WHERE Orange County Magazine Winter 2013 by California Media Group

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WINTER 2013 WHEREOC.COM

Orange County

[ The Dining Issue ]

10 DINING TRENDS WE’RE LOVING TASTIEST CULINARY DEVELOPMENTS

THE WHO AT HONDA CENTER

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HOLEY MOLEY! “WOW” HOLES OF GOLF

HAMBURG BALLET’S LITTLE MERMAID

THE NEW BURGER MECCAS

11/19/12 11:26 9:29 AM AM 11/7/12

© 2012 All Rights Reserved. © 2012 Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ©2012©2012 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 12-ADV-11964 ©Hasbro. 2012 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. ©Paramount 2012 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. 12-ADV-11964

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An Amazing Collection of Restaurants JUST STEPS FROM DISNEYLAND®

321 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim • 714.635.7410 • anaheimgardenwalk.com

Facebook.com/thegardenwalk

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Twitter.com/thegardenwalk

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where Orange County Winter 2013 the guide 34 DINING Restaurants by cuisine and neighborhood

53 ENTERTAINMENT Special events, performing arts and sports

56 ATTRACTIONS + MUSEUMS Theme parks, activities and exhibitions

60 SHOPPING Retail destinations

62 GOLF The county’s best courses

62 BEACHES + PARKS Paradise found

65 NIGHTLIFE Hottest clubs, lounges and bars

66 TOURS + TRANSPORT Getting out, getting around

69 MAPS

Green Label Burger at Crow Burger Kitchen in Newport Beach

where now

features

10 Dining Shuck Oyster Bar at OC Mart Mix

16 Dining Trends We’re Loving Haute coffee, chic veggies, savory waffles, social media—the county’s tastiest developments.

11 Shopping Surfas Culinary District at SoCo New boutiques at South Coast Plaza, Fashion Island’s stunning new market 12 Out and About Indiana Jones archaeology exhibit at Discovery Science Center War Horse and Addams Family at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

BY ROGER GRODY

22 The Best Things Since Sliced Buns Burgers at new hot spots vie for the county’s finest. BY BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

32 Holey Moley! Golf: The “wow” holes at three superb courses and how to play them. BY PATRICK MOTT AND JOHN WEYLER

Navigate the county

city tours 24 26 28 30

Metro Cities The Coast South Coast North County

ALSO INSIDE 6 9 14 72

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR HOT DATES The Who in Anaheim Q+A Restaurateur Antonio Cagnolo 30 THINGS WE LOVE

ON THE COVER Chic veggies! Radish salad—with icicle, breakfast and lime radishes—at Haven Gastropub in Orange, also known for its pig dishes and local brews. Photo by Anne Watson. See feature on page 16. CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

wheretraveler.com Get the city buzz from WHERE editors worldwide online and on your smartphone. 2 WHEREOC.COM WINTER 2013

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where magazine

On the Web: WhereOC.com

ancient wisdom in a modern world through february 24, 2013

publisher Jeff Levy eDiTOr Benjamin Epstein ArT DireCTOr Carol Wakano MArKeTiNG DireCTOr

Audrey Nimura

AssOCiATe ArT DireCTOr prODuCTiON ArTisT

Heidi Schwindt

Ryan Furuya

CONTribuTiNG WriTers

Joseph Elliott, Roger Grody, Gerald Hicks, Zoe Lorenzo, Patrick Mott, John Weyler CONTribuTiNG phOTOGrAphers

Priscilla Iezzi, Bjarne G. Jensen, Vladimir Perlovich, Edwin Santiago ACCOuNT MANAGers

April Driggers, Heather Howard-Heintz, Kerry Brewer, Krishna Gil, Sara Kemp, Joanna McLean, Mali Mochow CirCulATiON MANAGer Sarah Trainor prODuCTiON MANAGer Dawn Kiko Cheng Web MANAGer Christina Xenos ADMiNisTrATiON

Jordan Fraser, Leanne Killian, Beth Moline, Christine Noriega ViCe presiDeNT Of NATiONAl sAles Rick Mollineaux 202.463.4550 WesT COAsT NATiONAl sAles Tiffany Reinhold 714.813.6600 DireCTOr Of NATiONAl DiGiTAl sAles Bridget Cody 706.821.6663

hONOrAry presiDeNT

no strangers is a group show about the richness of indigenous people across the globe. From Mongolia to Colombia to Kenya to Borneo, experience the different ways we navigate daily life. The no strangers exhibit is guest curated by esteemed anthropologist, author and photographer Wade Davis. It features an original short documentary film including interviews with photographers Carol Beckwith & Angela Fisher, Wade Davis, Chris Johns, Lynn Johnson, Steve McCurry, Randy Olson, Chris Rainier, Hamid Sardar-Afkhami and more.

Ted Levy

where Orange County

125 e. baker st., suite 250 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 Sarah.Trainor@WhereOC.com plan ahead for your next visit to Orange County. subscribe to where: single copy $4, 4 issues $16. Contact: sarah Trainor, phone: 714.825.1700 email: sarah.Trainor@WhereOC.com

HOURS Wednesday – Friday: 11 am – 6 pm Saturday: 11 am – 7:30 pm Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm IRIS Nights Lectures Thursday nights 6:30 - 8 pm

LOCATION 2000 Avenue of the Stars Los Angeles, CA 90067 CONTACT 213.403.3000

Admission is free.

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© 2012 Southern California Media Group. All Rights reserved published by southern California Media Group. printed in the united states. where makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. All rights reserved. reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. where is a registered trademark of where international lp.

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in Orange County, where magazine is pleased to be a member of Anaheim/Orange County Visitor & Convention bureau, CalTiA, Newport beach Conference and Visitors bureau, Orange County Concierge Association, Orange County Tourism Council

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35765_

ExpEriEncE World-class shopping, dining and pErforming arts,

southern california style.

located in orange county, ca 800.782.8888 southcoastplaza.com/traveler

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PA C I F I C S Y M P H O N Y P R E S E N T S HAL & JEANETTE SEGERSTROM FAMILY FOUNDATION CLASSICAL SERIES

Welcome

A note from the editor

PUCCINI’S

TOSCA

RIDING HIGH Consider this note bonus material —a mini-“making of” segment, a snippet from the director’s cut— for our burger feature, “The Best Things Since Sliced Buns” (see page 22). The Riders Club Cafe in San Clemente offers not only a burger I’d gladly go back for, but also a concept I hope would find a place in our

Feb 21 23 26 “Tosca” has everything great opera should have: gorgeous music, high emotion and grand tragedy. World-class opera stars join Pacific Symphony in this semi-staged concert production of Puccini’s electrifying tale. Carl St.Clair – conductor Eric Einhorn, stage director Claire Rutter – Tosca Brian Jagde – Cavaradossi George Gagnidze – Scarpia Ryan Kuster – Angelotti Dennis Petersen – Spoletta Michael Gallup – Sacristan Pacific Chorale – John Alexander, artistic director Southern California Children’s Chorus

next “Dining Trends We’re Loving” feature (page 16). In an effort to do best what it does well, and to not overreach, the Riders Club limits its menu to four items: burger, carnitas sandwich, hot dog and club salad. We’ve all been to restaurants that pride themselves on their encyclopedic offerings, where—our circulation manager, Sarah Trainor, notes—it takes more time to read the menu than to eat. Or where, says regional manager Heather Howard-Heintz, “you get stressed out deciding—you need a bookmark or Post-It note.” A word of advice for those places: Get an editor! The Riders Club, which recently marked its second anniversary, also boasts “slow fast food”—yet another intriguing concept. Among ingratiating touches at the glorified stand are brew taps lining the perimeter of the ceiling and a monitor screening vintage Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons featuring Foghorn Leghorn or Elmer Fudd. What’s not to like? It’s what we call a great find; see others on pages 25, 27, 29 and 31. As for the Riders Club burger, it’s guaranteed to give you that gorpy feeling all over. Natural ground-in-house beef arrives on a

Call (714) 755-5799 PacificSymphony.org PACIFIC SYMPHONY PROUDLY PERFORMS AT:

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa FOR ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION: SCFTA.org

challah bun with garlic-chili-lemon mayo and fixings and a side of kettle chips—or beets on request—in a red-checkered-paper-lined plastic basket; dollar add-ons include buttery Havarti cheese, extra-thick-cut bacon and poached egg. Several napkins are thoughtfully provided. Oh, and that carnitas sandwich? Challah-peño! —BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

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SAWDUST ART FESTIVAL’S WINTER FANTASY

935 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach 949.494.3030 sawdustartfestival.org

SILVER BLUE & GOLD

1492 South Coast Highway, #5 949.715.3000 silverblueandgold.com

LAGUNA INKSPOT & GALLERY TATTOOS & FINE ART 412 North Coast Highway, Unit C

949.715.7304

lagunainkspot.com

lagunabeach E X P E R I E N C E

ALEXANDER RUG GALLERY 412 North Coast Highway 949.715.7727 alexanderrugs.com

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ADAM NEELEY FINE ART JEWELRY 352 North Coast Highway 949.715.0953 adamneeley.com

ZÉYTOON CAFÉ

412 North Coast Highway 959.715.9230 zeytooncafe.com

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Hot Dates Winter 2013

What’s sizzling in seconds flat

DEc. 4 BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN AND THE E STREET BAND The Boss performs his hits from four decades and tracks from his new album Wrecking Ball at the Honda Center in Anaheim. p. 53 DEc. 5-7, 10-11, 17-18, JAN. 1, 8 SOCIAL DISTORTION The raucous Fullerton punk rockers have the home stage advantage when they play a winter residency at Downtown Disney’s House of Blues in Anaheim. p. 54 OPENING DEc. 15 CUT! COSTUME AND THE CINEMA Exhibit at Bowers Museum in Santa Ana explores the art of making costumes for movies; on display are 43 costumes from 25 films. p. 59 DEc. 19-23 NEWPORT BEACH BOAT PARADE “Surf, Sand and Santa!” Vessels of all sizes cruise the harbor in their festive best for the 104th edition. p. 53

THROUGH DEc. 31 LOVE DINNER & CHAOS La Cage aux Folles meets Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child meets hot hula hoops at Teatro ZinZanni’s new show—cirque, cabaret, comedy and five-course feast on the plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. p. 53

Pete townshend, left, and roger daltry

JAN. 28

Whoville It’s been a huge year for the Who. The band, a rock-history icon, performed at the closing ceremonies of the London Olympics, and guitarist Pete Townshend published his autobiography. Now surviving members Townshend and frontman Roger Daltrey present their landmark 1973 album Quadrophenia in its entirety, as well as other songs, during a North American tour that stops at the Honda Center in Anaheim. Townshend says he misses original drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle very much but relishes working with supporting musicians including Zak Starkey—son of the Beatles’ Ringo Starr—on drums and Townshend’s brother Simon on guitar. Quadrophenia was reissued in 2011, and a documentary about the making of the original album aired in theaters last summer. p. 53 NEARBY Consider Anaheim GardenWalk (p. 60) before or after the show. Boutiques include Lush and Harley-Davidson. Some theaters at UltraLuxe Cinemas have film-synced motion seats and serve beer and wine. Enjoy the happy hour or dinner at McCormick & Schmick’s (p. 44). Heat Ultra Lounge is a Vegas-style club (p. 66).

JAN. 22-FEB. 3 WAR HORSE Tony Award-winning play, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, tells of courage, loyalty and friendship in 1914 London; life-size puppets bring the horses to life. p. 53 JAN. 25-FEB. 24 CHINGLISH English-speaking signage company embarks on a Chinese business venture; language barriers translate to hilarity. David Hwang play is at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. p. 53 FEB. 2 YO-YO MA Philharmonic Society of Orange County presents a recital by the celebrated cellist with pianist Kathryn Stott at Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo. p. 54 FEB. 3 SURF CITY USA MARATHON The views from the oceanfront course in Huntington Beach takes a little of the pain out of the 26.2-mile race. p. 53 FEB. 8-10 HAMBURG BALLET The dance company offers its take on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, a dark tale of sacrifice made for true love, at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. p. 54. Here for tHe Weekend? Visit our Weekend Roundup at WhereOC.com, where you’ll get the lowdown on the coolest concerts, sporting events, festivals, art exhibits and restaurants.

When Olympian Apolo Ohno included “living statues” in his “Dancing With the Stars” fox-trot, he consulted the tableaux vivants experts at Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach.

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where now Orange County

The best in entertainment, museums, shopping and dining.

» DINING

Aah, Shuck

There are oysters on menus elsewhere, and even raw bars. But Shuck, new at Costa Mesa’s OC Mart Mix, is the county’s only dining destination devoted primarily to oysters. Foodie funsters Leonard Chan and Noah Blom offer eight to 16 selections, meticulously shucked, from a wallful of varieties each day—among them Naked Cowboy, Vineyard Sound and Chatham—which are usually ordered individually or by the half dozen; accompaniments include a beguiling vinaigrette and fresh horseradish. Two stupendous dishes almost steal the show from the delectable bivalves, namely a clam chorizo seafood stew and a grilled cheese sandwich (photo p. 72); dip the sandwich in the stew! p. 44

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Aged Worcestershire and nuts at new Surfas Culinary District in Costa Mesa

» SHOPPING SURFAS BEAUTY Surfas Culinary District, which has served chefs and restaurateurs as well architects and commercial kitchen designers in Los Angeles for more than 75 years, has opened at the South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa. The sprawling store features some 18,000 items: professional-chef-quality cooking supplies and equipment including cutlery, kitchen tools, cookware, china, glassware and bakeware, as well as specialty food ingredients—everything down to paper-parasol toothpicks. Café Surfas serves breakfast, sandwiches and pastries. It also features a test kitchen where chefs conduct demonstrations and cooking lessons; a cheese and charcuterie department; and a wine and cheese bar. 3309 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.453.2665

OPPOSITE, ANNE WATSON

Centers of Attention South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa adds to its portfolio of 250 elite retailers. Parisbased French-Vietnamese designer Barbara Bui is known for elegant but edgy silhouettes. Hot-hued party dresses and flared dress coats at REDValentino fuse Valentino’s sophistication with RED’s contemporary aesthetic; RED stands for “romantic eccentric dress.” M Missoni reinterprets Missoni’s distinctive Italian style with knitwear in rich colors and signature weaves. Los Angeles-based Joe’s Jeans offers denim for men, women and children, plus shoes and handbags. A trio of Swiss watchmakers adds to the

center’s unparalleled collection. Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest continuous watch manufacturer, a jewel in Geneva’s crown of couture watchmakers; IWC Schaffhausen has been known for its technical ingenuity since 1868; and Jaeger-LeCoultre has long supplied movements and parts to other prestigious watch companies. p. 62 The news at Fashion Island in Newport Beach is altogether different: Its stunning new Whole Foods Market, offering highend natural and organic products, includes the Back Bay Tavern beer and wine bar and the Tea Hive fusion cafe and tea bar. p. 61

Joe’s Jeans at South Coast Plaza

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County War Horse at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

» ENTERTAINMENT Center Stage Theatrical highlights at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa include the musical War Horse, Jan. 22-Feb. 3, a tale of courage, loyalty and friendship set in 1914 England; astonishing life-size puppets bring breathing, galloping and charging horses to the stage. Teatro ZinZanni presents its new Love, Chaos & Dinner through December; the experience, in an elaborate century-old Spiegeltent on the center’s plaza, serves up fantastic cirque, cabaret and comedy with a fivecourse feast. Musical comedy The Addams Family brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch to macabre life Dec. 18-30. Broadway blockbuster Wicked returns beginning Feb. 20. p. 53

DIGGING INDIANA JONES Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana launches the U.S. premiere of Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology. The exhibition, presented by National Geographic, uses the film series as an introduction to field archaeology. Using props, models and concept art from the Lucasfilm Archives, the exhibit follows in the footsteps of the protagonist to nearly a dozen sites around the world. Archaeological highlights from the Penn Museum, National Geographic and Mission San Juan Capistrano include gold artifacts from the Royal Cemetery at Ur in ancient Mesopotamia; nine decorated bowls and vessels from Nazca, Peru; and the world’s oldest map. Indiana Jones movie props include the Ark of the Covenant, Mutt’s motorcycle, a crystal skeleton from Akator on its throne, the costumes of its leading ladies and the costume of Indiana Jones, complete with hat and whip. p. 56

Indiana Jones archaeological exhibit at discovery Science Center

WAR HORSE, BRINKHOFF/MÖGENBURG. INDIANA JONES, JFBRIERE.COM, COURTESY LUCASFILM LTD.

WHERE NOW Orange

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Shop Orange County’s Only Outlet Center The Outlets at Orange has always been the ultimate Southern California outdoor shopping experience with more than 120 outlet and value stores, and over 25 different dining and entertainment options. With so much to choose from, finding the perfect something for less will be a breeze. So now you can relax in style.

Mention this ad at Simon Guest Services and you’ll receive a FREE Coupon Book worth hundreds of dollars in savings! ®

ON THE CITY DRIVE JUST OFF THE 5 IN ORANGE, CA. 4 MILES FROM DISNEYLAND. 714.769.4000

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County Who were your greatest culinary influences? My mother, Mamma Pina. We grew up in a very humble house—not much money—but the food was always the main thing with my family. Lettuce, tomato, garlic, potato—we got everything fresh from the garden, just picked. We grew up with the right taste, the right flavor in your mouth. My grandfather had a butcher shop. We would get always the best meat and the best way to prepare it. At what age did you decide on a culinary career? When I was 11 years old, I used to go help a friend of mine in a restaurant. We would leave at 5 in the morning, drive two hours in a little 500 Fiat to get there, up in a mountain, and we’d work all day long. I was washing dishes. They wanted me to start serving a little and found out I was good—so then I was serving and washing dishes after! This was on weekends; I was in school. Which menu item comes closest to the meals of your youth? Ravioli di Mamma Pina. My mother made it on the weekends from scratch. It was like a feast!

» Q+A

What dish at Antonello is the most contemporary? The osso buco. I use a Cajun spice that gives it a little bite. I didn’t like osso buco until I had it this way at the house of a friend from Louisiana. Incredible flavor.

ITALIAN MADE

What one dish would you recommend above all others? Osso buco with risotto milanese. Incredible risotto, with saffron.

Antonio Cagnolo, 61, was born in a small town of 500 in northwestern Italy and worked in Paris and Monte Carlo before moving to California in 1975. He opened elegant Antonello Ristorante in Santa Ana in 1979. Its menu and frescoes have earned Antonello national acclaim and consistent top honors locally; patrons have included Madonna, President Clinton, Magic Johnson and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto. The influence of his mother, Mamma Pina, is present throughout the menu. Cagnolo also operates Quattro Caffé, Nello Cucina and Antonello Espresso Bar at South Coast Plaza. He married in 2010. He and wife Fiorella had a baby in June; the family lives in Newport Beach.

Where in O.C. might you eat if it were your last meal on earth? Bluefin. I like sushi. My wife orders crunchy roll with thinsliced tuna sushi on top. I discovered jalapeño stuffed with spicy tuna and cream cheese, in a fryer like tempura. Always sea urchin, fresh uni. We also serve uni at Antonello twice a week—divers bring it to us live. With pasta, risotto or with crostini rubbed with garlic and extra-virgin olive oil—it’s like heaven.

Where do you shop for clothes? It’s difficult because of my build. But I like Façonnable at South Coast Plaza. I shopped at Façonnable when I worked in Monte Carlo. I’d go to Nice; it was like a candy store—very colorful, very crisp shirts and pants. And your wife? Fiorella is the perfect shopper —she goes to Marshalls and Ross, and that’s it! She likes to get a bargain. Plus, we go to Italy a lot, so we shop there. When we have guests from Italy, we take them to Ross and Marshalls and they go home with a luggage-full—they come home with name brands, they buy gifts, everybody’s happy! My mother walks to Ross to find things for my sisters and niece for $2, $3 $4. They can’t believe it, the best of the best! We walk around South Coast Plaza, but all the Italian brands are in Italy. Abercrombie & Fitch they can’t find in Italy. Where else do you take your guests from Italy? We get in the car and go to Balboa Island, to the little stores, to the ferry... and then they get blown away when they see the boats and the homes. I take them to the beach in Newport Beach to see the beautiful sand, then down the coast to Laguna Beach and back for dinner at the Beachcomber in Newport Coast. We have tuna sushi tacos and watch the sunset. That’s my favorite. DETAILS Antonello Ristorante, Santa Ana p. 41 Balboa Island p. 27 The Beachcomber, Newport Coast p. 34 Bluefin Japanese Cuisine, Newport Coast p. 42 Laguna Beach p. 28 Newport Beach p. 26 South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa p. 62 (Façonnable, 714.754.1915; Abercrombie & Fitch, 714.668.9017) Ross Dress for Less 289 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.631.1887; 3900 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana, 714.546.2600 (and eight other O.C. locations) Marshalls Metro Pointe, 901 S. Coast Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.751.3853 (and nine other O.C. locations)

BLEU COTTON

WHERE NOW Orange

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NONSTOP CONVENIENCE For all oF your business, holiday, and vacation travel. John Wayne airport is orange countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenient aviation gateway for all of your travel needs. With nonstop service to and from more than 20 destinations across the united states, canada and Mexico, John Wayne airport is convenient and affordable, with first-class amenities.

Facebook.com/johnwayneairport Twitter.com/johnwayneair www.ocair.com/NONSTOP

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DINING TRENDS WE’RE LOVING

THE COUNTY'S EVER-EVOLVING FOOD SCENE IS BEING DRIVEN BY SOME VERY TASTY TRENDS. HERE ARE THE TASTIEST.

By Roger Grody

Pig →

→

Chef Greg Daniels at Haven Gastropub in Orange uses crispy tails, ears and other pig parts in a variety of scrumptious dishes.

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Haute Coffee Craft coffees at Theorem by Portola Coffee Lab, at OC Mart MIx in Costa Mesa, use exotic, pampered beans.

Locally Brewed

Haven Gastropub in Orange carries a plethora of county-made brews, including its own.

Social Media →

Tasting + Tweeting Even for those of us who were slow to adapt to changing technologies, social media have become an essential part of daily living. If you’re a frequent diner, you may now be heavily dependent on them. Need to find a suitable dinner spot in an unfamiliar neighborhood or city? Simply consult your smartphone—on which you’ve no doubt loaded various restaurant-related apps. Want to read commentary from the locals? Check out customer reviews on Yelp or Zagat: Despite some abuse by disgruntled former employees or eloquent blowhards, guest reviews can be helpful, particularly when used in conjunction with professional reviews in newspapers or magazines. Want to make a reservation? Click on OpenTable and receive points toward future gift certificates. And how many times have you been at a restaurant when one of your companions— perhaps you, too, are guilty of this—pulls out an iPhone and starts snapping photos of the food to email to friends, post on Facebook or Instagram, or tweet on Twitter? For truckfood enthusiasts, technology is absolutely essential, as lunch plans are contingent on following their favorite rolling kitchens— operations such as Barcelona OntheGo, Kogi or Seabirds—on Facebook or Twitter.

Pigging Out Suddenly, pork fat rules, and the lowly hog has been elevated to celebrity status, even in fine-dining establishments. The first sign of this developing trend was when pork belly broke into the lineup on some of the priciest menus in the county. Now chefs

are unabashedly proud of their pork-centric repertories, and pigs’ ears, trotters, tails, and even whole-pig roasts are considered chic. Nowhere is this trend taken more seriously than at Haven Gastropub in Orange, where chef Greg Daniels believes in making use of even the so-called “trash parts” of the pig— a philosophy he insists shows respect to the animals whose lives are sacrificed for our enjoyment. Among his specialties are crispy pigs’ tails with nectarine mostarda, pork rillettes, spicy fried pigs’ ears and porchetta di testa (roulade of hog’s head). A party of up to 14 can arrange to feast on an entire crispy-skinned roasted suckling pig. At Santa Ana’s Playground, you’ll find tails and belly with black garlic salsa, and at The Crow Bar & Kitchen in Corona del Mar, pork-belly sliders arrive with cucumber slaw and pickled carrots. Chef-owner Florent Marneau of South Coast Plaza’s upscale Marché Moderne periodically offers his interpretation of the Alsatian classic, choucroute, a celebration of pork that includes braised cheeks, pork belly, jambonneau (leg knuckle), trotters and ears.

Sophisticated Joe There’s coffee, and then there’s coffee. As a society, we’re getting pickier and pickier about our daily cup of joe, and it’s no longer sufficient that beans are organically grown and raised by farmers earning a living wage. Now, beans must be barrel-aged like fine wines or roasted in small batches like craft beers. Theorem, a six-seat bar at Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa, pours craft coffees using exotic, pampered beans and

employs molecular gastronomy techniques. A Kyoto Old-Fashioned, for instance, might use fermented Kintamani coffee from Bali that has been barrel-aged in oak for six months; an affogato or con panna calls for liquid nitrogen in its preparation. Coffee snobs in the making can discover their personal preferences through coffee flights. Be aware, however, that wireless connections are frowned upon at this diminutive counter. Kéan Coffee is a Newport Beach venture of coffeehouse pioneer Martin Diedrich, who sources the highest-quality fair-trade, artisan coffees from around the globe and personally roasts them on-site daily. Joseph Mahon— mentored by culinary heavyweights Daniel Boulud and David Myers, he was also chef at L.A.'s now shuttered, high-flying Bastide—is now turning out memorable breakfasts at his humble Early Bird Cafe in Fullerton. Breakfast dishes such as brioche French toast with orange butter and spiced almonds or a béarnaise-topped, salmon-layered variation of eggs Benedict are too refined for ordinary coffee, so Mahon insists on the best: seasonal, small-batch, single-origin green coffees from the finest estates in Colombia, Brazil, Malawi or Sumatra, craft-roasted a few miles away and delivered each morning.

Local Libations Tourists fondly remember visits to small towns in Provence or Tuscany, where the locals serve the latest vintage of wine from grapes grown in their own backyards. Somehow, it always seems to taste better. A century and a half ago, Orange County was the center of the Golden State’s wine industry,

OPENING SPREAD, THIS PAGE AND WAFFLES OPPOSITE, ANNE WATSON

Facebook and Twitter are essential for truck-food devotees.

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Savory Waff les

Fare at the Iron Press, savory waffle specialist at OC Mart Mix

Really Local →

Heirloom tomatoes at the Ranch in Anaheim, from the owner's farm in the Santa Ana Mountains; the garden at Studio, at the Montage Laguna Beach

with Anaheim the equivalent of St. Helena and the countryside blanketed in vineyards. Although most of the action moved up north, the county is seeing a modest resurgence. Hamilton Oaks Vineyard in Trabuco Canyon, Laguna Canyon Winery in Laguna Beach, Thompkin Cellars in Costa Mesa and Newport Beach Vineyards are producing wines that have made it onto the lists at some of O.C.'s top restaurants. There has also been an explosion of local craft breweries. Juliette, which has a retail wine operation adjacent to the restaurant, offers Newport Beach Vineyards’ OC Red and Thompkin Cellars’ Couchant. Its bar, which rotates local beers on tap, currently features Bootlegger’s from Fullerton. Santa Ana’s Playground showcases craft beers including Hottenroth from the Bruery in Placentia, IPA from Noble Ale Works in Anaheim and the hearty dark stout Voo Doo from Left Coast Brewing Co. in San Clemente. Haven Gastropub pours beer from a number of local breweries, among them Remy, a bourbon barrel-aged imperial Russian stout from Taps Fish House & Brewery in Brea and Street Fair by Old Orange Brewing Co. in Orange. The Winery, in Tustin, has a record of supporting local winemakers and brewmasters as well.

Extreme Local When it comes to the immensely popular farm-to-table approach to dining, the source for seasonal ingredients can never be too close. In most restaurants offering a strictly market-driven cuisine, ingredients are sourced from within a 50-mile radius— though some O.C. menus recognize far-off

Central Coast farms as “local” purveyors. But an increasing number of chefs insist on their vegetables and herbs being grown as close as physically possible, and cultivate their own gardens on site. At Laguna Beach’s Studio, acclaimed chef Craig Strong composes elaborate tasting menus governed by what is perfectly ripe in his planter boxes, which are just outside the restaurant door; guests at his chef’s table can even select their own ingredients from the garden. At his ParkAve and Il Garage in Stanton, chefowner David Slay creates menus from 7,000 square feet of gardens that diners often tour with a glass of wine before dinner. Anaheim’s The Ranch brings together the worlds of Merle Haggard and Robert Parker, offering a Western saloon next door to a high-end dining room. Chef Michael Rossi prepares a sophisticated contemporary cuisine using ingredients from a farm that owner Andrew Edwards maintains in the nearby foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, complete with 400 heirloom tomato vines and 30 Valencia orange trees; Master Sommelier Michael Jordan has assembled a world-class wine list. At Lucca Café, chef-owner Cathy Pavlos picks tomatoes on-site and Meyer lemons— for her pecan-crusted tart—from her own backyard in Corona del Mar. At Bambú,

Fairmont Newport Beach executive chef Chad Blunston raises 300,000 bees on the hotel rooftop and helps to manage a herd of goats at a San Bernardino County farm.

SAVORY WAFFLES In the American South, bright yellow signs for the Waffle House, the trucker’s best friend, soar above interstate exits. Popular from Brussels to Biloxi, waffles have reached new popularity in Southern California, and not just for mornings, either. A classic from Harlem’s Cotton Club era is chicken-andwaffles, a compromise for jazz musicians who couldn’t decide between breakfast and a midnight snack after their last set. At Orange County’s Bruxie, a sandwich version of the legendary dish is offered with chili honey. The Iron Press, at the South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa, creates a wide variety of savory and sweet waffle sandwiches, offered with 30 California craft brews on tap. Specialties include prosciutto and Gruyère, grilled panko-crusted tilapia with fiery habanero-mango salsa, and its own version of chicken-and-waffles. To satisfy a sweet tooth, there’s a Belgian waffle with Nutella and seasonal fruit, which can be paired with a Guinness ice cream float. In Fullerton, Early Bird Cafe offers a smoked-

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Fast → Artisan Pizza

Assembly-line concept at Pieology Pizzeria in Fullerton and Irvine Spectrum Center

Macarons Sweet sensations by pâtissier Joel Reno at new Baguetier Bakery in Huntington Beach

Wine Bar Cuisine

Costa Mesa's Wine Lab offers cheeses, charcuterie, flatbreads and desserts

salmon waffle sandwich accompanied by an exceptional cup of artisan coffee, and chickenand-waffles with red-eye gravy. And soon to open in Anaheim is a branch of Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles, a legendary Hollywood joint. If L.A. can be trusted as a leading indicator, expect to see chicken-andwaffles on fine-dining menus, too.

ARRiving FligHts Wine bars are hardly new, but recently a new breed of wine bars began popping up in Orange County. At these establishments, the latest releases are enjoyed not just with cheese and crackers, but also with cuisine truly worthy of fine wine. At San Clemente’s the Cellar, wines from around the world are paired with more than 70 varieties of cheese. Its young chef, Erika Tucker, sends out impressive charcuterie boards or gourmet popcorn tricked out with black truffle butter and Parmigano-Reggiano. Duck confit flatbread and osso buco create intriguing wine pairing opportunities; a flight of dessert wines arrives with three brands of premium dark chocolate. With its vaulted brick ceilings, Brea’s two 40 south looks like a wine cave at a Bordeaux château, except for chic accents such as underlit onyx coun-

tertops. Available at the wine bar is the full menu of chef Marc Boussarie, including upscale creations such as Wagyu filet with creamy brandy-peppercorn sauce or Scottish salmon with lobster beurre blanc. sealegs Wine Bar’s white quartz bar, cushy furniture and modern chandeliers introduce a cosmopolitan vibe to Huntington Beach’s laid-back surf culture. The menu specializes in contemporary riffs on familiar comfort foods, among them truffled mac-and-cheese and Angus beef sliders with blue cheese and demi-glace. In addition to pouring plenty of wines by the glass, and distinctive flights to encourage discovery, Wine lab—formerly in Newport Beach, now at the Camp in Costa Mesa—offers cheeses, charcuterie, crispy flatbreads and desserts.

EAting OuR vEggiEs Either Orange County is suddenly eating healthy, or chefs are learning how to add enough garlic, pancetta and butter to make vegetables—the very ones our mothers used to beg us to eat—taste sensational. Items such as cauliflower, asparagus and, most of all, Brussels sprouts, are fashionable, the items du jour, at local restaurants. In the hands of the right chef, Brussels sprouts—

the veggie an entire generation of Americans grew up hating—are not only tolerable, but can also be as addictive as candy. Newport Beach’s branch of Pizzeria Mozza, the acclaimed collaboration of Iron Chef Mario Batali and baker extraordinaire Nancy Silverton, sprinkles Brussels sprouts with prosciutto and breadcrumbs, then caramelizes them in the oven. The kitchen even puts these once-dismissed miniature cabbages onto a pizza along with red onions, pancetta and pecorino. Chef-owner David Myers turns out his own Brussels sprouts magic at his competing Pizzeria Ortica, adding hazelnuts and lemon zest for added dimension. And at Broadway by Amar santana, a Charlie Palmer protégé turns out fried Brussels sprouts with Chinese sausage and cilantro that are a sweet-and-sour delight. A chef who is nearly obsessive about veggies—to the point of growing 7,000 square feet of them behind the restaurant— is David Slay of ParkAve and il garage in Stanton. A ParkAve signature starter consists of flash-fried greens (e.g., arugula, spinach) drizzled with lemon and dusted with Parmesan and sea salt. Still relatively healthful, those leaves are transformed into something as satisfying as potato chips!

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DETAILS AGRI-CHEFS Bambú Newport Beach (p. 37) » Il Garage Stanton (p. 42) » Lucca Café Irvine (p. 42) » ParkAve Stanton (p. 34) » The Ranch Anaheim (p. 34) » Studio Laguna Beach (p. 38)

Chic Veggies

Brussels sprouts and prosciutto at new Playground in Santa Ana— also known for its pigs' tails and belly with black garlic salsa

ANNE WATSON

Assembly-Line Pizza The sandwich system at Subway and the burrito assembly line at Chipotle Mexican Grill are now being adopted by the pizza industry. Why not put the customers in control, offering them unlimited options they can call out as they proceed through the line? In a 900-degree oven, an individual pizza takes less than two minutes to bake, so the concept is tailor-made for our busy society. When some successful independent operations, such as L.A.’s 800 Degrees, proved as hot as their ovens, Elise and Rick Wetzel (founders of ubiquitous Wetzel’s Pretzels) and some prominent investors created a burgeoning chain that combines the assembly-line concept with artisanal pizza craftsmanship. The scratch-made pies at Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza feature a light, crisp crust developed by Bradford Kent, the chef who earned accolades for his wood-fired pizzas at L.A.’s Olio Pizzeria & Café. You can opt for pre-designed pizzas (e.g., the Art Lover, with artichokes, mozzarella, ricotta, chopped garlic and dollops of red sauce), but it’s more fun to create your own masterpiece. Choose from cheeses including mozzarella, Gorgonzola, ricotta and vegan faux cheese; meats such as Italian sausage, crumbled meatballs, grilled chicken and applewoodsmoked bacon; and vegetables ranging from artichokes to zucchini. No combination is too weird at Blaze, whose slogan is “There’s no

wrong way to play.” Blaze is not alone: Offering a similar concept are The Pizza Press, new near Disneyland, and Pieology Pizzeria, another emerging chain, whose slogan is “Kustom pies one topping at a time.”

Mac[aron] Attack! In Paris, every corner pâtisserie displays colorful rows of the double-sided, ganache-filled almond meringue cookies known as macarons (not to be confused with what we call macaroons on this side of the Atlantic). Now the Parisian version has arrived in Orange County to the delight of Francophiles and macaron virgins alike. Beverly Hills-based ’Lette Macarons opened at Fashion Island, where Christophe Michalak—the 2005 winner of the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie—offers a dozen-plus flavors such as salted caramel and Earl Grey tea, as well as seasonal varieties including lychee. Joel Reno, ex-pâtissier at L.A.’s Patina, creates a buzz in Huntington Beach with his Baguetier Bakery, offering pistachio, lemon-Nutella and yuzu macarons, plus a festive macarontopped tart. Former L’Ermitage Beverly Hills chef Eddy Rocq has launched Rocq Café in Lake Forest, where he incorporates delicate macaron flavors such as lemon-basil and rose. For an upscale plated dessert using macarons as a base, standout pastry chef Amelia Marneau dresses up the traditional version at South Coast Plaza’s Marché Moderne.

COFFEE LUXE Early Bird Cafe 1000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.529.4100 » Kéan Coffee 2043 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach, 949.642.5326 » Theorem Portola Coffee Lab, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.284.0596

PIZZA DIY Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza 4255 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.725.0012 » Pieology Pizzeria 516 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, 714.447.4064; opening at Irvine Spectrum, Irvine » The Pizza Press 1534 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.323.7134 SOCIAL | TRUCKS SOCIAL: facebook.com, instagram.com, opentable.com, twitter.com, yelp.com, zagat.com » TRUCKS: barcelonaonthego.com, kogibbq.com, seabirdstruck.com

LOCAL LIBATIONS Haven Gastropub Orange (p. 37) » Juliette Newport Beach (p. 34) » Taps Fish House & Brewery Brea (p. 44) » Playground Santa Ana (p. 36) » The Winery Tustin (p. 38)

VEGGIES Broadway by Amar Santana Laguna Beach (p. 34) » ParkAve Stanton (p. 34) » Il Garage Stanton (p. 42) » Pizzeria Mozza Newport Beach (p. 42) » Pizzeria Ortica Costa Mesa (p. 42)

MACARONS Baguetier Bakery 120 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.969.1700 » ’Lette Macarons Fashion Island, 1131 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.8299 » Marché Moderne Costa Mesa (p. 40) » Rocq Café 22722 Lambert St., Lake Forest, 949.916.0722

WAFFLES Bruxie Orange, Brea and Rancho Santa Margarita (p. 37) » The Iron Press Costa Mesa (p. 34) » Early Bird Cafe 1000 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.529.4100 » Roscoe’s House of Chicken & Waffles Opening in Anaheim

PIG PARTS Crow Bar & Kitchen Corona del Mar (p. 37) » Haven Gastropub Orange (p. 36) » Marché Moderne Costa Mesa (p. 40) » Playground Santa Ana (p. 36)

WINE BARS The Cellar 156 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, 949.492.3663 » SeaLegs 21022 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, 714.536.5700 » Two40 South 240 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, 714.912.1053 » Wine Lab Costa Mesa (p. 66)

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THE BEST THINGS Burgers at new hot spots vie for county’s finest.

BY BENJAMIN EPSTEIN

SINCE SLICED BUNS

TWO YEARS AGO, in an effort to determine the county’s most memorable burgers, I sampled 50 burgers in 60 days. It was an amazing experience, and I'm now more inclined than ever to eat a burger. Many of those burgers have changed. Several—at Sapphire Laguna and Haven Gastropub in Orange, for instance—remain burger benchmarks, but I generally order other items instead. For me, those spots are not burger destinations. However, a handful of newer ones are: either implicitly—meaning that burgers are the stated specialty—or at least in my mind, meaning that I go there specifically for the burger … and I go for the burger time and time again.

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BURGER LOVE Chef Jason Quinn, whose Lime Truck won the Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race,” has opened Playground in Santa Ana, a restaurant that offers New American small plates and craft beers—and stays in one place. Menu items such as “Knuckle Sandwich!!!!!!!!” and “Jamaican Jerk Snow Crab” beckon, but having sampled the off-the-menu burger—“Always here, never on the menu,” Quinn confirms—I may never get past it to try anything else. A butcher’s beef-cut chart chalked on the wall underscores Quinn’s obsession with meat. His ode to the burger uses Wagyu tri-tip and brisket and a smattering of Premium Choice Angus chuck, New York and rib-eye. It’s a rich, even unctuous blend, hand-cut and dry-aged in-house and ground into an airy torchon of 1-inch, uniformly striated strands. Cooked, it’s like some absurdly flavorful crusted tartare: A la plancha grilling creates the crust; drizzled melted butter gently cooks the meat from the inside. Add onions in a maple-bourbon compote, Gruyère and fontina cheeses, iceberg lettuce, a slathering of French’s Mustard vinaigrette—and a Parmesan mayonnaise that when heated creates a cheese crisp that renders each half of the horseradish potato bun sogresistent. You will have neither desire nor room for fries; in fact, you may want to share the burger. The spot is opposite the Yost Theater in the East End Promenade. 220 E. FOURTH ST., SANTA ANA, 714.560.4444, PLAYGROUNDDTSA.COM

PLAYGROUND, ANNE WATSON. SLATER'S, JOHN CIZMAS

OOH, MOMMY! After opening two wine bars in Los Angeles, Adam Fleischman became fascinated with umami, aka the fifth taste, and opened Umami Burger, a concept that in a few short years has led to a dozen locations; its three in O.C. opened in 2012. Among the 10 out of 10 great-sounding menu choices are the Truffle Burger, with house-made truffle cheese and truffle glaze, and Hatch Burger, with roasted green chilies and house-made American cheese. All come on a slightly sweet, lightly toasted Portuguese bun with a "U" vegetabledye-stamped on top; request condiments such as jalapeño ranch, roasted garlic aioli or spicy diablo sauce. Until recently, I stuck with the signature Umami version with shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onions, roasted tomato, Parmesan crisp and house-made ketchup. When I broke down and tried the Manly Burger, I discovered a study in textures featuring beer-cheddar cheese, smoked salt onion strings, hefty bacon lardons, a juicy, perfectly medium-rare patty and a housemade ketchup-and-mustard spread. It made me feel, well, manly; a dollop of diablo made me feel manlier still. The off-the-menu "tater tots" are filled with Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Fleischman is a new owner of L.A. Creamery Artisan Ice Cream; Umami serves its handmade-daily ice-cream sandwiches in flavors such as green tea or peanut butter. THE CAMP, 2981 BRISTOL ST., COSTA MESA, 714.957.8626; BOAT CANYON, 610 N. COAST HWY., LAGUNA BEACH, 949.342.1210; ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT, 338 S. ANAHEIM BLVD., ANAHEIM, 714.991.8626. UMAMI.COM

FLYING HIGH The fine Crow Bar and Kitchen gastropub in Corona del Mar really took wing in 2011 with the hiring of James Beard Awardnominated John Cuevas, formerly executive chef of the Montage Beverly Hills. Cuervas created a menu for casual sibling Crow Burger Kitchen in Newport Beach, offering natural certified Angus and Prime beef burgers in intriguing configurations. Most of the 5-ounce patties use a proprietary blend of chuck, short rib, brisket and hanger steak— the Green Label Burger, with shoestring onions and bacon butter on a buttermilk bun uses Prime chuck only—ground daily in-house. Produce is organic whenever possible; artisan buns are from a local bakery. My fave? The outsize flavors and textures of the Cheeseburger,

Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, its blend of melted black-pepper cheese, cream cheese and goat cheese punctuating each bite and oozing over a double-beer-batter-fried onion, all on a garlic-mayoaccented wheat English muffin. The BYOB (build your own burger) options range from blue-cheese or truffle aioli for 50 cents to hangover-style—with fried organic hen’s egg, smoked bacon and sharp cheddar—for $4. Consider duck-fat fries or grilled-in-grapeseed-oil green-bean “fries” with tapenade. Salads and snacks strike the same quirky-casual ingredient-driven note. The superb craft-beer list is more than 50 strong, with draft and guest-keg labels available by the glass or 4-ounce taste, as well as bottled brews. Finish with a shake, perhaps peanut butter and coco nib or strawberry and candied brioche. 3107 NEWPORT BLVD., NEWPORT BEACH, 949.673.2747, CROWBURGERKITCHEN.COM

UPTOWN DOWNTOWN Much of chef Joseph Mahon’s reputation is derived from his stint as executive chef at glorious, nowgone Bastide on Melrose Place in L.A.—where, by the way, he just happened to launch Burger Mondays. Fact is, Mahon started out in downtown Fullerton and cooked in London, France and New York as well as Los Angeles before returning to downtown Fullerton. Mahon first opened Burger Parlor as a “permanent pop-up” restaurant, using a breakfast-lunch café’s space at night. Now it’s even more “permanent,“ housed in its own quarters. (Mahon’s also opened his own breakfast-lunch spot, Early Bird Cafe.) Burger Parlor’s eight burgers— on Mahon-concocted buns he describes as “hybrid sponge dough brioche”—include the Mahon, with pastrami, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, pickles and grain-mustard sauce; the Chip Shot, with fontina cheese, potato chips, tomato confit, mushrooms, arugula and chipotle aioli; and the Portland, with marinated beets, pickled carrots, sprouts, fried mozzarella, arugula, tomato confit and herb sauce. Watching carbs? There’s a bunless burger bowl. There are also half a dozen craft beers, a Cap’n Crunch milkshake and seasonal fried pie. 204 N. HARBOR BLVD., FULLERTON, 714.871.2012, BURGERPARLOR.COM

DIY BURGER With its tagline, “Burgers by Design,” Slater’s 50/50 is Orange County’s answer to L.A.’s the Counter, which has a significant O.C. presence. As enjoyable as the Counter can be, I head to Slater’s yearling Huntington Beach location when my creative burger juices are flowing. Options include half a dozen patty styles, notably the signature half-beef, half-bacon patty, in one-third-, two-thirds- and full-pound sizes; a dozen cheeses; 20 sauces; and 20 toppings including anchovies, fried pickle chips and sundried tomatoes. Since I’m the one combining ingredients, I always walk away thinking the chef is a genius! Slater’s own combinations are ingenious, too: The Peanut Butter and Jellousy, with Papa Cantella’s bacon, Skippy peanut butter and Smucker’s strawberry jam, sounds ludicrous but is among the most popular. The Flamin’ Hot uses a chili-pepper-infused patty, beer-battered onion rings, fire-roasted green chilies, pepper-jack cheese and chipotle mayo on a ciabatta roll. The craft-beer list is outstanding—50 draft, 10 bottled—and the liquor list is extensive, too. Consider the Vampire Dip starter and the new Pop Rocks Milkshake. 8082 ADAMS AVE., HUNTINGTON BEACH, 714.594.5730; 6362 E. SANTA ANA CANYON ROAD, ANAHEIM HILLS, 714.685.1103. SLATERS5050.COM Top: Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger at Crow Burger Kitchen in Newport Beach. Below from left: Peanut Butter and Jellousy at Slaters 50/50 in Huntington Beach; Umami's namesake burger, in Anaheim, Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach; the burger at Playground in Santa Ana.

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exploring

Metro Cities

(Left to right) Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza; Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa; Giant Wheel at Irvine Spectrum Center.

Costa Mesa, a retail, cultural and business center, adjoins Irvine and Santa Ana, the county seat.

Where is the heart of Orange County? Four cities might make that claim. Irvine, dissected by both the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways, is home of the historic Irvine Ranch, which a century ago covered more than half of what is now Orange County. Today, it is O.C.’s financial hub, with high-tech companies and new high-rise townhomes. Santa Ana has heartland rights, too. It is the county seat, second oldest among the county’s 34 cities and has the oldest downtown. Tustin could also make a few points; its massive twin hangars, for instance, are near the county’s geographic center. But residents of Costa Mesa would say that its quarter square mile along Bristol Street, adjacent to the San Diego Freeway, is hands-down the county’s heart and its cultural soul.

COSTA MESA

On the west side of Bristol is South Coast Plaza, whose annual sales of $1.5 billion is highest among shopping destinations in the nation. On the other side 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 several hundred stores, boutiques and restaurants. The state-designated tourist attraction boasts the nation’s highest concentration of elite retailers, including Christian Louboutin for shoes, De Beers for diamonds and Assouline for books; superb dining options include Marché Moderne and The Capital Grille. It’s an easy walk to the “arts campus,” the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory and, in the not-too-distant future, Orange County Museum of Art. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, built in 1986 mainly with Segerstrom money on Segerstrom land, includes 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall, presenting a range of genres including dance and Broadway musicals, and the newer Renée and Henry Segerstrom Hall, a 2,000-seat 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. South Coast Repertory, which now has three stages inside its gleaming Folino Theatre Center, opened at its present location in 1978, also with Segerstrom family donations of land and money. It is the county’s most highly touted theater. Nearby, among Town Center’s professional buildings, is one of the nation’s premier collections of outdoor art. Start, or end, at the 1.6-acre California Scenario (near Anton Boulevard) by sculptor Isamu Noguchi.

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PHOTO credit info south coast plaza, BJARNE G. JENSEN; CONCERT HALL, RMA; IRVINE SPECTRUM, edwin santiagO. great find, sarah trainor

Metro Pointe and South Coast Plaza Village—whose movie theater is often ahead of the curve with top foreign films—are a crosswalk away. All three retail centers are accessible from North or South County hotels and beyond, thanks to dedicated taxi and motor coach service. Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner delivers visitors from San Diego and Los Angeles to the Santa Ana train station. To the west is the new South Coast Collection of design showrooms. Its hip OC Mart Mix features 30 vendors including Savory Spice Stop and Beauty Cirque; Shuck Oyster Bar and N’ice Cream are new. South on Bristol are The Lab and The Camp. The Lab is an alternative retail center with shops you’d likely find on L.A.’s hip Melrose Avenue. Opposite is the Camp, an outdoors-themed center set amid woods, aluminum and piped-in sounds of brooks and crickets. Dining options include Taco Asylum for unusual tacos; Umami Burger and Wine Lab are new. The Orange County Fair and Event Center, opposite the Civic Center, hosts events yearround—gun shows, gem shows, motocross racing—the county fair in July and pop concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre.

SANTA ANA

Arts-minded downtown Santa Ana offers the Artists Village, Santora Arts Complex and Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center. A centerpiece of the East End Promenade along historic Fourth Street is the Yost Theater, now a concert venue. The area is filled with hip restaurants such as Playground and bars. Historical highlights include the Queen Annestyle home of Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, and the red sandstone Old County Courthouse, a setting for numerous movies.

Bowers Museum recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. Bowers offers blockbuster exhibitions mounted with the world’s major museums. Visitors also view pre-Columbian artifacts, Pacific Island art or artifacts from American whalers two centuries back; a real gem is its permanent exhibit of local history. The Discovery Science Center’s iconic 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 new 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 outdoors enthusiasts 10 miles of trails through coastal fresh-water marshlands. The Irvine Museum houses Joan Irvine Smith’s collection of turnof-the-20th-century California Impressionist art on the ground floor of an office building. The one corner of the Orange County Great Park developed so far 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. A sports complex, gardens and permanent visitors center are slated to open in 2013. 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. 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 for the thousands of trees planted more than a century ago, has also preserved many of its 1870s buildings along Main Street and El Camino Real. The District at Tustin Legacy, at Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, is a sprawling shopping center with scores of shops. Draws include restaurants such as The Winery and Bluewater Grill, a cineplex, bowling at Bowlmor, outdoor fireplaces, a stage for bands and giant video walls. Drive by the nearby twin hangars for a sense of their magnitude—1,000 feet long, 17 stories tall and five acres of open space within each. The Market Place, on Jamboree Road off Interstate 5, is older and even more sprawling. Though it’s often refered to as the Tustin Market Place, part of it is actually in Irvine. The Marconi Automotive Museum displays 80 vehicles, notably Ferraris and historic open-wheel race cars. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see page 71.

WONDER BAUBLES

great find What began as an online-only jewelry shop recently grew into a spacious and girly accessories boutique on Costa Mesa’s bustling 17th Street. A Jewelry Wonderland, aptly named for its wondrous supply of bits and baubles, carries the latest trends, as well as classic pieces from lines such as Alexis Bittar, Chan Luu, Judith Jack, L.A.M.B. and Tory Burch. Shoppers browse fashion jewelry—from necklaces laden with semiprecious stones to statement rings sure to spark a conversation—as well as handbags, scarves and accoutrements for any taste or budget. 270 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.644.4669, ajewelrywonderland.com

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exploring

The Coast

(Left to right) Charming shop on Balboa Island; beneath the Huntington Beach Pier; the koi pond at Fashion Island in Newport Beach.

T he county’s prime beach communities include Newport Beach, Balboa, Corona del Mar and Huntington Beach.

NEWPORT BEACH

Newport Beach and its environs have been called California’s Riviera and the Gold Coast. Sandy beaches and bougainvillea are the backdrop to yachts and dream homes, from quaint cottages to some of the nation’s most expensive real estate. The city’s retail center is Newport Center, near Jamboree Road, East Coast Highway and MacArthur Boulevard. Fashion Island is among the most relaxed and elegant shopping destinations anywhere. Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s are anchors. C. Wonder boutique and a stunning Whole Foods Market with tavern and tearoom-café opened recently; plans are underway for Fig & Olive restaurant. Super-stylish electric-vehicle maker Tesla occupies an Apple-esque showroom. Island Cinema offers leather seats and wine service. Also in Newport Center is the Orange County Museum of Art, which focuses on 20th century California artists. The museum throws hip fetes: Orange Crush is an afterhours event featuring indie bands and local deejays on the third Thursday of the month. Nearby is Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, also known as the Back Bay, boasting some 160 species of birds, including the great egret. Hike, bike or jog along 10 miles of trails. Rowing and kayaking are popular; rent equipment from the Newport Aquatic Center (North Star County Beach, 1 Whitecliffs Drive, 949.646.7725). Moe B’s Watersports (949.729.1150) offers sailboats, kayaks, pedal boats, windsurfing and electric boat rentals. Moe B’s guided kayak tour through the marshlands departs Sundays at 10 am ($15 includes kayak rental). There are also Segway tours of the Back Bay ($75). Newport Beach boasts the largest small-boat harbor in the world. North on Coast Highway from the Back Bay area is a stretch known as Mariner’s Mile, which is lined with restaurants, luxury-car showrooms and yacht clubs. Private charters and narrated harbor cruises, aboard vessels including luxury dining cruisers and romantic gondolas, depart from Mariner’s Mile as well as from Balboa Pavilion (see Balboa, next page), and pass huge luxury abodes. All manner of boat rentals are possible, from canoes and kayaks to motorboats and surrey-fringed electric boats. The “beach” in Newport Beach includes two piers, Balboa and Newport, great sandy expanses and one of the cleanest and most colorful bike paths and boardwalks anywhere. The action never stops around Newport Pier, off Newport Boulevard on McFadden Square. The Dory Fishing Fleet leaves soon after the bars close in the wee hours of the

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PHOTO CREDIT INFO BALBOA, BJARNE G. JENSEN; HUNTINGTON BEACH, EDWIN SANTIAGO; FASHION ISLAND, VLADIMIR PERLOVICH

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.

and Balboa Island, a tightknit community featuring charming cottages, shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants. Marine Avenue is the island’s only nonresidential street.

BALBOA

CORONA DEL MAR

To reach the Balboa Pier, continue southeast on Newport Boulevard (its name changes to Balboa Boulevard at 22nd Street), turn right on Palm Street and park in the metered lot. The Wedge, where the peninsula meets the harbor jetty, is one of the world’s most famous bodysurfing and bodyboarding spots. Currents and riptides can be dangerous, so don’t go in the water unless you really know what you’re doing. Watching is fun enough. On the harbor side of Balboa Peninsula are the Balboa Pavilion and a Fun Zone, marking 75 years, whose few remaining rides include a Ferris wheel. Try a custom-dipped Balboa Bar or frozen banana. Take advantage of the Balboa Bay Front Webcam at the Harbour House coffee shop; find a sunny seat outside, call your friends in snowbound or humid states, have them log on to talesofbalboa. com and gloat! The relocated Newport Harbor Nautical Museum is transforming itself into ExplorOcean; the exhibit Sea of Adventure is ongoing. The Balboa Pavilion, a 1905 gabled, cupola-topped structure, is the depot for boat excursions: harbor tours, whalewatching trips and Santa Catalina cruises. As the lyrics to a classic pop song attest, Catalina is “26 miles across the sea”; it’s known for its beaches, buffalo and glassbottom boats. The city of Avalon is a 75-minute cruise from the Pavilion aboard the catamaran Catalina Flyer. The Balboa Island Ferry is a three-car shuttle between docks on the Balboa Peninsula

Heading south along Coast Highway takes you past Corona del Mar Plaza, where upscale destinations include Gail Jewelers, Savory Spice Shop and Antonia, A Shoe Boutique as well as Ergonique Salon & Spa. 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 Promenade offers boutiques such as Jenny Lee, Novecento and La Diva and Mastro’s Ocean Club, Bluefin, Javier’s and Tamarind restaurants. Nearby are Crystal Cove State Park, with miles of sandy coves and miles and miles of hiking, 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, beach-town personality, shops along Main Street, fine-dining options and luxury hotels have resulted in a dramatic transformation. As the moniker “Surf City” suggests, 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. The Strand, at Pacific Coast Highway and Fifth Street, is a multi-story development whose tenants include Forever 21, Active Ride, Rip Curl and RA Sushi. Adjacent to Huntington Beach Pier Plaza are restaurants including Duke’s and Sandy’s Beach Grill; the plaza often hosts street performers, art shows and live bands. A statue of a surfer at Coast Highway and Huntington Street captures the town’s spirit. The area offers three beaches: Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach are popular for surfing and volleyball as well as for fire rings and nighttime weenie roasts. Bolsa Chica State Ecological Reserve (714.840.1575), near Warner Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway, offers 200 species of migratory birds in a salt-marsh setting with a 1.5-mile loop trail. Inland, at Talbert Avenue and Goldenwest Street, is 350-acre Huntington Central Park; the park encompasses Shipley Nature Center (714.842.4772), an equestrian center, a Frisbee golf course, two “lakes” and the city’s Central Library (714.842.4481)—which has the largest children’s library in the state. Bella Terra is a Tuscan-themed shopping destination with cobblestone walkways. Draws include outdoor sports specialist REI and a 20-screen cineplex. For bold items, see the where guide listings. For neighborhood maps, see pages 70-71.

NEW AND OLD AND NEW ART

GREAT FIND The Art Resource Group, near the Back Bay in Newport Beach, offers guidance on fine-art acquisitions and appraisals to beginning collectors as well as sophisticated connoisseurs. It also hosts exhibitions, such as the recent Andy Wing and Michael West shows; The View From Here: Orange County Perspective showcased forward-thinking local art enthusiasts collecting in the 1970s and ’80s. The winter show is named for David Hockney’s The New and the Old and the New (1991), seen here. Miriam Smith’s company specializes in paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photography by contemporary artists as well as the masters. 20351 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.640.1972, artresourcegroup.com

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exploring

South Coast

(Left to right) Mission San Juan Capistrano; the slips at Dana Point Harbor; and downtown Laguna Beach.

Colorful cities on or near the coast include artistic Laguna Beach, historic San Juan Capistrano and nautical Dana Point.

Four of the county’s most historic cities are nestled into its southern corner: Laguna Beach, Dana Point and San Clemente, all a seaside drive along Coast Highway, and nearby San Juan Capistrano. Whether for shopping, dining, history or just tantalizing poetic beauty, these small burgs have spectacular offerings.

LAGUNA BEACH

It’s fitting that you pass the Laguna College of Art + Design as you enter Orange 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. The 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. The decision: Turn left toward downtown, or right toward Laguna Art Museum; you’ll find boutiques, restaurants and galleries in both directions. Laguna Art Museum continues as a leader in its presentation of modern and contemporary art, mostly by California painters, and often exploring pop culture. It also displays art from Laguna’s past; don’t be surprised to see 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 (353 N. Coast Hwy., 949.715.0953). The neighborhoods above are dotted with historical cottages. On a steep hillside is the Hortense Miller Garden (by appointment, 22511 Allview Terrace, 949.497.3311, Ext. 426). Main Beach gets action year-round. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a playground and a boardwalk popular with walkers and joggers, and one more major attraction: The beach is just across the street from scores of the distinctive shops and galleries that give the city its distinctive aura. Get deeper into the action in the downtown heart of Laguna, also known to locals as the Village. Here the must-sees include the sculpture garden at Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery (326 Glenneyre St., 888.972.5543) and Left Turn Jewelry (305 Forest Ave., 866.954.5338). South along Coast Highway are dining options including Katsuya by Starck, K’ya Bistro Bar at the Casa del Camino and posh Studio at the Montage.

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Moulton Meadows Park, four minutes skyward from Coast Highway up Nyes Place, offers a 360-degree panorama of the deep blue Pacific and South County’s rugged hills.

san juan capistrano AND DANA POINT, rebecca Morquecho; LAGUNA beach, edwin santiago

Dana Point

Richard Henry Dana, the seaman who wrote 1840’s Two Years Before the Mast, described the area now named for him as “the only romantic spot” on the California coast, noting its “grandeur” and “solemnity.” The grandeur is still there, but you won’t find much solemnity along Harbor Drive, now bustling with boaters, diners, shoppers and those headed to see the tall clipper ships in port. In addition to its sand and shore, Doheny State Beach offers five acres of lawn. Families picnic, couples rent bicycles. An interpretive center focuses on the underwater Doheny State Marine Life Refuge. The beach hosts events including Lobsterfest in June, a surf competition in July and outrigger racing in August. Busiest day of the year? Fourth of July, with fireworks launched from a barge. Make your way along Harbor Drive to the tide pools at the end of the harbor’s rocky ledge. Public benches are a stone’s throw from seals basking in the sun 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.

San Juan Capistrano There’s no beach in this burg, but there’s plenty of history, style and charm. And there is simply no passing up a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano. The mission is often credited with being the birthplace of Orange County. It was founded 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 for the world to see, 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 festival marking the return of the swalllows and 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 Wilderness Park (33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210).

San CLEMENTE

La Casa Pacifica, President Richard Nixon’s “Western White House,” has long since been broken up into million-dollar homes by a private developer. But one grand, historic home you can see is Casa Romantica (415 Avenida Granada, 949.498.2139), once the residence of the city’s founder, oil entrepreneur Ole Hanson. It’s on a hillside overlooking San Clemente Pier and is now the Cultural Center and Gardens, with galleries and a popular veranda. From the pier, the sun sets across the blue water between Catalina Island and the Dana Point bluffs—just look past the constant stream of surfers. Metrolink and Amtrak trains run alongside the beach and stop right at the pier. The best shopping and dining is on Avenida del Mar, lined with antique stores and galleries, and El Camino Real, where you’ll find the wine-country cuisine of Vine. Talega Golf Club, in the hills above the city, has a popular championship layout designed with input from Masters champion Fred Couples. Sundried Tomato is among the draws at Talega Village Center. For bold items, see listing in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 71.

Fine ART, BODY ART

great find In famed artist enclave Laguna Beach, art is not only inspired but inspires any number of activities and venues. There’s art-inspired entertainment (Pageant of the Masters), art festivals, jewelry galleries, dining amid art ... and scores of art galleries, of course. Among the latter is a new spot that elevates the concept of tattoo as art: Laguna Inkspot & Gallery combines a fine-art gallery featuring works such as the painting by owner Renee Bangerter seen here and a meticulously clean, appointment-only working tattoo studio. Bangerter started Inkspot when she was laid off from her bank job; she’s a mother, grandmother and former Marine. 412 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7304, lagunainkspot.com

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exploring

North County

(Left to right) Honda Center and Disney’s California Adventure in Anaheim; Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.

Anaheim, Buena Park, Orange and Fullerton offer theme parks, sports venues and other attractions.

Long before orange groves and Walt Disney shaped the landscape of Anaheim, and before Napa Valley became a household name, German immigrants made the area California’s first wine country. Today’s Anaheim still fuels high times and joyful memories with world-class attractions that make it the gateway to endless fun.

Anaheim

Making millions of dreams come true every year, Disneyland is beloved by children of every age. Since Walt Disney opened the main gate in July 1955, families have made the pilgrimage, starting on Main Street, U.S.A., and exploring the theme park’s eight famous 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. Mickey’s Soundsational Parade has whimsical floats and rousing live music sure to have people dancing to many of their favorite Disney tunes. Travel to the deep, dark corners of the universe in 3-D on the freshly revised Star Tours: The Adventures Continue in Tomorrowland. Sister park Disney California Adventure launches Cars Land, adding 12 acres and three attractions—notably Radiator Springs Racers—inspired by the Disney-Pixar film Cars. Guests enter along Buena Vista Street, evoking the era when Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles; Carthay Circle Theatre houses an elegant restaurant. World of Color still wows nightly with choreographed fountains, lights, lasers, music, animation and Disney storytelling. The thrills never end at California Screamin’, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and, for the less daring, Soarin’ Over California, an amazing simulation of gliding above the gorgeous Golden State. Adjacent Downtown Disney is a welcome freebie—no admission, though restraint may be necessary to avoid splurging in the lively promenade’s shops, cafés and entertainment venues such as House of Blues, Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen and ESPN Zone. Eateries range from fast to fancy, but none outclasses Napa Rose in the dazzling Grand Californian Hotel. When it’s time to shop, eat and play some more, amble over to Anaheim GardenWalk, a still-growing collection of shopping and dining options in an outdoor setting. For indoor entertainment, consider bowling at 300 Anaheim, viewing a first-run movie at UltraStar Cinemas—some with motion seats—or shaking your tail feathers at sultry Heat Ultra Lounge. Nearby, The Ranch, a sophisticated restaurant and super-fun saloon modeled on the late Crazy Horse, makes the North County’s most smashing dining debut since Napa Rose.

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HONDA CENTER AND crystal cathedral, EDWIN SANTIAGO; california adventure, BJARNE G. JENSEN. barbeer, sarah trainor

Boldface names and sports-section action are the lure at Honda Center, a top venue for touring acts, home ice for the Anaheim Ducks hockey team. Its stage draws pop performers such as Rihanna, and its ice regularly hosts skating extravaganzas. Across the street at Angel Stadium, “the Big A,” major-league baseball rules when the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim play, but arena rock acts such as U2 invade when the team’s on tour. The new Anaheim Bolts indoor soccer team plays at the Anaheim Convention Center Arena. Just north of the Disneyland Resort is Anaheim’s downtown. The new Anaheim Packing District includes Center Street Promenade, with its hip new shops and restaurants; a former Packard showroom housing new Umami Burger; and, coming soon, the Anaheim Packing House, featuring 20 mostly foodie vendors. Muzeo is a small museum in the Carnegie Library building (1908). NHL and Olympic-size rinks at Anaheim Ice, training facility for the Anaheim Ducks, are open for skating daily.

BUENA PARK

Roller coaster fans, Old West enthusiasts and boysenberry-jam fiends 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 brick-by-brick replica (1966) of Independence Hall. 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. Audiences cheer jousting knights while serfs and wenches serve a four-course feast; the pageantry stars Lipizzaner stallions. It’s near impossible to leave Pirate’s Dinner Adventure without a swagger and a swashbuckling tale. A belly-filling banquet 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 Norman Rockwell aura and diligently preserved pre-1940 homes and buildings. Anchored by a picturesque traffic circle—oval, technically—at Chapman Avenue and Glassell Street, the walkable district is on the National Register of Historic Places. Once overflowing with antique shops, the zone now makes room for cafes, lounges and restaurants, too. The Orange Chamber of Commerce (439 E. Chapman Ave.) offers a map of historic sights. Chapman University, one of the state’s oldest private universities, marks its 150th year. To the east are the bucolic hills of Irvine Park; its petite Orange County Zoo is ideal for wee ones, who also enjoy the narrow-gauge train. Big kids go for The Outlets at Orange, a collection of retailers at once high-end and discount. Draws include Last Call by Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th. Families fall like pins for hip bowling alley Lucky Strike Lanes and flock to new Thrill It Fun

Center. Teens can’t resist Vans Skatepark. Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove is a must-tour for architecture buffs. Philip Johnson’s striking structure is enclosed by 10,000 silver-tinted windows. Two more renowned architects are represented: Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking.

FULLERTON

Most visitors to Fullerton, home of sprawling Cal State Fullerton, flock to the historic core along Harbor Boulevard, with its endless supply of boutiques and watering holes. SoCo (for south of Commonwealth) is jammed with pubs, clubs, cafés and restaurants a short stroll from the historic train station. Significant sights nearby include Fullerton Museum Center, offering dynamic exhibits including a gallery devoted to Leo Fender, native son and pioneer of the electric guitar. The museum offers maps pinpointing fine examples of architecture styles within walking distance. A short drive away, the stately Muckenthaler Cultural Center hosts varied design and art events and exhibits. Back at CSUF, the Fullerton Arboretum is a garden of delights, with streams, trails, flowering plants and a restored Victorian cottage. A few miles east in Yorba Linda is the modest birthplace of Richard Nixon. The tiny home and an impressive rose garden are on the handsome grounds of the Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, a rich repository chronicling the president’s public and private life. Neighboring Brea, once an oil town, now takes pride in its Birch Street Promenade, which offers contemporary retailers, casual restaurants, cinema and stand-up comedy. For bold items, see listings in the where guide. For a map of these neighborhoods, see page 70.

CLEAN CUT

great find Vintage-style hair care makes a comeback as new Barbeer, on Anaheim’s Center Street Promenade, offers yesteryear services such as warm-lather, straight-razor shaves and high-end pomade, as well as haircuts and facials for men. The shop features antique furniture and flooring; the barbers wear bow ties and caps; on the exposed-brick wall hangs a flat-screen television for viewing classic movies ... or sports. Barbeer will add wine and beer from Anaheim Brewery, a short walk away, making the barbershop even more of a man-cave than a salon. 165 Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, 714.533.2727, facebook.com/barbeeranaheim

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holey moley!

How to play tHe signature “wow” Holes at tHree superb golf courses. BY PATRICK MOTT AND JOHN WEYLER

AnAheim hills Golf CoURse Anaheim hills, Par 71, 6,266 yards. Designer: Richard Bigler The Course The old-growth sycamores and tree-lined fairways have attracted players to this challenging central Orange County course for more than 40 years. And there’s a reason the locals call this layout simply “The Hills.” Bill Martin, the venue’s second president, once said you had to be “three-quarters mountain goat to play here.” Design changes in the late ’90s removed some forced carries, blind tee shots and extreme changes in elevation, but many holes still favor guile over brute force. Flat lies are still the exception rather than the rule so—unless you’re part mountain goat—you’ll want to rent a cart. The Signature Hole The par-5 12th, a 501-yard, uphill dogleg right, gives the course its reputation as a hike. It’s a long uphill walk from tee to green. There is water off the fairway 240 yards from the tee, and a hardscrabble hill discourages cutting the dogleg. The small, two-tiered green on the top of the hill is a nice finishing touch. Don’t even think about getting there in two. The steep hill makes it difficult even for lower handicap players—but maybe not the lowest. “There aren’t too many people who can hit that green in two,” says former assistant pro Ward Lyon, “although I did see [former PGA and Champions tour pro] Al Geiberger hit driver and 7-iron into it once.”

stRAwBeRRy fARms Golf ClUB irvine, Par 71, 6,700 yards. Designer: Jim lipe The Course If faith is the belief in things not seen, you might want to rely a bit more on pure reason when playing Strawberry Farms, says head professional Tom McCray, PGA. The fairways, McCray says, are “generous,” but depending on which tee box you hit from, they can appear narrower. “Hit it where you can see it” is his advice. In other words, take a thorough look at what’s ahead before you hit. Be sure of your target, otherwise you might soon be hiking in taller timber. It pays to play in your comfort zone when you’re faced with a course

that meanders back into the hills through all sorts of native coastal vegetation. In fact, says McCray, that native vegetation—and a handful of protected environmentally sensitive areas—forms the course’s “defense.” The Signature Hole There’s a reservoir in the middle of the layout, back in the hills, and the par-4 10th hole sits on top of it. This offers players a fine view of the back nine, the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the distant mountains. Like much of the rest of the course, this is a “to thine own self be true” hole: Golfers must “take inventory of their game” in order to make a decision as to how to play it, McCray says. Much of the landing area for tee shots can’t be seen from the tee; the green is bunkered along the left side, and the fairway tilts from right to left toward the reservoir. The hole calls for a precise driver for the confident—or a hybrid or long iron to the landing area.

tUstin RAnCh Golf ClUB tustin, Par 72, 6,803 yards. Designer: ted Robinson sr. The Course This is a classic resort-style layout, with homes overlooking many of the holes, and it’s intended to challenge all skill levels. Try not to let your approach shots or your putter betray you here, because half the greens on the course are multilevel. In other words, you need to be able to place your approach shots on the correct level, depending on the pin placement, in order to start thinking about oneputting. Prevailing winds—usually out of the southwest—need to be gauged for their strength to ensure proper club selection; the palm trees offer a good clue. The Signature Hole The par-3 11th, at 170 yards from the tips, can be intimidating, particularly because of the 155-yard carry over water. Throw in a multilevel green and a quartering wind and you’ve got yourself a chin-scratcher. It’s beautiful to look at. But keep your ego in the bag and take one extra club if the wind’s fresh. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LOCAL COURSES, SEE GOLF LISTINGS ON PAGE 62.

(Left to right) Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Hole 10; Anaheim Hills Golf Course, Hole 12; Tustin Ranch Golf Club, Hole 11

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where

the guide WINTER 2013

SHOPPING | DINING

Historic and Hip

VLADIMIR PERLOVICH

New Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, from the owners of the Lab and the Camp in Costa Mesa, features The Good Californian Haberdashery for hats (714.808.9671), Heart & Sole for shoes (714.808.0939), Barbeer Shop (p. 31); and Good Food, counter eateries including vegetarian Healthy Junk (714.772.5865). The same team is developing the Anaheim Packing District along Anaheim Boulevard, anchored by a historic citrus packing building that will presently house 20 foodie vendors and the 1920s Packard showroom, home to Anaheim Brewery (714.780.1888) and Umami Burger (p. 45). p. 60

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Dining SPOTLIGHT

American

Guidelines

A RESTAURANT The menu at this stylish spot offers as much nostalgia as do the red-leather booths, but dishes such as the beef Stroganoff, pot roast and scallops still get 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

Index

ANDREI’S CONSCIOUS CUISINE & COCKTAILS Conscientiously created dishes—warm octopus salad, top sirloin-brisket-blend cheeseburger, tomato and burrata-mozzarella salad, orange-infused beef short rib, goatcheese cheesecake—and superb cocktails. Striking decor includes two-story water wall. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine, 949.387.8887 $$ Map D4 BaCK BAY BISTRO Snazzy spot at the Dunes overlooking Back Bay has a retractable roof. New chef introduces Cancun-style shrimp cocktail, Southwest lettuce wraps, New York Steak pomodoro. B (Sa-Su), L (daily), D (ThSu), Br (Sa). Newport Dunes, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.1144 $$ Map M14

Game On! Five years ago, gracious and personable Morton’s the Steakhouse alums J.C. Clow and William Lewis—general manager and sommelier respectively—opened The Winery at the District in Tustin with chef Yvon Goetz, who had earned accolades such as “Alsace’s gift to Southern California” for his work at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The accolades keep coming—among them Restaurant of the Year from two publications in 2012, the Golden Chef award at the recent inaugural Golden Foodie Awards and Wine Spectator‘s Best of Award of Excellence—and we keep going, especially for game dishes such as kangaroo, New Zealand venison and elk, squab, ostrich (above) and Colorado buffalo. p. 39

BAYSIDE Stylish spot offers a limited view of the harbor canals and first-rate New American fare. The handsome space and sprawling bar and patio draw a local crowd for exec lunches, romantic dinners and lazy brunches. Live jazz; art displays. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 900 Bayside Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.1222 $$$ Map M14 THE Beachcomber On Crystal Cove State Park beach; inside, it’s like a weatherworn yacht. Roasted French feta; ribeye with wild-mushroom-and-truffle-mac; and the Gimme S’mores! dessert. Outdoor Bootlegger Bar. Shuttle from Los Trancos lot. B, L, D (daily). 15 Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, 949.376.6900 $$ Map E4

Restaurants are listed by city on page 52. Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 69-71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

American............................... 34 Belgian.....................................36 Brewpubs/Gastropubs.....37 California.................................37 Continental............................39 Eclectic.....................................39 French......................................40 Indian.......................................40 International.........................40

Italian.........................................41 Japanese................................ 42 Mediterranean..................... 42 Mexican/Latin..................... 42 Seafood................................... 42 Steak........................................44 Thai........................................... 45 Themed.................................. 45 Quick Bites............................ 45

L, D (daily). Pacific Edge Hotel 627 Sleepy Hollow Lane, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6700 $$ Map I15 DivBar SMOKEHOUSE BARBECUE New. Acclaimed chef Bill Bracken (Island Hotel, Peninsula Beverly Hills) and 3-Thirty-3 Waterfront owner Jeff Reuter offer slow-made barbecue, broasted chicken and stone-fired pizza on the harbor. L, D (Daily). 2601 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.7427 $$ Map N13 GREAT MAPLE Rustic spot in Fashion Island’s new Nordstrom wing offers creative small plates, wood-fired flatbreads, 10-spice grass-fed-beef burger, fried pasta, blue cheese-pink peppercorn flat-iron steak, peanut butter banana split. L, D (daily). 1133 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.706.8282 $$ Map L15

BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA Former longtime chef at Charlie Palmer opens his own spot serving creative “cuisine of the Americas,” such as pan-roasted sea scallops with sea urchin risotto, passion fruit, jalapeño, sea beans and chive flowers, and pan-roasted lamb belly with cumin caramel and carrot “textures.” 328 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.715.8234 $$$ Map H15

The iron press New. Savory and sweet waffle sandwiches—grilled panko-crusted tilapia with Lucky Habanero Mango Firecracker Salsa, Belgian waffle with Nutella and seasonal fruit—and California beers. L (Daily), D (Tu-Sa). South Coast Collection, 3321 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.426.8088 $ Map J12

CHAPTER ONE: THE MODERN LOCAL Hip librarythemed spot offers creative fare (skirt steak with apple chimichurri sauce, yucca fries; soft chocolate ganache with chocolate “soil,” soy caramel, fried wontons) and “culinary cocktails.” Open until 2 am. L, D (daily). 227 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.352.2225 $$ Map H13

Juliette Kitchen + Bar New. Former owners of the Filling Station in Orange take over the space left by Tradition by Pascal, serving excellent New American fare and adding adjacent wine merchant. Chef Daniel Hyatt hails from L.A.’s Delius. L (M-Sa), D (T-Sa). 1000 Bristol St., Newport Beach, 949.752.5854 $$$ Map J13

CHARLIE PALMER Awash in sunshine by day, smartly lit by night, star chef Charlie Palmer’s space is superstylish, roomy and relaxed. Out of the kitchen come exceptional modern American dishes that favor topflight purveyors. Palmer’s wine shop and DG Burger are adjacent. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.352.2525 $$$ Map D3

Leatherby’s Café Rouge Chic and sleek affair makes graceful use of its site within the glittering Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Acres of windows and curving lines set the scene for cutting-edge cuisine. Ideal for pre- or post-performance. D (Tu-Su). 615 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.429.7640 $$$ Map J13

CLAIM JUMPER Craftsman-style spots offer rotisserie chicken, fresh fish, baby-back ribs, pot pie, salads, Six-Layer Chocolate Motherlode Cake and craft beers. L, D (daily). Seven locations include South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.8479; 7971 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.523.3227; 2250 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, 714.836.6658 $$ Maps J13, H8, G13 CROSSROADS AT HOUSE OF BLUES Southern hospitality and rafter-raising music. Shrimp and grits, jambalaya, buttermilk-fried chicken, St. Louis ribs, chilibraised short ribs. Sunday Gospel Brunch. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.BLUE $$ Map I10 THE DECK Open-air spot serves breezy cocktails and beach fare such as burgers and baked clams, as well as a flat-iron steak and paella for two, steps from the sand.

Memphis Southern, Cajun-Creole and Southwest dishes in a hip retro setting. Start with gumbo or the pulledpork sliders. L (M-F), D (W-Sa), Br (Su). 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.432.7685; 201 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, 714.564.1064 $$ Map J13, G13 PALM TERRACE “New edamame,” prime rib short ribs sous vide in California red wine and dazzling desserts served amid tropical urban oasis decor. B, L, D (daily). The Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.760.4920 $$$$ Map L15 Park Ave Owner-chef David Slay’s creative renditions of classic American cuisine feature house-made and home-grown specialties, earn regional accolades such as Restaurant of the Year. Most produce meticulously grown on the premises; visit the garden! Architecture is Googie, decor midcentury retro. L (Tu-F), D (Tu-Su). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8

Italy’s president and consulate named Anaheim White House owner Bruno Serato to the knighthood order Cavaliere della Repubblica Italiana for his work feeding needy children. p. 41

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10/31/12 1:11 PM

antonell

Antonio Cagnolo Presents

Antonello Specialty Restaurants

A dining experience while shopping at South Coast Plaza

Cucina Nostalgica Italiana 3800 S. Plaza Dr., Santa Ana 714 751 7153 antonello.com

034-45_DiningList_WOC.indd 35 antonello_FP_SP12.indd 1

A Touch of Southern Italy 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa 714 540 3365 nellocucina.com

Contemporary Northern Italian Cuisine 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa 714 754 0300 quattrocaďŹ&#x20AC;e.com

10/31/12 1:11 PM PM 2/1/12 4:54

Dining 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 featuring mesquite-grilled items include Castroville artichoke, chimichurri chicken, dry-aged heirloom Duroc pork porterhouse. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.453.1144 $$ Map D5

brunch. lunch. dinner.

PLAYGROUND New. Chef Jason Quinn, whose Lime Truck won the Food Network’s “Great Food Truck Race,” offers New American small plates (e.g., “Knuckle Sandwich!!!!!!!!,” “Jamaican Jerk Snow Crab”), a tip-top-tier off-the-menu burger and craft beers. L, D (daily). 220 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, 714.560.4444 $$ Map H13 RALPH BRENNAN’S JAZZ KITCHEN Creole cuisine and New Orleans jazz (beaded piano!) at festive spot inspired by New Orleans’ French Quarter. Pasta jambalaya, Gumbo Ya-Ya, Creole calamari, bananas Foster. Beignets at Jazz Kitchen Express; romantic dining upstairs; casual meals downstairs. Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200 $$ Map I10 THE RANCH New. Sophisticated restaurant and superfun, glittering saloon. Amid cedar beams and flagstone, chef Michael Rossi presents Kobe beef carpaccio with pecorino Romano, wild arugula and truffle; silver barramundi with white shrimp, Castroville artichokes and fireroasted-heirloom-tomato-and-fennel broth; and bone-in cowboy rib-eye. Separate entrance for saloon. 1025 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.817.4200 $$$ Map I11 RAmOS HOUSE CAFé The county’s best breakfast, and one of its best restaurants of any kind, is served in an 1881 house steps from the train tracks in the historic Los Rios district. Don’t miss the Soju Bloody Mary—a meal in itself—or whatever pain perdu chef-owner John Q. Humphreys happens to be offering. B, L (Tu-Su). 31752 Los Rios St., San Juan Capistrano, 949.443.1342 $$ Map I17

sustainable seafood & prime aged steaks. endless champagne brunch saturday & sunday. late night lounge thursday - saturday. happy hour monday - friday. private events. 714.979.2400

www.ScottsRestaurantandBar.com

3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa Ca 92626

SANDY’S BEACH GRILL Steps from the sand at the base of Huntington Beach Pier; same owners as adjacent Duke’s. Sunnyside’s Famous Fried Zucchini; Beer Can Half-Chicken; Prime steak and fries; and burgers and wood-fired pizzas. L, D (daily). 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.374.7273 $$ Map N9 SEASONS 52 No deep-frying. No dish more than 475 calories. Lots of flavor. Plus fabulous piano bar, stylish decor, eclectic seasonal menu including Columbia River steelhead trout; spicy snow peas and shiitake mushrooms; lamb T-bone chops; and Mini Indulgences desserts. Superior wine list. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5252 $$ Map J13 STONEHILL TAvERN Urbane ode to New American dining. Celebrated chef Michael Mina offers sensational contemporary fare in shimmering room at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, turns the cozy tavern concept on its ear by bringing the ocean indoors via windows, mirrors and veranda seating. D (Tu-Su). 1 Monarch Beach Resort Drive, Dana Point, 949.234.3318 $$$ Map J17 THREE SEvENTY COmmON Chef Ryan Adams sets the tone with maple bacon popcorn instead of bread and is off and running with winning fare such as wild-mushroom bruschetta with Parmesan and bitter greens. Guestchef dinners third Monday most months. 370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8686 $$ Map H15 ZImZALA Surfer-chic restaurant-and-bar at stylish Shorebreak Hotel offers stylish “American/beach comfort” cuisine to match—and superb Cal-Med dishes. Signature dishes include a grilled sirloin burger and castiron-cooked mussels. Br, D (daily). 500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.960.5050 $$ Map N9

Belgian BRUSSELS BISTRO Belgian menu, drinks, decor. Chicon gratin (Belgian endives with white sauce and cheeses), roasted salmon with pesto oil and Belgian

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

Serving Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

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Dining stoemp; crepes flambés. All-you-can-eat moules frites M-W. DJs and dancing F-Sa after 10:30 pm. L (Sa-Su), D (nightly). 222 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.376.7955 $$ Map 15 BRUXIE Fast-casual spot in Orange, new in Brea, serves Belgian waffle sandwiches both sweet and savory, canesugar sodas and Wisconsin frozen custard. Top 10 U.S. Yelp Restaurants 2011 (No. 2!); all items under $10. B, L, D (daily). 292 N. Glassell St., Orange, 714.633.3900; 215 W. Birch St., Brea, 714.255.1188 $ Map C4 and A3

Brewpubs and Gastropubs THE CROW BAR AND KITCHEN Chef is James Beard Award-nominated John Cuevas, ex-Montage Beverly Hills. Superb brew selection. D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fastcasual sibling Crow Burger Kitchen on Newport peninsula. L, D (daily). 2325 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.675.0070; Crow Burger, 3107 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.2747 $$ Maps M16 and N13 HAVEN GASTROPUB Thought-provoking list of palate-provoking handcrafted beers on tap and adventurous fare. Vadouvan-crusted lamb belly with spiced rutabaga and house harissa; sticky toffee pudding with brown-butter-bourbon ice cream; and one of the county’s best burgers and house-made chips. L, D (daily). 190 S. Glassell St., Orange, 714.221.0680 $$ Map C4 JT SCHMID’S RESTAURANT AND BREWERY Popular spots are known for handcrafted beers brewed on-site and classic brewpub cuisine. Wood-fired pizzas, Prime steaks, seafood, pastas and burgers share eclectic menu with jambalaya, fish tacos and sashimi. L, D (daily). 2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200; 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 $$ Map I11, C4

Experience a FRESH APPROACH

MULDOON’S Lively Dublin pub and Celtic bar serving gastropub food years before the word was invented. Our fave: the off-the-menu Black Bush Stew, served with a shot of Irish whiskey and baby lamb chop. Irish-themed events. L, D (Tu-Su); Br (Su). 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 $$ Map L15 SIDE DOOR Superb spot shares historic building (replica of England’s oldest inn) with dining landmark Five Crowns; regional accolades in 2011 include Restaurant of the Year. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.717.4322 $$ Map M16 SLATER’S 50/50 Design your own burger. Or consider the Flamin’ Hot, Peanut Butter & Jellousy or new Fritos Crunch burgers. Signature patty is half beef, half bacon. Superior brew list. L, D (daily). 8082 Adams Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.594.5730; 6362 E Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim Hills, 714.685.1103 $$ Maps L9, B5

California Cuisine JOIN US FOR OUR

FAMOUS HAPPY HOUR!

IRVINE 2000 MAIN ST. (949) 756-0505

LOS ANGELES 4TH & HOPE (213) 629-1929

EL SEGUNDO 2101 ROSECRANS AVE. (310) 416-1123

PASADENA 111 N. LOS ROBLES (626) 405-0064

ANAHEIM 321 WEST KATELLA AVE. (714) 535-9000

BEVERLY HILLS 206 NORTH RODEO DR. (310) 859-0434

www.mccormickandschmicks.com

BAMBÚ Creative fare creatively presented in a fourstory atrium amid lush palms, orchids and bamboo trees; seasonal regional foods Asian, French and Italian influences. Four-course prix-fixe lunch. B, L, D (daily). Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 $$$ Map K14 THE CALIFORNIAN Contemporary, elegant finedining room with creative cuisine, ocean views. Roastedchicken tortilla soup; pan-seared salmon with gremolata crust; goat cheesecake. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort, 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.698.1234 $$ Map N9 K’YA BISTRO BAR Handsome bistro at Hotel La Casa del Camino offers expansive selection of small plates and wines by the glass. Chicken empanadas, petite lamb or ahi burgers, lobster macaroni ’n’ cheese, Hawaiian poke, grilled filet mignon and truffle risotto. B, L, D (daily). Hotel La Casa del Camino, 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.376.9718 $$ Map I15

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Dining

OC’S ITALIAN HOT SPOT

NAPA ROSE Wine country at the Disney Resort. Stunning celebration of beauty in the bottle and the bounty of nature; ace chef Andrew Sutton conjures sophisticated seasonal American dishes. The stylish setting has a relaxed air, thanks to a polished staff (including dozens of sommeliers) eager to tailor memorable meals. D (nightly). Grand Californian Hotel, 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.635.2300 $$$ Map I10 NIRVANA GRILLE Cozy, contemporary room serves winning fare: chicken wontons with chipotle cream sauce; and pistachio Dijon-crusted Chilean sea bass; goat cheese maple syrup ice cream. Enjoy the view from rooftop deck. D (nightly). 303 Broadway, Laguna Beach, 949.497.0027; 24031 Marguerite Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.380.0027 $$ Map H15, E67 SHADES Casual elegance, winning Cal-Continental menu and ocean views make this a popular steak and seafood destination. Boutique ranch meats inspire the deft cooking. Sunday’s lavish buffet brunch (unlimited crab legs!) on poolside patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Waterfront Hilton, 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.845.8444 $$ Map N9 6IX PARK GRILL Applewood-fired grill fare in airy space with floor-to-ceiling windows and garden terrace. Roasted-chicken tortilla soup; grilled diver scallops with coconut bacon rice, broccoli rabe and butternut squash beurre blanc. B, L, D (daily). Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6666 $$ Map J14 SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR Indoors by the fireplace or on the patio steps from the sand, the water’s-edge Pacific view provides a dramatic backdrop for meals meant to be gorgeous memories. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). Surf & Sand Hotel, 1555 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.4477, Ext. 550 $$$ Map H15

LAGUNA BEACH 696 S. Coast Highway

949.715.9581

NEWPORT BEACH 6700 W. Coast Highway

949.645.2148 HUNTINGTON BEACH 520 Main Street

714.969.2148

LAGUNA BEACH 234 Forest Avenue

949.497.8222 Chef Alessandro Pirozzi’s Culinary Collection of Coastal City Restaurants www.CucinaAlessa.com www.MareCulinaryLounge.com Photo: Jim Collins

STUDIO Airy bluff-top Arts and Crafts-style bungalow with stunning azure and endless Pacific view oozes an offhand luxury befitting its premium resort setting. Chef Craig Strong reaches far beyond the predictably posh with an ambitious menu of creative Cal-French cuisine. D (Tu-Su). Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 866.271.6953 $$$$ Map I16 SUNDRIED TOMATO CAFE Eclectic Cal-Med dishes, bold flavors. Creamy sun-dried-tomato soup with Gorgonzola; crispy blackened chicken spring rolls; chopped salad. Excellent pastas. 361 Forest Ave., Laguna Beach, 949.494.3312 (L, D daily); 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.1167 (L, D daily; Br Sa-Su); 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.388.5757 (L, D daily; Br Su). $$ Map H15, I17, K17 TABU GRILL Local in-spot and Zagat high scorer promotes Kenny Raponi to executive chef. La Bella farms foie gras, king crab claw salad, Snake River Farms Wagyu steak. D (nightly). 2892 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.7743 $$$ Map I16

Waterfront Dining and Drinks

TANGERINE GRILL Find culinary California adventure opposite Disney’s California Adventure. Consider tangerine chicken, tangerine scallops or Malibu culotte steak. B, L, D (daily). Anabella Hotel, 1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.772.1186 $$ Map I10 THE TWISTED VINE Cozy neighborhood wine bar offers winning savory and sweet small plates. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly). 127 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.1200 $ Map B3 VINE Laid-back beach burg takes wine-country detour at top spot for poised California cuisine and enlightened wine selections. Surfer-chef-owner Justin Monson’s seasonal cookery suits the hand-hewn space. Adjacent St. Roy Chef’s Pub. D (Tu-Sa). 211 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2079 $$$ Map south of F6 VUE “Forward-thinking California coastal cuisine” on a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Outside, the ocean breeze and fire pit add to the romantic ambience. B, L,

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

BRUNCH

LUNCH

DINNER

Bottomless Champagne Brunch Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663 been a Newpor t Beach:: landmark since 949.675.0475 woodyswharf.com

Woody’s Wharf has 1965. Join us for award winning cuisine featuring the freshest seafood, poultry and prime beef available anywhere on the coast. Our waterfront location and casual, fun atmosphere make for a memorable dining experience. Our renowned 11/7/12 Sunday brunch with bottomless champagne draws large local

11:32 AM

Dining C A S U A L , M O D E R A T E LY P R I C E D

F U L L B A R & PAT I O

O P E N 7 D AY S

D (daily); Br (Su). Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, 25135 Park Lantern, Dana Point, 949.661.5000 $$$ Map J16 THE WINERY Renowned chef-partner Yvon Goetz offers superior contemporary California regional cuisine at handsome, bustling spot at the District at Tustin Legacy. The freshest seafood, wild game and USDA Prime steaks complemented with wines from the 7,000-bottle cellar. Excellent bar menu. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2647 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.7600 $$$ Map J14

Continental

come in

get hooked

Voted Best Seafood in Orange County!

Full bar and patio featuring classic and contemporary seafood specialties! N E W P O RT B E AC H 630 Lido Park Drive (949) 675 3474

THE DISTRICT IN TUSTIN 2409 Park Avenue (714) 258 3474

Bluewater TV on air now at bluewatergrill.com

REDONDO BEACH 665 North Harbor Drive (310) 318 3474

“Restaurant of the Year” for 2012 by the Orange County Business Journal “Restauranteurs of the Year” for 2012 by Southern California Restaurant Writers “Best Restaurant” for 2012 by Riviera Magazine “Chef of the Year” & “Best Wine List” for 2012 by Golden Foodie Awards

FIVE CROWNS Venerated Lawry’s spot in English inn replica gets new decor, new chef, new dishes. Prime rib and other favorites stay. Superb SideDoor Gastropub is adjacent. D (nightly), Br (Su). 3801 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.760.0331 $$$ Map M16 THE HOBBIT Dinners are a transporting experience at this homey hacienda revered for special occasions. Multicourse prix-fixe affair includes cocktails upstairs, elaborate appetizers in the wine cellar, new Continental classics in newly redone elegant dining rooms. Menu changes weekly. Reservations essential. D (W-Su). 2932 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.1972 $$$$ Map J11 NIEUPORT 17 Venerated spot named for World War I fighter plane attracts fine-diners, famed aviators. Amazing collection of aviation memorabilia on the walls; German hunt lodge decor. Beef Wellington, aged handcut steaks, prime rib, fresh seafood. Live entertainment, vintage cocktails and gastropub appetizers in the convivial Barnstormer Lounge. L (M-F), D (nightly). Lafayette Plaza, 13051 Newport Ave., Tustin, 714.731.5130 $$ Map C4 ORANGE HILL Hilltop hideaway with endless city-light views; traditional and updated fare includes seafood, prime rib, lobster. Orange Bar has retro orange theme and orange piano. D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6410 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.997.2910 $$ Map C5 21 OCEANFRONT Romantic restaurant offers sunset views, cozy bars, classic decor, award-winning wine list, servers in black tie and menu featuring abalone, oysters Rockefeller, jumbo prawns and superb crab legs. Topnotch steaks and osso buco, too. Live entertainment in the lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront (Newport Pier), Newport Beach, 949.673.2100 $$$ Map N13

Eclectic BISTANGO Beautifully prepared and 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 $$$ Map K14 THE CELLAR Subterranean setting in cellar of 1920s-era California Hotel oozes with character. Former French destination revamps menu. Top-notch service, smashing wine list. D (Tu-Su). 305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.525.5682 $$$$ Map A250 MIX Executive chef Kyung Soo Carroll offers imaginative, often organic “classical French and nuevo American fusion” cuisine in the atrium lobby of the Anaheim Hilton. B, L, D (daily). 777 Convention Way, Anaheim, 714.740.4412 $$ Map I10 SAPPHIRE LAGUNA Chef Azmin Ghahreman offersglobally inspired dishes at his stylish restaurant and lounge. Begin with Vietnamese duck spring rolls, move on to paella or prime rib-eye with truffled fries. Gourmet pantry for picnic and takeout. Popular patio has partial ocean view. L (M-F), D (nightly); Br (Sa-Su). 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9888 $$$ Map I15

Located at the District (at Jamboree & Barranca Pkwy.) | 2647 Park Ave. | Tustin, CA 92782 Please call for reservations 714.258.7600 | www.thewineryrestaurant.net

STARFISH Culinary concept by Nancy Wilhelm, owner of Zagat-topping Tabu Grill, offers “AmerAsian” cuisine— American takes on cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, China,

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11/7/12 11:32 AM

Sandy-DHB Combo Ad:Where 10/24/12 10:59 AM Page 1

Dining

Twice the View, Double the Dining.

Korea and India with a nice lacing of heat—amid Asian art deco decor. L (W-Sa), D (daily). 30832 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9200 $$$ Map I16 True food kitchen Healthful-living author Andrew Weil presents globally inspired, locally sourced dishes in cheery room and on inviting patio with linear fire pit. More healthful cocktails; biodynamic, organic wines. L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Fashion Island, 451 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.644.2400 $$$ Map L15

French brasserie pascal Venerated Pascal Olhats offers croque monsieur, steak tartare with fries, seafood vol-auvent, côte de bœuf with béarnaise-truffle sauce. Prix-fixe “best of Pascal” dinner menus in new Tradition Room T-Th. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 327 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.2700 $$ Map L15 FRENCH 75 French-American bistro and champagne bar helmed by Pascal Olhats (Brasserie Pascal) offers romantic ambience and outdoor dining beneath antique chandeliers. D (nightly). 1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8444 $$$ Map I16 Gemmell’s Fine chef Byron Gemmell serves up fairly traditional French fare and adds California touches. Casserole of escargots; hearts of palm and crab; roasted duck. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 34471 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.234.0063 $$$ Map K16 Marché Moderne Chef Florent Marneau and pastry chef wife Amelia raise the bistro to delicious heights with their unstuffy but oh-so-French effort. He revels in what’s seasonal. Dessert? Exquisite cheeses or Amelia’s transcendent desserts. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.434.7900 $$$ Map D3 Pinot Provence Sophisticated French-Med dishes from Patina Group favored for executive lunches, pre-theater dinners, brunch and special occasions. Dining room has massive stone fireplace; charming walled patio. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Westin South Coast Plaza, 686 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.444.5900 $$$ Map J13

Seafood, Steaks and a Lot More Downstairs

315 Pacific Coast Hwy | Huntington Beach

714.374.7273 sandysbeachgrill.com T S RESTAURANTS OF HAWAII AND CALIFORNIA

Vie de France Classic onion soup, breads and pastries baked fresh daily, sandwiches made to order, desserts homemade at charming bistro and bakery. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.1734 $ Map J13

Indian ROYAL KHYBER Acclaimed spot, often cited as the county’s best Indian, marks 30 years. Warm eggplant salad; lobster masala; signature Khyber’s Nectar, lamb shanks simmered 14 hours with aromatic spices. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza Village, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13 TAMARIND Yearling sibling to Michelin-starred spot in London serves elegantly presented Moghul-derived tandoor-oven favorites and seasonal fare—and now London’s Michelin-starred chef Alfred Prasad is cooking here! L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive, Newport Coast $$$ Map J13

International anqi Innovative cuisine dominated by small plates: filet mignon pot stickers, steamed buns with braised pork belly, the family’s secret-recipe garlic noodles—plus cuttingedge molecular gastronomy with advance notice. Backlit bar and glass catwalk over a running stream contribute to the sexy setting. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.5679 $$$ Map J13

Memorable Dining, Endless Views, Simpler Times Upstairs

317 Pacific Coast Hwy | Huntington Beach

714.374.6446 dukeshuntington.com

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Dining CAPITAL SEAFOOD More than 100 kinds of dim sum, offered from pushed steam carts at lunch, plus Asian tapas, clay-pot items, tofu, noodles and congees at Irvine Spectrum Center. House-special lobster, honey-glazed walnut shrimp, roasted Peking duck. L, D (daily). 85 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.788.9218 $$ Map D5 mARRAKESH Moroccan multicourse prix-fixe feasts including b’stilla (phyllo-chicken pie), sans silverware. Great value. Belly dancing (W-Su). D (nightly). 1976 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.8384 $$ Map L13

Italian ANAHEIm WHITE HOUSE Restored 1909 manor provides a romantic setting; dramatic presentations of refined northern Italian cuisine are impeccably served in silk-draped rooms. Presentations give it the wow factor. Gazebo for garden dining. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Su). 887 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.772.1381 $$$ Map I10 ANDREA Elegant but remarkably unstuffy setting offers spectacular views of elysian vistas and the ocean, regional cuisine of northern Italy. Paccheri with lobster, sweet peas and arugula; red beet-root risotto with Gorgonzola dolce. Pasta and gelato handmade in dedicated rooms. L, D (daily). Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 949.467.6800 $$$$ Map L17 ANTONELLO RISTORANTE Top-notch, romantic northern Italian restaurant in faux villa. Octopus carpaccio; orecchiette pasta with Pugliese sausage and Swiss chard; and cavatelli with slow-cooked lamb ragu. One of the county’s best tiramisus. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). South Coast Plaza Village, 3800 Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.751.7153 $$$ Map J13 CANALETTO Impressive Venetian-style restaurant features superb salumeria, antipasti, wood-fired pizzas and specialty meat and seafood dishes—think vermicelli Cassopipa with fish ragu, clams, mussels, scallops and grape tomatoes. L, D (daily). Fashion Island, 545 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.0900 $$$ Map M16 CUCINA ENOTECA Spinoff of San Diego’s popular Cucina Urbana combines California-inspired Italian classics and a wine shop. Chef de cuisine is Lulu De Rouen (ex-Pinot Provence). Vasi (ﬁlled mini-mason jars), stuffed squash blossoms, veal piccata, short-rib pappardelle, foraged-mushroom and truffle-oil pizza. Wines are retail plus $10. L, D (daily). Irvine Spectrum Center, 31 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.861.2222 $$ Map D5 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

healthy habits start here. VisiT a local JaMba Juice® locaTion Today.

Harvard Place 17595 Harvard, Irvine, CA 92614 949.250.3348 Tustin Market Place 2937 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA 92782 714.505.2582

IL BARONE RISTORANTE Chef Franco Barone and wife Donatella offer distinctive fare at stylish spot hidden near John Wayne Airport. Modern-art-filled room reflects his sophisticated side, tripe his rustic Sicilian roots. Signature dish: paper-thin focaccia sheets filled with Crescenza cheese. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 4251 Martingale Way, Newport Beach, 949.955.2755 $$ Map K14 IL DOLCE PIZZERIA Superior artisanal, authentic Naples-style pizzas and pastas in modest spot on a busy intersection opposite Triangle Square. The simple pepperoni pizza may be the county’s best; the pistachio pizza, with Parmesan, red onions, rosemary and Gruyère, is a more unusual delight. L, D (daily). 1902 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.200.9107 $$ Map J14 IL FORNAIO Inspired by the traditional Italian trattoria, this upscale casual restaurant and bakery features crusty fresh bread, house-made and imported pastas, woodfired pizzas and roasted meats in a romantic atmosphere. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 18051 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.261.1444 $$$ Map J14

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Dining Pita Jungle in Newport Beach

KATSuyA By STARCK Splendid bento box-inspired surroundings by renowned designer Philippe Starck and huge images of geisha eyes and lips provide a striking backdrop for stunning cocktails and cuisine by master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi. L, D (daily). 858 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.793.4030 $$$ Map H16 RA SuShI Red-globe-light-bedecked ceiling, oversized aquarium and hip soundtrack give the Huntington Beach location a club-like feel. Standouts on the new menu include several kinds of crispy Asian tacos. D (daily). The Strand, 155 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.6390; District at Tustin Legacy, 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700 $$ Map J14

Mediterranean

Il GARAGE Beguiling Italian spot from David Slay, of acclaimed ParkAve, in a garage, amid a 1924 tractor and red-checkered tablecloths; it overlooks the garden that inspires and supplies the menu. D (Tu-Sa). 11200 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714.901.4400 $$ Map I8 MARE CulInARy lounGE New. Chef-owner Allessandro Pirozzi tops his own fine Cucina Alessa locations at glittery new spot. Infused pastas are a theme; star of the show is limoncello-infused mafaldine pasta with lobster tail, shallots and pinot grigio-local lemon sauce. B, L, D (daily). 696 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9581 $$$ Map H15 nEllo CuCInA Italian steakhouse plus thin-crust pizzas, innovative pastas at South Coast Plaza’s Crystal Court; sibling to Antonello Ristorante. L, D (daily). 3333 Bear St., Costa Mesa, 714.540.3365 $$ Map J13 PIZZERIA MoZZA Culinary stars Mario Batali, Nancy Silverton and Joseph Bastianich replicate their L.A. and Singapore collaborations. Pizzas use beguiling ingredients, distinctive dough. Start with fried squash blossoms or bone marrow al forno; end with caramel copetta with marshmallow sauce and Spanish peanuts. L, D (daily). 800 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. $$ Map M13 PIZZERIA oRTICA Spot owned by L.A. chef David Myers (Comme Ça) offers refined authentic Neapolitan fare using intriguing ingredients beneath soaring arched ceilings and frescoes. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 650 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, 714.445.4900 $$ Map J13

luCCA CAfE & MARKET Euro-chic bistro, deli and wine bar is a destination for foodies seeking items such as cocoa-dusted goat cheese; mole salami made by Mario Batali’s father; and dishes using artisanal and organic local ingredients. L (M-F), D (nightly), Br (Sa-Su). 6507 Quail Hill Parkway, Irvine, 949.725.1773 $$ Map D5 MESA Stylish spot at the Camp, along the stretch of Bristol Street known as SoBeCa, offers a hip scene, retractable glass roof, intriguing decor, inventive appetizers, superb cocktails and unisex restrooms at the Camp. D (Tu-Sa). 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 $$ Map J13 MoTIf Euro-eclectic dishes—grilled quail with Thai spices; cocoa-pistachio baked rack of lamb—amid ocean views. B, L, D (daily); Br (Su). St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort and Spa, 1 Monarch Beach, Dana Point, 949.234.3320 $$$ Map J16 PITA JunGlE New. Encourages “art of eating healthy” with delicious selections including hummus trio, Med. chicken salad, gyro pitas and wood-fired pizzas. Bloody mary bar at brunch. L, D (daily), Br (Sa-Su). 1200 Bison Ave. Newport Beach, 949.706.7711 $$ Map E4 ZÉyToon CAfE Mediterranean flatbreads, paninis and salads complemented by Mediterranean beer and wines. L, D (daily); Br (Su). 412 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.9230 $ Map H15 Zov’S BISTRo Zov Karamardian’s culinary passion propels her spots. Acclaimed Med cuisine at all locations; bakery-café in Tustin also offers jewel-like desserts and premium breads. L, D (M-Sa). 3915 Portola Parkway, Irvine, 714.734.9687; Enderle Center, 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.838.8855; 21123 Newport Coast Drive, Newport Coast, 949.760.9687 $$$ Map C5, C4, L17

queso fundido and chocolate enchiladas. L, D (daily). 111 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.871.8226 $$$ Map A3 RAyA Sophisticated global cuisine from chef Richard Sandoval, spectacular ocean views. Ceviches, sweet-corn soup with huitlacoche puree, roasted halibut with truffled boniato and crispy jalapeños; the churros are a must! B, L, D (daily). Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.2000 $$$ Map J16 Sol CoCInA Stylish spot overlooking Newport Harbor canals features vibrant Baja-inspired dishes by Deborah Schneider, author of the cookbook Amor y Tacos. Pibil-roasted fish on a banana leaf; Kurobuta carnitas; cocktails, side dishes and flan are sensational. L, D (daily). 251 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.675.9800 $$ Map O15 TACo ASyluM Unusual tacos (ghost chili pork taco with chili threads and pork rinds), excellent brew selections, small-batch sodas. L, D (daily). The Camp, 2937 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.922.6010 $ Map J13

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 $$ Map M15 BluEWATER GRIll Fresh seafood selection at handsome spots changes daily. Grilled Australian barramundi, Costa Rican mahimahi, farm-raised Mississippi catfish. Outdoor waterfront dining in Newport; fireplace patio in Tustin. L, D (daily); Br (Su). The District at Tustin Legacy, 2409 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.FISH; 630 Lido Park Drive, Newport Beach, 949.675.FISH $$ Map J14, N13 ThE CATCh Sleek spot popular with baseball and hockey fans as well as concertgoers. Drunken mahimahi; tomahawk steak; flambé s’mores Alaska. Four-pound OMG burger feeds 10. L, D (Tu-Su). 2100 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.935.0101 $$ Map I11 ChART houSE Destinations known for seaside vistas and distinctive architecture. Seafood dishes, many with Asian touches; aged beef; and signature salad bar. D (nightly). 34442 Green Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.493.1183; 2801 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.548.5889 $$ Map J16, M13 CRAB CooKER “Eat lotsa fish” is the motto at supercasual landmark spot; the line’s out the door in Newport Beach. L (M-Sa); D (nightly). 2200 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.673.0100; 17260 E. 17th St., Tustin, 714.573.1077 $ Map N13, C5

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

Mexican/Latin

Japanese

El AdoBE California historical landmark serving traditional Mexican fare is housed in two structures, one a 1797 adobe, the other the 1812 jail. L (M-Sa), D (nightly), Br (Su). 31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.1163 $$ Map I17

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

GABBI’S MEXICAn KITChEn Old Towne day-trippers 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

fIRST CABIn Bayside spot with panoramic view of gleaming yachts and sailboats; chef Josef Lageder presents seasonal Cal-Continental fare. Superior wine list. B, L, D (daily). Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.5000 $$$ Map M14

JAvIER’S CAnTInA Lively siblings are 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

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

BEnIhAnA The original exhibition kitchen—at your table! Fun dining experience, fun date. L (M-F), D (nightly). 4250 Birch St., Newport Beach, 949.955.0822; 2100 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, 714.774.4940 $$ Map K13, I10 BluEfIn Master sushi chef Takashi Abe offers exquisite sushi and hot entrées. Toro tartare with osetra caviar; seafood tempura with truffle sauce, matcha salt; prime filet mignon with mixed mushrooms. L, D (daily). Crystal Cove Promenade, 7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.715.7373 $$$ Map M17 hAMAMoRI Sparkling environment with undulating curves overlooks Bear Street. Ankimo-style foie gras with osetra caviar and gold flakes; 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

MATAdoR CAnTInA Upscale spot with red brick walls in 1899 building serves traditional dishes but also “Mexican-inspired,” such as chorizo ravioli. Also consider

houSE of BIG fISh & ICE Cold BEER As the name suggests, it’s fresh fish paired with one of the best beer selections in town. Wraparound windows offer ocean views. L, D (daily). 540 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.4500 $$ Map H15

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Dining mASTRO’S OCEAN CLUB FISH HOUSE Bluff-top, ocean-view spot, sibling of swanky Mastro’s Steakhouse. Dry-ice enshrouded Seafood Tower; fresh seafood flown in daily, served in majestic proportions; signature warm butter cake. Glass-topped grand piano in the O Bar. D (nightly). Crystal Cove Promenade, 8112 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.376.6990 $$$$ Map N14 mCCORmICK & SCHmICK’S Citified fish house offers simply prepared fresh seafood. Old-school cocktails, legendary happy hour; microbrews on tap at Irvine’s Pilsner Room. L (M-F), D (nightly). 2000 S. Main St., Irvine, 949.756.0505; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.535.9000 $$$ Map L14, I10 ROY’S RESTAURANT Roy Yamaguchi ‘s Hawaiian fusion fare amid stylish tropical decor. D (nightly). Fashion Island, 453 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.7697; Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.7697 $$$ Map L15, I10 SHUCK OYSTER BAR New. Foodie funsters Leonard Chan and Noah Blom offer eight to 16 meticulously shucked selections from a wallful of varieties each day. Two stupendous dishes almost steal the show: a clam chorizo seafood stew and a grilled cheese sandwich. Bubblies and brews, too. L, D (daily). OC Mart Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.420.0478 $$ Map J12 SCOTT’S Fine dining close to shopping and ideal for pre-theater—there’s a bell 15 minutes before showtime. Lures include superb seafood, USDA Prime steaks and fun desserts, and excellent cocktails in the lounge. Live music (W-Sa). L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). 3300 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.979.2400 $$$ Map J13 TAPS FISH HOUSE AND BREWERY Gold medalwinning brewmeister (just named Brewer of the Year at the world’s largest commercial beer competition—again, an unprecedented repeat!) plus oyster bar and fine steaks. L, D (daily); Br (Su). Birch Street Promenade, 101 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea, 714.257.0101 $ Map A3

Welcome Home.

WOODY’S WHARF Popular waterfront spot serving seafood and steaks since 1965 has colorful history. Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and Mickey Mantle were guests. Chuck Norris once owned it; among his doormen was Jean-Claude Van Damme! 2318 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.0474 $$ Map N8

Steak AGORA CHURRASCARIA Choice cuts at Brazilian steak house are cooked over fire pit, seasoned with rock salt. Gaucho-garbed waiters offer succession of 16 sumptuous cuts, from picanha (a sirloin specialty) to coração (delicate chicken hearts). Elaborate hot and cold bar with vegetable and seafood specialites. L (M-F), D (nightly). 1830 Main St., Irvine, 949.222.9910 $$$ Map J13 THE CAPITAL GRILLE Elegant steakhouse offers dryaged beef amid portraits of local historic figures. Pan-fried calamari with cherry peppers; roasted pepper soup; bonein kona-crusted dry-aged sirloin; ethereal cheesecake. 5,000 wines; classic cocktails. L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa $$$$ Map J17

1500 S. Harbor Blvd. Anaheim

ENOSTEAK New. Intimate steakhouse at elegant hotel features grilled Prime steaks from Niman Ranch cut in-house and served with choice of compound butters; sautéed wild mushrooms; truffle mac ’n’ cheese. D (Tu-Sa). The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point, 949.249.2000 $$$$ Map J16 FLEmING’S PRImE STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR Sleek venue serves prime everything. Classy feel extends to the bustling bar with some 100 wines by the glass and in flights. Superior small plates; sizzling steaks (sauces on request); prime rib on Sundays; new “retro-chic” and “couture” cocktails. D (nightly). 455 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.720.9633 $$$ Map L15

Across the street from Disneyland® Park.

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Dining 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

genuine hospitality

live entertainment

private events

Morton’s, the steakhouse Classy bastion of beef features service-plus and colossal portions. To-diefor double filet and Cajun rib-eye, retro filets Oscar and Diane. Show-and-tell table-side menu recitation. Bar 1221 is adjacent. Anaheim, D (nightly); Santa Ana, L (M-F), D (nightly). 1895 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.621.0101; South Coast Plaza Village, 1641 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana, 714.444.4834 $$$$ Map I10, J13 ruth’s Chris steak house Bone-in “cowboy” ribeye; caramelized banana cream pie. Soaring ceilings, ornate ironwork and colorful glass at the Anaheim location. Anaheim, D (nightly); Irvine L (F), D (daily). 2041 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.750.5466; 2961 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.252.8848 $$$$ Map I10, K14

Beverly Hills

Thousand Oaks

246 north canon drive

2087 e. thousand oaks blvd

beverly hills, ca 90210

thousand oaks, ca 91362

310.888.8782

805.418.1811

www.mastrosrestaurants.com

saM & harry’s Swank repasts feature hand-cut Midwest corn-fed steaks aged 28 days, seafood flown in daily and potent cocktails. B, L, D (daily); Br (Sa-Su). Newport Beach Marriott, 900 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.6900 $$$ Map M15 saVannah ChoP house American regional cooking—steaks, chops, seafood and Southern specialties— amid clubhouse decor. Tamarind-glazed duck breast; filet mignon Stroganoff. D (nightly). 32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, 949.493.7107 $$ Map I17

Thai royaL thai Cuisine Casually elegant family-owned spots on the coast for more than 30 years. Honey duck; Lady Thai prawns. L, D (daily). 4001 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.645.8424; 1750 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.494.8424 $$ Maps N13 and I16 thai this “Cuisine to Thai for.” Fun names of dishes: Handrool Salad, Porkupie and Holly Cow. I See Dead People cocktail. L, D (daily). 24501 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.240.7944 $$ Map J17

Themed MedieVaL tiMes dinner & tournaMent 11th century pageantry, utensils-optional four-course meal. Reservations only. D (nightly); matinee (Su). 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.521.4740 $$$ Map G8 Pirate’s dinner adVenture Swordplay, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard galleon replica in indoor lagoon. Call for weekend schedule; D (nightly). 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 $$$ Map G8 rainForest CaFe Creative decor, animatronics and special effects bring the adventure of the rain forest indoors. Expansive menu; kids’ menu. B, L, D (daily). South Coast Plaza, 3333 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.424.9200; Downtown Disney, 1515 Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.772.0413 $$ Map J13, I10

Quick Bites MCdonaLd’s Burgers, California history mural beneath golden arches near theme parks. B, L, D (daily). 1500 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, 714.491.0563, plus 70 other county locations. $ Map I10 uMaMi BurGer Lauded L.A. burgers in 10 styles (e.g., Truffle, Tandoori, Port & Stilton) in hip venues; offthe-menu “tater tots.” L, D (daily). 601 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.342.1210; 338 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.991.8626; The Camp, 2981 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.957.8626. $ Maps G15, I10, J13

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OC dining Savannah Chop House Steaks, chops and seafood dominate the menu at this friendly contemporary American steakhouse with a California twist. Standouts include the slow-braised short ribs, applewoodsmoked prime rib, and double-cut lamb chops. Seafood favorites include the Alaskan king crab legs (pre-cut—no mess!) and pistachio-crusted halibut. The lodge-style dining rooms exude warmth with their roaring fireplaces, tall booths and high ceilings. The fireplace bar and lounge is ideal for a perfectly crafted martini, single-malt scotch or glass of wine; there’s live music Tues-Sat. Seating on the veranda and sunset terrace offers a panoramic ocean view and blazing fire pits. Happy hour nightly 4:30-7 pm and 9 pm-close. D (daily).

32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel 949.493.7107 savannahchophouse.net

French 75 This French and American bistro resides in a beautiful 70-year-old cottage along Coast Highway. Traditional and contemporary French cuisine includes crisp endive salad with sweet mustard dressing, poulet aux olives and buttery thymecrusted sea bass; the chocolate soufflé is a patron favorite. The intimate dining room offers a romantic ambiance with live music Wed.-Sat. There’s outdoor seating on the covered fire-lit garden patio or rooftop deck. The bar and lounge— popular for social hour (daily 4:30-7 pm) and reverse happy hour (Sun.-Thurs, 9 pm-close)—offers champagne cocktails, craft cocktails and housemade martinis; the playful mural on its ceiling depicts a “champagne war” between cherubs and monkeys holding champagne bottles. D (nightly).

1464 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach 949.494.8444 french75.net

Bluefin

Critically acclaimed chef Takashi Abe serves classic and cutting-edge Japanese cuisine in an intimate setting with a dramatically illuminated sushi bar, rich furnishings and spectacular ocean views. Traditional sushi is offered, incorporating the finest ingredients from the world’s most pristine waters, but contemporary European-inspired fusion cooking is also featured. Signature specialties include Chilean sea bass and foie gras with white truffle butter adorned with gold leaf, and halibut carpaccio dusted with pink peppercorns and chives in a truffle-perfumed ponzu sauce. For a truly memorable experience, just ask for the omakase, putting yourself in the hands of Chef Abe. L, D (daily).

7952 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast 949.715.7373 bluefinbyabe.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

Mix Restaurant Savor globally inspired flavors and fresh locally sourced ingredients that will leave any palate satisfied. Executive Chef Kyung Soo Carroll brings responsible cuisine to Hilton Anaheim, supporting local farms and in-season items through his thoughtful approach and treatment to each dish. Chef Carroll believes in serving food that people recognize and understand. With varied techniques learned throughout the years, Carroll consistently maintains the integrity of the ingredients with refined, worldly execution. Great for a quick bite during your lunch hour, or it may become your new happy hour spot. Reservations recommended for special occasions. Complimentary valet parking. Mention the code WHERE OC to your server and receive 20% off your entire meal. (Offer excludes alcoholic beverages). B, L, D (daily). Hilton Anaheim Hotel, 777 Convention Way, Anaheim 714.740.4412 hiltonanaheimhotel.com

21 Oceanfront

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island, 21 Oceanfront offers breathtaking sunset views from three beautifully appointed dining rooms. Wine Enthusiast has recognized 21 Oceanfront four years in a row for the extensive wine list, which offers the perfect complement to traditional favorites such as prime filet mignon or seasonal seafood favorites such as pistachio-crusted halibut, tender Baja Pink Abalone steak and select Alaskan king crab legs. Perfect for a romantic dinner for two or for corporate gatherings, it is no wonder this local favorite has been named Orange County Restaurant of the Year two years in a row and Orange County’s most Romantic Restaurant. Live entertainment and happy hour available in the Oceanfront Bar and Lounge. D (nightly). 2100 W. Oceanfront, Newport Beach 949.673.2100 21oceanfront.com special advertising section

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OC dining 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, this quaint European-style restaurant specializes in exquisite pasta and delectable seafood. Try the linguine with baby calamari and fresh bay scallops with marinara sauce. Amelia’s features at least 5 very fresh fish daily and mouthwatering combination dinners such as the filet mignon and scampi. Fine wines available. Private parties from eight to 48. Sunset dinner $12.50, SundayFriday 5-6 p.m. D (nightly), Br (F-Su).

311 Marine Ave., Balboa Island 949.673.6580 ameliasbalboaisland.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. Full bar, outdoor patio and premium cigars. All major cards. Happy hour Monday-Friday. L, D (daily).

2610 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.634.9200 2415 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.0333 jtschmidsrestaurant.com

ZOV’S BISTRO

Established by Chef Zov Karamardian in 1987, Zov’s Bistro has earned the respect and admiration of local, regional and national restaurant critics as well as the dining public. The restaurant offers contemporary Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and also features an in-house bakery. Signature dishes include rack of lamb; Moroccan salmon; seafood tagine, a medley of mussels, clams, large prawns, salmon wrapped in grape leaves, toasted couscous and spicy saffron broth. Karamardian is a James Beard Angel Award recipient and cookbook author. Full-service offsite catering and event space available. L (daily), D (M-Sa).

3915 Portola Pkwy., Irvine 714.734.9687 21123 Newport Coast Dr., Newport Coast 949.760.9687 17440 E. 17th St., Tustin 714.838.8855 zovs.com special advertising section

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OC dining back bay bistro Enjoy award-winning American cuisine or a signature cocktail, while enjoying the quintessential panoramic coastal view of the back bay nature preserve. The menu features a wide variety of fresh local seafood and Prime steaks. The Bistro offers Family Brunch on Saturdays and the Famous Bistro Champagne Brunch on Sundays; the restaurant is also available for special events. Happy hour Thurs.-Sun., 4-7 pm. B (Sa-Su), L (W-Su), d (Th-Su)

1131 back bay drive, newport beach 949.729.1144 backbaybistronewportbeach.com

the harbor grill Since 1984, proprietors John, Wanda and Keegan Hicks have taken pride in the sincere friendly attitude of the staff and the quality of food. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast, the Harbor grill offers a delicious array of fresh seafood cooked in a variety of styles including Southwestern, Pacific Rim, Caribbean, Cajun and Mediterranean. With its reasonably priced menu, premium cocktails and extensive wine list, the Harbor grill has become a favorite with locals and a popular destination for visitors who are made to feel like “regulars.” Whether they’re enjoying the cozy dining room or the colorful terrace, the view of the harbor sails encourages a leisurely meal while a pianist adds the perfect background music each evening.

34499 golden lantern, dana point 949.240.1416 harborgrill.com

silver trumpet restaurant & bar Just steps away from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza, Silver Trumpet gets a standing ovation for its symphony of seasonal, sustainable flavors. This restaurant features modern American cuisine sourced from the local market, using fresh and free-range ingredients as well as house-made pastries, pastas and desserts. A popular preshow stop for the theater set, the elegant dining room also hits a high note with its warm modern décor, seamless glass windows providing fabulous lake views, outdoor lakeside dining, and a tasteful musical theme throughout. B, L, d (daily), Br (Sa-Su).

3350 avenue of the arts, costa mesa 714.442.8593 silvertrumpetrestaurant.com special advertising section

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OC dining 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

Andrei’s Conscious Cuisine & Cocktails Andrei’s is more than just amazing dishes and drinks. The Irvine restaurant thinks responsibly, from sourcing and preparing the food to its commitment to sustainability across all fronts. Signature entrees include Warm Octopus Salad mixed with fingerling potatoes and chorizo and Garlic-Sage Gnocchi made with ricotta cheese and Yukon gold potatoes. Andrei’s is perhaps best known for its unique cocktails made by some of Orange County’s best mixologists. Try the Chilean Spice during happy hour (Mon.-Fri., 3-7) or end the night with a Circa 1932, a delicious whiskey-based cocktail complete with house-made clove and cardamom syrup. The restaurant features live jazz and flamenco guitarists Thurs.-Sat. L (M-F), D (M-Sa). 2607 Main St., Irvine 949.387.8887 andreisrestaurant.com

The Twisted Vine At the Twisted Vine Wine Bar & Shop, savory small plates such as baked Brie, chorizo-potato empanadas and pesto chicken pasta can be paired with the more than 40 wines by the glass and 200 by the bottle. Dessert choices include Nutella paninis, chocolate fondue and “twisted” cheesecake. The rustic setting, with its dark wood accents, exposed brick and leather chairs, is warm and welcoming, and the intimate patio seating is ideal for a special event. There are weekly wine and beer flights; the on-site wine shop sells many wines that are hard to find. The Orange County Register named the wine bar the county’s best; it’s earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence three consecutive years. L (Tu-Su), D (nightly).

127 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton 714.871.1200 twistedvinewines.com special advertising section

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OC dining

370 Common

New Laguna Beach hot spot 370 Common focuses the dining experience back on the communal table where it all began. The rustic dining room is finished with reclaimed materials, antiques and vintage accents. The globally influenced, locally sourced menu by chef Ryan Adams features such highlights as broccolini with fried egg, Asiago, prosciutto and bread crumbs; veal shepherd’s pie; and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. Join 370 Common for a “Sunday Night Social” and enjoy an old-fashioned supper selected by chef Adams. D (nightly).

370 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach 949.494.8686 370common.com

The Cellar The Cellar has pampered connoisseurs with a sophisticated menu, an extensive wine list and superlative service since 1970. The romantic setting beneath the historic Villa del Sol was created by Disney craftsman Gene White, who designed the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Signature dishes by chef Sean Nemetz include sautéed escargot; velvety lobster bisque; tofu Napoleon with Thai barbecue glaze; Three “B” Hash of bacon, Brussels sprouts and butternut squash; classic chateaubriand for two; and a chocolate-and-hazelnut soufflé. Craft cocktails, too. D (Tu-Su).

305 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton 714.525.5682 cellardining.com

Tangerine Grill & Patio The Tangerine Grill & Patio at the Anabella Hotel is quintessentially Californian, offering casual ambience and elegant cuisine in Spanish mission-style decor. Executive chef Sergio Rivera has created an imaginative menu of California dishes with Southwestern and Pacific Rim influences using free-range ingredients and locally grown produce. Highlights include coconut-crusted mahi mahi, California tacos and grilled citrus chicken with tropical fruit salsa. Indulge in the exquisite dessert menu featuring candied mousse and white chocolate soufflé. Dine in the al fresco dining area, poolside, or inside the comforts of the beautifully appointed dining room. B, L, D (daily).

1030 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim 714.772.1186 tangerinegrillandpatio.com special advertising section

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

Anaheim anaheim White House (Italian).................. 41 benihana (Japanese)................................................ 42

MEMPHIS (American)....................................................34

McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)......... 44

MESA (Med.-American)................................................... 42

Paul Martin’s (American)................................... 36

Pita jungle (Mediterranean)................................ 42

Morton’s (Steak).......................................................45

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Steak).......45

pizzeria mozza (Italian).................................... 42

PALM TERRACE (American)...................................34

THE CATCH (Seafood)................................................. 42

nello cucina (Italian).......................................... 42

6ix park grill (California).................................. 38

ROYAL thai (Thai).....................................................45

crossroads at h.O.B. (American).............34

Pinot Provence (French)................................. 40

Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean).............................. 42

Roy’s RESTAURANT (Seafood)......................... 44

J.T. Schmid’S (Brew Pub) . ......................................... 37

pizzeria ortica (Italian)................................... 42

LAGUNA BEACH

SAM & HARRY’S (Steak)..........................................45

McCormick & Schmick’s (Seafood)......... 44

quattro Caffe (Italian)..................................... 42

Mcdonald’s (Quick Bites).....................................45

RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)............................45

MIX (Eclectic)...................................................................... 39

royal khyber (Indian)........................................ 40

mORTON’s (Steak).......................................................45

Scott’s (Seafood)........................................................ 44

napa rose (California)............................................. 38

SEASONS 52 (American)........................................... 36

RAINFOREST CAFE (Themed)............................45

shuck oyster bar (Seafood)........................ 44

ralph brennan’s (American)......................... 36

taco asylum (Mexican)........................................ 42

The ranch (American)............................................. 36

Umami burger (American)..................................45

ROY’S RESTAURANT (Seafood)......................... 44

vie de france (French)....................................... 40

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE (Steak).......45

DANA POINT

ROYAL thai (Thai).....................................................45

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

slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 37

Chart House (Seafood)........................................ 42

Sapphire (Eclectic)..................................................... 39

tamarind (Indian)..................................................... 40

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

enosteak (Steak)..................................................... 44

savannah chop house (Steak)................45

ZOV’S BISTRO (Mediterranean).............................. 42

UMAMI BURGER (American)..................................45

gemmell’s (French).................................................. 40

Splashes (California)................................................. 38

ORANGE

BREA

Harbor Grill (Seafood)....................................... 42

STarfish (Eclectic)...................................................... 39

bruxie (Belgian)............................................................. 37

motif (Mediterranean).................................................. 42

taps fish house (Brew Pub/Seafood)............ 44

RAYA (Latin fusion)........................................................... 42

BUENA PARK

stonehill tavern (American)........................ 36

claim jumper (American)....................................34 il garage (Italian)..................................................... 42

thai this (Thai)...........................................................45 Vue (California)................................................................. 38

BROADWAY (American).............................................34 Brussels Bistro (Belgian)................................ 36 the deck (American).................................................34 FRENCH 75 (French)................................................... 40

SOL COCINA (Mexican)............................................. 42 TRUE FOOD KITCHEN (Eclectic)...................... 40 21 Oceanfront (Continental)............................ 39 wOODY’s WHARF (Seafood)................................ 44

HOUSE OF BIG FISH (Seafood).......................... 42

newport coast

Katsuya by starck (Japanese) .................... 42

andrea (Italian)............................................................ 41

K’ya (California) ............................................................... 37

the beachcomber (American).......................34

Mare culinary lounge (Italian)............. 42

bluefin (Japanese)...................................................... 42

NIRVANA GRILLE (California)............................... 38

Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................ 42

STUDIO (California)........................................................ 38 sundried tomato (California)........................ 38 TABU GRILL (California)............................................. 38 three seventy common (American)......... 36 UMAMI BURGER (American)..................................45

bruxie (Belgian)............................................................. 37 FrANCOLI GOURMET (Italian)........................... 41 GABBI’S MEXICAN KITCHEN (Mexican)..... 42 haven gastropub (Brew Pub)....................... 37 the hobbit (Continental)........................................ 39 orange hill (Continental).................................... 39

Medieval Times (Themed)..................................45

FULLERTON

zeytoon (Mediterranean)......................................... 42

Park Ave (American)..................................................34

The Cellar (Eclectic)............................................... 39

NEWPORT BEACH

PIRATE’S DINNER ADVENTURE (Themed)........45

Matador CANTINA (Mexican)......................... 42

CORONA DEL MAR

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

CROW BAR AND KITCHEN (Gastropub)...... 37

HUNTINGTON BEACH

back bay bistro (American)............................34

Five Crowns (Continental)................................... 39

the californian (California)........................... 37

bambú (California/French)........................................... 37

SIDE DOOR (Gastropub)............................................. 37

duke’s (Seafood)............................................................ 42

BAYSIDE (American).....................................................34

COSTA MESA/

ra sushi (Japanese).................................................... 42

benihana (Japanese)................................................ 42

south coast metro

SANDY’S BEACH GRILL (American)................ 36

BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood)............................. 42

SHADES (California)....................................................... 38

BRASSERIE PASCAL (French)............................ 40

slater’s 50/50 (Brew Pub) ................................. 37

CANALETTO RISTORANTE (Italian).............. 41

ZIMZALA (American).................................................... 36

Chart House (Seafood)........................................ 42

CHARLIE PALMER (American).............................34

IRVINE

crab cooker (Seafood)....................................... 42

claim jumper (American)....................................34

AGORA CHURRASCARIA (Brazilian)............. 44

CROW Burger KITCHEN (Gastropub)......... 37

TUSTIN

ANDREI’S (American)...................................................34

Divbar (American)........................................................34

BLUEWATER GRILL (Seafood)............................. 42

ANQI (Vietnamese fusion)............................................. 40 Antonello Ristorante (Italian).............. 41 THE CAPITAL GRILLE (Steak)........................... 44

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

Amelia’s (Seafood)...................................................... 42 A RESTAURANT (American)...................................34

SAN CLEMENTE sundried tomato (California)........................ 38 VINE (California)................................................................ 38

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO EL ADOBE (Mexican)................................................... 42 Ramos House Cafe (American).................... 36 sundried tomato (California)........................ 38

SANTA ANA CHAPTER ONE (New American)............................34 claim jumper (American)....................................34 MEMPHIS (American)....................................................34 playground (American)....................................... 36

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

Bistango (Eclectic).................................................... 39

FIRST CABIN (Seafood)............................................. 42

CRAB COOKER (Seafood)........................................ 42

The iron press (American)................................34

Capital Seafood (Chinese)............................. 41

Fleming’s (Steak)...................................................... 44

J.T. Schmid’s (Brew Pub) . ....................................... 37

Leatherby’s cafe rouge (American).......34

Cucina Enoteca (Italian)................................... 41

great maple (American)......................................34

NIEUPORT 17 (Continental)...................................... 39

MARCHÉ MODERNE (French)............................. 40

Il Fornaio (Italian).................................................... 41

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

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

Marrakesh (Moroccan)........................................... 41

Javier’s CANTINA (Mexican)............................ 42

Juliette Kitchen + Bar (American)........34

THE WINERY (California).......................................... 39

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

lucca cafe (Mediterranean)................................. 42

Muldoon’s (Irish Pub)............................................. 37

Zov’s Bistro (Mediterranean).............................. 42

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Entertainment Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pp. 69-71. Compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Index Special Events...................53 Holidays..............................53 Theater................................53 Music + Dance..................53 Sports...................................54 Attractions.........................56 Museums...........................58

Shopping Destinations...60 Golf Courses......................62 Beaches + Parks................62 Nightlife...............................65 Tours + Transport.............66 Tickets.................................68

Special Events Love, Chaos & Dinner Through Dec. 31. La Cage aux Folles meets Jimi Hendrix’s Voodoo Child meets schorching-hot hula hoops at Teatro ZinZanni’s new whirlwind of cirque, comedy, cabaret and five-course feast. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

Science of gingerbread Through Jan. 6. Kitchen science, decorating demonstrations and gingerbread award-winners. Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map K11 Holiday On ICE Through Feb. 18. Seasonal ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center. $14; $3 skate rentals. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5

Theater Plaid tidings Through Dec. 23. Hilarious vocal quartet croons nostalgic holiday tunes including “Let It Snow” and “Mr. Santa.” Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15 the Addams family Dec. 18-30. Smash-hit musical comedy brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Wednesday, Pugsley and Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

O.C. Fair new year’s eve block party Dec. 31. Entertainment includes music stages playing hits from the ‘60s-90s, dancing and a demolition derby. Gourmet food trucks offer a variety of dining options. 7:30 pm. $47.50. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, ocfair.com Map J12

Chapter Two Jan. 8-Feb. 3. Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical comedy about George, a middle-aged writer trying to deal with life after his wife’s death. Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.497.2787 Map G15

Surf city usa marathon Feb. 3. Largest oceanfront running event in California; half-marathon through Huntington Beach. Start is 6:30 am at the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel. 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, runsurfcity.com Map N9

War Horse Jan. 22-Feb. 3. As WWI begins, young Albert’s horse is sold to the cavalry, where fate takes him on an extraordinary journey. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

Taste of San Juan Feb. 13. The kickoff celebration of the Fiesta de las Golondrias (Festival of the Swallows) features more than 20 local eateries. 6-9 pm. $20. San Juan Hills Golf Club. 32120 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.4700 Map I17

Chinglish Jan. 25-Feb. 24. Daniel’s sign-making company is in trouble, but he has an idea: Score a contract in China, where signs for English-speaking tourists are mangled by hilarious mis-translations. South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.708.5555 Map J13

Holidays christmas at the mission Dec. 1. Holiday festivities and caroling. Adults, $5, children $3, under 3 free. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map H17 Sawdust winter fantasy Dec. 1-2, 8-9. 170 artists and artisans display wares in a winterwonderland setting. 10 am-6 pm. $3-$6, 5 and under free. 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030 Map G15 Candlelight ceremony AND processionAl Dec. 3-20. Evening performance of beloved holiday music and the telling of the Christmas Story. Disneyland tradition since 1958. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 Dana point harbor boat parade of lights Dec. 7-8, 14-15. Boats decked out in festive lights and decorations; this year’s theme is “A Hollywood Holiday.” 7:30 pm. Free. Dana Point Harbor, end of Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.923.2255 Map K16

Holger Badekow

Cruise of lights Dec. 15-23. Narrated boat tour of elaborately decorated homes benefits Philharmonic Society of Orange County. Tours run hourly from 5:308:30 pm. $10-$17. 16889 Algonquin St., Huntington Beach, 714.840.7542 Map C1

Newport beach christmas boat parade Dec. 19-23. Themed “Surf, Sand and Santa,” the 104th annual event features decorated boats large and small. 6:30-9 pm. Free. Newport Harbor, Newport Beach, 949.675.2823 Map K11

Wicked Opens Feb. 20. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz and grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

Music + Dance The coach house Dec. 1 Tyrone Wells. Dec. 7 Dana Carvey. Dec. 8 Berlin. Dec. 14 Gary Ho Ho Hoey. Dec. 15 Jonny Lang & Tommy Castro. Dec. 21 America “Holiday Show.” Dec. 22 X-mas 2012. Dec. 29 The Fixx. Dec. 30-31 Donavon Frankenreiter. Jan. 4 Tower of Power. Jan. 5 Missing Persons, featuring Dale Bozzio. Jan. 11 Manny Charltons. Jan. 12 Beatles vs. Stones. Jan. 13 Danny Seraphine’s California Transit Authority. Jan. 21 Marc Cohn. Feb. 9 The Tubes. Feb. 14 Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra. Feb. 16 Ozokidz. Feb. 16 Ozomatli. 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.496.8930 Map I17 Grove of anaheim Dec. 1 Anjelah Johnson. Dec. 2 Under the Streetlamp. Dec. 22 Kottonmouth Kings. Dec. 29 War. Jan. 5 Paul Brown and the Killing Devils. Feb. 15 Lisa Lampanelli Feb. 16 Boyz II Men. 2200 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.712.2700 Map I11 honda center Dec. 4 Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Dec. 18-23 Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream.

Mermaidia

John Neumeier has developed his Hamburg Ballet into one of the world’s most exquisite and creative dance companies. His thoughtful story adaptations shed new light onto well-known tales, seamlessly combining story, movement, music and visual imagery. For the troupe’s exclusive Southern California engagement, and in celebration of Hans Christian Andersen’s 200th birthday, Neumeier presents his modern interpretation of The Little Mermaid. The beloved story is a dramatic tale that contrasts the simplicity and mystery of underwater life with the worldly nature of humans. Two evening and two matinee performances take place Feb. 8-10 at Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts in Costa Mesa. p. 54

California 73 from the 405 freeway to Jamboree Road was recently closed for a weekend to film “The Hangover Part 3.” The latest in the Warner Bros. series is set in ... Las Vegas.

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Entertainment Jan. 17-20 How to Train Your Dragon Live Spectacular. Jan. 28 The Who. 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.704.2500 Map I11 house of blues Dec. 1 Yellowcard. Dec. 5-7, 10-11, 17-18, Jan. 1, 8 Social Distortion. Dec. 13 The Aquabats. Dec. 14 The Tragically Hip. Dec. 21 The Vandals 17th Annual Christmas Formal. Dec. 22 English Beat. Dec. 29 Reverend Horton Heat. Dec. 30 Ska Luau III feat. Starpool. Feb. 14 Noche Romántica con Ramon Ayala. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 Irvine barclay theatRE Dec. 13 Festival Ballet, The Nutcracker (abridged school program). Dec. 14-24 Festival Ballet, The Nutcracker. Jan. 25 JazzReach: Ellington. Jan. 27 Mozart Classical Orchestra: Happy Birthday Mozart. Feb. 9 National Theatre HD: The Magistrate. Feb. 10 Flamenco dancers Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca. Feb. 14 Hawai’ian music, the Brothers Cazimero. Feb. 26 Meryl Tankard’s The Oracle, contemporary dance. UC Irvine, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine, 949.854.4646 Map K14 THE OBSERVATORY Dec. 2 Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Dec. 7 The Adolescents/T.S.O.L. Dec. 8 Bloc Party, Dum Dum Girls. Dec. 14 NOFX. Dec. 15 Smut Peddlers & Throw Rag. Dec. 21 High on Fire, Corrosion of Conformity. Dec. 22 Murder City Devils. Constellation Room Dec. 7 JD McPherson. Dec. 8 David Bazan Band. Dec. 27 Delta Heavy. 3503 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.957.0600 Map I12 SEGERSTROM Center FOR THE ARTS Segerstrom Hall Dec. 11 Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration. Dec. 13-14 Liza Minnelli with Men Alive Chorus. Dec. 18-30 The Addams Family. Jan. 17 William Shatner’s Shatner’s World. Jan. 18-20 Classical Chinese dance, Shen Yun. Jan. 22-Feb. 3 War Horse. Feb. 8-10 Hamburg Ballet, The Little Mermaid. Opening Feb. 20 Wicked. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall Dec. 6-8 Pacific Symphony, cellist Alisa Weilerstein. Dec. 8 Pacific Symphony, Nutcracker for kids. Dec. 9 Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale, Handel’s Messiah. Dec. 13-15 Pacific Symphony, vocalist Amy Grant. Dec. 16-19 Pacific Chorale, ‘Tis the Season. Dec. 17 Soprano Jackie Evancho, songs from the silver screen. Dec. 18 Pacific Symphony, holiday organ spectacular. Jan. 10-12 Pacific Symphony, violinist James Ehnes. Jan. 12 Pacific Symphony, The Magic Flute. Jan. 13 Monterey Jazz Festival. Jan. 19 Vocalist Lea Salonga. Jan. 31-Feb. 2 Pacific Symphony, Mozart’s Requiem. Feb. 10 Violinist Itzhak Perlman. Feb. 14 Pacific Symphony, Valentine’s Day with Kenny G. Feb. 21-26 Pacific Symphony, Puccini’s Tosca. Samueli Theater Dec. 1 Musical comedy troupe 500 Clown Trapped. Dec. 14-15 Cuban jazz, Ninety Miles. Jan. 18 Takacs Quartet. Jan. 20 Pacific Symphony, Woodwind Magic. Feb. 6 Szymanowski Quartet, pianist Adam Golka. Feb. 14-16 Vocalists Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.556.2787 Map J13

2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana, California 92706 | bowers.org | 714.567.3600 Exhibition is presented by Exhibits Development Group in cooperation with Cosprop Ltd, London, England. Keira Knightley as Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, The Duchess.

SOKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Dec. 1 Guitarists the Romeros, chamber ensemble Concerto Malaga. Dec. 8 Aliso Viejo Holiday Show. Dec. 9 Musical All Is Calm. Dec. 16 All-American Boys Chorus: The Sounds of Christmas. Jan. 16 Takacs Quartet with pianist Joyce Yang. Jan. 18 Jazz, the Phil Norman Tentet. Jan. 26 Pianist Louis Lortie. Jan. 28 Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Feb. 2 Cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Feb. 9 Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. Feb. 15 Jazz, Kenny Werner Trio. Feb. 16 Malama O Ke Aina, Malama O Ke Kai, Hawaiian music. Feb. 19 Pianist Barry Douglas. Feb. 24 Pacific Symphony, pianist Orli Shaham. 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, 949.480.4000 Map G16

Sports Anaheim convention center arena Yearling indoor soccer season. Dec. 9 Anaheim Bolts vs. Turlock Express. Dec. 14 U.S. Open Cup, Round One. Dec. 27 Anaheim Bolts vs. Mexico Toros. Jan. 5

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Attractions + Museums Anaheim Bolts vs. Tacoma Stars. Jan. 12 Anaheim Bolts vs. Sacramento Surge. Feb. 2 Anaheim Bolts vs. San Diego Sockers. Feb. 9 Anaheim Bolts vs. Rio Grande. Feb. 17 Anaheim Bolts vs. Las Vegas Legends. 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.464.2901 Map I9

Attractions 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 AqUAriUm of the PACifiC One of the largest aquariums in the U.S.; highlights include Shark Lagoon, Lorikeet Forest and ethereal sea jellies. Daily 9 am6 pm. $14.95-$25.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map west of C1 boomerS Family entertainment centers: bumper boats, batting cages, go-karts, mini-golf, laser tag. Open daily; call for hours. 16800 Magnolia St., Fountain Valley, 714.842.1111; 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, 949.559.8341 Maps L9, K14 CAPtAin DAve’S DolPhin & WhAle SAfAri Dolphin and whale-watching excursions. Departures daily. $35-$55, under 3 free. 24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.488.2828 Map J16 CryStAl CAtheDrAl Church boasts three architectural treasures: Philip Johnson’s glass cathedral, Richard Neutra’s Tower of Hope and Richard Meier’s International Center for Positive Thinking. Tours M-Sa 9 am-3:30 pm. Free. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove, 714.971.4000 Map J10 DAnA WhArf SPortfiShing Year-round fishing and whale-watching trips from south Orange County. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794 Map K16 DiSCovery SCienCe Center Continuing Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archaeology. Through Jan. 6 The Science of Gingerbread and Bob the Builder: Project Build It. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $12.95-$14.95, under 3 free; separate admission for Indiana Jones. 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.542.2823 Map G13 DiSneylAnD Mickey Mouse’s first theme park. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue and Mickey’s Soundsational Parade are recent additions. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81-$87, under 3 free. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 DiSney CAliforniA ADventUre Spectacular Pixar-inspired Cars Land and Buena Vista Street are new. Nighttime water show World of Color; Soarin’ Over California; California Screamin’; Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $81-$87. 1313 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 DoWntoWn DiSney Twenty-acre pedestrian promenade adjacent to Disney parks offers dining, shopping, cinema and nightlife, including House of Blues and ESPN Zone. Non-gated, free admission. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 environmentAl nAtUre Center Intimate center offers 15 California native plant habitats. M-F 8 am-5 pm, Sa until 4 pm. Free. 1601 16th St., Newport Beach, 949.645.8489 Map M13 flightDeCK Air CombAt Center Civilians turn into dogfighting machines using 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

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Attractions + Museums FULLERTON ARBORETUM County’s largest botanical garden, with 26 lush acres and more than 4,000 unusual plant species set amid ponds and streams. 8 am-4:30 pm. Free; $3 suggested donation. 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, 657.278.3407 Map A3 JETLEv sOUThwEsT New water-propelled jet pack adventure in Newport Harbor. $299-$349. 2600 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 888.553.6471 Map N13 K1 spEEd Indoor kart racing offers challenging track for speed enthusiasts. Arrangements for private parties or corporate events possible. $20. 17221 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.250.0242; 1000 N. Edward Court, Anaheim, 714.632.6999 Map I14 and A3 KNOTT’s BERRy FARM More than 165 rides and attractions. Premier collection of coasters includes Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Xcelerator and WindSeeker. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at seasonal Knott’s Merry Farm. Call for hours and prices; under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map G8 MEdIEvAL TIMEs Dinner theater show featuring jousting knights, Lipizzaner stallions, swordsmanship and falconry, four-course feast. Medieval Torture Museum. $35.95-$57.95. 7662 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 866.543.9637 Map G8 OcEAN INsTITUTE Live presentations aboard tall ship Pilgrim, docked in Dana Point Harbor; tide-pool sessions; marine-mammal exploration cruises; bluewhale safaris. Behind the Scenes Tour Th-F 3:30 pm. Open to public Sa-Su 10 am-3 pm. $4.50-$6.50, under 3 free. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, 949.496.2274 Map J16

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ORANGE cOUNTy GREAT pARK In-progress park is bigger than New York’s Central Park. Free tetheredballoon ride. Farmers market, Su 10 am-2 pm. Interstate 5, Sand Canyon Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. Great Park Balloon and Preview Park, Perimeter Road, Irvine, 866.829.3829 Map D5 ORANGE cOUNTy ZOO New lion cubs! Charming, rustic zoo features plants and animals from Southwestern U.S. Audio tours are new. M-F 10 am-3:30 pm, Sa-Su until 4:30 pm. $2, under 2 free. Parking $3-$5. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6847 Map C5 pIRATE’s dINNER AdvENTURE Swashbuckling swordplay, aerial artistry, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, comedy, romance aboard Spanish galleon replica in lagoon. Call for hours. $37.45$61.95, under 3 free. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497 Map G8 pRETENd cITy chILdREN’s MUsEUM Interconnected, interactive miniature city for children from infant to 10. Tu-Su 10 am-5 pm; M until 1 pm. $11. 29 Hubble, Irvine, 949.428.3900 Map E6

NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

QUEEN MARy shIp ANd sEApORT Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Continuing: Diana: Legacy of a Princess. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. Russian Foxtrot Submarine is adjacent. Self-guided and guided tours, Su-Th 10 am-6 pm, F-Sa 10 am-7 pm. $14.95$34.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map northwest of C1 RIchARd NIxON LIBRARy & BIRThpLAcE Provocative exhibits include the presidential helicopter, the presidential tapes and a permanent Watergate gallery. Opening Feb. 15 Richard Nixon Centennial Exhibit. Garden tours on Saturdays. M-Sa 10 am-5 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4.75-$11.95, under 7 free. 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd., Yorba Linda, 714.993.5075 Map A4 ROcKREATION Indoor climbing facility with instruction at all levels. M-Th noon-10 pm, F until 9 pm; Sa-Su

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Attractions + Museums 10 am-6 pm. $11-$16. 1300 Logan Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.556.7625 Map J12 SAFARI PARK (Formerly Wild Animal Park) 1,800acre wildlife preserve with vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. $42; children 3-11 $32; kids 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $37.80. Cars $10-15. Open daily, 9 am-5 pm (holiday weekends till 6 pm). 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map southeast of F6 SAN DIEGO ZOO Renowned zoo has 4,000 rare and endangered animals in state-of-the-art environments. $42; 3-11 $32; 2 and under free; seniors 60 and over $37.80. Free parking. Open daily, call for hours. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515 Map southeast of F6 SANTA ANA ZOO Modest, idyllic zoo. Tierra de las Pampas exhibit features giant anteaters and greater rheas. Daily, 10 am-4 pm. $7-$10, under 3 free. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.835.7484 Map H14 SEAWORLD Home of Shamu. Marine-themed attractions include Turtle Reef, thrill ride Journey to Atlantis and Blue Horizons show. Open daily. Call for hours, combo rates. $70-$78, under 3 free. 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, 800.25.SHAMU Map southeast of F6 SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS Ten gardens showcase intimate botanical collection. Library research center. Daily 10:30 am-4 pm. Library open T-Th 9 am-4:30 pm. $1-$3, under 12 free. Free on Mondays. 2647 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar, 949.673.2261 Map M16 SKY HIGH SPORTS Fun center features 360 degrees of trampoline walls; free-bounce, dodgeball and AIRobics. M-F 10 am-midnight; Sa 11 am-midnight; Su until 10 pm. Call for rates. 2970 Airway Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.437.5867 Map J13

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SKYTHRILLS Thrill rides, aerobatics in biplanes. Rides are hands-on, videotaped and include DVD of flight. 230 Dale Place, Fullerton, 866.484.7455 Map A2 THRILL IT FUN CENTER New indoor family-fun center features laser tag, rock climbing walls, ropes course and mechanical bull. Open M-Th 10 am-9 pm, F-Sa 10 am-11 pm, Su 11 am-9 pm. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.1600 Map J11 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include new Transformers: The Ride 3D, Jurassic Park, Simpsons Ride, Special Effects Stage, King Kong 360 3-D. Tram studio tour includes War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour though prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $72-$80, under 3 free. VIP Experience $249. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 800.UNIVERSAL Map northwest of A1 VANS SKATEPARK Skateboard mecca has combi pool, open street course and mini-ramps; Vans store is adjacent. Daily 10 am-10 pm. $12/session (2 hrs.) weekdays; $15/session weekends. The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.3800 Map J11

Museums

C H O O S E YO U R S E AT S A N D C H E C K S H O W T I M E S AT

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AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER OF THE AMERICAN WEST Through Jan. 6 California’s Designing Women, 1896-1986. Tu-Sa 10 am-4 pm; Su 11 am-5 pm. $4-$10, under 3 free. 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park, Los Angeles, 323.667.2000 Map northwest of A1 BOWERS KIDSEUM Children’s museum near Bowers Museum with a focus on ethnic arts and culture. Tu-Su 10 am-4 pm. $6, under 2 free. 1802 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.480.1520 Map G13

OCEAN RANCH VILLAGE

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Strawberry Farms Golf Club Orange County’s Home Course Featuring O.C.’s Longest Hole – 630 yard 5-par

Attractions + Museums Bowers Museum Dedicated to preservation and exhibition of world cultural arts plus displays with California focus. Opening Dec. 15 Cut! Costume and the Cinema. Through Jan. 13 Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection. Separate admission for some exhibits. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.567.3600 Map G13 Fullerton Museum Center Ongoing Solid Design: Leo Fender’s Telecaster. Tu-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 8 pm. $1-$4, under 6 free. 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545 Map A3 Getty Center Museum in stunning structure on a hilltop features breathtaking contemporary gardens, unparalleled collection of European masterpieces, provocative photography. Tu-Su 10 am-5:30 pm, Sa until 9 pm; Call for exhibition schedule and hours. Free. Parking $15, free after 5 pm. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, 310.330.7300 Map northwest of A1

Home to the West Coast’s Finest Golf Instruction

Getty Villa The Getty Center’s exquisite coastal counterpart is a replica of an ancient Roman seaside villa, an ode to splendor showcasing Roman and Greek antiquities. W-M 10 am-5 pm. Free, parking $15. Advance timed tickets required. 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades, 310.440.7300 Map northwest of A1 grammy museum Museum on L.A. Live campus explores music across genres, the creative and recording processes, and Grammy Award history. M-F 11:30 am-7:30 pm; Sa-Su 10 am-7:30 pm. $10.95-$12.95, under 6 free. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A245, downtown Los Angeles, 213.765.6800 Map northwest of A1

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Hollywood Museum Ten thousand artifacts on four floors: costumes such as Robert Pattinson’s and Taylor Lautner’s in Twilight, sets including Hannibal Lecter’s cell, props, photos, movie posters, scripts and Max Factor’s makeup rooms, where Marilyn Monroe became a blonde and Lucille Ball a redhead. In restored Max Factor Building. W-Su 10 am-5 pm. $12-$15. 1660 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, 323.464.7776 Map northwest of A1 Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens Stellar art, buildings and grounds, fabulous children’s garden. Gallery includes Pinkie and The Blue Boy. Expanded Virginia Steele Scott Galleries of American Art. M, W-F noon-4:30 pm; Sa-Su 10:30 am-4:30 pm. $6-$20, under 5 free. 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 626.405.2100 Map northwest of A1 Huntington Beach IntERNATIONAl Surfing Museum Board culture spotlights legend Duke Kahanamoku, classic surfboards and the original Endless Summer film. M-F noon-5 pm, Tu until 9 pm; Sa-Su 11 am-6 pm. Free. 411 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.960.3483 Map N8

Come discover the beauty of Anaheim Hills Golf Course. We

welcome visitors to enjoy the incredible value of daily tee times and pristine course conditions – all nestled right in the heart of Orange County, located just minutes from Disneyland. Escape today and take advantage of our FREE Rental Club Offer, New Nike VRS Series Rental Golf Clubs, for a savings of $30.00! Play like the pros, or at least test drive the clubs they use. It’s on us! To redeem offer, book your round through your hotel concierge. www.AnaheimHillsGC.com | Phone (714) 998-3041 Anaheim Hills Golf Course | 6501 Nohl Ranch Road | Anaheim, CA

Irvine Museum California Impressionism within office building. Through Jan. 17 Autumn’s Glory, Winter’s Grace. Tu-Sa 11 am-5 pm. $5. 18881 Von Karman Ave., Irvine, 949.476.2565 Map J14 Laguna Art Museum California Impressionism and contemporary cultural art. Through Jan. 20 Highlights from museum collection The Permanent Collection; through Jan. 20 Timothy J. Clark. F-Tu 11 am-5 pm, Th 11 am-9 pm. $5-$7, under 12 free. 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.8971 Map H15 Los Angeles County Museum of Art Diverse premier collections and Broad Contemporary Art Museum. LACMA West nearby. M-Tu, Th noon-8 pm, F until 9 pm; Sa-Su 11 am–8 pm. Closed W $10-$15, under 18 free. LACMA West free. LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd.; LACMA West, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 323.857.6000 Map northwest of A1 LYON AIR Museum Some of the world’s rarest operational 20th century aircraft and other historical vehicles; on the perimeter of John Wayne Airport. Daily 10 am-4 pm. $6-$12, under 5 free. 19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, 714.210.4585 Map J13

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Newport harbor nautical museum Ongoing Sea of Adventure: Extraordinary People. M-W 11 am-3 pm, Th and Su until 5 pm, F-Sa until 6 pm. $2-$4, under 4 free. 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, 949.675.8915 Map N14

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Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Thirty-three million objects from dino fossils to fish. Dinosaur Hall is new. 9:30 am-5 pm daily. $5-$12, under 5 free. 900 Exposition Blvd., downtown Los Angeles, 213.763.3466 Map northwest of A1

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Orange County Museum of Art Focus on California modern/contemporary art. Through Dec. 30 OC Collects. Opening Feb. 17 Richard Jackson: Ain’t Painting a Pain. Opening Feb. 29 Pairings: The Collection at 50; Eija-Liisa Ahtila + Joan Brown. W-Su 11 am-5 pm; Th until 8 pm. $10-$12, under 12 free. 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach, 949.759.1122 Map L15

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MUZEO In historic Carnegie Library building. Through Jan. 6 Spanish Masters: Goya, Picasso, Dali; Ongoing Across the Andes. Daily 10 am-5 pm. $9-$13. Admission fees, hours subject to change by exhibition. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, 714.956.8936 Map H10

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Museum of Tolerance Exhibits examine prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues. M-F 10 am-5 pm, Su 11 am5 pm. $11-$15. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles, 310.553.8403 Map northwest of A1

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Muckenthaler Cultural Center Displays, often design-oriented, in historic North County mansion. Through Jan. 6 Type Matters: The Artistry of Bookbinding & Letterform. W-Su noon-4 pm, Th until 9 pm. Free. 1201 W. Malvern Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6595 Map A3

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Mission San Juan Capistrano Exhibits at the jewel of the California missions (1776). Continuing Mission Treasures: Historical Collection Revealed; Plein Air Art Reproductions. Digital audio tour free with admission. Daily 8:30 am-5 pm. $6-$9, under 3 free. 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300 Map I17

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Shopping Destinations ANAHEIM GARDENWALK Retail, entertainment and dining destination near Disneyland. Stores include Lush Cosmetics, Skechers, O’Neill, Harley-Davidson of Anaheim; some seats at 14-plex UltraLuxe cinema feature film-synced motion technology. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.635.7410 Map I10 ANAHEIM PACKING DISTRICT Center Street Promenade from owners of Costa Mesa’s the Lab and the Camp includes Home Economics, Healthy Junk, the Good Californian Haberdashery and Heart & Sole. Nearby 1920s Packard showroom features Umami Burger and Anaheim Brewery. Historic citrus packing building housing 20 foodie vendors, opens presently. Center Street and Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim, 714.966.6661 Map H10 Bella Terra Striking Italian-themed open-air center; Whole Foods Market, REI and 20-screen cinema. 7777 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, 714.897.2534 Map C2 Brea Mall County’s second-largest mall is home to department stores Nordstrom and Macy’s and 174 other retailers. 1065 Brea Mall, Brea, 714.990.2733 Map A3 BUena Park Downtown More than 1 million square feet of retail, dining and entertainment near Knott’s Berry Farm includes Krikorian Metroplex cinemas and Portillo’s popular hot-dog venue. 8308 On the Mall, Buena Park, 714.828.7722 Map G8 The Camp Green-oriented enclave for outdoors enthusiasts includes eco-department store SEED

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Shopping People’s Market and a host of intriguing dining options. 2937-2981 S. Bristol St., Costa Mesa Map J13 Corona del Mar Plaza Boutiques include Gail Jewelers, Jack’s Surfboards, Antonia shoes. Other draws: Savory Spice Shop and Ergonique spa. 800-984 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, 949.720.2689 Map M15 Crystal Cove shopping center Ocean views amid Tuscan setting. Upscale boutiques, home stores and fine dining; Coastal Cool boutique, Sweet & Saucy and Bear Flag Fish Co. are new. 7845-8085 E. Coast Hwy., Newport Coast, 949.720.2689 Map M17 THE DISTRICT AT TUSTIN LEGACY One-millionsquare-foot retail, entertainment and dining destination. Boutiques include Madison Bleu and Ulta Cosmetics; Whole Foods Market; Bowlmor bowling lounge. Jamboree Road and Barranca Parkway, Tustin, 714.259.0290 Map J14 Downtown Disney Twenty-acre complex includes House of Blues, Build-A-Bear, Studio Disney 365 and Ridemakerz. 1510-1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.300.7800 (See Attractions.) Map I10 Fashion Island Elegant open-air center with dramatic new look. Nordstrom joins Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus. C. Wonder, Johnny Was and Eva Varro boutiques, Whole Foods Market is new. 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.721.2000 Map L15 5 Points Plaza Neighborhood center, a local favorite, offers Wet Seal, Ann Taylor Loft, Big 5 Sporting Goods and Hashigo Sushi. 18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 714.841.0036 Map D2

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The Grove Popular outdoor center has more than 50 shops, a Barneys Co-Op, Nordstrom and nine restaurants in a setting that suggests a grand old downtown. Movie theater, trolley and dancing fountain are draws. Adjacent to Farmers Market. Third Street and Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, 323.900.8080 Map northwest of A1 Hollywood & Highland CENTER Home of the Academy Awards’ Dolby Theatre. Tinseltown-themed center features dining, cinema, high-tech bowling lanes and stores such as Louis Vuitton and Lucky Brand Jeans. Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, Hollywood, 323.467.6412 Map northwest of A1 Irvine Spectrum Center Moorish-themed entertainment-retail center includes nation’s most visited movie complex. New eateries include Cucina Enoteca, Paul Martin’s American Grill, Capital Seafood and Wood Ranch. Giant Ferris wheel visible from freeways. 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.753.5180 Map D5 The Lab Once a night-vision-goggle factory, now an indoor-outdoor venue featuring youth-skewed boutiques, gallery and salon. Contemporary art and design bookstore As Issued is new. Dining options include Zipangu, Gypsy Den and Habana. 2930 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.966.6660 Map J13 Laguna Hills Mall Macy’s, Swiss Watch Gallery and 90 other specialty stores, many youth-skewed: Disney Store, Claire’s Accessories. 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, 949.586.8283 Map E6 The outlets at orange Calvin Klein joins Perry Ellis and Tommy Hilfiger outlets, Nordstrom Rack, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th and American Eagle Outfitters. Vans Skatepark for indoor boarding. Formerly known as the Block at Orange. 20 City Blvd. W., Orange, 714.769.4000 Map J11 The Shops at Mission Viejo From Aveda to Z Gallerie, plus Nordstrom and Macy’s. 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo, 949.364.1832 Map E6 south coast collection New center of design showrooms and creative studios includes new Surfas

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Golf Culinary District and the Iron Press waffle house. OC Mart Mix features 30-plus vendors including Savory Spice Shop, Portola Coffee Lab and the Cheese Shop; Shuck Oyster Bar is new. 3303-3323 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.333.0893 Map J12 South Coast Plaza “The Ultimate Shopping Experience” is a state tourist destination. Marquee retailers include Christian Louboutin and Prada; Barbara Bui and REDValentino are new. Macy’s Home Store and Crate & Barrel anchor Bear Street wing. 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 800.782.8888 Map J13 THE STRAND Two blocks of coast-adjacent property offers retailers including Active Ride Shop, Varga and Crocs and Ra Sushi restaurant. 155 Fifth St., Huntington Beach, 714.465.4528 Map N9 Westfield mainplace Macy’s, Nordstrom, 180 specialty shops and boutiques. 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 714.547.7000 Map G13

Golf Courses Aliso Creek Golf Course Picturesque ninehole course in canyon with coastal breezes and 19 bunkers. M-Th $27, F $32, Sa-Su $36. 31106 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.499.2271 Map I16 Anaheim Hills Golf Course “The Hills.” Fine golf value, with 18 holes set amid California terrain with vistas, valleys, stream, oaks, sycamores. M-Th $48, F $57, Sa-Su $66. Includes cart and use of GPS system. 6501 E. Nohl Ranch Road, Anaheim, 714.998.3041 Map B5 Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Upscale course on the Ladera Open Space Reserve. M-Th $72, F $87, Sa-Su $101. 26772 Avery Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.305.5100 Map E6 Black Gold Golf Club Challenges at oil-themed canyon course include elevation changes, blind tee shots. M-Th $87, F $99, Sa-Su $115. Includes cart and GPS system. 1 Black Gold Drive, Yorba Linda, 714.961.0060 Map A4 Costa Mesa Golf and Country Club Mesa Linda course is shorter, more difficult than Los Lagos. Mesa Linda $26-$38; Los Lagos $33-$47. 1701 Golf Course Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.540.7500 Map D3 Coyote Hills Country Club Course designed by Cal Olson and PGA Tour legend Payne Stewart. Lighted driving range, chipping and sand play area. Call for rates. Includes cart and GPS system. 1440 E. Bastanchury Road, Fullerton, 714.672.6800 Map A3 Dad Miller Golf Course Walkable, treelined course—Tiger Woods’ home course during high school—for beginning to intermediate golfers. M-Th $27, F $35, Sa-Su $39. 430 N. Gilbert St., Anaheim, 714.765.3481 Map G8 Fullerton Golf Club Creek plays into many holes. Call for rates. 2700 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, 714.578.9201 Map A3 Mile Square Golf Course Two challenging 18-hole courses. M-Th $34-$38, F $39-$45, Sa-Su $48. 10401 Warner Ave., Fountain Valley, 714.962.5541 Map C2 Monarch Beach Golf Links Ocean views abound at 18-hole course at St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort. M-Th $175, F-Su $195. Includes cart with GPS system. Twilight rates available. 50 Monarch Beach Drive, Dana Point, 949.240.8247 Map J16 Newport Beach Golf Course Contoured executive course offers night play. $12-$27. 3100 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach, 949.852.8681 Map M15

Oak Creek Golf Club Tapered fairways, bull-nose carved bunkers and picturesque greens on Tom Fazio course. M-Th $130, F-Su $175. Includes cart. 1 Golf Club Drive, Irvine, 949.653.5300 Map D5 Pelican Hill GOLF CLUB Two gorgeous courses reopened after a two-year renovation as part of the sumptuous Resort at Pelican Hill; coastal views from virtually every hole. $280 daily. 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 877.735.4226 Map L17 Rancho San Joaquin Course offers big hilly greens with water on seven holes. Call for rates. 1 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, 949.786.5522 Map D4 Strawberry Farms Golf Club 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 Talega Golf Club Scenic canyons, marshes, Spanish Colonial-style clubhouse, 18-hole championship course with Augusta white-sand bunkers designed in part by Masters champion Fred Couples. M-Th $80, F $90, Sa-Su $100. 990 Avenida Talega, San Clemente, 949.369.6226 Map south of F6 Tijeras Creek Golf Club Play through front “lake” nine, old-growth sycamores, oaks and native chaparral on back nine. Ted Robinson-designed. M-F $95, Sa-Su $120. 29082 Tijeras Creek Road, Rancho Santa Margarita, 949.589.9793 Map east of E6 Tustin Ranch Golf Club Upscale course designed by Ted Robinson has challenging greens, palm trees, lakes. County’s only public golf course with private caddie service. M-Th $110, F $130, Sa-Su $160. 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, 714.730.1611 Map C5

Beaches + Parks Aliso Creek County Beach Steep shore creates powerful waves. All amenities and fire pits. Pay-and-display parking $1/hour. 31131 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.923.2280 Map I16

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Balboa Beach Pristine sunning and swimming beach. All amenities. Metered parking. Along Balboa Boulevard at Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N14  Bolsa Chica State Beach Good for grunion hunting! All amenities and fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Main Street and Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach, 714.846.3460 Map N9

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Capistrano Beach Wide, unblemished. All amenities. Pay-and-display parking $1/hour. 35005 Beach Road, Capo Beach, 949.923.2280 Map F6 Corona del Mar State Beach Large, sandy beach—withvolleyball—below beautiful homes. Lifeguards, all amenities, fire pits. Waveless cove adjacent. Fee for parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Marguerite Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 Crystal Cove State Park Thousands of acres of hiking and mountain biking trails, 3.2 miles of sandy coves and steep cliffs. Historic district with beach cottages and the Beachcomber café. Irvine Coast Marine Life Refuge offshore. Lifeguards, restrooms. Fee for parking. Along East Coast Highway between Laguna Beach and Corona del Mar, 949.494.3539 Map E4

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Doheny State Beach Popular swimming beach, interpretive center. All amenities, fire pits. Fee for parking. Dana Point Harbor, along Del Obispo and Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point, 949.496.6172 Map K17 Huntington City Beach Wide, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Fee for parking. Along Pacific

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Beaches + Parks Coast Highway between Beach Boulevard and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.5281 Map N9

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huntington state beaCh Expansive, sandy beach; amenities include fire pits. Bolsa Chica Wetlands are across the highway. Fee for parking. Along Pacific Coast Highway between Santa Ana River and Main Street, Huntington Beach, 714.536.1454 Map N10 LittLe Corona DeL Mar beaCh Steep paved path to picturesque cove; tide pools filled with anemones and starfish are great for kids. Good for snorkeling— and family photos. Free street parking. Ocean Boulevard and Poppy Avenue, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3151 Map M16 Main beaCh Large beach close to shops and restaurants offers great people-watching, basketball, volleyball, chess. All amenities. Metered parking. At Broadway and Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map F5 newport beaCh MuniCipaL beaCh Popular golden strand with many fine surf spots. All amenities, including fire pits. Metered parking. Along Oceanfront at Newport Pier, Newport Beach, 949.673.3371 Map N13

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newport Dunes resort Beach at RV park on the Back Bay has full-time lifeguards, giant inflatable inwater novelties (e.g., teeter-totter, climbing apparatus) and various water vessels for rent. Segway tours. 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, 949.729.DUNE Map M14 piCniC beaCh Known for picnics and panoramas. Lifeguard and, picnic tables. Metered parking. Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573 Map H15 pirates Cove Secluded beach with harbor views; few to no waves make it perfect for little ones. Bouldering spot for local climbers. Paid parking at Corona del Mar State Beach; free street parking. At Ocean Boulevard and Harbor Channel, Corona del Mar, 949.644.3309 Map F6

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poChe beaCh Small, sandy surfing beach. Free street parking. Camino Capistrano at Pacific Coast Highway, San Clemente, 949.361.8261 Map J17 roCkpiLe beaCh Rocky surfing beach. Metered parking. At Myrtle Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach, 949.494.6573 Map H15 saLt Creek County beaCh Long, pristine stretch below the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Beautiful, grassy Bluff Park with basketball court. All amenities. Pay-anddisplay parking $1/hour. Off Ritz-Carlton Drive, 33333 S. Coast Hwy., Dana Point, 949.923.2280 Map J16 san CLeMente City beaCh 1,200-foot pier (1920s), wide beach, good surf. All amenities. Metered parking. The train goes right by the beach. 620 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, 949.361.8219 Map K17

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san CLeMente state beaCh Popular mile-long beach below sandstone bluffs offers all amenities, a nature trail and butterfly trail. Fee for parking. 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, 949.492.3156 Map K17 seaL beaCh Popular surfing beach has a lifeguard and showers. Metered parking. Main Street and Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach, 562.430.2613 Map C1

viCtoria beaCh Laguna’s prettiest beach has tower fit for Rapunzel and man-made, high-tide swimming pool circa 1920. Metered parking. Victoria Street off Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, 714.834.2400 Map H15 the weDge World-renowned bodysurfing and bodyboarding spot. The break is dangerous; watch unless you’re an expert. Free parking lot. West Jetty View Park, tip of Balboa Peninsula, end of Channel Road, Newport Beach, 949.644.3309 Map N16 west street beaCh Small cove beach; volleyball courts, bodyboarding. Metered parking. West Street and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 714.834.2400 Map I16

Regional Parks Carbon Canyon regionaL park Wild and rugged canyon terrain good for hiking and horseback riding. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, 714.973.3160 Map A4 CLark regionaL park Ideal for picnicking, fishing and tennis. Interpretive center houses fossils of local prehistoric plants and animals. 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, 714.973.3170 Map A3 Craig regionaL park A 150-acre haven with a lake seemingly isolated from the outside world. 3300 State College Blvd., Fullerton, 714.973.3180 Map A3 irvine regionaL park On land donated by James Irvine in 1897, California’s oldest regional park houses the Orange County Zoo and Irvine Park Railroad. Setting features old-growth oak and sycamore trees. Families have picnicked at the park for more than 100 years. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.973.6835 Map B5 Laguna nigueL regionaL park Wide selection of outdoor activities, including tennis, volleyball, jogging and bicycling in well-landscaped setting. There’s fishing on a 44-acre lake. 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2240 Map F6 Mason regionaL park Large grassy areas, picnic shelters, hundreds of acres of protected land with three miles of paved trails for hikers and bikers. 18712 University Drive, Irvine, 949.923.2220 Map D4 MiLe square regionaL park Reservable sports fields, walking and biking paths and fishing on two ponds. 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, 714.973.6600 Map B1 o’neiLL regionaL park Expansive 3,300-acre park offers a unique spot for both day use and camping. Includes the Arroyo Trabuco area, 935 acres of relatively pristine land maintained as a wilderness preserve. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, 949.923.2256 Map east of D6 peters Canyon regionaL park Blend of native vegetation and scenic trails. Lush groves of willows and black cottonwoods intertwine with a rambling creek and encase a 50-acre lake. Variety of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, 714.973.6611 Map B5

shaw’s Cove Picturesque cove has tide pools; popular diving destination. Metered parking. At Fairview Street and Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach Map H15

santiago oaks regionaL park Secluded 1,750-acre refuge has a variety of trails, native oak trees and a historic dam. Nature Center open on weekends. Garden area is a popular location for small, weekend weddings. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, 714.973.6620 Map B4

thousanD steps beaCh Two-hundred-something concrete steps lead to a small beach at the base of a cliff. Free street parking. Ninth Avenue and South Coast Highway, South Laguna, 714.834.2400 Map I16

wieDer regionaL park Overlooks Bolsa Chica Wetlands, offers equestrian trails, hiking trails, picnic areas and playgrounds. 19251 Seapoint Ave., Huntington Beach, 949.923.2290 Map D2

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Beaches + Parks

8DINING

YORBA REGIONAL PARK Recreational facilities support parties and social gatherings, softball games and bike riding. 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, 714.973.6615 Map A5

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Wilderness Parks ALISO AND WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK 3,350-acre park is home to world-class mountain-biking terrain. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, 949.923.2200 Map H16 CASPERS WILDERNESS PARK 8,000-acres for day use and camping. Nature center; interpretive programs. 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.923.2210 Map east of F6 RICHARD AND DONNA O’NEILL LAND CONSERVANCY 1,200-acre reserve; public access during special events. Call for schedule. Rancho Mission Viejo, 28672 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.489.9778 Map east of F6 LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK Sycamoreshaded canyons and high ridges offering ocean views are spectacular hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Nature center serves as a gateway to 7,000-acre natural habitat. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.923.2235 Map G15

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LIMESTONE CANYON AND WHITING RANCH WILDERNESS PARK Docent-led hikes, bike rides and equestrian tours of 5,000 acres of forested canyons, rock formations, rolling hills, streams and trails. Natural history interpretive center. Portola Parkway and Market Place, Foothill Ranch, 949.923.2245 Map east of D6

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MODJESKA CANYON NATURE PRESERVE At base of Santa Ana Mountains and bordered by Cleveland National Forest on three sides. Protected natural area accessible only by ranger-led tours with advance reservations. 949.923.2245 Map east of D6

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RILEY WILDERNESS PARK Oak groves, grasslands and deer. Native plant garden attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto De Caza, 949.923.2265 Map east of E6 TALBERT NATURE PRESERVE A variety of hiking and interpretive trails situated within an “ecological staircase” of a salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. 1298 Victoria Ave. at Santa Ana River, Costa Mesa, 949.923.2290 Map M11 UPPER NEWPORT BAY NATURE PRESERVE At Newport Back Bay with vistas of the coastal wetlands. One of the finest birding sites in North America; several endangered species make this home. Interpretive center is open Tu-Su, 10 am-4 pm. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, 949.923.2290 Map K13

Historical Parks ARDEN: HELENA MODJESKA HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDENS Home of world-renowned 19th century actress Madame Helena Modjeska. National historic landmark named for its resemblance to the Forest of Arden in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. Visits by appointment through Heritage Hill Historical Park. 29042 Modjeska Canyon Road, Modjeska Canyon, 949.923.2230 Map east of D6 GEORGE KEY RANCH HISTORIC PARK Beautiful grounds hold a botanical garden and citrus grove. 1898 building offers visitors a view of life in the early days of Orange County citrus farming. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places. 625 W. Bastanchury Road, Placentia, 714.973.3190 Map A4 HERITAGE HILL HISTORIC PARK Park preserves Orange County’s cultural heritage through four historic

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Nightlife buildings representing distinct eras in the area’s development. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230 Map D6 irvine ranCh historiC park Once the heart of the Irvine agricultural empire, the park preserves the ranch operations headquarters, as well as the site of the original Irvine family home. Houses the O.C. Parks headquarters and a library branch. 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, 714.973.6609 Map C5 oLD orange County Courthouse Site of the local governmental transactions and court proceedings that shaped the county’s early history. Restored in 1989; houses historical exhibits, archives, special events and a marriage license office. 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, 714.973.6605 Map H13 peraLta aDobe historiC site One of the last remaining structures of the Peralta settlement in Santa Ana Canyon, home to pioneering families in the 1800s. Visits by reservation through George Key Ranch (listing above). 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, 714.973.3190 Map A4 yorba CeMetery Dates to 1858. Final resting place for many O.C. pioneers. Visits by reservation through George Key Ranch historic Ranch, 714.973.3190. 6749 Parkwood Court, Yorba Linda Map A5

Nightlife auLD DubLiner Classic Irish pub and restaurant; live music Th-Sa. 2497 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.1562; 71 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, 562.437.8300 Map J14, northwest of C1 baMbÚ Lounge is ideal for light dining or nightcap. Live entertainment. Fairmont Newport Beach, 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.476.2001 Map K14 bowLMor Hip, state-of-the-art, glow-in-the-dark bowling lounge with 5,000-square-foot sports bar and global cuisine. The District at Tustin Legacy, 2405 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.258.2695 Map J14 Cantina Lounge Mexican fusion restaurantsports bar-lounge with dancing and DJ after 10 pm. Dress code. 2736 E. Nutwood Ave., Fullerton, 714.879.8094 Map A3 CoMMonweaLth Lounge Speakeasy decadence at epicenter of Fullerton’s after-dark scene and Newport Beach peninsula. 112 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.525.8888; 2406 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, 949.675.4444 Map B3, N13 ContinentaL rooM Swanky enough for dressing up. Live music nightly. 115 W. Santa Fe Ave., Fullerton, 714.469.1879 Map B3 Copper Door Watering hole in basement of a 1925 building in downtown Santa Ana offers pool tables, 40 beers. Front door is copper, natch. Tu-Su 8 pm-2 am. 2251/2 N. Broadway, Santa Ana Map H13 Detroit bar Downscale deco-meets-roadhouse-style bar, a hipster haven, presents eclectic mix of indie-rock artists, nationally acclaimed bands and DJs nightly. 843 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, 949.642.0600 Map M12 the DistriCt Lounge Retro spot near Newport Pier has 100-foot mahogany and copper bar. Orange location is in original 1920s post office. 121 McFadden St., Newport Beach, 949.673.4470; 223 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, 714.639.7777 Map N13, C4 Duke’s pLaCe Live music and dancing at classy lounge with bay views. Balboa Bay Club and Resort, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 888.445.7153 Map N13

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Tours +Transport HEAT ULTRA LOUNGE Vegas-style club near Disneyland has headline acts, a state-of-the-art sound system and an indoor smoking lounge. Th-Sa. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328 Map I10

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HOUSE Of BLUES Acclaimed venue offers touring bands, dancing and soul food. Filled with outsider art. Rafter-raising gospel brunch on Sundays. Call for schedule. Downtown Disney, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.778.2583 Map I10 IRvINE ImPROv Top comedy. Two-item minimum (food or drink). Irvine Spectrum Center, 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, 949.854.5455 Map D5 LOLA GASPAR Bar and kitchen in the heart of Santa Ana’s Artist Village. Open until 2 am M-Sa, Su until midnight. 211 W. Second St., Santa Ana, 714.972.1172 Map H13 LUCky STRIkE LANES Retro-cool bowling lounge with DJ. The Block at Orange, 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, 714.937.5263 Map J11 mESA Excellent small plates and cocktails at hip lounge with retractable glass roof. Open until 2 am Tu-Sa. The Camp, 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700 Map J13 mULdOON’S dUBLIN PUB Cozy spot with courtyard offers fun Irish-themed events in the Celtic Bar. 202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.640.4110 Map L15 ROOfTOP LOUNGE Hot spot for sunset cocktails on wraparound patio atop La Casa del Camino hotel. 1289 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.497.2446 Map I15

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STEAmERS CAfE Premier jazz spot. 138 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, 714.871.8800 Map B3 STILL WATER SPIRITS & SOUNdS Nightly live entertainment. 24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003 Map J17 SUTRA LOUNGE Club open Th-Sa features big-name deejays and musical acts and cool decor. Triangle Square, 1870 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.722.7103 Map K12 300 ANAHEIm 41-lane bowling alley with club atmosphere, full bar, eclectic menu. Anaheim GardenWalk, 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.783.2810 Map I10 WILd GOOSE New. Cocktails, seasonal beers, elevated pub grub (burgers, sausages) amid huntlodge-saloon decor that includes stag, beaver and “jackalope” taxidermy and lighting fixtures made from chicken feeders. 436 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, 949.722.9453 Map N12

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Tours +Transport aDventures at sea Luxury yachts for groups. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.650.2412 Map N13 aMtrak Train service within the county and to destinations throughout California daily. There are stops in Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana. 800.USA.RAIL, amtrak.com atLantis huMMer tours Company offers off-road tours through the Santa Ana Mountains and sightseeing tours in Hummers. 949.583.1250, atlantishummertours.com best ChauFFeureD worLDwiDe Chauffeured vehicles available in as little as two hours’ notice. 7472 Warner Ave., Huntington Beach, 866.323.2378; 714.375.9128 Map C2 beverLy hiLLs rent-a-Car Luxury and exotic rentals; pickup service. 3939 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.250.4386; 800.258.5353 Map L13 CaLiFornia yeLLow Cab Transportation in sedans, town cars, minivans to/from airports, attractions, restaurants, nightlife, shopping. 877.935.5692 CataLina express Round trip from Dana Point Harbor and Long Beach to Catalina Island year round. Dana Wharf Sportfishing, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Harbor; 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, 800.481.3470 Map K16, northwest of C1 CataLina FLyer Fastest boat from Orange County to Catalina Island: 75 minutes. 500-passenger, triple-decker catamaran departs from the historic Balboa Pavilion. Call for schedule. $51-$68, $4 children 2 and under. 400 Main St., Newport Beach, 800.830.7744 Map N15

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City pass Pass includes discounted admission to Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure, and admission to other theme parks in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. Available for purchase online or at attractions. $239-$279, under 3 free. 888.330.5008, citypass.com CLint CarroLL surF sChooL Son of surf legend Corky Carroll offers instruction for all ages and levels. Beach transportation and surf equipment provided. Classes meet at Newport Cruisers Bike Rental Shop. 111 23rd St., Newport Beach, 949.355.7285 Map N15 Country traiLs anD riDing sChooL Guided horseback rides among massive coast live oaks and California sycamores. Tu-Su. Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, 714.538.5860, ctriding.com Map C5 Dana wharF sportFishing Sportfishing, 82-foot schooner yacht for charter and whale-watching expeditions. Corporate parties, private fishing cruises. Dana Point Harbor, 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 800.979.3370, danawharf.com Map K16 Davey’s LoCker Year-round whale-watching, deep-sea sportfishing, fishing charters and boat rentals at Balboa Pavilion. 3400 Main St., Newport Beach, 949.673.1434, daveyslocker.com Map N15 exeCuCar Premier luxury sedan service. Sedan and SUV service, flat rates, special group services and frequent-flier points and miles with select airlines. 800.410.4444, execucar.com

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gonDoLa aDventures Romantic gondola cruises through Newport Harbor canals. 3101 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.2067; 888.446.6365 Map N13 gw tours Segway tours of Huntington Beach. SoCal’s only company with tours on the sand. 120 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 657.464.9137 Map N9

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Tours +Transport

Renting A Car Is As Easy As Ordering Room Service.

Have fun tours Sightseeing tours to popular Southern California destinations including Hollywood and homes of the stars, Temecula wine country, Getty museums and beach cities. 714.658.2291 Hornblower Cruises F-Sa dinner-dance cruises and Sa-Su champagne brunch cruises aboard elegant yachts. Mariner’s Mile Marina, 2431 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 949.646.0155; 888.467.6256 Map M13 JoHn waYne airPort Attractive gateway to O.C., vastly superior to LAX in ambience and ease of departure and arrival. Rotating art exhibits. “Red coat” ambassadors assist travelers. Free Wi-Fi. Ticket counters open at 5 am. New Terminal C and new dining options. 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, 949.252.5200, ocair.com Metrolink Train system connects to San Diego, Riverside and Los Angeles; stops in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, Irvine, Tustin, Santa Ana, Orange, Anaheim, Fullerton and Buena Park. $10 Metrolink Weekend Pass valid on Metrolink rails and public transportation throughout Southern California Fri. 7 pm-Sun. 11:59 pm. 800.371.5465, metrolinktrains.com oCta The Orange County Transportation Authority runs a comprehensive bus system throughout the county. $1.50. $7 day pass for O.C. buses and Metrolink trains, $6 for senior/disabled. Day pass $4, 60 cents for 65 and older, under 5 free. Exact change only. 714.560.6282, octa.net 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 Map N9, M16

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Forget the hassles of waiting for cabs or shuttles. Conveniently located in the lobby with everyday low rates, we’ll get you in a great car so you can go where you want, when you want.

Visit us in the lobby or call 1 888 484 Hotel. VIPHotel@erac.com

Please mention code: 32H7500

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 1 888 484 Hotel. Sorry, this offer is not valid at airport locations. Rates are as posted at time of reservation at enterprise.com or by calling 1 888 484 Hotel. Weekly rates may apply depending on length of rental or for longer rental needs. Rental must end by December 31, 2013. Offer may not be used with other coupons, offers or discounted rates. Vehicles are subject to availability. Standard rental qualiﬁcations apply. Offer does not apply to taxes, surcharges, recovery fees, and optional products and services including daminsurance policy and/or credit card agreement for rental vehicle coverage. Other restrictions, including holiday and blackout dates, age 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. ©2011 Enterprise Rent-A-Car. C02178 01/11 MM

PriMe tiMe sHuttle Service around the clock to SoCal airports, Disneyland, Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim Convention Center. 800.RED.VANS, primetimeshuttle.com suPersHuttle Transportation to and from all Southern California airports around the clock. Groups and charters welcome. 310.222.5500; 800.BLUE.VAN, supershuttle.com tMZ HollYwood tour Bus tour with stateof-the-art audio/video explores celebrity haunts and sites of famous scandals. Guides have interviewed celebrities, sent footage to newsroom. $53$63. Starline Tours, 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 855.486.9868

Tickets barrY’s tiCket serviCe Hard-to-get and premium tickets for local and national events. 675 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, 714.751.9800 Map J12 714 tiCkets Tickets to popular sporting events, theater shows and concerts located opposite the Honda Center. Local delivery available. 2620 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.TICKETS (714.842.5387), 714tickets.com Map I11 west Coast tiCket serviCe Tickets to in-demand events throughout Southern California. 310.207.1226. wctix.com

where?

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30 things we love Orange County

Airstream-trailer shopping kiosks at The Lab and The Camp in Costa Mesa. p. 60-61

The pineapple chili ice pop at Neveria la Flor de Mexico in Stanton. 714.761.2813

The newly reopened House of Photographic Art at the Forster Mansion in San Juan Capistrano. 949.429.2220

Sarah Bain Gallery in Brea. 714.990.0500

Motorcycle gear and garb at Dainese in Costa Mesa. 949.650.2300 The hummus trio at new Pita Jungle in Newport Beach. p. 42 The strawberry waffle at The Iron Press at South Coast Collection in Costa Mesa. p. 34 New Cars Land at Disney California Adventure in Anaheim. p. 56 Gorgeous watches at new Vacheron-Constantin at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. p. 62 The macaroons (not French-style macarons) at Zov’s in Tustin. p. 42

where in the world

Edgy art at Hibbleton Gallery in Fullerton. 714.906.0490 Haute coffee concoctions at Theorem by Portola Coffee Lab in Costa Mesa. p. 61 The ginger lavender martini at new Mare Culinary Lounge in Laguna Beach. p. 42 The lively dance floor at Woody’s Wharf in Newport Beach. 949.675.0474 Trying to sip a martini while dancing at Heat UltraLounge at Anaheim GardenWalk. p. 66 Gift sets at Savory Spice Shop in Corona del Mar (949.717.7776) and Costa Mesa (949.284.0576).

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,

The old-growth sycamores at Anaheim Hills Golf Course. p. 62

29 Garbage Salad at Portillo’s Hot Dogs in Buena Park. 714.220.6400

Cross pendants from Nigeria at Laura Matthews Designs on Balboa Island. 949.275.3310

Line-dancing at The Ranch saloon in Anaheim. p. 36

Sides of roasted Brussels sprouts or rapini, chilies and garlic at Pizzeria Ortica in Costa Mesa. p. 42

Free admission to Nixon Library in Yorba Linda on Presidents Day (Feb. 18); its Centennial Exhibit opens Feb. 15. p. 57

Amazing sales at Saks Fifth Avenue at South Coast Plaza the day after Christmas. 714.540.3233

The grilled cheese sandwich at Shuck oyster bar at OC Mart Mix in Costa Mesa. p. 44

Desserts and macarons at new Baguetier bakery in Huntington Beach. 714.969.1700 Makeup tips at Primp Makeup Lounge in Corona del Mar. 949.723.0044 The mechanical bull at Thrill It Fun Center at the Outlets at Orange. p. 58

Vadouvan-crusted lamb belly, and sticky toffee pudding with bourbon ice cream, at Haven Gastropub in Orange. p. 37 Fashions at the new Barbara Bui boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 714.979.0221 Food-and-drink service at new Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in Laguna Niguel. 949.489.0279

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 CANADA Calgary, Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, Halifax, Muskoka/Parry Sound, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler, Winnipeg EUROPE Budapest, London, Milan, Moscow, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg

5, 12 AND 27, ANNE WATSON

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Experience over 300 stores and restaurants on Pacific Coast Highway overlooking the Newport Coast.

59th & Lex Cafe at Bloomingdale’s Canaletto Ristorante Veneto Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar Le Pain Quotidien Mariposa Restaurant at Neiman Marcus Native Foods Café R+D Kitchen True Food Kitchen

Gulfstream Tommy Bahama’s Island Grille Sprinkles Cupcakes

Bear Flag Fish Company Bluefin Restaurant Javier’s Mastro’s Ocean Club Modo Mio Cucina Rustica Sweet and Saucy Shop Tamarind of London

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CRYSTAL COVE SHOPPING CENTER

ShopIrvineCompany.com Miso Marinated Hawaiian Butterfish at Tommy Bahama’s Island Grill at Corona Del Mar Plaza. Fashion Island and The Coastal Collection are registered trademarks of Irvine Company. ©The Irvine Company LLC, 7/2012.

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