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AUTO SHOW IN ANAHEIM CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN IRVINE FIG & OLIVE AT FASHION ISLAND GOLF: BEST AND HARDEST HOLES
THE MANLY ISSUE
DESIGNER JOHN VARVATOS ON PACKING LIGHT MEN IN BACK: WHO’S REALLY IN THE KITCHEN
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An Amazing Collection of Restaurants JUST STEPS FROM DISNEYLAND®
321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim • 714.635.7410 • anaheimgardenwalk.com
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where Orange County Fall 2013 the guide 40 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood
60 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports
62 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities and exhibitions
65 SHOPPING Retail destinations
67 GOLF The county’s best courses
68 BEACHES + PARKS Paradise found
71 NIGHTLIFE Hottest clubs, lounges and bars
73 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around
77 MAPS Navigate the county
where now
features
8 Events International Auto Show in Anaheim Solar Decathlon at O.C. Great Park
16 Style for Miles John Varvatos, designer to rock gods, on the art of packing light. Plus, three new men’s boutiques.
10 Shopping Kendra Scott at Fashion Island 12 Arts + Culture Pianists Yuja Wang and Olga Kern Jewelry exhibits at Bowers Museum Bodies and Titanic in Buena Park 14 Dining New restaurants in Newport Beach
20 Men in Back Dining: There’s a legendary name on the door—and huge talent in the kitchen. 24 Worth a Shot Golf: Local PGA pros and general managers share their favorite and most difficult holes.
whereoc.com Get the city buzz from WHERE editors worldwide online and on your smartphone.
city tours 28 30 32 36
Metro Cities The Coast South Coast North County
ALSO INSIDE 5 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR 7 HOT DATES Cirque du Soleil’s Totem 80 30 THINGS WE LOVE
ON THE COVER Fashion designer John Varvatos leans against the Chrysler 300C John Varvatos Limited Edition. See Style for Miles on page 16. Photo by Justin Coit. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE
COVER COURTESY JOHN VARVATOS
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Raj Dixit, chef at Stonehill Tavern
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where magazine
On the Web: WhereOC.com publisher Jeff Levy EDITOR Benjamin Epstein ART DIRECTOR Carol Wakano MARKETING DIRECTOR
Audrey Nimura
contributing designer PRODUCTION ARTIST
John Tom
Ryan Furuya
contributing WRITERS
Pamela Chelin, Joseph Elliott, Roger Grody, Gerald Hicks, Zoe Lorenzo, John Weyler contributing photographers
Priscilla Iezzi, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago, Anne Watson ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Heather Howard-Heintz, Sarah Trainor, Kerry Brewer, Krishna Gil, 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 WEST COAST NATIONAL SALES Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 Director of national digital sales Bridget Cody 706.821.6663 honorary president
Ted Levy
where Orange County
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EMAIL Advertising JLevy@WhereOC.com Editorial Benjamin.Epstein@WhereOC.com Art Art@WhereOC.com Production Ads@WhereOC.com Website Christina.Xenos@WhereOC.com Circulation Stephanie.Reid@WhereOC.com Plan ahead for your next visit to Orange County. Subscribe to where: Single copy $4, 4 issues $16. Contact: Stephanie Reid 714.825.1700, Stephanie.Reid@WhereOC.com © 2013 Southern California Media Group. All Rights reserved Published by Southern California Media Group. Printed in the United States. where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. where is a registered trademark of where International LP.
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In Orange County, where magazine is pleased to be a member of Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau, CalTIA, Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau, Orange County Concierge Association, Orange County Tourism Council
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Welcome
A note from the editor
WATCH OUT! even as Apple readies its iWatch,
it seems the one to, er, watch is the s-watch: That’s right, swatch, which offers often brightly colored plastic watches starting at $35— and reports annual sales of nearly $9 billion. swatch has just bought red-carpet jeweler harry Winston, which also makes watches, for a measly $1 billion—kind of like when Volkswagen bought porsche! swatch already owns blancpain, whose watches can run to $800,000, as well as Omega and breguet. Whether you’re looking to spend $35 or $800,000, one huge plus at south Coast plaza is one-stop shopping, especially when it comes to watches. its boutiques include swatch, harry Winston, Omega and Tourbillon—which carries breguet and blancpain—as well as Tourneau, piaget and rolex. fact is, just when it seems there can’t possibly be another elite retailer to add to its collection, south Coast plaza adds several, and often more elite. A recent batch of watchmakers, for instance, included patek phillipe, Vacheron Constantin, iWC schaffhausen and Jaeger-leCoultre; new for men’s clothing is brioni, where an entry-level suit runs about $5,000. fashion island never stops evolving, either. Just when it seems there’s no place to expand, it adds restaurants on the perimeter, a Whole foods Market and a new courtyard—and it still feels airy! New york-based fig & Olive is one of those restaurants; see page 14. it’s also got a new men’s boutique: Moonlight Graham, named for a baseball player who played right field for two innings in a single major-league game in 1905 and never came to bat. for more about new men’s boutiques, see p. 19. for more about the baseball player, watch the 1989 Kevin Costner film Field of Dreams. As for the iWatch, both centers have an Apple store. As for when it might debut, let’s just say ... it’s about time. —BENJAMIN EPSTEIN FALL 2013 WHERE ORANGE COUNTY 5
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WHAT’S SIZZLING IN SECONDS FLAT
Hot Dates Fall 2013
SEPT. 7-8 TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS FESTIVAL Experience the majesty and wonder of actual tall ships at Dana Point Harbor. Interactive living-history encampments include blacksmiths, scrimshaw artists and the infamous Port Royal Privateers. p. 60 SEPT. 26-NOV. 2 KNOTT’S HALLOWEEN HAUNT Knott’s Berry Farm (aka Knott’s Scary Farm) offers a dozen haunted mazes, six shows and four scare zones, and brings back Elvira Mistress of the Dark. p. 60 SEPT. 28-OCT. 5 STYLE WEEK O.C. Hot retail concepts and fall fashions take center stage at runway shows and in-store events at shopping destinations Fashion Island and Irvine Spectrum Center. p. 60 OCT. 3-6 ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Hundreds of 2014-model cars, trucks, SUVs, exotics and concept cars displayed at the Anaheim Convention Center. Test rides and entertainment, too. p. 60
Foot jugglers at Cirque du Soleil’s Totem
OPENING NOV. 21
Myth Understood
OSA IMAGES
Cirque du Soleil’s Totem, at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, imagines the progress of species through the troupe’s distinctive visual and acrobatic language. Somewhere between science and legend, it explores the ties that bind man to other species. The show, presented under the troupe’s iconic blue-and-yellow big top, is written and directed by Robert Lepage—multidisciplinary director of Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ, Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Tour and the Metropolitan Opera’s recent Wagner Ring cycle. More than 2 million people around the world have seen Totem since its premiere in 2010; it won a Drama Desk Award this year. The New York Times described the spectacle as “thrilling,” adding, “What’s the next level after impressed? Amazed? Awestruck? Whatever it is, that emotion arrives often.” p. 60 NEARBY Find entertaining shopping and dining at Irvine Spectrum Center (p. 66). Honor Totem’s Chinese unicyclists with a meal at Capital Seafood (p. 46) or P.F. Chang’s (p. 46). New boutiques include bohemian Brandy Melville (949.450.0643) and rockin’ Blackheart (949.753.1379). Find confections at new Casey’s Cupcakes (949.379.7300).
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OCT. 4 MAROON 5 The Grammy Award-winning band—which set a record for the most No. 1 hits in the 20-year history of the Top 40 chart— appears at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. Kelly Clarkson is the opening act. p. 62 OCT. 8-NOV. 3 FALLEN ANGELS Best friends each had a torrid affair with a certain charming Frenchman before marriage. Their husbands are away; guess who’s back? The classic Noël Coward farce is at the Laguna Playhouse. p. 60 OCT. 18-NOV. 17 4000 MILES A 21-year-old, down-on-his-luck hippie turns up at his grandmother’s home after a cross-country bike trip. The play is at the acclaimed South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, now marking its 50th-anniversary season. p. 60 OCT. 25 L.A. LAKERS VS. UTAH JAZZ Newport Coast resident Kobe Bryant and his teammates return to Honda Center in Anaheim for preseason action against their Salt Lake City rivals. p. 62 NOV. 24 MICHAEL BUBLÉ The crooner stops at Honda Center for a show supporting his latest album, To Be Loved, which debuted at the No. 1 spot on Billboard Magazine’s Top 200. p. 62 HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Visit our Weekend Roundup at WhereOC.com, where you’ll get the lowdown on the coolest concerts, sporting events, festivals, art exhibits and restaurants.
The Matterhorn at Disneyland is a 1/100th scale replica of the actual mountain in the Swiss Alps; inside is a basketball half-court where employees can play on breaks! p. 62
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The best in entertainment, museums, shopping and dining.
Âť eVentS WATCH THOSE CURVES! The 2014-model Orange County International Auto Show, Oct. 3-6 at the Anaheim Convention Center, ignites the auto show season, with hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers and lots more. Show-goers can check out the newest rides, sit behind the wheel, experience the latest in car technology and even take a test drive in more than 100 new models. The show offers a dazzling collection of ultra-high-end exotics and Ride of a Lifetime exotic-car rides. It also features the Camp Jeep off-road test track, a variety of plug-in electric vehicles, a classics collection and family-friendly entertainment. p. 60 8 WHEREOC.COM FALL 2013
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY SOLAR DECATHLON
Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 at O.C. International Auto Show
SCI-Arc/Caltech Solar Decathlon entry, one of 20 displayed at O.C. Great Park
A Place in the Sun The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is a biennial competition challenging collegiate teams from around the world to design, build and operate solarpowered houses that are affordable, highly energy efficient, attractive and easy to live in. Students spend almost two years creating actual houses to compete in 10 categories including architecture, engineering and market appeal. See the entries Oct. 3-6 and 10-13 at the Orange County Great Park; admission is free. p. 63 FALL 2013 WHERE ORANGE COUNTY 9
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» SHOPPING Baubles That Pop
Dee earring in fuchsia jade at Kendra Scott
MIGUEL VASCONCELLOS
The facade at Kendra Scott, known for handcrafted statement jewelry and new at Fashion Island, features the brand’s medallion motif; inside you’ll find the jewelry displayed on white oval tables and at the signature Color Bar: With nearly 5-foot touch-screen display monitors, 26 kinds of gemstones and 23 jewelry silhouettes in both gold and rhodium silver settings, the Color Bar allows guests to customize their own one-of-a-kind jewelry. Scott founded her brand about a decade ago with $500; it now sells globally at retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and more than a thousand other boutiques worldwide. 235 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.258.9285 p. 66
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36884_
ExpEriEncE World-class shopping, dining and pErforming arts,
southern california style.
250 BoutiqueS, 30 reStAurAntS And SegerStroM center for the ArtS Anthropologie • Apple Store • BAlly • BottegA VenetA • Brioni • BurBerry • BVlgAri • cArtier chAnel • chloé • chopArd • coAch • dior • erMenegildo ZegnA • fendi • gucci hArry WinSton • iWc • J.creW • lAnVin • lego • longchAMp • louiS Vuitton • MichAel KorS oMegA • pottery BArn KidS • prAdA • rAlph lAuren • roger ViVier • roleX • SAint lAurent SAlVAtore ferrAgAMo • SephorA • tiffAny & co. • tod’S • tory Burch • tuMi • VAlentino • ZArA 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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County
» ARTS+CULTURE Cuts Above A Quest for Beauty: The Art of Van Cleef & Arpels, opening Oct. 27 at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, tells the story of the renowned jeweler through four design categories: nature, orientalism, elegance and femininity. The exhibition, featuring more than 200 pieces, traces its history since 1906, highlighting the craftsmanship of the jewelry as well as timepieces and other fashion accessories. Jewels of the Connoisseur, through Oct. 6, features some of the world’s rarest gemstones. The collection, owned by Buzz Gray, who cuts the gems, and Bernadine Johnston, who designs the settings, features stones generally not available to the nonconnoisseur because they are not found in large enough quantities to serve a commercial market. Among the 50 pieces is perhaps the world’s largest gem-quality-cut morganite, a peachy pink gemstone from the beryl family. p. 64
SOMETHING TO SEA! The historic Movieland Wax Museum site in Buena Park now houses two very different exhibitions. Bodies ... The Exhibition (p. 62) uses real, full-body specimens—not wax!—and organs to provide a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the miraculous human form rarely seen outside of an anatomy lab—a highly unusual experience. The epic story of the Ship of Dreams is revived at Titanic the Experience (p. 64). Travel back in time 101 years with artifacts recovered from the wreck site of the Titanic and storytellers in period costume.
WANG, FELIX BROEDE. BOWERS, COURTESY VAN CLEEF & ARPELS COLLECTION
Bodies ... The Exhibition in Buena Park
Van Cleef & Arpels, Zip Necklace, Transformable Into a Bracelet (1955), yellow gold, emeralds and diamonds
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KEY PIANISTS A pair of high-profile piano recitals at the RenĂŠe and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa open the 60th season of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist Olga Kern presents a Rachmaninoff program Oct. 4; a three-day recording session in the hall for record label Harmonia Mundi follows. Grammynominated and Echo Award-winning artist Yuja Wang brings her spectacular pianism to the hall Oct. 13, presenting works by Prokofiev, Chopin and Stravinsky. p. 62
Pianist Yuja Wang
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» DINING Dining in Fashion Fashion Island makes its bid as dining central, opening a number of fine and fun restaurants. Chief among them is Fig & Olive (p. 49), offering Mediterranean fare in a new structure on the center’s perimeter; Rick Bayless’ acclaimed Mexican mecca Red O follows soon in another. At the opposite end of the center, near the luxe Island Cinemas, are Lark Creek (p. 44), devoted to coastal cuisine as nutritional as it is flavorful, and fast-casual Lemonade (p. 44), offering seasonal Southern California comfort food—and lemonades, of course!
Barbecued-chicken tamale pancake at new Lark Creek
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fa s h i o n
Style for
J
Miles
Make room for cool. John Varvatos, designer to rock gods, shares the art of packing light—with maximum swagger.
ohn Varvatos is, like the musicians he dresses, on constant tour: When the New York City-based designer isn’t in his studio, he is on the road—in Milan for Fashion Week to show his menswear collection, jetting to Los Angeles for the John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit and traversing the globe in search of both inspiration and sites for his retail empire, which includes a boutique at South Coast Plaza. Once an over-packer, frequent flier Varvatos is now a lean, listmaking machine who simplifies without missing a sartorial beat. The Detroit native travels with equal parts elegance (his method for packing a suit is, in a word, genius) and attitude (he never leaves home without leather boots). Trust the man who outfits rock legends such as Iggy Pop, Slash and Gary Clark Jr. to put some swagger in your next trip.
If you could wake up anywhere tomorrow, where would that be? I love Paris, I love London, I love Tokyo, I love Florence, [but it would have to be] my getaway: the island of Mustique. It’s small, private and there isn’t much to do. It’s a place I go to shut out everything except my family and friends I’m with. My wife and I eloped there.... It’s a magical place. What’s your idea of the perfect travel outfit? A great-looking dress shirt you can take from
a business meeting and later on wear with a T-shirt and jeans. You can never go wrong with a great pair of dark jeans and boots. I’m not talking about Western boots. Our boots are Old World; they have an elegance to them and a worn-in look. If I have those core pieces, I can get through anything. What do you always have with you on a flight? A light scarf. On the plane, it keeps you warm, and if it’s made of cotton or silk, you can wear it to dinner as a tie. And my iPad—I call it my life. Any tips for packing light? Think about versatile items that can go from day to night, so that they can be both casually elegant and elegant. Less is more, in a way. I travel weeks on end, and I used to be an overpacker, but I travel better when [my packing
list] is concise. It’s a thought process. What are the things you’re going to be doing? Are you going to be out in the evenings? Are you going to business meetings? Make a list and pack what you need. Do you have a foolproof look for business meetings? I can get away with more, since I’m a designer. I show up at a meeting wearing a leather jacket—and it works. If you’re in the corporate world, you need a great-fitting suit no matter your size or weight. It’s not about the price. It’s about great tailoring. You automatically look more powerful when you have things that fit well. Even if you’re bigger, anything that gives you shape is better. What’s the most effective method for packing a suit? I struggle with it from time to time, depend-
Peter Frey + Andrea Martin Photography
How has travel influenced your work as a designer? Travel is the only time I’m not in meetings, and I have time to think. So, when I’m traveling, I’m watching people in the street. I’m going to flea markets, art galleries, vintageclothing stores and bookstores and looking at architecture and details on buildings and cars.
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Designer John Varvatos
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The Varvatos look, head to (below) toe
What are your favorite tunes on the road? Everyone thinks about me as rock ’n’ roll, but I’m actually a big jazz and blues fan. Right now, I’ve been listening to the new David Bowie album “The Next Day,” Boz Scaggs’ “Memphis,” Johnny Marr’s new “Messenger” and Gary Clark Jr.’s first album solo. Music is something I really enjoy, and it’s also a big stimulus. Depending on the energy I need, if I want to be laid-back, I could be listening to jazz or blues. If I’m designing or sketching, I’m usually listening to rock ’n’ roll. What kind of gent do you design for? Of course, we love artists, photographers and musicians, but it’s just someone with a creative bone, who has an affinity for details, whether it’s electronics, cars or their clothes. He has an appreciation for fine things, and he’s more concerned about style than fashion.
What does the suit look like this fall? It’s Cary Grant. [The silhouette] has more suppression at the waist. The shoulders are slightly sharper—not as rounded. That strength in the shoulder gives an Old Hollywood elegance and a more powerful look. We’re still in shorter-suit mode, but lengths are getting slightly longer. When you go hourglass, you have to go longer; otherwise, it makes you look hippy—even if you’re skinny.
and laughed a lot; it was almost melancholy when we’d finish shooting.
What are the easiest updates to make this season? A new suit we just talked about, preferably in midnight.... We’re also in a moment where it’s all about the jacket. It’s a tailored piece, not outerwear. You can dress it up, dress it down and turn the collar up.
John Varvatos, South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.5551, johnvarvatos.com
You were a mentor on NBC’s “Fashion Star.” What was the most thrilling part about being a TV personality? The thought of doing TV was daunting, but the reality is that it’s very much what I do every day. The difference is [on TV], the designers don’t have to listen to me. Here [at my studio], they have to listen to me. It was also fun working with [co-judges] Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson and our host, Louise Roe. We’re all really close friends
Your line debuted in 2000. Now the company is a global brand. What’s next? We’ll be opening in London, Bangkok and Singapore in spring 2014. I have a car coming out with Chrysler. I’m thinking of the possibility of doing a home collection. And we continue to do everything better, keep the bar raised high and never take our eye off what has gotten us here. above, kelsey mcneal/bravo. shoes, evans vestal ward/bravo
ing on the fabrics. If you get off a plane and have to go to a meeting without having a chance to get it pressed, travel with a light garment bag you can put overhead or hang up. If you’re bringing more than one suit, use a larger rectangular suitcase. If you flat-fold the jacket on a table with tissue in between the folds and across the sleeves, you can pull it out of your suitcase, hang it up and wear it immediately.
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Male Call NEW at THE LAB, FASHION ISLAND and south coast plaza
[ 1 ] KLEIN EPSTEIN & PARKER Made-to-measure fashion for all! Believing that fashion should be by and for the people, rather than by a designer far removed from an individual’s wants and needs, the trio presents an environment, at alternative shopping destination the Lab, where personal creativity meets precision: You make the decisions for fit, style, details and overall look. Choose your Italian fabric, threading, embroidery, buttons and under-collar felt color—for starters. Whether it’s a classic tuxedo or edgy jacket, pant or suit, you walk away with an exceptionally well fitting garment of your own imagining. The team’s own imaginings pair a new-rebel consciousness with an elevated sense of dress. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.668.9008, kleinepsteinparker.com [ 2 ] MOONLIGHT GRAHAM Earlier this year, the Old Towne Orange location of this all-American men’s boutique was, according to the website, “closed for vacation.” Talk about a working vacation! While closed, the boutique, which had already expanded to a prominent shopping center in Los Angeles, also opened under a short-term lease at Fashion Island—think pop-up with option to stay—even as it explores
half a dozen more possibilities. Having experienced the store’s cool nowand-retro vibe, and much admired the made-in-the-USA merchandise, we think the brand’s got legs. In addition to denim, Hawaiian shirts, T-shirts, footwear and really neato socks, you’ll find vintage vinyl records, not to mention CDs on its very own music label. 1003 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1506, moonlightgraham.net
[3]
[ 3 ] BRIONI Renowned for its madein-Italy craftsmanship and sartorial excellence, Brioni was founded in Rome in 1945 and has grown into a global luxury lifestyle brand. Specializing in handmade suits, Brioni has dressed countless Hollywood personalities, business leaders and heads of state—and James Bond in the films starring Pierce Brosnan and Daniel Craig. Brioni’s master tailors—some 900 of them, all of whom complete a four-year apprenticeship—are committed to innovation as well as impeccable fit. The brand recently became part of the Kering Group, which includes Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Balenciaga. Entry-level suits run about $5,000; custom suits start higher and can run up to $48,000. South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.427.0945, brioni.com. [1]
[2]
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dining
MEN in BACK There’s a legendary name on the door—but a talent worth knowing in the kitchen by ROGER GRODY
In an era of celebrity chefs who spend more time globetrotting and cutting business deals than cooking, the person whose name is on the door of a restaurant is rarely in the kitchen. In Las Vegas, marquees scream the names of absentee superchefs—Joël Robuchon, Thomas Keller, Mario Batali, Emeril Lagasse—who check into town once a month. There’s plenty of ghost cooking in Orange County, too.
C
harlie Palmer, the New York-based chef who made American cuisine cool, operates 12 restaurants and three hotels, so the chances of his being at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s when you arrive for dinner are remote. But in the kitchen of the South Coast Plaza restaurant, cooking true to Palmer’s vision, is executive chef Sea Kyeong Kim. He began working at Palmer’s flagship New York restaurant, Aureole, while still in culinary school, and with the exception of a Michelin-starred stint in Europe, Kim’s entire career has been spent with the organization. He believes there are advantages of working for a celebrity chef, particularly one who grants as much creative freedom as Palmer does. Kim cites the opportunity to learn culinary techniques and management skills from a renowned talent, and interaction with other worldclass chefs at charity events such as Palmer’s annual Pigs & Pinot. “Most of the time, what Charlie likes I like,” Kim says of the culinary style he and his boss tend to share, joking, “That’s why I’m still working for Charlie.” Kim insists that 100 percent of the menu is his, although he’s learned to anticipate what dishes his boss appreciates.
“If I’m not getting new ideas, I’ll look at his cookbooks for inspiration,” says the 36-year-old executive chef, noting that variations of Palmer signatures such as the scallop “sandwich” from Aureole’s inaugural menu (originally topped with foie gras) continue to please guests. Palmer encourages eclecticism and is fond of seeing Kim express his Korean roots in the kitchen, which results in dishes such as braised kimchee with veal sweetbreads topped with a sunny-sideup egg. Kimchee appears on menus at other Palmer restaurants, notably Aureole Las Vegas, and is a direct influence of the Orange County chef. “I love Charlie because he trusts his executive chefs at every location,” says Kim, fully aware that that kind of relationship is rare in the ego-driven world of culinary arts. ✱✱✱
Michael Mina’s dining empire currently stands at 17 restaurants, so the chef makes no pretense about riding the range at Stonehill Tavern, ensconced in the posh St. Regis Monarch Beach resort. But diners are in good hands with 35-year-old executive chef Raj Dixit, who previously cooked under New York heavyweight David Bouley and New Jersey’s Craig Shelton, one of the leading figures in the farm-to-table movement. At Stonehill Tavern, Dixit’s menu is ingredient-driven, and his dishes, while suiting the St. Regis’ elegant digs, maintain a modest sense of approachability. “There’s a huge advantage to working for a chef-operated restaurant group,” says Dixit, citing its creative environment and collaborative opportunities. He reports there are just a handful of dishes that can never come off the menu (e.g., tuna tartare, whole fried chicken, lobster pot pie), because people expect these jazzed-up comfort foods at a restaurant with Mina’s name on the
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Justin Miller, executive chef at David Myers’ Pizzeria Ortica. Opposite from left: Ross Pangilinan of Joachim Splichal’s Leatherby’s Café Rouge and Sea Kyeong Kim of Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s.
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door. “But we work through them and make them our own. You cook it like Michael would, but put your signature on it,” Dixit says, noting that chefs are conscious not to dramatically alter the core flavor profile. According to Dixit, no single dish on the menu most reflects his personal style, but he relishes ownership of the tasting menus. “I take a very seasonal approach, presenting a progression of dishes that builds with emotion,” he says, noting that two words apply to every bite in a Michael Mina restaurant: boldness and balance. To maintain consistency at all of those eateries around the world, the company employs a database known as the Recipe Exchange, or RX for short. Every dish ever served has been measured, costed-out and videotaped for sharing not only with fellow executive chefs, but line cooks as well. “It’s tedious and time-consuming, but it provides a great way to share recipes and interact with a community of chefs,” says Dixit, who very much admires Mina’s commitment to quality control and collaboration. ✱✱✱
Over the Last two decades, many gifted chefs have cooked at Patina Group restaurants throughout Southern California, yet these venues continue to be strongly associated with founding chef/partner, Joachim Splichal. Although his vision remains evident, the responsibility for several dozen food-service operations has forced him to master the art of delegation. Some former
chefs regale with tales of Splichal’s once-legendary temper, but an equal number note his incredible support and generosity, even when they leave to open their own restaurants. Two Patina Group properties convenient for Orange County concertgoers feature the cooking of exceptional young chefs. Executive chef Ross Pangilinan joined the Patina Group in 2005, working at Pinot Provence when he was just 21. Four years later, he was offered the executive-chef position at Leatherby’s Café Rouge. Despite rumors of strict corporate control, Pangilinan says he enjoys almost complete creative freedom. “Joachim gives me a lot of range to make my menu eclectic, and he’s never really said, ‘Take this dish off’ or ‘Keep this one on,’” Pangilinan says. He attributes that trust to his tenure with the organization, which included a stint as sous chef at Patina in downtown L.A. Pangilinan has even had the opportunity to introduce influences of his Filipino heritage into the menu, in dishes such as pork belly with spicy vinegar, mango and papaya, and sorbet made from exotic calamansi fruit. Pangilinan doesn’t feel crowded by the specter of Splichal. “If I was older, I might want a place with my own name on the door,” says the chef, but at just 29 years of age, he’s happy at Leatherby’s. He also believes his boss goes out of his way to promote him and his counterparts, putting their names on the menus and giving them the title of executive chef. Leatherby’s pre-theater clientele imposes far more restrictions. “You want to be creative, but you can’t get too crazy, because you have to get people out on time,” Pangilinan says. One dish that reflects the young chef’s style is a hamachi spring roll wrapped in ponzu gelée and plated with wasabi oil. Alfonso Ramirez took over as executive chef at nearby Pinot Provence about a year ago; he’d worked on the line at the original Patina on Melrose Avenue when he was just starting his career. Although he went on to cook for other celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Celestino Drago, he’s extremely comfortable with the Patina Group’s corporate culture. Ramirez doesn’t take for granted the experience he’s gained at the hands of both Splichal and Puck. “There’s not a chef in the city that hasn’t gone through one of their kitchens, and we should be humbled and grateful for the opportunity,” he says.
Like his colleague at Leatherby’s, Ramirez enjoys considerable creative discretion. Although he reports that menus are reviewed carefully at the corporate offices, the chef takes credit for authoring more than 90 percent of the Pinot Provence menu. “If there’s something Joachim doesn’t like, he’ll tell you,” says Ramirez, but he emphasizes that his boss places a healthy level of trust in all of his executive chefs. “I’d like to imagine he gives me more freedom because I’ve been in the organization for years, but that’s just not the case,” he says. Among the dishes on the menu at Pinot Provence that reflect Ramirez’s sensibilities are a Parmesan- and egg-topped asparagus gratin, a crab-and-melon salad with coriander yogurt, and a lamb cassoulet. Ramirez is not overly eager to break out on his own. As the son of a chef—his father cooked with the legendary Jean-Louis Palladin in Washington, D.C.—he knows the corporate offices protect him from tedious issues of accounting, public relations and legal matters. “Unless it was a great opportunity with minimal risk and total culinary freedom, it wouldn’t be for me,” says the 35-year-old chef. But the Patina Group does everything it can to ensure a chef’s success when he or she decides to move on. “I am extremely supportive of chefs venturing out on their own,” says Splichal, who prefers to promote from within the company. “When they work for us, I try to teach them that a restaurant is a business.” ✱✱✱
When the owner is David Myers, an L.A. chef whose approach to cooking maintains a rare balance between intellect and passion, diners naturally have high expectations—even for a pizzeria. Myers’ name may be on the door at Costa Mesa’s Pizzeria Ortica, but it’s executive chef Justin Miller who’s firing up the wood-burning Neapolitan oven that defines the place. Miller, a 33-year-old Orange County native and dedicated surfer, worked at Orange County’s Mastro’s Steakhouse and Dolce before joining the team that opened Ortica in 2009. A year later, he was executive chef, and he describes his relationship with Myers as a true collaboration. “He’s always a phone call away if I want to bounce a menu idea off him. He travels and tastes a lot, so he’s always up on what’s new and what’s good,” says Miller, who particularly
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Raj Dixit of Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern. Opposite: Alfonso Ramirez of Joachim Splichal’s Pinot Provence
appreciates his boss’s commitment to quality ingredients. “It’s not like working for a numbers guy who’s just looking at food costs,” he adds, noting that Myers allows him to splurge for world-class veggies at Rancho Santa Fe’s Chino Farms. Classic French cuisine at Michelin-starred kitchens dominated Myers’ early career, whereas Miller was exposed to more rustic cooking. “Where we come together,” Miller says, “is a philosophy that focuses on the best ingredients cooked simply.” Like most of his peers, Miller has dreamed about opening his own place since the first day of culinary school, but for now he enjoys his work at Pizzeria Ortica, where he has complete control over seasonal specials. Regarding his boss’s visits, Miller says, “When he’s in the kitchen, his passion really drives your energy.” Myers, whose newest restaurant is L.A.’s trendy Hinoki & the Bird, says of Miller, “Chef Justin is curious about food and how to make it. I think that specific trait is important to have in order to continue to be creative and happy as a chef. The two of us are very similar in that way.” Climbing his way up the ladder, Myers himself worked in the shadow of some very famous chefs, among them Charlie Trotter in Chicago and Gérard Boyer in France,
and those experiences helped him develop his mentoring philosophy. “I learned how important it is to set someone up for success from the very beginning,” Myers says. “That means giving them access to great ingredients and the freedom to help build a brand, then really letting them own the project.” ✱✱✱
RED O OPENS SOON AT FASHION ISLAND. Like the Red O in Los Angeles, it features a menu by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, whose PBS series, books and acclaimed Chicago restaurants have made the Oklahoma-born gringo America’s leading authority on Mexican cuisine. When President Obama hosted his Mexican counterpart at a state dinner, Bayless was in the White House kitchen. For some reason, perhaps because of Red O’s reputation as a hip scene, its cuisine doesn’t always receive the respect it deserves. After a meal there, however, many diners gain an entirely new perspective on Mexican cooking, thanks to highquality ingredients and Bayless’ sophisticated accents. Specialties such as taquitos stuffed with crispy Sonoma duck in a tomato-chile de árbol salsa, halibut or ahi ceviche dressed in a
cilantro-serrano “chimichurri,” and addictive pork-belly sopes almost make you feel like you’re experiencing a brand-new cuisine. At time of writing, candidates were still competing for the title of executive chef at the Newport Beach location, but much can be learned from the experiences of Efren Cardenas, executive chef at Red O on L.A.’s Melrose Avenue. Cardenas fully appreciates his access to Bayless’ years of recipe development and unrivaled culinary knowledge. “It’s an excellent opportunity for me to grow as a chef and learn from one of the pioneers of Mexican cuisine in the U.S.,” says Cardenas, who has cooked at Red O since it opened in 2010. He and Bayless are in constant communication as they tweak the menu and create new dishes. “I try to bring the bold flavors of his cuisine and incorporate local California ingredients to keep the menu seasonal and fresh,” says Cardenas, who reports that he and Bayless share the philosophy of supporting local farmers and using ingredients that represent specific regions of Mexico. For now, the 36-year-old is content with his position at Red O and looks forward to growing with the brand as it expands to Orange County and beyond.
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golf
Worth a shot GENERAL MANAGERS and PGA pros At the county’s finest golf courses TALK ABOUT the HOLEs They love and the HOLES they love to hate—and how to beat them BOTH. And why you should tee up at their club first. BY JOHN WEYLER
Here’s the thing about golf: The game is so difficult, so frustrating, so filled with negatives, yet we manage to focus on a few positives. Maybe it’s that one birdie during an otherwise horrible round, or the one 4-iron shot that flew straight and true, or a high-five with a buddy after snaking in a long putt—or just a memory of the cool sea air against your cheek. ❡ There are few places on earth that a golfer would rather be than on a course, looking down the fairway at a beautifully designed hole—or a devilishly designed hole—taking in the risks, considering the rewards, and ready to take another swing … knowing this could be the one that will be the focus of all conversation on the 19th hole. ❡ We asked some of our finest PGA pros and general managers to describe their favorite and most challenging holes, and the reasons theirs is the course to play.
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Anaheim Hills GOLF COURSE
Anaheim / 6,266 yards / Par 71 Cameron M. Carr, PGA, General Manager What makes the course unique “Anaheim Hills is a relatively short par 71, but it has some teeth and plays pretty tough for most golfers. The change in elevation throughout the course is what we’re known for, as well as multiple blind tee shots that give the course its distinctive character. ‘The Hills’ is a mustplay when visiting Orange County if you’re looking for a course with great services and course conditions and a challenging layout.” Favorite hole “No. 15. It’s a short par 4, only 366 yards, with an elevated tee box and surrounded by some spectacular views. It’s a great hole because of the dramatic downhill tee shot to a narrow fairway. It’s always fun to see your ball stay in the air for a couple extra seconds.”
Hardest hole “Although it isn’t rated the hardest on the course, in my book No. 5 plays the toughest. It’s a daunting, 254-yard downhill par 3 that typically plays into the wind. For the average golfer, it’s a driver or at least a 3-wood for sure. The best way to take on this hole is to hit your 225-yard club, favoring the right side. If you hit it well, it will kick up onto the green for a rare birdie chance. If you don’t hit the shot perfect, you’ll be short and right of the green, which leaves you with the easiest chip or pitch to try to get a par. A par is golden on this tough hole!”
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
contemporary reinvention of the good life of classic Orange County. We’re the only course in the county without a single house on the course. Also, there are no linking holes, so once you start on the first tee, you’re alone to explore the beauty and challenge of the course as it winds its way through the canyon. From the beef brisket slow-cooking on the smoker at O’Neill’s Bar & Grill to the expansive views of the Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve, the course exudes ranch style and luxury at every turn. The course, designed by Tom Lehman and Casey O’Callaghan, opened in July 2004, making it the newest golf course in Orange County. It’s an adventure you’ll want to take over and over.”
What makes the course unique “The second you arrive, you’re immediately immersed in the relaxed, California ranch atmosphere—a
Favorite hole “No. 13, a par 3, 190 yards. It’s a long and difficult par 3 that forces you to carry the ball at least 170 yards over water. The lake also lines the right side of
Mission Viejo / 6,439 yards / Par 72 Michael T. Block, Head Professional
The hardest hole on Pelican Hill’s Ocean South Course: No. 18
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complex with a false front and protected by a deep bunker right and tight collars left. A par on No. 9 is a great score for any skill level golfer. It takes two great shots and two great putts, because Fazio created terrific illusions on the green, and the green is always faster than it looks.”
Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Hole 10— Tom McCray's favorite
the green. If you bail out to the left, you’ll find the greenside bunker. The shot out of the bunker to the pin is challenging, with the lake ominously lurking behind the pin. In the afternoon, this hole is one of the most beautiful scenes on the course. The hills of Rancho Mission Viejo Reserve turn amber during sunset, and the contrast between the golden hills and the tranquil blue of the lake make for the perfect natural color palette. Throw in the innate challenge of the hole and, as a golfer, there’s no other place you’d rather be.” Hardest hole “No. 12. It’s a long par 4—498 yards—that forces you to carry your drive at least 220 yards off the tee. A canyon lines the entire right side of the fairway, creating a scenic, but dangerous, hazard. Your second shot—normally played with a fairway wood or long iron—must be pinpoint accurate. If you hit to the left, there’s a Pinehurst-style runoff area adjacent to the green. If you go there, you’ve essentially taken par out of the equation. The right side of the green has a bunker (with a 10-foot lip) standing guard. If you’re skilled enough to evade these obstacles, the large green is full of breaks and undulation and makes a two-putt difficult. My best advice: be aggressive with a long drive, use the slope of the hill to carry extra yardage, therefore lowering the distance to the green on your second shot, increasing accuracy. Take your time aligning your putt, and plan on lots of break.”
Pelican Hill Golf Club
Newport Coast / Ocean North Course / 6,481 yards / Par 71 Ocean South Course / 6,200 yards / Par 70 Steve Friedlander, General Manager
What makes the courses unique “Tom Fazio designed both courses to fit into the environment like they have been here for hundreds of years, using all of the natural elevation changes and natural coastal sage scrub environment to perfection. There are Pacific Ocean views from all 36 holes. Three Ocean South course holes are on bluffs right on the ocean. We have a professional forecaddie program, the best-conditioned greens in SoCal, and an eco-friendly, stateof-the-art water system. Did I mention the Tom Fazio design and the Pacific Ocean?” Favorite hole (North) “No. 12, because I made a hole in one on it…. Actually, No. 17 is a favorite of mine and of many guests, a terrific three-shot par 5 with great risk/ reward challenges starting with the tee shot. How close to the bunker on the right do you want to risk to be rewarded with a shorter second shot? Each of the three shots necessary to set up a birdie has risk/reward opportunities for every skill level golfer. The green complex looks like it’s on the edge of the world with the ocean in the background.” Favorite hole (South) “No. 13, one of Tom Fazio’s best designs of a short par 3. Mostly because there are two greens surrounded by sand to make them look like islands. They are on the bluff right on the ocean; the views forever in every direction are spectacular.” Hardest hole (North) “No. 9 demands an excellent tee shot to a narrowing fairway protected by a bunker right at the end of the fairway and then an approach with a mid- to long iron or hybrid into an elevated green
Hardest hole (South) “No. 18, an incredible finishing hole demanding a perfect and long tee shot and then a mid- to long iron or hybrid of all carry distance into an elevated green, one of the larger and more undulated greens at Pelican Hill. The green is protected by several bunkers front right and left, and it’s very challenging to read the many breaks. The view from the tee box is spectacular, as is the view from the green looking back to the ocean. All of the senses are engaged, and many a bet has been won or lost on No. 18 South.”
Strawberry Farms Golf Club Irvine / 6,276 yards / Par 71 Tom McCray, Head Professional
What makes the course unique “The conditions of Strawberry Farms are among the best in the county, and the beauty of the landscape is always part of a golf shop conversation with new customers after a round. These aesthetics, accompanied with the challenge of the Jim Lipe design, make it something you do not want to miss. Keep your eyes open, because many major-league ballplayers and NFL stars can be seen coming to visit our course developer, former Angel third baseman Doug DeCinces.” Favorite hole “My favorite hole is No. 10. It’s a short par 4 that sits on top of the banks of the reservoir looking down at what looks like a very narrow fairway. You have the option of taking a driver over the bunkers, leaving yourself a short wedge approach, or playing safe with a layup and leaving a mid-iron. Any pull or push on a driver shot will lead to a hazardy grave and a drop area third swing. Views in every direction are the best on the course.” Hardest hole “Hole No. 12 is the longest hole in Orange County. It’s a dogleg left, uphill, 630-yard par 5 with a hazard playing the entire length of the right side. You need to play three long shots to reach in regulation. Make sure your fairway woods are tuned up at the range before teeing off. The yardage off the course GPS system is accurate, but you’ll need to add at least one club on your approach due to the elevation of the putting surface.”
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exploring
Metro Cities
Costa Mesa, a retail, cultural and business center, adjoins Irvine and Santa Ana, the county seat.
➺Where is the heart of Orange County? Irvine, home of the historic Irvine Ranch, is O.C.’s financial Costa Mesa
On one side of Bristol Street is South Coast Plaza, whose annual sales of $1.5 billion is highest among the nation’s shopping destinations. On the other is the county’s center of culture—two concert halls and its largest repertory theater—and business high-rises. Henry Segerstrom and his family founded South Coast Plaza in 1967 on a lima bean field where as a youth he’d driven a tractor. Today, South Coast Plaza and its Bear Street wing, connected by the Bridge of Gardens, offer hundreds of stores, boutiques and restaurants. The state-designated tourist attraction boasts the nation’s highest concentration of elite retailers, including Christian Louboutin shoes, Assouline books and new Brioni for men and Lanvin for women; superb dining options include Marché Moderne and The Capital Grille. It’s an easy walk to the “arts campus,” the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory and, in the not-too-distant future, Orange County Museum of Art. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, built in 1986 mainly with Segerstrom money on Segerstrom land, includes 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, presenting a range of genres including dance and Broadway musicals, and the newer Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, a 2,000seat facility designed by Cesar Pelli that hosts events as diverse as tributes to Mahler and
Paul McCartney. There are two intimate venues within the venues, Founders Hall and Samueli Theater, respectively. Renowned South Coast Repertory, which has three stages inside its Folino Theatre Center, opened at its present location in 1978, also with Segerstrom family donations of land and money. Nearby, among Town Center’s professional buildings, is one of the nation’s premier collections of outdoor art. Start, or end, at the 1.6-acre California Scenario (near Anton Boulevard) by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Metro Pointe and South Coast Plaza Village—whose movie theater is often ahead of the curve with top foreign films—are a crosswalk away. All three retail centers are accessible from North or South County hotels, thanks to dedicated taxi and motor coach service, and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner delivers visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles to the Santa Ana train station. To the west is the new South Coast Collection of design showrooms. Of note to foodies is Surfas Culinary District, new ARC restaurant and the farmers market on Saturdays. The hip OC Mix features 30 vendors including Savory Spice Stop and Stoned Jewelry as well as Shuck Oyster Bar. South on Bristol are The Lab and The Camp. The Lab is a center with shops you’d likely find on L.A.’s hip Melrose Avenue; menswear line Klein Epstein & Parker is new.
Opposite is the Camp, set amid woods, aluminum and piped-in sounds of brooks and crickets. Dining options include Ecco for fabulous pizzas, Taco Asylum for unusual tacos, Umami Burger and Wine Lab. Newly rebranded dine-and-play center The Triangle unveils several new restaurants including Saddle Ranch Chop House; highend Tavern + Bowl bowling alley opens presently. The Orange County Fair and Event Center hosts events year-round, the county fair in July and concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre.
Santa Ana
Hip, arts-minded downtown Santa Ana offers the Artists Village, Santora Arts Complex and Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center. A centerpiece of the East End Promenade along historic Fourth Street is the Yost Theater, now a concert venue. The area is filled with restaurants such as Playground and bars. Historical highlights include the Queen Anne-style home of Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, and the Old County Courthouse, a setting for numerous movies. Bowers Museum recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Bowers offers blockbuster exhibitions mounted with the world’s major museums. Visitors also view pre-Columbian artifacts, Pacific Island art or artifacts from American whalers two centuries back; a real gem is its permanent exhibit of local history.
IRVINE SPECTRUM and concert hall, edwin santiagO; bowers, kirill POPOV
hub. Santa Ana is the county seat. Tustin’s massive twin hangars are near the county’s geographic center. But Costa Mesa residents would say their city is hands-down the county’s heart and its cultural soul.
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The Discovery Science Center’s mammoth tilting cube is perched seemingly inches off Interstate 5; a $62 million expansion and renovation now underway will nearly double the center’s size. Westfield MainPlace houses Macy’s, Nordstrom and 200 shops. Intimate Santa Ana Zoo, in Prentice Park, is home to 250 species and features a primate exhibit, African aviary and children’s zoo.
Irvine
Its Giant Wheel can be seen for miles along the 5, 405 and 133 freeways. But it’s the Irvine Spectrum Center’s 150 shops, many of them entertainment-related, top-notch restaurants including Cucina Enoteca and Paul Martin’s American Grill, and the nation’s most visited movie complex, that together draw more visitors annually than Disneyland. Irvine Barclay Theatre, at UC Irvine, presents an impressive roster of music, dance and dramatic events; there’s not a bad seat in the house. Nearby is the UCI Arboretum (Jamboree Road and Campus Drive, 949.824.5833). San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary (Michelson Drive between Jamboree Road and Culver Drive, 949.261.7963) offers 10 miles of trails through coastal fresh-water marshlands. The Irvine Museum houses Joan Irvine Smith’s collection of California Impressionist art on the ground floor of an office building. The one developed corner of the Orange County Great Park offers a farmers market and other outdoor events, an arts complex and a carousel; you can ride 400 feet up in the iconic tethered orange balloon. The restored blacksmith shop and general store of Old Town Irvine (Sand Canyon Avenue and Burt Road, 949.660.9112), near Interstate 5, now house a hotel and restaurants.
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. (Opposite, left to right) Carousel at Irvine Spectrum Center; Bowers Museum in Santa Ana
Irvine offers a relatively problem-free world carved from the Irvine Co.’s land holdings. The vibe extends to John Wayne Airport, whose pleasant ambience and ease of departure and arrival make it vastly superior to LAX.
Tustin
Forbes magazine recently listed Tustin in its Top 25 places “to live well.” The city, known for its fine parks and its century-old trees, has preserved many of its 1870s buildings along Main Street and El Camino Real. The District at Tustin Legacy, at Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, is a sprawling shopping center with scores of shops. Draws
G r e at F i n d
include restaurants such as The Winery and Bluewater Grill, a cineplex, bowling at Bowlmor, outdoor fireplaces, a stage for bands and giant video walls. The nearby twin hangars are 1,000 feet long, 17 stories tall and have five acres of open space within each. The Market Place, on Jamboree Road off Interstate 5, is older and even more sprawling. Though it’s often referred to as the Tustin Market Place, part of it is actually in Irvine. The Marconi Automotive Museum displays 80 vehicles, notably Ferraris and historic open-wheel race cars. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see page 79.
/ good will toward women
➺For those familiar with Goodwill thrift stores, the new Tustin location’s name alone— OC Goodwill Boutique—suggests a very different shopping experience. And it doesn’t disappoint. The new concept store features designer clothing—designers such as Gucci and Christian Dior—as well as housewares and furniture. Fashion-conscious shoppers find merchandise stylishly displayed as it might be at Urban Outfitters or American Rag. Revenue supports job training and placement services for people facing barriers to employment. And as at all Goodwill locations, there’s no sales tax! 502 E. First St., Tustin, ocgoodwill.org
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exploring
The Coast
The county’s prime beach communities include Newport Beach, Balboa, Corona del Mar and Huntington Beach.
➺Newport Beach offers the county’s most pleasant shopping destination, countless fine restaurants and Newport Beach
Newport Beach and its environs have been called California’s Riviera. Sandy beaches and bougainvillea are a backdrop to yachts and dream homes, from cottages to some of the nation’s most expensive real estate. Its retail center is Newport Center, near Jamboree Road, Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard. Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s are anchors at elegant and relaxed shopping destination Fashion Island. Island Cinema offers leather seats and wine service. Kendra Scott jewelry, See Eyewear, Fig & Olive restaurant and a Whole Foods Market with tavern and tearoom are new. The Orange County Museum of Art, Also in Newport Center, focuses on 20th century California artists and throws hip fetes. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, aka the Back Bay, boasts some 160 species of birds. Hike, bike or jog along 10 miles of trails. Rowing and kayaking are popular; rent equipment from Newport Aquatic Center (North Star County Beach, 1 Whitecliffs Drive, 949.646.7725). Moe B’s Watersports (949.729.1150) offers sailboats, kayaks, pedal boats and electric-boat rentals; a guided kayak tour of the marshlands departs Sundays at 10 am ($15 includes kayak rental). There are also Segway tours of the Back Bay ($75). Newport Beach boasts the world’s largest small-boat harbor. Mariner’s Mile, along
Coast Highway, is lined with restaurants, luxury-car showrooms and yacht clubs. Private charters and narrated harbor cruises, aboard vessels including luxury dining cruisers and romantic gondolas, depart from Mariner’s Mile as well as from Balboa Pavilion (see Balboa, below), and pass huge luxury abodes. All manner of boat rentals are possible, from canoes and kayaks to motorboats and surrey-fringed electric boats. The “beach” in Newport Beach includes two piers, Balboa and Newport, great sandy expanses and one of the cleanest and most colorful bike paths and boardwalks anywhere. The action never stops around Newport Pier, off Newport Boulevard on McFadden Square. The Dory Fishing Fleet leaves soon after the bars close in the wee hours of the morn; you can visit the open-air fish market after the sun comes up. The fleet, begun in 1889, is the last beach-side fishing cooperative of its kind in the United States.
Balboa
To reach the Balboa Pier, continue southeast on Newport Boulevard (its name changes to Balboa Boulevard at 22nd Street), turn right on Palm Street and park in the metered lot. The Wedge, where the peninsula meets the harbor jetty, is one of the world’s most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding spots. Currents and riptides can be dangerous, so
don’t go in the water unless you really know what you’re doing. Watching is fun enough. On the harbor side of Balboa Peninsula are the Balboa Pavilion and a Fun Zone, marking 75 years, whose few remaining rides include a Ferris wheel. Try a custom-dipped Balboa Bar or frozen banana. Take advantage of the Balboa Bay Front Webcam at the Harbour House coffee shop; find a sunny seat outside, call friends in snowbound or humid states, have them log on to talesofbalboa.com and gloat! The Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is transforming itself into ExplorOcean. Balboa Pavilion, a 1905 gabled, cupolatopped structure, is the depot for boat excursions: harbor tours, whale-watching trips and Santa Catalina cruises. As classic pop-song lyrics attest, Catalina, known for its beaches, buffalo and glass-bottom boats, is “26 miles across the sea.” The city of Avalon is 75 minutes away via the catamaran Catalina Flyer. The Balboa Island Ferry is a three-car shuttle between docks on the Balboa Peninsula and Balboa Island, a tightknit community featuring charming cottages, shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Marine Avenue is the island’s only nonresidential street.
Corona del Mar
Heading south along Coast Highway takes you past Corona del Mar Plaza, where upscale destinations include Sienna Brown
surf shop, edwin santiago; PIER, SARAH HADLEY. OPPOSITE: balboa, ian white
gorgeous golf, not to mention its most coveted real estate. Along the coast, you’ll find wide sandy beaches, the world’s largest pleasure-boat harbor, renowned piers and Surf City USA.
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and Savory Spice Shop as well as new Beauty Collection and Sprinkles Ice Cream. Corona del Mar, whose streets are named for flowers, has expansive beaches and some of the country’s most expensive real estate. On East Coast Highway, just south of MacArthur Boulevard, is Sherman Library & Gardens, offering 2,000 plant species on two landscaped acres. Consider a repast at Café Jardin or the Tea Garden Crêperie. Coast Highway is lined with elegant design showrooms, rug dealers and boutiques. To find Corona del Mar State Beach, head south on Marguerite from Coast Highway, turn right on Ocean Boulevard, then follow signs to the parking lot below. You’ll find bodysurfing, volleyball, fire pits and facilities. Picturesque Little Corona Beach is just south. South of Corona del Mar is Newport Coast. Crystal Cove Shopping Center offers boutiques such as Jenny Lee, At Ease for Men and Novecento and Mastro’s Ocean Club, Bluefin, Javier’s and Tamarind restaurants. Nearby are Crystal Cove State Park, with miles of sandy coves and miles of trails, and gorgeous Pelican Hill Golf Club.
Huntington Beach
Surf City USA has gotten more sophisticated since 1963, when the Jan and Dean hit Surf City topped charts. Though Huntington Beach retains some of its sand-in-the-cracks, beachtown personality, shops along Main Street, fine-dining options and luxury hotels have resulted in a dramatic transformation. The action is near the water. Main Street is a promenade with lots of surf-wear and beachwear shops, a Surfing Walk of Fame and the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Tenants at The Strand, at Pacific
Balboa Island. (Opposite, left to right) Huntington Beach surf shop; Balboa Pier in Newport Beach.
Coast Highway and Fifth Street, include Forever 21, Rip Curl, RA Sushi and new Bruxie. Adjacent to Huntington Beach Pier Plaza are restaurants including Duke’s and Sandy’s HB; the plaza often hosts street performers, art shows and live bands. A statue of a surfer at Coast Highway and Huntington Street captures the town’s spirit. The area offers three beaches: Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach are popular for surfing and volleyball as well as for fire rings and nighttime weenie roasts. Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve (714.840.1575), near Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway,
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offers 200 species of migratory birds in a saltmarsh setting with a 1.5-mile loop trail. Inland, at Talbert Avenue and Goldenwest Street, is 350-acre Huntington Central Park; the park encompasses Shipley Nature Center (714.842.4772), an equestrian center, a Frisbee golf course, two “lakes” and the city’s Central Library (714.842.4481)—which has the largest children’s library in the state. Bella Terra is a Tuscan-themed shopping destination with cobblestone walkways. Draws include outdoor sports specialist REI and a 20-screen cineplex. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see pages 78-79.
/ sugar high
➺B.Candy is a whimsical one-stop shop overflowing with all manner of sweet treats, with a
special emphasis on the old-fashioned and hard to find. You’ll find whizpops, gobstoppers, sour-licorice ropes and feather-light chocolates amid a riot of vibrant decor elements such as the candi-liers hanging overhead. Homemade ice cream often comes in unusual flavors— potato-chip ice cream! Candy is sold in bulk or prepackaged. There are also cupcakes and gifts. You just might feel like kicking your heels when you leave. 3100 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.3910, bcandy.com
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exploring
South Coast
colorful cities on or near the coast include Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point.
➺Four of the county’s most historic cities are nestled into its southern corner: Laguna Beach, Dana Laguna Beach
It’s fitting that you pass Laguna College of Art + Design as you enter the county’s original art colony along Laguna Canyon Road. Admire the sculptures! In fact, it is easy to spend a day along the thoroughfare before ever entering the city proper, especially during the summer, when it hosts three art festivals— Festival of Arts, Art-A-Fair and the Sawdust Art Festival—and the renowned “living tableaux” presentation, Pageant of the Masters. Acclaimed Laguna Playhouse offers both comedic and profound fare year-round. Laguna Canyon Road becomes Broadway, then comes to a T at Main Beach and Coast Highway. Turn left toward downtown or right toward Laguna Art Museum and you’ll find galleries, boutiques, restaurants. Laguna Art Museum presents modern and contemporary art, mostly by California painters; often explores pop culture; and displays art from Laguna’s past, including lots of seascapes. Steps away are coastal vistas at Heisler Park and a stretch of Coast Highway called North Gallery Row, where you’ll find Hobrecht Sports Gallery (350 N. Coast Hwy., 949.945.3283) and Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry (352 N. Coast Hwy., 949.715.0953). Historical cottages dot the neighborhoods above. On a steep hillside is the Hortense Miller Garden (open by appointment, 22511 Allview Terrace, 949.497.3311, Ext. 426).
Main Beach gets action year-round. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a playground and a boardwalk popular with walkers and joggers, and one more major attraction: The beach is just across the street from scores of the distinctive shops and galleries that give the city its distinctive aura. Get deeper into the action in the downtown heart of Laguna, also known to locals as the Village. Must-sees include the sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery (326 Glenneyre St., 888.972.5543) and Left Turn Jewelry (305 Forest Ave., 866.954.5338). South along Coast Highway are dining options including K’ya Bistro Bar at La Casa del Camino and posh Studio at the Montage.
Dana Point
Richard Henry Dana, the seaman who wrote 1840’s Two Years Before the Mast, described the area now named for him as “the only romantic spot” on the California coast, noting its “grandeur” and “solemnity.” The grandeur is still there, but you won’t find much solemnity along Harbor Drive, now bustling with boaters, diners, shoppers and those headed to see the tall clipper ships in port. In addition to its sand and shore, Doheny State Beach offers five acres of lawn. Families picnic, couples rent bicycles. An interpretive center focuses on the underwater Doheny State Marine Life Refuge. The beach hosts
events including Lobsterfest in June, a surf competition in July and outrigger racing in August. Busiest day of the year? Fourth of July, with fireworks launched from a barge. Make your way along Harbor Drive to the tide pools at the end of the harbor’s rocky ledge. Public benches are a stone’s throw from seals basking on sea-logged boulders; take in both the quiet beauty of the harbor and the roar of the surf against the rocks. Dana Point Harbor offers 2,500 slips for vessels of all sizes, three yacht clubs, a fishing pier and Dana Wharf Sportfishing, which also offers whale-watching trips. The Ocean Institute displays the Pilgrim, a full-sized replica of the square-rigged brig on which Dana sailed, docked adjacent to the fishing pier. Wharf highlights include the White Pelican for Native American jewelry (34475 Golden Lantern St., 949.240.1991) and the Harbor Grill seafooder, known for its oysters. North of town are luxury hotels featuring superior dining—Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis, and Raya at the Ritz-Carlton—and pristine Salt Creek Beach Park.
San Juan Capistrano
There’s no beach in this burg, but there’s plenty of history, style and charm. And there is no passing up a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano, often credited with being the birthplace of Orange County. It was founded
LOS RIOS, edwin santiago; laguna, kirill popov. dana point, idris erba. great find, sarah trainor
Point and San Clemente along Coast Highway, and nearby San Juan Capistrano. Whether for shopping, dining, history or just tantalizing poetic beauty, these small burgs have spectacular offerings.
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by Father Junipero Serra in 1776, the same year America was born. It took nine years to build its Great Stone Church, completed in 1806; it took just a minute for an earthquake to destroy it six years later, killing 40 people. The priests left the ruins, a dramatic benchmark of the struggle to build California. The dome atop the nearby rail station was made with stones from the ruins. Priests still celebrate Mass in the Serra Chapel; the original adobe walls shelter a magnificent Baroque altarpiece decorated with 52 carved gold-leaf angels. The 10-acre site is filled with walkways, gardens, fountains and exhibits. Mission events include the renowned Swallows’ Day Parade in March. Just across the train tracks is the Los Rios Historic District. A stroll along Los Rios Street is a most pleasant experience; 31 homes, the earliest dating to 1794, look as they did in centuries past. Near the train station is the O’Neill Museum (31831 Los Rios St., 949.493.8444), home to the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. The Ramos House Café, in an 1881 board-and-batten house, offers an unforgettable breakfast. Camino Capistrano is lined with shops and restaurants. One of South County’s most popular taverns is the colorful Swallow’s Inn (31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188). For a different kind of nightlife, consider the nearby Camino Real Playhouse (31776 El Camino Real, 949.489.8082). San Juan Capistrano Regional Library (31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752) is a postmodern masterpiece by architect Michael Graves. San Juan Capistrano is the county’s equestrian center; luxurious residences, many with their own stables, surround the city. Eight miles east is Ronald W. Caspers
Beach in Dana Point. (Opposite, left to right) Sign at Los Rios Historic District in San Juan Capistrano, Brown’s Park in Laguna Beach.
Wilderness Park (33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210).
San Clemente
La Casa Pacifica, President Richard Nixon’s “Western White House,” has long since been broken up into million-dollar homes by a private developer. But one grand, historic home you can see is Casa Romantica (415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139), once the residence of the city’s founder, oil entrepreneur Ole Hanson. It’s on a hillside overlooking San Clemente Pier and is now the Cultural Center and Gardens, with galleries and a popular veranda. From the pier, the sun sets across the blue
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water between Catalina Island and the Dana Point bluffs—just look past the constant stream of surfers. Metrolink and Amtrak trains run alongside the beach and stop right at the pier. The best shopping and dining is on Avenida del Mar, lined with antique stores and galleries, and El Camino Real, where you’ll find the wine-country cuisine of Vine. Talega Golf Club, in the hills above the city, has a popular championship layout designed with input from Masters champion Fred Couples. Sundried Tomato is among the draws at Talega Village Center. For bold items, see listing in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 79.
/ taking roots
➺Smart and chic Roots the Beauty Underground specializes in non-toxic cosmetics for
men, women and children and personalized hair services including haircuts, organic color and protein treatments. How personalized? Roots books only one client at a time. Makeup application and temporary tooth jewels are also offered. Products include aromatherapy, bath and body, nail care, skin care, sunscreens and a self-tanner. Owner Laura Linsenmayer, a Laguna Beach native, is committed to “cosmetics that are as clean as possible” and to “high-performance results.” 384 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.424.4266, roots-beauty.com
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eXPLOring
North County
anaHeiM, BUena ParK, Orange and fULLertOn Offer tHeMe ParKS and OtHer attraCtiOnS.
(Left to right) Angel Stadium and Anaheim Packing House
became a household name, German immigrants made the area California’s first wine country. It still fuels high times and joyful memories with world-class attractions that make it the gateway to endless fun.
Anaheim
Making millions of dreams come true every year, Disneyland is beloved by children of every age. Since Walt Disney opened the main gate in 1955, families have made the pilgrimage, starting on Main Street, U.S.A.; today they explore eight lands, from Frontierland to Toontown. Captured in countless vacation photographs, iconic landmarks such as the snowcapped Matterhorn, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and the Haunted Mansion beckon even as new attractions debut. Enjoy Mickey’s Soundsational Parade and, in the Fantasyland Theatre, the new live show Mickey and the Magical Map. Travel to corners of the universe in 3-D on Star Tours: The Adventures Continue in Tomorrowland. Sister park Disney California Adventure launched Cars Land, adding 12 acres and three attractions—notably Radiator Springs Racers—inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars. Guests enter along Buena Vista Street, evoking the era when Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles; Carthay Circle Theatre houses an elegant restaurant. World of Color wows nightly with choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. The thrills never end at California Screamin’, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and, for the less daring, Soarin’ Over California, an amazing simulation of gliding above the gorgeous Golden State.
There’s no admission at adjacent Downtown Disney, though restraint may be necessary to avoid splurging in the lively promenade’s shops, cafés and entertainment venues such as House of Blues, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and ESPN Zone. Eateries range from fast to fancy, but none outclasses Napa Rose in the dazzling Grand Californian Hotel. Shop, eat and play some more at Anaheim GardenWalk, a still-growing collection of shopping and dining options in an outdoor setting. For indoor entertainment, consider bowling at 300 Anaheim, viewing a first-run movie at UltraStar Cinemas—some with motion seats—or shaking your tail feathers at sultry Heat Ultra Lounge. Nearby, The Ranch, a sophisticated restaurant and superfun saloon modeled on the late Crazy Horse, made the North County’s most smashing dining debut since Napa Rose. Boldface names and sports action are the lure at Honda Center, a venue for touring acts and home ice for the Anaheim Ducks hockey team. Its stage draws pop performers such as Rihanna; its ice hosts skating extravaganzas. At Angel Stadium, “the Big A,” major-league baseball rules when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play; arena rock acts such as U2 invade when the team’s on tour; the Oakley store is new. Anaheim Convention Center unveiled a grand Grand Plaza; the Anaheim Bolts soccer team plays in the center’s arena.
New in Anaheim’s downtown is Anaheim Packing District. It includes the hip shops and restaurants of Center Street Promenade and Umami Burger in a former Packard showroom; foodie-inspired Anaheim Packing House opens soon. Muzeo is a small museum in the Carnegie Library building (1908). Anaheim Ice, training facility for the Anaheim Ducks, is open for public skating daily.
Buena Park
Roller coaster, Old West and boysenberry jam enthusiasts flock to Knott’s Berry Farm, a theme park with roots back to 1934, when farmers Walter and Cordelia Knott opened a roadside stand selling berries and a diner dishing fried chicken. Diners still feast on drumsticks and berry pie at Knott’s Chicken Dinner restaurant, and shoppers wander through the California Marketplace; both enjoy the Independence Hall replica (1966). Inside the park, a daunting collection of roller coasters separates the bold from the bashful. Xcelerator rockets to 82 mph in 2.3 seconds. Silver Bullet turns riders upside down six times. GhostRider is one of the world’s longest and tallest wooden coasters. Less hair-raising are the High Sierra Ferris Wheel and kiddie rides at Camp Snoopy. Explore bygone eras without leaving Beach Boulevard. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament revisits an 11th century castle.
STADIUM AND FULLERTON ARBORETUM (P. 30), EDWIN SANTIAGO; PACKING HOUSE, VLADIMIR PERLOVICH. GREAT FIND, CHARLEY HEINTZ
➺Long before orange groves and Walt Disney shaped the landscape of Anaheim, and before Napa Valley
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Audiences cheer jousting knights and pageantry starring Lipizzaner stallions while serfs and wenches serve a four-course feast. A banquet at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure fortifies guests for skirmishes aboard a replicated 18th century Spanish galleon in an indoor lagoon.
Orange
Old Towne Orange is often used for movies and commercials, thanks to its diligently preserved pre-1940 homes and buildings. Anchored by a picturesque traffic circle—oval, actually—at Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street, the district is on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes antique shops, cafés, lounges and restaurants. The Orange Chamber of Commerce (439 E. Chapman Ave.) offers a map of historic sights. Chapman University, one of the state’s oldest private universities, marks its 150th year. To the east are the bucolic hills of Irvine Park; its petite Orange County Zoo is ideal for wee ones, who also enjoy the narrow-gauge train. Big kids go for The Outlets at Orange, a collection of retailers at once high-end and discount. Draws include Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Families fall like pins for hip bowling alley Lucky Strike Lanes and flock to new Thrill It Fun Center. Teens can’t resist Vans Skatepark. Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove— formerly known as Crystal Cathedral—is a must-tour for architecture buffs. Philip Johnson’s striking structure has 10,000 silver-tinted windows. Also there are Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking.
Fullerton
Most visitors to Fullerton, home of sprawling
Fullerton Arboretum
Cal State Fullerton, gravitate to the historic core along Harbor Boulevard, with its endless supply of boutiques and watering holes. SoCo (for south of Commonwealth) is jammed with pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants a short stroll from the historic train station. Significant sights nearby include Fullerton Museum Center, offering dynamic exhibits including a gallery devoted to Leo Fender, native son and pioneer of the electric guitar. The museum offers maps pinpointing fine examples of architecture styles within walking distance. A short drive away, the stately Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts varied design and art events and exhibits.
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Back at CSUF, the Fullerton Arboretum is a garden of delights, with streams, trails, flowering plants and a restored Victorian cottage. A few miles east in Yorba Linda is the modest birthplace of Richard Nixon. The tiny home and an impressive rose garden are on the handsome grounds of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, a rich repository chronicling the president’s public and private life. Neighboring Brea, once an oil town, now takes pride in its Birch Street Promenade, which offers contemporary retailers, casual restaurants, cinema and stand-up comedy. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 78.
/ noteworthy
➺Oh, Hello Friend carries stationary, cards and pens—“things you can write letters with,”
says owner Danni Hong—as well as home decor, party supplies, clothing and jewelry by local designers, and works by local artists and artisans. “Handmade items, pretty special,” Hong says, citing little hand-painted clay houses. She and husband Nick Keith sold at craft shows until “our setup got to looking like a mini-shop. We thought, ‘Let’s open a real one.’ ” It’s named for the greeting she and her best friend used in high school. “We’d write notes to each other,” Hong recalls. 122 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.441.9157, ohhellofriend.com
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Sophistication
by the
Sea
Offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, Las Brisas is proud to serve the freshest seafood, exclusive offerings of wine & margaritas, and authentic cuisine of the Mexican Riviera.
361 Cliff Drive • Laguna Beach • 949.497.5434 • lasbrisaslagunabeach.com
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where
the guide FALL 2013
PERFORMING ARTS
First Class
JOAN MARCUS
All aboard for a saucy and splendid production of Cole Porter’s musical comedy Anything Goes. The production, Sept. 24-29 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, won three 2011 Tony Awards, including best musical revival and choreography. Timeless shipboard tunes include the title song and “I Get a Kick Out of You.” De-lovely! Among very different season highlights at the center, L.A. Opera music director James Conlon leads Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem Nov. 24, a nod to Britten’s 100th birthday, and a concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s comic masterpiece Falstaff Nov. 26, honoring Verdi’s 200th birthday. p. 62
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Dining American
SPOTLIGHT
A RESTAURANT Stylish, nostalgic spot with red-leather booths gives dishes such as beef Stroganoff, pot roast and scallops an of-the-moment treatment. Café/market adjacent. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 3334 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.6505 $$$ Map N13 ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Conscientiously created dishes (warm octopus salad, orange-infused beef short rib, goat-cheese cheesecake), superb cocktails and striking decor with two-story water wall. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887 $$ Map D4 ARC New. “Flame, flavor, finesse” cuisine (e.g., savory meatballs with garlic and whiskey) amid rustic-comfortapothecary decor; superb cocktails use house-made bitters, infusions, syrups, sodas. Two perimeter patios. L, D (daily). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.500.5561 $$ Map J12
Fried-egg broccolini
Uncommonly Good Chef Ryan Adams brings back the revered Sunday tradition of family-style meals to Three Seventy Common in Laguna Beach—and it’s a hit. A rotating list of supper classics at the restaurant’s Sunday Night Social includes roast chicken, pot roast and meatloaf, but there have been remarkable departures: One superb dinner included a banh mi-inspired salad, grilled sea bass with sambal and lime, fried shallot rice, spicy braised green beans with pork belly, and a coconut tart. The set menu changes weekly; vegetables are handpicked from local farmers markets. To encourage face-to-face interaction, diners are asked to refrain from using phones and other electronic devices in the dining room. p. 43
BaCK BAY BISTRO Snazzy spot overlooking the Back Bay at the Dunes; retractable roof. Cancun-style shrimp cocktail, Southwest lettuce wraps, New York steak au poivre. B (Sa-Su), L (daily), D (Th-Su), Br (Sa). Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144 $$ Map M14 Bandera Draws at the perennially popular spot include wood-fired rotisserie chicken and wood-grilled prime tri-tip; start with iron-skillet corn bread, finish with banana cream pie. D (nightly). 3201 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.3524 $$ Map M16 BAYSIDE Stylish spot with limited view of harbor canals offers first-rate New American fare. The handsome space and sprawling bar and patio invite exec lunches, romantic dinners and lazy brunches. Live jazz; art displays. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222 $$$ Map M14 THE Beachcomber On Crystal Cove State Park beach; it’s like a weatherworn yacht. Roasted French feta; Prime flat-iron steak with wild-mushroom-andtruffle-mac; and Gimme S’mores! dessert. Outdoor Bootlegger Bar. Shuttle from Los Trancos lot. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949.376.6900 $$ Map E4 BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA Popular spot offers creative “cuisine of the Americas,” e.g., roasted bone marrow with short-rib marmalade and marinated anchovies; seaweed-butter-basted Maine sea scallops with calamari risotto and piquillo peppers. 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234 $$$ Map H15 CHAPTER ONE: THE MODERN LOCAL Hip librarythemed spot offers creative fare (skirt steak with apple chimichurri sauce, yucca fries; soft chocolate ganache with chocolate “soil,” soy caramel, fried wontons) and “culinary cocktails.” Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225 $$ Map H13 CHARLIE PALMER Awash in sunshine by day, smartly lit by night, star chef Charlie Palmer’s space is superstylish, roomy and relaxed. Exceptional modern American dishes favor top-flight purveyors. Palmer’s wine shop Next Vintage and DG Burger are adjacent. L, D (daily), Br (Su). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525 $$$ Map D3 CLAIM JUMPER Craftsman-style spots offer rotisserie chicken, fresh fish, baby-back ribs, pot pie, salads, Six-Layer Chocolate Motherlode Cake and craft beers. L, D (daily). Seven locations include South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.8479; 7971 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.523.3227; 2250 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, 714.836.6658 $$ Maps J13, H8, G13
Guidelines
Restaurants are listed by city on page 55. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 77-79. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
Index
American...............................40 Belgian.................................... 43 Brewpubs/Gastropubs.... 43 California................................44 Continental...........................46 Eclectic....................................46 French.......................................47 Indian........................................47 International..........................47 Italian........................................47
Japanese................................ 49 Mediterranean..................... 49 Mexican/Latin..................... 50 Quick Bites............................ 54 Seafood.....................................51 Steak.........................................53 Thai........................................... 54 Themed.................................. 54 Vietnamese........................... 54
CROSSROADS AT HOUSE OF BLUES Southern hospitality and rafter-raising music. Faves: Aarón’s Citrus Chicken; shrimp and grits; jambalaya, lobster mac and cheese; St. Louis ribs. Sunday gospel brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.BLUE $$ Map I10 THE DECK Open-air spot serves breezy cocktails and beach fare such as burgers and baked clams, as well as a flat-iron steak and paella for two, steps from the sand. L, D (daily). Pacific Edge Hotel 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700 $$ Map I15 The iron press Savory and sweet waffle sandwiches—grilled panko-crusted tilapia with habaneromango salsa, Belgian waffle with Nutella and fruit—and California beers. L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.426.8088 $ Map J12 Iva Lee’s Savory interpretations of Southern and Creole cuisine. Special Fat Tuesdays menu. D (nightly). 555 N. El Camino Real, Ste. E, San Clemente, 949.361.2855 $$ Map south of F6 Juliette Kitchen + Bar Former owners of the Filling Station in Orange take over the space left by Tradition by Pascal, serving excellent New American fare and adding adjacent wine merchant. Chef Daniel Hyatt hails from L.A.’s Delius. L (M-Sa), D (Tu-Sa). 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.752.5854 $$$ Map J13 Leatherby’s Café Rouge Chic and sleek affair makes graceful use of its site within the glittering Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Cuttingedge cuisine includes menus themed to Broadway shows next door. Ideal for pre- or post-performance. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640 $$$ Map J13 Memphis Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwest dishes in a hip retro setting. Start with gumbo or the pulled-pork sliders. L (M-F), D (W-Sa), Br (Su). 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.7685; 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.564.1064 $$ Map J13, G13 Newport Rib Co. Family-owned and -operated spot has offered “best baby-back ribs anywhere,” choice steaks and slow-roasted tri-tip as well as seafood, chicken, sandwiches and salads for 25-plus years. Full bar with sports TV; takeout from 10:30 am. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.631.2110 $$ Map K12 PALM TERRACE “New edamame,” prime rib short ribs sous vide in California red wine and dazzling desserts served amid tropical urban oasis decor. B, L, D (daily). The Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920 $$$$ Map L15
Gourmet doughnuts! Check out Sidecar in Costa Mesa (949.887.2910) for huckleberry or maple bacon, Pandor in Newport Beach (949.209.5099) for Cronut-inspired “Dornuts.”
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Dining
S E A S O N A L . S U S TA I N A B L E . FA R M - F R E S H .
Park Ave Owner-chef David Slay’s creative renditions of classic American fare feature house-made and homegrown specialties. Most produce meticulously grown on premises; visit the garden! Architecture is Googie, decor midcentury retro. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8 PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL Restaurateur Paul Fleming (P.F. Chang’s, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse) opens spot done in dark woods, brick and balsa-wood chandeliers, presents menu featuring mesquite-grilled items. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.453.1144 $$ Map D5 THE PINT HOUSE Comfy bistro-pubs. Blackberrybourbon pork chop; house-made cheesecake with Fireball cinnamon whiskey caramel sauce. Craft beers, beerinfused cocktails. D (daily); Orange L, D (daily). 1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.633.7468; 136 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, 714.525.7468 $$ Map I11, A3 PLAYGROUND New. Chef Jason Quinn, whose Lime Truck won the Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race,” offers New American small plates (e.g., “Knuckle Sandwich!!!!!!!!,” “Jamaican Jerk Snow Crab”), a tip-top-tier off-the-menu burger and craft beers. L, D (daily). 220 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, 714.560.4444 $$ Map H13 THE QUIET WOMAN Cozy, pricey local fixture serves sophisticated comfort food such as center-loin swordfish and baseball-cut steaks. The busy bar is open from lunch to close. 3224 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.640.7440 $$$$ Map M16 Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Creole cuisine and New Orleans jazz (beaded piano!) at spot inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter. Pasta jambalaya, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Creole calamari, bananas Foster. Beignets at Jazz Kitchen Express; romantic dining upstairs; casual meals downstairs. Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200 $$ Map I10
FAS H I O N I S L A N D
THE RANCH Sophisticated restaurant and super-fun, glittering saloon. Amid cedar beams and flagstone, chef Michael Rossi presents Kobe beef carpaccio with pecorino Romano, wild arugula and truffle; silver barramundi with white shrimp and Castroville artichokes; and bone-in cowboy rib-eye. Separate entrance for saloon. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200 $$$ Map I11
9 57 N EW P O RT C E N T E R D R. , B E LOW I S L A N D C I N E M A L A R KC R E E K N B .CO M 949. 6 4 0. 670 0
Where Magazine Lark Creek Newport Beach ad: 1/3 Square: 4 5/8” x 4 7/8”
brunch. lunch. dinner.
Ramos House Café The county’s best breakfast, and one of its best restaurants of any kind, is served in an 1881 house steps from the train tracks in the historic Los Rios district. Soju bloody mary is a meal in itself; pain perdu is a specialty. B, L (Tu-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342 $$ Map I17 ROSCOE’S CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Opens presently. Chicken and waffles in all manner of configurations near Disneyland. Plus fresh chicken livers and giblets. 2110 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. $ Map I17 SaDDLE RANCH CHOP HOUSE New at the Triangle. Rock-western experience with rustic, oversized bar and mechanical bull—look for the stagecoach on the roof! Extensive American menu with some south-of-the-border accents. B, L, D (daily). 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.287.4652 $$ Map K12 Sandy’s HB Steps from the sand at Huntington Beach Pier. Gilroy-garlic-fried green beans; pecan-crusted sea bass; Prime flat-iron steak with chimichurri and marrow butter. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 $$ Map N9
sustainable seafood & prime aged steaks. endless champagne brunch saturday & sunday. late night lounge thursday - saturday. happy hour monday - friday. private events.
SEASONS 52 No deep-frying. No dish more than 475 calories. Lots of flavor. Fabulous piano bar, stylish decor, eclectic seasonal menu, Mini Indulgences desserts, superior wine list. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252 $$ Map J13 SMOQUED California barbecue in Old Towne, all meats smoked in-house. Avocado fries with sriracha
714.979.2400
www.ScottsRestaurantandBar.com
3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa Ca 92626
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prime steaks. Legendary service. Fine Wine • private dining • exquisite menu
Dining ranch dip; pulled-pork sandwich; St. Louis-style ribs; sauces such as habanero raspberry; pecan pie; California craft beers. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 128 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.7427 $$ Map C4 STONEHILL TAvERN Michael Mina’s urbane ode to New American dining, in shimmering room at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, turns the cozy tavern concept on its ear, bringing the ocean indoors via windows, mirrors and veranda seating. Stunning tasting menus by executive chef Raj Dixit. D (Tu-Su). 1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive, Dana Point, 949.234.3318 $$$ Map J17 THREE SEvENTY COmmON Chef Ryan Adams offers winning fare such as kale salad with stone fruit and pecorino; halibut with peas, mint, onion and preserved lemon; and apple fried pies. Family-style Sunday Night Social dinners. 370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map H15 TULSA RIB CO. Three-decade mainstay moves to much larger space. Highlights: tempura artichoke hearts, Cajun or Caribbean baby-back ribs, Tulsa potatoes, profiteroles. L (M-F); dinner (nightly). 220 E. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.633.3760 $$ Map B4 zImzALA Surfer-chic restaurant-and-bar at hip Shorebreak Hotel offers stylish “American/beach comfort” cuisine to match—and superb Cal-Med dishes. Br, D (daily). 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.5050 $$ Map N9
Santa Ana I 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. I 714-444-4834 Anaheim I 1895 South Harbor Blvd. I 714-621-0101 mortons.com
COMING SOON: Second Location in Newport Beach!
“Restaurant of the Year” for 2012 by the Orange County Business Journal “Restauranteurs of the Year” for 2012 by Southern California Restaurant Writers “Best Restaurant” for 2012 by Riviera Magazine “Chef of the Year,” “Best Wine List” for 2012 by Golden Foodie Awards
Belgian BRUSSELS BISTRO Belgian menu, drinks, decor. Chicon gratin (endives, white sauce and cheeses), roasted salmon with pesto oil and Belgian stoemp; crepes flambés. All-you-can-eat moules frites M-W. DJs/dancing F-Sa after 10:30 pm. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.7955 $$ Map H15 BRUXIE The county’s original waffle sandwiches. Hot tickets: Pastrami Bruxie, Creamsicle float. Plus waffle fries, cane-sugar sodas, Wisconsin frozen custard. New in Huntington Beach. B, L, D (daily). The Strand, 180 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 657.215.3559; 292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3900; 215 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1188 $ Map N8, C4, A3
Brewpubs and Gastropubs AmERICAN TAvERN EATERY & DRINK New. Familyfriendly spot at Hotel Ménage with curvilinear bar. Chiliseared edamame; flash-grilled Caesar salad; cheddar-ale burger; chimichurri flat-iron steak. Plus tropical drinks at outdoor Palapa Bar. B, L, D (daily). 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.758.0900 $$ Map I10 THE CELLAR Subterranean setting at 1920s-era California Hotel oozes with character. Lobster bisque; Three B Hash; chateaubriand; chocolate soufflé. New late-night lounge until 2 am. Tues-Sun D (Tu-Su). 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$ Map A3 THE CROW BAR AND KITCHEN Cut-above creative fare from James Beard Award-nominated chef John Cuevas, ex-Montage Beverly Hills. Superb brew selection. D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0070 $$ Map M16 HAvEN gASTROPUB Adventurous fare and palateprovoking handcrafted beers on tap. Vadouvan-crusted lamb belly with spiced rutabaga and house harissa; sticky toffee pudding with brown-butter-bourbon ice cream; and one of the county’s best burgers. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680 $$ Map C4
Located at the District (at Jamboree & Barranca Pkwy.) | 2647 Park Ave. | Tustin, CA 92782 Please call for reservations 714.258.7600 | www.thewineryrestaurant.net
JT SCHmID’S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY Beers brewed on-site and brewpub cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, Prime steaks, seafood, pastas and burgers share
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Dining menu with jambalaya, fish tacos and sashimi. L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200; 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 $$ Map I11, C4 mULDOON’S Dublin pub and Celtic bar; gastropub food years before the word was coined. Off-the-menu Black Bush Stew with shot of Irish whiskey and baby lamb chop. L, D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 $$ Map L15 SIDE DOOR Superb spot shares historic building (replica of England’s oldest inn) with dining landmark Five Crowns; regional accolades in 2011 include Restaurant of the Year. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.4322 $$ Map M16 SLATER’S 50/50 Design your own burger. Or try Flamin’ Hot, Peanut Butter & Jellousy or Fritos Crunch burgers. Signature patty is half beef, half bacon. Superior brew list. New in Lake Forest. L, D (daily). 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730; 24356 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest, 949.460.9314; 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 $$ Maps L9, E6, B5
A French Bistro �Bakery Featuring fresh soup, sandwiches, salads, pasta and French specialties served in a casual dining atmosphere.
Serving Breakfast, Lunch � Dinner
TILTED KILT PUB & EATERY Celtic-themed pub near Honda Center with spacious patio and servers in plaid mini-kilts. Drunken clams, Scottish cheesesteak, Olde Dublin stew. Sports on 48 screens. L, D (daily). 1625 W. Katella Ave., Orange 714.633.5458 $$ Maps I11
California Cuisine BAmBÚ Creative fare creatively presented in a fourstory atrium amid lush palms, orchids and bamboo trees; seasonal regional foods Asian, French and Italian influences. Four-course prix-fixe lunch. B, L, D (daily). Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 $$$ Map K14
South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-557-1734 www.viedefrance.com
THE CALIFORNIAN Contemporary, elegant fine-dining room with creative cuisine, ocean views. Roastedchicken tortilla soup; pan-seared salmon with gremolata crust; goat-cheese cheesecake. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234 $$ Map N9 gREENLEAF gOURmET CHOPSHOP Healthful, flavorful menu includes lemongrass chicken salad; turkey melt on pretzel bread. Wine bar; soju-based cocktails. Artisan goods in adjoining market. New at South Coast Collection. B, L, D (daily). 234 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.200.3950; 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.862.2480 $ Map L12, J12 K’YA BISTRO BAR Handsome bistro at La Casa del Camino hotel offers expansive selection of small plates and wines by the glass. Wild Hawaiian poke, goat cheese-fennel-orange salad, grilled filet mignon, truffle risotto and lobster macaroni ’n’ cheese. B, L, D (daily). La Casa del Camino, 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 $$ Map I15 LARK CREEK New. San Francisco chain teams with Huntington Beach native chef to offer coastal cuisine as nutritional as it is flavorful below Island Cinemas at Fashion Island. Steaks and fish grilled over a wood fire, salads, sandwiches and pastas prepared with local ingredients. L, D (daily). 967 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.6700 $$ Map L15 LEmONADE New. Seasonal Southern California comfort food in a fast-casual cafeteria setting. Salads, distinctive sandwiches, slow-simmered stews—and several lemonades, of course! L, D (daily). 987 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, lemonadela.com $ Map L15 NAPA ROSE Wine country at the Disney Resort. Stunning celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature; ace chef Andrew Sutton conjures sophisticated seasonal American dishes. The stylish setting has a relaxed air; the polished staff includes dozens of
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Dining sommeliers. D (nightly). Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.635.2300 $$$ Map I10 SHADES Casual elegance, deft Cal-Continental menu and ocean views make this a popular steak (boutique ranch meats) and seafood destination. Lavish brunch (unlimited crab legs!) on poolside patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Waterfront Hilton, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8444 $$ Map N9 SILvER TRUmPET Musically themed restaurant and bar opposite Segerstrom Center for the Arts, ideal for pre- or post-theater repasts. Seasonally driven fare, house-made pastries and desserts. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714.442.8593 $$ Map J13 6IX PARK gRILL Applewood-fired grill fare in airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows and garden terrace. Roasted-chicken tortilla soup; grilled diver scallops with coconut bacon rice, broccoli rabe and butternut squash beurre blanc. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6666 $$ Map J14 SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR Indoors by the fireplace or on the patio steps from the sand, the water’s-edge Pacific view provides a dramatic backdrop for meals meant to be gorgeous memories. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Surf & Sand Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.4477, Ext. 550 $$$ Map H15 STUDIO Airy bluff-top Arts and Crafts-style bungalow with stunning azure and endless Pacific view oozes an offhand luxury befitting its premium resort setting. Chef Craig Strong reaches far beyond the predictably posh with an ambitious menu of creative Cal-French cuisine. D (Tu-Su). Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 $$$$ Map I16 SUNDRIED TOmATO CAFE Eclectic, bold Cal-Med. Creamy sun-dried-tomato soup with Gorgonzola; crispy blackened chicken spring rolls; chopped salad. 361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3312 (L, D daily); 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.1167 (L, D daily; Br Sa-Su); 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.388.5757 (L, D daily; Br Su). $$ Map H15, I17, K17 TABU gRILL Local in-spot/Zagat high scorer brings on new chef Rayne Frey, who continues its winning ways. D (nightly). 2892 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.7743 $$$ Map I16 TANgERINE gRILL Find culinary California adventure opposite Disney’s California Adventure. Consider tangerine chicken, tangerine scallops or Malibu culotte steak. B, L, D (daily). Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.772.1186 $$ Map I10 THE TWISTED vINE Cozy neighborhood wine bar offers winning savory and sweet small plates. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 127 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.1200 $ Map B3 vINE Laid-back beach burg takes wine-country detour at top spot for poised California cuisine and enlightened wine selections. Surfer-chef-owner Justin Monson’s seasonal cookery suits the hand-hewn space. St. Roy Chef’s Pub is adjacent. D (Tu-Sa). 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2079 $$$ Map south of F6 vUE “Forward-thinking California coastal cuisine” on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Outside, the ocean breeze and fire pit add to the romantic ambience. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000 $$$ Map J16
Bluewater TV on air now at bluewatergrill.com
THE WINERY Chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers superior contemporary California regional cuisine at handsome, bustling spot at the District at Tustin Legacy. The freshest seafood, wild game and USDA Prime steaks; 7,000-bottle wine cellar. Excellent bar menu. Opens soon in Newport Beach. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600 $$$ Map J14
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Photo: Jim Collins
Dining Chinese CAPITAL SEAFOOD More than 100 kinds of dim sum, offered from pushed steam carts at lunch, plus Asian tapas, clay-pot items, tofu, noodles and congees at Irvine Spectrum Center. L, D (daily). 85 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.788.9218; 2700 Alton Parkway, Irvine, 949.252.8188 $$ Map D5, J14 P.F. CHANG’S Chinese-fusion dishes served in an upscale, casual setting; the Irvine location recently got a striking remodel. L,D daily. 1145 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.9007; 61 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.453.1211 $$ Map L15, D5
Continental Five Crowns Venerated Lawry’s spot in English inn replica gets new decor, new chef, new dishes. Prime rib and other favorites stay. Superb SideDoor Gastropub is adjacent. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331 $$$ Map M16 The Hobbit Dinners are a transporting experience at this homey hacienda revered for special occasions. Multicourse prix-fixe affair includes cocktails upstairs, elaborate appetizers in the wine cellar, new Continental classics in newly redone elegant dining rooms. Menu changes weekly. Reservations are essential. D (W-Su). 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.1972 $$$$ Map J11 NIEUPORT 17 Spot attracts fine-diners and aviators. Amazing collection of aviation memorabilia on the walls; German hunt lodge decor. Beef Wellington, aged hand-cut steaks, prime rib, seafood. “Aviation” pop-up dinners. Live entertainment and vintage cocktails in the Barnstormer Lounge. L (M-F), D (nightly). Lafayette Plaza, 13051 Newport Ave., Tustin, 714.731.5130 $$ Map C4 Orange Hill Hilltop hideaway with endless city-light views; traditional and updated fare includes seafood, prime rib, lobster. Orange Bar has retro orange theme and orange piano. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910 $$ Map C5 21 Oceanfront Romantic restaurant offers sunset views, cozy bars, classic decor, award-winning wine list, servers in black tie and menu featuring abalone, oysters Rockefeller, jumbo prawns and superb crab legs. Topnotch steaks and osso buco, too. Live entertainment in the lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront (Newport Pier), Newport Beach, 949.673.2100 $$$ Map N13
Eclectic Bistango Beautifully presented contemporary cuisine, extensive wine list, changing contemporary art exhibits and jazz nightly. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222 $$$ Map K14 MIX Executive chef Kyung Soo Carroll offers imaginative, often organic “classical French and nuevo American fusion” cuisine in the atrium lobby of the Anaheim Hilton. B, L, D (daily). 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412 $$ Map I10 SAPPHIRE LAGUNA Chef Azmin Ghahreman offers globally inspired dishes at his stylish restaurant and lounge. Gourmet pantry for picnic and takeout. The popular patio has a partial ocean view. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888 $$$ Map I15 STARFISH Culinary concept by Nancy Wilhelm, owner of Zagat-topping Tabu Grill, offers “AmerAsian” cuisine—American takes on cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea and India with a nice lacing of heat—amid Asian art deco decor. L (W-Sa), D (daily). 30832 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9200 $$$ Map I16
Waterfront Dining and Drinks
Woody’s Wharf Lunch Mon-Sat 11am-4pm :: Dinner Mon-Sun 4pm-10pm Waterfront Dining Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm :: DJ Thurs-Sat 10 pm-close
BRUNCH
LUNCH
DINNER
Bottomless Champagne Brunch Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663 been a Newpor t Beach:: landmark since 949.675.0474 woodyswharf.com
Woody’s Wharf has 1965. Join us for award winning cuisine featuring the freshest seafood, poultry and prime beef available anywhere on the coast. Our waterfront location and casual, fun atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. Our renowned Sunday brunch with bottomless champagne draws large local crowds looking for an easygoing afternoon. Woody’s Wharf is one of the few restaurants on Newpor t Harbor hosting guests in our own boat docks. Boaters can tie up and be served in our restaurant or on their own boat. Our patio offers the finest outdoor dining on the harbor for those looking for a great view while enjoying award winning food. Our enter tainment includes karaoke on Tuesday evenings and live music with DJ’s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Lunch 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Dinner 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday Champagne Brunch 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
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Experience a FRESH APPROACH
Dining TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Healthful-living author Andrew Weil presents globally inspired, locally sourced dishes in cheery room and on inviting patio with linear fire pit. More healthful cocktails; biodynamic wines. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400 $$$ Map L15
French BRASSERIE PASCAL Venerated Pascal Olhats offers croque monsieur, steak tartare with fries, seafood vol-auvent, côte de bœuf with béarnaise-truffle sauce. Prix-fixe “best of Pascal” dinner menus in new Tradition Room Tu-Th. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2700 $$ Map L15
JOIN US FOR OUR
FAMOUS HAPPY HOUR!
IRVINE 2000 MAIN ST. (949) 756-0505
LOS ANGELES 4TH & HOPE (213) 629-1929
EL SEGUNDO 2101 ROSECRANS AVE. (310) 416-1123
PASADENA 111 N. LOS ROBLES (626) 405-0064
ANAHEIM 321 WEST KATELLA AVE. (714) 535-9000
BEVERLY HILLS 206 NORTH RODEO DR. (310) 859-0434
www.mccormickandschmicks.com
Tangerine Grill & Patio at the
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim
714.772.1186
tangerinegrillandpatio.com
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.
gEmmELL’S Fine chef Byron Gemmell serves up fairly traditional French fare and adds California touches. Casserole of escargots; hearts of palm and crab; roasted duck. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063 $$$ Map K16 mARCHé mODERNE Chef Florent Marneau and pastry chef wife Amelia raise the bistro to delicious heights with their unstuffy but oh-so-French effort. He revels in what’s seasonal. Dessert? Exquisite cheeses or Amelia’s transcendent desserts. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900 $$$ Map D3 PINOT PROvENCE Sophisticated French-Med dishes from Patina Group favored for executive lunches, pretheater dinners, brunch and special occasions. New menu highlight: spot prawns with uni and osetra caviar. Charming walled patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900 $$$ Map J13 vIE DE FRANCE Classic onion soup, breads and pastries baked fresh daily, sandwiches made to order, desserts homemade at charming bistro and bakery. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734 $ Map J13
Indian ROYAL KHYBER Acclaimed spot, often cited as the county’s best Indian, marks 30 years. Warm eggplant salad; lobster masala; signature Khyber’s Nectar, lamb shanks simmered 14 hours with aromatic spices. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza Village, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 TAmARIND Sibling to London’s Michelin-starred spot serves Moghul-derived tandoor-oven favorites and seasonal fare—and now London’s Michelin-starred chef Alfred Prasad is cooking here. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7862 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.8338 $$$ Map J13
International mARRAKESH Moroccan multicourse prix-fixe feasts including b’stilla (phyllo-chicken pie), sans silverware. Great value. Belly dancing (W-Su). D (nightly). 1976 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.8384 $$ Map L13 mOzAmBIQUE African fortress gone hip and stylish. Cal-Portuguese-South African cuisine; piri piri sauces a specialty. Consider piri piri chicken livers or prawns and chop house sirloin steak. Rooftop dining on the Veranda. Casual spinoff in Newport Beach. 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777; the Bluffs, 1332 Bison Ave., Newport Beach, 949.718.0956 $$ Map I15, E4
Italian ANAHEIm WHITE HOUSE Italian steakhouse in restored 1909 manor offers romantic setting and refined cuisine, impeccably served amid a new series of fresco
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Dining recreations. White chocolate salmon; peppered hanger steak; game dishes. Presentations give it the wow factor. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381 $$$ Map I10 ANDREA Elegant but unstuffy setting offers spectacular views of elysian vistas and the ocean, regional cuisine of northern Italy. Paccheri with lobster, sweet peas and arugula; red beet-root risotto with Gorgonzola dolce. Pasta and gelato handmade in dedicated rooms. L, D (daily). Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 949.467.6800 $$$$ Map L17 ANTONELLO RISTORANTE Top-notch, romantic northern Italian restaurant in faux villa has new Enoteca Lounge and bar menu. Don’t miss the osso buco with risotto milanese. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). South Coast Plaza Village, 3800 Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153 $$$ Map J13 CANALETTO Venetian-style restaurant features superb salumeria, antipasti, wood-fired pizzas and specialty meat and seafood dishes—think vermicelli Cassopipa with fish ragu, clams, mussels, scallops and grape tomatoes. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.0900 $$$ Map M16 CUCINA ENOTECA California-inspired Italian classics and wine shop amid fun decor. Vasi (filled mini-mason jars), stuffed squash blossoms, veal piccata, short-rib pappardelle, foraged-mushroom and truffle-oil pizza. Wines are retail plus $10. L, D (daily), Br (Su). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222 $$ Map D5 ECCO Cozy, hip spot serves up goat-cheese-stuffed squash blossoms; sophisticated wood-fired pizzas, among O.C.’s best; ricotta gnocchi with grilled prawns; pork porterhouse saltimbocca; sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and chilies. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.444.ECCO $$ Maps J13 FRANCOLI gOURmET Convivial, handsome northern Italian destination takes a quantum leap in quality, both in style (e.g., ornate orange-glass chandelier) and cuisine since its move to Old Towne Orange. B, L, D (daily). 100 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.288.1077 $$ Map C4
Home Sweet Home .
IL BARONE RISTORANTE Chef Franco Barone and wife Donatella offer distinctive fare at stylish spot hidden near John Wayne Airport. Modern-art-filled room reflects his sophisticated side, tripe his rustic Sicilian roots. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 4251 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, 949.955.2755 $$ Map K14 IL DOLCE PIzzERIA Artisanal, authentic Naples-style pizzas and pastas in modest spot at busy intersection. The simple pepperoni pizza may be the county’s best; the pistachio pizza, with Parmesan, red onions, rosemary and Gruyère, is a more unusual delight. L, D (daily). 1902 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.200.9107 $$ Map J14 IL FORNAIO Upscale casual trattoria and bakery features crusty fresh bread, house-made and imported pastas, wood-fired pizzas and roasted meats in a romantic atmosphere. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.261.1444 $$$ Map J14 IL gARAgE Beguiling Italian spot from David Slay, of acclaimed ParkAve, in a garage, amid a 1924 tractor and red-checkered tablecloths; it overlooks the garden that inspires and supplies the menu. D (Tu-Sa). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8 mARE CULINARY LOUNgE Chef-owner Allessandro Pirozzi tops his fine Cucina Alessa locations at glittery new spot. Infused pastas include limoncello-infused mafaldine pasta with lobster tail, shallots, pinot grigiolocal lemon sauce. B, L, D (daily). 696 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9581 $$$ Map H15 NELLO CUCINA Italian steakhouse plus thin-crust pizzas and innovative pastas in South Coast Plaza’s
Open 24 Hrs! FREE Wi-Fi!
1500 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim (Across the street from Disneyland® Resort)
FREE WI-FI • OPEN 24 HOURS
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Dining Bear Street wing; sibling to Antonello Ristorante. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365 $$ Map J13 PIZZERIA MOZZA Culinary stars Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicate their L.A. and Singapore collaborations. Pizzas use beguiling ingredients, distinctive dough. Start with fried squash blossoms or bone marrow al forno; end with caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. $$ Map M13 PIZZERIA ORTICA Spot owned by L.A. chef David Myers (Comme Ça) offers refined authentic Neapolitan fare using intriguing ingredients beneath soaring arched ceilings and frescoes. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900 $$ Map J13
Spectacular Waterfront Dining Fresh Fish • Prime Rib • Steaks Relax in an atmosphere of comfortable elegance while you savor the culinary delights that make Chart House legendary. Fantastic Happy Hour 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
Quattro CaffÉ Antonio Cagnolo of nearby, muchlauded Antonello Ristorante rejuvenates shoppers with stylish fare. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0300 $$ Map J13
Japanese Benihana The original exhibition kitchen—at your table! Fun dining experience, fun date. L (M-F), D (nightly). 4250 Birch St., Newport Beach, 949.955.0822; 2100 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.774.4940 $$ Map K13, I10 Bluefin Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrées. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle sauce, matcha salt; prime filet mignon with mixed mushrooms. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373 $$$ Map M17 HAMAMORI Sparkling environment with undulating curves overlooks Bear Street. Rice-cracker-coated jumbo asparagus with yuzu sea salt; tamari-marinated black cod. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.850.0880 $$$ Map J14 RA SUSHI Red-globe-light-bedecked ceiling, oversized aquarium and hip soundtrack give the Huntington Beach location a club-like feel. Try the crispy Asian tacos! D (daily). The Strand, 155 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.6390; District at Tustin Legacy, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700 $$ Map N9 242 Cafe Fusion sushi, nontraditional presentations. Dinner nightly. 242 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.2444 $$ Map H1 ,
Mediterranean FIG & OLIVE Opens presently. New York-based restaurant’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil: pumpkin sage ravioli drizzled with porcini olive oil; grilled branzino glazed with fig and picholine olive oil. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, figandolive.com $$$ Map L15 LUCCA cafe & MARKET Euro-chic bistro, deli and wine bar is a destination for foodies seeking unusual items and dishes using artisanal and organic local ingredients. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, 949.725.1773 $$ Map D5 MESA Stylish spot at the Camp, on the Bristol Street stretch known as SoBeCa, offers a hip scene, retractable glass roof, intriguing decor, inventive appetizers, superb cocktails and unisex restrooms. D (Tu-Sa). 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 $$ Map J13 Motif Euro-eclectic dishes—grilled quail with Thai spices; cocoa-pistachio baked rack of lamb—amid ocean views. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa, 1 Monarch Beach, Dana Point, 949.234.3320 $$$ Map J16
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A FRENCH RIVIERA INSPIRED RESTAURANT IN NEWPORT BEACH
OPENING NOVEMBER 2013
To be updated on the opening, please email: newportbeach@figandolive.com 151 Newport Center Drive, Fashion Island, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | figandolive.com NEW YORK | LOS ANGELES | NEWPORT BEACH
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Dining chorizo seafood stew, grilled cheese sandwich. Bubblies and brews, too. L, D (daily). OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478 $$ Map J12 SCOTT’S Fine dining close to shopping and ideal for pre-theater—there’s a bell 15 minutes before showtime. Lures include superb seafood, USDA Prime steaks and fun desserts, and excellent cocktails in the lounge. Live music (W-Sa). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400 $$$ Map J13 SHOR New. Choose your fish or meat, choose your rub, choose your sauce at American seafood grill, part of huge renovation at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Fresh-from-the-docks specials daily. B, L, D (daily). 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.644.1552 $$ Map M14 TAPS FISH HOUSE AND BREWERY Gold medalwinning brewmeister (Brewer of the Year at world’s largest commercial beer competition—twice!) plus oyster bar and fine steaks. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Birch Street Promenade, 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.257.0101 $ Map A3 WOODY’S WHARF Waterfront spot with colorful history serving seafood and steaks since 1965. Cary Grant and Mickey Mantle were guests. Chuck Norris once owned it; doormen included Jean-Claude Van Damme! 2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.0474 $$ Map N8
Steak AGORA CHURRASCARIA Choice cuts at Brazilian steakhouse are cooked over fire pit, seasoned with rock salt. Gaucho-garbed waiters offer succession of 16 sumptuous cuts, from picanha (a sirloin specialty) to coração (delicate chicken hearts). Elaborate hot and cold bar with vegetable and seafood specialites. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910 $$$ Map J13 THE CAPITAL GRILLE Elegant steakhouse offers dryaged beef amid portraits of local historic figures. Pan-fried calamari with cherry peppers; roasted pepper soup; bonein kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin; ethereal cheesecake. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa $$$$ Map J17 FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Sleek venue serves prime everything. Classy feel extends to bustling bar with 100 wines by the glass and in flights. Superior small plates; sizzling steaks; Wine Country Brunch, prime rib on Sundays; “retro chic” and “couture” cocktails. Br (Su), D (nightly). 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633 $$$ Map L15 MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE Swanky spot offers largerthan-life portions and white-jacket service. Wet-aged hand-cut bone-in filet; off-the-menu crab gnocchi; and —oooh—warm butter cake. Bar offers generous cocktails, fine live music. D (nightly). 633 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.546.7405 $$$$ Map J17
celebrate JAMBA JUICE IRVINE ®
Stop in & celebrate 20 sweet years with us! Harvard Place 17595 Harvard, Irvine, CA 949.250.3348 Tustin Market Place 2937 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 714.505.2582
MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE Classy bastion of beef; service-plus, colossal portions. Double filet, Cajun rib-eye, retro filets Oscar and Diane. Show-and-tell menu recitation. Bar 1221. Anaheim, D (nightly); Santa Ana, L (M-F), D (nightly). 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.621.0101; South Coast Plaza Village, 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.444.4834 $$$$ Map I10, J13 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Bone-in “cowboy” Ribeye; caramelized banana cream pie. Soaring ceilings, modern sculpture, ironwork, colorful glass at Anaheim location. Anaheim, D (nightly); Irvine L (F), D (daily). 2041 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.5466; 2961 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.252.8848 $$$$ Map I10, K14 SAM & HARRY’S Swank repasts feature hand-cut Midwest corn-fed steaks aged 28 days, seafood flown in daily, potent cocktails. For a stylish nightcap, head out to the
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Dining patio’s fire pit. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.6900 $$$ Map M15
Twice the View, Double the Dining.
SAVANNAH CHOP HOUSE American regional cooking—steaks, chops, seafood and Southern specialties— amid clubhouse decor. Tamarind-glazed duck breast; filet mignon Stroganoff. D (nightly). 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107 $$ Map I17
Thai ROYAL THAI CUISINE Casually elegant family-owned spots on the coast for more than 30 years. Honey duck; Lady Thai prawns. L, D (daily). 4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.8424; 1750 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8424 $$ Maps N13 and I16 THAI THIS “Cuisine to Thai for.” Fun names of dishes: Handrool Salad, Porkupie and Holly Cow. I See Dead People cocktail. L, D (daily). 24501 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.240.7944 $ Map J17
Themed Pirate’s Dinner Adventure Swordplay, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard galleon replica in indoor lagoon. Call for weekend schedule; D (nightly). 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 $$$ Map G8 RAINFOREST CAFE Creative decor, animatronics, special effects bring the rain forest indoors. Extensive menu. B, L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1515 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413 $$ Map I10
Vietnamese anqi Innovative cuisine dominated by small plates; backlit bar and glass catwalk over running stream contribute to sexy setting. Filet mignon pot stickers, secretrecipe garlic noodles, and molecular gastronomy with advance notice. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13
CALIFORNIA IS SERVED D o w n s ta i r s
714.374.7273
H
On the sand at the HB pier
H
SANDYSHB.COM
T S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII AND CALIFORNIA
EAST BoROUGH Casual fare on a patio at the Camp. Banh mi, lemongrass tofu. L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.641.5010 $ Map J13
Quick Bites Crow BURGER KITCHEN Fast-casual sibling to the Crow Bar and Kitchen in Corona del Mar offers Angus and Prime beef burgers in intriguing configurations. Try Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!. L, D (daily). 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.2747 LINX New. Artisanal sausages: 10 “Haute LinX,” 15 condiments, 15 sauces. Finish with apple strudel ice cream sandwich with salted caramel sauce. L, D (daily). 238 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.744.3647 $ Map B4 McDONALD’S Burgers, California history mural beneath golden arches near theme parks. B, L, D (daily). 1500 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.491.0563, plus 70 other county locations. $ Map I10 UMAMI BURGER Lauded L.A. burgers in 10 styles (e.g., Truffle, Tandoori, Port & Stilton) in hip venues; offthe-menu “tater tots.” L, D (daily). 601 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.342.1210; 338 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.991.8626; The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.957.8626. $ Maps G15, I10, J13
where?
Log on anywhere. WhereOC.com
UPSTAIRS 7 14.374.6446 | dukeshuntington.com
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Restaurants City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.
Anaheim
Leatherby’s cafe rouge (American)...... 40
Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................50
American Tavern (Brew Pub) ........................43
MARCHÉ MODERNE (French).............................. 47
lucca cafe (Mediterranean).................................49
Pita jungle (Mediterranean)................................50
anaheim White House (Italian)................. 47
Marrakesh (Moroccan).......................................... 47
McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)........... 51
pizzeria mozza (Italian)....................................49
P.f. chang’s (Chinese).............................................46
benihana (Japanese)................................................49
MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak).................. 53
Paul Martin’s (American)................................... 42
ROYAL thai (Thai).....................................................54
THE CATCH (Seafood).................................................. 51
MEMPHIS (American)................................................... 40
P.F. Chang’s (Chinese).............................................46
Roy’s RESTAURANT (Seafood)........................... 51
crossroads at h.O.B. (American)............ 40
MESA (Med.-American)...................................................49
Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Steak)....... 53
SAM & HARRY’S (Steak).......................................... 53
J.T. Schmid’S (Brew Pub) . .........................................43
Morton’s (Steak)....................................................... 53
6ix park grill (California)..................................45
shor (Seafood)................................................................ 53
McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)........... 51
nello cucina (Italian)..........................................48
Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean)..............................50
SOL COCINA (Mexican).............................................50
newport rib co. (California).......................... 40
LAGUNA BEACH
TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (Eclectic)....................... 47
Pinot Provence (French).................................. 47
BROADWAY (American)............................................ 40
21 Oceanfront (Continental)............................46
pizzeria ortica (Italian)...................................49
Brussels Bistro (Belgian)................................43
wOODY’s WHARF (Seafood)................................. 53
quattro Caffe (Italian).....................................49
the deck (American)................................................ 40
newport coast
royal khyber (Indian)......................................... 47
HOUSE OF BIG FISH (Seafood)........................... 51
andrea (Italian)...........................................................48
saddle ranch (American).................................. 42
K’ya Bistro bar (California) . .......................... 44
the beachcomber (American)...................... 40
Scott’s (Seafood)......................................................... 53
LAS BRISAS (Mexican)...............................................50
bluefin (Japanese)......................................................49
SEASONS 52 (American)........................................... 42
Mare culinary lounge (Italian).............48
Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................50
Mcdonald’s (Quick Bites).....................................54 MIX (Eclectic)......................................................................46 mORTON’s (Steak)....................................................... 53 napa rose (California)............................................ 44 RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)............................54 ralph brennan’s (American)......................... 42 The ranch (American)............................................. 42 roscoe’s (American)................................................. 42 ROY’S RESTAURANT (Seafood)........................... 51 RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak)....... 53 slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................ 44 TANGERINE GRILL (California)............................45 UMAMI BURGER (American)..................................54
BREA bruxie (Belgian).............................................................43 taps fish house (Brew Pub/Seafood)............. 53
BUENA PARK claim jumper (American)................................... 40 il garage (Italian).....................................................48 Park Ave (American).................................................. 42 PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE (Themed)........54
CORONA DEL MAR Bandera (American)................................................. 40 CROW BAR AND KITCHEN (Gastropub)......43 Five Crowns (Continental)...................................46 the quiet woman (American)........................ 42 SIDE DOOR (Gastropub)............................................ 44
shuck oyster bar (Seafood).......................... 51
mozambique (International)................................. 47
MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Seafood)................ 51
silver trumpet (California)...............................45
ROYAL thai (Thai).....................................................54
tamarind (Indian)...................................................... 47
taco asylum (Mexican)........................................50
Sapphire (Eclectic).....................................................46
ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean)..............................50
Umami burger (American)..................................54
savannah chop house (Steak)................ 53
ORANGE bruxie (Belgian).............................................................43
vie de france (French)........................................ 47
Splashes (California).................................................45
DANA POINT
STarfish (Eclectic)......................................................46
FrANCOLI GOURMET (Italian)..........................48
Chart House (Seafood)......................................... 51
STUDIO (California)........................................................45
GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN (Mexican).....50
gemmell’s (French)................................................... 47
sundried tomato (California)........................45
haven gastropub (Brew Pub).......................43 the hobbit (Continental)........................................46
Harbor Grill (Seafood)........................................ 51
TABU GRILL (California).............................................45
motif (Mediterranean)..................................................49
three seventy common (American).........43
linx (American)................................................................54
RAYA (Latin fusion)...........................................................50
242 cafe (Japanese)...................................................49
orange hill (Continental)....................................46
stonehill tavern (American)........................43
UMAMI BURGER (American)..................................54
the pint house (American).................................. 42
thai this (Thai)...........................................................54
zeytoon (Mediterranean).........................................50
Smoqued (American)................................................. 42
Vue (California).................................................................45
NEWPORT BEACH
tilted kilt (Brew Pub) . .......................................... 44
FULLERTON
Amelia’s (Seafood)....................................................... 51
tulsa rib co (American).......................................43
The Cellar (Eclectic)...............................................43
A RESTAURANT (American).................................. 40
SAN CLEMENTE iva lee’s (American).................................................. 40
Matador CANTINA (Mexican).........................50
back bay bistro (American)........................... 40
the pint house (American)............................... 42
bambú (California/French).......................................... 44
sundried tomato (California)........................45
TWISTED VINE (California).....................................45
BAYSIDE (American).................................................... 40
VINE (California)................................................................45
HUNTINGTON BEACH
benihana (Japanese)................................................49
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
COSTA MESA/
bruxie (Belgian).............................................................43
BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................. 51
EL ADOBE (Mexican)...................................................50
south coast metro
the californian (California).......................... 44
BRASSERIE PASCAL (French)............................. 47
Ramos House Cafe (American).................... 42
ANQI (Vietnamese fusion)..............................................54
duke’s (Seafood)............................................................. 51
CANALETTO RISTORANTE (Italian).............48
sundried tomato (California)........................45
Antonello Ristorante (Italian).............48
ra sushi (Japanese)....................................................49
CROW Burger KITCHEN (Gastropub).........54
SANTA ANA
arc (American)................................................................ 40
SANDY’s hb (American)............................................ 42
fig & olive (Mediterranean)...................................49
CHAPTER ONE (American)..................................... 40
THE CAPITAL GRILLE (Steak)............................ 53
SHADES (California).......................................................45
FIRST CABIN (Seafood).............................................. 51
claim jumper (American)................................... 40
CHARLIE PALMER (American)............................ 40
slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................ 44
Fleming’s (Steak)....................................................... 53
MEMPHIS (American)................................................... 40
claim jumper (American)................................... 40
ZIMZALA (American)....................................................43
gulfstream (Seafood)............................................ 51
playground (American)....................................... 42
east borough (Vietnamese).............................54
IRVINE
IL BARONE RISTORANTE (Italian).................48
TUSTIN
ecco ristorante (Italian)...............................48
AGORA CHURRASCARIA (Brazilian).............. 53
Juliette Kitchen + Bar (American)....... 40
BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood).............................. 51
el corazon (Mexican)...........................................50
ANDREI’S (American).................................................. 40
lark creek (California)........................................ 44
J.T. Schmid’s (Brew Pub) . .......................................43
greenleaf (California)........................................... 44
Bistango (Eclectic)....................................................46
lemonade (California)........................................... 44
NIEUPORT 17 (Continental)......................................46
HAMAMORI (Japanese)...............................................49
Capital Seafood (Chinese)............................46
mozambique (International)................................. 47
RA SUSHI (Japanese)....................................................49
IL DOLCE PIZZERIA (Italian)...............................48
Cucina Enoteca (Italian)..................................48
Muldoon’s (Irish Pub)............................................ 44
THE WINERY (California)..........................................45
The iron press (American)............................... 40
Il Fornaio (Italian)...................................................48
PALM TERRACE (American).................................. 40
Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean)..............................50
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OC dining
The Pint House
A family-owned and operated bistro pub, The Pint House in Fullerton and Orange serves up tasty American fare in a warm, casual, comfortably chic environment. Menu highlights include blackberry-bourbon pork chops, Black-and-Bleu ribeye, hand pressed to order burgers, fried green beans and house-made cheesecake with Fireball cinnamon whiskey caramel sauce. The Pint House offers premium craft beers, and beer-infused cocktails such as the Black Velvet (sparkling wine with a Guinness floater) and Michelada (Pacifico beer with house tomato mix). It’s popular before and after events at Angel Stadium and Honda Center; there’s live music at both locations Thursday through Saturday nights. Fullerton L (F-Su), D (daily); Orange L, D (daily). 136 W. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton 714.525.PINT 1547 W. Katella Ave., Orange 714.633.PINT thepinthouse.com
JT Schmid’s JT Schmid’s Restaurant and Brewery, Orange County’s preferred brewhouse, steakhouse and clubhouse, has two locations, in Anaheim opposite the Honda Center and in Tustin at The District. Enjoy handcrafted microbrews and contemporary California cuisine including Angus steaks, burgers, salads, sandwiches, wood-fired pizza, pastas and seafood. numerous wide-screen televisions mean you’ll never miss the big game. Banquet and meeting facilities for 20 to 250 people. Enjoy the new outdoor patio in Anaheim or the full bar and premium cigars at both locations. Happy hour Monday-Friday. L, D (daily).
2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 jtschmids.com
The Harbor Grill
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.
34499 Golden Lantern, Dana Point 949.240.1416 harborgrill.com special advertising section
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OC dining
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio’s award-winning authentic Italian cuisine is a favorite in Irvine. Specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, authentic risotto and rotisserie meats. Artisan breads and pasta are made fresh daily. Each month a special menu from a different region of Italy is featured. With an event coordinator on-site to handle all of your needs, Il Fornaio is the perfect location for rehearsal dinners, weddings and business functions. The Il Fornaio Bakery Café next door offers an array of tossed-to-order salads, soups and Italian panini.
18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine 949.261.1444 ilfornaio.com
21 Oceanfront Looking out onto the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, 21 Oceanfront offers breathtaking sunset views from three beautifully appointed dining rooms. 21 Oceanfront is known for its baseball-cut swordfish, tender California red abalone, Alaskan king crab legs, fresh cuts of beef and its extensive wine list. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two as well as for corporate gatherings, the local favorite has been consistently recognized as one of O.C.’s best and most romantic restaurants. Complimentary transportation for groups of eight or more. Live entertainment and happy hour in the Oceanfront Bar and Lounge. D (nightly).
2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949.673.2100 21oceanfront.com
Mix Restaurant
Savor globally inspired flavors and fresh locally sourced ingredients that will leave any palate satisfied. Executive Chef Kyung Soo Carroll brings responsible cuisine to Hilton Anaheim, supporting local farms and in-season items through his thoughtful approach and treatment to each dish. Chef Carroll believes in serving food that people recognize and understand. With varied techniques learned throughout the years, Carroll consistently maintains the integrity of the ingredients with refined, worldly execution. Great for a quick bite during your lunch hour, or it may become your new happy hour spot. Reservations recommended for special occasions. Complimentary valet parking. Mention the code WHERE OC to your server and receive 20% off your entire meal. (Offer excludes alcoholic beverages). B, L, D (daily). Hilton Anaheim Hotel, 777 Convention Way, Anaheim 714.740.4412 hiltonanaheimhotel.com special advertising section
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Slater’s 50/50
Design your own gourmet burger at Slaters 50/50. Of the menu’s nine patties, the star is the signature 50/50 made with 50% ground beef and 50% ground bacon. If you’d rather someone else do the work for you, choose from ten “designed” burgers such as the award-winning Peanut Butter and Jellousy burger smothered with creamy peanut butter and strawberry jelly and topped with thick cut bacon. Sip a craft beer from the tap or bottle while watching your favorite team on one of Slater’s many big screen TVs. For dessert, try the famous bacon brownie with warm chocolate sauce and candied bacon, served à la mode. Award-winning happy hour. Check the website for more details. L, D (daily). 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Rd., Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730 24356 Swartz Dr., Lake Forest, 949.460.9314 slaters5050.com
Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails Andrei’s is more than just amazing dishes and drinks. The Irvine restaurant thinks responsibly, from the sourcing and preparing of its food to its commitment to sustainability on all fronts. Signature dishes include lime-and-ginger wild salmon and roasted local beet salad with goat cheese mousse. Andrei’s may be best known for unique cocktails made by some of the county’s best mixologists. Try the Chilean Spice during happy hour (Mon.-Fri., 3-7 pm, Sat., 5-7 pm) or end the night with a basil-cucumber gimlet, made with Nolet’s gin, muddled basil, cucumber and house-made basil-lime simple syrup. Private dining and event space available. L (M-F), D (M-Sa) 2607 Main St., Irvine 949.387.8887 andreisrestaurant.com
melia’s Seafood A & Italian Restaurant
Amelia’s is celebrating more than 50 years of 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 5 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, SundayFriday 5-6 pm. D (nightly), Br (F-Su).
311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island 949.673.6580 ameliasbalboaisland.com special advertising section
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K’ya Bistro Bar
Locals love this bustling eatery with its San Franciscostyle atmosphere and menu of 60 mouthwatering small plates meant for sharing. Nosh on lobster mac-n-cheese, filet mignon, Hawaiian ahi poke, organic beet salad, and truffle risotto, all at affordable prices. Gluten-free and heart healthy dishes too. Cozy up to the fireplace for craft cocktails and live music or head upstairs to the Rooftop Lounge for mojitos and a fiery sunset over the crashing Pacific. The coastal views are epic. $5 happy hour daily 4:30-5:30 pm. B (Sa-Su), L, D (daily)
1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.376.9718 kyabistro.com
House of Big Fish At this fish-house-meets-gastropub contemporary eatery, diners enjoy fresh sustainable fish, farm fresh produce and creative small plates, along with handcrafted cocktails, boutique wines and over 50 global and local craft beers. The seafood-centric menu features Peruvian-style ceviche, crudo, oysters, blackened salmon, lobster fondue, chowders, ahi poke and line-caught daily catch. Great raw bar and gourmet grilled cheese happy hour Mon.-Fri. 2:30 til 5:30pm. Beach casual vibe with ocean sunset views. L, D (daily).
540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.715.4500 houseofbigfish.com
American Tavern Eatery & Drink
Located at the Hotel Ménage, American Tavern Eatery and Drink offers comfort food at affordable prices as well as a large selection of craft beers, boutique wines and creative cocktails. Chef Craig Connole’s menu includes mini-bratwurst sandwiches, a “messy” smoked bacon and cheddar ale burger, lobster mac ’n’ cheese, chicken and waffles, and four-cheese and funghi flat bread. Rich woods, chalkboard walls and a lively bar make for an inviting atmosphere. The Palapa Bar and Lounge, just outside, offers Hawaiian-style cuisine and tropical cocktails and affords some of the best views of Disneyland Park fireworks— poolside, no less! B, L, D (daily). 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim 714.400.9104 americantaverneatery.com, palapabarandlounge.com special advertising section
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Entertainment Special Events
Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map
Festival of Children Through Sept. 29. More than 70 youth-skewed organizations offer free activities and diverse live entertainment on weekends. Cannedfood sculptures displayed. South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13
H10, etc.) refer to maps on pp. 77-79. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.
TOSHIBA TALL SHIPS festival Sept. 7-8. Music, pirate encampment, crafts, tall-ship tours. 9:30 am-5 pm. Free. Ride aboard tall ships during sunset parade, $10-$45. Free parking, shuttle at Salt Creek Beach Park, 34100 Selva Road, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map K17
Theater............................... 60 Music + Dance................. 60 Sports...................................62 Attractions.........................62 Museums.......................... 64 Shopping Destinations...65
Brea Jazz festival Sept 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 and 28-29. Region’s best in swing, blues, R&B and smooth, Latin, contemporary and traditional jazz. Fine-arts and crafts show, kids’ zone, beer and wine garden. Free. E. Birch St. and S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.674.0801 Map A3 Halloween Haunt Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Knott’s Berry Farm, aka Knott’s Scary Farm, transforms itself at night into massive Halloween celebration; 160 acres of mazes, scare zones and “monsters.” Plus, Elvira is back! 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8
Trunk Show
Dozens of life-size, colorfully decorated elephant sculptures make their U.S. debut at Elephant Parade: Welcome to America. The sculptures are displayed through Nov. 16 at locations in Dana Point, including the harbor, beaches, parks and resort properties. Works are by art-world elite including international streetmuralist Chor Boogie, Mumbai jewelry designer Mira Gulati and pinup artist Olivia DeBerardinis; half-sized designs by past contribuors such as Tommy Hilfiger, Katy Perry and Diane von Furstenberg will also be exhibited. Previous parades, which support the endangered Asian elephant, have taken place in Singapore, Amsterdam, Milan and London, where one design was auctioned for more than $240,000. p. 60
Fascination of orchids Sept. 28-29. Outdoor show exhibits and offers for sale thousands of orchids. South Coast Plaza Village, 1631 W. Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.735.2930 Map J13 Style week oc Sept. 28-Oct. 5. Fall fashion trends take center stage at two shopping destinations. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive., Newport Beach, 949.721.2000; Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map L15, D5 ORANGE COUNTY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW Oct. 3-6. Huge event features new-model debuts, concept cars, exotics and live entertainment. $8-$12, under 13 free. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.765.8950 Map J10 Haunt at heritage hill Oct. 18. Scare Zone, haunted schoolhouse, maze, fright films and live music. Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230 Map D6 Holiday On ICE Opens Nov. 1. Seasonal ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center. $14; $3 skate rentals. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 Elephant Parade Through Nov. 16. Open-air art exhibition featuring life-size fiberglass elephants painted by acclaimed artists and auctioned to raise funds for the Asian Elephant Foundation. Free. Dana Point, 949.454.2091. elephantparade.com Map K17 Fashion island tree-lighting Mid-November. Tree has 23,000 lights and ornaments. Santa, singing and dancing. Free. Call for dates. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map G15 cirque du soleil’s TOTEM Opens Nov. 21. Acrobatics inspired by theory of evolution presented under the troupe’s iconic blue-and-yellow tent. Directed by Robert Lepage. Orange County Great Park, Perimeter Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D5 Sawdust winter fantasy Nov. 23-24 and 30, Dec. 1, 7-8 and 14-15. 170 artists and artisans display their wares. 10 am-6 pm. $3.25-$20 Sawdust Art Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15 Turkey Trot Nov. 28. State’s largest Thanksgiving Day run tours beaches, cliffs and coves of Dana Point Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point, 949.496.1555 Map K16
Index Special Events.................. 60
Golf Courses......................67 Active Outdoors..............68 Beaches + Parks................68 Nightlife................................71 Tours + Transport.............73 Tickets.................................74 Elsewhere...........................74
Theater Death of a Salesman Through Sept. 29. Arthur Miller’s classic play about Willie Loman, a man who tries to instill in his sons the values he has lived by, even as his family watches his version of the American dream slip away. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 Anything Goes Sept. 24-29. Winner of three 2011 Tony Awards including best musical revival and choreography. Peppering this Cole Porter comedy are some of musical theater’s most memorable standards, including “I Get a Kick Out of You” and, of course, “Anything Goes.” Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 Time Stands Still Sept. 27-Oct. 27. James and Sarah, a journalist and a photographer, share a passion for documenting the realities of war. When injuries force them to return home to New York, they confront their most daunting situation—the prospect of leading a more conventional life. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 Fallen Angels Oct. 8-Nov. 3. A champagne cocktail of wit, charm and high comedy, full of farcical foibles set in motion when a certain charming Frenchman revisits a pair of now-married women. Noël Coward at his inimitable best. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 4000 Miles Oct. 18-Nov. 17. Vera’s 21-year-old hippie grandson shows up at her apartment without money and down on his luck. Her compassion grows as she listens to his woes. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 Priscilla QUEEN OF THE DESERT Oct. 22-27. A trio of friends hops aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship. The musical comedy is inspired by the 1994 Australian film. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks Nov. 26Dec. 29. A headstrong widow hires a gay dance instructor for private dance lessons. They transcend their differences and discover a profound connection, while dancing the tango, waltz and cha-cha. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15
Music + Dance The Coach House Sept. 4 John Hiatt. Sept. 5 Ottmar Liebert and Luna Negra. Sept. 6 Tab Benoit. Sept. 7 Dramarama. Sept. 20 Great White Featuring Jack Russell. Sept. 21 The Blasters. Sept. 22 Michael Tomlinson. Sept. 27 Common Sense. Sept. 29 Strunz & Farah. Oct. 4
First lady Michelle Obama recently presented the Discovery Science Center the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries; 10 venues received the medal at the White House. p. 62
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THE RESORT THAT’S ALWAYS BUILDING. LEGOLAND ® California Resort is the ultimate family destination. The Resort takes you deep into the LEGO® world with more than 60 rides, shows and attractions including the incredible SEA LIFE ® Aquarium and the world’s first LEGOLAND Water Park. The amazing new LEGOLAND Hotel is now open with Pirate, Kingdom and Adventure-themed rooms! It’s the LEGO experience you’ve always dreamed of!
Save $15 online only and get a 2nd Day for FREE! Must be purchased online at LEGOLAND.com/visitorsavings Located in Carlsbad just off I-5, LEGOLAND is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, but is open daily during specific periods. LEGOLAND Water Park is open seasonally. Above offer is exclusively available at LEGOLAND.com/visitorsavings. Prices, times and schedules subject to change without notice. Visit LEGOLAND.com or call 877-LEGOLAND (534-6526) for details. LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group. LEGOLAND AND SEA LIFE ARE A PART OF THE MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP.
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Attractions + Museums Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
So I Watch You From Afar & TTNG. Oct. 4 The Queers & Teenage Bottlerocket. Oct. 7 Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside. Oct. 10 Sean Hayes. Oct. 11 The Legendary Pink Dots. Oct. 15 Dying Fetus. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600 Map I12 SEGERSTROM Center FOR THE ARTS Segerstrom Hall Sept. 17 Buena Vista Social Club. Sept. 24-29 Anything Goes. Oct. 22-27 Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Nov. 6-10 Dancer Diana Vishneva. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Oct. 4 Pianist Olga Kern in recital. Oct. 11 Vocalist Bernadette Peters. Oct. 13 Pianist Yuja Wang in recital. Nov. 3 Pacific Chorale, Verdi’s Requiem. Nov. 11 Irish Chamber Orchestra. Nov. 21 Comedian Martin Short. Nov. 22 Boston Pops. Nov. 24 Britten’s War Requiem. Nov. 26 Verdi’s Falstaff. Samueli Theater Oct. 2 Allen, Carrington, Spaulding. Nov. 12 Pacific Quartet. Nov. 14-16 Vocalists Marilyn Maye and Clint Holmes. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13
Super Diamond. Oct. 5 Marc Cohn. Oct. 6 The Winery Dogs. Oct. 12 America. Oct. 13 Arthur Adams. Oct. 17 Leon Russell. Oct. 18 Eddie Money. Oct. 26 Stephen Kellogg. Nov. 3 Cowboy Mouth. Nov. 23 ABBA FAB The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930 Map I1 Grove of anaheim Sept. 10 The Wiggles. Sept. 21 Kamelot. Sept. 27 Chris Mann. Sept. 28 Air Supply. Oct. 7 Helloween. Oct. 25-26 Tiger Army. Nov. 15 Kreator/Overkill. Nov. 24 Finntroll. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700 Map I11 honda center Sept 13-14 Women of Faith. Sept. 20 Fall Out Boy. Oct. 9 Bon Jovi. Oct. 19 Paramore. Nov. 2 Sarah Brightman. Nov. 21 Drake. Nov. 24 Michael Bublé. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11 house of blues Sept. 1 Enanitos Verdes. Sept. 6 Danny Maika. Sept. 7 ZZ Ward, the Wild Feathers and James Bay. Sept. 13 Wild Child with the Who Revue. Sept. 13 Dave Widow & Friends. Sept. 14 Vista Chino. Sept. 18 Julieta Venegas. Sept. 25 Hanson and Paul McDonald. Sept. 27 Danny Maika. Oct. 3 You Me at Six. Oct. 5 Kingdom 11. Oct. 6 Yellowcard. Oct. 10 The Pretty Reckless Oct. 11 Dave Widow & Friends. Oct. 12 Blue October. Oct. 26 Boyce Avenue. Nov. 1 Atlas Genius. Nov. 1 Papa J Band. Nov. 8 Dave Widow & Friends. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 Irvine barclay theatRE Sept. 7 National Theatre Live, Helen Mirren in The Audience. Oct. 5 LEO, “mindbending physical theater.” Oct. 10 National Theatre HD: Othello. Oct. 16 Sydney Dance Company. Oct. 19 John Batiste and the Stay Human Band. Oct. 26 AnDa Union. Oct. 27 Salzburg Marionette Theatre, Mozart’s Magic Flute. Oct. 27 Salzburg Marionette Theatre, Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Oct. 31 NTLive, Frankenstein. Nov. 14-16 Potted Potter. Nov. 17 David Sedaris. Nov. 23 NTLive, Kenneth Branagh in Macbeth. UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646 Map K14 THE OBSERVATORY Sept. 1 Andre Nickatina & Krayzie Bone. Sept. 4 Gary Numan. Sept. 7 The Weirdos. Sept. 10 The Zombies. Sept. 13 Walter Trout. Sept. 19 FIDLAR. Sept. 20 Tribal Seeds. Sept. 21 The Slackers. Sept. 29 Between the Buried and Me. Oct. 3 Youth Lagoon. Oct. 11 The Raveonettes. Oct. 16 Walk the Moon. Oct. 31 The 1975. Nov. 13 Tycho. Nov. 16 Misfits. Nov. 22-23 Reverend Horton Heat. Constellation Room Sept. 1 Pac Div. Sept. 3 Jet Life Presents: The Red Eye Tour. Sept. 4 Blond Redhead. Sept. 6 Tesla Boy. Sept. 7 Havok. Sept. 8 Broncho. Sept. 9 Gold Fields. Sept. 10 Dizzy Wright. Sept. 11 Bleeding Rainbow. Sept. 13 Matt Wertz. Sept. 14 The Big Pink. Sept. 17 Van She. Sept. 19 Parachute. Sept. 22 Little Boots. Sept. 23 Buck 65. Sept. 25 Islands. Sept. 26 Sol. Sept. 30 Menomena & the Helio Sequence. Oct. 3 Sargeant House tour with And
SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Sept. 21 L.A. Guitar Quartet. Sept. 27-29 Jazz Festival. Oct. 5 Danza Floricanto-Dia de Los Muertos. Oct. 19 Faculty recital. Oct. 20 Pacific Symphony. Oct. 25 Opera festival: Viva Verdi! Oct. 29 Julliard String Quartet. Nov. 3 Estonian National Symphony. Nov. 10 Fred Hirsch Trio. Nov. 17 Pianist Vladimir Feltsman. Nov. 24 Jasper String Quartet. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000 Map G16 verizon wireless ampitheater Sept. 1 America’s Most Wanted Festival with Lil’ Wayne. Sept. 6 Backstreet Boys. Sept. 7 Dave Matthews Band. Sept. 13 Rockstar Uproar Festival. Sept. 14 Rascal Flatts. Sept. 15 Dave Chappelle, Flight of the Conchords. Sept. 21 Epicenter. Oct. 4 Maroon 5. 8808 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine, 949.855.8095 Map D5
Sports AnGel stadium Sept. 2-5 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. Tampa Bay Rays. Sept. 6-8 Angels vs. Texas Rangers. Sept. 20-22 Angels vs. Seattle Mariners. Sept. 23-25 Angels vs. Oakland Athletics. 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.464.2901 Map I9 honda center Oct. 10 Anaheim Ducks vs. New York Rangers. Oct. 13 Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators. Oct. 16 Ducks vs. Calgary Flames. Oct. 18 Ducks vs. Phoenix Coyotes Oct. 20 Ducks vs. Dallas Stars. Oct. 25 L.A. Lakers vs. Utah Jazz. Nov. 6 Ducks vs. Phoenix Coyotes. Nov. 8 Ducks vs. Buffalo Sabres. Nov. 10 Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks. Nov. 20 Ducks vs. New Jersey Devils. Nov. 22 Ducks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. Nov. 29 Ducks vs. Calgary Flames. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11
Attractions Aquarium of the Pacific One of the largest aquariums in the U.S.; highlights include Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 am6 pm. $14.95-$25.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 Balboa Fun Zone The zone is shrinking. Remaining rides include the Ferris wheel. Su-Th 11 am-9 pm; F-Sa until 10 pm. Pay per ride. 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula, Newport Beach Map N15 Bodies The Exhibition Actual full-body specimens and organs offer detailed views of the human form rarely seen outside an anatomy lab. $12.75-$16.75, under 3 free. Adjacent Titanic show, separate admission. 7711 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 888.647.2789 Map G8 Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari Dolphin and whale-watching excursions. Departures daily. $35-$55, under 3 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828 Map J16
CHRIST cathedral Formerly known as Crystal Cathedral. Three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson’s stunning glass cathedral, Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours M-Sa 9 am-3:30 pm. Free. 12921 S. Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4000 Map J10 Dana Wharf Sportfishing Year-round fishing and whale-watching trips from south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794 Map K16 Discovery Science Center Hands-on exhibits and live shows; Boeing Rocket Lab inside the mammoth tilting cube. Through Sept. 8 Da Vinci—The Genius and Da Vinci Jr. Through Sept. 15 LEGO Castle Adventure. Opening Oct. 5 The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Daily 10 am-5 pm. $12.95-$15.95, under 3 free. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13 Disneyland Mickey Mouse’s first theme park includes 55 attractions in eight lands, from Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln on Main Street, U.S.A., to Star Tours—the Adventure Continues in Tomorrowland. Mickey’s Magical Map show in Fantasyland is new. Halloween Time Sept. 13-Oct. 31; Holiday Time begins Nov. 12. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81-$87, under 3 free. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Disney California Adventure Spectacular Pixar-inspired Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are new. Nighttime water show World of Color; Soarin’ Over California; California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81-$87. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Downtown Disney Twenty-acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema and nightlife, including House of Blues, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and ESPN Zone. Non-gated, free admission. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 FLIGHTDECK air combat center Aerial dogfights using very realistic F-16 fighter jet cockpit simulators. No experience necessary. Minimum age 11, height 4 feet 11. Starts at $59. Tu-Su 11:30 am-8:30 pm. 1650 S. Sinclair, Anaheim, 714.937.1511 Map I11 FULLERTON ARBORETUM County’s largest botanical garden, with 26 lush acres and more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. 8 am-4:30 pm. Free; $3 suggested donation. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3 K1 Speed Indoor kart racing offers challenging track for speed enthusiasts. Arrangements for private parties or corporate events possible. $20. 17221 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.250.0242; 1000 N. Edward Court, Anaheim, 714.632.6999 Map I14 and A3 Knott’s Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. Premier collection of coasters includes GhostRider and Xcelerator ; Coast Rider is new. Halloween Haunt, aka Knott’s Scary Farm, on select nights Sept. 26-Nov. 2. Call for hours and prices; under 3 free. Knott’s Soak City Water Park adjacent, weekends through Sept. 15 (separate admission). 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 Legoland California Theme park features some 60 rides, shows and attractions. Call for hours. $70-80, under 3 free. Sea Life Aquarium or waterpark (weekends Oct.-Nov.), add $13; both, add $19. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.LEGO Map south of F6 MEDIEVAL TIMES Dinner theater show featuring jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship and falconry, four-course feast. Plus Medieval Torture Museum. $35.95-$57.95. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.543.9637 Map G8
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GODS & GIFTS:
VATICAN
Septem b er 29, 2013 thru February 9, 2014
ET HNOLO GIC AL C O LL E CTION This special exhibition brings attention to the little known Vatican Ethnological Museum collection, home to more than 80,000 rarely seen artistic cultural achievements from around the world.
20 02 N . Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92706
714.567.3600 bowers.org
Exhibition organized by Vatican Museums, Vatican City, in partnership with the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco, California. Funding at the Bowers Museum is provided by the California Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums.
20 COLLEGIATE TEAMS, ONE COMPETITION.
The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 is coming to Irvine’s Orange County Great Park
FREE Public Event: 20 collegiate solar-powered houses open 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. for two long weekends, October 3-6; October 10-13
Connect with us: solardecathlon.gov & the-xpo.org
Attractions + Museums OCEAN INSTITUTE Presentations aboard tall ship Pilgrim in Dana Point Harbor; tide-pool sessions; marinemammal exploration cruises; blue-whale safaris. Sa-Su 10 am-3 pm; behind-the-scenes tour Th-F 3:30 pm. $4.50$6.50, under 3 free. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map J16 ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK Huge in-progress park. Oct. 3-6 and 10-13 Solar Decathlon (free). Opening Nov. 21 Cirque du Soleil’s Totem (separate admission). Tethered-balloon ride, $5-$10, under 6 free. Carousel, $2. Farmers market, Su 10 am-2 pm. Near Interstate 5, Sand Canyon Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Perimeter Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D5 ORANGE COUNTY ZOO New lion cubs! Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from Southwestern U.S. Audio tours are new. M-F 10 am-3:30 pm, Sa-Su until 4:30 pm. $2, under 2 free. Parking $3-$5. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map C5 PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard Spanish galleon replica. New show Rise of the Sea Dragon. Call for hours. $39.95-$58.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 Map G8 PRETEND CITY CHILDREN’S MUSEUM Interconnected, interactive miniature city for children from infant to 8 years old. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm; M until 1 pm. $12.50. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6 QUEEN MARY SHIP AND SEAPORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Continuing: Diana: Legacy of a Princess. Shops, dining, art deco lounge; Russian Foxtrot Submarine adjacent. Self-guided and guided tours, M-Th 10 am-6 pm, F-Su 10 am-7 pm. $13.95-$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map northwest of C1 RICHARD NIXON LIBRARY & BIRTHPLACE Provocative exhibits include the presidential helicopter, the presidential tapes and a permanent Watergate gallery. Continuing Richard Nixon Centennial exhibit. Opening Nov. 16 Holiday train exhibit. Opening Nov. 19 Yorba Linda Library: Exposed. Garden tours on Saturdays. M-Sa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4.75-$11.95, under 6 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075 Map A4 ROCKREATION Indoor climbing facility with instruction at all levels. M-Th noon-10 pm, F until 9 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-6 pm. $11-$16. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.7625 Map J12 SAFARI PARK (Formerly Wild Animal Park) 1,800acre wildlife preserve with vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. $44; children 3-11 $34; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $39.60. Cars $10-15. Open daily, Through Sept. 2, 9 am-6 pm; Sept. 3-Nov. 28, 9 am-5 pm; Nov. 29-30, 9 am-6 pm. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map southeast of F6 SAN DIEGO ZOO Renowned zoo has 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state-of-the-art environments. $44; 3-11 $34; 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $39.60. Free parking. Open daily, call for hours. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515 Map southeast of F6 SANTA ANA ZOO Modest, idyllic zoo. Tierra de las Pampas exhibit features giant anteaters and greater rheas. Daily, 10 am-4 pm. $7-$10, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484 Map H14 SEAWORLD Home of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include Turtle Reef, thrill ride Journey to Atlantis and Blue Horizons show. Aquatica Seaworld’s Waterpark open through Sept. 29, weekends only. Open daily. Call for hours, combo rates. $70-$78, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map southeast of F6
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Attractions + Museums Sherman Library & Gardens Ten gardens showcase intimate botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am-4 pm. Library open T-Th 9 am-4:30 pm. $1-$3, under 12 free. Free on Mondays. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16 sky high sports Fun center features 360 degrees of trampoline walls; free-bounce, dodgeball and AIRobics. $12 per hour. Call for hours. 2970 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5867 Map J13 Thrill It fun center New indoor family-fun center features laser tag, rock climbing walls, ropes course and mechanical bull. Open M-Th 10 am-9 pm, F-Sa 10 am-11 pm, Su 11 am-9 pm. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.1600 Map J11 Titanic—THe Experience View artifacts from the wreck of the “ship of dreams,” experience sights and sounds of its voyage 101 years ago. $12.75-16.75, under 3 free. Adjacent Bodies show, separate admission. 7711 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 888.647.2789 Map G8 Vans Skatepark Skateboard mecca has combi pool, open street course and mini-ramps; Vans store is adjacent. Daily 10 am-10 pm. $12 weekdays; $15 weekends. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800 Map J11
Museums Bowers kidseum Children’s museum near Bowers Museum with a focus on ethnic arts and culture. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $6, under 2 free. 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.480.1520 Map G13 Bowers Museum Dedicated to preservation and exhibition of world cultural arts plus displays with a California focus. Through Sept. 15 Gems of the Medici. Opening Sept. 29 Gods & Gifts: Vatican Ethnological Collection. Through Oct. 6 Jewels of The Connoisseur. Opening Oct. 27 A Quest for Beauty: The Art of Van Cleef & Arpels. Separate admission for some exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13 Fullerton Museum Center Ongoing Lowdown on the Uproar: Leo’s Electric Basses. Through Sept. 29 JeanMichel Basquiat: An Intimate Portrait. Tu-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 8 pm. $1-$4, under 6 free. 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545 Map A3 Huntington Beach IntERNATIONAl Surfing Museum Board culture spotlights legend Duke Kahanamoku, classic surfboards and the original Endless Summer film. Su-M noon-5 pm; Tu until 9 pm; W-F until 7 pm; Sa 11 am-7 pm. Free. 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.3483 Map N8
I N S P I R I N G
A
M O V E M E N T
BOARDS . PADDLES . ACCESSORIES . APPAREL
Irvine Museum California Impressionism within office building. Through Sept. 19 Mastering the Medium: Works on Paper. Tu-Sa 11 am-5 pm. $5. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565 Map J14 Laguna Art Museum California Impressionism and contemporary cultural art. Through Sept. 29 Faux Real; Expose: Beatriz da Costa. Continuing Sea Change: Tanya Aguiñiga’s Bluebelt Forest. Through Oct. 13 John Mason: Blue Wall. Opening Oct. 27 Adam Silverman: Clay and Space; Expose: Richard Kraft. F-Tu 11 am-5 pm, Th 11 am-9 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15 LYON AIR Museum Some of the world’s rarest operational 20th century aircraft and other historical vehicles; on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. Daily 10 am-4 pm. $6-$12, under 5 free. 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585 Map J13 Mission San Juan Capistrano Exhibits at the jewel of the California missions, the county’s birthplace, founded in 1776. New Swallows Walk and Talk Tour, daily 1 pm. Continuing Mission Treasures: Historical Collection
STAND UP PADDLE LESSONS & RENTALS STARTING AT $30 LESSONS INCLUDE A FULL HOUR OF INSTRUCTION WITH OUR WPA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS, BOARD, PADDLE AND WETSUIT 1103 SOUTH COAST HIGHWAY LAGUNA BEACH, CA SUPCOMPANY.COM . 949-715-9730
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Shopping Revealed; Plein Air Art Reproductions. Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 9 am-5 pm. $6-$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17 Muckenthaler Cultural Center Displays, often design-oriented, in historic North County mansion. Through Oct. 27 La Xilografía: Mexican Woodcut Prints. Opening Nov. 7 Frank Romero. W-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 9 pm. Free. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595 Map A3 MUZEO In historic Carnegie Library building. Through Sept. 15 Spies, Traitors and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America. Opening Oct. 19 Worn to Be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $6-$10. Admission fees, hours subject to change by exhibition. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936 Map H10 Newport harbor nautical museum Ongoing Sea of Adventure, Extraordinary People. M-Th 11 am-3 pm, F-Sa until 6 pm, Su until 5 pm. $2-$4, under 4 free. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915 Map N14 Orange County Museum of Art Focus on California modern and contemporary art. Through Nov. 17 2013 California-Pacific Triennial. W-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th until 8 pm. $10-$12, under 12 free. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122 Map L15
Shopping Destinations ANAHEIM GARDENWALK Retail, entertainment and dining destination near Disneyland. Stores include Lush Cosmetics, Skechers, O’Neill, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim; some seats at 14-plex UltraLuxe cinema feature film-synced motion technology. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410 Map I10 ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT Center Street Promenade from owners of Costa Mesa’s the Lab and the Camp includes Home Economics, the Good Californian Haberdashery and Heart & Sole. Nearby 1920s Packard showroom features Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery. Historic citrus packing building housing 20 foodie vendors, opens presently. Center Street and Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.966.6661 Map H10 Bella Terra Striking Italian-themed open-air center; Whole Foods Market, REI outdoor-sports specialist and 20-screen cinema. Lorna Jane, Luna Rossa and Buffalo Wild Wings are new. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.897.2534 Map C2 Brea Mall County’s second-largest mall is home to department stores Nordstrom and Macy’s and 174 other retailers including new Tesla store. 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, 714.990.2733 Map A3 BUena Park Downtown More than 1 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment near Knott’s Berry Farm includes Krikorian Metroplex cinemas and Portillo’s popular hot-dog venue. 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park, 714.828.7722 Map G8 The Camp Green-oriented enclave for outdoors enthusiasts includes eco-department store SEED People’s Market and a host of intriguing dining options. 2937-2981 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa Map J13 Corona del Mar Plaza Boutiques include Gail Jewelers, Jack’s Surfboards and Sienna Brown. Among other draws are Savory Spice Shop and new Sprinkles Ice Cream. 800-984 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.2689 Map M15 Crystal Cove shopping center Ocean views amid Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques, home stores and fine dining; Coastal Cool and Z Collection boutiques and Bear Flag Fish Co. are new. 7845-8085 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.720.2689 Map M17
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Shopping THE DISTRICT AT TUSTIN LEGACY One-millionsquare-foot retail, entertainment and dining destination. Boutiques include Madison Bleu and Ulta Cosmetics; Whole Foods Market; Bowlmor bowling lounge. Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin, 714.259.0290 Map J14 Downtown Disney Twenty-acre complex includes House of Blues, Build-A-Bear, Studio Disney 365 and Ridemakerz. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.7800 (See Attractions.) Map I10
AT THE NEW NHM
Fashion Island Elegant open-air center with anchors Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom; new Kendra Scott, See Eyewear and Moonlight Graham boutiques; new restaurants Fig & Olive, Lark Creek and Lemonade. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map L15 5 Points Plaza Neighborhood center offers Wet Seal, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Charming Charlie jewelry, Cloudmover Day Spa and Hashigo Sushi. The dog-friendly local favorite has a barking lot! 18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.841.0036 Map D2 Irvine Spectrum Center Moorish-themed entertainment-retail center includes nation’s most visited movie complex, anchors Nordstrom and Macy’s and a bevy of new restaurants. Blackheart, Brandy Melville and the Melt are new. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 The Lab Once a night-vision-goggle factory, now an indoor-outdoor venue featuring youth-skewed boutiques, gallery and salon. Men’s store Klein Epstein & Parker and contemporary art and design bookstore As Issued are new. Dining options include Zipangu, Gypsy Den and Habana. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660 Map J13
NOW OPEN
NATURE LAB
NHM is now an OUTDOOR-INDOOR experience! NHM.ORG
The outlets at orange Calvin Klein joins Perry Ellis and Tommy Hilfiger outlets, Nordstrom Rack, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and American Eagle Outfitters. Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding. Formerly known as the Block at Orange. 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.4000 Map J11 The Shops at Mission Viejo From Aveda to Z Gallerie, plus Nordstrom and Macy’s. 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, 949.364.1832 Map E6 south coast collection New center of design showrooms and creative studios includes new Surfas Culinary District and ARC restaurant. OC Mix features 30-plus vendors including Savory Spice Stop, Portola Coffee Lab, Seventh Tea Bar, the Cheese Shop and Shuck Oyster Bar. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.333.0893 Map J12 South Coast Plaza “The Ultimate Shopping Experience” is a state tourist destination. Marquee retailers include Christian Louboutin and Prada; Lanvin, Brioni and Diptyque candles are new. Macy’s Home Store and Crate & Barrel anchor Bear Street wing. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13 THE STRAND Two blocks of coast-adjacent property offers retailers including Active Ride Shop, Varga and Crocs and Ra Sushi restaurant. 155 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.465.4528 Map N9 THE triangle Dining and entertainment destination has new image and name. New El Corazon de Costa Mesa, Saddle Ranch Chop House, Olive Branch/ Black Knight and H2O Sushi & Izakaya join Starlight Triangle Cinemas and Sutra. Opening presently: Tavern + Bowl bowling alley. Seven levels of free parking and valet on weekends. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.650.0732 Map L12 Westfield mainplace Macy’s, Nordstrom, 180 specialty shops and boutiques. 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.547.7000 Map G13
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YOU ONLY THINK YOU KNOW NIXON Patriot. President. Peacemaker.
Golf Golf Courses ALISO CREEK GOLF COURSE Picturesque ninehole course in canyon with coastal breezes and 19 bunkers. M-Th $29, F $34, Sa-Su $38. 31106 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.499.2271 Map I16 ANAHEIM HILLS GOLF COURSE “The Hills.” Fine golf value, with 18 holes set amid California terrain with vistas, valleys, stream, oaks, sycamores. M-Th $48, F $57, Sa-Su $66. Includes cart and use of GPS system. 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim, 714.998.3041 Map B5 ARROYO TRABUCO GOLF CLUB Upscale course on the Ladera Open Space Reserve. M-Th $72, F $87, Sa-Su $101. 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.305.5100 Map E6 BLACK GOLD GOLF CLUB Challenges at oilthemed canyon course include elevation changes, blind tee shots. M-Th $87, F $99, Sa-Su $115. Includes cart and GPS system. 1 Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda, 714.961.0060 Map A4 COYOTE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB Course designed by Cal Olson and PGA Tour legend Payne Stewart. Lighted driving range, chipping and sand play area. Call for rates. Includes cart and GPS system. 1440 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.672.6800 Map A3 MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS Ocean views abound at 18-hole course at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. M-Th $185, F-Su $210. Includes cart with GPS system. Twilight rates available. 50 Monarch Beach Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.8247 Map J16
OPEN THROUGH 2013
A bold storytelling exhibit on the five most important chapters of the 37th President’s life and legacy.
RN: How American H RN: Always In The Arena RN: Creating A Just Society H RN: Peacemaker Of His Time RN: The Global Elder Statesman
At the RICHARD NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda FOR INFORMATION: 714.364.1120 or nixonfoundation.org
it’s about the journey
AND THE DESTINATION
NEWPORT BEACH GOLF COURSE Contoured executive course offers night play. $13-$27. 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.852.8681 Map M15 OAK CREEK GOLF CLUB Tapered fairways, bull-nose carved bunkers and picturesque greens on Tom Fazio course. M-Th $130, F-Su $175. Includes cart. 1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, 949.653.5300 Map D5 PELICAN HILL GOLF CLUB Two gorgeous courses reopened after a two-year renovation as part of the sumptuous Resort at Pelican Hill; coastal views from virtually every hole. $280 daily. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 877.735.4226 Map L17 RANCHO SAN JOAQUIN Course offers big hilly greens with water on seven holes. Call for rates. 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, 949.786.5522 Map D4 STRAWBERRY FARMS GOLF CLUB Eighteenhole course; rolling greens, picturesque canyon, wetland vistas, county’s longest hole. M-Th $110, F-Su $160. 11 Strawberry Farms Road, Irvine, 949.551.1811 Map D4 TALEGA GOLF CLUB Scenic canyons, marshes, Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse, 18-hole championship course with Augusta white-sand bunkers designed in part by Masters champion Fred Couples. M-Th $80, F $90, Sa-Su $100. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.369.6226 Map south of F6
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TIJERAS CREEK GOLF CLUB Play through front “lake” nine, old-growth sycamores, oaks and native chaparral on back nine. Ted Robinson-designed. M-F $95, Sa-Su $120. 29082 Tijeras Creek Road, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.589.9793 Map east of E6 TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB Upscale, resort-style course designed by Ted Robinson has challenging greens, palm trees and lakes. County’s only public golf course with private caddie service. M-Th $110, F $130, Sa-Su $160. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611 Map C5
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Beaches + Parks Active Outdoors Air Combat USA Dogfight training in actual highperformance small planes. Instructors handle takeoff and landing, riders have control in the air. Fullerton Municipal Airport, 3815 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 800.522.7590 Map A2 BALBOA BOAT RENTALS AND PARASAIL Panoramic views of Newport Beach and harbor while you’re aloft; choice of altitudes. Boat, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, too. Parasailing $65-$75. 510 E. Edgewater, Balboa, 949.673.7200 Map N15 CA Surf ’N’ PADDLE Surf and paddleboard lessons, rentals of beach chairs, surfboards and other beach and water equipment. 689 and 695 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.1423 Map I16 CHINA COVE KAYAK ADVENTURES Customized kayak tours around Newport Bay. Bicycle adventures, too. Hidden beach Jeep and kayak tour is new. 949.632.4694, chinacovekayakadventures.com CLINT CARROLL SURF SCHOOL Son of surf great Corky Carroll offers instruction at all levels. Beach transport and equipment provided. Newport Cruisers Bike Rental Shop, 111 23rd St., Newport Beach, 949.355.7285 Map N15 COUNTRY TRAILS AND RIDING SCHOOL Guided horseback rides among massive coast live oaks and California sycamores. Tu-Su. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.538.5860, ctriding.com Map C5
WELCOME TO KOALAFORNIA
THE NEW AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK. NOW OPEN! sandiegozoo.org/koalafornia
JetPACK AMERICA New water-propelled-jet-pack adventure in (and over, of course!) Newport Harbor. $159-$549. 2600 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 888.553.6471 Map N13 WhereSD_Mag_SDZoo_Fall2013.indd 1
Pedego electric bikes Electric bike rentals $14 per hour with two-hour minimum or $50 per day. Tour three piers and Newport Harbor for $69. 301 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.465.2782; 2515 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.612.7989; 34155 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite A, Dana Point, 949.488.0696; 1065 Pacific Coast Highway, Seal Beach, 562.296.5782 Map N9, M16, J16, C1
7/10/13 2:01 PM
SKYTHRILLS Aerobatics in biplanes. Receive instruction, assume control of the aircraft, execute maneuvers such as a loop, roll, spin or inverted pass over the coast—no experience necessary! Or gentler flights in open-cockpit 1930s biplane. Rides videotaped and include DVD. 230 Dale Place, Fullerton, 866.484.7455 Map A2 SUP CO Paddleboard on the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. Lessons and rentals—and even paddleboard yoga classes—are available. Daily 9 am-8 pm. $30-$69. 1103 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 949.715.9730 Map I16
Beaches + Parks Aliso Creek County Beach Steep shore creates powerful waves. All amenities and fire pits. Pay-anddisplay parking $1/hour. 31131 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.923.2280 Map I16 Balboa Beach Pristine sunning and swimming beach. All amenities. Metered parking. Along Balboa Boulevard at Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N14 Bolsa Chica State Beach Good for grunion hunting! All amenities and fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Main Street and Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 714.846.3460 Map N9
Ready for an adventure like no other? At the San Diego Zoo Safari Park there’s plenty to do, from riding a tram through Africa, to seeing the world’s fastest cats race right past you at Cheetah Run! Upgrade your safari and ride a zip line over rhinos, giraffe, and deer, explore our challenging ropes courses, or meet unique animals up close. You can even stay over night. Which safari will you choose?
sdzsafaripark.org
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Beaches + Parks CAPISTRANO BEACH Wide, unblemished. All amenities. Pay-and-display parking $1/hour. 35005 Beach Road, Capo Beach, 949.923.2280 Map F6 CORONA DEL MAR STATE BEACH Large, sandy beach—with volleyball—below beautiful homes. Lifeguards, all amenities, fire pits. Waveless cove adjacent. Fee for parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK Thousands of acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, 3.2 miles of sandy coves and steep cliffs. Historic district with beach cottages and the Beachcomber café. Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge offshore. Lifeguards, restrooms. Fee for parking. Along East Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, 949.494.3539 Map E4 DOHENY STATE BEACH Popular swimming beach, interpretive center. All amenities, fire pits. Fee for parking. Dana Point Harbor, along Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.6172 Map K17 HUNTINGTON CITY BEACH Wide, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.5281 Map N9 HUNTINGTON STATE BEACH Expansive, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Bolsa Chica Wetlands are across the highway. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Ana River and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.1454 Map N10 LITTLE CORONA DEL MAR BEACH Steep paved path to picturesque cove; tide pools filled with anemones and starfish are great for kids. Good for snorkeling—and family photos. Free street parking. Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 MAIN BEACH Large beach close to shops and restaurants offers great people-watching, basketball, volleyball, chess. All amenities. Metered parking. At Broadway and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map F5 NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL BEACH Popular golden strand with many fine surfing spots. All amenities, including fire pits. Metered parking. Along Oceanfront at Newport Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N13
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IT’S OUR BUSINESS
NEWPORT DUNES RESORT Beach at RV park on the Back Bay has full-time lifeguards, giant inflatable in-water novelties (e.g., teeter-totter, climbing apparatus) and various water vessels for rent. Segway tours. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.DUNE Map M14
WORLDWIDE
to get you to yours
PIRATES COVE Secluded beach with harbor views; few to no waves make it perfect for little ones. Bouldering spot for local climbers. Paid parking at Corona del Mar State Beach; free street parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Harbor Channel, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3309 Map F6
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SALT CREEK COUNTY BEACH Long, pristine stretch below the cliff-top Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Beautiful, grassy Bluff Park with basketball court. All amenities. Pay-and-display parking $1/hour. Off Ritz-Carlton Drive, 33333 S. Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.923.2280 Map J16 SAN CLEMENTE CITY BEACH 1,200-foot pier (1920s), wide beach, good surf. All amenities. Metered parking. The train goes right by the beach. 620 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, 949.361.8219 Map K17
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Beaches + Parks San Clemente State Beach Popular mile-long beach below sandstone bluffs offers all amenities, a nature trail and butterfly trail. Fee for parking. 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, 949.492.3156 Map K17 Seal Beach Popular surfing beach has a lifeguard and showers. Metered parking. Main Street and Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach, 562.430.2613 Map C1 Thousand Steps Beach Two-hundredsomething concrete steps lead to a small beach at the base of a cliff. Free street parking. Ninth Avenue and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 714.834.2400 Map I16 Victoria Beach Laguna’s prettiest beach has tower fit for Rapunzel and man-made, high-tide swimming pool circa 1920. Metered parking. Victoria Street off Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map H15 The Wedge World-renowned bodysurfing and bodyboarding spot. The break is dangerous; watch unless you’re an expert. Free parking lot. West Jetty View Park, tip of Balboa Peninsula, end of Channel Road, Newport Beach, 949.644.3309 Map N16
Regional Parks Irvine regional park On land donated by James Irvine in 1897, California’s oldest regional park houses the Orange County Zoo and Irvine Park Railroad. Setting features old-growth oak and sycamore trees. Families have picnicked at the park for more than 100 years. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6835 Map B5 laguna niguel regional park Wide selection of outdoor activities, including tennis, volleyball, jogging and bicycling in well-landscaped setting. There’s fishing on a 44-acre lake. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2240 Map F6 o’neill regional park Expansive 3,300-acre park is a distinctive spot for both day use and camping. Includes the Arroyo Trabuco area, 935 acres of relatively pristine land maintained as a wilderness preserve. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, 949.923.2256 Map east of D6 peters canyon regional park Blend of native vegetation and scenic trails. Lush groves of willows and black cottonwoods intertwine with a rambling creek and encase a 50-acre lake. Variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, 714.973.6611 Map B5 santiago oaks regional park Secluded 1,750-acre refuge has a variety of trails, native oak trees and a historic dam. Nature Center open on weekends. Garden area is a popular location for small, weekend weddings. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, 714.973.6620 Map B4
Wilderness Parks aliso and wood canyons wilderness park 3,350-acre park is home to world-class mountain-biking terrain. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2200 Map H16
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caspers wilderness park 8,000-acres for day use and camping. Nature center; interpretive programs. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210 Map east of F6 laguna coast wilderness park Sycamoreshaded canyons and high ridges offering spectacular ocean views and hiking, mountain biking and horseback
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Nightlife riding. Nature center serves as a gateway to 7,000acre natural habitat. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.923.2235 Map G15 upper newport bay nature preserve At Newport Back Bay with vistas of the coastal wetlands. One of the finest birding sites in North America; several endangered species make this home. Interpretive center is open Tu-Su, 10 am-4 pm. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, 949.923.2290 Map K13
Historical Parks arden: helena modjeska historic house and gardens Home of world-renowned 19th century actress Madame Helena Modjeska. National historic landmark named for its resemblance to the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Visits by appointment through Heritage Hill Historical Park. 29042 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon, 949.923.2230 Map east of D6 george key ranch historic park Beautiful grounds hold a botanical garden and citrus grove. 1898 building offers visitors a view of life in the early days of Orange County citrus farming. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 625 W. Bastanchury Road, Placentia, 714.973.3190 (Enter on Bastanchury near Placentia Ave., across from Sierra Vista School.) Map A4 heritage hill historic park Park preserves Orange County’s cultural heritage through four historic buildings representing distinct eras in the area’s development. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230 (At the corner of Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road.) Map D6
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irvine ranch historic park Once the heart of the Irvine agricultural empire, the park preserves the ranch operations headquarters, as well as the site of the original Irvine family home. Houses the O.C. Parks headquarters and a library branch. 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, 714.973.6609 Map C5
GREENUP DESIGNS
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old orange county courthouse Site of the local governmental transactions and court proceedings that shaped the county’s early history. Restored in 1989; houses historical exhibits, archives, special events and a marriage license office. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.973.6605 Map H13 peralta adobe historic site One of the last remaining structures of the Peralta settlement, home to pioneering families in the 1800s. Visits by reservation through George Key Ranch (listing above). 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, 714.973.3190 Map A4
Nightlife AULD DUBLINER Classic Irish pub and restaurant; live music Th-Sa. 2497 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.1562; 71 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.437.8300 Map J14, northwest of C1 Bambú Lounge is ideal for light dining or nightcap. Live entertainment. Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 Map K14 bowlmor Hip, state-of-the-art, glow-in-the-dark bowling lounge with 5,000-square-foot sports bar and global cuisine. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695 Map J14 cantina lounge Mexican fusion restaurant, sports bar and lounge with dancing and DJ after 10 pm. Dress code. 2736 E. Nutwood Ave., Fullerton, 714.879.8094 Map A3 Continental Room Downtown fixture offers strong drinks, spacious dance floor and live music nightly. 115 W. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, 714.469.1879 Map B3
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Nightlife COPPER DOOR Watering hole in basement of a 1925 building in downtown Santa Ana offers pool tables, 40 beers. Front door is copper, natch. Tu-Su 8 pm-2 am. 2251/2 N. Broadway, Santa Ana Map H13 DETROIT BAR Downscale deco-meets-roadhousestyle bar, a hipster haven. Eclectic mix of indie-rock artists, nationally acclaimed bands and DJs nightly. 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0600 Map M12 THE DISTRICT LOUNGE Retro spot near Newport Pier has 100-foot mahogany and copper bar. Orange location is in original 1920s post office. 121 McFadden St., Newport Beach, 949.673.4470; 223 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.639.7777 Map N13, C4 Duke’s Place Live music and dancing at classy lounge with bay views. Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 888.445.7153 Map N13 HEAT ULTRA LOUNGE Vegas-style club near Disneyland has headline acts, a state-of-the-art sound system and an indoor smoking lounge. Th-Sa. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328 Map I10 HOPSCOTCH New. The county’s best whiskey list, 75 craft beers and cocktails, creative and slow-cooked cuisine (start with Cracklin’ Rosemary Bread) inside 1918 Pacific Railway Station. Two patios, one for cigars. Flat-screens air vintage westerns and sports. 136 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.2222 Map B3 House of Blues Acclaimed venue offers touring bands, dancing and soul food. Filled with outsider art. Rafter-raising gospel brunch on Sundays. Call for schedule. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10
Come discover the beauty of Anaheim Hills Golf Course. We
welcome visitors to enjoy the incredible value of daily tee times and pristine course conditions – all nestled right in the heart of Orange County, located just minutes from Disneyland. Escape today and take advantage of our FREE Rental Club Offer, New Nike VRS Series Rental Golf Clubs, for a savings of $30.00! Play like the pros, or at least test drive the clubs they use. It’s on us! To redeem offer, book your round through your hotel concierge. www.AnaheimHillsGC.com | Phone (714) 998-3041 Anaheim Hills Golf Course | 6501 Nohl Ranch Road | Anaheim, CA
Irvine Improv Top comedy. Two-item minimum (food or drink). Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455 Map D5 LOLA GASPAR Bar and kitchen in Santa Ana’s Artists Village. Open until 2 am M-Sa, Su until midnight. 211 W. Second St., Santa Ana, 714.972.1172 Map H13 Lucky Strike Lanes Retro-cool bowling lounge with DJ. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.5263 Map J11 Marine room tavern Laid-back locals bar with pool table offers live blues and rock on weekends. Open until 1 am Su-Th, until 2 am F-Sa. 214 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3027 Map H15 MESA Small plates and cocktails at hip and stylish lounge with retractable glass roof. Open until 2 am Tu-Sa. The Camp, 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 Map J13 Muldoon’s Dublin Pub Cozy spot with courtyard offers fun Irish-themed events in the Celtic Bar. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 Map L15 rooftop lounge Hot spot for sunset cocktails on wraparound patio atop La Casa del Camino hotel. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446 Map I15 Steamers Cafe Premier jazz spot, the county’s best. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800 Map B3 STILL WATER SPIRITS & SOUNDS Nightly live entertainment. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003 Map J17 Sutra Lounge Club with cool decor, musical acts and big-name deejays. Open Th-Sa. The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.722.7103 Map K12
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Tours +Transport 300 anaheiM 41-lane bowling alley with club atmosphere, full bar, eclectic menu. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810 Map I10 TilTed kilT PuB & eaTery Celtic-themed pub with servers in plaid mini-kilts and sports on 48 screens. 1625 W. Katella Ave., Orange 714.633.5458 Maps I11 wild GooSe New and popular. Cocktails (and barrel-aged cocktails!), seasonal beers, creative sausages and burgers amid hunt-lodge-saloon decor (stag, beaver, “jackalope” taxidermy, chickenfeeder light fixtures). 436 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.722.9453 Map N12 wine laB Wine/cheese tasting room and store at hip outdoors-themed center. Open Tu-Su. The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.905.9521 Map J13 yoST TheaTer Historical landmark now plays host to popular musical acts and deejays. Open daily. 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, 888.862.9573 Map H13
Tours + Transport a liMo zone Private limousine tours and transportation. Fleets include Lincoln, Chrysler, Escalade and Hummer limos as well as party buses. Hollywood tours, wine tasting tours and Las Vegas trips. Available 24/7. 714.381.5452 a liST liMouSine Private limousine tours and transportation. Complimentary sparkling wine, CD player, TV/DVD. 888.886.6644 advenTureS aT Sea Luxury yachts for groups. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.2412 Map N13 aMTrak Train service within the county and to destinations throughout California daily. There are stops in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana. 800.USA.RAIL, amtrak.com anaheiM reSorT TranSPorTaTion (arT) Shuttles cover 19 routes with transfers to Disneyland, Anaheim GardenWalk and Anaheim Convention Center. Purchase passes online, at Amtrak station and select hotels. 866.364.ARTS, rideart.org BeST ChauFFeured worldwide Chauffeured vehicles available in as little as two hours’ notice. 7472 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, 866.323.2378; 714.375.9128 Map C2 Beverly hillS renT-a-Car Luxury and exotic rentals; pickup service. 3939 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.250.4386; 800.258.5353 Map L13 CaliFornia yellow CaB Transportation in sedans, town cars, minivans to/from airports, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping. 877.935.5692 CaTalina exPreSS Round trip from Dana Point Harbor and Long Beach to Catalina Island year round. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Harbor; 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, 800.481.3470 Map K16, northwest of C1 CaTalina Flyer Fastest boat from Orange County to Catalina Island: 75 minutes. 500-passenger, triple-decker catamaran departs from the historic Balboa Pavilion. Call for schedule. $51-$68, $4 children 2 and under. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744 Map N15 CiTy PaSS Pass includes discounted admission to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, and admission to other theme parks in Los Angeles and
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Elsewhere San Diego counties. Available for purchase online or at attractions. $269-$306, under 3 free. 888.330.5008, citypass.com Classic Mustang rentals Cruise the coast in a classic 1965 Mustang convertible! Hourly rentals; hotel delivery available. 729 Farad St., Costa Mesa, 949.650.5202, classicmustangrentals.com Map D3 DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING Sportfishing, 82-foot schooner yacht for charter and whale-watching expeditions. Corporate parties, private fishing cruises. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Map K16 DAVEY’S LOCKER Year-round whale-watching, deep-sea sportfishing, fishing charters and boat rentals at Balboa Pavilion. 3400 Main St., Newport Beach, 949.673.1434, daveyslocker.com Map N15 enterprise Rent-A-Car Daily car rentals with approximately 25 locations throughout Orange County. Pick up service available. 888.484.HOTEL, enterprise.com execucar Premier luxury sedan service. Sedan and SUV service, flat rates, special group services and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.410.4444, execucar.com gondola adventures Romantic gondola cruises through Newport Harbor canals. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.2067; 888.446.6365 Map N13 gw tours Segway tours of Huntington Beach. SoCal’s only company with tours on the sand. 120 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 657.464.9137 Map N9 HAVE FUN TOURS Exclusive sightseeing tours of Southern California’s highlights from San Diego to Los Angeles. Adults $99, children 3-12 $50. 714.658.2291, havefuntours.com Hornblower Cruises F-Sa dinner-dance cruises and Sa-Su champagne brunch cruises aboard elegant yachts. Mariner’s Mile Marina, 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.0155; 888.467.6256 Map M13 JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT Attractive gateway to O.C., vastly superior to LAX in ambience and ease of departure and arrival. Rotating art exhibits. “Red coat” ambassadors assist travelers. Free Wi-Fi. Ticket counters open at 5 am. Terminal C adds dining options. 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, 949.252.5200, ocair.com Metrolink Train system connects to San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles; stops in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton and Buena Park. $10 Metrolink Weekend Pass valid on Metrolink rails and public transportation throughout Southern California Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11:59 pm. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com OCTA The Orange County Transportation Authority runs a comprehensive bus system throughout the county. $2; day pass $5, 60 cents for 65 and older, under 5 free. Day pass for O.C. buses and Metrolink trains $7, $6 for senior/disabled. Exact change only. 714.560.6282, octa.net
Come visit these hidden treasures... Orange County SUPERSHUTTLE Transportation to and from all Southern California airports around the clock. Groups and charters welcome. 310.222.5500; 800.BLUE.VAN, supershuttle.com TMZ Hollywood Tour Bus tour with state-ofthe-art audio/video explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. Guides have interviewed celebrities, sent footage to newsroom. $53-$63. Starline Tours, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868
• Two Wildlife & Beach EcoTours / Nature Tours • Beach Coastal & Shopping Tour
Tickets Barry’s Ticket Service Hard-to-get and premium tickets for local and national events. 675 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.751.9800 Map J12 714 Tickets Tickets to popular sporting events, theater shows and concerts located opposite the Honda Center. Local delivery available. 2620 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.TICKETS (714.842.5387), 714tickets.com Map I11
• Orange County Tour including Mission San Juan Capistrano and The Gold Coast • Art Tour with optional Wine Tasting in Laguna Beach
We pick up in a luxury van or mini coach at many hotels in Orange County. Light walking.
West Coast ticket service Tickets to in-demand events throughout Southern California. 310.207.1226. wctix.com
Los Angeles County Attractions Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite Music Center. M-F 6:30 am-6 pm; Sa 9 am-6 pm; Su 7 am-6 pm. 555 W. Temple St., downtown L.A., 213.680.5200 Chinatown Ornate architecture, dim sum, shops with Eastern wares. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown
Reservations:
949-500-6981 www.ocwildlifebeachtour.com
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dolby Theatre Tour the home of the Academy Awards; formerly the Kodak Theatre. Daily 10:30 am4 pm. $10-$15, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Farmers Market Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. M-F 9 am-9 pm; Sa 9 am-8 pm; Su 10 am-7 pm. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Griffith Observatory Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tu-F noon10 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-10 pm. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800 Hollywood Walk of Fame Celebs’ names are enshrined in bronze-and-terrazzo stars. Free. Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, 323.469.8311 L.A. Zoo AND Botanical Gardens Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $9-$14, under 2 free. Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Olvera Street Festive open-air Mexican marketplace with restaurants, shops at historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets, downtown, 213.628.1274
OC WILDLIFE & BEACH TOUR Four half-day itineraries including the Art & Wine Tasting, Beach Coastal & Shopping and two Wildlife & Beach tours. 949.500.6981, ocwildlifebeachtour.com
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! MUSEUM Three hundred displays feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. Daily 10 am-midnight. $8.99-$16.99, under 5 free. 6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6335
PRIME TIME SHUTTLE Service around the clock to SoCal airports, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim Convention Center. 800.RED.VANS, primetimeshuttle.com
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Air Force One Pavilion houses the Flying White House. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $6-$21, under 2 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354
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Elsewhere
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San Fernando Mission 1797 mission with museum, archives and gardens. Daily 9 am-4:30 pm. $3-$4, under 7 free. 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, 818.361.0186
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San Gabriel Mission Mission includes the oldest building (1771) in Southern California. Daily 9 am-4:30 pm. $3-$5, under 6 free. 427 S. Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, 626.457.3048 Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $39.99-$64.99, under 3 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111 Universal CityWalk Eye-popping dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes novelty shops and Imax theater. iFLY Hollywood is a simulated sky-diving wind tunnel. Call for hours. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Universal Studios hollywood World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include new Transformers: The Ride 3D, Jurassic Park, Simpsons Ride, Special Effects Stage, King Kong 360 3-D. Tram studio tour includes War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour though prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $80, under 3 free. VIP Experience $299. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.UNIVERSAL
3-Day Park Hopper® to Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park
Studio Tours Sony Pictures Studios Two-hour walking tour of working motion picture studio includes sets of television shows and films including Spider-Man. Reservation, photo ID required. M-F 9:30 am-2:30 pm. $33; under 12 not admitted. Parking free. 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, 310.244.8687
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THE STUDIOS AT PARAMOUNT Two-hour group tour of the longest-operating and only remaining major studio in Hollywood. Reservation required. Tours daily (except major holidays) every half hour 9:30 am-2 pm. $48. 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, 323.956.1777
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Universal Studios Hollywood See listing above under Attractions. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Warner Bros. Studios Two-hour tour of working movie and TV studio includes backlots, enormous soundstages and costume department, memorabilia museum and observation of filming when possible. VIP tours available. Reservation recommended; photo ID required. M-F 8:15 am-4:30 pm. $52, under 8 not admitted. 3400 Riverside Drive, Burbank, 818.972.8087
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Autry National Center’s Museum of the American West Continuing Skydreamers. Ongoing Opportunity; Conquest; Community. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, L.A., 323.667.2000 California Science Center Interactive exhibits for budding scientists; final home of Space Shuttle Endeavor. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Permanent exhibition gallery, free; admission for other exhibits and Imax varies. Admission to exhibit galleries free. Parking $8. 700 State Drive, Exposition Park, downtown, 323.724.3623 Getty Center Beautiful travertine-clad hilltop facility houses stunning collections of paintings, drawings, antiquities, photographs and decorative arts. Fabulous Central Garden and city views. Tu-F, Su 10 am-5:30 pm; Sa 10 am-9 pm. Free. Parking $15, $10 after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A., 310.440.7300
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Elsewhere GeTTy villa Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart features Roman and Greek antiquities. W-M 10 am-5 pm. Free. Parking $15. Advance timed tickets required. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 GraMMy MuSeuM Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music, the creative and recording processes, and Grammy Award history. M-F 11:30 am-7:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. $10.95-$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.765.6800 hollywood MuSeuM Ten thousand artifacts on four floors: costumes such as Robert Pattinson’s and Taylor Lautner’s in Twilight; sets including Hannibal Lecter’s cell; and Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde. In restored Max Factor Building. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $12-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 hunTinGTon liBrary, arT ColleCTionS, and BoTaniCal GardenS Stellar art, buildings and grounds; more than a dozen themed gardens include reopened Japanese Garden. Gallery includes Pinkie and The Blue Boy. M, W-F noon-4:30 pm; Sa-Su 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $8-$23, under 5 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2141 loS anGeleS CounTy MuSeuM oF arT Diverse premier collections are encyclopedic in their breadth; Broad Contemporary Art Museum and Resnick Pavilion are latest additions. LACMA West nearby. M-Tu, Th 11 am-5 pm, F until 8 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7 pm. $10-$15, under 18 free. LACMA West free. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd.; LACMA West, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.857.6000 MuSeuM oF ConTeMPorary arT Premier contemporary art venues. M, F 11 am-5 pm; Th 11 am-8 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Pacific Design Center, Tu-F 11 am-5 pm, Sa-Su until 6 pm. $7-$12, under 12 free. Free at PDC. MOCA Grand Avenue (GA), 250 S. Grand Ave., downtown; Geffen Contemporary (GC), 152 N. Central Ave., downtown; MOCA Gallery at Pacific Design Center (PDC), 8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 213.626.6222
Renting a car is as easy as ordering room service.
10% OFF Standard Daily Rates.
To make a reservation, call (888)484-Hotel(4683) or e-mail viphotel@erac.com.
Applies to Economy through SUV size vehicles reserved in advance for rentals up to 30 days at participating Southern California locations. Participating locations are available by calling 1 800 rent-a-car. Sorry, this offer is not valid at airport locations. Rates are as posted at time of reservation at enterprise.com or by calling 1 800 rent-a-car. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by December 31, 2013. Offer may not be used with other coupons, offers or discounted rates. Vehicles are subject to availability. Standard rental qualifications apply. Offer does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products and services including damage waiver at $14.99 or less per day. Check your auto insurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, may apply. Pick-up and drop-off service is subject to geographic and other restrictions. Void where prohibited. ©2012 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. D02365 11/12 JM
MuSeuM oF ToleranCe Exhibits examine prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues. M-F 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $11.50-$15.50, under 5 free. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.553.8403 naTural hiSTory MuSeuM oF loS anGeleS CounTy Thirty-three million objects from dinosaur fossils to fish. Tyrannosaurus rex growth series is a highlight; Age of Mammals is permanent; Nature Gardens are new. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. $5-$12, under 2 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., downtown, 213.763.3466 norTon SiMon MuSeuM Stellar collection of Renaissance to 20th century masterworks and sculpture garden. W-M noon-6 pm, F until 9 pm. $7-$10; students with photo ID, under 18 free. 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.6840 PaGe MuSeuM aT The la Brea Tar PiTS Ice Age L.A.; one of the world’s most famous fossil sites. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm; closed July 4. $5-$12, under 2 free. 5801 Wilshire Blvd., L.A., 323.934.7243 Paley CenTer For Media Exhibits, screenings and radio-listening series; tens of thousands of TV programs on view. W-Su noon-5 pm. Free. 465 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.786.1000
where?
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30 things we love Orange County
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The stunning tasting menus at Stonehill Tavern, at the St. Regis Resort in Dana Point. p. 43 The boho clothing—and vintage record players—at Love and Whiskey in Irvine. 949.660.5659 The new Lugano Diamonds Salon at the Montage Laguna Beach. 949.715.6233 The parrots on open perches at Omar’s Exotic Birds in Lake Forest. 949.472.3962
The green apple sorbet with fruit at new Fig & Olive at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. p. 49 The hip frames at Fashion Island’s new See Eyewear. 949.629.9099 The kitschy memorabilia at Twig in Laguna Beach. 949.715.1474
where in the world
The Bloody Mary Brunch— and salmon rillette scotch egg— at Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza. p. 40 Wine Country Brunch—and bacon-and-blue-cheese bloody mary—at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse in Newport Beach. p. 53 New Look boutique at hip Center Street Promenade in Anaheim. 949.838.6654 The outdoor concert series at the newly renovated Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. 949.729.1234 Live rock on weekends at Marine Room Tavern in Laguna Beach. 949.494.3027 Lamb pie at fast-casual new Aussie meat-pie spot Pie-Not in Costa Mesa. 949.650.7437 The jerkies at Celestino’s Meat & Deli, next door to Pie-Not in Costa Mesa. 949.642.7191
WHERE is an international network of magazines first published in 1936 and distributed in 4,000 leading hotels in more than 50 places around the world. Look for us when you visit any of the following cities, or plan ahead for your next trip by visiting us online at wheretraveler.com UNITED STATES Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Georgia, Indianapolis, Jacksonville/St. Augustine/Amelia Island, Las Vegas,
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The architecture, grounds and concerts at Soka University in Aliso Viejo. 949.480.4000
Renting a Ferrari California from Beverly Hills Rent a Car in Newport Beach. p. 73
The Grand Plaza at Anaheim Convention Center. p. 36
The snowy shaved ice at new Snow Station in Tustin. 714.730.8299
The bar at Silver Trumpet, inside the Avenue of the Arts Wyndham in Costa Mesa. p. 45 The hundreds of stairs at Thousand Steps Beach in Laguna Beach. p. 70 Beautiful grassy Bluff Park above Salt Creek County Beach in Dana Point. p. 69
Four thousand plant species at Fullerton Arboretum, O.C.’s largest botanical garden. p. 62 An’s Famous Roasted Crab on Tuesdays at AnQi at South Coast Plaza. 714.557.5679 Rockin’ sleepwear, and daywear, at new Blackheart at Irvine Spectrum Center. 949.753.1379
The Bulgari Cocktail jewelry collection at the newly reopened Bulgari boutique at South Coast Plaza. 714.751.7833
Noodles at fast-casual Fukada in Irvine. 949.341.0111
The chips—and tacos— at El Toro Bravo Tortilleria in Costa Mesa. 949.631.4464
New Li’l Baby Sprouts baby boutique in Newport Beach. 949.721.1077
New Beauty Collection at Corona del Mar Plaza in Newport Beach. 949.717.6554
Cold-brewed iced teas at Seventh Tea Bar, at OC Mix in Costa Mesa. 714.656.2690
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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. Featured Restaurant – Mastro’s Ocean Club at Crystal Cove Shopping Center, Chilean Sea Bass.
59th & Lex Cafe at Bloomingdale’s
Gulfstream
Bear Flag Fish Company
Blue C Sushi - Opening Fall 2013
Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille
Javier’s
Fig & Olive - Opening Late 2013
Sprinkles Cupcakes/Ice Cream
Mastro’s Ocean Club
Lark Creek Café
Modo Mio Cucina Rustica 73 JO A Q
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Opening Late 2013 Sweet and Saucy Shop
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Mariposa Restaurant at Neiman Marcus
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