Where Orange County Magazine Winter 2015 by California Media Group

WINTER 2015 WHEREOC.COM

Orange County

THE 57 BEERWAY CRAWL SOCIAL IN COSTA MESA ANAHEIM DUCKS DIRTY DANCING AND KINKY BOOTS

TRIED, TRUE AND NEW

A 16-CUISINE SNAPSHOT OF THE COUNTY'S DINING SCENE

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ANAHEIM’S MOST DELICIOUS DESTINATION

Just Steps from the Disneyland ® Resort and Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim GardenWalk An amazing collection of nationally acclaimed restaurants, exciting night life, shopping, cinemas and an upscale bowling and entertainment venue.

Bowlmor Lanes McCormick & Schmick’s Grille The Cheesecake Factory Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine Fire + Ice Grill + Bar California Pizza Kitchen P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Johnny Rockets Heat Ultra Lounge UltraLuxe Cinemas

COMING SOON: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill Grasslands Churrasco Market Mojito Latin Cuisine & Bar Taverna Asian Food Hall Rumba Room Live McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon

D I N I N G . E N T E R TA I N M E N T. S H O P P I N G . Facebook.com/TheGardenWalk

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where orange county

winter 2015

CONTENTS

departments

the guide

5 Editor’s Note

32 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and by city

Waive hello! Our very own triple crown of Scoville insanity.

7 Hot Dates

52 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports

Dirty Dancing on stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts

72 30 Things We Love

53 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, cultural venues and exhibitions

where now

56 SHOPPING The county’s major retail destinations

8 Dining New: Social and Boathouse Collective in Costa Mesa, Babette’s and Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana in Newport Coast. Plus a flight of wine bars.

57 GOLF The most beautiful and most interesting courses

10 Out and About

58 NIGHTLIFE Hottest clubs, lounges, bars and wine bars

China’s Lost Civilization at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana; the debut of architecturally stunning ARTIC, the county’s transportation hub, in Anaheim.

12 Q+A

Driftwood Kitchen’s sticky toffee cake

Food, film, fashion! Russian expat Olga Valentina of Dana Point and olgacooks.com

ON THE COVER Farmers Market Panzanella at new Babette’s in Newport Coast. Photo by Michelle Larson/The Larson Group. See page 9

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

59 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, and getting from here to there

features

CITY TOURS Metro Cities The Coast South Coast North Coast

22 24 26 28

14 Tried, True and New Whether you favor restaurants you can count on or the ones with the latest buzz—or something in between—we’ve got some tasty choices for you. BY ANNE MARIE PANORINGAN AND BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

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57 Christ Cathedral

Outlets at Orange

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MAPS 5

Bella Terra

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The Marketplace

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

20 The 57 Beerway A good beer crawl in Orange County is easy: Just follow the Orange (57) Freeway to find a dozen breweries with tasting rooms and other supremely beer-friendly destinations. BY GREG NAGEL

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Explore the county north to south and A to Z PAGE 61

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The Triangle

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Crystal Cove Shopping Center

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whereoc.com Get the up-to-the-minute buzz from our Southern California WHERE editors online and on your smartphone.

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ANNE WATSON

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where MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER EDITOR

Jeff Levy

Benjamin Epstein

ART DIRECTOR

Carol Wakano

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Audrey Nimura

CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

Heidi Schwindt

CONTRIBUTING PRODUCTION ARTIST

Diana Gonzalez

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Roger Grody, Zoe Lorenzo, Greg Nagel, Anne Marie Panoringan, Teri Williams CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Idris Erba, Sarah Hadley, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago, Anne Watson, Ian White ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Heather Heintz, Heather Price, Kerry Brewer, Julie Hoffman, Joanna McLean, Jessica Levin Poff CIRCULATION MANAGER Stephanie Reid PRODUCTION MANAGER Dawn Kiko Cheng WEB MANAGER Christina Xenos ADMINISTRATION

Amina Karwa, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline 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

3158 Red Hill Ave., Suite 140 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Phone: 714.825.1700 Fax: 714.825.1710

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 © 2014 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 Visitors Association.

On the Web: WhereOC.com 4 WHEREOC.COM WINTER 2015

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welcome

A note from the editor

EDITOR ON FIRE

Food halls? Caramelized cauliflower florets? Obvious food trends. Another, we never saw coming: waivers! No, not wafers but, rather, documents that diners sign to release restaurants from liability. I’ve come across three of late, all having to do with dishes featuring some of the planet’s hottest chilies. (Waivers are a hot food trend in more ways than one!) What’s an intrepid editor to do? Sign them. The first was for the Pyromaniac Challenge at Taco Asylum in Costa Mesa. Originally, participants had to consume two Pyro tacos—braised pork, ghost-chilihabanero confit, ghost-chili aioli and crispy chili slaw—and a 2-ounce shot of ghost-chili sauce in five minutes. Ghost chilies rate 1 million Scoville units (the scientific measure of spiciness), about 200 times hotter than jalapeños. I met the challenge, entitling me to a T-shirt and bragging rights. New rules specify three tacos and three whole ghost chilies in three minutes. No, thank you! Hot tip: If you like spicy food, the Pyro without added sauce or chilies is scrumptious. Next up: the Shiv at Clay Oven in Irvine. A frequent special, the lamb-shank dish uses Trinidad moruga scorpion chilies, until recently the hottest in the world, twice as hot as ghost chilies at more than 2 million Scoville units. I signed my waiver and ... OK, that’s hot. I flushed scarlet, my nose ran, my neck sweated! Finish it and you get a certificate; I was the 23rd person to succeed of 161 who had tried. Another tip: Ask for the dish without those chilies and it is off-thecharts delicious. The 50 Alarm burger—pepper-infused “fire” beef, ghostpepper jack cheese, jalapeño, bacon-habanero spread and beer-battered habanero poppers on a brioche bun—at Slater’s 50/50 in Huntington Beach completes our triple crown of Scoville insanity. Waiver required and gloves provided. After the Pyro and the Shiv, however, the 50 Alarm seemed relatively tame—tasty just as served. That hat trick under my belt, I plan to celebrate with a trip to the breweries along The 57 Beerway (see p. 20). Those seeking less incendiary dining experiences can choose among dozens in our feature Tried, True and New (p. 14) and hundreds in our dining listings (p. 32)—no waiver required. —BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

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WHERE CALENDAR WINTER 2015 Search the full calendar at whereoc.com

HOT DATES

Top Stops ART MUSEUMS MAKE FOR HOT DATES— AND CONSCIOUSNESS-EXPANDING ONES, TOO!

THROUGH JAN. 12 SPACEY Elizabeth Turk: Sentient Forms, at Laguna Art Museum, includes a multimedia installation—in which she explores themes of time, matter and space —as well as marble sculptures, X-ray mandala LED illuminated prints and a “cabinet of curiosities.” p. 55

FEB. 3-15 Talk Dirty Baby and Johnny are back! Adapted from the 1987 film about a teenager’s budding relationship with her dance instructor while on a summer family holiday, Dirty Dancing, at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa, was also the fastest-selling stage show in the history of London’s West End. The choreography is sensational. Hit songs include “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” which won the Golden Globe and Oscar awards for best original song. p. 52

GREAT THINGS NOT TO BE MISSED

MATTHEW MURPHY

1 FLEETWOOD MAC > DEC. 7 The nearly 50-year-old band has sold 100 million albums; Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie and company have another in the works. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500

HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? Check out our Weekend Roundup at WhereOC.com for the up-to-the-minute lowdown on the coolest concerts, sporting events, festivals, art exhibits and restaurants.

2 ARTIC GRAND OPENING > DEC. 13 The architecturally stunning Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center debuts with music, food and tours near the Honda Center. 1750

S. Douglass Road, Anaheim, articinfo.com 3 KINKY BOOTS > DEC. 30-JAN. 11 Winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical, lifts your spirits to new high-heeled heights at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787

4 ILLUMINOCEAN > THROUGH JAN. 4 Holiday imagination shines nightly with 18 oversized sea sculptures using 225,000 LED lights; moving light tunnels dot the coast. Dana Point Har-

bor, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.923.2255 5 TRISTAN & YSEULT > JAN. 30-FEB. 22 This is the play that catapulted exuberant British company Kneehigh into the international spotlight. It’s at South Coast Repertory. 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555

THROUGH JAN. 18 IN THE NOW The main work in Lita Albuquerque’s Particle Horizon, at Laguna Art Museum through Jan. 18, is Pigment Figure No. 1 (2012). It consists of a horizontal plaster human figure covered in blue pigment and seeming to lie in a neverending “now.” p. 55 OPENING FEB. 15 MIND-OPENING Fred Tomaselli (b. 1956), whose career began in Orange County and has spanned three decades, transforms his obsessions—gardening, birding, fly-fishing—into paintings that alter perceptions of reality (below). View them at Fred Tomaselli: The Times at Orange County Museum of Art in Newport Beach. p. 56

6 ORCHESTRE DE LA SUISSE ROMANDE > FEB. 12 Two-time Grammy winner Charles Dutoit leads the nearly century-old orchestra at Soka University. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4278 7 ANAHEIM DUCKS > FEB. 27 The Pacific Division title-holders face off against their freeway rivals, the Los Angeles Kings. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2400

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where now orange county

THE BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT, ATTRACTIONS, SHOPPING AND DINING

DINING

Westside Story The dining scene west of Newport Boulevard in Costa Mesa is so on the move—like Santa Ana a few years ago, before it became the hot dining destination. The chef at new Social, Jeffrey Boullt, was sous chef at Santa Ana’s Playground. His mussels in lemongrass-gingercoconut broth, and akaushi skirt steak with red-fresno-chili chimichurri—not to mention his grilled bread with bone-marrow butter and bloody mary cocktail, right— made for an impressive ﬁrst visit. Star at brunch is a benedict with pork three ways and Creolemustard hollandaise (p. 35). Matthieu Royer, chef at hidden and unconventional Boathouse Collective, comes from L.A.’s Hinoki & the Bird. Royer presents hamachi sashimi on a shiso leaf with natto and heirloom tomatoes, his braised pork belly with puffed mochi. Start with a Verbena Drop cocktail; end with butterscotch panna cotta. Surfboards hang from the cavernous ceiling; owner Clayton Peterson, an artist, made most of the furnishings (p. 32).

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Pan-roasted wild Steelhead salmon with Manila clams at new Babette's

BABETTE'S, MICHELLE LARSON/THE LARSON GROUP. OPPOSITE, HUGHES HOANG

CRYSTAL COVE CHIC Two stylish spots open at Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast; popular East Hampton eatery Babette’s launches its second location and Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana its eighth. At Babette’s (p. 32), consider the knockout barbecued tofu or the imaginatively presented sake-soy-marinated rib-eye with broccoli di ciccio, shishito pepper, charred scallion-bone marrow puree and spiced pomegranate glacé; enjoy a Billionaire cocktail—cocktail of the year?—at the hand-carved wood bar or in the garden courtyard. Indoor-outdoor Settebello (p. 42), dedicated to Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana guidelines, has a garden feel, too, thanks to the olive trees at center. Start with fried polenta bites, continue with the Vico pizza (with sausage, roasted fennel, red onions, mascarpone, mozzarella and basil and extra-virgin olive oil), end with a fluffy lemon-cream torta della Nonna. Enjoy a Marine Layer cocktail while watching classic Italian black-and-white films on the wall in the plush lounge area.

IN THE SWIRL

Sample a flight of the latest wine bars! The list at Calivino wine bar in Anaheim is intended to “give the novice taster an experience typically reserved for professional palates.” Menu specialities include a duck-confit pot pie and a short-rib poutine. Color me wine! At Pinot’s Pallette, at the District in Tustin, participants recreate paintings such as Van

Gogh’s Starry Night as they swirl, sniff and sip at classes including Merlot Melodies; they paint what they like on open-studio days. Find 350 wines, 60 by the glass, 12 flights, 20 microbrews and six on tap—plus pork-belly tacos and a chorizo-and-lobster fondue—at relaunched Bacchus Bar and Grill in Irvine. And a cigar

patio. It’s a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner. Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach uses grapes from the Temecula and Lodi areas to make a dozen red varietals. A second location opened in Corona del Mar. Winemaker/co-owner Doug Wiens is also a partner at Wiens Family Cellars in Temecula. pp. 58-59

Behind the bar at Bacchus in Irvine

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WHERE NOW / orange

county Sanxingdui, China, bronze figure with animal headdress at Bowers Museum

OUT + ABOUT

Lost, Found objects, now at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, date to about 1200 B.C.— previously thought to be when the cradle of Chinese civilization existed on the Yellow River, 745 miles northeast—and reveal a sophisticated culture that excelled in bronze-making. The three largest masks are of human heads with supernatural features such as large wing-like ears. The Sanxingdui culture appears to have existed for only about 350 years before it vanished. p. 55

The roof of the new Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center

ARTIC STORM! The Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) is Southern California’s new transportation hub, greatly easing access to the region’s renowned attractions and offering dining, retail and entertainment as well as virtually every transit option. The architecturally stunning, LEED Platinum-designated structure—between the 57 Freeway and Santa Ana River, near Honda Center and Angel Stadium of Anaheim—brings together the services of OCTA, Metrolink, Amtrak, Anaheim Resort Transportation (ART), Megabus.com, Greyhound buses, taxis, bicycles and other public/private transportation providers. Amenities include Wi-Fi and charging stations, bike racks and lockers, and community spaces. It opens Dec. 13. p. 52

ARTIC, VLADIMIR PERLOVICH

China's Lost Civilization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui features objects from a discovery that has been called "the ninth wonder of the world." In 1986, construction workers in the Sichuan Province unearthed a cache of monumental bronzes, some 200 ancient jades, 60 elephant tusks, weapons and a life-sized statue of a nobleman. Most had been intentionally destroyed; their chance discovery in two pits has forced scholars to rewrite early Chinese history. The

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WHERE NOW / orange

county How did you get into producing? I came here like everyone else: “I’m going to try acting.” It was to start something completely new. I met producers who involved me in Freelancers, with Forest Whitaker—I did executive producing and played a little part as a waitress. I thought, did I really want to be an actress? Then they involved me in Frozen Ground. I was freezing cold! I was an actress and executive producer there, too.... They are still sending me scripts. When I fall in love with one, that will be priority. When did the cooking come in? I did a dinner for visiting friends. When you cook, you’re talking about relationships, everything going on in life. When people have two glasses of wine, or three, they are becoming more open. I love to cook, I love to entertain, I love the celebration. They said, “Why don’t you do something with this?” The Russian mentality is our door is always open, two guests or 200.

MY ORANGE COUNTY

OLGA COOKS! Olga Valentina’s interests are a trifecta of food, fashion and film. Videos at her olgacooks.com website aim to boost confidence in the kitchen and are filmed weekly at her new home in Dana Point. Two rooms at her previous home, in L.A.’s Venice neighborhood, were devoted to shoes; she hopes to launch her own clothing line. Valentina, 28, came here five years ago from her native Russia to attend acting school in West Hollywood; she went on to produce films including Frozen Ground with John Cusack. She and her new husband moved to Orange County to be closer to his parents. What were you doing in Russia before you left? Political public relations. I had studied international politics at the university for five years, specifically “black P.R.,” the bad things politicians do, even the good ones, and how they

manipulate people. Then nobody needed political P.R.—Putin was the one who picked the governor, the mayor, always the president—there were no people being voted for! It eliminated our job—unless you go to work for Putin, which I didn’t want to do.

Found any restaurants you like? Brunch at Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano—I am so obsessed! Amazing food, right near the railway station, you’re never, ever going to get that kind of atmosphere. In Laguna Beach, we grab dinner at K’ya Bistro or listen to reggae at the Sandpiper or Mozambique. Gelato Paradiso is to die for— I can’t even pass it by. And for a special occasion? For my birthday, we had 30 people on the roof at Mozambique. I love the steaks—so juicy, beyond amazing. They made us a gorgeous couple of tables, then we went downstairs and danced. Very convenient in one building!

What are your best dishes? In Los Angeles, it was healthy food, no carbs—it’s all about the kale! I’d say the salad with arugula, shrimp, peeled oranges and balsamic strawberry sauce. So tasty. And the Russian dishes, the ones my grandma gave me. Amazing pirogi. Ricotta pancakes —Russian, not Italian, with raisins.

Any good shopping for the clothes-obsessed? Are you kidding me, South Coast Plaza? My husband brought me there. I didn’t know what I would find, but I was not expecting hundreds of places filled with ... I don't know. It’s like Caesars Palace, like Rodeo Drive, boutiques, cafés, you’re inside but you feel you’re outside.... The evening dresses at Bloomingdale’s, you can find a dress for every moment, a hundred bucks to a thousand bucks. The Chloé is better than the one on Melrose Place, and I bought a lot more. I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing!

What do you appreciate most about Orange County? First of all, we have now an ocean view—I come from Russia! And the beaches. I would never swim in Venice—ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER. You go to Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, the beach is gorgeous. We went down the whole coast looking for our home—Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Huntington Beach, then Dana Point. Right away you move, you feel the community.

DETAILS Bloomingdale’s, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525 / Chloé, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.481.0308 /Gelato Paradiso Peppertree Lane, 448 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.464.9255 / K’ya Bistro, 1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 / Mozambique, 1740 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7777 / Ramos House Café, 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949,443.1342 / Sandpiper, 1183 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.4694 / South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.435.2000

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NEWPORT BEACH

MONTAGE L AGUNA BEACH

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TRIED,

TRUE

and

NEW

A 16-cuisine snapshot of the O.C. dining scene

By ANNE MARIE PANORINGAN and BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung’s oxtail at new Twenty Eight in Irvine

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Choosing restaurants, like choosing stocks or a horse at the races, depends greatly on your appetite for risk. With stocks and horse races, often the greater the risk, the greater the reward. With restaurants, however, whether your choice is more conservative or more adventurous, the potential payoff can be equally rewarding. Do you thrive on dependability or the thrill of the new? Or something in between? Here we offer a compendium of 16 cuisines, each with three restaurant recommendations. TRIED Open for two or three years and very much on our radar.

TRUE A classic, the benchmark by which all others are measured.

NEW Open a year or less, and showing lots of promise.

New American

TRIED > Little Sparrow in Santa Ana has an enamored following and was recently chosen by the Bravo channel’s Tom Colicchio to compete as one of 16 best new restaurants in the United States. Perhaps chef Eric Samaniego’s housemade charcuterie or grilled opah with beluga lentils and fennel pollen, or pastry chef Nasera Munshi’s madeleines, swayed him. Start with a libation in the connecting bar. p. 34 TRUE > The good life awaits at stylish Stonehill Tavern, poised to please within the posh St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Since 2006, restaurateur Michael Mina’s vision has included his lobster pot pie, prepared tableside, alongside starters, entrées and reinvented desserts from executive chef Raj Dixit that double as artwork. The very best option: Dixit’s transporting tasting menus. p. 35 NEW > The Island Hotel in Newport Beach unleashed Oak Grill and its sibling Aqua Lounge as part of a culinary redux last summer; the pair share a street entrance from an expansive patio that looks onto Fashion Island. At Oak Grill, chef Marc Johnson skews to meticulously executed tandoorispiced ahi tartare, and at Aqua Lounge to late-night breakfast burritos. p. 34

American

TRIED > Local restaurateur David Wilhelm returned to Orange County in 2013 with Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (aka J-FAT), offering a view of Dana Point Harbor and elevated regional classics such as spicy turkey chili, buttermilk-fried Patuxent Farms chicken and barbecued baby-back pork ribs.

Consider happy hour (and “bedeviled” eggs) at the 360-degree bar. p. 32 TRUE > Drive deep into the heart of the county to obscure Stanton, where Park Ave chef-owner David Slay has delighted with his comfort cuisine for a decade; the midcentury-modern vibe will have you ordering a martini ... or three! His beautiful on-site garden means that only the freshest of produce will be featured in every soup du jour and Granny-Smith-apple-stuffed pork chop. p. 34 NEW > Being this close to the water is one reward when checking in to Pacific Edge Hotel’s Driftwood Kitchen in Laguna Beach. Others: coastal-inspired specialties such as grilled Spanish octopus and Texas redfish for three to four people, and the “butcher steak” and pork belly. Ask to sit “indoors”: You’re still outdoors, enjoying the California sun and beach views, but protected by glass walls. p. 32

Californian

TRIED > The buzz about SeaLegs Wine Bar since it began popping bottles in Huntington Beach is about the ladies’ nights out, and it’s owned by two women. But men also appreciate chef Alexander Dale’s juicy pork-belly sliders, chimichurri hanger-steak salad and garlic-and-Parmesan stinky fries—which makes it great for date night, too. The mini-patio is new. p. 37 TRUE > Napa Rose, nestled in Disney’s Craftsman-style Grand Californian, is Andrew Sutton’s ode to the wine country. Consider the Smiling Tiger salad—tempura-fried lobster, spicy beef, Asian greens and coconut-lime vinaigrette—or duck breast with goat-cheese-stuffed cherries and fennel puree. The exhibition kitchen recently got a redo; the Vintner’s Table tasting menu changes weekly. p. 37 NEW > You’ll find striking decor, harbor views, a cigar patio, three docks, and dining rooms and stunning bars upstairs and down at The Winery in Newport Beach; the

original is in Tustin. A two-story glass wine cellar complements chef-partner Yvon Goetz’s seafood, wild game and Prime steaks—not to mention his roasted organic vegetable tower and Alsatian “pizza.” p. 38

Chinese

TRIED > Capital Seafood had two county locations when it opened a third at Irvine Spectrum Center, this one adding contemporary artwork and TV screens to the traditional fixtures. Some 100 kinds of dim sum are offered from steam carts at lunch; entrées include the house-special lobster and roasted Peking duck; clay-pots, noodles and congees round out the menu. p. 38 TRUE > It may be new to O.C. but not to Southern California, and it’s been two decades since The New York Times named the Taipei location of Din Tai Fung among the world’s top 10 restaurants. Now it's at South Coast Plaza. Among many highlights are its truffle xiao long bao (Shanghai-style dumplings), pot stickers, and shrimp and pork wontons with spicy sauce. p. 38 NEW > Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung— former executive chef at China Poblano by José Andrés, also worked with Thomas Keller, Guy Savoy and Mario Batali—opens Twenty Eight next to Irvine’s Google building. The Beijing-born and -raised Chung offers contemporary Chinese fare, such as Singaporestyle chili lobster with hand-cut noodles and slow-braised oxtail, as well as dim sum. p. 38

French

TRIED > David Kesler, executive chef at the Cellar in Fullerton during its poshest glory days, followed his bliss to open Bistro Bleu—a self-described “CaliFrenchian eatery” that’s pretty classic French—on an unlikely stretch of Anaheim. You’ll find the expected escargot, lobster bisque, duck a l’orange and steak frites—and often unexpected affordability. p. 39 TRUE > Owner-chef Florent Marneau and pastry chef wife Amelia offer one of Southern California’s finest bistro experiences at

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South Coast Plaza’s Marché Moderne. Consider seared duck liver with lemonverbena-scented rhubarb; Spanish octopus with chorizo emulsion; “off-the-bone” whole grilled Cyprus seabeam; exquisite cheeses; or any of Amelia’s inspired desserts. p. 39 NEW > Moulin, a French-community magnet in Newport Beach, offers rotisserie chicken, baguette sandwiches, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, wine and beer—all French. The decor uses French logos, e.g., the Michelin man. French-born proprietor Laurent Vrignaud gathered the vintage furnishings back home; chef Anthony Bar has movie-star good looks. p. 39

Italian

TRIED > Can’t stop thinking about the hamachi with sweet-and-sour shallots, wild-boar-sausage bucatini, caramelchocolate budino and housemade limoncello liqueur served amid exposed brick and candlelight at Brunos Trattoria in Brea. Chef Peter Serantoni’s upbringing was Venetian; he and partner Don Myers also run nearby Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen! p. 40 TRUE > Antonio and Fiorella Cagnolo’s Antonello Ristorante has been offering its romantic ambience and northern Italian fare opposite South Coast Plaza for 35 years.

Doughnuts at the Winery in Newport Beach

Highly recommended: lobster ravioli with Maine lobster claws, saffron cream and arugula; gnocchi, here made with ricotta; and the signature osso buco. Start or end the evening in the Enoteca Lounge. p. 40 NEW > If they played baseball in Italy, we’d say chef-owner Alessándro Pirozzi hit it out of the park with his super-convivial Pirozzi in Corona del Mar. Instant classics: olive fritte; speck-wrapped, wild-boar-stuffed quail; limoncello-infused taglierini with giant prawns; the Cavoli pizza with cauliflower, Iberian prosciutto and truffle cheese; and heart-shaped Nutella pizza for two. p. 41

Indian

TRIED > Tamarind of London—at Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast and sibling of the Michelin-starred original —changes direction with the hiring of gifted chef Imran Ali, who offers deftly executed traditional recipes and pleasing presentations. Standouts on Ali’s menu include the potato-platter starter, bhindi masala and tandoori sea bass. p. 40 TRUE > We long favored elegant Royal Khyber opposite South Coast Plaza; we’re more drawn of late to Clay Oven, tucked away in a modest shopping center in Irvine. Owner-chef Geeta Bansal, recently invited to cook at New York’s prestigious James Beard House, specializes in creative Indian dishes such as habanero shrimp vindaloo, goat curry and tandoori venison. p. 40 NEW > Enjoy chef Shachi Mehra’s contemporary takes on Indian street foods, tandoori dishes and curries at Adya, one of two dozen eateries at the new Anaheim Packing House. Mehra, opening chef at Tamarind, offers the expected samosas and chicken tikka and the unexpected pavs: Bombay-style sloppy Joes with spiced vegetables, potatoes or lamb on Kaffir lime-butter toast. p. 47

Steak

TRIED > Visitors to The Ranch in Anaheim will be surprised by what they find on the ground floor of Extron Electronics. Chef David Rossi’s massive bone-in rib-eye, which is served with a bordelaise sauce, is the largest served in the county and perhaps the best. Add striking decor, expertly calibrated service and sides and desserts by brother Michael Rossi, and it’s a benchmark in the making. p. 34

TRUE > Serious carnivores head to Mastro’s Steakhouse in Costa Mesa for a decadent experience with white-jacket service and larger-than-life portions of cuts such as the wet-aged hand-cut bone-in filet. Special occasions invite special seafood, too: towering seafood towers, glorious sides of crab gnocchi and lobster mashed potatoes. Find generous cocktails in the lively bar. p. 45 NEW > Laguna Beach’s Selanne Steak Tavern is named for its co-owner, hockey legend Teemu Selänne. The pristine white dining room upstairs and Moroccan-themed veranda are equally impressive and cozy. Signature dishes include the scallops appetizer; the Lord Stanley-cut wagyu steak for two; and the mac-and-cheese side, made with a five-cheese fondue. p. 46

Gastropubs

TRIED > Hopscotch jumped into the downtown Fullerton dining scene two years ago, and it’s been hopping ever since. Take time to browse the comprehensive whiskey and microbrew lists—lots to ponder. Relax on the patio and converse over crispy pig ears, seared duck breast with mascarpone polenta or tri-tip with roasted cauliflower. It’s adjacent to the Metrolink/Amtrak station. p. 58 TRUE > SideDoor—adjacent to Five Crowns in Corona del Mar, in a replica of England’s oldest inn—sets the bar, so to speak. Pub fare such as fish and chips gets elevated treatment; there’s a dedicated charcuterie and cheese station. Despite the thoughtful selection of brews, regulars turn to topnotch cocktails. High demand and a noreservations policy can mean a wait. p. 36 NEW > Expect the eccentric at Bosscat Kitchen and Libations, a Southern-inflected ode to whiskey with a rare-whiskey tasting room near John Wayne Airport. Consider Duroc-pork-belly poutine, its razor-sharp fries topped with gravy, cheese curds and a fried egg; whiskey-scorched okra; red velvet churros; or simply a piled-high burger. Perfect stop before or after a long flight. p. 36

Mediterranean

TRIED > Pita Jungle, at a Newport Beach neighborhood shopping center, is hummus central (cilantro-jalapeño hummus, hummus with seared ahi) and the local healthy hang (its tag line is “the art of eating healthy”). You’ll also find a falafel salad, chicken

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The fare at Riviera-inspired, olive-tree-studded Fig & Olive at Fashion Island

shwarma, lavosh pizza, wood-fired salmon and a host of $2 tapas (baba ghanoush, dolmades) at happy hour. p. 42

MICHAEL GARDNER

TRUE > Venerated chef-restaurateur Zov Karamardian, author of two best-selling cookbooks, has been on the scene for nearly three decades. Zov’s Bistro, her first and flagship location, is in Tustin; her latest is in Anaheim. We trust new executive chef Louis Jocson, late of Red Table in Huntington Beach, to put his fun spins on Zov’s winning Cal-Med recipes. p. 43 NEW > Welcome to Lorange County! Pascal Lorange’s olive-tree-studded, Rivierainspired Fig & Olive, on the periphery of Fashion Island in Newport Beach, uses olive oils in place of butter to concoct sophisticated crostini, crudos and entrées such as whole pink dorade. Enjoy them amid trapezoidal chandeliers, walls of olive-oil bottles, a wraparound bar and a walk-around fireplace. p. 42

Mexican

TRIED > Only its youth keeps us from proclaiming yearling Taco María the county’s

benchmark in this category. And maybe— maybe—that it’s “Chicano cuisine, a mezcla of Mexican and American cultures.” Bottom line: Chef Carlos Salgado is a local culinary treasure whose meticulously executed and constantly changing menus offer endless food for thought. p. 44 TRUE > Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen occupies an Old Towne Orange structure ideal for a “colonial Mexican” concept and indigenous and traditional regional dishes. The mix of colorful contemporary glass wall sculptures and rustic chandeliers reflect chef-owner Gabbi Patrick’s sensibilities. So do her duckconfit mole-negro sopecitos, pork poc chuc and Valrhona-chocolate churros. p. 43 NEW > You’ll find inventive, higher-end modern Mexican fare at Laguna Beach’s Tortilla Republic, including a mole de poblano enchilada using Mary’s free-range chicken and a short-rib chile verde. The onyx-capped bar offers more than 100 blue-agave spirits. There are two terraces and a courtyard with retractable roof; even the chefs have ocean views. p. 44

Seafood

TRIED > Shuck Oyster Bar, launched by Leonard Chan and Chopped! contender Noah Blom—of the Iron Press and Arc restaurants, respectively, also at South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa—offers myriad varieties of the mollusk, such as kusshi and Skookum, as well as a superb grilled cheese sandwich and seafood stew, all chased by bubblies and brews. p. 45 TRUE > Chef Michael Doctulero draws on a host of influences at Scott’s in Costa Mesa, delivering dishes as diverse as hamachi with seaweed salad, gravlax with toasted fennel aioli, and San Francisco-style cioppino. The restaurant and bar are near South Coast Plaza and performing-arts venues; cocktails include a butterscotchand-peppercorn Old-Fashioned. p. 45 NEW > Chef Vincent Lesage offers an allmeal water-to-table experience at Balboa Bay Resort’s Waterline: Fitness Frittata with lychee yogurt for breakfast; Baja lobster salad for lunch; cobia (black kingfish) with crab-stuffed squash blossoms for dinner;

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TRUE > John Q. Humphries offers his take on the most important meal of the day at Ramos House Café, served on the covered patio of a historic board-and-battan home near San Juan Capistrano Depot. Sip on a soju bloody mary with Scotch quail egg, say hello to the cat, listen to the trains go by, and enjoy blueberry-basil pain perdu, crab hash with bacon-scrambled eggs, or warm apple-cinnamon beignets—the stuff dreams are made of. p. 34

frozen chocolate banana for dessert. The nautically themed restaurant, its bar and outdoor seating have marina views. p. 45

Sushi

TRIED > Hidden in a Newport Beach strip mall—which isn’t so bad, you understand— Nana San and sushi chef Goro Sakurai attract a predominantly Asian clientele and a considerable one: There are no reservations and a wait list by 5:15 pm. (Or there’s takeout!) It’s named for the adjacent 73 highway: nana san means “seven three.” Omakase’s the ticket, of course. p. 42 TRUE > Master sushi chef Takashi Abe dazzles with course after exquisite course at Bluefin, at Crystal Cove Shopping Center in Newport Coast. He offers hot entrées and sushi, and often presents classical Japanese fare with modern global touches to fascinating ends: calamari mango, bluefin tacos, uni tempura! Special sushi might include scorpion fish or sardine carpaccio. p. 42 NEW > Conveyor-belt sushi is no longer new to the county. What’s new, and what you find at Fashion Island’s Blue C Sushi, is higher-end conveyor-belt sushi, color-keyed for prices, in a vibrant room screening offbeat clips, and a cheery staff that despite the DIY format makes you feel it’s full-service. Its motto, mawaru gochisou, literally translates into “goodness going around.” p. 42

Vietnamese

TRIED > A contemporary hole in the wall at the Camp in Costa Mesa—actually three walls and a covered patio—East

Borough delivers “fraîche Vietnamese” via its flame-grilled-pork banh mi and beef-stew baguette sandwiches, ginger shrimp spring rolls, grilled pork and green papaya salad and lemongrass chicken vermicelli. Oh, and jasmine lime iced tea and lychee soda. p. 47 TRUE > Brodard Chateau, gorgeous offshoot of the nearby Brodard Restaurant, is ideal for special occasions and for large groups. You can see the elegant two-story venue from the Garden Grove Freeway; inside you’ll find what are hands-down the county’s best crispy spring rolls, filetmignon shaken beef, Phuket-style pho, string beans in XO sauce and savory garlic noodles. p. 46 NEW > One of the final concepts to open at the exciting new Anaheim Packing House food hall, Sawleaf Cafe said hello with iPad touch-screen ordering, Vietnamese Cuisine 101—shrimp-and-pork summer rolls, tofu egg rolls, beef or chicken banh mi, Vietnamese iced coffee—and courteous service. Sawleaf, aka ngò gai or long coriander, is a key ingredient in the pho. p. 47

Breakfast

TRIED > Anepalco’s Café, at the Ayres Inn in Orange, is a culinary sunrise, thanks to chef Daniel Godinez’s distinctive Mexican French cuisine. At breakfast, Godinez offers dishes including his acclaimed chilaquiles, served with omelet and red sauce, and his horchata brioche French toast. Opt for patio seating and watch the day go leisurely by with another sensational seasonal cocktail. p. 43

NEW > After a brief hiatus, Laguna Hills gem Break of Dawn reopened in a better space, a dining room that sets the stage for chef Dee Nguyen’s original breakfasts, many with a Vietnamese touch, with repurposed church pews and sewing tables. Consider Nguyen’s tempura-fried eggs, bison sausage with onyx rice, or crème brûlée French toast, all in generous portions. His Vietnamese coffee and signature hot sauce perk up the weariest of diners. p. 46

S c h

A n L s th

Brunch

TRIED > The newer sibling of Costa Mesa’s Eat Chow—just off Coast Highway in Newport Beach—serves up innovative dishes such as an egg-white mole burrito with spinach and pico de gallo, and the signature fried egg, which arrives bathed in tomato essence and truffle oil. Go for the gusto with the “a.m. burger” topped with hollandaise and bacon, and wash it down with a cup of Portola coffee. p. 32

E a w d m a

D H

K a o th

TRUE > For a buffet treat, make reservations for chef Manny Gonzalez’s acclaimed Sunday spread at Taps Fish House & Brewery, in Brea since 1999. You’ll find oysters, artisan cheeses, and rotating carving and crepe stations as well as classic morning fare—100-plus choices best accompanied by the venue’s nationally and internationally acclaimed craft beers, brewed on the premises. p. 45 NEW > Chef-owner Cathy Pavlos of lauded Lucca Cafe in Irvine launches her sophomore effort, Provenance, in Newport Beach’s Eastbluff. Dine amid farmhouse decor or in the garden amid planters brimming with seasonal produce and herbs. Try roasted eggs in bacon-wrapped polenta, brown-sugar-cured wild-salmon gravlax, and, for a real eye-opener, whiskey that’s infused with star anise and vanilla. p. 37

T H m

F L

E a e e fu

F re in O a ANNE WATSON

Gaucamole Estilo Japonés at Taco María in Costa Mesa

O D In a

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LB_CoO

shop + dine + explore

laguna beach

Sawdust Art Festival

Laguna Beach

Southern California’s premier coastal destination located in the heart of `The OC.’ A year-round retreat for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and beachgoers, Laguna Beach offers seven miles of soft sand, spectacular surf and more than 20 secluded coves and beaches.

935 Laguna Canyon Road 949 494 3030 sawdustartfestival.org 24th Annual Winter Fantasy. Weekends: Nov. 22 through Dec. 21, 2014, 10am-6pm. Unique artwork, live entertainment, outdoor cafes, art classes, petting zoo, Santa, art gifts and more.

Spice Merchants

311 Ocean Ave. 949 715 9600

spicemerchants.biz Featuring the highest quality fresh spices, spice blends, loose leaf teas, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, tea accessories and gifts.

Explore unique shops, boutiques and art galleries, dine in chic restaurants with award-winning chefs, and discover the great outdoors with more than 20,000 acres of wilderness awaiting your arrival.

Event Calendar December 5 Hospitality Night

Kick off the holiday season when Santa arrives with his “reindeer”. Shops stay open late with live entertainment throughout downtown.

January

The Laguna Playhouse presents Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin all month-long.

The Rooftop Lounge

Adam Neeley Fine Art Jewelry

Nirvana Grill Restaurant & Catering

Marine Room Tavern

1289 South Coast Hwy. 949 497 2446 rooftoplagunabeach.com The Rooftop Lounge offers a front row seat for a spectacular sunset. Enjoy signature handmuddled fresh fruit mojitos and delicious California casual cuisine.

352 North Coast Hwy. 949 715 0953 adamneeley.com Adam Neeley brings art to fine jewelry. Find distinctive everyday styles, custom engagement rings, and luxurious one-of-a-kind couture jewels at this Laguna Beach favorite.

February 12-15 Laguna Beach Music Festival

Enjoy a lively medley of classical and contemporary music, intimate events with renowned musicians and enchanting discoveries of music’s future stars. For dining and shopping recommendations, maps, event information and more, contact the Official Laguna Beach Visitors Center at 381 Forest Avenue. Open daily, Mon.–Sun. 10am–5pm. Download the Laguna Beach Travel Info app for ‘on the go’ information at your fingertips.

VisitLagunaBeach.com

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303 Broadway, Suite 101 949 497 0027 nirvanagrille.com This contemporary California bistro boasts a menu composed of all-natural meats free from hormones and antibiotics, organic free range poultry and sustainable seafood.

214 Ocean Ave. 949 494 3027 marineroomtavern.com This Laguna Beach favorite, a neighborhood watering hole for 80 years, offers live music nightly, a wide selection of whiskey, and craft beers.

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The 57 Beerway With nearly 500 breweries in California, it’s safe to say that craft beer is flourishing here. Orange County comes to the party with a full case of breweries—24 —with more in the planning. In contrast to wine tasting in Northern California, which might entail endless meandering among rolling hills, most of O.C.’s beer production lies in unassuming industrial parks just off the 57 Freeway—making an afternoon beer crawl most convenient.

REWERY AMBIENCE IN Orange County is relaxed and welcoming. Amid the euphoria-inducing smells of beer being made, you can order a pint or a taster in a well-lit but cozy tasting room that is more neighborly than a bar. The setting seems to spark spontaneous conversation among strangers; brewery-goers like to chat about their latest hopped infatuations and are happy to dish as if they’re the best of friends. The first thing you will need for a proper beer crawl is transportation. When a designated driver isn’t an option, many people use ridesharing options such as Uber or Lyft. The Amtrak/Metrolink stop in Anaheim is within walking distance of Noble Ale Works, a suggested first stop. One reason Noble Ale Works is so popular is its proximity to the city’s stadiums: You can park for free, drop a pint and walk to an event. Old oak barrels make for rustic tasting tables; autographed Ducks/ Angels gear is framed on the walls. Head brewer Evan Price specializes in fun flavors, but he’s also known for his India Pale Ale and British-style-beer program. If the beer Naughty Sauce—”inspired by a creamy cappuccino,” Price says—is on the board, order it! Brewed and infused with a special coffee blend from acclaimed Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa, the blonde milk stout has a signature froth guaranteed to give you a beer mustache, and its creaminess strongly suggests a coffee drink. This beer alone should prime you for your 57 crawl. A brewery with a kitchen is called a brewpub. On the other side of the 57 from Noble, also near the stadiums, is JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery. Since it’s illegal to tailgate in stadium parking lots, you just might find yourself in a sea of Ducks or Angels team colors before events. Consider the gooey ale-and-cheese soup made with JT’s Basic Blond; the Bigger Badder Asser Burger feeds up to eight. At the north end of the crawl is Taps Fish House & Brewery in Brea, home of one of the county’s best brunches. It also happens to brew the most awardwinning Euro-style beers in Southern California.

By GREG NAGEL

You can actually see The Bruery in Placentia from the freeway. You won’t find IPAs here; you will find beers that defy the expected rules of flavor. Sour beers are a specialty; you might fall in love with a bourbon-barrel-aged stout or a beer so wild you’ll feel like you’re horseback-riding. Order flights for the table and share; don’t feel you have to finish everything. Some Bruery beers do better at cellar temp (54 degrees Fahrenheit), so be mindful to let the bigger beers sit for a bit to open up. With 40-plus taps and bottles, there really is something for everyone— though with that many choices, it can feel like a visit to IKEA. Ask for a flight of the house specialties. “Welcome, Fellow Innovators,” it says above the tap list at Bottle Logic Brewing, an exciting new brewery and tasting room in Anaheim southeast of the Bruery near the 57 and 91 freeways. Not yet a year old, Bottle Logic has already earned a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival for its dark American lager, Lagerithm. The tasting room has a wall of vintage sci-fi books and artwork. Imagine what a brewery might look like on the starship Enterprise; if beer were their thing, and what with the word “logic” in the name, Leonard Nimoy and Stephen Hawking might feel at home. Despite Bottle Logic’s laboratory feel, the beers are approachable. Instant classics include She Shot First. Leche Mole is a smooth milk stout with a spark of chili-pepper burn. Experiments such as coffeecoconut versions keep visitors coming back. For those who have caught the craft-beer bug and want to start home brewing, Phantom Ales in Anaheim both brews beer and sells the equipment. Stop in for a pint, watch a demo and marvel at how easy it is to make your own great beer. Downtown Santa Ana, aka DTSA—south of the 57 freeway near Interstate 5—is also becoming a brewery magnet. With the opening of The Good Beer Co., DTSA is worthy of a beer crawl, too, one that could end at beer-friendly restaurants such as Little Sparrow (p. 34) and Playground (p. 34). At one intersection you’ll find Chapter One: the Modern Local (p. 32), the Copper Door bar (p. 58) next door and C4 Deli: The Cure for the Common (p. 47) across the street. If there’s a wait at the restaurants, put your name in and enjoy a Native Son Alehouse.

ROBERT NELMS

A stretch along the Orange Freeway is home to O.C.’s best breweries.

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A Good Crawl Bottle Logic Brewing 1072 Armando St., Anaheim, 714.660.2537, bottlelogic.com The Bruery Tasting Room 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, 714.996.6258, thebruery.com The Good Beer Co. 309 W. Fourth St., Santa Ana, thegoodbeerco.com JT Schmidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200, jtschmidsrestaurants.com Noble Ale Works 1621 S. Sinclair St., Anaheim, 714.624.2739, noblealeworks.com Phantom Ales 1211 N. Las Brisas St., Anaheim, 714.630.9463, phantomales.com Taps Fish House & Brewery 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.257.0101, tapsfishhouse.com

More Stops

Anaheim Brewery 336 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.871.2337, anaheimbrew.com Bootleggers Brewery 130 S. Highland Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.2337, bootleggersbrewery.com Hoparazzi Brewing Co. 2910 E. La Palma Ave., Suite D, Anaheim, hoparazzibrewing.com Old Orange Brewing Co. 1444 N. Batavia St., Orange, 714.744.8410, oldorangebrewing.com Valiant Brewing Co. 2294 N. Batavia St., Orange, 714.204.0080, valiantbrewing.com

Selections at Bottle Logic Brewing in Anaheim

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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 are 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. The Uniqlo and Scotch & Soda boutiques are new; excellent dining options include Marché Moderne and new Din Tai Fung. 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, with three stages inside its David Emmes and Martin Benson Theatre Center, opened at its present location in 1978, also with Segerstrom family donations. 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 offers top foreign films—are a crosswalk away. All three centers are accessible from North or South County hotels by dedicated taxi and motor coach service, and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner delivers visitors to the Santa Ana train station. To the west is the South Coast Collection of design showrooms such as Design Within Reach and Pirch. Of note to foodies is Surfas Culinary District, Arc restaurant and the farmers market on Saturdays. The hip OC Mix features 30 vendors including Heirlooms and Hardware and the Stoned Jewelry boutique as well as Taco María and Shuck oyster bar. Dyln Inspired and the Mixing Glass are new. South on Bristol are The Lab and The Camp. The Lab has the kinds of shops you’d likely find on L.A.’s hip Melrose Avenue; recent additions include Klein Epstein & Parker for men and vegetarian Seabirds Kitchen.

Opposite is the Camp, set amid woods, aluminum and piped-in sounds of crickets. Dining options include Old Vine Café, Taco Asylum for unusual tacos and Umami Burger. Dine-and-play center The Triangle unveils Costa Mesa 55 Tavern + Bowl bowling alley; restaurants include Black Knight Gastro Lounge, Saddle Ranch Chop House and new La Vida Cantina. The O.C. Fair & 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 Grand Central Art Center. A centerpiece of the East End along historic Fourth Street is the Yost Theater, now a concert venue. The dining scene may be the county’s most exciting, thanks to Little Sparrow, Playground and Chapter One: The Modern Local. The bar scene is burgeoning, too. 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, founded in 1936, offers blockbuster exhibitions mounted with the world’s major museums. Visitors can 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; GREAT FIND, STEPHANIE YEE REID

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. Draws include restaurants

G R E AT F I N D

such as The Winery and Bluewater Grill, new sip-and-paint venue Pinot’s Palette, a cineplex, bowling at Bowlmor, 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 (714.730.4124), on Jamboree Road off Interstate 5, is older and even more sprawling. Though often called Tustin Market Place, part of it is actually in Irvine. The Marconi Automotive Museum (714.258.3001) displays 80 vehicles, notably Ferraris and historic open-wheel race cars. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see page 63.

/ new in the hood

➺Chef-partners Shelby Coffman and Christie Frazier created The Hood Market within

their Hood Kitchen Space—a health department-certified kitchen space for rent—to provide a showcase for their favorite West Coast gourmet products. Many of its artisanal oils, preserves, savory sauces and spiced nuts are made by the space’s professional clients, and many can be sampled. Our favorite? Handcrafted chocolates from Valenza Chocolatier, left, which pay homage to the Italian heritage of its founder, certified master chocolatier Amy Jo Pedone. 350 Clinton St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.2430, thehoodkitchen.com

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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. Travis Mathew golfwear and Letarte swimwear boutiques, and Cucina Enoteca and Blue C Sushi restaurants, are new. Island Cinema offers leather seats and wine service. 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 (949.646.7725). At Newport Dunes, Moe B’s Watersports (949.729.1150) rents kayaks, pedal boats and electric boats. Newport Beach boasts the world’s largest small-boat harbor. Mariner’s Mile, along Coast Highway, is lined with restaurants—The Winery restaurant and wine bar just opened—as well as luxurycar 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 sailboats, 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 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 and Savory Spice Shop as well as Sprinkles Ice Cream and new Beauty Collection.

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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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 from At Ease for Men to Z Collection and Mastro’s Ocean Club, Bluefin and new Babette’s 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 Coast Highway and Fifth Street, include Forever 21, Rip Curl, RA Sushi and Bruxie.

Balboa Island. (Opposite, left to right) Huntington Beach surf shop; Balboa Pier in Newport Beach.

Adjacent to Huntington Beach Pier Plaza are restaurants including Duke’s and Sandy’s HB; the plaza hosts art shows, live music and, on Fridays, a farmers market. 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, offers 200 species of migratory birds in a saltmarsh setting with a 1.5-mile loop trail.

G R E AT F I N D

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. 5 Points Plaza is a neighborhood center with tenants such as Wet Seal, Vans and Cloudmover Day Spa. Bella Terra is a Tuscanthemed shopping destination; draws include outdoor sports specialist REI, a cineplex and Solita and Eureka! restaurants. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see pages 62-63.

/ beautiful things

➺ With more than 20 years of experience in the Southern California fashion retail market,

including 14 years at her La Bella boutique in Belmont Shore, Chérie D’Sa recently opened a second spot, Jolie at Lido Marina Village in Newport Beach. An immediate neighborhood favorite, Jolie offers clothing as well as jewelry, shoes, handbags, eyewear, accessories and homewares. Top lines such as A.L.C., Helmut Lang and RtA appeal to stylish women of any age. D’Sa’s favorite fashion quote: “I’ll stop wearing black when they make a darker color.” 3400 Via Lido, Newport Beach, 949.723.0091

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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 and 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 shops and galleries that give the city its distinctive aura. Must-sees in the downtown heart of Laguna, aka the Village, include the sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery (326 Glenneyre St., 888.972.5543). South along Coast Highway are dining options including new Tortilla Republic, hockey great Teemu Selänne’s Selanne Steak Tavern, 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 a

blues festival in May and in summer, Lobsterfest, a surf competition and outrigger racing. 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

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 historic home you can still see is Casa Romantica (415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139), once the residence of the city’s founder, oil entrepreneur Ole Hanson. On a hillside overlooking San Clemente Pier, it’s now the Cultural Center and Gardens, with galleries and a popular veranda. From the pier, the sun sets across the blue

G R E AT F I N D

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 are 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 (949.369.6226), in the hills above the city, was designed with input from Masters champion Fred Couples. Sundried Tomato is among draws at Talega Village Center. For bold items, see listing in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 63.

/ beach style

➺“Sand. Salt. Sun-Kissed Style.” Those are the watchwords at The

Shop in Laguna Beach, where the surf vibe lives year-round. The boutique supports the beach lifestyle with free-spirited, fun and affordable fashions and swimwear for women (and some for little girls) as well as home decor. Designs come from lines including McGuire Denim, Winston White Clothing and Volcom. Pick up tops emblazoned with “California Trippin” and hoodies with “Love The Sea.” 1020 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8308, theshoplaguna.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

➺Long before orange groves and Walt Disney shaped the landscape of Anaheim, and before Napa Valley 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 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 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 storytelling. The thrills never end at California Screamin’, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Soarin’ Over California, a simulation of gliding above the Golden State. There’s no admission at adjacent Downtown Disney, but it takes restraint 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 Bowlmor, 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 super-fun 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, home for the Anaheim Ducks ice hockey team and L.A. KISS football team, host to touring acts such as Justin Timberlake. Nearby is the county’s new transportation hub, the architecturally stunning Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC). 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. Near. Anaheim Convention Center unveiled a grand Grand Plaza; the Anaheim Bolts soccer team plays in the center’s arena.

The Anaheim Packing District downtown includes the hip shops and restaurants on Center Street Promenade; the historic Anaheim Packing House reopens with foodie vendors of all kinds, and it’s a smash—we want to try them all! 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, EDWIN SANTIAGO; PACKING HOUSE, VLADIMIR PERLOVICH

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.

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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 and restaurants such as Haven Gastropub and Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen. 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, where draws include high-end discount retailers Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Families fall like pins for hip bowling alley Lucky Strike Lanes and flock to Thrill It Fun Center and 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. South of Commonwealth Avenue, a short stroll from the historic train station, are night spots and restaurants such as Hopscotch. 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.

G R E AT F I N D

The Fullerton Arboretum at CSUF is a garden of delights, with streams, trails and a restored Victorian cottage. East in Yorba Linda is the birthplace of Richard Nixon. The tiny home and impressive rose garden are on the handsome grounds of the Nixon Presidential Library & Museum, a rich repository chronicling the president’s public and private life. Neighboring Brea, once an oil town, takes pride in its Birch Street Promenade, which offers retailers, restaurants such as Brunos Trattoria, cinema and stand-up comedy. New at huge Brea Mall is Kiehl’s Since 1851. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 61.

/ duds for dames

➺ Boho babes, Sunday gardeners, flea marketeers and vino lovers with sandy toes and

music in their souls will feel right at home at Stitch & Feather in Fullerton, which recently opened in Seal Beach, too. Self-described as “a dames market,” Candi Anderson’s chic bohemian-themed boutique carries women’s apparel, shoes, handmade gifts, millinery and stationery. Tops sport phrases such as “Whiskey = Frisky” and “Vino & Vinyl.” Lines include the boutique’s own private label as well as those of local designers such as Novella Royale. 110 E. Wilshire Ave., Fullerton, 657.217.5459, stitchandfeather.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 WINTER 2015

DANCE

Buenos Tangos

LUCRECIA LAUREL

Tango Buenos Aires, one of Argentina’s cultural treasures, is known throughout the world as the most authentic and uncompromising purveyor of the tango. In Song of Eva Perón, Jan. 17-18 at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa, the troupe performs a sparkling and poignant work in music and dance, tracing the fabled and tragic life of Argentina’s legendary first lady. Free tango lessons will be offered on the center’s Arts Plaza at 6 pm prior to the performances. p. 53

1:36 PM

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American

Guidelines Restaurants are listed by city on page 51. Map locators

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

at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 61-63. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS The striking new terrace features fire “tornadoes” and five types of lemon tree. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887 $$ Map D4 ARC Chef Noah Blom’s “flame, flavor, finesse” cuisine (e.g., savory meatballs with garlic and whiskey, pig with black beans, maple and herbs) amid rustic-apothecary decor; superb cocktails use housemade everything. L, D (daily). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.500.5561 $$ Map J12

Seoul Desire

“Borderless kitchen” Urban Seoul—originally at the Diamond Jamboree in Irvine, new at Irvine Spectrum Center—blends Korean and Mexican flavors. The delightfully complex pork-belly tacos (with kimchee and gochujang aioli) and elote skillet (grilled corn with queso fresco, Korean chili flakes and lots more) skew Mexican. Under “Seoul Food,” start with the spicy rice cakes—tiny, crispy, mochi-like spheres in a delicious broth. The popular Urban 3b (“bibimbap, our way”) comes with choice of ingredients such as gogi and tofu plus half a dozen vegetables served on white or purple rice; use the chili-paste dressing liberally. Sip on a watermelon-mint lemonade or frozen soju margarita— both very refreshing. p. 40

Index

American................................. 32 Belgian...................................... 35 Brewpubs/Gastropubs.......36 California.................................36 Chinese....................................38 Continental.............................38 Eclectic.....................................39 French.......................................39 Indian........................................40 International...........................40 Italian........................................40

Japanese..................................42 Mediterranean.......................42 Mexican/Latin.......................43 Quick Bites..............................47 Seafood....................................44 Steak..........................................45 Thai............................................46 Themed....................................46 Vegetarian...............................46 Vietnamese.............................46

BABETTE’S New. Popular East Hampton eatery opens stylish West Coast location. Highlights include barbecued tofu starter; imaginatively presented sakesoy-marinated rib-eye; and Billionaire cocktail. B, L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7962 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.9915 $$$ Map J16

American dishes. 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

BACK BAY BISTRO Snazzy spot overlooking the Back Bay at the Dunes; retractable roof. Cancun-style shrimp cocktail, New York steak au poivre. L, D (W-Sa), Br (Sa-Su). Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144 $$ Map M14

CLAIM JUMPER Craftsman-style spots offer rotisserie chicken, baby-back ribs, pot pie and sixlayer Motherlode Cake. 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 $$ Map J13, H8, G13

BANDERA Perennially popular. Iron-skillet corn bread; wood-fired rotisserie chicken or wood-grilled prime tritip; and banana cream pie. D (nightly). 3201 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.3524 $$ Map M16 BAYSIDE First-rate New American fare at stylish spot with limited view of harbor canals. A smashing new interior update and sprawling bar and patio draw exec lunches, romantic dinners and lazy brunches. Live jazz; art displays. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222 $$$ Map M14 THE BEACHCOMBER Like a weatherworn yacht on Crystal Cove State Park beach. Roasted French feta; Prime flatiron steak with wild-mushroom-and-truffle 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 $$ Map E4 BISTANGO Beautifully presented contemporary cuisine, extensive wine list, changing contemporary art exhibits and jazz nightly. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 19100 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.752.5222 $$$ Map K14 BOATHOUSE COLLECTIVE New. Sprawling yet hidden indoor-outdoor venue. Chef Matthieu Royer offers Asianinflected New American fare. Owner Clayton Peterson made most of the furnishings; surfboards hang from the ceiling; on-site garden. L (Tu-F), D (Sa), Br (Su). 1640 Pomona Ave, Costa Mesa, 949.646.3176 $$ Map H15

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 $$ Map I10 THE DECK Open-air spot serves beach fare and breezy cocktails steps from the sand. Tuscan kale Caesar; Vancouver Island king salmon. B, L, D (daily). Pacific Edge Hotel, 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700 $$ Map I15 DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN & BAR New. Spot overlooking the sand offers octopus “a la plancha” taco, shareable whole fried Texas redfish and, in the Stateroom Bar, bourbons and whiskeys. Same team as the Deck, adjacent. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Pacific Edge Hotel, 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.715.7700 $$ Map I15 EAT CHOW “Chowified” fare includes Southern, French, Mexican and Cuban favorites. B, L, D (daily). 1802 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.650.2469; 211 62nd St., Newport Beach, 949.423.7080 $$ Map K12, N12 THE IRON PRESS Waffle sandwiches—e.g., pankocrusted tilapia with habanero-mango salsa—and local beers. L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.426.8088 $ Map J12

BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA Popular spot offers creative “cuisine of the Americas.” Beer-battered Florida frog legs; chocolate cavatelli pasta with spicy pork ragout. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234 $$$ Map H15

IVA LEE’S Restaurant and lounge offers savory interpretations of Southern and Creole cuisine. Music W-Sa. D (nightly). 555 N. El Camino Real, Suite E, San Clemente, 949.361.2855 $$ Map south of F6

CHAPTER ONE: THE MODERN LOCAL Hip librarythemed spot’s chef Jason Montelibano ushers in its second chapter with Tuna 2-Step (ahi fillet/tuna tartare) and Little Fried Hen (actually braised) with ginger risotto. “Culinary cocktails.” Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225 $$ Map H13

JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN David Wilhelm’s regional comfort faves: French Quarter boil with shellfish and andouille in spicy beer-and-garlic broth; steak frites, grilled rib-eye with béarnaise; Bananageddon for two. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.388.8900 $$ Map K17

CHARLIE PALMER Star chef Charlie Palmer’s space is super-stylish and relaxed. Exceptional modern

JULIETTE KITCHEN + BAR Superior New American fare and cocktails and adjacent wine merchant. Juliette

Citing its modern style, cutting-edge design and coastal inspiration, Cintas recently named Plums Café in Costa Mesa a finalist in its America’s Best Restroom Contest. 949.722.7586

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Antonello Specialty Restaurant Group Fresh Italian Cuisine

Happy Hour ● Full-Service Catering ● Private Venues Wedding Rehearsals ● Baby Showers ● Cooking Classes ● Kid Friendly

South Coast Plaza Village

(714) 751-7153

3800 South Plaza Drive Santa Ana, CA 92704

www.antonello.com

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South Coast Plaza

(714) 754-0300

3333 Bristol St #1201 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

www.quattrocaffe.com

South Coast Plaza

(714) 540-3365

3333 Bear St. #118 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

www.nellocucina.com

10/29/14 11:52 AM

Dining Chung oversees the restaurant, husband Jon Hughes the wine, and daughter Erica Choir the pastries. The gifted chef is Daniel Hyatt. L (M-Sa), D (Tu-Sa). 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.752.5854 $$$ Map J13 LEATHERBY’S CAFÉ ROUGE Chic and sleek affair within Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Cutting-edge cuisine and special menus themed to Broadway shows. Ideal for pre- or post-performance. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640 $$$ Map J13

brunch

lunch

happy hour

dinner

when it matters

LITTLE SPARROW New. Eric Samaniego offers improvisational and approachable bistro fare (e.g., pan-roasted sweetbread Cobb salad; grilled opah with beluga lentils and fennel pollen), a truly significant addition to the O.C. dining scene. Look for the CAFE sign on the corner. D (Tu-Sa), Br (Su). 300 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.265.7640 $$ Map G13 MEMPHIS Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwest dishes in hip retro setting. Start with gumbo or the pulledpork sliders. B, L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.7685 $$ Map J13 OAK GRILL New. Chef Marc Johnson delivers from start (seared Maine diver scallops with heirloom beans, capers and stewed baby tomatoes) to finish (Rocky Road Bar). Fifty wines by the glass and superb cocktails. Shares huge patio and fire pit with Aqua Lounge. B, L, D (daily). Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920 $$$$ Map L15 OLD VINE CAFE Regional and seasonal; a pleasure any time of day, be it for its caramel apple French toast, beef-tongue panini or four-course tasting menus with wine pairings. B, L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.545.1411 $$ Map J13

Steps to South Coast Plaza, Segerstrom Center for the Arts & South Coast Repertory.

3300 bristol street, costa mesa, california 714.979.2400 : scottsrestaurantandbar.com :

PARK AVE Owner-chef David Slay’s creative renditions of classic American fare feature housemade 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 PLAYGROUND Chef Jason Quinn, whose Lime Truck won Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race, offers New American small plates: cauliflower nachos; coconut curry noodle soup; Uncle Lou’s fried chicken; wagyu triptip; tip-top-tier off-the-menu burger. Playground 2.0 is a “culinary theater” for tasting dinners. D (daily). 220 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, 714.560.4444 $$ Map H13 RALPH BRENNAN’S JAZZ KITCHEN Creole cuisine and New Orleans jazz (beaded piano!) at spot inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter. Pasta jambalaya, Gumbo Ya-Ya, bananas Foster. Beignets at Jazz Kitchen Express; romantic dining upstairs; casual meals downstairs. B, L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200 $$ Map I10 THE RANCH Sophisticated restaurant and separate super-fun saloon. Chef Michael Rossi offers escargot with hazelnut spaetzle, country-fried Petaluma quail, and jaw-droppingly glorious bone-in cowboy rib-eye; try brother David Rossi’s old-fashioned pecan pie. Most produce picked daily on the Ranch’s own farm. D (nightly). 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200 $$$ Map I11 RAMOS HOUSE CAFÉ One of the county’s best restaurants serves O.C.’s best breakfast on the covered patio of an 1881 house next to the train tracks in the historic Los Rios district. Soju bloody mary; pain perdu. B, L (Tu-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342 $$ Map I17

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Dining

Mexican Inspired Steak & Seafood

Newport Beach By

Rick Bayless

SADDLE RANCH CHOP HOUSE Rock-western experience with mechanical bull; look for the stagecoach on the roof! B, L, D (daily). The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.287.4652; Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 657.221.3136 $$ Map K12 and J11 SANDY’S HB Steps from the sand at Huntington Beach Pier. Gilroy-garlic-fried green beans; pecan-crusted sea bass; Prime flatiron steak with chimichurri and quickbraised greens. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 $$ Map N9 SEASONS 52 No deep-frying. No dish more than 475 calories. Lots of flavor. Fab 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 $$ Map J13 SOCIAL New. Jeffrey Boullt (Playground’s former sous chef) delivers knockout cuisine and cocktails near the Triangle. Thai-inflected mussels; grilled bread with bonemarrow butter; akaushi skirt steak with chimichurri; Midnight Georgia cocktail. D (Tu-Su), Br (Sa-Su). 512 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.2425. $$ Map M12 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

Award Winning Wine List

Live Music Every Night

143 Newpor t Center Dr. Newpor t Beach, CA 92660

www.redorestaurant.com

Now Open!

Second Location in Newport Beach!

TAVERN ON THE COAST Thomas Keller alum Bryan Podgorski uses French technique but skews modern American. Steamed PEI mussels; grilled barbecue-glazed Duroc pork flatiron. D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 34212 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.415.5888. $$ Map J16 THREE SEVENTY COMMON Chef Ryan Adams offers winning fare such as halibut with peas, mint, onion and preserved lemon; and apple fried pies. Family-style Sunday Night Social dinners. D (nightly). 370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map H15 320 MAIN Chef Jaime Carrano (Bouchon Beverly Hills, Aureole New York) offers citrus-cured salmon bite, roasted bone marrow with braised oxtail marmalade, and lamb osso buco; owners Jason and Rebecca Schiffer fashion cutting-edge cocktails. D (nightly). 320 Main St., Seal Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map C1 TULSA RIB CO. Local mainstay in new digs. Tempura artichoke hearts, Cajun or Caribbean baby-back ribs, Tulsa potatoes, profiteroles. L (M-F); dinner (nightly). 220 E. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.633.3760 $$ Map B4

Restaurant of the Year, OC Concierge Association, 2013 Restaurant of the Year, Riviera Magazine, 2012 Restaurant of the Year, OC Business Journal, 2012

WATERTABLE New. Chef Manfred Lassahn pulls out the stops at restaurant and “gastro bar” in inspired “living rooms” and on redone ocean-view patio. Shareable Bar Jars filled with pickled items or avocana bread; honeylavender Berkshire pork entrée. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234 $$ Map N9 WOOD RANCH Barbecue and grill in handsome quarters at Irvine Spectrum Center. Shredded onions; woodroasted tri-tip; peanut coleslaw. L, D (daily). 57 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.337.4850 $$ Map D5 ZIMZALA Surfer-chic restaurant-and-bar at hip Shorebreak Hotel offers “American/beach comfort” cuisine— and excellent Cal-Med. Br, D (daily). 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.5050 $$ Map N9

Newport Beach Waterfront 3131 West Coast Hwy. | Newport Beach, CA 92663 | 949.999.6622 The District (at Jamboree & Barranca Pkwy.) 2647 Park Ave. | Tustin, CA 92782 | 714.258.7600

www.thewineryrestaurant.net

Belgian BRUSSELS BISTRO Belgian menu, drinks, decor. Chicon gratin (endives, white sauce, cheeses), 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

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Dining BRUXIE O.C.’s original waffle sandwiches. Hot tickets: Pastrami Bruxie, Creamsicle float. 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; 279 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.877.3015 $ Map N8, C4, A3

Brewpubs and Gastropubs AMERICAN TAVERN EATERY & DRINK Familyfriendly spot at Hotel Ménage. Chili-seared edamame; flash-grilled Caesar salad; chimichurri flatiron steak. Plus tropical drinks—and view of Disneyland fireworks!—at outdoor Palapa Bar. B, L, D (daily). 1221 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.758.0900 $$ Map I10 BLACK KNIGHT GASTRO LOUNGE Convivial indoor-outdoor spot with a dozen sports screens. Highlights include the eggplant poke, wood-fired pizza and excellent flatbreads; and generous cocktails. L, D (daily). The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.646.2401 $$ Map K12 BOSSCAT KITCHEN AND LIBATIONS New. Creative fare with Southern accent—whiskey-scorched okra, Duroc pork-belly poutine, “lowcountry” bouillabaisse—amid reclaimed materials. Craft beers and 100 aged whiskeys, bourbons and scotches; whiskey flights; and whiskey bar. L, D (daily). 4647 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.333.0917 $$ Map D4 THE CROW BAR AND KITCHEN Cut-above creative fare, and outstanding selection of burgers, from James Beard Award-nominated chef John Cuevas. Superb brew selection. D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0070 $$ Map M16 FIRESIDE New. Chef Scott Brandon (ex-LinX) oversees tavern at renovated Crowne Plaza Hotel. First-visit highlights: Berkshire pork-belly sliders; pickled wild Gulf shrimp; pan-roasted Mary’s Chicken. L, D (daily). 3131 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.913.9061 $$ Map J13 HAVEN GASTROPUB Adventurous fare and palateprovoking handcrafted beers on tap. Vadouvan-crusted lamb belly with spiced rutabaga and house harissa; sticky toffee pudding with brown-butter-bourbon ice cream; superlative burgers. B (Sa-Su); L, D (daily). 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680 $$ Map C4 JT SCHMID’S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY Beers brewed on-site and brewpub cuisine: wood-fired pizzas, Prime steaks, burgers, jambalaya and sashimi! L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200; 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 $$ Map I11, C4 MULDOON’S Dublin pub—of gastropub quality—and Celtic bar; off-the-menu Black Bush Stew with shot of Irish whiskey and baby lamb chop. L, D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 $$ Map L15 SIDE DOOR Superb spot shares a replica of England’s oldest inn with dining landmark Five Crowns. Artisanal cheese, charcuterie, seasonal plates and world-class brews—plus British pub fare. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.4322, $$ Map M16 SLATER’S 50/50 Burgers! Design your own—or try Peanut Butter & Jellousy or Fritos Crunch. Superior brew list. L, D (daily). 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730; 24356 Swartz Drive, Lake Forest, 949.460.9314; 6362 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 $$ Map L9, E6, B5

California Cuisine BAMBÚ Classic and creative dishes with bold flavors celebrating seasonal and local foods presented in a four-story atrium amid lush palms, orchids and bamboo trees. B (daily), L (M-F), D (Tu-Sa).

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PRIME STEAKS. LEGENDARY SERVICE.

Fine Wine • Private Dining • Exceptional Menu

Dining Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 $$$ Map K14 K’YA BISTRO BAR Handsome bistro at La Casa del Camino hotel offers expansive selection of small plates and wines by the glass. Wild Hawaiian poke, goat cheese-fennel-orange salad, grilled filet mignon, lobster macaroni ’n’ cheese. D (nightly). La Casa del Camino, 1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 $$ Map I15 NAPA ROSE Wine country at Disney Resort is a celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature; chef Andrew Sutton offers sophisticated seasonal fare in stylish setting; polished staff includes dozens of sommeliers. D (nightly). Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.635.2300 $$$ Map I10 NIRVANA GRILLE Winning fare, such as roasted poblano chile and a whole loup de mer, served in cozy, contemporary room. D (Tu-Su). 303 Broadway, Laguna Beach, 949.497.0027 $$ Map H15 ONOTRIA WINE COUNTRY CUISINE Ristorante honors wine with Italian dishes concocted especially to flatter fine varietals. Dishes are seasonal and game is a specialty. The wine list runs 40 pages. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2831 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.641.5952 $$ Map J1

Costa Mesa 1641 W. Sunflower Ave. 714-444-4834

SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills 435 S. La Cienega Blvd. 310-246-1501

Los Angeles 735 South Figueroa St. 213-553- 4566

Anaheim 1895 South Harbor Blvd. 714-621-0101

Burbank 3400 West Olive Ave. 818-238-0424

Woodland Hills 6250 Canoga Ave. 818-703-7272

mortons.com

PROVENANCE New. Cathy Pavlos (acclaimed Lucca in Irvine) unveils wine-country-farmhouse-themed spot with organic raised-bed patio garden—whose produce is the star. Finish with S’more in a Jar dessert, or the Earl Grey cream soda with cinnamon bourbon, a cocktail that could be dessert. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (S). 531 Eastbluff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0477 $$ Map L14 SEALEGS WINE BAR Seasonal California share plates—e.g., Pig and Fig Flatbread, Stinky Fries, bananas Foster French toast—plus limited-production wines and craft beers amid Hamptons-style nautical decor. D (nightly), Br (Su). 21022 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.536.5700 $$ Map M9 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 $$ Map N9 SILVER TRUMPET Musically themed restaurant and striking bar opposite Segerstrom Center for the Arts, ideal for pre- or post-theater repasts. Seasonally driven fare, housemade pastries and desserts. B, L, D (daily); Br (SaSu). Avenue of the Arts Wyndham Hotel, 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, 714.442.8593 $$ Map J13 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 $$$ Map H15 STUDIO Airy bluff-top Arts and Crafts-style bungalow with stunning azure and endless Pacific view oozes an offhand luxury befitting its premium resort setting. Chef Craig Strong reaches far beyond the predictably posh with an ambitious menu of creative Cal-French cuisine. D (Tu-Su). Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 $$$$ Map I16 TABU GRILL Local in-spot/Zagat high scorer brings on new chef Rayne Frey, who continues its winning ways. D (nightly). 2892 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.7743 $$$ Map I16 TANGATA Lunch-only spot at museum from the acclaimed Patina Group. “Soup of yesterday,” braised lamb shank with creamy polenta. L (Tu–Su). Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.550.0906 $$ Map G13

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Sandy-DHB Combo Ad.qxp_Where 7/14/14 9:11 AM Page 1

Dining

OCEANFRONT DINING AT THE PIER

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 $$ Map I10 VINE Laid-back beach burg takes wine-country detour with poised California cuisine and enlightened wine selections. Jared Cook is the new executive chef and partner. Chef’s Pub is adjacent. D (Tu-Sa). 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2079 $$$ Map south of F6 VUE Serves up “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). Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000 $$$ Map J16 THE WINERY New in Newport Beach. Chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers superior contemporary regional cuisine—the freshest seafood, wild game, USDA Prime steaks plus cigar patios and extensive wine cellars—at two striking locations, the newest overlooking the harbor. Tustin: L (M-F), D (nightly); Newport: D (nightly). District at Tustin Legacy, 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600; 3131 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.999.6622 $$$ Map J14, N13

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. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 85 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.788.9218; 2700 Alton Parkway, Irvine, 949.252.8188 $$ Map D5, J14 DIN TAI FUNG New. Taiwan icon known for xiao long bao—Shanghai-style soup dumplings—opens venue at South Coast Plaza. New York Times included the original in its world’s top 10; the L.A. Times’ Jonathan Gold pegged the Glendale location in his top 101. Shrimp and pork wonton with spicy sauce; shrimp fried rice and sautéed string beans with garlic. L, D (daily). 3333 Bristol St. Costa Mesa, 714.549.3388 $$ Map J13

CALIFORNIA IS SERVED D o w n s ta i r s

714.374.7273

On the sand at the HB pier

SANDYSHB.COM

T S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII AND CALIFORNIA

MANDARIN KING Family-owned spot offers extensive menu of favorites and three-course family dinners. Pupu platter for two; lemon chicken; spicy peppered fish; pork with hot garlic sauce. L (M-Sa), D (daily). 1223 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8992 $$ Map H15 TWENTY EIGHT New. Top Chef finalist Shirley Chung— former executive chef at China Poblano by José Andrés, opened restaurants for Thomas Keller, Guy Savoy and Mario Batali—presents modern Chinese in former Kimera digs. Singapore-style chili lobster with hand-cut noodles; slow-braised oxtail. L, D (daily). 19530 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.852.2828 $$ Map K14

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 $$$ Map M16 THE HOBBIT Transporting dinners at homey hacienda revered for special occasions. Multicourse prix-fixe affair: cocktails upstairs, elaborate appetizers in the wine cellar, new Continental classics in elegant dining rooms. Menu changes weekly. Reservations essential. D (W-Su). 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.1972 $$$$ Map J11 ORANGE HILL Hilltop hideaway with endless city-light views; traditional and updated fare includes seafood, prime rib, lobster. Orange Bar has retro orange theme and orange piano. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910 $$ Map C5

UPSTAIRS 7 14.374.6446 | dukeshuntington.com

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Dining 21 OCEANFRONT Romantic restaurant with sunset views, cozy bars, servers in black tie and menu featuring abalone, oysters Rockefeller and superb crab legs as well as steaks and osso buco. Live entertainment in the lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront (Newport Pier), Newport Beach, 949.673.2100 $$$ Map N13

Eclectic CAFE TU TU TANGO Quasi-fusion tapas-style appetizers. Watch art be created, listen to spontaneous performances; patio bar. L, D (daily). The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.2222 $$ Map J11 MIX Chef Kyung Soo Carroll offers imaginative, often organic “classical French and nuevo American fusion” fare in the Hilton Anaheim’s atrium lobby. B, L, D (daily). 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412 $$ Map I10 SAPPHIRE LAGUNA Chef Azmin Ghahreman offers globally inspired dishes at stylish restaurant. 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 $$$ Map I15 TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Healthful globally inspired fare in cheery room and on inviting patio with linear fire pit. More healthful cocktails; biodynamic wines. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400 $$$ Map L15

French BISTRO BLEU David Kesler (from the Cellar, below, when it was classic French) heads up a very French— escargot, duck a l’orange, steak frites—“CaliFrenchian eatery” on a very unlikely stretch. L, D (Tu-Sa). 918 S. Magnolia Ave, Anaheim, 714.826.3590 $$ Map I8 THE CELLAR Subterranean setting at 1920s-era California hotel oozes character, straddles categories with its modern European fare. Three B Hash; chateaubriand; chocolate soufflé. Late-night lounge Tu-Su until 2 am. D (Tu-Su) 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$ Map A3 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 $$$ Map K16 GOLDEN TRUFFLE Disciples of chef-owner Alan Greeley overlook his enduring bistro’s strip-mall digs in favor of his maverick approach. Wine list is loaded with labels you won’t easily find elsewhere. L (Tu-F), D (Th-Sa). 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.9858 $$$ Map L12 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 $$$ Map D3 MOULIN New. Cheery bistro-epicerie-cafe offers rotisserie chicken, baguette sandwiches, pastries, charcuterie, cheeses, wine and beer—all French amid French logo decor. Tues. prix-fixe dinner. B, L (daily); D (Tu). 1000 N. Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.474.0920 $$ Map K16 PINOT PROVENCE Sophisticated French-Med dishes and decor from Patina Group favored for executive lunches, pre-theater dinners, brunch and special occasions. 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 (excellent croissants!) and pastries baked fresh daily, sandwiches made to order, desserts homemade at charming bistro

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Dining and bakery. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734 $ Map J13

Indian CLAY OVEN Regional and creative Indian fare includes. Habanero shrimp vindaloo; goat curry; tandoori venison. Owner-chef Geeta Bansal recently cooked at New York’s prestigious James Beard House. L, D (daily). 15435 Jeffrey Road, Irvine, 949.552.2851 $$ Map D5 ROYAL KHYBER Spot often cited as O.C’s best Indian marks 30 years. Warm eggplant salad; lobster masala; signature Khyber’s Nectar, lamb shanks simmered 14 hours. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza Village, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 TAMARIND Sibling of London’s Michelin-starred spot; new chef Imran Ali focuses on traditional recipes in contemporary presentations. Potato platter; tandoori sea bass. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7862 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.8338 $$$ Map J13

A French Bistro �Bakery Featuring fresh soup, sandwiches, salads, pasta and French specialties served in a casual dining atmosphere.

Serving Breakfast, Lunch � Dinner

International DARYA Topnotch traditional Persian cuisine and service in an elegant atmosphere at South Coast Plaza Village. Specialty stews, rices and kebabs; combination platters; live music on weekends. L, D (daily). 3800 S. Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 614.557.6600 $$$ Map J13 MARRAKESH Moroccan multicourse prix-fixe feasts including b’stilla (phyllo-chicken pie), sans silverware. Great value. Belly dancing (W-Su). D (nightly). 1976 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.8384 $$ Map L13 MOZAMBIQUE African fortress gone hip and stylish offers Cal-Portuguese-South African cuisine such as piri piri prawns. Veranda rooftop dining. 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

South Coast Plaza Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-557-1734 www.viedefrance.com

URBAN SEOUL Untraditional spot blends traditional Korean and Mexican flavors, e.g., chorizo-kimchee fried-rice skillet, pork-belly tacos with gochujang aioli. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 414 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, 949.727.1900 $$ Map C4

Italian ANAHEIM WHITE HOUSE Italian steakhouse in 1909 manor; refined cuisine elaborately presented amid fresco recreations. White chocolate salmon; peppered hanger steak; game dishes. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381 $$$ Map I10 ANDREA Elegant but unstuffy. Spectacular views of elysian vistas and the ocean. Superb northern Italian cuisine. Pasta and gelato made in dedicated rooms. L, D (daily). Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 949.467.6800 $$$$ Map L17 ANTONELLO RISTORANTE Top-notch, romantic northern Italian restaurant in faux villa; don’t miss the osso buco with risotto milanese. Enoteca Lounge and bar menu. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). South Coast Plaza Village, 3800 Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153 $$$ Map J13 BRUNOS TRATTORIA Lively, contemporary spot offers hamachi with sweet-and-sour shallots, wild-boar-sausage bucatini, caramel-chocolate budino and housemade limoncello liqueur—all memorable. L, D (daily). 210 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.1000 $$$ Map A3 CANALETTO Venetian-style restaurant offers salumeria, antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, specialty meat and seafood dishes (e.g., vermicelli Cassopipa with seafood ragu). L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.0900 $$$ Map M16

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Dining CUCINA ENOTECA Cal-Ital plus wine shop with seductive prices amid fun decor. Vasi (filled jars), lobster gnocchi neri, guanciale bucatini, whole fish, house-infused liquors. New in Newport. L, D (daily), Br (Su). Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000; Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222 $$ Map L15, D5 ECCO Cozy, hip spot serves up sophisticated woodfired pizzas, ricotta gnocchi with grilled prawns; pork porterhouse saltimbocca; sautéed broccoli rabe with garlic and chilies. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.444.ECCO $$ Map 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

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IL BARONE RISTORANTE Acclaimed chef Franco Barone and wife Donatella offer sophisticated fare at stylish spot hidden near John Wayne Airport. New casual Il Barone Pizza e Pasta spinoff on Balboa peninsula. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 4251 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, 949.955.2755; 705 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.1029 $$ Map K14, N14

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IL DOLCE PIZZERIA Artisanal 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 $$ Map J14 IL FORNAIO Upscale casual trattoria and bakery features crusty fresh bread, housemade and imported pastas, wood-fired pizzas and roasted meats in a romantic atmosphere. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.261.1444 $$$ 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 $$ Map I8 MAMA D’S Neighborhood spot on the peninsula has a loyal following thanks to large portions and very personable wait staff. Extensive menu; pasta, chicken and hero sandwiches at lunch. L (M-F), D (nightly). 3012 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.6262 $$ Map N13 MARE CULINARY LOUNGE Chef-owner Allessandro Pirozzi’s glittery spot. Infused pastas include limoncelloinfused mafaldine pasta with lobster tail, shallots and pinot-grigio local-lemon sauce. B, L, D (daily). 696 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9581 $$$ Map H15 NELLO CUCINA Italian steakhouse plus thin-crust pizzas, innovative pastas in South Coast Plaza’s Bear Street wing; sibling to Antonello Ristorante. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365 $$ Map J13 PIROZZI New. Instant classics at Alessándro Pirozzi’s super-convivial spot include olive fritte; speck-wrapped, wild-boar-stuffed quail; limoncello-infused taglierini with giant prawns; and heart-shaped Nutella pizza for two. D (daily). 2929 E. Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, 949.675.2932 $$$ Map M16 PIZZERIA MOZZA Culinary stars Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicate their L.A. and Singapore spots. Pizzas use distinctive dough and beguiling ingredients. Start with bone marrow al forno; finish with caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. $$ 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 (nightly). 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900 $$ Map J13

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Dining 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 $$ Map J13 SETTEBELLO New. Classic and creative Neapolitanstyle pizzas and other winning fare in stylish digs. Indoors feel like outdoors; Italian films screen in the lounge. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 7864 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.2072 $$ Map J16 VITALY New. Maurizio and Barbara Cocchi of Bologna offer croissants, piadine and tigelle sandwiches, espresso, beer, wine, gelato and gelato flights in tiny cones. B, L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.662.5500 $$ Map J13

Japanese BLUE C SUSHI New. Higher-end conveyor-belt sushi color-keyed for prices in vibrant room with offbeat clips on a screen and cheery staff. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 1095 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.258.9280 $$ Map L15 BLUEFIN Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrées. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle sauce and matcha salt. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373 $$$ 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 $$$ Map J14 NANA SAN Chef Goro Sakurai attracts a considerable and predominantly Asian clientele; there’s generally a wait by 5:15 pm, but you’ll get a call or text when your seats are ready. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 3601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.474.7373 $$ Map D4 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

Mediterranean CATAL RESTAURANT AND UVA BAR The Uva outdoor pavilion offers 40 California wines by the glass and tapas; upstairs is Catal for fine dining. L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1580 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.774.4442 $$$ Map I10 FIG & OLIVE New. Pascal Lorange’s cuisine is an ode to olive oil and what’s on the plate—from crostini and crudo starters to crème-brûlée cheesecake—is sophisticated. The olive tree-studded setting is stunning. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005 $$$ 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 PITA JUNGLE Encourages “art of eating healthy” with hummus trio, Med chicken salad, gyro pitas, woodfired pizzas. Bloody mary bar at brunch. L, D (daily),

The Outlets at Orange

Huntington Beach

20111 Brookhurst Street 20 City Boulevard (Behind Nordstrom Rack) (Brookhurst & Adams) 714-769-3474 714-963-7796

visit marketbroiler.com

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Dining Br (Sa-Su). 1200 Bison Ave. Newport Beach, 949.706.7711 $$ Map D4 ZOV’S Zov Karamardian’s passion propels her spots; Louis Jocson is the new executive chef. Acclaimed Med cuisine; bakery-café in Tustin. New in Anaheim. L, D (M-Sa). Enderle Center, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855; 1801 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.280.9687; 3915 Portola Parkway, Irvine, 714.734.9687; 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, 949.760.9687 $$$ Map C5, I11, C4, L17

Mexican/Latin ANEPALCO’S Chef Daniel Godinez applies French technique to traditional Mexican ingredients, with sophisticated, artfully presented results. Tilapia with serrano chili-infused beurre blanc; cuitlacoche-topped burger. Innovative cocktails. L, D (daily). 3737 Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.456.9642 $$ Map B4 EL ADOBE California historical landmark serving traditional Mexican fare is housed in a 1797 adobe and 1812 jail. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163 $$ Map I17 GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN Old Towne daytrippers and tequila connoisseurs duck into this rustically stylish haven for spirited takes on regional Mexican fare far beyond tacos and burritos. L, D (daily). 141 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3038 $$ Map C4 JAVIER’S CANTINA Lively locations known for spectacular decor and mucho-gusto ways with south-ofthe-border classics. La Tablita, prepare-your-own tacos for two; chili colorado of Kurobuta pork chops in guajillo chili sauce with nopalitos. L, D (daily). 7832 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.494.1239; Irvine Spectrum Center, 45 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.872.2101 $$ Map H15, D5 LAS BRISAS Window-lined, elegant cliff-top spot with renowned guacamole and superb coastal views. Snapper Veracruzana; Yucatan chicken. The patio is packed. B, L (M-Sa); D (nightly); Br (Su). 361 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.497.5434 $$$ Map H15

•

LA VIDA CANTINA New. Team behind nightclub Sutra relaunches the spot that was brieﬂy El Corazon de Costa Mesa; attractive outdoor bar has five fire pits and two oversized palapas. D (daily). The Triangle, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.612.2349 $$ Map K12 MATADOR CANTINA Upscale spot with red-brick walls in 1899 building serves traditional dishes but also “Mexican-inspired,” such as chorizo ravioli. Also consider queso fundido and chocolate enchiladas. L, D (daily). 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.871.8226 $$$ Map A3 RAYA Sophisticated global cuisine from chef Richard Sandoval, spectacular ocean views. Ceviches, sweetcorn soup with cuitlacoche puree, roasted halibut with truffled boniato and crispy jalapeños; the churros are a must! B, L, D (daily). Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000 $$$ Map J16

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ROSE CANYON CANTINA & GRILL Very remote canyon eatery with lovely patio. L (Sa-Su), D (Tu-Su). 20722 Rose Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, 949.766.6939 $$ Map east of C6 RED O Sexy design (with lots of Moroccan accents), menu by Mexican cuisine guru Rick Bayless. Ceviches, guacamole tasting, lamb chops mole negro. Extensive tequila list; the Topolo house margarita is outstanding. L, D (daily). 143 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.718.0300 $$$ Map L15 SOL COCINA Stylish spot overlooking harbor canals features Deborah Schneider’s vibrant Baja-inspired

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Dining dishes; she wrote the cookbook Amor y Tacos. Pibilroasted fish on banana leaf; Kurobuta carnitas; cocktails, side dishes and flan are terrific. L, D (daily). 251 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800 $$ Map O15

beef and signature salad bar. Chimichurri grilled shrimp; grilled watermelon and feta salad; crab imperial sea bass; prime rib. D (nightly). 34442 Green Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.493.1183 $$ Map J16

SOLITA New. Sol Cocina spinoff offers tacos (e.g., chorizo, bacon and sweet potatoes; chili tofu; woodgrilled carne asada) and margaritas. Start with queso al forno with bubbling, spicy Mexican cheeses. L, D (daily). Bella Terra, 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.894.2792 $ Map C2

DUKE’S Hawaiian-inspired seafood, Prime steaks and beach-house ambience. Hawaiian-inspired seafood, Prime steaks. Next to the pier; endless ocean views. L (Tu-Sa), D (nightly). 317 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.6446 $$ Map N9

TACO ASYLUM Spot serving unusual tacos, excellent brews and small-batch sodas gets second wind with winning new chef Carlos Anthony, 24. Banh mi taco, corn off the cob, dessert nachos; off-the-menu, blowyour-head-off Pyro taco. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.922.6010 $ Map J13

GULFSTREAM Fine seafood, huge glasses of wine, popular patio dining scene. L, D (daily). Corona del Mar Plaza, 850 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.718.0187 $$$ Map L15

HARBOR GRILL Excellent mesquite-grilled seafood, pastas, gumbos, bouillabaisse at Dana Point Harbor; consider the rosebud martini and the sustainably farmed oysters. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34499 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.240.1416 $$$ Map K16 MARKET BROILER Mix ’n’ match fresh fish ‘n’ sauce. Mesquite-grilled seafood and steaks, sushi, on-site fresh fish market. L, D (daily). The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd., Orange, 714.769.FISH; 20111 Brookhurst St., Huntington Beach, 714.771.6655 $$ Map J11, L10 MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB Bluff-top, ocean-view spot. Dry-ice enshrouded Seafood Tower; freshest seafood in majestic proportions; and the don’t-miss

TACO MARÍA New. Carlos Salgado serves up meticulous and always fascinating “Chicano cuisine” at the OC Mix, e.g., piloncillo pork belly with pencil-cob grits, cherry and dandelion. Memorable, truly distinctive tacos at lunch; dinner is four-course prix-fixe. L (Tu-Sa), D (W-Sa). South Coast Collection, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.538.8444, $$$ Map J13 TORTILLA REPUBLIC New. Inventive fare, stylish decor. Duck-confit tacos with sour-cherry salsita; tequila-coriander-rub hanger steak; 100 blue-agave spirits at the onyxcap bar. Two dining terraces and courtyard patio; even the chefs have ocean views. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.393.4888 $$$ Map I15 WHO SONG AND LARRY’S New. Eclectic Cal-Mex cantina with Asian accents near Honda Center: crunchy crab-chicharrón-chipotle sushi; lobster mac-and-cheese enchiladas; avocado split with dulce de leche ice cream, pecan brittle, XO sauce; shareable Larry y Yo cocktail with upside-down Coronita beer. L, D (daily). 1535 W. Katella Ave., Orange, 714.639.9550 $$ Map I11

Seafood AMELIA’S SEAFOOD & ITALIAN RESTAURANT Charming local favorite for almost half a century offers scampi Caesar salad, linguine with fresh bay scallops and baby calamari in marinara sauce, and cioppino. The intimate patio table is coveted. D (nightly), Br (F-Su). 311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, 949.673.6580 $$ Map M15 BLUEWATER GRILL Fresh seafood selection at handsome spots changes daily. Grilled Australian barramundi, Costa Rican mahimahi, farm-raised Mississippi catfish. Outdoor waterfront dining in Newport. L, D (daily); Br (Su). The District at Tustin Legacy, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.FISH; 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949.675.FISH $$ Map J14, N13 BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. Fun, very entertaining spot inspired by the film Forrest Gump. Start with the peel-and-eat Shrimper’s Net Catch. L, D (daily). Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.4867 $$ Map I10 THE CANNERY The spot is historic—a cannery in 1921, a fine seafooder for 40 years—but what’s been coming out of the kitchen of late is way better than ever. Upstairs Jellyfish Lounge specializes in sushi; great happy hour. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 3010 Lafayette Road, Newport Beach, 949.566.0060 $$ Map N13 THE CATCH Sleek spot popular with baseball and hockey fans as well as concertgoers. Crispy-skinned Tasmanian trout; 5-pound OMG burger feeds 10; hot chocolate sundae flamed tableside. L, D (Tu-Su). 2100 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.935.0101 $$ Map I11 CHART HOUSE Distinctive architecture, seaside vista. Seafood dishes, many with Asian touches, plus aged

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Dining fried-oyster po’boy sandwiches. L, D (daily). 1421 W. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.850.1380; 180 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.7733 $$ Map J13, N9

signature warm butter cake. Glass-topped grand piano in the O Bar. D (nightly). Crystal Cove Shopping Center, 8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.376.6990 $$$$ Map N14

ROY’S RESTAURANT Roy Yamaguchi‘s Hawaiian fusion fare amid stylish tropical decor. Yamaguchi-style sushi; pineapple-infused Hawaiian martini. D (nightly). Fashion Island, 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.7697; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.7697 $$$ Map L15, I10

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S Citified fish house offers simply prepared fresh seafood. Old-school cocktails, legendary happy hour; microbrews on tap at Irvine’s Pilsner Room. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2000 S. Main St., Irvine, 949.756.0505; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.535.9000 $$$ Map L14, I10

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 there’s a new cocktail list in the lounge.

RITTER’S STEAM KETTLE COOKING New Orleansinspired spots offer Creole pan roasts, one with shrimp, crab, clams and lobster, as well as blackened-catfish and

ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANT & SALOON

BREA • BUENA PARK COSTA MESA (SOUTH COAST PLAZA) FOUNTAIN VALLEY • LONG BEACH MISSION VIEJO • SANTA ANA

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Live music (W-Sa). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400 $$$ Map J13 SHOR Choose your fish or meat, choose your rub, choose your sauce at American seafood grill at redone Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Fresh-from-the-docks specials daily. B, L, D (daily). 1107 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, 949.644.1552 $$ Map M14 SHUCK Oyster bar offers meticulously shucked selections. Superb grilled cheese sandwich, seafood stew. Bubblies and brews. L, D (daily). OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478 $$ Map J12 SLAPFISH New in Laguna. Boat-to-table cuisine includes banh mi burrito and lobster items such as lobster grilled cheese, lobster sandwich, lobster dog and “clobster cake” (half crab, half lobster). L, D (daily). 19696 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.963.3900; 211 Broadway St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.0464 $$ Map D2, H15 TAPS FISH HOUSE AND BREWERY Gold medalwinning brewmeister (Brewer of the Year at world’s largest 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 WATERLINE New. All-meal “water-to-table” fresh local seafood experience overlooking harbor replaces First Cabin restaurant. Crab eggs Benedict in the a.m.; halibut BLT at lunch; scallops “Peas & Carrots” at dinner. B, L, D (daily). Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 888.894.2788 $$$ Map D5 WOODY’S WHARF Waterfront spot with colorful history serving seafood and steaks since 1965. Cary Grant and Mickey Mantle were guests. Chuck Norris once owned it; doormen included Jean-Claude Van Damme! L (M-Sa), D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.0474 $$ Map N8

Steak

*Not at Brea/ South Coast Plaza

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 specialties. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910 $$$ Map J13

EARLY DINING MENU AVAILABLE M-F ENTRÉES STARTING AT $9.99

THE CAPITAL GRILLE Elegant steakhouse offers dry-aged beef amid portraits of local historic figures. Panfried calamari with cherry peppers; bone-in kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin; ethereal cheesecake. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.1140 $$$$ Map J17

TO GO OR DELIVERY FRESH PRODUCE BAR

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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

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MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE Classy bastions of beef get slick new redesign. 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

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Dining RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE Bone-in cowboy rib-eye; 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 $$$$ Map I10, K14 SAM & HARRY’S Swank repasts feature hand-cut Midwest corn-fed steaks aged 28 days, seafood flown in daily, potent cocktails. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.6900 $$$ Map M15 SELANNE STEAK TAVERN New. Ice hockey legend Teemu Selänne unveils upscale spot with several distinct settings in historic cottage. Pacific diver scallops; scarlet beet ravioli; Lord Stanley (bone-in rib-eye) wagyu steak for two; Bloomsdale spinach side; and excellent desserts. D (Tu-Su). 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9881 $$$ Map I16

Vietnamese ANQI Innovative small plates in sexy setting with backlit bar and glass catwalk over running stream. Mangochili shrimp; galbi hanger steak with crispy kimchee polenta; amazing garlic noodles. Secret-recipe garlic crab on Tuesdays. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 BAMBOO BISTRO Contemporary Vietnamese and Thai fare from Chau Dang Haller, whose mother owns Brodard Chateau (below). Crepes, Thai soups, pho, vermicelli and curries. L, D (daily). 2600 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.720.1289 $$ Map M16

BREAK OF DAWN Iconic, recently relocated spot is known for generous portions of chef Dee Nguyen’s superb Vietnamese-inflected American breakfast fare. B, L (W-Su). 24351 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, 949.587.9418 $$ Map G17 BRODARD CHATEAU Elegant two-story venue serves specialty dishes of Hanoi, Hue and Saigon. Baked clams; roasted duck salad; Phuket-style pho; seafood bird’s nest; beef and string beans in XO sauce. L, D (daily). 9100 Trask Ave., Garden Grove, 714.899.8273 $$$ Map K8 CAFE LOTUS French-Vietnamese à la Little Saigon tucked away near Hoag Hospital. Top-notch pho; banh

Thai KITIMA Pleasant Thai bistro and wine bar amid office buildings. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2010 Main St., Suite 170, Irvine, 949.261.2929 $$ Map D4 ROYAL THAI CUISINE Casually elegant family-owned spots on the coast for more than 30 years. Honey duck; Lady Thai prawns. L, D (daily). 4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.8424; 1750 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8424 $$ Map N13, I16 THAI NAKORN Local fixture serving traditional Thai. Specialties include fried fish with mango salad, and clam in chili paste and basil. 11951 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.799.2031; 12532 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, 714.583.8938 $$ Map I8, K10 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 THAI WAVE Traditional noodle, curry and seafood dishes in pleasant surroundings. L, D (daily). 522 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.960.0219 $ Map N9

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 $$$ Map G8 RAINFOREST CAFE Creative decor, animatronics, special effects bring the rain forest indoors; dine among lush vegetation, lightning storms and wild animals. Expansive menu; kids’ menu. Don’t forget the Volcano at the end of your meal. B, L, D (daily). Downtown Disney, 1515 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413 $$ Map I10

Vegetarian 118 DEGREES Creative raw plant-based cuisine, organic wines and beer, fresh-pressed juices and smoothies. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.754.0718 $ Map J13 SEABIRDS KITCHEN Menu features locally sourced organic produce. Grilled street corn with habanero butter and almond feta; salted melon salad; portobello mole quesadilla; coconut sorbet. L, D (daily). The Lab, 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.549.2584 $ Map J13

Featuring seasonal, American fare, paired with vintage world-class wines, craft brews, and artisanal cocktails. WATERTABLEHB.COM

VEGGIE GRILL Yummy plant-based “chickin’ “ and “steak” sandwiches; fast-casual. L, D (daily). 81 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.727.9900; University Center, 4213 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.509.0003 $ Map D5, K14

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Dining baos; chicken and vegetarian curries; ratatouille crepe! Closes at 8 pm. L, D (daily). 325 Old Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.574.2479 $$ Map N13 EAST BOROUGH Casual fare on a patio at the Camp. Pork-belly banh mi; pho baguette with beef brisket; chicken and shrimp spring roll; lemongrass tofu. L (daily), D (Tu-Sa). 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.641.5010 $ Map J13 LANTERN CAFE Bustling spot offers spring rolls, hot pots, clay pots, oxtail pho, entrées including lemongrass calamari with curry and pepper and flame-broiled pork with shredded pork skin. L, D (daily). 103 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.515.9090 $$ Map M13

Quick Bites ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE Historic citrus hub— the Sunkist building—reopens doors with two dozen foodie vendors including Adya for Cal-Indian; Sawleaf for Vietnamese; Rolling Boil for Asian hot pots; Georgia’s for Southern fare; Wheat and Sons for rotisserie, charcutierie and sandwiches; Kettlebar for steam-kettle-cooked seafood pan roasts; Hammer Bar & Tool Shed for cocktails; Black Sheep for grilled cheese sandwiches; Ecco Pizza; the Iron Press for savory wafﬂes; Hans’ Homemade Ice Cream; Popbar for handcrafted gelato on a stick; and Dark 180 for sophisticated hot chocolate. L, D (daily). 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.635.1350 $$ Map H10

BERKELEY DOG One of O.C.’s top spots for sausages of all kinds, from bratwurst and Louisiana hot links to other exotic proteins such as rattlesnake. L, D (daily). 215 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.257.0988; 4249 Campus Drive, Irvine., 949.387.2111 $ Map A3, K14 C4 DELI: THE CURE FOR THE COMMON Localcentric kitchen with wine-and-craft-beer bar and even more distinctive craft sodas; ciabatta-roll sandwiches include the standout porchetta. B, L, D (daily). 200 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.263.1555 $$ Map H13 CROW BURGER KITCHEN Casual sibling to the Crow Bar + Kitchen in Corona del Mar offers Angus and Prime beef burgers in intriguing configurations. Try Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger! Cheeseburger!. L, D (daily). 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.2747 $ Map N12 EARL OF SANDWICH Extensive menu at popular spot at Downtown Disney includes hot sandwiches (Hawaiian BBQ, caprese, Caribbean jerk chicken), wraps (Thai, spicy tuna), salads and artisan soups. B, L, D (daily). 1565 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.817.7476 $$ Map I10 LEMONADE Seasonal Southern California comfort food in a fast-casual cafeteria setting. A huge array of distinctive salads, sandwiches, slow-simmered stews— and several lemonades, of course! L, D (daily). 987 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.717.7525 $ Map L15 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 MENDOCINO FARMS New. Winning spot with bluecow theme offers newfangled sandwiches—Drunk’n Goat on Highway 128, Italian Love Sandwich, Spicy Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi—and salads such as the Sophisticated Chicken & Prosciutto. L, D (daily). 450 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.548.2500 $$ Map M13 PIE-NOT Aussie-style bakery offers meat, veggie, glutenfree pies. Mary’s pie with rosemary, garlic and lamb; Slice of Heaven dessert (shortbread crust with housemade caramel, milk chocolate and sea salt). B, L, D (daily). 270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.650.7437 $ Map H13 PIZZA PRESS Roaring ’20s newspaper theme decor and pizzas such as the Times and the Chronicle. Patio dining, wine and beer, plus grab-and-go. B, L, D (daily). 1534 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.323.7134 $ Map I10 PROVISIONS MARKET Specialty market and bottle shop offers new take on classic deli foods. Smoked-marlin starter; sandwiches including the Pig Face porchetta di testa and a CB&J—roasted cashew butter, stoutapricot-bacon jam and banana chips. L, D (daily). 143 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.997.2337 $$ Map C4

American-style cuisine with a tropical flair Downtown disney® district location open for breakfast

Food, Fun and entertainment for the whole family!

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® DISTRICT (714) 772-0413 ONTARIO MILLS (909) 941-7979 Reservations, Groups & Celebrations Welcome! www.rainforestcafe.com

SESSIONS WEST COAST DELI New. Spot sandwiched between Newport and Balboa boulevards has fauxvintage surf photography, 10 sandwiches including an excellent banh mi. B, L, D (daily). 2823 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.220.9001 $ Map N13 UMAMI BURGER Deservedly lauded burgers in 10 styles (e.g., Truffle, Tandoori) in hip venues; off-the-menu “tater tots.” L, D (daily). New at Irvine Spectrum Center. 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.396.1830; 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 $ Map G15, I10, J13

where?

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OC DINING ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Andrei’s thinks responsibly, from the sourcing of its food to its commitment to sustainability; the Nature Conservancy recently named Andrei’s its “favorite green restaurant.” Signature dishes include panko-crusted portobello mushroom fries, grass-fedbuffalo sliders and its famous warm octopus salad. Andrei’s is known for cocktails such as its barrel-aged Manhattan, aged in-house in American oak barrels with George Dickel 12, Carpano Antica vermouth and Peychaud’s Bitters. The Silver Oak promotion on Saturdays features a bottle of Alexander Valley Cabernet for $55 (usually $125) or Napa Valley Cabernet for $89 (regularly $180). Happy hour Mon.-Fri., 3-7 pm, and Sat., 5-7 pm. Event and private-dining options are available; there’a striking new terrace. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine 949.387.8887 andreisrestaurant.com

AMELIA’S SEAFOOD & ITALIAN RESTAURANT Amelia’s is celebrating more than 50 years of delighting visitors and locals alike. Located among the boutiques on Balboa Island in Newport Beach, 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 $12.95, Sunday-Friday 5-6 pm. D (nightly), Br (F-Su).

311 Marine Ave., Newport Beach 949.673.6580 ameliasbalboaisland.com

K’YA BISTRO BAR Located in Hotel La Casa del Camino in the heart of Laguna Beach, locals love this bustling eatery with its San Francisco-style atmosphere. All small plates menu with over 60 mouthwatering small plates meant for sharing. Nosh on lobster mac-n-cheese, grilled filet mignon, Hawaiian ahi poke, kale salad with avocado and pepitas, flash fried calamari and fresh herb risotto, all at affordable prices. Gluten-free and heart healthy dishes too. Cozy up to the fireplace for seasonal craft cocktails and live music or head upstairs to the Rooftop Lounge for signature fresh fruit hand muddled mojitos and a fiery sunset over the crashing Pacific. The coastal views are epic. $5 happy hour daily 4:305:30 pm. B (Sa-Su), L, D (daily) 1287 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.376.9718 kyabistro.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

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 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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OC DINING

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

DARYA AT SOUTH COAST PLAZA Enjoy the healthful cuisine of Persia in a sophisticated setting ideal for family gatherings and couples alike. Traditional appetizers include hummus, tabbouleh salad and shrimp cocktail. Among an extensive selection of entrées are the classic Persian stew fesenjon, chicken, shrimp, lamb or beef kebabs, and combination platters that provide an opportunity for exploration. Also offered are seared filet mignon or fresh Idaho trout, paired with fine wines from around the globe. Finish with tiramisu, fruit tarts or chocolate-banana cake. Happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.; live music is featured on weekends. L, D (daily) 3800 S. Plaza Drive, Costa Mesa 714.557.6600 daryasouthcoastplaza.com

ROYAL THAI CUISINE

Exquisite Thai dining in casually elegant surroundings is offered at this family-owned establishment, which has presented the tranquility of Thai cuisine and culture for more than 30 years. Dishes such as honey duck and enormous Lady Thai prawns from the Chao Praya River reflect the beguiling flavors of Thailand. The proprietors have served Thailand’s Royal Family and they roll out the red carpet for yours. The Sunset Dinner—four courses for $15.95—is offered from 5 to 7 pm; full-service bar. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su).

4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach 949.645.8424 royalthaicuisine.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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RESTAURANTS City Index Our superguide by area, with cross reference to listings by cuisine.

ANAHEIM

THE IRON PRESS (American)........................32

WATERTABLE (American)............................ 35

MOULIN (French)............................................... 39

AMERICAN TAVERN (Brew Pub) ............... 36

LANTERN CAFE (Vietnamese).......................46

ZIMZALA (American)....................................... 35

MOZAMBIQUE (South African).....................40

ANAHEIM PACKING HOUSE (Various)... 47

LA VIDA CANTINA (Mexican)....................... 43

IRVINE

MULDOON’S (Irish Pub).................................. 36

ANAHEIM WHITE HOUSE (Italian)...........40

LEATHERBY’S (American).............................. 34

AGORA CHURRASCARIA (Brazilian)........ 45

NANA SAN (Japanese).................................... 42

BISTRO BLEU (French)................................... 39

MARCHÉ MODERNE (French)...................... 39

ANDREI’S (American)........................................32

OAK GRILL (American).................................... 34

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO (Seafood)......44

MARRAKESH (Moroccan)...............................40

BISTANGO (American).....................................32

PITA JUNGLE (Mediterranean)..................... 42

CATAL / UVA BAR (Mediterranean).......... 42

MASTRO’S STEAKHOUSE (Steak)............ 45

CAPITAL SEAFOOD (Chinese).................... 38

PIZZERIA MOZZA (Italian)............................ 41

CLAY OVEN (Indian).......................................40

PROVENANCE (California).............................37

CUCINA ENOTECA (Italian).......................... 41

RED O (Mexican)................................................ 43

IL FORNAIO (Italian)........................................ 41

ROYAL THAI (Thai).........................................46

JAVIER’S CANTINA (Mexican).................... 43

ROY’S RESTAURANT (Seafood)................. 45

KITMA (Thai).......................................................46

SAM & HARRY’S (Steak)................................46

LUCCA CAFE (Mediterranean)...................... 42

SESSIONS (Sandwiches).................................. 47

OLD VINE CAFE (American)......................... 34

MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)..... 45

SHOR (Seafood).................................................. 45

118 DEGREES (Vegetarian).............................46

PAUL MARTIN’S (American)......................... 34

SOL COCINA (Mexican).................................. 43

NAPA ROSE (California)..................................37

ONOTRIA (California)........................................37

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak)...46

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (Eclectic)................ 39

PIZZA PRESS (Quick Bites)............................ 47

PIE-NOT (Quick Bites)....................................... 47

TWENTY EIGHT (Chinese)............................. 38

21 OCEANFRONT (Continental)................... 39

RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)....................46

PINOT PROVENCE (French)......................... 39

URBAN SEOUL (Korean /Fusion).................40

WATERLINE (Seafood).................................... 45

RALPH BRENNAN’S (American)................. 34

PIZZERIA ORTICA (Italian)........................... 41

VEGGIE GRILL (Vegetarian)..........................46

THE WINERY (California)............................... 38

THE RANCH (American)................................. 34

QUATTRO CAFFE (Italian)........................... 42

WOOD RANCH (American)........................... 35

WOODY’S WHARF (Seafood)........................ 45

ROY’S RESTAURANT (Seafood)................. 45

ROYAL KHYBER (Indian)...............................40

ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean)................... 43

NEWPORT COAST

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak)...46

SADDLE RANCH (American)........................ 35

LAGUNA BEACH

ANDREA (Italian)...............................................40

SLATER’S 50/50 (Burgers/Brew Pub) ....... 38

SCOTT’S (Seafood)............................................ 45

BREAK OF DAWN (Vietnamese)................46

BABETTE’S (American)....................................32

TANGERINE GRILL (California)................... 38

SEABIRDS KITCHEN (Vegetarian)..............46

BROADWAY (American).................................32

THE BEACHCOMBER (American)................32

UMAMI BURGER (American)......................... 47

SEASONS 52 (American)................................ 35

BRUSSELS BISTRO (Belgian)....................... 35

BLUEFIN (Japanese)......................................... 42

ZOV’S ANAHEIM (Mediterranean).............. 43

SHUCK OYSTER BAR (Seafood)................. 45

THE DECK (American)......................................32

JAVIER’S CANTINA (Mexican).................... 43

BREA

SILVER TRUMPET (California).......................37

DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN (American)...........32

MASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB (Seafood).........44

K’YA BISTRO BAR (California) ....................37

SETTEBELLO (Italian)..................................... 42

SOCIAL (American)........................................... 35

LAS BRISAS (Mexican)................................... 43

TAMARIND (Indian)..........................................40

TACO ASYLUM (Mexican).............................44

MANDARIN KING (Chinese)......................... 38

ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean)................... 43

TACO MARIA (Mexican).................................44

MARE CULINARY LOUNGE (Italian)......... 41

ORANGE

UMAMI BURGER (American)......................... 47

MOZAMBIQUE (South African).....................40

ANEPALCO’S (Mexican-French)................... 43

VIE DE FRANCE (French).............................. 39

NIRVANA GRILLE (California) . ....................37

BRUXIE (Belgian)............................................... 36

VITALY (Italian)................................................. 42

ROYAL THAI (Thai).........................................46

CAFE TU TU TANGO (Eclectic)................... 39

DANA POINT

SAPPHIRE (Eclectic)......................................... 39

FRANCOLI GOURMET (Italian).................... 41

CHART HOUSE (Seafood)..............................44

SELANNE STEAK TAVERN (Steak)..........46

GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN (Mexican).43

THAI NAKORN (Thai).........................................46

GEMMELL’S (French)........................................ 39

SLAPFISH (Seafood)......................................... 45

HAVEN GASTROPUB (Brew Pub)............... 36

CORONA DEL MAR

HARBOR GRILL (Seafood).............................44

SPLASHES (California)......................................37

THE HOBBIT (Continental)............................. 38

BAMBOO BISTRO (Vietnamese).................46

JIMMY’S (American)...........................................32

STUDIO (California)............................................37

MARKET BROILER (Seafood).......................44

BANDERA (American)......................................32

MOTIF (Mediterranean).................................... 42

CROW BAR AND KITCHEN (Gastropub).36

RAYA (Latin fusion)........................................... 43

FIVE CROWNS (Continental)........................ 38

STONEHILL TAVERN (American)............... 35

PIROZZI (Italian)................................................. 41

TAVERN ON THE COAST (American)...... 35

SIDE DOOR (Gastropub)................................. 36

THE CATCH (Seafood).....................................44 CROSSROADS AT H.O.B. (American).......32 EARL OF SANDWICH (Sandwiches).......... 47 J.T. SCHMID’S (Brew Pub) . ............................. 36 MCCORMICK & SCHMICK’S (Seafood)..... 45 MCDONALD’S (Quick Bites)........................... 47 MIX (Eclectic)....................................................... 39 MORTON’S (Steak)........................................... 45

BERKELEY DOG (American)......................... 47 BRUNOS TRATTORIA (Italian)...................40 BRUXIE (Belgian)............................................... 36 TAPS FISH HOUSE (Brew Pub/Seafood)... 45 BUENA PARK CLAIM JUMPER (American)...........................32 IL GARAGE (Italian).......................................... 41 PARK AVE (American)..................................... 34 PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE (Themed)...46

MEMPHIS (American)....................................... 34 MENDOCINO FARMS (Sandwiches)........... 47 MESA (Med.-American).................................... 42 MORTON’S (Steak)........................................... 45 NELLO CUCINA (Italian)................................. 41

TABU GRILL (California)..................................37

ORANGE HILL (Continental).......................... 38

THREE SEVENTY COMMON (American).... 35

PROVISIONS MARKET (American).............. 47

TORTILLA REPUBLIC (Mexican)................44

ROSE CANYON CANTINA (Mexican)......... 43

UMAMI BURGER (American)......................... 47

SADDLE RANCH (American)........................ 35

NEWPORT BEACH

TULSA RIB CO (American)............................ 35

THAI THIS (Thai)...............................................46

WHO SONG AND LARRY’S (Mexican).......44

COSTA MESA/

AMELIA’S (Seafood).........................................44

VUE (California)................................................... 38

A RESTAURANT (American)..........................32

SAN CLEMENTE

SOUTH COAST METRO

FULLERTON

BACK BAY BISTRO (American)...................32

IVA LEE’S (American).......................................32

ANQI (Vietnamese Fusion)...............................46

THE CELLAR (Modern European)................. 39

BAMBÚ (California/French)............................. 36

VINE (California)................................................. 38

ANTONELLO RISTORANTE (Italian)........40

MATADOR CANTINA (Mexican)................. 43

BAYSIDE (American).........................................32

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

ARC (American)...................................................32

GARDEN GROVE

BLUE C SUSHI (Japanese).............................. 42

EL ADOBE (Mexican)....................................... 43

BRODARD CHATEAU (Vietnamese)..........46

BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood)....................44

RAMOS HOUSE CAFE (American)............. 34

THAI NAKORN (Thai).....................................46

BOSSCAT KITCHEN (American)................. 36

SANTA ANA

HUNTINGTON BEACH

CANALETTO RISTORANTE (Italian)........40

C4 DELI (American).......................................... 47

CAFE LOTUS (Vietnamese)...........................46

CHAPTER ONE (American)............................32

THE CANNERY (Seafood)..............................44

CLAIM JUMPER (American)...........................32

CROW BURGER KITCHEN (Gastropub)... 47

LITTLE SPARROW (American).................... 34

CUCINA ENOTECA (Italian).......................... 41

PLAYGROUND (American)............................ 34

EAT CHOW (American)....................................32

RITTER’S STEAM KETTLE (Seafood)........ 45

BLACK KNIGHT (Gastropub)......................... 36 BOATHOUSE COLLECTIVE (American)...32 BRUXIE (Belgian)............................................... 36 THE CAPITAL GRILLE (Steak).................... 45 CHARLIE PALMER (American).....................32 CLAIM JUMPER (American)...........................32 EAT CHOW (American)....................................32 DARYA (Persian)................................................40

BRUXIE (Belgian)............................................... 36 DUKE’S (Seafood)..............................................44 MARKET BROILER (Seafood).......................44 SANDY’S HB (American)................................ 35

DIN TAI FUNG (Chinese)................................ 38

SEALEGS WINE BAR (California)................37

EAST BOROUGH (Vietnamese).................... 47

SHADES (California)...........................................37

ECCO RISTORANTE (Italian)........................ 41 FIRESIDE (Brew Pub)........................................ 36

FIG & OLIVE (Mediterranean)........................ 42

TANGATA (California).......................................37

FLEMING’S (Steak)........................................... 45

TUSTIN

SLAPFISH (Seafood)......................................... 45

GULFSTREAM (Seafood)................................44

BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood)....................44

SLATER’S 50/50 (Brew Pub) ....................... 36

IL BARONE RISTORANTE (Italian)............ 41

J.T. SCHMID’S (Brew Pub) ............................. 36

GOLDEN TRUFFLE (French)......................... 39

SOLITA (Mexican) ............................................44

JULIETTE KITCHEN + BAR (American)....32

RA SUSHI (Japanese)........................................ 42

HAMAMORI (Japanese)................................... 42

THAI WAVE (Thai)...........................................46

LEMONADE (California).................................. 47

THE WINERY (California)............................... 38

IL DOLCE PIZZERIA (Italian)........................ 41

320 MAIN (American)...................................... 36

MAMA D’S (Italian)............................................ 41

ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean)................... 43

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Entertainment Special Events

Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map

ARTIC GRAND OPENING Dec. 13. Family-friendly day filled with music, food and tours marks opening of the architecturally stunning, 57 Freeway-adjacent Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center. Free. 1750 S. Douglass Road, Anaheim, articinfo.com Map I11

H10, etc.) refer to maps on pp. 61-63. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

OCEAN INSTITUTE JAZZ FESTIVAL Jan. 23-25. Top jazz artists plus fundraising epicurean evening. Call for prices and schedule. 34100 Selva Road, Dana Point; or park at Dana Hills High School, 33333 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map K16

Special Events...................52 Theater................................52 Music + Dance..................52 Sports...................................53 Attractions.........................53 Museums...........................55

Index Holidays..............................52

Shopping Destinations...56 Golf Courses......................57 Active Outdoors..............57 Nightlife...............................58 Tours + Transport.............59 Tickets................................ 60

Holidays SAWDUST WINTER FANTASY Through Dec. 13. Sawdust Festival grounds are transformed into a winter wonderland where artists sell their creations as holiday gifts. Food, art classes, Santa Claus. 10 am-6 pm. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15

Star-Crossed

British company Kneehigh’s production of Tristan & Yseult plays out with wild exuberance—and a touch of Tarantino—Jan. 23-Feb. 22 at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. A cabaret band plays high above the stage as the classic myth about star-crossed lovers unfolds, here adapted and directed by Emma Rice. King Mark is victorious in battle, and Yseult is destined to be his bride; the trouble begins when he sends Tristan to bring her back. The play wowed critics: “Utterly timeless, delightful and engrossing,” wrote the Huffington Post. It first catapulted Kneehigh, also known for its runaway hits The Wild Bride and Brief Encounter, into the international spotlight. p. 52

ILLUMINOCEAN Through Jan. 4. Forty nights of holiday lights. Spectacle features 18 oversized lighting sculptures with more than 225,000 LED lights. Sundown to 11 pm. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.923.2255 Map F5 FANTASEA HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE Dec. 5-6, 12-13. Decorated vessels vie for awards. 7:30 pm. Dana Point Harbor, 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.923.2255 Map F5 O.C. BREW HO HO! Dec. 13. Tasting features craft beers, holiday ales and unlimited 2-ounce pours. $55, designated drivers $10. Noon-5 pm. Phoenix Club, 1340 S. Sanderson Ave., Anaheim, 949.363.9960 Map I11 CRUISE OF LIGHTS Dec. 13, 17-23. Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Committee “Music in Paradise” boat tours of home and boat displays. Call for prices. 16889 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach, 714.840.7542 Map C1 DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S CELEBRATE! Dec. 16-21. Mickey and Minnie Mouse host a magical medley of holidays, celebrations and festivities from around the globe. $25-$80. Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim 714.940.2900 Map I11 NEWPORT BEACH CHRISTMAS BOAT PARADE Dec. 17-21. More than 100 decorated vessels large and small cruise the harbor for the 106th annual event, themed “Deck the Hulls With Bows of Jolly.” Newport Harbor, 949.729.4400 Map N148

Theater A CHRISTMAS CAROL Through Dec. 27. The venue’s 35th annual production of Dickens’ beloved classic about the Christmas spirit features Hal Landon Jr. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 STRIKING 12 Dec. 3-28. Production combines pop-rock and musical comedy and gives Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Match Girl” a contemporary New Year’s twist. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL Dec. 10-14. Heart-warming holiday musical. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 KINKY BOOTS Dec. 30-Jan. 11. Broadway show that lifts spirits to high-heeled heights won six Tony Awards including best musical. A struggling shoe factory owner

gets help from an entertainer in need of sturdy stilettos. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 THE WHIPPING MAN Jan. 4-25. At a once majestic plantation home after the Civil War, three Jewish men prepare for Passover—the owner’s son and his family’s former slaves. What faith remains is threatened by truths from the antebellum days. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 TRISTAN & YSEULT Jan. 23-Feb. 22. A cabaret band plays high above as the ancient tale about star-crossed lovers—a love triangle between warrior Tristan; his uncle, King Mark of Cornwall; and the beautiful Yseult— unfolds in the exuberant Kneehigh production. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13 HERSHEY FELDER AS IRVING BERLIN Jan. 26-Feb. 8. Called “the greatest songwriter that has ever lived” by George Gershwin, Berlin penned songs such as “God Bless America,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “White Christmas.” Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 DIRTY DANCING Feb. 3-15. Based on the 1987 film, and the fastest-selling stage show in London’s West End history, tells the story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits, one on summer vacation, the other her dance instructor. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE Feb 6-22. For young audiences. Edward Tulane—a china rabbit, a present for 10-year-old Abilene—gets lost at sea and discovers the transformative power of love. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

Music + Dance GROVE OF ANAHEIM Dec. 10 Phillip Phillips. Dec. 11 Adam Carolla. Jan. 21 Styx. Jan. 25 Jesse Cook. Jan. 26 Dark Tranquility. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700 Map I11 HONDA CENTER Dec. 7 Fleetwood Mac. Dec. 16-21 Disney on Ice. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11 HOUSE OF BLUES Dec. 2 De La Soul. Dec. 3 Andy McKee. Dec. 9 The Ataris. Dec. 12 Frankie Ballard. Dec. 19 The Vandals. Dec. 20 The Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Dec. 21 Say Anything and Saves the Day with Reggie and the Full Effect. Dec. 27-29 Sublime with Rome Jan. 2 Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. Jan. 9-10 Ozomatli. Jan. 20 Guster. Jan. 24 Great White. Jan. 28 The Wailers. Feb. 19 El Tri. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10

December through March, 40 to 50 California gray whales pass Dana Point daily during their 5,000-mile migration from Alaska to Mexico; they use its 200-foot cliffs as a landmark.

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Attractions + Museums IRVINE BARCLAY THEATRE Dec. 12-24 Festival Ballet Theatre, The Nutcracker. Dec. 15 Canadian Brass. Jan. 8 NTLive, John. Jan. 15 NTLive, Of Mice and Men. Jan. 18 Mozart Classical Orchestra. Jan. 21-25 Potted Potter. Jan. 30 JazzReach. Feb. 8 Ira Glass, Reinventing Radio. Feb. 14 HAPA. Feb. 15 NTLive, Treasure Island. Feb. 21 Kronos Quartet. Feb. 22 Mozart Classical Orchestra. Feb. 27-28 Cirque 7 Fingers, Sequence 8. UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646 Map K14 SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS Segerstrom Hall Dec. 10-14 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Dec. 15 Celtic Woman. Dec. 30-Jan. 11 Kinky Boots. Jan. 29-Feb. 1 Shen Yun Feb. 3-15 Dirty Dancing. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Dec. 2 Vanguard University Choir. Dec. 5 Millennial Choirs and Orchestras. Dec. 6 Singer-songwriter Judy Collins. Dec. 11-13 Pacific Symphony. Dec. 13 Pacific Chorale, Nutcracker for Kids. Dec. 14 Pacific Symphony, Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 16 Pacific Symphony, Holiday Organ Spectacular. Dec. 18-20 Pacific Symphony, vocalist Sandi Patty. Dec. 21–22 Pacific Chorale. Dec. 23 Fiesta Navidad with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano. Jan. 8-10 Pacific Symphony, violinist Augustin Hadelich. Jan. 11 Violinist Itzhak Perlman Jan. 16 Jazz vocalists Dianne Reeves and Gregory Porter. Jan. 17-18 Tango Buenos Aires, Song of Eva Peron Jan. 29-Feb. 1 Pacific Symphony, works by Leonard Bernstein. Feb. 7 Blues at the Crossroads III. Feb. 11 Rotterdam Philharmonic. Feb. 12-14 Pacific Symphony, the Tenors. Feb. 19, 21 and 24 Pacific Symphony, Bizet’s Carmen. Feb. 28 Venice Baroque Orchestra, mandolinist Avi Avital. Samueli Theater Feb. 1 Szymanowski Quartet. Feb. 12-14 Laura Benanti. Feb. 21-22 Gustafer Yellowgold. Feb. 27-28 Elling Swings Sinatra. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13 SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Dec. 7 Cantus. Dec. 12 Hawaiian group Na Leo. Jan. 9 Pianist Emanuel Ax. Jan. 16 Jazz vocalist Mary Stallings. Jan. 18 Pacific Symphony, violinist Chee-Yun Kim. Jan. 24 St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra. Jan. 31 Muriel Anderson and Tierra Negra, New World flamenco. Feb. 8 Vocalists Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton, Andrew Lloyd Webber program. Feb. 12 Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, conductor Charles Dutoit. Feb. 15 Kuila i ka Punawai. Feb. 20 International Guitar Night. Feb. 21 Ziba Shirazi. Feb. 27 Jazz musician Dori Caymmi. Soka University of America, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4278 Map J13

SPORTS

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

HONDA CENTER Dec. 1 Anaheim Ducks vs. Boston Bruins. Dec. 3 Ducks vs. Philadelphia Flyers. Dec. 10 Ducks vs. Houston Oilers. Dec. 22 Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks. Dec. 28 Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks. Dec. 31 Ducks vs. San Jose Sharks. Jan. 2 Ducks vs. St. Louis Blues. Jan. 4 Ducks vs. Nashville Predators. Jan. 7 Ducks vs. New York Rangers. Jan. 11 Ducks vs. Minnesota Wild. Jan. 11 Ducks vs. New York Jets. Jan. 14 Ducks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs. Jan. 16 Ducks vs. New Jersey Devils. Jan. 21 Ducks vs. Calgary Flames. Jan. 30 Ducks vs. Chicago Black Hawks. Feb. 3 Ducks vs. Carolina Hurricanes. Feb. 15 Ducks vs. Washington Capitals. Feb. 18 Ducks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. Feb. 23 Ducks vs. Detroit Red Wings. Feb. 25 Ducks vs. Ottawa Senators. Feb. 27 Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings. 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-$28.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 CHRIST CATHEDRAL Architect Philip Johnson’s glass cathedral, Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope, Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours M-Sa 10 am and 1 pm. Free. 13280 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 949.375.5763 Map J10

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Attractions + Museums DANA WHARF WHALE-WATCHING Year-round fishing and whale-watching trips. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794 Map K16 DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER Hands-on exhibits, live shows; Boeing Rocket Lab has fuel and launch stations and blast-off zone. Through Jan. 4 Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails. Through Jan. 5 Science of Gingerbread. 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 Adventures Continue in Tomorrowland. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $90-$96, under 3 free. 1313 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Spectacular Pixar-inspired Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are the most recent additions. Soarin’ Over California; California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror; water-and-light show World of Color. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $90-$96. 1313 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 and ESPN Zone. More than 1,000 plants at the new Starbucks shape a giant coffee cup. Non-gated, free admission. 1580 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.7800 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 KNOTT’S BERRY FARM More than 165 rides and attractions. Premier collection of coasters includes GhostRider and Xcelerator; Knott’s Merry Farm for the holidays. Call for hours and prices; under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 MEDIEVAL TIMES Dinner theater show with knights, Lipizzaner stallions, falconry, four-course feast. Plus Medieval Torture Museum. $36.95-$59.95. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.543.9637 Map G8 ORANGE COUNTY GREAT PARK Huge in-progress park. Tethered-balloon ride, $5-$10, under 18 free with accompanying adult. 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 Rustic zoo; animals of the Southwest. M-F 10 am-3:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-4:30 pm. $2, under 3 free. Parking $3-$5. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map C5 RICHARD NIXON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM Provocative exhibits at Nixon birthplace; presidential helicopter, presidential tapes and a Watergate gallery. Through Jan. 4 Exposed: Window Into Reality. Weekend garden tours. M-Sa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4.75-$11.95, 6 and under free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.983.9120 Map A4 SANTA ANA ZOO Modest, idyllic zoo. Attractions include the Crean Family Farm and Zoofari Express Train Ride. Daily, 10 am-4 pm. $7-$10, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.836.4000 Map H14 SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS Intimate botanical collection features 10 gardens. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am-4 pm. Library open M-F 10:30 am-4 pm. $1-$3, under 12 free. Free on Mondays. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16

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Attractions + Museums THRILL IT FUN CENTER 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 am11 pm; Su 10 am-8 pm. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.1600 Map J11 TITANIC—THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION Artifacts from the wreck of the 102-year-old “ship of dreams.” $18-$22, under 4 free. Adjacent Bodies, separate admission. Open Su-Th 10 am-7 pm; F-Sa 10 am-8 pm, last tickets sold an hour before closing. 7711 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 888.647.2789 Map G8 THE TRIANGLE Dining and entertainment destination. New Costa Mesa 55 Tavern + Bowl bowling alley and La Vida Cantina join recently opened Saddle Ranch Chop House and Black Knight Gastro Lounge and mainstays Starlight Triangle Cinemas and nightclub Sutra. 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.650.0732 Map L12 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD World’s biggest movie/TV studio. Rides include Despicable Me, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Simpsons Ride, King Kong 360 3-D. Tram studio tour. Call for hours. $80, under 3 free. VIP Experience $299. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.UNIVERSAL Map northwest of A1

Museums BOWERS KIDSEUM Ethnic arts and culture for children. F-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. Continuing China’s Lost Civlization: The Mystery of Sanxingdui. Through Feb. 22 Heavenly Horses: 2,000 Years of Chinese and Japanese Equine Art. Ongoing Sacred Realms: Temple Murals by Shashi Dhoj Tulachan. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $10-$15, under 12 free. Separate admission for some exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13 HUNTINGTON BEACH INTERNATIONAL SURFING MUSEUM Board culture spotlights Duke Kahanamoku, classic surfboards, 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 IRVINE MUSEUM California Impressionism within an office building. Through Jan. 15 Scenic View Ahead: The Westways Cover Art Program, 1928-1981. Tu-Sa 11 am-5 pm. Free. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.0294 Map J14 LAGUNA ART MUSEUM California Impressionism and contemporary cultural art. Through Jan. 12 Elizabeth Turk: Sentient Forms. Through Jan. 18 Lita Albuquerque: Particle Horizon. Opening Feb. 22 Robert Henri’s California. Continuing Frank Cuprien: Pacific Views. M-Tu, F-Su 11 am5 pm; Th 11 am-9 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15 LYON AIR MUSEUM Very rare operational 20th-century aircraft and other historical vehicles on airport perimeter. Daily 10 am-4 pm. $6-$12, under 5 free. 19300 Ike Jones Drive, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585 Map J13 MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO Exhibits at jewel of the California missions (1776). Swallows Walk and Talk Tour, daily 1 pm. Ongoing Mission Treasures; Native American Museum. 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 MUZEO In historic Carnegie Library building. Ongoing American Quilts in the Modern Age, 1870-1940. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm. $6-$10. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936 Map H10 NEWPORT HARBOR NAUTICAL MUSEUM Ocean Literacy educational center. M-Th 11 am-4:30 pm,

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Shopping F-Sa until 6 pm, Su until 5 pm. $3-$5, under 4 free. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915 Map N14

Home Sweet Home .

ORANGE COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART Focus on California modern and contemporary art. Through Jan. 4 The Avant-Garde Collection. Opening Feb. 15 Fred Tomaselli; Alien She. W-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th 11 am-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 Skechers and Harley-Davidson; plus UltraLuxe cinema. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410 Map I10

CORONA DEL MAR PLAZA Boutiques include Gail Jewelers, Jack’s Surfboards and Sienna Brown. Other draws: Savory Spice Shop, Sprinkles Ice Cream. 800984 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach Map M15 CRYSTAL COVE SHOPPING CENTER Ocean views amid Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques Z Collection and Coastal Cool, home stores and fine dining including new Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana and Babette’s. 78458085 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast Map M17 THE DISTRICT AT TUSTIN LEGACY One-millionsquare-foot retail, entertainment and dining destination. Denim Lab; Bowlmor bowling lounge; new Union Market food hall; Pinot’s Palette—color me wine! Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin, 714.259.9090 Map J14

Open 24 Hrs! FREE Wi-Fi!

1500 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim (Across the street from Disneyland® Resort)

FREE WI-FI • OPEN 24 HOURS

Photo: Jim Collins

THE CAMP Green-oriented enclave for outdoors enthusiasts includes eco-department store SEED People’s Market and a host of intriguing dining options, among them Taco Asylum, Ecco and Vitaly. 2937 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa Map J13

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 FASHION ISLAND Elegant open-air center with anchors Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom; also Burns 1876 western wear and Letarte swimwear. Minamoto Kitchoan Japanese confections and Blue C Sushi are new. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map L15 5 POINTS PLAZA Neighborhood center offers Wet Seal, Vans, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Charming Charlie jewelry, Cloudmover Day Spa and Hashigo Sushi. The dog-friendly local favorite even 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 lots of restaurants. Urban Seoul and Lily Chai Tea are new. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 THE LAB Indoor-outdoor venue with youth-skewed boutiques. Shops include Urban Outfitters and Eye Society; dining includes Zipangu and Gypsy Den. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6661 Map J13 THE OUTLETS AT ORANGE Includes Calvin Klein, H&M and Nike outlets, Nordstrom Rack, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding. 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.4001 Map J11 SOUTH COAST COLLECTION Showrooms and studios include Design Within Reach for midcentury modern as well as Surfas Culinary District and new LCA Wine. The OC Mix features 30 vendors—quirky retail such as Heirlooms and Hardware as well as hip Portola Coffee Lab. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa Map J12

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Waterfront Dining and Drinks

Woody’s Wharf BRUNCH LUNCH DINNER

Lunch Mon-Sat 11am-4pm :: Dinner Mon-Sun 4pm-10pm Waterfront Dining Happy Hour Mon-Fri 3pm-6pm :: DJ Thurs-Sat 10 pm-close

Free dessert or appetizer with purchase of an entree. Show room key.

Bottomless Champagne Brunch Sat 930am-4pm :: Sunday 9am-4pm

2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663

Woody’s Wharf has been a Newpor t Beach:: landmark since 949.675.0474 woodyswharf.com 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 11/6/14 Sunday brunch with bottomless champagne draws large local

11:42 AM

Golf SOUTH COAST PLAZA “The Ultimate Shopping Experience” is a state tourist destination. Marquee retailers include Christian Louboutin and, in striking new quarters, Valentino; Uniqlo and Scotch & Soda are new. Macy’s Home Store and Crate & Barrel in Bear Street wing. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13

Golf Courses ANAHEIM HILLS GOLF COURSE “The Hills.” Fine golf value, with 18 holes set amid vistas, valleys, streams, oaks and sycamores. M-Th $52, F $59, Sa-Su $70. Includes cart and GPS. Twilight rates available. 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim, 714.998.3041 Map B5 DAD MILLER GOLF COURSE Tiger Woods’ home course during high school; for beginning to intermediate golfers. M-Th $29, F $36, Sa-Su $41. 430 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim, 714.765.3481 Map G8 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 Resort Drive North, Dana Point, 949.240.8247 Map J16 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. $290 daily. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 877.735.4226 Map L17 STRAWBERRY FARMS GOLF CLUB Eighteen-hole 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 TUSTIN RANCH GOLF CLUB Resort-style course designed by Ted Robinson. Challenging greens, palm trees and lakes, remodeled clubhouse. Private caddie service. M-Th $115, F $135, Sa-Su $165. Additional cart fee. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611 Map C5

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 Boat, kayak and stand-up-paddleboard rentals. Parasailing: panoramic views of Newport Beach and harbor (65$75). 510 E. Edgewater, Balboa, 949.673.7200 Map N15 CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH SURF LESSONS Schools include Endless Sun Surf, 949.533.1022; Newport Surf Camp, 866.787.3267; and Surf Newport Now, 949.505.5500. newportbeachca.gov Map D3 CLASSIC YACHT EXCURSIONS Coastal or bay cruise aboard Movin’ On; ocean sail aboard vintage sailboat Spartan; sunset wine tasting aboard either. Depart from dock between Bluewater Grill and the Cannery, Newport Beach. 949.612.8767; 949.689.3935. Map N13 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, Map C5 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

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Nightlife NEWPORT SAILBOAT RENTALS Cruise the harbor under sail or power aboard a 27-foot Catalina sailboat; up to six people. Yachts in several sizes (for up to six, 12 or 86, respectively) also available. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.299.4006. Map D3

RECREATION & SENIOR SERVICES DEPT. presents

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., Dana Point, 949.488.0696; 4624 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, 949.274.7944. Map N9, M16, J16, D5

Family, group & Private

surf Lessons

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! Gentler flights in open-cockpit 1930s biplane. Includes recorded DVD. 230 Dale Place, Fullerton, 866.484.7455 Map A2

Nightlife A&O New. Balboa Bay Resort unveils waterfront Anchors & Oceans, specializing in craft beers, specialty cocktails and gastropub fare. 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.630.4285 Map M13 AQUA LOUNGE New. Waved ceiling, 360-degree bar, huge patio, street-food-inspired menu ... and group cocktails! DJs Th-Su. Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920 Map L15 BACCHUS Spot relaunches as bar and grill with 60 wines by the glass, 12 flights and cigar patio. 6735 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, 949.502.4600 Map D5 BAMBÚ Lounge 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 sports bar and global cuisine. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810 Maps J14, I10 CALIVINO WINE PUB Dedicated to elevating the novice tasting experience. 2410 E. Katella Ave, Anaheim, 714.939.7735 Map I11 COPPER DOOR Watering hole in basement of 1925 building. Pool tables, 40 beers. Tu-Su 8 pm-2 am. 2251/2 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.543.3813 Map H13 COSTA MESA 55 TAVERN + BOWL New. State-ofthe-art bowling alley with 10 lanes, sports viewing and menu by chef Scott Raczek (Mr. Stox). The Triangle, 1875 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.438.2320 Map K12 FLOE LOUNGE New. Smart and chic inside-outside venue with seaside-meets-city vibe. Communal tables and games. Irvine Marriott Hotel, 18000 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.254.5725 Map J14 HEAT ULTRA LOUNGE Vegas-style club near Disneyland. Th-Sa. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328 Map I10 HOPSCOTCH Huge whiskey list, 75 craft beers, creative cuisine inside 1918 Pacific Railway Station. 136 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.2222 Map B3 HOUSE OF BLUES Touring bands, dancing, outsider art and soul food. Rafter-raising gospel brunch on alternate Sundays. Call for schedule. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 IRVINE IMPROV Top comedy. Two-item minimum, food or drink; food by Umami burgers. Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455 Map D5

NEWPORT SURF CAMP 866-Surf-CAMP newportsurfcamp.com

1-6 V House Ad_WSD 0508_Layout 1 1/31/12 3:24 PM

ENDLESS SUN SURF

BEFORE YOU FLY, SURF.

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surf newport now 949-505-5500 surfnewportnow.com

www.WhereOC.com Discover timely information on current events, restaurants, sights and attractions on the WHERE Magazine website.

For more information on surf lessons and to see the array of amazing camps, classes and programs the City of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Department has to offer, visit the department website at

newportbeachca.gov/recreation

where

newportbeachca.gov 949-644-3151

recreation@newportbeachca.gov

BEC A US E YOU’ V E A RR I V ED

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Tours +Transport LOLA GASPAR Bar and kitchen in Artists Village; Drink the Damn Medicine paired shots (e.g., bourbon and pickle brine). Open until 2 am M-Sa, Su until midnight. 211 W. Second St., Santa Ana, 714.972.1172 Map H13 MARINE ROOM TAVERN Laid-back, newly redone bar; live rock and blues on weekends. Open M-F 3 pm-2 am, Sa-Su 10 am-2 am. 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; fun Irish-themed events in the Celtic Bar. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 Map L15 ORANGE COAST WINERY Focus on red varietals from Temecula and Lodi grapes. 3734 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.877.0336; 869 W. 16th St, Newport Beach, 949.645.0400 Maps M16, M12 PINOT’S PALETTE Recreate paintings as you you swirl, sniff and sip wine! Open studio days, too. The District, 2479 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.400.9016 Map D4 ROOFTOP LOUNGE Hot spot for sunset cocktails on wraparound patio with panoramic coastal views atop La Casa del Camino hotel. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446 Map I15 STEAMERS CAFE O.C.’s best jazz spot. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800 Map B3 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 WILD GOOSE Cocktails, seasonal beers, creative sausages and burgers amid hunt-lodge-saloon decor. 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 hosts popular musical acts and deejays. Open daily. 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, 888.862.9573 Map H13

Tours + Transport 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. 888.364.2787, rideart.org

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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. 800.872.7245, amtrak.com BEST CHAUFFEURED WORLDWIDE Chauffeured vehicles available in as little as two hours’ notice. 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 CATALINA EXPRESS Round trip to Catalina Island. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Harbor; 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, 800.481.3470 Map K16, northwest of C1 CATALINA FLYER Triple-decker catamaran is fastest boat to Catalina Island: 75 minutes. Call for schedule. $51$68, $4 children 2 and under. Balboa Pavilion, 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744 Map N15

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Tours +Transport CITY PASS Pass includes discounted admission to Disney theme parks and admission to other parks in L.A. and San Diego counties. Purchase online or at attractions. $269-$306, under 3 free. 888.330.5008, citypass.com DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING Sportfishing, whale-watching expeditions and 82-foot schooner yacht for charters. Corporate parties, private fishing and twilight wine cruises. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Map K16 ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR Daily car rentals with some 25 locations throughout Orange County. Pickup service available. 888.484.4683, enterprise.com EXECUCAR Luxury service. Sedan and SUV, flat rates, special group services, frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.410.4444, execucar.com HORNBLOWER CRUISES Luxury party yachts. F-Sa dinner-dance cruises, Sa-Su champagne brunch. Mariner’s Mile Marina, 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.0155 Map M13 JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT Gateway to O.C., vastly superior to LAX in ambience and ease of arrival and departure. Art exhibits, “Red coat” ambassadors, dining in Terminal C. Free Wi-Fi. Ticket counters open at 5 am. 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 (Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11:59 pm) can be used on Metrolink rails and Southern California public transportation. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com OCTA Orange County Transportation Authority buses. $2; day pass $5, 60 cents for 65 and older, under 5 free. Day pass for buses and Metrolink trains $7, $6 for seniors/disabled. Exact change. 714.560.6282, octa.net SUPERSHUTTLE Transportation to and from all Southern California airports around the clock. Groups and charters welcome. 310.222.5500; 800.258.3826, supershuttle.com TMZ HOLLYWOOD TOUR Bus with state-of-the-art audio/video explores celebrity haunts and scandal sites. $53-$63. Starline Tours, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868

Tickets 714 TICKETS Sporting events, shows and concerts, opposite Honda Center. Local delivery. 2620 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.842.5387, 714tickets.com Map I11 TITANIUM TICKETS Specializes in tickets for seats in the first 10 rows. 18685 Main St., No. 108, Huntington Beach, 714.848.1632. Map D2

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WEST COAST TICKET SERVICE Tickets to in-demand events throughout Southern California. 310.207.1226, wctix.com

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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, 2015. 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. ©2014 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. F01707 10.14

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Maps

orange county

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605

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105 91

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241

Outlets at Orange

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405 1 5

Bella Terra

241 The Marketplace

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Maps north county & coastal

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts South Coast Repertory

South Coast Collection

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where Orange County

The Triangle

Crystal Cove Shopping Center

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WHERE 30 THINGS WE LOVE / orange

county

The boutique Les Pommettes in Laguna Beach. 949.929.7252

The Red Carpet jewelry collection at Chopard at South Coast Plaza. 714.432.0963

Valenza Chocolatier truffles at Hood Market in Costa Mesa. 714.549.2430

The elaborate holiday displays at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach. 949.640.5800

The grilled bread and bone-marrow butter at new Social in Costa Mesa. p. 35

The horchata brioche French toast at Anepalco’s Café in Orange. p. 43

Blow-outs at Social Beauty Lounge in Corona del Mar. 949.675.2185

Expeditions with Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point p. 54

Drink the Damn Medicine paired shots at Lola Gaspar in Santa Ana. p. 59

Japanese confections at new Minamoto Kitchoan at Fashion Island. 949.375.5326

Virtually every foodie vendor at the new Anaheim Packing House. p. 47

High-end baby boutique Bel Bambini in Costa Mesa. 949.650.2828

Co-op gallery Mystic Arts in Laguna Beach. 949.491.4563

New West of Camden boutique in Corona del Mar. 949.274.6739

A glass of complimentary sparkling wine at Cosmo Nail Bar in Brea. 714.256.1888

where in the world

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, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Maui, Minneapolis/St. Paul,

Cocktails at new Cucina Enoteca at Fashion Island. p. 41 The Billionaire cocktail at new Babette’s in Newport Coast. p. 32 Blockbuster-film-themed cocktails at Cinépolis cinemas in Laguna Niguel. 949.373.7900 Broadway-musical-themed dinners at Leatherby’s Café Rouge in Costa Mesa. p. 34 “Where Do You Love” clothing at The Soul Project in Laguna Beach. 949.494.0489 Pacific Marine Mammal Center for rescued sea lions in Laguna Beach. 949.494.3050 A round at Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine. p. 57 Golf-inspired apparel at new Travis Mathew at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. 949.438.2515

27 The beer flights—and Sunday brunch—at Taps Fish House & Brewery in Brea. p. 45 The faux-vintage surf photos at Sessions West Coast Deli on Balboa Peninsula. p. 47 The breakfast salad and other fun fare at Eat Chow in Newport Beach. p. 32 The Uniqlo boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 877.486.4756 The Den barbershop and shave parlor in Laguna Beach. 949.715.7923 The Weihenstephan, world’s oldest beer, (1040), at Anaheim’s Jägerhaus. 714.520.9500 Ice cream sandwiches at new Stax Cookie Bar in Irvine. 949.861.2055

New Orleans, New York, Northern Virginia, Oahu, Orange County (CA), Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix/Scottsdale, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, South Florida, St. Louis, Washington, D.C. ASIA Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore AUSTRALIA Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Berlin, Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

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the COLLECTION Three Prem ier S h opping a nd D ining Destinations on Pacific Coast Highway in Newpor t B e a c h.

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Experience over 300 stores and restaurants on Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Newport Coast. Featured Restaurant – Fig & Olive at Fashion Island, Rosemary Roasted Lamb Chop and Fig Carpaccio.

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©The Irvine Company LLC, 2014. Fashion Island is a registered trademark of Irvine Company. ©The Irvine Company LLC, 2014. Fashion Island is a registered trademark of Irvine Company.

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