Coastal Gems
BY WAY OF THE JOHN STANALAND GROUP
2040 Ocean Way | Laguna Beach
$8,995,000 | 2 BEDROOMS, 2 BATHROOMS, 1 POWDER ROOM
APPROXIMATELY 2,826 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROXIMATELY 4,250 SQUARE FOOT LOT
Commanding breathtaking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean from nearly every vantage point, this residence seamlessly integrates contemporary, sophisticated interiors with the quintessential outdoor coastal living. The property was recently reimagined with meticulous attention to detail and the richly layered finishes create an elevated living environment, with imported Turkish stone, reclaimed wood-plank flooring, handcrafted millwork, and bespoke lighting celebrating craftsmanship throughout.
WEB# LG25011189
70 EMERALD BAY | LAGUNA BEACH
$22,500,000 | 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHROOMS, 1 POWDER ROOM
An extraordinary prospect of owning a meticulously maintained front-row offering in the highly regarded community of Emerald Bay
WEB# LG25000443
2095 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE | LAGUNA BEACH
$12,000,000 | 6 BEDROOMS, 6 BATHROOMS, 3 POWDER ROOMS
Offering ultimate seclusion, this property, under construction with permits issued, offers an immediate opportunity to build one’s dream residence
WEB# LG25002424
Chris Abel Architecture in Woods Cove
32 TEA TIME
From bold blacks to calming chamomiles and herbal blends, these hot sips are incorporated into indulgent rituals with added health benefits.
By ASHLEY RYAN
36 THE MAIN SQUEEZE
Explore the benefits of this town’s spectrum of nutrient-packed juices.
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS
40 FUN WITH FITNESS
Break out of the rut, boost motivation and achieve your fitness goals in a group setting.
By TANYA A. YACINA
TOP: MARIELENA VERDUGO; BOTTOM LEFT: NICOLE WILSON
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Get up close with worldclass musicians during this Laguna Beach festival.
By SUNNY HUBLER
TRAVEL: THE MAGIC OF MAUI
Hawaii’s second largest island welcomes visitors with its relaxed charm, spectacular beaches and marine life.
By SHARON STELLO
TASTE OF THE TOWN
Explore the latest news about dining out in Laguna Beach.
COVER: Laguna Beach resident Carl St.Clair, longtime music director of Pacific Symphony, shares insight into his storied career and favorite local places (page 56).
PHOTO: Johannah Brecht
A look at the latest happenings around Laguna
Community
Holiday Luncheon; 360° Miracle Holiday Tea
A&G: Watercolor Wonders
Soft colors paint the scene in these realistic works from florals to iconic cityscapes.
24
W&D: Meaty Morsels
From portobellos to maitake, shimeji and chanterelles, mushrooms are a versatile ingredient valued for their texture and savory flavor.
Home: Lustrous Looks
Add texture, sophistication and balance to a living space by bringing together metals like copper, brass, nickel and other finishes.
28
Q&A: Pet Project
For more than four decades, Nancy Goodwin has overseen the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, which cares for stray and abandoned dogs, cats and other creatures and helps them find new homes.
Last Impressions: 10 Minutes With … Carl St.Clair
The Pacific Symphony’s music director is conducting his 35th season with the acclaimed group and preparing to pass the baton to a new leader next year.
CORPORATE PUBLISHER
Steve T. Strickbine
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Nadine Johnson
FOUNDER
Steve Zepezauer
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell SALES
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Nick Oliveri
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Mara Hertel mara@firebrandmediainc.com
Carol Josepher carol@firebrandmediainc.com
Adrienne Kruse adrienne@firebrandmediainc.com
EDITORIAL
Magazine
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Steve Zepezauer
steve@firebrandmediainc.com
GROUP EDITOR
Sharon Stello
sharon@firebrandmediainc.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jessie Dax-Setkus, Stefanee Freedman, Sunny Hubler, Kelly Keller, Ashley Ryan, Tanya A. Yacina
DESIGN
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Tracy Powell
PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER
Tina Leydecker
DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT WRANGLER
Kim Zepezauer
A big thank you to all of our advertisers. Please support their businesses whenever possible!
Alessa Catering
Berkshire Hathaway - Kristine Torrance
Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna & Leita Covington
Compass - Carter Kaufman
Compass - Todd Davis
Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland
GG’s Bistro
gorjana huit
KM Productions - Top Chef Orange County
Livel Real Estate
Monarch Bay Pet Supply
Oligino Laux Construction
Pacific Sotheby’s - Celeste Gilles
Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point
Rose Relationships
Surterre Properties - The Horton Team
The Finishing Touch Floors Inc.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach
The W Collection - Nicola Willhoit
TO OUR READERS: Laguna Beach Magazine invites you to share your reactions to our latest stories. Send your correspondence to Editor, Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or to edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Laguna Beach Magazine accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials.
ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Nick Oliveri at nick@timeslocalmedia.com. Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949-535-0703 | lagunabeachmagazine.com
©2025 BY FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Laguna Beach Magazine. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of the magazine. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Laguna Beach Magazine is published eight times a year. One year’s subscription in the U.S. is $28.95; $57.95 per year outside the U.S. To subscribe, please call 949-715-4100 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).
Published by Firebrand Media
Editor’s Letter /
On the Way to Wellness
It’s that time of year again when many of us place a focus on wellness, seeing the new year as a fresh start to get back in a fitness routine, commit to a diet and pledge to make mental health a priority. But wellness is not a once-and-done accomplishment; it’s a continuous balancing act. Even when your desired goals for reaching peak health are achieved, it’s something that must be maintained.
However, the new year offers an opportunity to recommit to this effort. And this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine includes a health and wellness special section filled with plenty of inspiration. Our feature story, “Fun With Fitness,” explores group exercise classes in town that can help you get out of that workout rut because endless miles on a treadmill can quickly feel like a slog. Turn to page 40 to learn about classes from boxing to barre and different types of dance.
In this edition, we also highlight the benefits of juice, which is an easy way to get more fruits and veggies in your diet. Of course, moderation is key as juice can have a high glycemic index and is missing the fiber that comes with eating a full carrot or apple, for example. But for those who are adverse to veggies, getting those essential nutrients through juice with some sweetness from fruit, can be an option (page 36). Tea also comes with some health benefits, which we examine in “Tea Time,” with insight from a local tea maker and other experts (page 32).
Local exercise classes, like this one at Art of Fitness, help make it fun to work out and offer a supportive community that provides encouragement on your road to wellness. Read about more local classes in “Fun With Fitness” on page 40.
Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or getting back on the horse, so to speak, we hope this issue helps make the path a little easier. From our staff to all of our readers, best wishes for the year ahead.
Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com
calendarof events
“FOR THE LOVE OF ART” THROUGH FEB. 28; LAS LAGUNA ART GALLERY
This exhibition celebrates the love of art, inviting creators to send the pieces they are most proud of. A wide range of mediums are represented, from ceramics to paintings, sculpture, printmaking, glass art and more, all on display in the gallery and online. (949505-0950; laslagunaartgallery.com)
“SIGNATURE SHOWCASE” THROUGH MARCH 3; LPAPA GALLERY
The LPAPA Gallery, operated by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, is presenting its fourth annual “Signature Showcase” exhibit, featuring original plein air and studio works created by LPAPA signature artist members. These pieces can be viewed both in the gallery and online. A silent auction in January benefited the participating artists and LPAPA, a nonprofit that promotes the plein air painting tradition and offers youth and artist member education opportunities. (949-376-3635; lpapa.org)
“LATEST AND GREATEST: NEW WORK AT LAGUNA ART MUSEUM” THROUGH MARCH 30; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
Nearly 50 newly acquired artworks— marking a significant expansion of the museum’s permanent collection—are on display in this exhibit. Many of these newly added pieces, from paintings to sculptures, mixed media, film and large-format color photography, are by influential California artists and explore the intersection of art and nature. With a focus on expanding diversity, several are by women and some were created after the year 2000 in attempts to broaden contemporary themes in the collection. Featured artists include Roger Kuntz, Jay McCafferty, Tom Lamb and more. A series of John Humble’s photographs titled “Sunday Morning” are also highlighted as a standalone mini-exhibition. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
LAGUNA DANCE FESTIVAL
FEB. 6-9; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Laguna Dance Festival presents performances
by BalletX from Philadelphia, along with principal guest artists from Joffrey Ballet, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet and JA Collective, choreography by renowned artists Dwight Rhoden, Jillian Meyers and festival Artistic Director Jodie Gates. Talented Laguna Dance Young Artist Scholarship recipients will also take the stage. (949-7155578; lagunadancefestival.org)
LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEB. 14-16; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
Co-presented by Laguna Beach Live and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the 23rd annual Laguna Beach Music Festival will feature Pulitzer Prize- and Grammy Award-winning composer Caroline Shaw (who is also a violinist and vocalist) as artistic director in three performances including opening night with musical friends Salastina, members of Pacific Chorale and Jake Tribus, a dancer from Laguna Dance Festival. Then on Feb. 15, Shaw joins Sō Percussion ensemble in genredefying sounds that blend classical,
FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM; CHERYL MANN
From left: “Women of Mali, Africa” by Millard Sheets at Laguna Art Museum; Joffrey Ballet dancers Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez, who will perform in the Laguna Dance Festival
experimental and rhythmic mastery, before wrapping up the festival Feb. 16 with composer performer Gabriel Kahane for their first large-scale collaboration, a jointly written song cycle called “Hexagons,” and other works. (949-7159713; lagunabeachlive.org)
CALIFORNIA COOL
MARCH 1; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM
Always a sell-out event, the annual California Cool Art Auction, Benefit and Bash raises money for Laguna Art Museum through an auction of more than 100 artworks that are donated for the cause. The special night is complete with gourmet appetizers and specialty cocktails plus a paddle-raise for further philanthropy. The auction is hosted on Bidsquare so that even those not in attendance can bid on items; online bidding begins Feb. 13. (949494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANT WEEK
MARCH 2-8; VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Special menus and deals highlight this weeklong event with more than 120 participating restaurants including Skyloft, Mozambique, Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry, Bodega Laguna, Rumari and Oak in Laguna Beach. Among the lineup, prix fixe menus will be offered for lunch and dinner as well as Date Night options and luxe menus starting at $60 for a more indulgent experience. Diners may also try cocktails
featuring Licor 43 and Herradura Tequila or create their own Wine Lovers Week itinerary from the Copper Cane portfolio of wineries. Meanwhile, family friendly and vegetarian menu options are also available this year. (ocrestaurantweek.com)
“THE REMARKABLE MISTER HOLMES”
MARCH 5-23; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE
Fun for the whole family, this comedic musical follows detective Sherlock Holmes and a new sidekick as they attempt to solve a series of baffling crimes. Audiences will love the red herrings, fun wordplay and surprises throughout this madcap mystery with music by Daniel Lincoln and lyrics by Omri Schein. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com)
PATRIOTS DAY PARADE
MARCH 8; DOWNTOWN
Moved from the traditional first Saturday in March to the second Saturday to avoid conflict with other community events, the 58th Patriots Day Parade, with a “Laguna Heritage” theme, will recognize the 2024 honorees since the parade was canceled due to rain last year. They include Grand Marshal Rick Shoemaker, Honored Patriot Bob Seitz, Citizen of the Year Karyn Philippsen, Artist of the Year MikeTauber and Athlete of the Year Brayden Belden. The 2024 Junior Citizens have graduated, so new students have been selected: seniors Lili Bazargan and Carter McKinzie. The event starts at Laguna Beach High School at 11 a.m. and winds through downtown. (lagunabeachparade.com)
“LAGUNATOTS”
MARCH 14-30; NO SQUARE THEATRE
The bratty stepchild of “Lagunatics,” this production is filled with young talent and parody songs about topics that everyone can relate to (think homework, the latest teenage trends and embarrassing parents). “LagunaTots” is packed with plenty of junior high level humor as well as singing and dancing by gifted local kids. (949715-0333; nosquare.org) /
EDITOR’S NOTE: EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS FOR UPDATES.
TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT: edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com; If you’re on Facebook, make sure to “like” Laguna Beach Magazine, and follow @LagunaBeachMagazine on Instagram.
ongoing
FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK:
March 6; VARIOUS LOCATIONS
First Thursdays Art Walk is a beloved tradition in town that encourages locals and visitors to view artwork and mingle at local galleries. As part of Laguna Dance Festival’s 20th anniversary season, dance performances will be presented in immersive settings at various venues during art walks in March and April. (949-463-4800; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)
LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:
In addition to art exhibits, check out special events, including the LAM Kids Studio on Feb. 22, allowing children to experiment with different art mediums and styles as well as explore the galleries and take part in other activities, and a March 7 art workshop on figure drawing. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)
LAGUNA BEACH FARMERS MARKET:
Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road (ocerac.ocpublicworks.com)
LAGUNA BEACH LIVE:
This nonprofit presents a free program for kids up to age 6 at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Laguna Beach Library and chamber concerts from 1-2 p.m. on the first Sunday of the month at Laguna Art Museum. (949-715-9713; lagunalive.org)
NATURE HIKES:
Various dates; Laguna Canyon Foundation offers guided hikes focused on fitness, flora and fauna and family-friendly options. (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org)
SAWDUST STUDIO ART CLASSES:
Although Sawdust Art Festival has ended for the season, several year-round art classes are offered at the festival grounds in a variety of mediums from photography to acrylic and watercolor painting, sewing, pottery, mosaics, glassblowing, mixed media and more. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)
Halibut piccata at Rumari, which will take part in OC Restaurant Week
Around Town /
Operatic Efforts
A new organization, co-founded by Arnold Livingston Geis and his wife, Oriana GeisFalla, is bringing opera music back to town. Opera Laguna, which presented its first large concert in fall 2022 in partnership with Laguna Beach Live at Neighborhood Congregational Church, has since formed a nonprofit and began offering concerts last year. One took place at the Festival of Arts over the summer—the first time in 20 years that opera had been performed at that venue—in addition to an opera workshop in October with a piece commissioned for Laguna, and a large production of “Handel’s Messiah: A Bel Canto Christmas” in December at NCC. Plans for this year’s concerts are expected to be announced by early March. Geis and Geis-Falla perform in some capacity at most of the concerts, but their goal is to minimize their on-stage roles and create opportunities for musicians and vocalists around Southern California. Last
A NOVEL IDEA
Laguna-based author Julia Martel has found success with her debut novel, “Swimming With the Sun,” published in late October. During its first few months, the book landed on Barnes & Noble’s Young Adult bestseller list and an Amazon Top 100 list for YA Action/Adventure. The dystopian tale follows 19-year-old Noa and
year, spread across three concerts, nearly 50 other artists were employed. Some locals may not be aware that there’s a history of opera here, dating back several decades. A Festival of Opera for Orange County was founded in 1961 after the idea was discussed at a dinner party. A full season was presented within the year, starting with a performance of Bizet’s “Carmen” in August 1962 in the Irvine Bowl at Festival of Arts.
Opera performances continued in Laguna for a decade before the organization evolved into Opera Pacific and moved to the Orange County Performing Arts Center (now called Segerstrom Center for the Arts), but eventually the group folded in 2008. Aside from a few community concerts over the years, opera never really returned to Laguna. The new nonprofit aims to change that. (operalaguna.com) —Sharon Stello
13-year-old Tali, whose paths cross in the Northern Territories where they live under the watchful guidance of The Variety, a powerful intelligence that manages all facets of life. The Enlightenment has promised evolution to a higher soul-species, but it soon becomes apparent that not everything is as it seems. Noa is reassigned to the distant Cavalry Main Ranch, where she begins to hear rumors in these unfamiliar burnt grasslands. Meanwhile, Tali is itching to get away from her mundane lessons at Main Ranch and is pushed closer to a rebellious journey when a near-drowning experience transforms her outlook. The pair embark on a perilous mission that puts their courage to the test and reshapes their identities. Martel, who earned a master’s degree in communications, honed her storytelling skills in corporate settings before finding success as a fiction writer. (juliaamartel.com) —S.S.
Author Julia Martel (left) and her new book, “Swimming With the Sun”
A recent concert by Opera Laguna
New in Town
With a focus on creating customized home design pieces like doors, gates and handforged iron railings, Rustic 101 has opened a new gallery in town at 1290 N. Coast Highway. A ribbon cutting was planned in early February for the company that specializes in woodworking, hand-forged iron, glass and stone masonry. Other locations are in Encinitas and Rancho Santa Fe. Since 1997, this family business has maintained a thriving connection to Old World craftsmanship and the company’s skilled craftsmen embrace techniques passed down through generations. In addition to doors and gates, Rustic 101 makes a variety of furniture pieces from dining tables and chairs to coffee tables, bookcases, vanities, cabinets and light fixtures. (949-828-7262; rustic101lagunabeach.com) —S.S
Gate and glass designs by Rustic 101
Epic Experiences
From surfing in Laguna Beach to observing humpback whale migrations in Costa Rica, scenic stand-up paddleboard tours along the Oregon coastline and foraging in the woods of Mendocino, California, Laguna-based Soul Community Planet Hotels has launched a collection of immersive and educational Epic Experiences at its properties to showcase each destination’s stunning natural beauty and unique culture. With 10 properties across the Western U.S. and Costa Rica, SCP is a holistic hospitality company serving those who value wellness, social good and the environment; the business also gives back 5% of profits to causes that share its core values. SCP’s new guided opportunities allow guests to engage with their natural surroundings the way that locals would while respecting the environment and the area’s culture and traditions. At Laguna Surf Lodge, the Dawn Patrol experience allows guests to become immersed in Southern California’s legendary surf culture with a half- or full-day beach excursion. Set out in a 1967 Land Rover equipped with gear for a day of surfing at some of the region’s most iconic surf breaks, all guided by local experts. Soak in the coastal views and enjoy a gourmet brunch and lunch between wave sessions. After returning to Laguna Surf Lodge, gather around the fire for s’mores and craft beverages. (Laguna Surf Lodge: 949-403-8328; scphotel.com) —S.S.
Laguna Surf Lodge offers a surfing excursion called Dawn Patrol as part of the Soul Community Planet Hotels’ Epic Experiences program.
Left: enjoying a calm moment in Laguna; right: a deck at Laguna Surf Lodge
Celebrating all of its dedicated volunteers, the Friends of the Laguna Beach Library’s annual luncheon took place Nov. 12 at C’est la Vie Restaurant. The nonprofit, which promotes literacy enrichment and community engagement, recognized Friends of the Library members Simone Adams and Kim Shields during the lunch. The pair, along with their team of dedicated helpers, had recently received an award from the Laguna Beach Beautification Council for their work on the Butterfly and Fairy Garden. Beloved by the community, the enchanting garden was established in 2014 and now features educational programs, nature studies and seasonal festivities. The Friends of the Laguna Beach Library was formed more than 50 years ago and supports the library by funding major interior improvements, providing magazine subscriptions and presenting craft days, reading programs, interesting guest speakers and college scholarships. (949-497-1733, ext. 4; friendsofthelagunabeachlibrary.org) —S.S.
APRIL 6, 2025 | IRVINE MARRIOTT | 5:00-10:00 PM ATTIRE IS RESORT CHIC
Be a part of TopChef where the best chefs, wineries, and restaurants will join together for the benefit of The Pacific Marine Mammal Center
EVENT CO-CHAIRS
Harriet & Mark Lehman, Mary Kate Mckenna & Michael Linton
HONORARY CHEFS
Tony Nguyen & Helen An House of Crustacean Beverly Hills, Anqi, House of An
We have something for everyone: gluten free, vegan, lamb, chicken, beef & fish.
949-494-9306
540 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 108, Laguna Beach Mon–Sat 11:30am-8pm • Sun 9am-7:30pm
Friends of the Laguna Beach Library’s luncheon attendees and honorees Kim Shields (third from left) and Simone Adams (fourth from left)
Forging a Path
Noah Rosen, who grew up in Laguna Beach, has been named to Forbes magazine’s 30 Under 30 list for 2025 in the food and drink category, announced in December. Rosen, the son of Bree Burgess Rosen—president and founding artistic director of No Square Theatre—was honored for the successful company he established, Forge To Table, which specializes in Japanese-style kitchen knives hand-made in China by thirdgeneration blacksmiths.
Fascinated by the culinary world from a young age, he began cooking with his mom and even started a blog, Your Taste Buddy, at age 12 to offer his point of view on kid’s menus around Laguna and OC. Later, he could often be found sitting at the counter of Three Seventy Common Kitchen & Drink, just watching the chefs. “I’d sit for hours watching the team cook as they’d hand me tasting spoons across the pass and rattle off cheffy knowledge to me all night long,” he recalls.
In college, a chance meeting with Carole Zheng while attending a Chicago housewares show with his parents led to the founding of Forge To Table. Zheng was there to expand her family’s knife company. Impressed by the quality, Rosen stayed in touch and eventually convinced her to produce a sample following his design. Forge To Table was born with Rosen serving as CEO.
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Do you help design the knives?
NOAH ROSEN: I design all the knives alongside Alex [Zheng]. He has his background as a third-generation
blacksmith, who learned from his father as well as apprenticing in Japan and getting his bachelor’s [degree] in industrial design. My experience as a chef and his impeccable artistry combine for all the Forge To Table knives. He and his team, which includes other family members, have grown considerably in the years we’ve been working together, and make all our knives by hand.
LBM: What do you think makes your knives stand out?
NR: We bill our knives as a gateway product. Since I was a broke culinary student when I started all this, we’ve always had the focus to stay affordable while offering a workhorse handmade product that the real folks in the industry are proud to use. And through it all, we stay fiercely devoted to giving back to the culinary industry that helped me, through scholarships and mentorship, to get where I am.
LBM: Why is it important to have a good chef’s knife?
NR: Having a good chef knife is as important as having tires on your car. A good chef knife won’t just make your life easier, it will keep you safe. If you find yourself dreading cooking after a long day of work, it’s most likely that you are fighting the tools meant to make your life easier. And having a great chef knife at the core of your kitchen is the first place to invest in yourself.
LBM: What do you love about cooking?
NR: Cooking for me has always been about the act of service and the love it shares. The time spent cooking with a loved one—mostly my mom, in my case—and the time spent sharing your creation with others is one of the most rewarding feelings. It’s exciting to create and unwind [by] making a familiar recipe or putting yourself out there experimenting and making something you’ve never even tried before.
Noah Rosen (left) and one of his Forge to Table brand’s Japanese-style knives
LBM: What’s your favorite dish or type of food to cook?
NR: I don’t know any chef who can pick just one dish. And that’s the beauty of it. I cook at home most nights and get to change things up. … Waking up early to smoke some delicious barbecue or having a lazy Sunday and slowly building a hearty delicious soup with whatever I can find are the best types of meals.
LBM: Anything else you want to add?
NR: You should never dishwash a knife. And, no, you don’t need that 17-piece knife set. Start with your core blades and, if you become a knife nut like me, then you can start growing your collection. But I promise you, you do not need a “tomato knife” or a “lettuce knife” you just need a great chef knife and then take good care of it.
Rosen returned to Laguna after attending college in Rhode Island, earning a bachelor’s degree in food and beverage entrepreneurship. Last year, he bought a home in Santa Ana with his girlfriend, but still visits Laguna often. In his spare time, Rosen enjoys watching movies and live theater and cheering for the Orange County Soccer Club and the Los Angeles women’s pro team, Angel City Football Club. (forgetotable.com) —S.S.
BLAZING THE TRAIL
Passionate outdoorsman Scott Thomas, who played a key role in the master planning of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in the early 1990s and, later, Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, has been appointed as the new executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, stepping into the role to lead the local nonprofit Jan. 6. The previous director, Karin Vardaman, resigned in October due to health reasons. Thomas moved to Laguna Beach in 1988 after taking a job with Orange County Parks. He led the park planning and design division for nearly two decades as OC Parks’ chief landscape architect, overseeing master plans and park improvement projects across the 60,000-acre regional park system. After retiring in 2020, he served on the Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Board of Directors for four years before being appointed to the top position. A longtime advocate for conservation, Thomas and his wife, Julie, were among the first local volunteer trail guides, leading interpretive hikes in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park in the early 1990s. Thomas later coordinated volunteer trail work and habitat restoration projects. Also an avid hiker, he has completed long-distance treks including the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in 2022. Embarking on his latest endeavor, Thomas says he’s honored to continue serving the foundation. “The wilderness surrounding Laguna has always been special to me, my family, the community and everyone who helped save this land from development,” Thomas said in a press release. “It’s been an incredible 35 years living here in Laguna—witnessing the 1989 Save the Canyon march, the successful purchase of Laguna Canyon lands for public ownership, and our ongoing efforts to protect this wilderness for people and wildlife alike.” (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org) —S.S. /
IGNITE WELLNESS WITHIN THE
Scott Thomas, new executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation
Community / Galas & Events
CASA Holiday Luncheon
More than $630,000 was raised for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County at the annual Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 13 at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point. Started 29 years ago as a Holiday Tea, the event presented by Friends of CASA auxiliary group has raised over $7.2 million since 1995. Funds help CASA, which provides a voice and meaningful connection for children who have experienced abuse, neglect and abandonment. The December luncheon, attended by 452 supporters, featured tray-passed Champagne and a silent auction during the reception. Guests were also able to grant the holiday wish of a child in foster care by purchasing ornaments designed by local artist Timree Gold on the Starfish Wish Trees sponsored by Barclay Butera Interiors. The ornaments represented the wishes of 203 children served by CASA, from horseback riding lessons to guitar classes and tickets to Disneyland. During the lunch, a fashion show of fall/winter items was presented by Bally’s store at South Coast Plaza. Bally also hosted a pop-up shop featuring luxurious leather goods, apparel and accessories, donating 10% of sales from the event to CASA. Also during the event, attendees heard from keynote speaker Mark Daley, the founder of One Iowa and thefosterparent.com, who also authored “Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family.” An opportunity drawing featured a pair of 4.4-carat diamond hoop earrings in 18-karat white gold donated by Lugano Diamonds and valued at $28,000. (casaoc.org) —Sharon Stello
5.
JOHN WATKINS
1. Jim Maresh, Marco Prete, Cristina Fragni 2. Rebecca Hall, Oliver Badgio, Inga Sanders-Marcereau and Rob Marcereau 3. Karen Jordan, Courtney Thom 4. Molly Jolly, Jaynine Warner
Dana Strader, Jennifer Hanlon 6,7,8. Bally South Coast Plaza fashion show
360° Miracle Holiday Tea
An elegant afternoon tea raised more than $180,000 for the Miracles for Kids nonprofit Nov. 6 at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Over 290 supporters attended the organization’s fourth annual 360° Miracle Holiday Tea to help low-income families with critically ill children. At the event, presented by Lugano jewelry company, guests enjoyed an outdoor reception with live music and a silent auction before heading indoors for a decadent spread of tea sandwiches and pastries. A variety of teas in decorative pots were also offered on the tables filled with gorgeous floral displays. Grant recipient Norma Ramos gave a touching speech about how Miracles for Kids helped her family through the challenges of her child’s illness and Paralympic cycling gold medalist Samantha Bosco shared her journey of strength, hope and resilience. Attendees also had the opportunity to adopt a family for the holidays through the Holiday Basket of Miracles program, signing up to provide gifts of toys and essentials for kids and their families served by the nonprofit; 82 families were adopted at the event. Miracles for Kids, started in 2004, helps families by providing basic needs, financial aid, housing and other assistance as they concentrate on helping their children recover from life-threatening illnesses. (360miracle.org) —S.S.
1. Norma Ramos 2. Kamie Kirschner, Lauren Sumner, Laura Collins 3. Samantha Bosco, Bill Peters 4. Evelyne Marks, Diana McBride, Lourdes DeQuillien, Kathy Cordas
5. Manna Kadar, Deana Linn, Lizzie Rovsek, Najia Chaudhary 6. Casey Beu Brown, Lea Romero, Leyla Milani, Tina Sadri, Lilly Ghalichi, Mimi Morris 7. Guests in their finest teatime attire
Artists & Galleries / Watercolor Painting Watercolor Wonders
SOFT COLORS PAINT THE SCENE IN THESE REALISTIC WORKS OF ART FROM FLORALS TO ICONIC CITYSCAPES.
By STEFANEE FREEDMAN
Local watercolor painters David Milton and Lydia Delgado have been honing their craft for several decades. Both artists came to Laguna in the 1980s and quickly worked their way into Laguna Beach’s art festivals, painting soft-colored scenes that dazzle with realism.
Watercolor paintings are characterized by loose brushstrokes with the emphasis placed on light, and hues seamlessly blending over the image details. This method allows for transparent and fluid effects, and is known for its delicacy and ability to create soft washes of color that add to the depth of the painting.
REALISTIC RENDERINGS
David Milton grew up with creative parents in New York and came to California eventually studying art at the University of California, Santa Cruz with a goal of becoming a teacher.
After earning a master’s degree at San Jose State University, he abandoned the teaching idea, moved to Laguna Beach in 1981 and started to focus on developing into a serious professional artist.
“I was in my early 30s and established myself and started exhibiting in the art festivals,” says Milton, who has been part of Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival for the last 40 years. “… When I first started, I did what most artists do—plein air paintings in any medium—but I did it in watercolor. So I really like to think that I’m using watercolor in an unconventional way.”
Milton is influenced by American artists like John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth. He finds inspiration for developing his works from long drives on the open road and taking lots of photographs that he then re-creates into watercolor paintings. His cityscapes include Hollywood Boulevard with the Pantages Theatre and the landmark Hollywood and Vine neon sign. Iconic motels, diners, Airstream trailers and other Americana round out his portfolio.
“My painting style in watercolor is rather unconventional because I use it [in a] … very highly detailed manner and it’s more tightly rendered,” he says. “I coined the term subjective realism to describe my work because … it’s often thought at first to be a photo and it’s not photorealism. I change a lot of elements in the subject to achieve the desired effect.”
Milton is represented in Laguna Beach by the Andrew Myers Art Gallery and he will be contributing an art piece to the Laguna Art Museum’s 43rd California Cool Annual Art Auction, which takes place March 1. He also plans to continue showcasing his unique style of watercolor scenes at both Festival of Arts and Sawdust Art Festival this summer.
DAVID MILTON
949-371-7214
DAVIDMILTONSTUDIO.COM
Artist David Milton (left) and some of his watercolor scenes (above)
A NOD TO NATURE
After leaving a career in finance, watercolor artist Lydia Delgado began sitting in on art classes in Laguna. She spent that first year studying art around local artists and fell in love with using watercolors as the medium for her paintings.
“I discovered the art community and decided that I was going to study art instead of the job that I had previously,” Delgado says. “I really didn’t know anything about watercolor. I just loved the way it looked and I just had a sense that this was the medium for me.”
At the end of the year, she entered the Sawdust Art Festival to continue to push herself. “[And] I continue to expand and grow as a watercolor artist,” she says.
Delgado, who paints stunning floral scenes, is inspired by walks in nature. She enjoys hiking in the canyon or strolling through a nursery or by the beach, grabbing objects along the way that eventually turn into her works of art.
“I’ll cut a piece of a tree or a plant or take a picture of nature, then I go back to my gallery and I paint. I create my own composition from those elements,” she says. “Once I have a branch in my hand, it becomes a forest. I see it that way.”
Delgado is now a local art teacher and enjoys sharing her love for watercolors with locals wanting to expand their own painting skills. She will be teaching watercolor classes this April at the Laguna Beach Community & Susi Q Senior Center and be back at the Sawdust Art Festival in the summer. /
Watercolor painter Lydia Delgado (bottom left) and some of her floral and nature-inspired pieces
Wine & Dine / Mushrooms
Meaty Morsels
FROM PORTOBELLOS TO MAITAKE, SHIMEJI AND CHANTERELLES, MUSHROOMS ARE A VERSATILE INGREDIENT VALUED FOR THEIR TEXTURE AND SAVORY FLAVOR.
By SHARON STELLO
Filled with vitamins, antioxidants and protein, mushrooms are often used in place of meat in vegetarian dishes due to their savory taste and hearty texture, as these morsels tend to absorb the flavors of sauces or other ingredients. With more than 10,000 known types of mushrooms, different varieties are also used to accent steak, fish and other entrees, whether sauteed, grilled, poached or even pickled.
“Mushrooms are a powerhouse of umami, enhancing the flavor profile of any dish,” says Vincent Terusa, executive chef at Selanne Steak Tavern. “They’re incredibly versatile, pairing effortlessly with proteins and other vegetables. Of course, they’re
also a standout side dish in their own right, bringing depth and complexity to the plate.”
Splashes Executive Chef Ron Fougeray notes that each kind of mushroom has a different flavor and use in cooking. “I love them in all their ways,” he says. “Whether it’s seared with brown butter, a fricassee with a Madeira cream sauce, or just a beautiful raw [mushroom] shaved over a salad, they are all delicious. Many people would ask me what is my favorite. My answer is always the same: The first ones of the season.”
Embracing this flavorful fungi, Laguna Beach eateries serve up a wide variety of dishes with umami-filled mushrooms on their menus.
SELANNE STEAK TAVERN
A staple on the menu since Selanne Steak Tavern opened in 2013, the signature wild mushrooms side dish is a natural choice to accompany steak, notes Executive Chef Vincent Terusa. “We take it a step further by featuring a diverse selection of mushrooms and enhancing their flavor with a rich Madeira wine sauce, creating a dish that’s both traditional and elevated,” he says. The seasonal medley of mushrooms may include maitake, portobello, bunapi- and hon-shimeji, cremini, shiitake and, depending on availability, trumpet mushrooms or chanterelles. The mushrooms are pan-sauteed with garlic, shallots and fresh thyme until softened. Then the pan is deglazed with Madeira wine, a fortified Portuguese wine made in the Madeira Islands. Once the wine reduces, the sauce is enriched with whole butter for a creamy texture, and finished with fresh chives. “The pan-roasting process lends the mushrooms a deep, nutty and earthy flavor,” Terusa says, “which is beautifully complemented by the subtle sweetness of the Madeira wine. It’s a nice balance of bold and refined flavors.” (949-715-9881; selannesteaktavern.com)
STARFISH LAGUNA BEACH
Mushrooms also star in the grilled white miso black cod dish, on the menu at Starfish Laguna Beach since opening in 2011. Co-founder Gretchen McConnell explains that the dish begins with fresh-cut black cod, marinated in-house with white miso, then expertly pan-seared and glazed with the restaurant’s signature homemade misoyaki sauce. “[It’s] paired with sauteed sweet potatoes, green and yellow squash, our mushroom mix—which includes king, shimeji and trumpet—then finished with a dash of Japanese seven spice for a bold and balanced flavor.” The nonspicy dish brings together
Wild mushrooms at Selanne Steak Tavern
umami, savory, buttery and earthy flavors plus natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes. “The mushrooms help bind all the flavors together and add balance,” McConnell says, adding that this dish can be enjoyed year-round. “… [It] feels comforting during the winter months and yet light, clean and fresh during the warmer months.” (949-715-9200; starfishcalifornia.com)
SPLASHES
Providing a balance to the many seafood dishes on the menu at oceanfront Splashes restaurant, the Mishima wagyu New York pave steak offers an upscale “meat and potatoes” option with chanterelle mushrooms, bok choy, purple cauliflower and bordelaise sauce. “Using foraged mushrooms is something I’ve always loved,” Fougeray says.” There are so many varieties, all with different shapes, flavors, textures and complexities. The button chanterelle is meaty, earthy and slightly sweet with a faint scent of apricots. They are one of my favorites.” The mushrooms in this dish accompany a wagyu that features a “lovely fat content and cuts like butter.” Putting a spin on a recipe from legendary French chef Paul Bocuse, layers of thin-cut Yukon Gold potatoes are cooked with freshly ground white pepper, salt and clarified butter. “After this is cooked, we gently press this with a sheet tray to make sure it is even throughout,” Fougerary says, noting that one time a mistake actually led to an improvement. “One of my sous chefs had placed a gallon of Champagne vinegar sideways to help press the terrine. It slowly leaked out some vinegar onto the potato prior to the butter hardening when cool. We thought this was going to be ruined, but surprise, surprise: It tasted like salt-and-vinegar potato chips. Happy accident.” (888-579-8544; surfandsandresort.com)
BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA
Another longtime dish, the herb-roasted branzino with pickled clamshell mushrooms has been a mainstay on the menu at Broadway by Amar Santana since about three months after opening in 2012. Inspiration came from the popular catfish dish served at Five Feet, the restaurant that occupied the building before it became Broadway. In honor of that dish, chef Amar Santana wanted to offer a signature fish entree, but prepared in a way that represented Broadway. Since he’s trained in French technique, Santana incorporated a traditional cauliflower puree and truffle sauce with the pan-seared branzino for a decadent dish. As a twist, he pickled some clamshell mushrooms to balance the richness of the French sauce. “Mushrooms have a rich umami flavor and meatlike texture that’s fun to incorporate and work with,” says Santana, who is known for his globally influenced menu as well as competing on “Top Chef,” where he was a finalist in season 13 and also took part in “Top Chef World All-Stars.” (949-715-8234; broadwaybyamarsantana.com)
HARVEST
Introduced on the winter menu, Harvest’s Jidori half chicken coq au vin entices with savory flavors including a wild mushroom demi-glace. “We wanted to create a comforting dish perfect for the cooler Southern California winter,” says Executive Chef Kyle St. John. “We took our popular half roasted Jidori chicken and paired it with classic coq au vin elements for our own take on this French classic.” The chef starts with whole Jidori chickens, carefully separating the breast, leg and thigh, and deboning each piece while keeping the skin on, then the chicken is pan-roasted until crispy. “It’s a hearty winter dish with a wonderful balance of flavors,” St. John says. “You’ll enjoy crispy chicken skin, smoky bacon, buttery potatoes, the sweetness of glazed heirloom carrots, and the earthy depth of wild mushrooms.” Harvest sources some of its mushrooms from the Pacific Northwest’s Wild Foragers, whose owner personally delivers fresh mushrooms weekly. “They perfectly complement the smoky, rich elements in this dish,” St. John says. (949-715-1376; theranchlb.com) g
Left: grilled white miso black cod with shimeji and trumpet mushrooms at Starfish Laguna Beach; right: Jidori half chicken coq au vin with wild mushroom demi-glace at Harvest
Left: Mishima wagyu New York pave steak with chanterelle mushrooms at Splashes; right: herbroasted branzino with pickled clamshell mushrooms at Broadway by Amar Santana
Home / Mixed Metals
Lustrous Looks
ADD TEXTURE, SOPHISTICATION AND BALANCE TO A LIVING SPACE BY BRINGING TOGETHER METALS LIKE COPPER, BRASS, NICKEL AND OTHER FINISHES.
By KELLY KELLER
The days of strictly adhering to one metal finish per room are gone. Today’s interiors embrace the beauty and variety that comes from mixing metals, such as gold paired with silver, or brass paired with copper. This design trend offers a rich texture and visual interest, helping to create balance and enhance the overall aesthetic of any space.
However, it’s important to approach the combination of metals with care. Laguna Beach interior designer Kelly Carter of Kelly Carter Design, part of the Huit Design Group, shares her expertise on how to seamlessly incorporate a variety of metals in your home while maintaining a cohesive space.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all rule for choosing hardware or metal decor,” Carter says. “Every home is unique.”
A number of factors influence the selection of metal finishes, she explains, including the home’s style, natural light in the room and the overall design plan. For Carter, the key to mixing metals is ensuring that each combination feels intentional and tailored to the home’s aesthetic and the homeowner’s lifestyle. Whether achieving a minimalist look or a warm, classic vibe, Carter carefully selects metal finishes that align with the desired mood of the room.
“The goal is to complement metals that reflect the vision we’re trying to bring to life, whether that’s modern or traditional,” Carter explains. “It’s essential to make sure the mix of metals enhances the overall design.”
One of the biggest challenges when incorporating mixed metals is achieving balance without overwhelming the design. “I prefer to keep metal finishes simple and cohesive,” Carter says. For instance, in a powder room, if the faucet is brushed nickel and the cabinet pulls are antique brass, she would avoid adding a third metal to preserve balance and not overwhelm the small space.
Carter also advises a strategic approach to lighting: A sconce could be selected with a porcelain shade and an antique brass backplate to complement the cabinet pulls. This method maintains harmony and ensures the metal choices feel deliberate and not in competition.
While there are no strict rules for pairing metals, Carter considers several key factors when making her selections. “I start by considering the overall mood of the space,” she says.
If, for example, the kitchen has a warmtoned countertop slab (such as Taj Mahal quartzite with subtle gold or tan veins), pairing it with a warm metal like an antique bronze faucet would create a harmonious feel. “But using antique bronze for everything—lighting, cabinet pulls and faucet— might make the space feel too predictable,” she explains. In this example, to avoid a monotonous or “pre-fab” look, Carter suggests incorporating a coordinating undertone, such as French brass cabinet knobs or weathered copper pendant lights. “This creates a richer, more dynamic combination that feels thoughtfully curated,” she adds.
Metals can be incorporated throughout the home in a variety of ways, from lighting fixtures to cabinet hardware, faucets, furniture accents and even appliances. Carter believes that a single metal finish throughout a room can make the space feel flat and uninspired. “To create visual harmony, I distribute metals evenly across a space,” she says.
Carter also explains that if she wants a particular item to stand out, such as a lighting fixture, she might opt for a polished finish. “Even when the light is off, its reflective surface still draws the eye,” she adds.
The biggest mistake Carter sees when mixing metals is the use of too many finishes. “This can create a chaotic and
disjointed feel,” she says. Another key issue is mismatched undertones. For example, mixing warm and cool tones can lead to visual confusion. “Metals don’t have to match, but they should complement each other to maintain a cohesive, intentional look,” she explains.
Carter’s design philosophy hinges on filling a home with pieces that speak to the homeowner’s personal style. “If you fall in love with a faucet in a certain finish, let that be your starting point,” she suggests. From there, build around it, sticking to two or three metal finishes.
With these expert tips, thoughtfully selected mixed metals can add warmth and elegance for a stunning space with some sheen in different shades.
Combining a variety of metal tones can add visual interest to a space, like in this kitchen design by Kelly Carter.
ALLOY ACCENTS
THESE HOME DESIGN PIECES IN A VARIETY OF TONES MAKE IT EASY TO INCORPORATE THE MIXED METAL TREND IN YOUR SPACE.
1) Accented with floral and leaf edges, this mirrored oval VINTAGE VANITY FLORAL TRAY is made of metal with brass plating, creating a perfect addition to bar carts or a way to display fragrance bottles, candles or hand towels in a powder room, $120, at Arrow & Branch. (949464-4353; arrowandbranchhome.com)
2) This sleek and sturdy FLASH CIRCLE TABLE by Tom Dixon features a brass finish with a mirrored glass top and an iron base, offering both sophistication and style, $900, online from Laguna-based Vertigo Home. (949-738-0374; vertigohome.us)
3) Adding a metallic element to any room, the GALVANIZED CIRCLE WALL DECOR brightens a space with some shimmer. Offered in sets of four, in silver or gold finishings, they can be combined to cover a larger space, $689 per set, at Modern Furnishings. (949-376-0103; modernfurnishings.com)
4) Perfect for displaying succulents or fresh plants on a table, the ABRAHAM METAL POT can also provide additional storage in any room of the house, $35, with special order at Nuance. (949-494-8833; nuance-home.com)
5) This 29-inch-tall OMBRE TABLE LAMP features a metal base fading from antique brass to a darker tone topped with a gray cotton lampshade, blending classic warmth with modern sophistication, $490, at Tuvalu Home Environment. (949-497-3202; instagram.com/ tuvaluhome) g
Q + A
Pet Project
FOR MORE THAN FOUR DECADES, NANCY GOODWIN
HAS OVERSEEN THE LAGUNA BEACH ANIMAL SHELTER, WHICH CARES FOR STRAY AND ABANDONED DOGS, CATS AND OTHER CREATURES AND HELPS THEM FIND NEW HOMES.
By SHARAEL KOLBERG
ancy Goodwin has served as manager of the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter for more than four decades, starting as a volunteer in 1978, then helping as a part-time employee and quickly stepping into a leadership role.
Over the years, Goodwin has helped evacuate animals during canyon floods and fires, and she has seen many changes. The shelter was established in 1975 by The Pet Responsibility Committee (now called PUP Laguna Beach), a volunteer group that lobbied the city to buy the former American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals building. Now city funded, the shelter is supplemented by donations from the PUP nonprofit and community members who contribute or add the shelter to their will.
Goodwin has stayed at the shelter because of the rewarding work and wonderful friendships she has formed with staff and volunteers over the years.
“Everything’s different every day,” she says. “You never know [what’s going to happen]. I’m not bored. … [And] we’ve become friends. … That’s how all the volunteers are—the ones that have been here forever. It would be very hard not to see them all the time.”
Volunteers welcome visitors in the lobby, where a resident rabbit quickly catches the attention of kids. Children are also entertained by an old chicken, Henny Penny, that lives in an unused dog kennel and still lays eggs. A few small dogs often keep the front office workers company. Bright artwork of past shelter animals grace the walls leading to the kennels, which feature indoor and outdoor space. The dogs also get time to run around a large yard. A separate room is reserved for cats, but some friendly felines are allowed to wander around.
A small shelter, only 300 or 400 animals come through per year, Goodwin says. The lifeoriented shelter has no time limit for dogs that are up for adoption; all are spayed or neutered before going to their forever homes. An expansion project at the adjoining Pacific Marine Mammal Center property will add space for the shelter including a larger cattery and a treatment room. The shelter also maintains lists of lost and
found pets and a resource book for the public with referrals for services from dog training to bee removal and relocation, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and vaccines as well as pet cremation.
Goodwin, who grew up in Covina, moved to Laguna in her early teen years and still lives in town. A lifelong animal lover, her family had horses, goats, sheep, chicken and ducks. She now has two dogs, Chicky and Joey, and always had cats until about five years ago. She also took in a couple of canaries and finches that were rescued in Laguna Woods.
While it may not be possible to save them all, Goodwin and the volunteers do their best to care for the shelter animals and find loving homes for them.
Nancy Goodwin (center) was honored by the city a few years ago for her service.
Leela, a 2-year-old spayed Chihuahua mix with one eye, with a shelter worker
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What kinds of animals do you get other than dogs, cats and rabbits?
NANCY GOODWIN: We’ve had a llama, we’ve had pot-bellied pigs. We had a wallaby one time, years ago. We’ve had a few odd things. This one belonged to someone in town. We get bearded dragons and iguanas. We get snakes now and then, but … we have people we work with that love the reptiles. They want them. … And we’ve had a lot of guinea pigs. Those are some of my favorites. I think those are great pets for children. They’re very overlooked. … The guinea pigs like to be combed. They love their food. They squeak when they want to eat. They’re very good pets.
LBM: You helped to implement the shelter’s adoption program?
NG: We were like every other shelter. You would come in and lay $5 on the counter and walk out [with an animal]. Every shelter nationwide has a 50% to 60% return rate. And so we developed an application and it was mostly so we could see if they … own or rent because we do require
landlord permission. … We just try to make the best match, the most suitable home for the pet so it’s not returned. And our return rate is down to about 2%. … It really works.
LBM: Is it hard to see the ones that don’t get adopted?
NG: I came thinking I was going to save everything, but, you know, it’s not realistic. … We rescued a big cat the other day. He was just lovely. … [But] we did bloodwork and he had leukemia and he had feline AIDS. … We had to euthanize him. That was a heartbreaking one. But you can’t put that cat with other cats. It spreads and then they all get it. … We had a puppy once … that had distemper. It’s a death sentence. Those are the rough ones. Fortunately, it’s not every day, all day, like at these big shelters. I don’t know how they do it.
LBM: How can people get involved?
NG: Our volunteers, we ask for four hours a week [and a commitment of six months]. It’s on a scheduled shift … from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m.
Local artist Scott Moore’s renderings of past shelter animals in the hallway
… They come in and fill out an application and they go through training, and there is a police background check. … The morning volunteers, they come in and vacuum and mop the lobby, some of them like to help … with dishes and laundry, but most of them want to walk dogs … until we open, … [then] they’re helping the public and answering the phone. And afternoon volunteers, it’s more front office because we’re open. They pick what shift they want … and a lot of them make real friendships. g
Al Oligino Michael Laux
The Sound of Music
Get up close with world-class musicians during this Laguna Beach festival.
By SUNNY HUBLER
Almost every night of the week, locals can enjoy live performances by famous musicians at venues across the region, from Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa to Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and many other impressive concert facilities throughout Southern California.
What’s harder to find is a chance to almost rub elbows with a composer or performer who’s world-renowned and has won multiple awards. But those attending a concert as part of the
23rd annual Laguna Beach Music Festival in February will be part of a small group—about 400 audience members or less—at an intimate venue, the Laguna Playhouse, to experience the talents of artistic director Caroline Shaw, both her compositions and performances by her and the musicians she’s selected for three concerts.
“Traditionally, you see an artist in only one context, one concert or one style, but here you get to see many sides of their artistic talents and all the best of what they do,” explains Tommy Phillips, president and artistic director of the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, which co-presents the festival with Laguna Beach Live.
Each year, a different accomplished musician is chosen as artistic director to create a vision for the festival. For Shaw, who sings and plays violin, that means programs with chamber ensemble Salastina, members of the Pacific Chorale, Sō Percussion, composer/singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane and Jake Tribus, a dancer fresh from performing in the Laguna Dance Festival.
“We have wanted to have Caroline as an AD for several years,” says Hung Fan, chairman of Laguna Beach Music Festival’s Board of Trustees. “… Tommy worked very hard over two years from our initial approach until she agreed to do it. We were delighted.”
“What makes the festival unique,” Phillips
adds, “is the fact that you have luminary artists and musicians of the highest level whom you’re able to experience both in concert settings as well as in various engagements within the community throughout the week.”
In addition to concerts at the Playhouse, there will be performances in schools and at the senior center during the festival, from Feb. 10-16.
Whatever event you attend, there’s “not a bad seat in the house,” Hung says.
—Articles on this spread are provided by the Journalism Arts Initiative.
Laguna Beach Music Festival
Running from Feb. 10-16, the festival’s first days are filled with donor engagement events, which are exclusive to donors and board members. Artists will also sometimes take part in talks or community events on those days. The following events are open to the public.
PRELUDE at 6 p.m. Feb. 12, Laguna Art Museum; hors d’oeuvres and wine to be served; performances to be announced; tickets required
LAGUNA LIVE AT THE SUSI Q at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center; Sō Percussion performance and Q&A session; free to the public, but advance reservation required at thesusiq.org/classes-registration
OPENING NIGHT at 8 p.m. Feb. 14 at Laguna Playhouse; performers including Caroline Shaw, Salastina, Pacific Chorale and Jake Tribus; tickets required
SECOND CONCERT at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Laguna Playhouse; performers including Caroline Shaw and Sō Percussion; tickets required
FINAL CONCERT at 8 p.m. Feb. 16 at Laguna Beach Playhouse, performers including Caroline Shaw and Gabriel Kahane; “Hexagons” and other works to be announced; tickets required
For tickets and information, go to lagunabeachmusicfestival.com.
Caroline Shaw and Gabriel Kahane
Sō Percussion
Salastina
SURPRISING SOUNDS
Acclaimed composer and musician Caroline Shaw will serve as artistic director of the Laguna Beach Music Festival.
By SUNNY HUBLER
“Ahighly polished and inventive a cappella work uniquely embracing speech, whispers, sighs, murmurs, wordless melodies and novel vocal effects.”
That’s how the selection committee described Caroline Shaw’s Partita for 8 Voices in 2013, when it awarded the work the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished musical composition by an American that had its first performance or recording in the U.S. during the year. At age 30, Shaw became the youngest winner in the musical prize’s history, later matched by rapper Kendrick Lamar, who won in 2018.
Shaw composed Partita for 8 for Roomful of Teeth, the vocal group of which she was a member at the time, and its four parts were interspersed on the group’s debut album, which won a Grammy Award for best chamber music/small ensemble performance in 2014.
Shaw is the artistic director of this year’s 23rd annual Laguna Beach Music Festival, running from Feb. 10-16. Looking at the festival schedule, you’ll see she’s not only directing the festival, but she’s involved in nearly every performance.
Hailing from Greenville, North Carolina, Shaw now splits her time between New York City and Portland, Oregon. She moves through musical genres with fluidity and a unique capacity for multidisciplinary work. At times difficult to describe, her work is a surprise in the best kind of way, an experience of newness when you think you’ve
heard all the sounds there are to be enjoyed. Through the years, she’s written more than 100 works, collected four Grammy Awards and worked on “Homecoming: A Film by Beyoncé” and the podcast series “Dolly Parton’s America.” She has written and produced for musicians as diverse as rappers Nas and Kanye West, Spanish singer Rosalía, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and both the Los Angeles and New York Philharmonic orchestras. She has scored film and TV projects for Ken Burns, FX, Hulu, A24 and the New York City Ballet. Here, she talks about her inspirations and the upcoming Laguna Beach Music Festival.
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: How did you first become involved with the Laguna Beach Music Festival? Were you familiar with the area?
CAROLINE SHAW: I’ve known about the festival for years and have friends who have enjoyed being a part of it, and we began talking about what we could do together. I’ve never been to Laguna Beach but am looking forward to it.
LBM: What is most exciting to you about the festival? What is most challenging?
CS: I’m always excited about gathering people in a space to meet each other and experience music together. One of the gifts of music is that it is something we can all share and receive simultaneously, and it can often be full of surprising emotions that we didn’t see
“I believe music is something that takes care of us, invisibly and deeply, like tree roots or a mycelial network under the ground. And, in turn, we keep taking care of it.”
—CAROLINE SHAW
coming. I suppose the challenge is making sure we have enough time for both rehearsal and seeing the ocean—which I love and can’t get enough of.
LBM: What can guests expect?
CS: To encounter musicians who are passionate, and to experience a sense of wonder about the possibilities of music and sound. And, hopefully, to meet someone new in the community who will keep sharing that love of listening with you in the future.
LBM: What is most interesting or exciting to you about being involved in an event like this?
CS: Meeting new people who are curious and open lovers of music and art of all kinds.
LBM: What keeps you excited or inspired with your work in general?
CS: I believe music is something that takes care of us, invisibly and deeply, like tree roots or a mycelial network under the ground. And, in turn, we keep taking care of it, in all the ways. Sometimes the best kind of care and love is just listening, and I try to do that as deeply as I can.
LBM: This opportunity to be a festival’s artistic director is unique. Is there anything in particular you hope to achieve in the role?
CS: I just hope to have created an environment in which we can, together, find more ways to love music and to appreciate each other in the moment. /
Caroline Shaw, artistic director of the Laguna Beach Music Festival
Tea Time Health & Wellness
From bold blacks and calming chamomiles to herbal blends filled with botanical flavor, these hot sips transform ordinary moments into indulgent rituals with added health benefits.
By ASHLEY RYAN
Whether used to warm up on a rainy day, boost your immune system when you feel a cold coming on, fall asleep at night or socialize with loved ones, there’s no denying that tea has worked its way into our daily lives. However, it is far from a cutting-edge trend.
Many are familiar with the long-standing tradition of afternoon tea in England or the skillful preparation of ceremonial sips in China and Japan, but countless cultures across the globe have steeped leaves—as well as fruit, florals and herbs—in boiling water to produce a beverage that is soothing, ritualistic and, most importantly, good for your body and mind.
“[In December,] the Food and Drug Administration awarded tea the ‘healthy’ label, recognizing that two cups of green or black tea a day can support overall health in reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes,” says Lan Pham Zentil, a Laguna Beach resident and founder of the Jadetiger Tea brand. “Tea has been consumed for over 5,000 years and was initially used for medicinal purposes; the FDA just solidified what was already instinctively practiced.”
From a promising partnership to a local tea shop and explorative nature workshops, read on to discover several ways to delve into the realm of tea in Laguna Beach.
THE RITUAL REIMAGINED
In 2011, Pham Zentil was diagnosed with bone cancer and she made the decision to leave corporate life behind as she searched for a meaningful way to spread love and share a connection with her community.
“There was a stressful eight-week period when oncologists were unsure what type and stage of cancer I had,” she recalls. “I took that time to think about what career I’d want to pursue that I could be passionate about [and] that incorporates my business experience, creativity, time with family, travel, philanthropy— it was a heavy order. And after a few weeks of
contemplation, tea kept coming to mind.”
To Pham Zentil, tea was a beloved commodity that she could learn the business of, but also use to connect with people. In 2018, Jadetiger Tea was born. The tea blends, which are crafted at a facility in north Laguna and available via an online shop in addition to select restaurants, spas, retail shops and boutique hotels, incorporate organic ingredients
from around the world in a time when we need to focus on wellness more than ever.
“We are bombarded by sugar-laden drinks, processed foods, GMOs, toxins like pesticides and herbicides, even plastics in what we eat and drink. Our schedules and lifestyles are busier and more demanding than ever,” she explains. “We need healthy options, and from a trusted source. Tea is a clean cup of
Ingredients grown at The Ranch at Laguna Beach are incorporated in seasonal blends made by Jadetiger Tea for the resort. At left is Lan Pham Zentil, founder of Jadetiger Tea.
Lemon balm and borage flowers used in the the Purple Jasmine Garden tea blend by Jadetiger Tea
plant power that helps support heart health, immunity and boosts energy. … To me, more important than the physical benefits are the mental and emotionally calming benefits of tea. There’s a saying that a cup of tea can impart the wisdom of the ages. The tea lifestyle inherently promotes health and wellness.”
She travels to Asia in the springtime to source tea leaves, but gathers herbs for her blends locally. Using 3 grams instead of the usual 2 and an unbleached paper bag, Jadetiger Tea aims to make the drink convenient and accessible to all. “I’m a bit of a renegade,” Pham Zentil notes. “I don’t like rules and I break the first rule in premium tea: I bag high-quality loose-leaf tea.”
Varieties range from Jasmine Jade and LemonTox to E-Grey and ChamoMint, but a partnership with The Ranch at Laguna Beach has provided her even more freedom to experiment.
“Lan sources tea from all over the world in a sustainable way,” says Kurt Bjorkman, chief operating officer at the resort. “That’s really important for us to meet with our ethos when it comes to how we approach food and beverages. To have something that we know and can trust is done on a high level is really amazing.”
In addition to classic teas like chai, green tea, chamomile and English breakfast, Jadetiger Tea creates special blends offered only at the resort. “We pull something from the farm that we grow and we dehydrate it here on-property and give it to Lan, who
then blends it and creates a custom tea,” Bjorkman explains.
Changing with the seasons, these range from a spiced peach tea for fall to a strawberry balm spring tea and a Lunar New Year variety for winter. Ingredients like peppercorns, marigold petals and lemon, all grown at The Ranch, have been incorporated into these varieties. Pham Zentil’s favorite was a purple jasmine floral blend that she created one summer after spending time in the garden with Ryan Goldsmith, locally known as Farmer Leo, and Farmer Makena.
“Through multiple tastings with the food and beverage team, together we came up with the perfect balance of green jasmine tea, flowers and herbs from the on-site garden, and butterfly pea flower,” Pham Zentil says. “The tea steeps a beautiful bluish-purple and, when lemon or lime is added, turns bright pink. The anthocyanins in the flower are activated by the acid. It’s a delicately smooth yet floral cup and the mixologist team created a beautiful tea cocktail with it.”
In addition, Pham Zentil visits The Ranch regularly to meet with and train the culinary team on her teas so that they are well-versed in how to prepare each blend and can discuss it properly with guests. Jadetiger Tea is currently served in Harvest restaurant, The Porch coffee shop, Lost Pier Cafe and Young’s Beach Shack (operated by The Ranch) in Dana Point as well as through room service at the resort. Later this year, Bjorkman says the property plans to add it to the gift shop and also host tea tasting experiences for guests to learn about the nuances of brewing tea. “It’s kind of a full property takeover,” he adds.
For Pham Zentil, the partnership has been a positive experience. “We hit it off from the first moment we met Kurt,” she says. “Over time, I shared my journey starting a tea company through the course of our conversations. As the tea line grew, it seemed our values to stay organically sourced, low waste, eco-conscious [and] local [aligned], and then I reached out to Kurt about a tea tasting and the rest was history.”
Lan Pham Zentil, founder of Jadetiger Tea
A tasting session with Jadetiger Tea’s spiced peach tea varieties
STEEPED IN AUTHENTICITY
From From the shops to the trails, there are other tea-related experiences to be had in Laguna as well. Discover an array of loose-leaf options at Tea & Turmeric. The South Coast Highway shop, which also sells spices and gourmet cooking kits, stocks more than 180 varieties ranging from black, green and white to mushroom, oolong and herbal teas.
“You name it, we probably have it,” says Vidya Reddy, who owns the shop with her sister, Kavita. “… Our connection to the healing and joyful power of spices and teas, passed down from our Indian grandmother and mother, inspired us to open this shop. Our shop is a testament to their wisdom and a platform for the mission in our motto: tea and spice for joy and health.”
Given Reddy’s background in naturopathy and Ayurveda, the shop also offers a selection of wellness teas inspired by ancient recipes from cultures around the world that place an emphasis on natural healing. “Sleep, inflammation and stress relief teas are our most requested wellness teas,” she notes. “We have several blends in these … and other wellness categories, like immunity, digestion and hormonal health. We also have a unique line of Ayurvedic teas.”
Many of these are herbal. “Herbal teas do not contain tea leaves,” Reddy says. “… Cultures throughout the world have used herbs, flowers and botanicals as medicine for thousands of years. They were the original medicines before modern medicine existed. So tea has been inexorably linked with wellness since its inception.”
Several times a year, the shop hosts Tea and Meditation workshops that both educate visitors about tea and encourage them to slow down and take a quiet moment for themselves, focusing on the ritualistic components of steeping and
sipping tea. This year, Ridya and Kavita also plan to introduce classes on making chai, creating custom herbal blends and pairing tea with chocolate.
Laguna Canyon Foundation also hosts a quarterly Native Plant Tea workshop during which Shelbi Richardson, a resource specialist for OC Parks, introduces locals to a variety of native flora within the coastal sage scrub ecosystem. “Participants will get to know a few key plants, including laurel sumac, white sage, black sage, elderberry, California sagebrush and any wildflowers currently in bloom,” she explains. “We explore these plants’ unique history through their different uses to humans and animals.”
Part of the workshop includes creating your own custom tea blend, selecting from
three types of tea leaves that are sustainably sourced. “Time is specifically set aside at the end for participants to enjoy the surrounding views while sipping their tea,” Richardson says, adding that they are encouraged to plant their own native garden at home in order to harvest leaves and create their own tea based on what they’ve learned. The spring iteration of the event will take place at Nix Nature Center on May 10.
With the many benefits to both physical and mental health, tea is perfectly suited for the Laguna Beach community. “Tea is not just a drink,” Reddy says. “It’s a holistic practice that nurtures both body and mind, and we are passionate about helping others experience the same benefits.” g
Kavita (left) and Vidya Reddy, co-owners of Tea & Turmeric shop
Tea & Turmeric offers more than 180 varieties of tea including black, green, white, mushroom, olong and herbal options.
The Main Squeeze Health & Wellness
Explore the benefits of this town’s spectrum of nutrient-packed juices.
By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS
Living in Southern California, we are lucky enough to have access to some of the freshest ingredients on the market. This abundance allows for a vibrant array of juices and smoothies to be whipped up locally for easy sipping whether you’re ordering breakfast or lunch or need a pick-me-up after the gym or between errands.
Dawn Narvaez, a registered dietitian nutritionist for more than 30 years and owner of Dawn’s Good Table, says juice has several benefits: It’s an easy way to boost your intake of fruits and vegetables, especially on busy days; adding fruit makes veggies more palatable for those who dislike them; and juice retains most vitamins and minerals, meaning the drink is packed with essential nutrients.
“Juicing can be a healthy snack or a way to increase fruit and vegetable intake,” she says, “but whole fruits and vegetables are still the best source of nutrients, fiber and plant compounds.”
Juice removes the fiber that comes from eating a whole apple or carrot, for example. While that means you’re consuming less fiber, it also gives the digestive system a break and might benefit certain health conditions or treatments, Narvaez says. But juice also has a higher glycemic index, which can cause blood sugar spikes. Narvaez adds that “juices might leave you unsatisfied, leading to additional calorie consumption.”
She advises keeping portions under 12 ounces and limiting high-glycemic fruits like bananas and watermelon to prevent excessive sugar intake, and check if juices or smoothies contain added sugars, syrups, honey, agave or artificial sweeteners, which reduce health benefits. Protein powders or nut butters can be added to balance the sugar and increase nutrients, she suggests.
When it comes to diet—as is usually the case—it’s all about moderation.
Narvaez suggests opting for juices with cruciferous vegetables and vitamin C-rich fruits, which are packed with antioxidants. Good veggie options include kale, celery, beetroot, cabbage, carrots, cucumber and spinach, she says. For fruit, choose mango, orange, lemon, lime, kiwi and all types of berries. Indeed, there are options from just about every color of the rainbow.
DRINKING YOUR FRUITS AND VEGGIES
With a few locations throughout Orange County, including north Laguna, Jan’s Health Bar is the perfect spot for both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike to try a menu centered on fresh produce. Owner Poppy Holguin puts the utmost care into selecting the freshest and healthiest ingredients to showcase on her
Cold-pressed juice from Jan’s Health Bar
Active Culture’s Berry Tasty smoothie
menu while also keeping the integral nutrients from every ingredient intact.
The bestselling juice at Jan’s Health Bar is its Go Green, which is full of verdant veggies and a healthy kick of ginger. “To make our green juice more palatable, we balance the strong flavors of leafy greens with a touch of apple,” Holguin says. “We balance the juice with ginger and lemon to add a refreshing kick, while keeping the drink healthy and easy to enjoy.”
All of the regional chain’s juice recipes are cold-pressed in an off-site kitchen to maintain consistency and quality while meeting demand. They are sold in bottles in the shops. When discussing their health benefits, Holguin adds, “Our juices are made with 100% fresh fruits and vegetables, packed with essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost immunity, aid digestion and support detoxification.”
Also in north Laguna, Urth Caffé owner Shallom Berkman prides himself on making
nutritious, fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies that fly off the shelves. Berkman offers a wide array of juices including orange, apple, grapefruit, watermelon, carrot and celery, with the option to customize by adding kale, spinach, parsley, beet or ginger to any juice. Every juice is at the peak of freshness, thanks to Berkman’s focus on seasonal ingredients.
“Urth’s fresh-squeezed orange juice is the freshest, tastiest orange juice you can find,” Berkman says. “Urth only sources local Southern Californian citrus, and the fall and winter have the very best tasting orange varieties for juice. In the fall, we use primarily sweet, heirloom Cara Caras. And we are currently using the winter variety—organic heirloom navels.”
A few specialty blends are also offered including a green variety as well as the bright yellow Sunshine Juice, with apple, pineapple, celery, lemon and ginger, and the most popular: The Urth Energizer, a deep red mix of spinach,
beets, pineapple, apple and ginger.
If you are looking for a healthy, flavorful and fresh Green Juice, look no further than Orange Inn. Packed with organic kale, celery, parsley, cilantro, cucumbers, golden beets (with stems), ginger, turmeric, apples and lemons, this juice packs a punch with flavors and nutrients. If that’s too complex, grab a coldpressed carrot juice instead.
“What stands out about our Green Juice, I think, is the way the sweetness of the organic apples balances with the fire of the fresh ginger, both cutting through and boosting the rich earthy flavors of the fresh greens,” says Orange Inn General Manager Alex Bodrero. “…Like our carrot juice, it is cold-pressed, so there’s no loss of nutrients due to heat exposure, which occurs in traditional juicers.”
The Orange Inn also offers—you guessed it—orange juice, which has been a staple at the eatery since 1931.
“In terms of popularity, we serve more orange
Urth Caffé’s colorful, nutrient-packed juices, which range from orange juice to The Urth Energizer, a deep red mix with beets
juice than anything, but the green and carrot are gaining ground,” Bodrero says. “The start of the year always sees a boost in demand for green and carrot as people set out to fulfill their healthinspired resolutions.”
These juices go great with the inn’s delicious breakfast or lunch options, like omelets, a ham and cheese croissant, veggie burger, turkey club or Lagoona Toona sandwich. If pure juice seems a little too intense, grab a smoothie made with fresh fruits and juices.
Zinc Cafe & Bar is another place in town that’s perfect for pairing breakfast and lunch dishes with refreshing juices. Two of its most popular flavors are the Zinc Sunrise, which is made using freshsqueezed orange juice, peach and raspberry puree, as well as Green Juice, a blend of apple for some sweetness, spinach, ginger, lemon, pineapple, flax and coconut water. Drink it down alongside a quiche, salad, pizza, veggie burger, spinach lasagna or other tasty vegetarian dishes.
At Acai Republic, fresh juices are also offered, including orange—squeezed right in front of you— as well as orange mixed with acerola (also called Barbados cherry), and a ginger-turmeric immune boost with cayenne pepper and citrus (available as a shot or in a glass). Other blends include The Mr. Green, which combines cucumber, kale, apple, spinach, pineapple and agave, and Ms. Detox, mixing kale, pineapple, ginger and agave.
GOING DOWN SMOOTH
More of a smoothie joint than a juice spot, Active Culture still uses the most prime produce from acai to pineapple, strawberry, watermelon and more. Two of its most popular smoothies are Berry Tasty (a classic acai smoothie) and Strawberry State-of-Mind (strawberry-banana).
Fresh juice and smoothies are a convenient way to get your daily serving of fruits and vegetables as the liquid retains most of the nutrients. “Blending is often better than traditional juicing because it preserves more fiber and plant compounds, like antioxidants,” Narvaez adds.
Among the spots that use whole ingredients for their smoothies, Acai Republic has committed to only using organic acai brought directly from the Amazon forest and mixed freshly with other fruits here in Orange County. Customers can customize their smoothies with additional ingredients like protein powders, nut butters and plant-based milks, notes Mo Reynoso, co-owner of Acai Republic’s Laguna location.
“Our smoothies,” she says, “offer a variety of health-focused, nutrient-rich options that cater to both health-conscious customers and those looking for a delicious treat.” g
Top: Acai Republic uses only organic acai from the Amazon forest, mixed with other fruits here in Orange County. Bottom: A fresh batch of juice gets poured into bottles at Orange Inn.
Fun With Fitness Health & Wellness
Break out of the rut, boost motivation and achieve your fitness goals in a group setting.
By TANYA A. YACINA
By now, some of your New Year’s resolutions may have fallen to the wayside, especially those involving health and exercise. Maybe you didn’t find the right fitness option for you and grew bored, or started a regimen on your own, only to find you could use some instruction. Group fitness classes are a fun, effective way to break out of an exercise rut, providing variety, motivation, social interaction and camaraderie.
A wide range of group classes are offered in Laguna Beach, from boxing to barre, spin, yoga, water aerobics, tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, basketball, dance and more.
“Our group fitness classes are designed for all levels, beginners [to] advanced,” says Fernanda Rocha, co-owner of Art of Fitness with Marian Keegan. “Our instructors modify the exercises and help clients according to their level of training. Art of Fitness is all about creating community and improving clients’ health with the best workout classes in Orange County.”
Michelle Anderson, owner of Laguna Barre, says her studio’s goal is to also create a welcoming community while sculpting and toning bodies.
“Fitness should be for a lifetime, not a short time,” Anderson says. “By leading with positivity, we strive to create a comfortable environment that enhances well-being—a workout that can be done daily.”
VARIETY FOR VITALITY
When it comes to exercise options, the Art of Fitness offers vinyasa and gentle yoga, barre, Pilates, spin, Spin & Pump (combining cycling with hand weights), boot camp, Brazilian Booty and step classes, with aerial yoga starting in February. Rocha says the gym’s busiest classes are yoga, boot camp and Brazilian Booty.
“We offer about 100 classes a month in different modalities,” she says. “Each person is different, but we provide low-intensity to high-intensity workouts, and it is up to
[each] client’s program to choose what fits best. There is no other gym in Laguna that has our variety of classes or the space to accommodate [so many] different workouts. Art of Fitness is a one-stop shop.”
Laguna Barre offers two different classes, Laguna Barre Method and Express Barre. Anderson explains they are similar, mainly differing in duration. Laguna Barre Method
is a full, 60-minute class, which includes time for stretching, and Laguna Barre Express is 45 minutes with less time for stretching and focuses more on getting “the most burn” in a shorter time.
“I would say our Laguna Barre Method is most popular because the major benefit of our method is stretching,” Anderson says. “We will fire up a muscle group until fatigue, and then
A spin session at Vessel
stretch to achieve long, lean lines and prevent injury. [It’s] appropriate for all ages and activity levels. Laguna Barre classes are a structured, full-body workout including core, thighs, arms, seat work and more. … The goal is to ‘find the shake.’ The music and the energy of the instructor is what makes it so much fun.”
For those who prefer to spin their way into shape, Vessel offers 45-minute indoor cycling classes filled with high-energy movements, taught by inspiring coaches. Located in Laguna Canyon, Vessel also provides 40-minute infrared sauna sessions and cold plunge experiences.
“This class serves as both a powerful cardiovascular workout and a positive mental outlet,” says Vessel co-owner Stephanie Chapel. “Riding to the rhythm of the music, participants experience a unified energy, fostering a sense of community and connection. The sauna serves as a method for relaxation and detoxification, proven to enhance longevity and optimize brain and muscle functions. Meanwhile, the cold plunge is a fantastic way to build mental and physical resilience, reducing inflammation and boosting the body’s ability to cope with stress.”
Chapel says this studio’s fitness philosophy centers on the idea that making room for what truly matters allows your body and mind to function at its best.
“We view the body as a vessel for sharing love and purpose,” she says. “Our goal is to provide an environment where individuals can recharge mentally and emotionally, enabling them to pursue their personal goals with greater vigor.”
Farther up the canyon, Bobby’s Boxing Club offers small group trainings, as well as private one-on-one sessions that give members the attention they need to improve with every workout—even if they have no desire to fight, but simply want to train like a boxer to burn fat, gain muscle and develop better hand-eye coordination.
“Boxing is one of, if not the best, form of cardio you can do,” says owner Bobby Chavez. “All members experience an intense workout that pushes their cardio and strength to the next level.”
Bobby’s small group trainings consist of a 10-minute warm up, boxing technique work, cardio boxing and finishing with core work, strength and conditioning. One-on-one training is also offered.
“The classes are appropriate for members
of all walks of life. We offer a Parkinson’s class, youth training, professional training for boxers and people of all levels,” Chavez explains. “Private sessions are our most popular class because it specifically caters to the individual’s needs and ensures growth at the quickest pace.”
The city of Laguna Beach also offers group workout classes from yoga and barre to tennis,
pickleball, beach volleyball, water aerobics, drop-in basketball, table tennis, boxing and dance—Latin, hip-hop, ballet, tap, line dancing, belly dancing, Zumba and lyrical modern movement. Alexis Braun, the city’s recreation manager, says the classes are taught by independent instructors who specialize in their programs, with a wide range of fitness programs from which to choose.
Classes at Laguna Barre help to sculpt and tone.
COLLECTIVE MOTIVATION
One of the best parts of a group class is the support from other participants, which is key whether you’re just starting out or are several years into your fitness journey. For example, Art of Fitness is more than just classes, Rocha says.
“We are a community and tailor our classes to the needs of our clients,” she says. “We are the only gym in Laguna that offers a big range of modalities in addition to a weight training area and equipment that clients can use to enhance their workouts. Our genuine concern for our community and clients is why we work so hard to give our Laguna Beach family an experience that truly fits all their needs at any age.”
At Laguna Barre, the benefits start with skilled instruction, but also encompass an encouraging environment.
“Our knowledgeable and very experienced instructors are what make our classes so
amazing and fun,” Anderson says. “We have a heavy focus on form and alignment, which helps improve the workout and prevent injury. One of the things I’m most proud of though, is our community: Our clients are very welcoming.”
When it comes to the city’s classes, Braun says the Recreation Department strives to offer something for everyone in the community. To expand accessibility, scholarships are available for qualifying Laguna Beach families and are funded by the city’s Community Assistance Grants program. And the city reviews new classes and approves them on a quarterly basis.
At Bobby’s Boxing, Chavez says the skills and lessons taught in his classes add value to the members not only physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. “The club strives to create a strong community among its members and take great pride in being an active part in our little beach community,” Chavez says, adding that he aims to eventually
be more involved with the school district, first responders and city of Laguna Beach.
“… Our classes are done with multiple coaches to ensure every member feels catered to and understands the importance of proper technique,” he says. “Not only to prevent injury, but also to make sure our members push through their entire workout. Having multiple coaches on hand makes all the difference.”
Meanwhile, Vessel’s studio exudes a pristine, minimalistic ambiance, inviting riders to embrace themselves without pretense, Chapel says. The only expectations are to honor your own journey and show respect to fellow riders.
“Picture our classes as a welcoming place to do the best you can,” she says. “Some sessions flow with a slow intensity, weaving in various gear and resistance, while others are quicker paced. Ultimately, our mission is for you to get an awesome cardio workout that serves as a mental and physical cleanse.” g
Left: boot camp class at Art of Fitness; right: training at Bobby’s Boxing
Real Estate / Showcase
TOUR LAGUNA’S TOP HOMES
From quaint beach cottages to luxury hilltop estates, the Laguna Beach area offers some of the best homes and views in Orange County. On the following pages, we bring you a special section dedicated to highlighting top properties on the market today. These outstanding homes are represented by Laguna Beach’s expert Realtors and real estate agents—individuals with superior knowledge of the local area and the OC market, all dedicated to providing the best customer service.
ADDRESS: 6 Barranca Way, Laguna Beach
OFFERING PRICE: $15,950,000
AGENT: John Stanaland 949-689-9047 john@johnstanaland.com
DRE# 01223768
192 NYES PLACE, LAGUNA BEACH
| $3,490,000
Live the Laguna Beach dream in this stunning 3-bed, 2.5-bath home with panoramic ocean views. Enjoy Tuscan-inspired elegance, a gourmet kitchen, cozy fireplaces, and a luxurious master suite. This home offers direct access down easement to Victoria Beach, a 2-car garage, and proximity to world-class dining and shopping. Embrace coastal living in Laguna Beach – where art, surf, and sunsets meet!
2760 HIGHLAND WAY, LAGUNA BEACH | $3,195,000
Experience coastal luxury in Laguna Beach’s Upper Victoria Beach! This 3-bed, 3-bath home built in 2015 features stunning Catalina Island views, cathedral ceilings with exposed beams, stacking glass doors, spacious entertaining decks, a fabulous kitchen, fireplace, and optional separate ADU lock off. Minutes from dining, shopping, and Montage Resort. Live the Laguna lifestyle with easy beach access, charm, and style!
j
31652 2ND AVENUE, LAGUNA BEACH
| $3,629,000
Discover this hidden gem in South Laguna Beach! A two-story, 3,200+ sq. ft. office building with panoramic ocean views, cafelit courtyard, and unique features like overhead train tracks and zoned audio. Perfect for creative ventures or mixed-use potential. Ample parking (8 spaces-a true rarity in SLB), private entrance, and epic possibilities await. Seize this rare opportunity—schedule a viewing today!
North Laguna Stunner
1580 SUNSET RIDGE DRIVE
Laguna Beach | 5 Bed | 5 Bath | Offered at $7,995,000
Simply stunning with panoramic ocean, coastline, Catalina, and sunset views, all nestled into a quiet cul-de-sac location. Designed by prolific architect Paul McClean, this house captures his signature style by creating a seamless division between indoor and outdoor space. Features include an open living room, large deck with sit down panoramic views, luxurious primary suite with vaulted/ arched ceiling and dramatic stone fireplace, Fleetwood floor to ceiling windows and doors throughout, beautiful mahogany flooring, climate controlled wine storage, elevator, and much more.
The Magic of
Hawaii’s second largest island welcomes visitors with its relaxed charm, spectacular beaches and marine life.
By SHARON STELLO
So many migrating humpback whales can be seen from Maui during the winter that locals call it “whale soup.” Some of these gentle giants start to show up as early as October and November, but whale-watching season typically runs from December through March. And whales aren’t the only marine animals in the waters off this Hawaiian island, with dolphins, green sea turtles and bright-colored tropical fish also proving easy to spot from the coast, on a boat ride or while snorkeling.
Rainbows are often seen over this secondlargest Hawaiian island and it’s easy to feel like you’ve found the treasure at the end with Maui’s many splendors. The enchanting marine life, beautiful beaches, relaxing resorts, culture and cuisine, make Maui a great escape, whether for a few days or a full week.
Kaanapali Beach Resort is a perfect home base for a Maui trip. Located on the west side of the island, less than a 10-minute drive north of Lahaina, the area encompasses 11 accommodations from oceanfront resorts to condos and luxury villas complete with a full kitchen and private lanai. Before it was a vacation spot, Hawaiian royalty once came to these beaches and lush gardens as a rejuvenating retreat. The 3-mile stretch of sand continues to be hailed as one of the best: Kaanapali Beach received top ranking in the U.S. and No. 4 in the world in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best Beaches this year. While the region is still rebuilding since the wildfire that devastated much of Lahaina in August 2023, vacationers are being welcomed back to this destination, which helps bolster the economy during recovery efforts. The town of Lahaina is still largely off-limits, as many
Alluring azure waters along Maui’s coast
homes, restaurants and other businesses were completely destroyed, but respectful visitors are invited to the resort areas. And the rest of the island can be explored as well.
With so many shopping and dining options, amenities and activities in Kaanapali, an entire vacation could be spent in this resort area with two 18-hole golf courses and a beach path connecting the hotels and Whalers Village, an open-air shopping center. Or, rent a car and set out on day trips and excursions from there.
COASTAL COMFORTS
Excellent snorkeling can be found around Black Rock at the north end of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, voted best hotel in Hawaii in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards in 2023. Honu, or green sea turtles, are often seen in the waters around this lava rock outcropping, where cliff
diving ceremonies are also presented at sunset.
The expansive, 23-acre Sheraton resort features a stream that meanders through the property, with koi fish and waterfalls among the relaxed, gardenlike setting. More than 80% of the resort’s 508 rooms and suites feature breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands Lanai and Molokai. In January 2020, the Sheraton completed a $30 million renovation, introducing a transformed lobby with Kaanapali’s only lobby bar, The Sandbar—serving coffee and housemade pastries in the morning and appetizers and creative cocktails at night—as well as a new lounge, expansive lanai and viewing deck.
A 142-yard, lagoon-style pool offers an inviting way to cool off. Or head to the window selling shave ice—which adults can opt to spike with their choice of spirit. Cabanas can be reserved around the pool as well to lounge in the shade.
Outdoor eateries include the Cliff Dive Grill, serving lunch and dinner with ocean views. Inspired by the flavors of Maui and the world, try the ahi poke bowl, Black Rock Wings, Koreanstyle fried chicken sandwich, kalua pork, and fish or chicken tinga tacos. Beer, wine and cocktails like the rum-based Maui Mist or Black Rock Mai Tai are also offered as well as the Drunken Monkey with ice cream, Kahlúa, banana and chocolate. Poolside bites and umbrella drinks can also be found at the Mai Tai Bar. Another culinary option is Teppan-yaki Dan: Here, diners are seated around a flat-top grill where chefs cook steak, fresh lobster and more right before their eyes. Coral Reef offers a buffet and a la carte breakfast as well as Pacific Rim cuisine for dinner. At night, gather around one of the property’s fire pits to roast s’mores; kits with all the fixings can be delivered to your guest room.
Not far away, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa offers its own allure with 770 rooms and suites and a $160 million, multiyear renovation completed last year. Named one of the best resorts in Hawaii and recognized as having one of the best hotel pools in the country, according to USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Westin features sophisticated style juxtaposed with an aquatic playground. A towering waterslide and six pools spanning 87,000 square feet fill the family-friendly outdoor area. The lush, tropical pool complex features waterfalls, tunnels and even a small pool in a hidden grotto that’s sure to make you feel like the Little Mermaid. An upper deck, adults-only section includes an infinity-edge pool and hot tub. Meanwhile, a kids splash zone can be found in another area.
During the day, the resort’s lobby is a sight for the senses, with a waterfall and koi pond, flamingos and parrots, plus occasional Hawaiian music and dance performances. At night, head to The Valley Alley for Topgolf Swing Suites, duckpin bowling, arcade games and a bar. The space includes prizes for redeeming your virtual tickets after playing games.
When it comes to choosing your accommodations, elevate your stay with a room or suite in the Hokupaa Tower, which was recently redesigned and comes with access to the The Lanai at Hokupaa, an exclusive bar and lounge with an infinity-edge pool, panoramic views and Hawaiian breakfast and dinner bites daily.
The property’s other restaurants, open to everyone, include Ulu Kitchen, which is not to be missed for breakfast. With so many tempting options, it will be difficult to choose, so order several dishes for the table to share including the Monkeypod Mai Tai Flapjacks with Kula rum butter syrup, honey lilikoi foam and Maui
Top: Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; bottom: water activities at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
pineapple, and the organic blueberry and lilikoi flapjacks with blueberries, ricotta and housemade lilikoi butter. The Hawaiian chilaquiles made with kalua pork, a fried egg and housemade ancho chile salsa is another winner.
Other must-try eateries in the area include Japango at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa and Hula Grill at Whaler’s Village. Japango, an open-air restaurant with panoramic views of the Pacific, serves Asian and island-inspired cuisine from sushi to premium steaks and locally sourced seafood. Try the pork belly bao buns; hibachi-glazed ahi tuna; or Japengo Fried Rice.
Hula Grill features an expansive patio at the water’s edge, live music and hula dancing nightly as well as views of independent performers like fire dancers along the nearby beachwalk. Start with a cocktail, like the Fresh-Squeezed Mai Tai or Lilikoi Rita. For dinner, choose from poke tacos, kalua pork potstickers, macadamia
nut-crusted mahi-mahi or wood-grilled filet mignon with yuzu demi-glace and chimichurri. Leave room for Hula Pie, a decadent dessert with chocolate cookie crust, macadamia nut ice cream, hot fudge, nuts and whipped cream.
ISLAND LIFE
When it comes to exploring the island, there are seemingly endless options, especially for viewing wildlife. Teralani Sailing Adventures offers whale-watching cruises. Knowledgeable and experienced crew know the best spots to find humpback whales and provide insights into the animals’ behaviors. Departure is near the resorts, on a catamaran launching from Kaanapali Beach. Dolphin-watching tours are also available on the company’s state-of-the-art luxury Schooner Creek sailing vessels.
To view green sea turtles up close, head to the north shore. A few places are known to
regularly have large turtles napping on the sand. Among those locales is Kuau Bay Beach Park, also known as Kaulahao Beach. This smaller gem of a beach can be reached from Hana Highway: Drive through the town of Paia and continue just over a half mile farther to find the parking lot entrance on the left. Most of the turtles found here will be sleeping, but if you wait long enough, you might just spot some hauling out of the water and making their way slowly across the sand to the napping spot next to a rock wall. Make sure to keep at least 10 feet away from the turtles—protected under state and federal law—and never touch or feed them.
To learn more about local sea life, head to the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center, a 5,000-square-foot space on the third floor of Whalers Village shopping center in Kaanapali. This interactive venue highlights the Hawaii Wildlife Fund’s work to protect native flora and fauna through murals, photos and videos about native marine wildlife, more than 30 exhibits on conservation, marine debris, the whaling era and Hawaiian cultural values, plus a Kids Zone. A highlight is the immersive sea life video projected on three walls accompanied by the sounds of ocean animals and rushing waves.
Whalers Village also offers a wide range of stores for picking up souvenirs and gifts, from Maui Divers Jewelry to Pearl Factory, Blue Ginger and Hilo Hattie clothing boutiques and Glass Mango Designs with stunning glass sculptures of sea creatures plus contemporary Venetian Murano glass jewelry.
For those interested in astronomy, Maui offers a treat for city dwellers from the mainland as less light pollution on the island provides a dark sky for excellent star viewing. Sign up for Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa’s Tour of the Stars on the hotel’s rooftop, which is equipped with Hawaii’s only recreational telescope with a 16-inch reflector. Hyatt Regency also hosts a standout luau: Drums of the Pacific showcases Polynesian culture at the property’s oceanside venue nightly. Enjoy traditional song and dance—including a three-man Samoan fire-knife dance finale—a three-course dinner and open bar featuring island cuisine and local spirits.
A taste of this authentic food and culture is a perfect way to end your visit to Maui, but there are plenty of reasons to return throughout the year including the Ki Hoalu (Slack Key) Guitar Festival in June; Maui Film Festival in August; and Hawaii Food & Wine Festival in October.
Whether you visit Maui for the food, culture, wildlife or beach time, there’s nothing like experiencing the island way of life—and making plans to return, with umbrella drink in hand. /
Clockwise from top: Drums of the Pacific luau at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa; an immersive sea life video at the Hawaii Wildlife Discovery Center; sea turtles napping at Kuau Bay Beach Park
Clockwise from top left: Oto Sushi’s dining room; sushi and tempura dishes; the Sweet Pea cocktail
Sustainably Sourced
SIMPLE FLAVORS SHINE BRIGHT AT THE NEW OTO SUSHI.
By ASHLEY RYAN
Sushi has been a booming business in town as of late and yet another spot has opened its doors—however, Oto Sushi stands apart, with a menu curated entirely of sustainable fish.
Located downtown at Mermaid and Glenneyre streets, the stylish space—which has remained empty since the closure of comfort food spot Harley Laguna Beach in summer 2022—opened in November, beckoning passersby with twinkling lights, a radiant fireplace and ocean blue seat cushions that provide a pop of color.
The carefully selected ingredients, which
include both wild-caught and responsibly farmed seafood, are sourced from certified fisheries and suppliers in an effort to protect marine ecosystems off of our shores and around the world. On top of that, the restaurant is entirely nut free and everything except the burgers and desserts is gluten free as well.
Creative cocktails offer the perfect introduction to the menu, with drinks like the Snapdragon, incorporating house-made pea shoot flower syrup and served with a side of yuzu juice, and the Sweat Pea, which features shiso, sweet pea and grape muddled with sake, enveloping the senses in fresh botanicals.
Select a starter or two to share. The cauliflower, smothered in a spicy black bean sauce, and the chicken karaage, accompanied by a miso aioli and sprinkled with fresh dill, are excellent choices; the eatery also offers tempura vegetables and a variety of salads.
As you transition to seafood, discover sake pairings that perfectly complement the cuisine, with tasting notes listed on the menu to help you make your decision. Order by the glass or bottle, then take a peek at the nigiri.
Each nigiri selection at Oto Sushi comes with yakumi, or thoughtful toppings that enhance the natural flavors of the fish. Try the New Zealand king salmon, with orange, lemon zest and oil, olive oil and flaky salt, or the albacore, accentuated with black pepper and everything bagel seasoning. Or add some spice to your meal with the scallop nigiri, which features Calabrian chile flakes, or the hamachi, topped with jalapeno and drizzled in ponzu sauce.
For some innovation, delve into the rolls on the menu. In the Laguna Heat, spicy tuna and steelhead trout seared in butter mingle with avocado, cucumber and micro cilantro, with a touch of tang from yuzu olive oil and shishito jam. Another thrilling bite is the Hoki Poke Box, a press-box option prepared in rectangular slices that features tuna, a house-made crab mixture, avocado, Japanese green onion, togarashi spices and an ample dressing of poke sauce.
Wasabi lovers will enjoy the added treat of tableside wasabi, which is grated fresh to order to accompany any of the restaurant’s many seafood options.
Beyond sushi, the menu includes savory robatayaki sticks, or grilled meats and fish on skewers, ranging from wagyu marinated in miso herb butter to Jidori chicken, black cod, anago (or saltwater eel) and smoked mackerel. Also popular is The Kraken burger, uniquely presented with a wagyu patty, white cheddar cheese, dill pickles, a fried egg and house-made sauce on a deep black squid ink bun.
End the night right with a house-made, kumquat-glazed Japanese cheesecake that is light as air—a necessity after the feast you’re sure to enjoy. g
OTO SUSHI
370 Glenneyre St.; 714-485-7599; otosushi.co
HOURS: 4:30-8 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday; 4:30-9 p.m. Friday; 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Taste of the Town / Dining News
A Taste of India
A new restaurant opened in the fall in Laguna Canyon: HAVELI RESTAURANT, serving authentic Indian cuisine, moved into the space formerly occupied by Kebab | Kurry in September. Chef and owner Abhimanyu “Tipu” Sharma strives to create a dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of India, presenting a wide array of dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. Choose from items like samosas; chicken, goat or lamb vindaloo; chicken tikka masala; butter chicken; lamb korma; masala fish or shrimp; paneer tikka; chana masala; grilled tandoori chicken; biryani rice with chicken or mutton; and flatbreads like roti and naan. A Haveli special is the desi chicken curry. In addition to meat and seafood dishes, many vegetarian entrees are offered. Save room for desserts like gulab jamun, fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup with rose and cardamom. Traditional beverages like Indian chai tea and mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) are also served. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends and closed Tuesdays. (949-996-1312; havelicuisine.com) —Sharon Stello
Building Rapport
With a goal of bringing the progressive coffee culture of major U.S. cities like LA, New York and San Francisco to Orange County at reasonable prices, RAPPORT COFFEE ROASTERS opened a shop in late summer in south Laguna’s Aliso Creek Plaza, after launching its first cafe in San Clemente in 2017. The Laguna location serves as not only a coffee shop, but also as Rapport’s roasting facility. The owners’ bestselling espresso brand is a blend called South Swell, made from freshly harvested beans imported and roasted in-house with meticulous quality control to ensure optimal results when consumers use it to brew coffee at home. Rapport also offers a variety of single-origin coffees as both pourover and bagged options, using beans that are directly or indirectly sourced
from globally renowned suppliers of high-quality coffee. In addition to selling bagged coffee, Rapport sells coffee drinks from lattes to cortados, flat whites and cappuccinos as well as matcha lattes, chai lattes, a variety of tea and more. Baked goods like chocolate croissants and croffles (a cross between a croissant and waffle) are also offered. (949-6270333; rapportcoffeecs.com) —S.S.
Tea Time
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a loved one while enjoying afternoon tea in the LOBBY LOUNGE of Montage Laguna Beach. Take in stunning ocean views while sipping on a selection of tea blends and nibbling on an array of sweet and savory delicacies. The experience, offered from noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 14-16, is open for both adults and children. Round out the day by taking part in the Bloom Bar, presented by Paintbox at the resort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14-15. Perfect for couples as well as families, participants are invited to craft their own rose bouquet with fresh greenery and blossoms in vibrant colors. At night Feb. 14, THE LOFT is offering a three-course tasting menu along with live entertainment from 5-10 p.m. To reserve a spot for tea or the tasting menu, call 949715-6420. For the Bloom Bar, call 949715-6005. (montage.com) —S.S. /
RESTAURANT LISTINGS
Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online.
Rapport Coffee opened in south Laguna’s Aliso Creek Plaza.
Afternoon tea at Montage Laguna Beach
Last Impressions / Carl St.Clair
Music Director Carl St.Clair with the Pacific Symphony at a concert
Laguna Beach resident Carl St.Clair, beloved music director of the Pacific Symphony, has embarked on his final season conducting the orchestra before welcoming a new leader for a transition period next season. St.Clair, recognized as the longest-tenured, American-born conductor of a major U.S. orchestra, will have served for 35 years when he steps into the music director laureate role in 2025-26.
MINUTES WITH Carl St.Clair
THE PACIFIC SYMPHONY’S MUSIC DIRECTOR IS PREPARING TO PASS THE BATON TO A NEW LEADER.
By SHARON STELLO
Alexander Shelley will become the symphony’s third music director, starting in a “designate” position next season— with St.Clair helping to provide a seamless transition—before assuming full artistic leadership in 2026-27. Shelley has served as both music director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, Canada, and principal associate conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra since 2015.
Pacific Symphony is the largest budgeted orchestra formed in the past 50 years, going from a $2 million to $24 million operation since it was established
in 1978. Under St.Clair’s leadership, the group has celebrated many milestones including a nine-city European tour in 2006 before moving into the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
“This was a huge litmus test, putting Pacific Symphony under the scrutiny of traditional European audiences and arts critics,” St.Clair recalls. “We returned with glowing reviews."
In 2018, the symphony marked this trifecta: a sold-out concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a five-city tour in China and a performance of Peter Boyer’s “Ellis Island: The Dream of America,” which was recorded for PBS special “Great Performances.”
Although St.Clair is on the path to stepping down from this podium, he’s not hanging up his baton. He returns next season to conduct four concerts with Pacific Symphony including its annual concert-produced opera. He will also be traveling to keep working with orchestras in Germany and Costa Rica as well as the
St.Clair, who lives in Laguna Beach, at Crescent Bay Point Park
Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival in Japan, whose Maestro Ozawa—St. Clair’s last living mentor and teacher—passed away last year. Closer to home, St.Clair will continue as artistic leader and principal conductor of the orchestral and large ensemble program at University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.
“One of the best things about being a conductor is that you never really retire,” St.Clair says. “My teacher said that it’s one of the few things you can do at 90 and be better at it than when you were 25.”
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What do you like about living in Laguna?
CARL ST.CLAIR: Everything! I have lived here since 1994 and have enjoyed every minute. I met my wife, Susan, here in Laguna Beach 29 years ago. Our three children were born here … and two of our children are graduates of Laguna Beach High School. When I say [I enjoy] everything, perhaps I could omit the traffic in summers.
LBM: What are a couple of your favorite places in Laguna?
CS: Just to name a couple—because there are literally a bunch—Starfish (sauteed tofu lettuce wraps with the hot sauce); Nick’s (gotta have the deepfried asparagus); … Finney’s (love the veggie burger and the taco salad); Zinc (love the mornings there sipping coffee); and on and on.
LBM: With the Pacific Symphony, what are you most proud of?
CS: Being the music director of Pacific Symphony for all these years has been a great gift and one I have not taken for granted. Both personally and professionally, it has been an incredible journey. There are so many moments in the symphony’s life which bring me and the Pacific Symphony “family” a wondrous sense of pride. Among the most important on this list would be the relationship we have built with you, our community, Orange County. The acceptance we have been afforded as a … vital cultural organization, a beacon of artistic achievement for OC, and the heartfelt embrace of our mission and aspirations have been a constant source of motivation and inspiration. For this, we are sincerely thankful. g
Upcoming Concerts
Conducted by Carl St.Clair at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
"Pines of Rome"
Feb. 6-8 at 8 p.m.
Bernstein's "Slava!"; Hailstork's Piano Concerto No. 3, "The way things really are" (world premiere); Cuong's"Marine Layer" (world premiere); and Respighi's "Pines of Rome"
"Voice & the Violin"
Feb. 13 at 8 p.m.
Husband-and-wife duo Joshua Bell and Larisa Martínez performing classical art song and opera, musical theater and selections by Puerto Rican and Spanish composers
"Carmina Burana" & Bach
Feb. 27 - March 1 at 8 p.m.
Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium"; Bach's Keyboard Concerto in D minor, BWV 1052; and Orff's "Carmina Burana"
"Carmina Burana"
March 2 at 3 p.m.
Carl Orff's "Carmina Burana" performed by the Grammy Awardwinning Pacific Chorale, with commentary from St.Clair, guiding
the audience through the piece beforehand
Nowruz: Iranian New Year
March 29 at 8 p.m.
Celebrating Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, to mark the beginning of spring
"Curse of the Ring"
April 10 and 15 at 8 p.m., April 13 at 2 p.m.
Semistaged opera, Wagner's "Das Rheingold," in German with English supertitles
"Cathedrals of Sound"
May 15-17 at 8 p.m.
Traditional Gregorian Chant; Bach's Sinfonia in D Major, BWV 1045; Guilmant's Symphony No. 1; and Bruckner's Symphony No. 7
Verdi's "Requiem"
June 5-7 at 8 p.m.
Verdi's "Messa da Requiem"
"Rediscover Verdi's Requiem"
June 8 at 3 p.m.
Verdi's "Messa da Requiem" with commentary from St.Clair beforehand
