2731 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.5553, recycledrags.com RidemakerzCL9000006877 The automotive garage-themed retail environment offers 650 million ways to customize radio-controlled cars. “Customizers” choose from makes and models, adding side pipes, blown engines and custom rims to create a one-of-a-kind ride. The Ridez can be picked up at the end of the day or shipped. Downtown Disney,
1540 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.0216, ridemakerz.com h ROBIN'S JEAN French-born Robin Chretien has created jeans as comfortable as they are fashion-forward, identified by his signature winged logo. The trendy boutique also carries hats, leather jackets and tees for both men and women. 264 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.371.8918, robinsjean.com ROGER VIVIER006891 The late Roger Vivier’s shoes, “the Fabergé of footwear,” have included the stiletto heel he created six decades ago. The Paris maison’s third location in the United States offers Vivier shoes as well as handbags, jewelry and sunglasses and selections from the limited-edition Rendez-Vous collection. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.435.0015, rogervivier.com h ROLEX Business is brisk at Rolex, which in 2008 opened its first boutique in the United States at South Coast Plaza, never mind price tags venturing well into six figures. The boutique showcases one of the largest selections of Rolex in the world, more than 1,000 of the coveted timepieces including the Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster, DayDate II and Cosmograph Daytona. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.241.8088, rolex.com SAVORY SPICE ShopCL0000022740 This foodie paradise offers an unbelievable array of spices and seasonings. Spices are ground fresh on the premises in small, weekly batches; more than 140 seasonings are original recipes hand-blended on-site. Both are offered in quantities as little as a half-ounce and packaged in either bags or bottles. The shop also offers extracts and sauces. Corona del Mar Plaza, 928 Avocado Ave., Corona del Mar, 949.717.7776; OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.284.0576. savoryspiceshop.com
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TrADITIONAL JEWELERSCL9000006905 Purveyor of timepieces offers renowned brands including Tag Heuer, Rolex, Cartier and Patek Philippe. It also maintains an extensive collection of spectacular diamonds in all colors and setting styles. The shop itself is a jewel, with Michelangelostyle ceilings and wall murals. Fashion Island, 203 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.9010, traditionaljewelers.com Trina TurkCL9000006905 Inspired by the culture, architecture and landscape of Southern California, the collection features casually sophisticated must-have silhouettes. The designer’s philosophy every season is to create wearable, optimistic fashion that incorporates the best aspects of classic American sportswear. Fashion Island, 581 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.717.7881, trinaturk.com h Z COLLECTIONCL9000006905 With its chic, beachy vibe, this stylish boutique attracts fashionistas of all stripes with a wide selection of labels from both well-established designers and emerging talent. Clothing from Elizabeth & James, IRO and Yigal Azrouël is featured, as well as handbags by Rebecca Minkoff, accessories from Kelly Wearstler and musthave scarves from We Are Owls. Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7876 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.2245, shopzcollection.com
Galleries Dawson Cole Fine ArtCL0000022745 The gorgeous gallery offers works by renowned figurative sculptor Richard MacDonald, whose monumental pieces include The Flair, honoring the 1996 Olympics, and Momentum, marking the 100th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach. The gallery and must-see sculpture garden also show works of Robert Heindel and Henry Moore. 326 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.497.4988, dawsoncolefineart.com
JOANNE ARTMAN GALLERY0000022751 The aptly named JoAnne Artman offers an eclectic mix of photographs, pastels, watercolors, oils, acrylics and sculpture by award-winning artists shown and collected by museums here and abroad. 326 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.510.5481, joanneartmangallery.com
O N E O F T H E FI N EST S EL ECT I O N S O F FI R EPL AC E FI X T U R ES I N CA L I F O R N I A
LEN WOOD'S INDIAN TERRITORY Landmark specializes in Hopi kachinas, Zuni fetishes and Navajo textiles and boasts one of the finest collections of Mission Indian baskets and artifacts anywhere. Also for sale are Navajo, Zuni and Hopi jewelry as well as books and weaponry. Its Museum of the First People displays weavings dating to 1870 and baskets from from 1850 to 1929. 305-D N. Coast Hwy., 949.497.5747, indianterritory.com Peter BlakeCL0000022751 The prestigious fine-art gallery has been a definitive resource for modern and contemporary art for more than 20 years, most of it in the abstract genre. Edgier than most La-Hearthstone_GBOC11_v1.indd guna galleries, the venue shows paintings, drawings, sculpture and photography; artists include Lita Albuquerque, Tony Delap and Ed Moses. 435 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9994, peterblakegallery.com
The Hearthstone 2711 E. Coast Hwy., Corona Del Mar (949) 673.7065 www.orangecountyfireplace.com
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WYLAND GALLERIES The pre-eminent showcase for marine-life art offers works in a variety of media—originals and reproductions including oil and watercolor, abstracts, Sumi-E, Chinese brush paintings, photography and sculptures—but the subject is always the sea and its creatures. Wyland is wellknown for his Whaling Wall murals, one of which is outside the gallery. 509 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.8000, wylandgalleries.com
For more shopping destinations, see where Orange county magazine WherEoc.COM OR THE WHERE USA APP
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Store located at 264 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Robin’s Jean Hits Laguna Beach Denim designer brand Robin’s Jean has launched its third store, in the heart of Laguna Beach. The 1,500-square-foot space offers a rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic that exemplifies the brand’s American heritage and biker culture with a modern twist. Amid a laid-back surfing theme that complements the Laguna Beach vibe, you’ll find both men’s and women’s denim and basics. High-quality, classic cuts live in the moment and continue to evolve with the trends. They have sex appeal and make you feel as if you’re wearing nothing. Their perfect movement, flow and elegance — with a focus on comfort, value and distinction — trump pomp and circumstance. They’re made in the USA, which is why they’re called “Real American Jeans.” The Laguna store is at 264 Forest Ave. Phone: 949.371.8918
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Robin’s Jean Coming to America
Denim Pioneer After arriving in Los Angeles in 1996 and catching the eye of the best denim companies, Robin decided in 2005 to create his own line, combining his passions for designing clothes and riding motorcycles and vintage cars with his fascination of the Native American spirit. Robin’s Jean features a unique collection of jeans, jackets, tops, hats and belts for men and women, designed by Robin Chretien.
Opening Spring 2014 Garden State Plaza Mall Paramus, New Jersey
Robin arrived in Los Angeles in 1996. His skills and talent caught the eye of the city’s premier denim companies. At a time when most denim was designed around basic styles, Robin’s attention to fabrics, washes and detail made him a rising star.
The Birth of Robin’s Jean In 2005, eager to produce high-end jeans that were truly his own, he founded Robin’s Jean, symbolized by a gold-wings logo that represents his dream of freedom and flight. “Wearing a pair of our jeans makes you feel alive, free, spontaneous and able to do anything you put your heart and soul into,” he says. Experience Robin’s Jean at our three stores, in Soho in New York at 60 Grand St., 212.226.2191; in Beverly Hills at 313 N. Beverly Drive, 310.786.7813; and in Laguna Beach at 264 Forest Ave., 949.371.8918. Or shop online at robinsjean.com
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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Traditional Italian Cuisine with a specialty in flambĂŠing
South Coast Plaza Village (714) 751-7153 3800 S Plaza Dr Santa Ana, CA 92704
Unique Italian Food with a Mediterranean flare
South Coast Crystal Court
(714) 540-3365 3333 Bear St. #118 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Northern Italian Cusine
made especially for the American palate South Coast Plaza
(714) 754-0300 3333 Bristol St #1201 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Let us cater to you!
Antonello's Specialty Restaurant Group offers three unique restaurants that can accommodate any special event. Whether it's a banquet or full service catering, we can help! We also offer party trays for pick up or delivery.
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chow time DINING THERE ARE SUPER-TRENDY SPOTS AND ENDLESS ETHNIC POSSIBILITIES, BUT THE FOCUS IN ORANGE COUNTY IS ON TIMELESS SOPHISTICATION AND MARKET-DRIVEN, SUSTAINABLE AND OFTEN ORGANIC CUISINE. HERE ARE MANY OF ITS BEST RESTAURANTS.
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h Agora ChurrascariaCL900623 Brazilian. Choice cuts cooked over a fire pit with rock salt. Waiters dressed as gauchos offer 16 sumptuous cuts, from picanha (a sirloin specialty) to coração (delicate chicken hearts); it’s carnivore heaven. An elaborate hot and cold bar features vegetable and seafood specialities. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910, agorachurrascaria.com
TOTS' NIGHT OUT It took 60 years, but Ore-Ida's Tater Tots finally get their creative due as riffs on the concept pop up everywhere. Pie Society, the bar inside Pitfire Pizza in Costa Mesa, offers its tots with chorizo fondue (949.313.6335). The Sweet Potato & Goat Cheese Fritters at nearby Wild Goose arrive with roasted garlic aioli and cilantro chimichurri (949.722.9453). The Blue Crab Tots (above) at Hopscotch in Fullerton are more tots than tater: blue crab and mascarpone cheese risotto with cilantro chimichurri, spicy aioli and pico de
h Amelia’sCL9006928 Seafood/Italian. Charming local favorite for half a century offers classic dishes such as linguine with fresh bay shrimp; scallops and baby calamari in marinara sauce; and cioppino. The intimate patio table is among Orange County’s most romantic spots. D (nightly). 311 Marine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.673.6580, ameliasbalboaisland.com h AMERICAN TAVERN002658 American. Gastropub offers globally inspired comfort food at affordable prices: chicken empanadas and chicken schnitzel, Baja fish tacos and London fish and chips, and an allAmerican burger. Craft beers, boutique wines, creative cocktails. B, L, D (daily). Hotel Ménage, 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.758.0900, americantaverneatery.com
gallo (714.871.2222). The Cheesy Tots at Eat Chow in Costa Mesa (949.650.2469) and Newport Beach (949.423.7080) come with five-cheese fondue, bacon, green onion, chili aioli—and ketchup. There are even exquisite tots. Consider the Parmesan truffle version at chic Neiman Marcus lunch spot Mariposa (949.467.3350); it's to die for.
h Anaheim White HouseCL002658 Italian. Italian steakhouse in restored 1909 manor offers a romantic setting and refined cuisine, impeccably served amid a new series of fresco recreations. Peppered hanger steak and game dishes are huge draws—but the white chocolate salmon is not to be missed. Presentations give it the wow factor. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381, anaheimwhitehouse.com
AnQiCL9000006860 Vietnamese fusion. A 60-foot glass catwalk erected over a running stream, reclaimed tropical wood and a backlit bar contribute to a dramatic, sexy setting, and an altogether stunning backdrop for innovative cuisine dominated by small plates. Signature garlic noodles; molecular gastronomy. L, D (daily). Bloomingdale’s, South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679, anqibistro.com
h THE Beachcomber American. Like a weatherworn yacht with deck umbrellas—on Crystal Cove State Park beach. Coconut-macadamia pancakes at breakfast; Maine lobster rolls at lunch; crab-stuffed wild Scottish salmon or braised short ribs at dinner; cocktails at the outdoor Bootlegger Bar. Shuttle down from the Los Trancos lot. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949.376.6900, thebeachcombercafe.com
h Antonello RistoranteCL0000022659 Italian. Top-notch, romantic northern Italian spot recently marked its 30th anniversary. Co-chefs offer orecchiette pasta with Pugliese sausage and Swiss chard; cavatelli with slow-cooked lamb ragu; and superior tiramisu. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). South Coast Plaza Village, 3800 S. Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153, antonello.com
BluefinCL0000022661 Japanese. Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrées. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle butter ponzu sauce; prime filet mignon with mixed mushrooms. Opt for omakase tasting. L, D (daily). 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373, bluefinbyabe.com
ARCCL00260 American. New spot from chef Noah Blum and partner Marin Howarth presents “flame, flavor, finesse” cuisine (e.g., savory meatballs with garlic and whiskey) amid rusticcomfort-apothecary decor; superb cocktails, among O.C.’s very best, use house-made bitters, infusions, syrups and sodas. Two perimeter patios. L, D (daily). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.500.5561, arcrestaurant.com
h Bluewater GrillCL900630 Seafood. Seafood so fresh—grilled Australian barramundi, Costa Rican mahimahi, farm-raised Mississippi catfish—that the menu changes daily. Waterfront patio in Newport; fireplace patio in Tustin. New location on Catalina Island. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949.675.3474; the District at Tustin Legacy, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.3474, bluewatergrill.com
BambúCL0000022660 Californian. Set in four-story atrium amid lush gardens, palms, orchids and 20 bamboo trees. Creatively presented seasonal and regional fare of Southern California with Asian, French and Italian influences. B, L (daily); D (Tu-Sa). Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001, fairmont.com
BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA American. “Modern cuisine of the Americas” includes dishes such as herb-roasted branzino with cauliflower puree, pickled clamshell mushrooms, celery and truffle jus. Handcrafted cocktails are among O.C.’s finest. D (M-Sa). 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234, broadwaybyamarsantana.com
Alan De Herrera. PREVIOUS PAGE (AHI TUNA TARTARE AT THE CANNERY, NEWPORT BEACH) AND OPPOSITE, ANNE WATSON
DINING
H Starred listings are featured GuestBook advertisers. 6 4 W H E R E G U E S T B O O K
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h BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO.CL00543 Seafood. Casual, kid-friendly spot near the Disney Resort and Convention Center offers shrimp every way imaginable: coconut, drunken, fried, in pasta or on a po’boy sandwich. Non-shrimp specialties include ribs, burgers, fried chicken and crab legs. L, D (daily). Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.4867, bubbagump.com Chapter One: The Modern Local Eclectic. Hip library-themed spot in hip downtown Santa Ana offers creative fare—e.g., skirt steak with apple chimichurri sauce and yucca fries—and superb changing “culinary cocktails” that are among the county’s best. Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225, chapteronetml.com Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’sCL9006301 American. Star chef Charlie Palmer presents dazzling spot serving up exceptional modern American dishes. Stylish space is awash in sunshine by day, smartly lighted by night. Ever-intriguing bar menu; cocktails among the county’s best. Next Vintage wine shop is adjacent. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525, charliepalmer.com h Chart HouseCL00265 Seafood. Destination offers creative seafood, choice beef, salads, renowned desserts such as the molten chocolateliqueur Lava Cake, and seaside vistas. D (nightly). 34442 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point, 949.493.1183, chart-house.com CUCINA ENOTECAL0000054534 Italian. Spinoff of San Diego’s Cucina Urbana combines California-inspired Italian classics and a wine shop. Vasi (variously filled mini-mason jars), stuffed squash blossoms, short-rib pappardelle, foraged-mushroom and truffle-oil pizza. Wines are retail
plus $10. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222, cucinaenoteca.com FIG & OLIVECL002670 Mediterranean. New York/L.A. hot spot arrives at Fashion Island with seductive ambience and Pascal Lorange’s acclaimed cuisine. Snacks include crudos, Spanish cheeses and prized jamón ibérico. Octopus or truffle-mushroom croquettes precede pastas, steaks or paella. Sangría, handcrafted cocktails, Mediterranean wines. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000, figandolive.com The First CabinCL002670 Californian. The bayside location offers a panoramic view of Newport Harbor. Seasonal California-Continental fare includes seared sand dabs in Meyer lemon parsley butter and a Châteaubriand for two or more. Wine Spectator award winner. Indoor and outdoor seating. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Balboa Bay Club & Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4145, balboabayclub.com Five CrownsCL0000022671 Continental. Venerated Lawry’sowned spot in replica of England’s oldest inn has new decor details and a menu that emphasizes creativity—but the prime rib and other favorites aren’t going anywhere. Superb SideDoor gastropub is adjacent. D (nightly). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331, lawrysonline.com Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine BarCL0000022672 Steak. Sleek venue at Fashion Island serves prime everything. The classy feel extends to the bustling bar, which offers more than 100 wines by the glass and in flights and inviting happy-hour options. Sizzling steaks come with choice of sauces on request; prime rib on Sundays. D (nightly), Br (Su). 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633, flemingssteakhouse.com
cigarettes & coffee cocktail at arc
Gabbi’s Mexican KitchenCL0000022673 Mexican. Old Towne day-trippers and tequila connoisseurs duck into this haven for spirited takes on regional Mexican fare. The rustically stylish space, with its colorful contemporary glass wall sculptures, packs them in despite the absence of a sign. L, D (daily). 141 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3038, gabbipatrick.com h HARBOR GRILLCL0000022673 Seafood. Restaurant in the Dana Point Marina has been serving mesquite-grilled seafood, pastas and steaks for 30 years. Sustainably harvested oysters, mahimahi basted in mango-chutney barbecue sauce, and grilled sea scallops in Thai red curry sauce. Sunday Champagne brunch. L (daily), D (nightly), Br (Su). 34499 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.240.1416, harborgrill.com HAVEN GASTROPUBCL9006859 Brewpub. Adventurous fare, such as crisp pork belly and sunburst clams in coconut velouté, in Old Towne
Orange. One of O.C.’s best burgers; thoughtful list of handcrafted beers. L, D (daily). 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680, havengastropub.com The HobbitCL0000022675 Continental. Transporting experience at homey hacienda revered for special occasions. The seven-course prix-fixe affair includes aperitifs upstairs, hors d’oeuvres in the wine cellar and new Continental classics in elegant dining rooms. Menu changes weekly. Reservations essential. D (WSu). 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.1972, hobbitrestaurant.com h House of Big Fish & Ice Cold BeerCL9006924 Seafood. As the name suggests: fresh fish paired with an excellent selection of beer. Fish grilled or blackened, with choice of sauces and toppings. Poke, lobster fondue, caramelized salmon, bananas bread pudding. Lively atmosphere, ocean views. L, D (daily). 540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.4500, houseofbigfish.com
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Javier’sCL0000022678 Mexican. Buzzing with margaritafueled good cheer, these lively siblings are known for their stylish decor, Baja-style seafood and other southof-the-border classics. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 45 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.872.2101; 7832 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.494.1239, javiers-cantina.com h JT Schmid’sCL002679 Brewpub. Popular spots known for handcrafted beers brewed on-site and eclectic cuisine: wood-fired pizzas, Prime aged steaks, pastas and burgers as well as sashimi, blackened-fish tacos and jambalaya. L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200; the District at Tustin Legacy, 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333. jtschmids.com JULIETTE KITCHEN + BAR American. Superior New American fare and cocktails and adjacent wine merchant. Juliette Chung oversees the restaurant, husband Jon Hughes the wine, and daughter Erica Choi the pastries. L (M-Sa), D (Tu-Sa). 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.752.5854, juliettenb.com
887 South Anaheim Boulevard
Anaheim
714 772 1381
Welcome to Anaheim White House Restaurant
A privately 0wned Italian steak and seafood restaurant located in the heart of Orange County, just minutes from the Disneyland Resort, Honda Center, Angel Stadium, and The Anaheim Convention Center. With twelve private dining and meeting rooms, the Anaheim White House has become a premier dining establishment, ideal for large parties, business functions or romantic dinners. The Anaheim White House is proud to be the founder of Caterina’s Club and to support their efforts in feeding over 300 children daily. caterinasclub.org
P 714 408 5732
h K’ya Bistro BarCL002680 Eclectic. Handsome bistro inside the Hotel La Casa del Camino pairs small plates and wines by the glass. Chicken empanadas, prosciutto and fig flatbread, Hawaiian poke, lobster mac-and-cheese, grilled filet mignon, truffle risotto. B, D (daily). 1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718, kyabistro.com Leatherby’s Café RougeCL0000022686 Californian. Chic and sleek affair from the Patina Group makes graceful use of its site within the grand, glittering Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Acres of windows and curving lines set the scene for sophisticated and cutting-edge cuisine. Ideal for pre- or post-performance. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640, patinagroup.com
Marché ModerneCL9000006303 French. Chef Florent Marneau and pastry-chef wife Amelia raise the bistro to delicious heights with their unstuffy but oh-so-French effort, among Southern California’s finest bistro experiences. Bone marrow; roasted Spanish octopus; duck-leg confit; exquisite cheeses; transcendent desserts. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900, marchemoderne.net h MaRKET BROILERCL002681 Seafood. You know it’s fresh: All of the mesquite-broiled seafood is displayed in the lobby fish market. Crabstuffed salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, filet Oscar. Pick up spices, sauces and sourdough bread in the market. L (M-Sa), D (nightly). 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3474; 20111 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach, 714.963.7796. marketbroiler.com h Mastro’s Ocean ClubCL002681 Seafood. Seafood flown in daily, served in majestic proportions at this bluff-top, ocean-view spot. Start with dry-ice enshrouded Seafood Tower; end with the warm butter cake. In the O Bar, some people eat at the glasstopped grand piano. D (nightly). Crystal Cove Promenade, 8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.376.6990, mastrosrestaurants.com h Mastro’s SteakhouseCL00268 Steak. Portions at swanky spot are larger than life: wet-aged hand-cut bone-in filet; excessively good sides such as the off-the-menu crab gnocchi; and the—oooh—warm butter cake. White-jacket service. Fine live music in the bar. D (nightly). 633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.546.7405, mastrosrestaurants.com h MCCORMICK & SCHMICK'S82 Seafood. Daily-changing regionally inspired menu of fresh seafood— Maine lobster bisque, crab-stuffed Atlantic salmon, fish and chips—plus steaks. Upscale but casual bars known for happy hours. Near Disneyland,
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John Wayne Airport. Irvine L (M-F), D (nightly). Anaheim L, D (daily). 2000 Main St., Irvine, 949.756.0505; 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.535.9000. mccormickandschmicks.com h MixCL0 Californian. Venue with lounge in the Hilton’s atrium lobby offers often organic dishes: grilled citrus-crusted salmon with vegetable hash and sweet potato, natural New York strip steak with grilled asparagus. B, L, D (daily). Hilton Anaheim, 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412, hiltonanaheimhotel.com h Morton’s the SteakhouseCL85 Steak. Classy bastion of beef offers service-plus, colossal portions, cozy lighting and mahogany booths. Double filet; Cajun rib-eye; filet Oscar. Show-and-tell table-side menu recitation. Bar 1221. Santa Ana: L (M-F), D (nightly). Anaheim: D (nightly). South Coast Plaza Village, 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.444.4834; 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.621.0101, mortons.com
h NELLO CUCINA Italian. Trattoria in the atrium of South Coast Plaza’s Bear Street wing offers steaks and fresh fish, osso buco on saffron risotto, excellent thin-crust pizzas and pastas—and you feel as if you’re outdoors in a piazza. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365, nellocucina.com h Newport Rib CoMPANYCL00268 American. Family-owned and-operated spot has been offering superior baby-back ribs for 30 years—plus choice steaks, slow-roasted tri-tip, seafood, chicken, sandwiches and salads. Full bar with sports TV; takeout from 10:30 am. L (F-Su), D (nightly). 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.631.2110, ribcompany.com
astro’s.
the finest prime steaks s the freshest seafood genuine service s exquisite wines s private dining live entertainment 7 nights a week
PALM TERRACEL0000022691 Californian. Tight menu of seasonal small plates amid lush atrium look. Tortilla soup; macaroni and cheese; and Prime beef short ribs sous-vide braised with rum and pepper. Desserts are spectacular. B, L, D (daily). Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 866.554.4619, theislandhotel.com
h MOZAMBIQUE STEAKHOUSE African. The flavors of sub-Saharan Africa enjoyed on three levels of dining, a romantic patio and the Veranda rooftop deck. Favorites include periperi prawns, samoosas with Mozambique chutney, Moroccan-style Chilean sea bass, curries and woodfired steaks. Live music on weekends, complimentary shuttle. D (nightly). 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777, mozambiqueoc.com
h PANDOR French. Boulangerie-café offers artisan breads, viennoiserie pastries, salads, quiches and sandwiches—classic croque monsieur, open-faced tartines, pressed panini. For sweets, consider Parisian macarons or half croissanthalf doughnut “dornuts.” B, L, D (daily). 1126 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.209.5099, pandorbakery.com
Napa RoseCL0000022687 Californian. The Disney Resort’s ode to the wine country is a celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature. Ace chef Andrew Sutton conjures up sophisticated seasonal dishes. The setting is stylish and relaxed; the staff includes dozens of sommeliers who draw on one of the region’s finest wine cellars. D (nightly). Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.3463
Park Ave RestaurantCL9006304 Steak. Owner-chef David Slay’s acclaimed spot serves creative renditions of classic American cuisine featuring house-made and homegrown specialties. Most produce is meticulously grown on-site; diners can visit the garden. Googie architecture, midcentury retro decor. Slay’s Il Garage for Italian is adjacent. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400, parkavedining.com
mastro’s steakhouse 633 anton boulevard, costa mesa 714.546.7405
mastro’s ocean club 8112 east coast hwy, newport beach 949.376.6990
Additional locations in California, Arizona, Las Vegas and Chicago
www.mastrosrestaurants.com
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ovEr 400 locations
A COMMANDING TWO STORY VIEW OVERLOOKING NEWPORT BAY Seafood • Steaks • Sunday Brunch Great Happy Hour 2735 west coast highway • (949) 642-3431 • rustypelican.com
American-style cuisine with a tropical flair Downtown disney® district location open for breakfast
DOWNTOWN DISNEY® DISTRICT (714) 772-0413 ONTARIO MILLS (909) 941-7979 Reservations, Groups & Celebrations Welcome!
www.rainforestcafe.com
PRIME STEAKS. LEGENDARY SERVICE.
Fine Wine • Private Dining • Exquisite Menu Santa Ana I 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. I 714-444-4834 Anaheim I 1895 South Harbor Blvd. I 714-621-0101 mortons.com
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Spectacular Waterfront Dining Fresh Fish • Prime Rib • Steaks FAN TAS TI C HA PPY HO U R A S K Y O U R H OT E L A B O U T Y O U R F R E E A P PE T I Z E R O R D E S S E RT
34442 St. of the Green Lantern • Dana Point • 949.493.1183 chart-house.com
JUST LIKE MAMA
MAKES IT!
LUNCH & DINNER DAILY • PERFECT FOR GROUPS ANAHEIM GARDENWALK
LONG BEACH - THE PIKE
SANTA MONICA PIER
HOLLYWOOD - UNIVERSAL CITYWALK®
562-437-2434
714-635-4867 310-393-0458
818-753-4867
www.bubbagump.com
From fresh seafood and shellfish to aged steaks and garden fresh salads, our goal is to exceed your dining expections. Recenly voted #1 Happy Hour in America – USA Today 321 West Katella Avenue Anaheim, CA 92802 714.535.9000
2000 Main Street Irvine, CA 92614 949.756.0505
McCormickandSchmicks.com
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Pinot Provence CL0000022693 French. Sophisticated French-Med dishes at this marvel, favored for executive breakfasts and lunches, pre-theater dinners and special occasions. Intimate dining room; charming walled patio. B (M-Sa), L (M-F), D (Tu-Su), Br (Su). Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900, patinagroup.com
• Inside dining open 4pm weeknights, NOON weekends • Cocktail lounge with 12 TV’s! • Happy Hour Specials Everyday!!!
• Kids & Gluten Free Menus • Bucket, Trays and Party Paks • Large, Comfortable Booths • Call for delivery options
Family owned and Operated for over 30 years!
PIZZERIA MOZZA CL0000022693 Italian. Spot from Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicates their acclaimed L.A. collaboration, serving transcendent pizzas. Start with fried squash blossoms with ricotta or bone-marrow al forno; end with caramel coppetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.945.1126, pizzeriamozza.com PiZZERIA ORTICA Italian. L.A. chef-restaurateur David Myers offers refined authentic fare using intriguing ingredients (and a 300-year-old biga starter) beneath soaring ceilings and frescoes. Pizza with fresh ricotta, house-cured pork cheek, scallions, fennel pollen; pea and pecorino tortelli. L (M-F), D (nightly). 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900, pizzeriaortica.com h QUATTRO CAFFé Italian. Antonio Cagnolo of nearby, much-lauded Antonello Ristorante here rejuvenates shoppers with his stylish northern Italian dishes, delivering them with an uncomplicated elegance. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0300, quattrocaffe.com h RA SushiCL9006853 Japanese. Upbeat sushi restaurant and bar offers distinctive Japanesefusion cuisine such as sushi tacos. With its red-globe-light-bedecked ceiling, sleek decor, oversized aquarium and hip soundtrack, the Huntington spot has a club-like feel. L, D (daily). The Strand, 155 Fifth St., Huntington
Beach, 714.536.6390; the District at Tustin Legacy, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700, rasushi.com h Rainforest CafeCL002694 Themed. Animatronics, aquariums and special effects bring rain forest adventure indoors. Enjoy seafood, beef, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, pizza and Volcano dessert amid lush vegetation, lightning and wild animals. L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1515 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413, rainforestcafe.com Ralph Brennan’s Jazz KitchenCL002695 American. New Orleans jazz and Creole fare at festive spot. Pasta jambalaya, gumbo ya-ya, Creole calamari and bananas Foster. Beignets at Jazz Kitchen Express (opens at 8 am daily), romantic dining upstairs, casual lunch and dinner downstairs. Beaded piano! L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200, rbjazzkitchen.com Ramos House CaféCL0000022696 American. Captivating ramshackle abode in a historic district offers delectable daytime fare. Contemporary American breakfasts, the county’s best, and lunches have a Southern accent befitting the rustic, alfresco setting and the rumble of passing trains. B, L (Tu-F); Br (Sa-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342, ramoshouse.com THE RANCHCL0000054534 American. Sophisticated restaurant and super-fun glittering saloon. Signature popovers; Kobe beef carpaccio with pecorino Romano, wild arugula and truffle; Skuna Bay salmon with black quinoa, California almonds, vine-dried grapes and tangerine nage; bone-in cowboy rib-eye. D (nightly). 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200, theranch.com RED OCL0000054534 Mexican. New spot at Fashion Island offers sexy contemporary design and
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★ ROYAL THAICL002697 Thai. Casually elegant coastal eateries are family-owned, county favorites for 30 years. Specialties include deepfried honey duck, enormous Lady Thai prawns (from the Chao Praya River) with tamarind-curry sauce, and Royal Thai fish, fried pompano with spicy chili or sweet-and-sour sauce. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.8424; 1750 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8424. royalthaicuisine.com ★ RUSTY PELICAN3 Seafood. Contemporary American menu features crab cakes, pan-roasted ono with herb salad, and swordfish with Cajun spices and Kentucky bourbon sauce, as well as pastas, prime rib and steaks. The waterfront location includes a romantic patio. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 2735 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.642.3431, rustypelican.com SAM & HARRY’SCL0000022699 Steak. Fine steaks, pristine seafood and potent cocktails make for swank repasts. Hand-cut Midwest corn-fed steaks are aged 28 days; seafood flown in daily includes South African lobster
★ SCOTT’S Seafood. Restaurant and bar offers superb seafood, Prime steaks, excellent cocktails and fun desserts, all close to shopping and ideal for pre-theater— there’s even a bell 15 minutes before showtime. Pan-roasted Thai snapper; Prime rib-eye with chimichurri sauce. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400, scottsrestaurantandbar.com SHADESCL0000022701 Californian. Casual elegance, a winning Cal-Continental menu and ocean views make this steak and seafood restaurant a popular destination. Boutique ranch meats inspire the deft cooking. The poolside patio is favored for the lavish Sunday brunch. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8000, waterfrontresort.com ★ SILVER TRUMPET9000006916 American. Creative fare, contemporary design near performing arts. Crispy cheese-filled squash blossoms; charbroiled smoked achiote skirt steak with chimichurri sauce; sesamecrusted salmon with Sriracha-teriyaki sauce. Seductively illuminated lounge and patio with lakeside views. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714.442.8593, silvertrumpetrestaurant.com
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SAPPHIRE LAGUNACL9006971 Eclectic. Chef Azmin Ghahreman offers sophisticated, globally inspired dishes at stylish restaurant with popular patio overlooking Coast Highway. Pan-seared beef tenderloin and lobster ravioli; black-peppered bison carpaccio; crispy skin barramundi; fantastic burger. Gourmet pantry for takeout. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888, sapphirellc.com
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★ ROKPRIME Steak. New steakhouse and grill near Mission San Juan Capistrano cooks steaks on volcanic rocks heated to 750 degrees. Choices include USDA Prime filet mignon, bone-in rib-eye or Wagyu flat-iron as well as braised pork osso bucco and sea scallops. Enjoy them in an elegant dining room beneath crystal chandeliers. L, D (daily). 31761 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.236.6669, rokprime.com
tails. L, D (daily). Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.6900, samandharrys.com
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exciting dishes by chef Rick Bayless, America’s preeminent authority on Mexican cuisine. Taquitos stuffed with crispy Sonoma duck in tomatochile de árbol salsa; pork belly sopes. Creative cocktails, extensive tequila list. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000, redorestaurant.com
F E AT U R I N G
Contemporary California Cuisine Ice Cold Handcrafted Brews Wide Screen TVs • Outdoor Patio
Mon - Fri, 3pm to 6:30pm (Mon - Fri, 3pm-5pm when there is an event at the Honda Center or Anaheim Stadium)
TUSTIN - In The District at Tustin Legacy ANAHEIM - Across from the Honda Center
JTSchmids.com
RokPRime STeAkHoUSe & GRiLLe
A STeAkHoUSe WeLL Done
SeAFooD • SoUPS • SALADS SiGnATURe SAnDWiCHeS CHoiCeST CUTS oF HAnD-SeLeCTeD USDA-AGeD PRime beeF Rok-CookeD on HoT voLCAniC RoCk USinG onLy ALL nATURAL AnD PURe CRySTALine HimALAyAn SALTS
31761 CAmino CAPiSTRAno SAn JUAn CAPiSTRAno RokPRime.Com 949 236 6669
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Fresh Seafood Authentic Sushi Premium Steaks Fresh Fish Market Daily Chef Creations Happy Hour
The Outlets at Orange 20 City Boulevard (Behind Nordstrom Rack) 714-769-3474
Huntington Beach
20111 Brookhurst Street (Brookhurst & Adams) 714-963-7796 visit marketbroiler.com
Tangerine Grill & Patio at the
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim
714.772.1186
tangerinegrillandpatio.com
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Anabella Hotel, located next to the Anaheim Convention Center and opposite The Disneyland® Resort, offers casual ambience and elegant cuisine amid Spanish mission-style decor. The imaginative menu uses free-range ingredients and locally grown produce; highlights include coconut-crusted mahi mahi, California tacos, and grilled citrus chicken with tropical fruit salsa. Dine on the lovely patio or inside in the beautifully appointed dining room. Happy Hour daily.
SOL COCINACL9000006916 Mexican. Stylish spot overlooking the harbor canals features the fare of Deborah Schneider, author of the cookbooks Amor y Tacos and The Mexican Slow Cooker. Vibrant Baja-inspired dishes; cocktails and side dishes are top-notch. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 251 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800, solcocina.com SPLASHESCL0000022700 Californian. Indoors by the fireplace or on the patio steps from the sand, crashing waves and stunning sunsets at this posh spot provide the backdrop for an alluring menu and gorgeous memories. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Surf & Sand Resort, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.2779, surfandsandresort.com STONEHILL TAVERNCL0000022703 American. Michael Mina spot in shimmering room at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. Maine lobster pot pie; riesling-braised Kurobuta pork short ribs; strawberry soufflé. Chef Raj Dixit offers stunning tasting menus that change weekly. D (W-Su). 1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, 949.234.3318, michaelmina.net STUDIOCL0000022704 Cal-French. Bluff-top bungalow with endless Pacific view oozes offhand luxury. Chef Craig Strong offers creative Cal-French cuisine, gilded by genteel service, ingredients from on-site garden and impressive wine program; highest marks on all fronts. Some of O.C.’s finest cocktails, too. D (Tu-Su). Montage Laguna Beach, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.6420, studiolagunabeach.com TAMARINDCL9000006918 Indian. Sibling to Michelin-starred London spot serves tandoori dishes— e.g., lamb chops marinated with a spiced pomegranate molasses—and seasonal fare. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7862 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.8338, tamarindoflondon.com
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★ TANGERINE GRILL & PATIO06981 Californian. Culinary California adventure—with Pacific Rim and Southwestern flair—using free-range ingredients and local produce opposite Disney California Adventure. Tangerine chicken; coconut-crusted mahimahi; Malibu culotte steak. B, L, D (daily). Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.772.1186, tangerinegrillandpatio.com
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★ TILTED KILT Pub. Celtic-themed sports pub and eatery near Honda Center and Angel Stadium has 48 flat-screen TVs. Servers known for their plaid mini-kilts deliver drunken clams, Irish nachos, burgers including the TK Jalapeño Inferno, fish and chips and Olde Dublin Irish stew. Two dozen beers on tap, cocktails and wide selection of aged whiskeys. L, D (daily). 1625 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.633.5458, orange.tiltedkilt.com
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★ VIE DE FRANCECL002708 French. Classic dishes—onion soup, niçoise salad, omelets, quiches, crepes, boeuf bourguignon and lots more— are made from scratch, breads and pastries baked fresh daily, sandwiches made to order and desserts also made in-house at this charming bistro and bakery. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734, viedefrance.com
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THE WINERYCL900691 Californian. Chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers contemporary regional cuisine at handsome venue; dining room, limestone terrace, humidor patio and bar offer a sophisticated, lively and versatile experience. Fresh seafood, wild game and Prime steaks— and Alsatian pizza—plus wines from the 7,000-bottle cellar. L, D (daily). 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600, thewineryrestaurant.net
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FOR HUNDREDS MORE DINING LISTINGS, SEE WHERE ORANGE COUNTY MAGAZINE, WHEREOC.COM OR THE WHERE USA APP
WHERE GUESTBOOK
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KB-RF-B
All Small Plates Menu with over 60 Items Open Daily 4:30pm
Lobster Mac & Cheese
BreakFast sat-sun 9-11:30am LuncH Daily 11:30am-2:30pm
Alegría Farm Salad
Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3-5pm
k ya
B I S T R O Bar
Local gastropub specializing in affordable comfort food, craft beers, creative cocktails & boutique wines Open Daily 11:30am-Close
1/2 Off All Mojitos, Beer, Wine & Well Drinks
1287 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 949.376.9718 | kyabistro.com
1289 South Coast Highway, La guna Beach 949.497.2446 | rooftopla gunabeach.com
1221 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 714.400.9104 | americantaverneatery.com
sustainable fresh fish, all small plates menu, healthy farm-to-table offerings, large beer selection with great local crafts •
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This Laguna Beach favorite, a neighborhood watering hole for over 75 years, is the place where locals gather. The drinks are stiff and reasonably priced with a wide selection of whiskeys, bourbons, and craft beers. Shoot some pool or enjoy nightly live entertainment. 214 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach 949.494.3027 | marineroomtavern.com
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Open Daily 11:30am 540 S. Coast Hwy #200, Laguna Beach 949.715.4500 | houseofbigfish.com
1221 South Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 714.400.9104 | palapabarandlounge.com
7/26/13 11:21 AM 9/10/13 12:42 PM
special advertising section
AGORA CHURRASCARIA
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Table-Served Side Dishes Fried bananas Brazilian cheese bread Tomato vinaigrette Salad Bar Selections Caesar salad Baby greens Eggplant salad Hearts of palm Sliced tomatoes with fresh mozzarella Marinated artichokes Pickled shiitake Roasted beets Selection of cold cuts and cheeses Salmon gravlax Shrimp cocktail Hot Dishes Clams with olive oil and white wine Chicken stroganoff Baked salmon Feijoada (black bean stew) Mussels
“Agora Churrascaria, a meat lover’s paradise, is the next best thing to dining in Brazil.” —The Orange County Register Agora Churrascaria, located in the heart of Irvine, is a traditional Brazilian steakhouse where restaurant patrons are offered a fixed-price menu. It includes a selection of the finest beef, lamb, pork and chicken cuts, which gaucho-dressed waiters carve tableside. All of the meats are prepared and cooked as they have been for centuries: seasoned with rock salt to accent the individual tastes of each cut and slow-roasted over an open-flame mesquite charcoal pit. Also included in the fixed-price menu are the tableserved side dishes, the sumptuous salad bar and a selection of hot dishes. A salad bar-only option is also available. Agora’s full bar features classic and specialty cocktails along with an extensive wine list. Valet and public parking available in the adjoining lot. Reservations are recommended. L (M-F), D (nightly).
1830 Main St. (at MacArthur Boulevard), Irvine
949.222.9910 agorachurrascaria.com
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Meats Filet mignon Brazilian-style linguiça sausage Chicken wrapped in bacon Coração (chicken heart) Top sirloin Tri-tip Lamb chops Pork tenderloin Picanha (top sirloin cap) Garlic beef Beef skirt steak Beef ribs Leg of lamb Pork tenderloin with parmesan Filet wrapped in bacon Salmon Desserts Chocolate mousse cake Brazilian flan Tiramisu Acaí Cheesecake Passion fruit mousse Gelatos and sorbets
9/10/13 9:39 AM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BILLY'S AT THE BEACH
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
Billy’s is a bit of Hawaii in Southern California, and its waterside location enhances that festive aloha spirit. Polished teak floors, Koa-wood tables, authentic Hawaiian fabrics and island art brighten the mood in the dining room and inviting bar, and the patio with marina views—complete with its own outdoor bar—is the perfect place to enjoy a taste of tropical paradise. This convivial setting is Newport Beach’s favorite place to relax with a generously poured Mai Tai—the restaurant has sold more than a million of them—and a menu of tropically inspired fare. Begin with Hawaiian barbecued pork ribs, prawn and papaya salad, or coconut shrimp before moving on to coconut- and macadamia-crusted salmon with mango salsa, blackened mahi mahi or a thick USDA Prime filet mignon. Brunch at Billy’s, a Newport tradition, features Hawaiian, European and Mexican specialties washed down with premium champagnes. Live music is featured nightly, and kids are always pampered. In fact, present a room key from one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels and for each adult entrée you'll receive one kid's meal free. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).
2751 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach
949.722.1100 billysatthebeach.net
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Appetizers Bermuda-Style Fish Chowder Shrimp or Crab Louie Salad Black Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Ahi Poke Tower Prawn and Papaya Salad Coconut Shrimp PEI Mussels Fish Tacos Hawaiian BBQ Pork Ribs Prime Rib Sandwich New York Steak Sandwich Entrées Yellowfin Ahi Tuna Mahi Mahi Grilled Swordfish Coconut and Macadamia Salmon Northern Halibut Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Fish and Chips Filet Mignon Surf and Turf RIbeye Steak New York Steak Panko Crusted Chicken Billy's Beach Burger Brunch Eggs Benedict Kalua Pork Wrap Hawaiian Loco Moco New York Steak and Eggs Cinnamon French Toast with Bananas Huevos Rancheros Spinach Avocado Omelet
3/6/14 5:42 PM
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
CATAL MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Spanish Cheese and Charcuterie PEI Mussels Stuffed Piquillo Peppers Bacon Wrapped Medjool Dates Spanish Octopus Brava Potatoes Spanish Tortilla Frites
The romance of the Mediterranean comes alive at this fine-dining oasis in Downtown Disney®, where the rusticity of an Old World villa gets a modern California accent. Upstairs, Catal offers a casually elegant dining room and a balcony with spectacular views of Disneyland fireworks. Whether you’re in the dining room or on the patio, you’ll feel transported to the Mediterranean, reinforced by an extensive menu laced with influences from Spain, Italy and the South of France. Snack on tapas such as brava potatoes with piquillo pepper-tomato coulis, Spanish cheese and charcuterie platters, and steamed mussels with chorizo. Guests enjoy starters including Spanish octopus or goat cheese-stuffed piquillo peppers, then move on to specialties such as suckling pig or lobster paella. Grilled steaks, ribs and lamb are offered, too; desserts include butterscotch bread pudding with bananas and cinnamon ice cream. Wash it all down with a Spanish Rioja or French Burgundy; the list spans the Mediterranean and showcases some of California’s best labels. B, L, D (daily). Show your Disney room key for 10 percent off all food (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian and Paradise Pier; not valid with any other offer).
Specialties Suckling Pig 'a la sidra' Seared Jumbo Diver Scallops Skuna Bay Salmon Roasted Chicken Entrées Lobster Paella Hand Rolled Cavatelli Mushroom Risotto Hanger Steak Australian Rack of Lamb Filet Mignon Slow Roasted Prime Rib
1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.774.4442 patinagroup.com/catal
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CROSSROADS AT HOUSE OF BLUES
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Fire-Grilled Flatbreads Portabello and Gouda Sliders Voodoo Shrimp Slow-Smoked Pulled Pork Sliders Street Tacos Blackened Shrimp Salads Buffalo Chicken Salad
Inside the famous House of Blues, where world-class musical talent takes the stage, Crossroads is a lively restaurant that appeals to all the senses. On a new menu created by celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, the Food Network star’s Latin American heritage shares the spotlight with dishes that are pure Americana. In addition to items such as the Crossroads quesadilla and street tacos, the kitchen turns out contemporary takes on Southern favorites including jambalaya, shrimp and grits, buttermilk fried chicken, and slow-smoked pulled pork. Lighter fare includes fire-roasted flatbreads and portobello sliders with Gouda cheese, but desserts are suitably sinful: bourbon bread pudding, for instance, and triplechocolate cheesecake. Crossroads, where food, music and art intersect, features a vibrant décor reminiscent of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street and its walls are lined with authentic American folk art. Like the music it was built to showcase, House of Blues has become a quintessentially American institution, and the food at Crossroads makes an evening there even more satisfying. L, D (daily); Br (Su).
Entrées Shrimp and Grits Jambalaya Lobster Mac and Cheese Buttermilk Fried Chicken Adobo Rubbed Pork Chop Applewood Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf New York Strip St. Louis Ribs Smoked BBQ Bacon Burger The Heat Seeker Burger Spicy Chicken Pasta Desserts Bourbon Bread Pudding Key Lime Pie Slice Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Chocolate Mousse
1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.778.2583 houseofblues.com/anaheim
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ESPN ZONE
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip Cheese Fries Zone Queso Chips Sliders Boneless Wings Zone Chili Bowl Blue Cheese Apple Walnut Salad
ESPN Zone is not only Orange County’s favorite place to view sports, but it also attracts families with its games and reasonably priced all-American food. The Screening Room is the perfect place to catch the latest action, with its 16-foot mega-screen surrounded by twelve 42-inch flat screens. Scattered throughout the versatile restaurant are 120 highdefinition TVs—even the bathrooms have TVs so you don’t miss a second of the action! Upstairs is the Sports Arena, a 10,000-square-foot arcade filled with high-tech, sportsoriented, interactive games for kids of all ages. The Studio Grill is the place to refuel with house specialties such as the baby back ribs, smokehouse burger with three-pepper bacon and barbecue sauce, or Southwest chicken salad tossed in a chipotle vinaigrette; there’s also a full kids’ menu. For desserts, guests indulge in chocolate chip cookie sundaes or handcrafted shakes. The Anaheim Chamber of Commerce named ESPN Zone its 2013 Restaurant of the Year. Whether your passion is football, baseball, basketball, soccer or hockey, ESPN Zone is always in season. L, D (daily).
Entrées Baby Back Ribs Grilled Salmon Grilled Steak Salad Roasted Half Chicken Smokehouse Burger Shrimp Scampi and Penne Mahi Tacos Southwest Chicken Salad Fettuccini Alfredo Chicken and Avocado Wrap Zone Cheesesteak Desserts Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae Rum Carrot Cake Molten Lava Cake
1545 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.300.3776 espnzone.com
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FIG & OLIVE
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Crostini Zucchini Carpaccio Fig Gorgonzola Tartlet Riviera Shrimp and Salmon Salad Octopus a la Gallega Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio Crab Cake Beef Tartar
Since the original location opened in trendy Manhattan, Fig & Olive has been famous for Mediterranean cuisine served to a fashionable clientele in a sophisticated environment. Its limestone stucco walls, terra-cotta ceiling, olive trees and rosemary transport guests to the French Riviera; the dining room, with its distinctive candle walls, and soothing, brunchperfect garden room, make it one of the most stunning restaurants in Orange County. Executive Chef Pascal Lorange creates innovative dishes from seasonal ingredients of local artisanal farmers, yet the flavors of Spain, Italy and the South of France permeate the menu; olive oil replaces butter and is paired with each dish. Among shareable plates and tapas are zucchini carpaccio, fig gorgonzola tartlet and charcuterie selections such as jamón ibérico, the most prized cured meat from Spain. Larger plates include lemonmarinated whole branzino with sauce vierge; paella del mar; chicken tajine and grilled rosemary lamb chops. Chocolate pot de crème and crème brûlée cheesecake complete the evening. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).
Entrées Penne Funghi Tartufo Paella Del Mar Primavera Lobster Risotto Mediterranean Branzino Chicken Tajine Dover Sole Truffle Risotto Rosemary Lamb Chops Veal Milanese Desserts Chocolate Pot de Crème Crème Brûlée Cheesecake Caramelized Apple Tart
151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach
949.877.3005 figandolive.com
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JT SCHMID'S RESTAURANT & BREWERY
MENU HIGHLIGHTS
With two locations, one across from Honda Center and the other at the District in Tustin, JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery is Orange County’s preferred brewhouse, steakhouse and clubhouse. With its high-end finishes and contemporary décor, this is much more than a standard brewpub. The menu offers contemporary California dishes and sophisticated takes on comfort foods, all washed down with handcrafted microbrews, martinis and innovative beer cocktails using the house-made brew. Guests share artichoke-cheese dip, truffle fries or a trio of sliders, or enjoy acclaimed burgers, individual wood-fired pizzas or French-dip sandwiches, while watching a game. Larger plates include baby-back ribs, an Angus rib-eye steak and macadamia-crusted halibut. Finish with a banana-brioche pudding with caramel sauce or four-layer chocolate cake. Pair premium cigars with a single-malt Scotch; happyhour specials add to the fun. Banquet facilities accommodate up to 250 guests. L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim
Appetizers Artichoke Cheese Dip Seared Ahi Sashimi Brew House Nachos Calamari and Peppers Chicken and Avocado Egg Rolls Boneless Buffalo Wings Ale and Cheese Soup Brew House Chili Grilled Salmon Salad Barbeque Chicken Salad Specialties Beer Battered Fish and Chips Blackened Mahi Tacos Cajun Jambalaya Crusted Parmesan Chicken Baby Back Ribs Homemade Meatloaf Entrées Burgers and Sandwiches Fresh Baked Pizzas Filet Mignon Bleu Cheese Prime Sirloin Chilean Sea Bass Jalapeño Mac 'n' Cheese
714.634.9200 2415 Park Ave., Tustin
714.258.0333 jtschmids.com
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LAS BRISAS
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Housemade Guacamole Ceviche de Pescado Ahi Poke Tower Pan-Seared Scallops and Crab Cakes Gazpacho Garlic Pacific Prawns
Originally the site of the Victor Hugo Inn, founded in 1938, this Laguna Beach landmark has been home to Las Brisas since 1979. Beloved by locals and world travelers alike, its elegant dining room and idyllic patio offer some of the most dramatic ocean views along the entire Southern California coast. The menu features a sophisticated take on Mexican fare, with starters such as housemade guacamole, fish and shrimp ceviche, and an ahi poke tower with avocados and jalapeños. Signature entrées include pan-seared halibut with tomatillo sauce, frutas del mar (various shellfish in a saffron-scented white wine sauce), and filet mignon with tequila-truffle glaze. For desserts, the kitchen turns out a chocolate mousse cake, flan and an almond tostada shell filled with berries and ice cream. Las Brisas offers a world-class wine list and an impressive selection of tequilas. On Sunday, a memorable four-course brunch—items such as crab-stuffed Oregon trout and filet mignon with eggs—is served with fine champagne. When Southern Californians celebrate a special event or seek a romantic evening out, Las Brisas is usually high on their lists. B (M-Sa); L, D (daily); Br (Su).
Entrées Halibut Tomatillo Grilled Seafood Skewer Frutas del Mar Playa Azul Shrimp Tampiqueños Snapper Veracruzana Yucatan Chicken New York Steak Desserts Housemade Chocolate Mousse Cake Berry Tostada Housemade Flan
361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
949.497.5434 lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
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NAPLES RISTORANTE E PIZZERIA
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Burrata Calamari Napoletana Affettati Misti Panzerotti Vendure Al Forno in Agro Dolce Contadina Salad
Celebrating the spirit of Southern Italy in Downtown Disney®, Naples provides a casual, indooroutdoor environment in which to enjoy hearty Italian fare. The restaurant is perfect for any occasion, whether for a Margherita pizza in the pizzeria or a multicourse feast in the festive dining room. The romantic, Carnivale-inspired setting incorporates the Terrazza, an upstairs patio overlooking the lively street scene, and the Giardino, a garden patio with mosaic tiles and twinkling lights. Begin with calamari Napoletana or a classic Caesar salad before enjoying an eight-layer lasagna with Bolognese sauce or pumpkin-potato gnocchi with smoked pancetta and tomatoes. Thin-crusted pizzas are made as they are in Napoli, with Caputo flour from Italy, handmade mozzarella, water from a local spring and famed San Marzano tomatoes. Entrées include eggplant parmigiana and braised short ribs; oven-roasted pagnotelle sandwiches satisfy the lunch crowd. An affordable wine list highlights Italy and California. Kid-friendly features include a special menu and the Punchinello character by the front door. L, D (daily). Show your Disney room key for 10 percent off all food (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian and Paradise Pier; not valid with any other offer).
Pastas Gnocchi Conchiglie Lasagna Spaghetti Corn Rigatoni Mezzelune Entrées Salmone Tortino di Melanzane Pesce del Giorno Brasato Pollo Arrosto Margherita Pizza Quattro Formaggi Pizza Pere e Gorgonzola Pizza
1550 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.776.6200 patinagroup.com/naples
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ORANGE HILL
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Calamari Ahi Tuna Tower Lamb Chop Lollipops Shishito Peppers Buffalo Shrimp Pacific Oysters Pan Fried Crab Cakes
Just 15 minutes from Disneyland, Orange Hill is a unique hilltop hideaway with spectacular views of Orange County spanning all the way to Catalina Island. The impressive vistas from its panoramic windows are matched only by the food from its kitchen. Pampered dining guests might begin with Parmesan-crusted calamari, pan-fried shishito peppers or a dramatically presented ahi tuna tower before indulging in center-cut filet mignon, Skuna Bay blackened salmon with truffle béarnaise, or miso-marinated Chilean sea bass. The global wine list, which boasts more than 200 labels, earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. The décor of the main dining room is sophisticated yet modern; a sprawling patio with fire pits and awardwinning views is shaded by trees dressed in sparkling lights. The distinctive O Bar, perfect for a nightcap or happy hour, features cozy orange booths, orange crystal chandeliers and an orange baby-grand piano. On weekends, you'll find an elaborate buffet brunch. Kids are always treated royally. Banquet facilities for special events. Voted the county's most romantic restaurant by O.C. Register readers. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su).
Entrées Herb Roasted Prime Rib Center Cut Filet Mignon Skuna Bay Blackened Salmon Miso Marinated Chilean Sea Bass USDA Prime Rib Eye USDA Prime Top Sirloin Seared Sea Scallops CAB Bone-In New York Steak Vegetarian Pasta Primavera Desserts Crème Fraîche Icebox Cheesecake Chocolate Lava "S'more" Cake Warm Bourbon Peach Crumble
6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange
714.997.2910 theorangehillrestaurant.com
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RALPH BRENNAN'S JAZZ KITCHEN
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Coconut Crusted Shrimp Louisiana Crab Cake Gumbo Ya-Ya French Quarter Salad Corn Chowder
For more than 60 years, Ralph Brennan and his family have proudly served the finest ingredients in New Orleans, and the Ralph Brennan name has become nearly synonymous with superb Louisiana cooking. The two-story restaurant in the heart of Downtown Disney® reflects traditional French Quarter architecture. The ground floor features an open-air courtyard flanked by Jazz Kitchen Express, a quick-service dining facility for folks on the run, and a New Orleans-style jazz club called Flambeaux's. Upstairs, you'll find traditional New Orleans dining rooms and the outdoor Jazz Balcony, whose seating overlooks the revelry of Downtown Disney®. A dozen artisans contributed original artwork, including a handbeaded piano, wrought-iron fountain and giant neon saxophone on the façade. Diners enjoy traditional New Orleans starters such as crab cakes with Creole mustard aioli and gumbo ya-ya; main courses include pasta jambalaya, filet mignon with crawfish mashed potatoes, and blackened fish. Po’boys and chicken & waffles satisfy lunch guests,. For dessert, there are beignets and Creole red-velvet roulade. Jazz Kitchen boasts festive Big Easy-themed private event facilities and a staff with expertise in planning them. B, D (daily); L (M-Sa); Br (Su).
Entrées Pasta Jambalaya BBQ Shrimp and Grits Grilled Medallions of Beef Blackened Catch of the Day Ralph's Slow Roasted Pot Roast Southern Fried Chicken Grilled Chicken & Gnocchi Pesto Black and Blue Filet Mignon Desserts Beignets Creole Red Velvet Roulade Double Chocolate Bread Pudding Bananas Foster
1590 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.776.5200 rbjazzkitchen.com
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TORTILLA JO'S
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Tableside Guacamole Ceviche Huachinango Tostados del Mar Tortilla Soup Tostada Salad
This two-level restaurant introduces a festive south-of-the-border spirit to Downtown Disney® and appeals to all ages. Tortilla Jo’s dining rooms are decorated with authentic handcrafted artifacts from Mexico; colorful murals, imported tile and large chandeliers contribute to a modern interpretation of a traditional hacienda. The popular upstairs terrace overlooks the bustling Downtown Disney® scene. Diverse culinary traditions from throughout Mexico include guacamole prepared tableside and handmade tortillas. Start with huachinango (red snapper) ceviche or tortilla soup before moving on to fajitas or house specialties such as tempura-battered mahi-mahi tacos or steak with salsa ranchera. Vegetarians have plenty of choices; desserts include coconut flan and rum-infused Mexico City bread pudding. A lively cantina dispenses 100 different tequilas and the restaurant’s convenient taquería offers tacos and burritos for those on the run. Rousing entertainment is provided by a two time Grammy award winning women’s band, Mariachi Divas. There’s a full kid’s menu. L, D (daily). Show your Disney room key for 10 percent off all food (Disneyland Hotel, Grand Californian and Paradise Pier; not valid with any other offer).
Specialties Tacos de Pescado Steak Ranchera Seafood del Mar Enchiladas Jo's Carnitas Entrées Fajitas de Tres Taco Suaves Flautas Platter Garden Enchiladas Chile Relleno de Lentejas Shredded Chicken Burrito Pork Carnitas Burrito Enchiladas Suizas Tinga Taquitos Huaraches
1510 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim
714.535.5000 patinagroup.com/tortillajos
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WOODY'S WHARF
MENU HIGHLIGHTS Appetizers Lobster-Chorizo Quesadilla Ahi Poke Tower Shrimp Cocktail Calamari Smoked Albacore Crab Cakes Bang Bang Shrimp Filet Mignon Kabobs
Providing a beautiful view of Newport Harbor, particularly from its dockside patio, Woody’s Wharf is a perennial favorite among locals and visitors alike. Inside, the ambiance is warmed by fireplaces, worn brick and rich wood, and cocktails poured by a friendly staff. Part of Newport Beach tradition since 1965, Woody’s oozes history. Cary Grant and Mickey Mantle were among its former guests, Chuck Norris owned the place for a while, and Jean-Claude Van Damme was once a doorman here! Today, a diverse menu draws a clientele likely to begin a meal with a spicy lobster-chorizo quesadilla, an ahi-poke tower or old-school shrimp cocktail. For main courses, they might enjoy fish and chips, lobster mac-and-cheese, paella or grilled steaks. Champagne brunch at Woody’s has been a local weekend ritual for decades; night owls love the restaurant for its lively bar scene and dance floor. Whatever aspect appeals to you, Woody’s is an Orange County classic. B (M-F); L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).
Entrées Fish and Chips Lobster Mac 'n' Cheese Paella Grilled Steak Sea Bass Blackened Halibut Tacos Prime Rib Rack of Lamb Desserts Chocolate Brownie Bite Glazed Donut Bread Pudding Double Chocolate Cake
2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach
949.675.0474 woodyswharf.com
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Ra sushi bar Restaurant RA elevates the ancient art of sushi to new heights with its modern Japanese fusion cuisine served in a hip, trendy atmosphere that is fashionable yet unpretentious. The music is pumping, the mood is upbeat and the atmosphere is as stimulating as a big bite of wasabi. Fresh sashimi and sushi are sliced to order, innovative rolls and specialties like RA’s Hot Mess, Viva Las Vegas Roll and Tootsy Maki make RA a cut above your neighborhood sushi bar. Sample sake and exotic cocktails, or simply relax during Happy Hour Monday-Saturday from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. L, D (daily).
The Strand 155 5th Street, Huntington Beach
714.536.6390 The District at Tustin Legacy 2401 Park Ave., Tustin
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Beachcomber at Crystal Cove On the beach in the Historic District of Crystal Cove State Park, the Beachcomber offers spectacular views of the coast and Catalina Island from either the cozy, nautical-style dining room or scenic patio. The ambience of the celebrated retreat rekindles the nostalgia of a 1930s beach resort, when the county’s Gold Coast was virtually undiscovered. In the morning, locals and visitors enjoy dishes such as a farmers market frittata, coconut-macadamia pancakes, brioche French toast, and steak chilaquiles. The lunch menu features Maine lobster rolls and ahi or Kobe beef burgers. At dinner, while watching the sunset over the Pacific, diners begin with calamari or mini ahi tuna tacos before moving on to filet mignon, crab-stuffed Scottish salmon or braised short ribs. The Beachcomber’s Bootlegger Bar turns out legendary cocktails including the Pimm’s Cup and Paradise Punch, perfectly suited to the laid-back beach scene. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast
714.566.1700
949.376.6900
rasushi.com
thebeachcombercafe.com
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bluewater grill Bluewater Grill is the place for seafood so fresh that the menus are printed daily! The popular restaurant serves up to 40 varieties of sustainably caught or Seafood Watch-approved farmed seafood and shellfish daily, such as locally harpooned swordfish or snapper, Alaskan halibut and wild king salmon in season. It also features delicious salads, burgers, pasta and steak, and has a fresh oyster bar and lively bar scene. Sit on Tustin’s fireplace patio, on Newport’s waterfront terrace, or visit the new location in Avalon on Santa Catalina Island. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach
MIX
VIe de France
Mix restaurant at the Hilton Anaheim offers an exciting fusion of globally inspired flavors and fresh locally sourced ingredients in a contemporary setting. Enjoy a hearty breakfast with the entire family, a satisfying lunch between meetings or an intimate dinner for two—“Mix” it up at this inviting spot for dining and entertainment. Intriguing breakfast selections include eggs “Bennie,” or rum-raisin French toast. Among eclectic lunch and dinner entrée items are Pacific halibut, braised short ribs over five-cheese mac ‘n’ cheese, and 11-ingredient fried rice. Mix offers an extensive wine and signature cocktail list as well as an array of delectable desserts. B, L, D (daily).
This bakery-café offers the best of casual French cooking, reminiscent of a familyrun bistro. Authentic specialties such as French onion soup, niçoise salad, beef bourguignon and steak frites are prepared by experienced chefs and enjoyed in a cozy, casual environment. Breads and pastries are baked fresh daily, and sweet finishes include chocolate mousse, fruit-filled crêpes and pain perdu. A wide variety of sandwiches, salads and lighter, vegetarian dishes provide additional versatility. Vie de France is an ideal way to enjoy the cuisine of France closer to home. B, L, D (daily).
949.675.3474 2409 Park Ave., Tustin
777 Convention Way, Anaheim
South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa
714.258.3474
714.740.4412
714.557.1734
bluewatergrill.com
hiltonanaheimhotel.com
viedefrance.com
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Mozambique
Amelia’s
With three levels of dining, including the new Veranda rooftop deck and an extensive menu celebrating the flavors of Southern Africa, Mozambique is perfect for an intimate dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends or colleagues. Portuguese traditions are blended with exotic African ingredients; there are always new things to try as well as more familiar wood-fired steaks and seafood. Begin with peri-peri prawns, wok-charred ahi tuna or samoosas with Mozambique chutney before moving on to curries, whole Baja lobster or Moroccan-style Chilean sea bass. Live music is offered on weekends, as well as complimentary shuttle service back to your hotel. D (nightly).
Simply delicious for over 50 years, delighting visitors and locals alike. Located among the boutiques on Balboa Island, this quaint European-style restaurant specializes in exquisite pasta and delectable seafood. Try the linguine with baby calamari and fresh bay scallops with marinara sauce. Amelia’s features at least five very fresh fish daily and mouthwatering combination dinners such as the filet mignon and scampi. Fine wines available. Private parties from eight to 48. Sunset dinner $12.50, Sunday-Friday 5-6 p.m. D (nightly), Br (F-Su).
1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach
311 Marine Ave., Newport Beach
silver trumpet restaurant & Bar Just steps away from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza, Silver Trumpet gets a standing ovation for its symphony of seasonal, sustainable flavors. This restaurant features modern American cuisine sourced from the local market using fresh and freerange ingredients and housemade pastries, pastas and desserts. A local favorite and popular pre-show stop for theatergoers, the elegant dining room hits a high note with its warm modern décor and seamless glass windows providing fabulous lake or city views. It’s complimented by the contemporary bar and unmatched outdoor dining experience on the patio. B, L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa
949.715.7777
949.673.6580
714.442.8593
mozambiqueoc.com
ameliasbalboaisland.com
silvertrumpetrestaurant.com
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ROYAL THAI CUISINE
HARBOR GRILL
PANDOR Pandor Artisan Boulangerie & Café— whose name was inspired by the French words for “golden bread,” pain d’or— offers the authentic flavors of a Left Bank pâtisserie. Baked goods include artisan breads, buttery croissants, viennoiserie pastries and other sweets including napoleons, éclairs and colorful Parisian macarons. The extensive savory menu includes French classics such as open-faced tartine sandwiches, quiches, pressed panini and fresh salads. For breakfast consider peanut-butter-andjelly French toast or “dornuts,” half-croissant, half-doughnut treats that are the hottest trend in sweets. B, L, D (daily).
949.645.8424
Since 1984, proprietors John, Wanda and Keegan Hicks have taken pride in the sincere friendly attitude of the staff and the quality of food. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast, the Harbor Grill offers a delicious array of fresh seafood cooked in a variety of styles including Southwestern, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Cajun and Mediterranean. With its reasonably priced menu, premium cocktails and extensive wine list, the Harbor Grill has become a favorite with locals and a popular destination for visitors who are made to feel like “regulars.” Whether they’re enjoying the cozy dining room or the colorful terrace, the view of the harbor sails encourages a leisurely meal while a pianist adds the perfect background music each evening.
1750 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach
34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
5327 E. 2nd St., Long Beach
949.494.8424
949.240.1416
562.856.7777
royalthaicuisine.com
harborgrill.com
pandorbakery.com
Exquisite Thai dining in casually elegant surroundings is offered at this familyowned establishment, which has presented the tranquility of Thai cuisine and culture for more than 30 years. Dishes such as honey duck and enormous Lady Thai prawns from the Chao Praya River reflect the beguiling flavors of Thailand. The proprietors have served Thailand’s Royal Family and they roll out the red carpet for yours. The Sunset Dinner— four courses for $15.95—is offered from 5 to 7 pm; full-service bar. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach
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1126 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach
949.209.5099
9/13/13 4:13 PM
play time ATTRACTIONS THEmE PaRKS, STadiUmS, mUSEUmS, THEaTERS, amPHiTHEaTERS, GallERiES, GOlF cOURSES, SKaTE PaRKS, GaRdEnS, niGHTliFE: iT’S all HERE.
W H E R E G U E S T B O O K 7 9
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attractions
UP IN THE SKY Get high in the O.C.! SkyThrills in Fullerton offers aerobatics such as loops, rolls, spins and hammerhead stalls in stunt planes and a shimmering yellow 1930s-style biplane. Too thrilling? In addition to flights with you at the controls—no experience necessary!— romantic sunset flights for two are available (866.484.7455). Next door at Air Combat USA, riders get dogfight training in actual high-performance planes and have control once in the air (800.522.7590). Jetpack America in Newport Beach
CHRIST CathedralCL0000022600 The stunning glass Crystal Cathedral and its campus have been sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and renamed. Adjacent architectural treasures include Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4000 DIscovery Science CenterCL0 More than 100 hands-on displays: Kids create a tidal wave, make music with lasers and lie on a bed of nails. The iconic tilting cube houses the Boeing Rocket Lab. Highlights this year: The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, discoverycube.org
makes jet-pack flight a reality. The new water-propelled adventure takes place in—and over, of course!—Newport Harbor (888.553.6471). For panoramic views of the harbor and the coast, consider parasailing with Balboa Boat Rentals (949.673.7200). Thanks to a choice of two altitudes, you can either get high or pretty high.
Disney California AdventureCL0000022603 Disneyland’s adjacent state-themed counterpart offers lands based on Hollywood, beach culture and the Gold Rush. New Cars Land adds three attractions, notably Radiator Springs racers, inspired by the DisneyPixar film cars. The spectacular World of Color water-and-laser show wows nightly. The thrills never end at California Screamin’, Twilight Zone Tow-
er of Terror and Soarin’ Over California, an amazing simulation of gliding above the gorgeous Golden State. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565, disneyland.com DisneylandCL0000022602 Highlights at Mickey Mouse’s original theme park include Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, Fantasmic! and a fireworks show that somehow always outdoes itself. The show Mickey’s Magical Map in Fantasyland is new. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.7290, disneyland.com h FlightDeck Air Combat Center Flightdeck’s F-16 flight simulators offer the ultimate “Top Gun” adventure. Takeoffs, aerial maneuvers and landing on an aircraft carrier provide exhilarating experiences in the “cockpit” that few civilians can imagine. Minimum age, 11. 1650 S. Sinclair St., Anaheim, 714.937.1511, flightdeck1.com Fullerton ArboretumCL9000006937 The county’s largest botanical garden features 26 lush acres boasting more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. The tranquil retreat recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407, fullertonarboretum.com Honda CenterCL0000022604 The entertainment and sports venue hosts blockbuster concerts by acts such as Michael Bublé and Rihanna, family fare such as Ringling Bros., and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the Anaheim Ducks hockey team’s home games and basketball’s John R. Wooden Classic. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400, hondacenter.com
JETPACK AMERICA0 Jet-pack flight’s a reality! Participants can fly 30 feet in the air and skim across the waters of Newport Harbor at 35 mph, thanks to the waterpropelled jet pack. 2600 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 888.553.6471, jetpackamerica.com K1 SPEED9000006938 Indoor kart racing offers challenging track for speed enthusiasts, an authentic racing experience in a safe, comfortable, accessible environment utilizing advanced European electric karts and indoor asphalt tracks. Available for private parties or corporate events. 17221 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.250.0242; 1000 N. Edward Court, Anaheim, 714.632.6999. k1speed.com Knott’s Berry FarmCL0000022605 More than 165 attractions at “America’s first theme park” include a topnotch collection of roller coasters, among them Xcelerator, Silver Bullet, GhostRider and new Coast Rider. Camp Snoopy is for younger kids. In October, the park becomes Knott’s Scary Farm. Dining options include Spurs steakhouse in Ghost Town and Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner. Adjacent Soak City Water Park is open in summer. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200, knotts.com Long beach aquarium of the pacific CL0000022606 The venue boasts more than 11,000 sea animals, nearly 500 species. The focus is on Pacific Ocean sea life. Draws also include Shark Lagoon, where you can pet the sharks; Lorikeet Forest, where you can feed the birds; and Turtle Vision in 4-D. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100, aquariumofpacific.org
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Angel Stadium CL0000022599 Home of Major League Baseball team the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, World Series winner in 2002 and often American League Western Division champs. The halo atop the 23-story “Big A” in the parking lot lights up when the team wins. Friday night fireworks. Tours Tu-W 9:30 am, 11 am and 1 pm when the team is away, offseason on Tuesdays. 2000 Gene Autry Way, Anaheim, 714.634.2000. Tours: 714.940.2070, angelsbaseball.com
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Medieval Times CL0000022607 Dinner theater show features jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship, falconry and four-course feast; the pageantry unfolds in an 11th century castle setting and arena. The gift shop offers elaborate swords and knives. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.523.1100, medievaltimes.com
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The Flight is Simulated The Experience is Real No experience required 9 Fighter Jet Flight Simulators Boeing 737-700 Flight Simulator Flights Starting at $59 Less than 2 miles from Disneyland
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Mission San Juan Capistrano The jewel of the California missions, founded in 1776 and considered the birthplace of Orange County, draws visitors with its architecture, gardens, history and exhibitions. It is the bestpreserved structure of its kind in the U.S. Priests still celebrate Mass in the Serra Chapel, the oldest church in California, where father Junípero Serra once presided. Free audio tours can be downloaded to your smartphone. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, missionsjc.com h ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARKCL900 The park, on the former site of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, is touted as the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century. It includes the Palm Court Arts Complex, Museum of Heritage & Aviation, Farm + Food Lab and a tethered orange balloon ride that goes up 400 feet. Sand Canyon and Marine Way, Irvine, 866.829.3829, ocgp.org Pirate’s Dinner Adventure2610 Join the crew of an 18th century Spanish galleon on a high-seas adventure. Daredevil stunts, cannon blasts and Port of Call Feast complete the swashbuckling, musical fun. Rise of the Sea Dragon is the new show. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.640.1497, piratesdinneradventure.com Pretend CityCL9000006938 Children’s museum near Irvine Spectrum Center and Verizon Wireless Amphitheater is an interconnected miniature city designed for children 10 and under featuring exhibits that encour-
age interactive experiences and play. Included are a farm, grocery store, café, doctor’s office, art studio, beach, amphitheater and marina. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900, pretendcity.org Richard Nixon PRESIDENTIAL Library & MUSEUMCL0000022611 Venue offers a glimpse into the events and people that shaped, and were shaped by, the 37th president. It pulls no punches; you can arrange to listen to Nixon’s infamous White House tapes. Full-size replicas of the White House’s East Room and Lincoln Sitting Room. Docent-led garden tours on Saturdays. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.933.5075, library.nixonfoundation.org h San Diego ZooCL900692 As the old children’s rhyme goes: You belong in the zoo. At this zoo, visitors are in good company with more than 4,000 creatures from nearly every corner of the world. Animals well-known and unfamiliar live in habitats modeled after their natural homes (e.g., Elephant Odyssey). The landmark is a longtime leader in care and conservation. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515, sandiegozoo.org h San Diego Zoo Safari Park3 The Serengeti is thousands of miles away, but the 1,800-acre Safari Park lets visitors experience a safari near San Diego. More than 3,500 animals roam the grounds, designed to resemble natural habitats such as savannas, forests and lakes. The park’s exhibits bring animal adventurers safely close to elephants, giraffes, gorillas, lions, antelopes, zebras and rhinos. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702, sandiegozoo.org/park Sherman Library & Gardens2 Ten themed gardens on 2.2 acres are hidden along Coast Highway. Immaculate gardens, patios and conservatories at the horticultural retreat are linked by brick walkways, beds blooming with seasonal flowers and
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burbling tile fountains. The library is a research center devoted to the Pacific Southwest. Café Jardin offers a “coastal garden” Cal-French lunch. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261, slgardens.org
Performing Arts Irvine Barclay Theatre CL0000022615 Eclectic offerings at this cultural gem range from an annual New World Flamenco Festival to string quartets to hip-hop. The intimate, 750-seat hall wins loyal audiences for its commitment to intriguing programming; it also hosts emerging local ensembles. UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646, thebarclay.org Laguna PlayhouseCL0000022616 One of the West Coast’s oldest continuously operating professional theaters offers a wide array of works. Highlights in 2014 include Ring of Fire, featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, and the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s All the Great Books (Abridged). Moulton Theatre, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787, lagunaplayhouse.com Segerstrom Center for the ArtsCL0000022614 The county’s premier performingarts venue offers Broadway musicals and dance in Segerstrom Hall, concerts by the Pacific Symphony, Pacific Chorale and touring orchestras in the Cesar Pelli-designed Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. More intimate events take place in Founders Hall and Samueli Theater. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787, scfta.org SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER4 Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed declared Soka’s “the best concert hall of its size in Southern California.... It seems an exception to the laws of physics,” adding that Yasuhisa Toyota, the same acoustician used for L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, “has produced a small masterpiece.” Offerings
include the world’s touring orchestras and a jazz series. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000, soka.edu South Coast RepertoryCL0000022617 One of America’s foremost producers of new plays, Tony Awardwinning SCR presents its 50thanniversary season. The venue has germinated such acclaimed productions as Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Wit and offers a wide range of classics as well. The more intimate Julianne Argyros Stage often presents world or West Coast premieres. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555, scr.org Verizon Wireless AmphitheaterCL0000022618 The outdoor concert amphitheater hosts major touring pop, rock and country acts. The Pacific Symphony Orchestra puts on summer concerts with fireworks. There are some 10,000 reserved seats and nearly 6,000 spots on the lawn, ideal for a pre-concert picnic. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095, livenation.com
Museums h Bowers Museum CL002691 Cultural-arts venue hosts blockbuster shows with venerated museums around the world and houses art and artifacts of indigenous peoples. Permanent exhibits include Ancient Arts of China: A 5,000-Year Legacy and Spirits and Headhunters: Art of the Pacific Islands, and several that are Californiathemed, among them California: The Golden Years. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600, bowers.org EXPLOROCEAN The museum is in two new facilities near the Balboa Fun Zone’s Ferris wheel: the Richard and Betty Steele Model Pavilion, with its superb collection of model ships, and the East Wing Gallery, offering such exhibits as Extraordinary People, which focuses on iconic heroes of the sea. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915, explorocean.org
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ORanGE cOUnTY mUSEUm OF aRTCL0000022624 Premier visual-arts venue champions 20th century and contemporary art and culture. The museum’s own exhibitions have traveled to more than 20 museums in the last decade. Landscape Into Abstraction is a season highlight. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122, ocma.net
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FUllERTOn mUSEUm cEnTER The focus is on intriguing exhibitions in the areas of history, science and art, often with a pop-culture bent. Ongoing exhibits in the Leo Fender Gallery are devoted to the legendary local electric guitar maker. 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545, cityoffullerton.com/depts/museum HUnTinGTOn BEacH inTERnaTiOnal SURFinG mUSEUm Hear a Dick Dale guitar riff in your head and you’ve got the good vibration behind this shrine. One of Dale’s 1954 electric guitars is displayed. Though small, the collection includes photos, ukuleles and surfboards, including an original hardwood that belonged to Duke Kahanamoku, who popularized surfing in the 1920s. 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.3483, surfingmuseum.org iRvinE mUSEUmCL0000022622 Modest venue in an office building focuses on California Impressionism. Artists include Paul De Longpré,
Franz A. Bischoff, Anna Althea Hills and Granville Richard Seymour Redmond. Guided tours Thursdays. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565, irvinemuseum.org laGUna aRT mUSEUmCL0000022623 With roots dating to 1918, this may be the county’s oldest cultural institution, but the eclectic museum today attracts a younger and edgier set with exhibits that celebrate pop culture: video games, custom cars, comic books, surfing and tattoos. The venue also showcases California art of the late 19th century. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971, lagunaartmuseum.org lYOn aiR mUSEUm940 Some of the world’s rarest operational 20th century aircraft, e.g., the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” and other historical vehicles such as Adolf Hitler’s 1939 Mercedes-Benz, displayed on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. 19300 Ike Jones Drive, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585, lyonairmuseum.org
anaHEim HillS GOlF cOURSE Course spread over Old California terrain features stirring hillside vistas, graceful valleys and a natural stream flowing past stands of stately oaks and sycamores. Fees include cart and GPS system. The 30,000-square-foot, Mediterranean-themed clubhouse adds to one of the county’s best golfing values. 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.998.3041, playanaheimgolf.com BlacK GOld GOlF clUBCL0000022627 Arthur Hills designed the North County canyon course, whose challenges include elevation changes and blind tee shots. The 12th hole is O.C.’s highest elevation for a tee area; there’s a waterfall off the 18th green. Fees include cart and GPS. Optimal views from reception venue. 1 Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda, 714.961.0060, blackgoldgolf.com cOYOTE HillS cOUnTRY clUB7 North County course designed by Cal Olson and PGA Tour legend Payne Stewart shares nearly 250 acres with flowing streams, gnatcatchers and coyotes. There’s also a lighted driving range, chipping and sand play area. Fees include cart and GPS system. 1440 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.672.6800, coyotehillsgc.com
mOnaRcH BEacH GOlF linKSCL0000022629 The beautiful Robert Trent Jonesdesigned course next to the St. Regis Monarch Beach offers sweeping views of sea and sky. The par-5 seventh hole traverses Salt Creek twice; the third and fourth holes play adjacent to the soft-sand beach. Fees include cart. The pro shop was named one of America’s best by Golf World Business. 50 Monarch Beach Resort Drive N., Dana Point, 949.240.8247, monarchbeachgolf.com OaK cREEK GOlF clUB7 This graceful Tom Fazio design, with rolling doglegs and fairways lined with California wildflowers and other native vegetation, features wide fairways and large, open-fronted greens. Fees include cart. 1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, 949.653.5300, oakcreekgolfclub.com PElican Hill GOlF clUBCL0000026134 The gorgeous Ocean North and Ocean South courses offer some of the best golf in the U.S. The Tom Fazio-designed layouts, adjacent to the Resort at Pelican Hill, sit on coastal bluffs. Fees include cart. The clubhouse, on a terraced hillside, features sweeping ocean panoramas. 22800 Pelican Hill Road, Newport Coast, 949.467.6800, pelicanhillgolfclub.com H STRaWBERRY FaRmS GOlF clUB Eighteen-hole course developed by former Angel third baseman Doug DeCinces features rolling greens, a picturesque canyon, wetland vistas, O.C.’s longest hole—and a barn and windmill. Fees include cart. 11 Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine, 949.551.1811, strawberryfarmsgolf.com TalEGa GOlF clUBCL0000022631 Course designed with input from Fred Couples offers wide, lusciously green fairways contrasted with bunkers of crushed white marble sand; it rewards accurate driving and intelligent strategy more than strength. The back nine
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mUZEOCL9000006940 Museum and cultural-arts center hosts three traveling exhibitions with children’s programs per year. Highlights: Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936, muzeo.org
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enter a picturesque canyon; a large lake borders the green at the finish. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.369.6226, talegagolfclub.com Tustin Ranch Golf ClubCL00263 The course, featuring more than 6,800 yards of classic, resort-style Ted Robinson Sr. design, is most often deemed the county’s best by O.C. Register readers. The layout offers meticulous, challenging greens including cascading falls and lakes. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611, tustinranchgolf.com
Nightlife Bowlmor LanesCL9000006943 Hip state-of-the-art, glow-in-the-dark bowling lounges feature sports bars and global cuisine. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810. bowlmor.com
WELCOME TO KOALAFORNIA
THE NEW AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK. NOW OPEN! sandiegozoo.org/koalafornia
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Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455, irvineimprov.com h MARINE ROOM TAVERN Laid-back locals bar for more than 75 years offers pool table and live music nightly. Open 3 pm-2 am. 214 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3027, marineroomtavern.com MESA Trendy lounge at the Camp has retractable glass roof, offers New American share plates, excellent cocktails. Kitchen open until 1 am, bar until 2 am. Tu-Sa. 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700, mesacostamesa.com Muldoon’s Dublin PubCL9000006945 Cozy, lively spot near Fashion Island offers Irish-themed events such as kilt and fiddle contests in the Celtic bar, plus really good food—Irish fare as well as American dishes. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110, muldoonspub.com
Heat Ultra LoungeCL900690 Las Vegas-inspired, 10,000-squarefoot nightclub near the Anaheim 2:28 PM Convention Center and Disney Resort features plush decor, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, deejay booths, VIP sections and a luxurious indoor patio. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328, heatultraloungeoc.com
O BAR The bar at hilltop hideaway Orange Hill Restaurant offers endless citylight views and small plates. The retro orange theme extends to the Burning Mandarin martini, orange chandeliers and orange piano. 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910, theorangehillrestaurant.com
House of Blues CL0000022649 Nationally acclaimed bayou-inspired venue offers touring name bands, dancing and soul food, and a roof-raising Sunday Gospel Brunch; “Crossroads” menu by chef Aaron Sanchez. On the walls is a superior collection of outsider art. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.3585, hob.com/anaheim
h Rooftop Lounge Local favorite—and must-hit for visitors—offers front-row seat for spectacular sunsets and ocean views. Cocktails, lunch and appetizers atop La Casa del Camino hotel. Heat lamps and blankets available. 9 am-9 pm Su-Th, F-Sa 9 am-10 pm. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446, rooftoplagunbeach.com
The Improv Comedy showcase and dinner theater at two locations. Pros bring down the house, amateurs launch careers. Dining pre-show gets priority seating. 120 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.482.0700, breaimprov.com; Irvine Spectrum
Steamers Jazz Club CL0000022655 The county’s premier jazz venue heats up lively downtown Fullerton nightly with the sounds of Latin rhythms, bigband arrangements, Dixieland melodies, sultry vocals and more. A hearty menu is served until closing time to
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satisfy those late-night cravings. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800, steamerscafe.com SUTRA LOUNGECL9000006942 Vibrant dance club presents intriguing lineup of musical acts (they’ve included Ludacris, Nelly, Paul Oakenfold, Snoop Dogg) and big-name deejays. “Smart casual” attire. Th-Sa. Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.722.7103, sutraoc.com
TOURS & TRANSPORTATION BEST CHAUFFEURED WORLDWIDECL9000006936 The company provides a customized travel option, featuring experienced chauffeurs, an extensive fleet and first-class service; pickup from hotels and airports. 866.323.2378, bestchauffeured.com BEVERLY HILLS RENT-A-CAR Breathtaking driving experiences for rent: late-model exotic, luxury and sport cars including Bentleys, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis and Porsches. Pickup service available. 3939 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.250.4386, bhrentacar.com CATALINA EXPRESS Round trip from Dana Point Harbor and Long Beach to Catalina Island. Captain’s Lounge offers plush seating, beverages, snacks and privacy with surcharge. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 3475 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point; 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, 800.481.3470. catalinaexpress.com CATALINA FLYER The largest passenger-carrying catamaran on the West Coast is the fastest way to get to Catalina Island, 26 miles off the coast. The Flyer departs at 9 am daily at Balboa Pavilion March-November, with sporadic service during winter months, returns at 5:45 pm. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744, catalinainfo.com
DANA WHARF WHALE WATCHING Dana Point is the county’s premier year-round whale-watching destination. The harbor’s location makes it easy to access the spots where the behemoth mammals are spotted most often. Tour options include two-hour luxury catamaran cruises and sunset whale-watching cruises. 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, danawharf.com ★ JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT The pleasant ambience and ease of departure and arrival at Orange County’s airport makes it vastly superior to LAX. The Thomas F. Riley Terminal features vaulted ceilings, skylights and Jura stone marble flooring with fossils. Local art is featured throughout the airport; The Flight of Ideas is suspended from the ceiling in Terminal C. Dining options range from Anaheim Ducks Breakaway Bar & Grill to Zov’s. 18601 Airport Way Santa Ana, 949.252.5200, ocair.com ★ PEDEGO ELECTRIC BICYCLES Electric bicycles for sale or rent near the beach. Built-in electric hub motors allow cyclists to cruise the coastal bluffs and boardwalks with ease and style. 301 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.465.2782; 2515 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.612.7989; 34155 E. Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.488.0696. pedegoelectricbikes.com ★ WATERFRONT ADVENTURES One-stop shop on the Huntington Beach boardwalk for a memorable day at the beach: Rent surfboards, bodyboards, beach cruisers, Surrey bikes, beach chairs and even a fire pit with beach butler for s’mores. Surf lessons and kayak tours can also be arranged. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., 714.536.4863, waterfrontresort.com
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