LBM113_FEB.23 by Times Media Group

13 Old Ranch Road, Laguna Niguel | $48,888,888

Introducing Oceans 13, a stunning secluded hilltop estate that sets the bar for luxury and elegance in one of the most coveted gated communities in Orange County, Bear Brand Ranch. The interior spans ~14,500 square feet of pure modern perfection. This trophy estate set on over 13 planted acres has spectacular ocean views from almost every room that span from Laguna Beach to La Jolla with unrivaled scale and quality. Welcome to your mansion as you pass through your custom stainless steel and glass private gate revealing your 500-foot driveway with circular motor court and Jon Seeman sculptures. As you enter through the award winning 18-foot iron and glass pivot door you are immersed in a modern art lovers paradise. Bright natural light streams through 20 skylights and showcases unique nishes.

This 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom home includes a gourmet chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, bar, steam and infrared sauna, gym, movie theater, and ocean view game room with polished and honed limestone oors throughout. Exuding grandeur, the main oor primary suite showcases walls of glass opening to a vast balcony overlooking the ocean, a dual sided replace, and a large walk-in closet. Oversized Fleetwood glass windows and doors throughout let you gaze at breathtaking views.

An entertainer’s dream of indoor/outdoor living, this estate o ers an extensive outdoor BBQ area with full kitchene e, over 2,500 square feet of decking with re pit lounge, a negative edge pool with Baja shelf and glass bridge to the pool’s re pit that seats 25, grand spa, waterfalls, two pu ing greens, all while perched above ocean, city, and mountain views. Other features in this home include custom Italian chandeliers, 95 solar panels, Control4 sound system, elevator with glass windows, outdoor radiant heating, full house generator, security system and fencing that surrounds the property, and an 8-car garage. Oceans 13 is a one-of-a kind estate and there will never be a sequel like it.

LAGUNA MEMORIES

Dick Metz shares his recollections of growing up in this beach town before World War II.

By SHARON STELLO

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

Holistic health remedies believed to help ease aches, increase energy and more can be found throughout Laguna.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

By ASHLEY PROBST 48

DIVINE INTERVENTION

Crystals, psychic readings and energy healings are helping people find spiritual alignment.

CLEAN BEAUTY

Some dermatologists and beauty experts have turned to greener grooming when it comes to primping products to put our best face forward.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

DICK METZ

Contents features / departments

STRUMMING ALONG FOR 50 YEARS

The Guitar Shoppe has served musicians through the decades with custom instruments, lessons and more.

By TANYA A. YACINA

TRAVEL: WINTER’S FAVORITE TOWN

Visit Park City to hit the slopes and enjoy apres ski in a charming mountain town that feels as if you’ve landed in a snow globe.

By ASHLEY RYAN

REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

Tour some of Laguna’s top homes currently on the market.

ARTISTS & GALLERIES

John Barber and Susan Marosz turn to innovative techniques to create stunning glass art pieces.

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Explore this restaurant resource for dining out in Laguna Beach.

DEPARTMENTS 10

Editor’s Letter 14

Calendar of Events 18

Around Town

A look at the latest happenings around Laguna 24

Community

The Drake After Dark; Comedy Night; Wyland Foundation Gala; Napa in Newport

Fabric of the Community: A Century of Service

For more than 100 years, the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach has offered opportunities for coming together and giving back.

Active: Getting into a Pickle

Discover why pickleball is being called the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. while learning the ins and outs of the game with coach Marc Freije. 32

W&D: Fried Favorites

Warm, battered and crisp, fried foods are a fun reminder of times at the fair and a welcome winter treat.

Q&A: Striking a Chord

Laguna Beach Music Festival brings the community together for an annual symphonic celebration.

Last Impressions: 10 Minutes

With … David Strong

The owner of Store talks about the menswear shop and his Monadic label as well as his barbecue sauce company and life in Laguna.

COVER: The Guitar Shoppe (page 40) PHOTO: Candice Dartez

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Steve Zepezauer

GROUP EDITOR

Sharon Stello

sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

MANAGING EDITORS

Justine Amodeo, Ashley Ryan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Breeding, Jessie Dax-Setkus, Ashley Probst, Tanya A. Yacina

DESIGN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

JUNIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Ashley Littlefield

DIGITAL MEDIA

CONTENT WRANGLER

Kim Zepezauer

Magazine

SALES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Julie Coleman

julie@firebrandmediainc.com

Carol Josepher

carol@firebrandmediainc.com

Chris Mattingley

chrism@firebrandmediainc.com

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tina Leydecker

SALES/MEDIA

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Taryn Metkovich

CORPORATE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & FOUNDER

Steve Zepezauer

PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING

Scott Sanchez

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Tiffany Thompson

CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

PUBLISHED BY

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ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Scott Sanchez at scott@firebrandmediainc.com. Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949-715-4100 | lagunabeachmagazine.com

©2023 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.

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A Perfect Fit

Belmont Village Senior Living

Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna Covington

City of Hope Orange County

Coldwell Banker - Ballesteros Group

Compass - Carter Kaufman

Corrective Choice Dental Implant Group

Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland

Executive Esthetics

GG’s Bistro

gorjana

huit

Julie Laughton Design Build

Kase Real Estate - Keven Stirdivant

Laguna Coffee Co.

Laguna Playhouse

Livel Real Estate

Mimi & Rae Boutique

Oligino Laux Construction

Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point

Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa

Store

Surterre Properties - The Horton Team

Tangible Investments

Terranea Resort and Spa

The Blend

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Turtle Bay Resort

U.S. GSA Real Property Utilization & Disposal

Villa Real Estate - Chris Sirianni

Wabby’s Jewels & Gems

The Way to Wellness

The older I get, the more I realize that wellness is a continuing journey. It’s a delicate balance trying to eat a nutritious diet, exercise and maintain a healthy mental state, all while juggling life’s adventures and responsibilities, not to mention recovering from occasional injuries along the way. But each new year affords an opportunity for a fresh start, to reset our goals and recommit to a healthy path in life, no matter our detours in the months past.

With this in mind, we present a health and wellness special section in this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine. We highlight some of the alternative treatments offered in town, from vitamin injections to cryotherapy, reiki and acupuncture that can complement traditional medicine (page 44). Another article examines the options in Laguna for spiritual alignment, from sound baths to energy healing that incorporates crystals, aura photography and more (page 48). And, lastly, we showcase beauty products that embrace natural ingredients over synthetic chemicals because what you put on your body may impact your health, too (page 54).

Experience Divine Vibes offers crystals, sound baths and angel readings, as featured in our story on page 48.

For those seeking to get more active, we talk with a local pickleball instructor about this sport that’s exploding in popularity across the country (page 30). And, if you need a break from the health focus—because everyone deserves a little indulgence now and then—we’ve also rounded up some comforting fried foods at Laguna restaurants, from a chicken sandwich to duck wings and deviled eggs, all fried for that perfect crunch (page 32).

But the real treat in this issue is an article talking with 93-year-old Dick Metz, a lifelong Lagunan, who shares stories of days gone by (page 36). No doubt, you’ll be as enchanted as we were by these old-time tales of visiting celebrities and colorful characters in town and the way life used to be. This is the first in a series, which will also cover the rise of surfing, Metz’s around-the-world trip that inspired “The Endless Summer” surf film, his work to open numerous Hobie stores and his founding of the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente. So stay tuned for future installments to be transported back to simpler times.

Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

3 Essentials for Aging Well

A Holistic Approach from Belmont Village

Don’t we all wish to know the secret to aging well? While there may not be a single secret to a long-lived, healthy life, there are a few lifestyle elements we should all keep in mind. At Belmont Village Senior Living, residents have everything they need for maintaining a healthy lifestyle right at their fingertips—from staying active in the pool and fitness center to exquisite dining and a range of programming.

Backed by nearly 25 years of experience and research, Belmont Village recently shared three tips for aging well in mind, body and soul.

3 ESSENTIALS FOR AGING WELL

MIND

Brains, like bodies, need a daily workout. Good brain health helps build neuro-connections and cognitive reserve to draw on as we age. You can build cognitive reserve by learning something new or doing something that’s a mental stretch each day. For example, read an article and discuss it, do a crossword puzzle, or explore an interest you’ve always wanted to.

Using the mind and body together has even more benefit—dancing is perfect, as are sports and activities with strategies or complex moves. Belmont Village residents enjoy a variety of group fitness classes and a vibrant daily activity calendar, offering the opportunity to stretch the mind each day.

BODY

In our later years, maintaining preventative care and medical needs becomes even more imperative to aging well. However, as we age, it can become difficult to maintain our own care plans. Seek the help of a family member to organize doctor’s appointments and medication or consider a Senior Living community with on-site care staff. At Belmont Village, nurses are on-site 24/7 to support residents at a moment’s notice and maintain their care. Residents are also only a few steps away from onsite physical, speech and occupational therapists.

SOUL

Maintaining a sense of purpose helps nourish the soul at every age. Feeling

that your life has meaning and that you are in control of it fosters positive attitudes and emotions and a healthier brain. Stay involved in faith organizations or volunteer groups to boost your sense of purpose. Staying social can also help—seek out community with your friends and family or group activities.

Belmont Village communities are renowned for distinctive design and high standards of life safety, with a reputation for top-quality clinical care and leading edge, award-winning programs, including evidence-based Memory Care. Every Belmont Village community is licensed to the highest extend, allowing couples to stay together despite varying care needs.

To learn more, visit BelmontVillage.com/AlisoViejo or call 949-518-0386.

Since 1998, Belmont Village has safely delivered an unparalleled senior living experience for thousands of families. Collaborations with experts from the nation’s top healthcare institutions and universities, including UCLA and USC, have established our national leadership in demonstrably effective cognitive health and wellness programs. Combining the highest levels of hospitality and care, our communities make life worth living.

calendarof events

“FIVE SUMMER STORIES: THE EXHIBITION”

THROUGH MARCH 12; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

Launched just before a screening of the iconic surf film at the museum last November, this exhibit features original artifacts from the set alongside film footage, surfboards and more. The showcase is part of a 50th anniversary celebration of the movie, which was created by local filmmaker Greg MacGillivray and his former partner, the late Jim Freeman. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

OCEAN HEROES

FEB. 3 - MAY 5; PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER

Held on the first Friday of the month, this after-school program for kids between the ages of 8 and 12 offers hands-on activities, arts and crafts, educational games and more, all centered around marine science, ocean conservation,

wildlife and local ecosystems. Knowledgeable instructors will aid in teaching children STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts and math—concepts and problem solving. (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org)

DRESSES FOR AFRICA

FEB. 7-28; LAGUNA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Stop by Tankersley Hall for a twohour sewing session each Tuesday afternoon. Participants will help

sew dresses and shorts that will be sent to children living in Kenya and Malawi, using either their own sewing machine or ones provided for guests to use while taking part in the event. (949-494-7555; lagunapreschurch.org)

VALENTINE’S DAY IS A DRAG

FEB. 12; COMEDOR

Back by popular demand, a special Valentine’s Day drag show will be held at the historic La Casa del Camino hotel’s restaurant. Hosted by “Project Runway: Junior” contestant Matt Sarafa, the event will feature performances by Amber Crane as well as bottomless mimosas and gifts for attendees. (949-497-2446; comedorlaguna.com)

LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL FEB. 17-19; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Pianist Jeremy Denk enters the spotlight for this year’s festival, serving as the artistic director for the 21st iteration. He will take the stage three nights in a row, with solo performances as well as collaborations with guest artists, presenting works by musicians such as Bach, Brahms, Beethoven and more. (Laguna Beach Live: 949-715-9713; lagunabeachlive.org) (Philharmonic Society of Orange County: 949-5532422; philharmonicsociety.org)

OF LAGUNA ART MUSEUM; HIROMI PLATT

A scene from the surf film

“Five Summer Stories,” which is celebrating its 50th anniversary with an exhibit at Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Dance Festival

41ST

ANNUAL CALIFORNIA COOL ART AUCTION, BENEFIT & BASH

FEB. 18 - MARCH 4; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

View pieces by more than 125 California artists during this art auction, which is the museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Bidding starts online Feb. 18, culminating with a celebration that brings the artists and community together March 4. Enjoy a creative culinary experience, cocktail hour, musical performances, photo opportunities and more. (949494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

REIKI LEVEL 1

TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

FEB. 19; PRIVATE HOME

This initiation into the art of reiki will teach you how to open your energy channels and connect with their flow in order to promote self-healing. This one-day retreat, held with a small group at a private home in north Laguna, will detail the history of the practice, the various chakras, reiki treatments and much more; Amy Thorson of Nativ Healing also offers a level 2 training that can be taken in the future. (nativhealing.com)

LAGUNA DANCE FESTIVAL

FEB. 24-26; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

Two major dance companies from the Midwest take center stage during this year’s iteration of the Laguna Dance Festival. On Friday night, Cincinnati Ballet presents a number of performances, then the troupe will be accompanied by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago on Saturday. The latter will get its own showcase on Sunday to wrap up the event. (949-7155578; lagunadancefestival.org)

LAGUNA BEACH

PATRIOT’S DAY PARADE

MARCH 4; DOWNTOWN

LAGUNA BEACH

This year, the 56th iteration of the Laguna Beach Patriot’s Day

Parade will make its way through the downtown streets, highlighting Southern California marching bands, classic cars, local businesses, nonprofit organizations and more. The 2023 theme, “Volunteer Heroes,” pays tribute to those who impact the community through their efforts, including Grand Marshal Toni Iseman, who recently retired after serving more than 20 years on the City Council. (949-4946016; lagunabeachparade.org)

ORANGE

COUNTY

RESTAURANT WEEK

MARCH 5-11; VARIOUS LOCATIONS

This beloved annual culinary event is celebrating 15 years with special prix-fixe menus from restaurants across Orange County. Participating Laguna locations include Mozambique, O Fine Japanese Cuisine, Seabutter, Starfish Laguna, Skyloft, Nirvana Grille, Lumberyard, Sueños Peruvian Cuisine and Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook. (ocrestaurantweek.com)

“ONCE”

MARCH 8-26; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

A beloved musical filled with romance, “Once” tells the story of an Irish musician about to give up on his dream until he meets a Czech pianist who relights the fire in his heart. The award-winning show features dreamy songs, live musical performances and an uplifting message that will leave the audience with a warm and fuzzy feeling this spring. (949-4972787; lagunaplayhouse.com) /

ONGOING

FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK: MARCH 2; VARIOUS LOCATIONS

First Thursdays Art Walk is a beloved tradition in town that encourages locals and visitors alike to view artwork and mingle at local galleries. (949-415-4652; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)

FREE YOGA IN THE PARK: (temporarily on hiatus; expected to restart in early February, but check website for updates)

Monday, Thursday and Saturday, 8 a.m.; Treasure Island Park (949-280-1822; yogainthepark. blogspot.com)

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:

In addition to art exhibits, check out Laguna Art Museum’s lineup of special events, including a Live! At the Museum performance planned Feb. 9 with Douglas Masek on saxophone and pianist Bryan Pezzone on keyboard. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

LAGUNA BEACH FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road (lagunabeachfarmersmarket.com)

LAGUNA LAUGHTER CLUB: Sunday-Friday, 8:30 a.m., Saturdays, 10 a.m.; Main Beach (lyinstitute.org)

NATURE HIKES:

Various dates; Laguna Canyon Foundation (949-497-8324; lagunacanyon.org)

EDITOR’S NOTE: EVENTS MAY CHANGE. CHECK WITH ORGANIZERS FOR UPDATES.

TO SUBMIT YOUR EVENT: editor@lagunabeachmag.com; If you’re on Facebook, make sure to “like” Laguna Beach Magazine, and follow @LagunaBeachMagazine on Instagram.

SAWDUST STUDIO ART CLASSES: Although Sawdust Art Festival is closed for the season, creative types can find a number of art classes available year-round at the festival grounds. Sign up for workshops in acrylic painting, mixed media, pottery, fused glass blowing and more. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

“La Crook” by Charles Arnoldi, part of the California Cool Art Auction

CITY OF HOPE ORANGE COUNTY’S PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM TRANSFORMS APPROACH TO CANCER CARE

About

1.9 million new

cancer cases were diagnosed in the United States in 2022 — and 38% of all cancers can be prevented.

The best way to treat cancer is to prevent it in the first place. City of Hope Orange County is making groundbreaking strides in cancer prevention and early detection that are changing the understanding of the highly complex disease.

Internationally renowned researcher Cristian Tomasetti, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Cancer Prevention and Early Detection at City of Hope, has made prevention and early detection his life’s work.

Patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center — Orange County’s most advanced comprehensive cancer center — have access to programs that identify people and families with elevated risk using genetic risk assessments, biomarker panels and environmental surveys to help manage that risk.

The cancer center also offers screenings using the most sophisticated imaging technologies available, including mammography, colonoscopy, and lung cancer screenings to find cancer early, when it is easily curable.

About 38% of all cancers can be prevented. Tomasetti is leading the effort for the early

detection of cancer through a simple blood test. His lab has led the effort to develop new technologies and algorithms for the early detection of cancer using machine learning, statistical analysis, and novel sequencing methods.

What does this mean for you? Our experts can offer the best possible early cancer detection and give you an accurate and actionable evaluation of your cancer risk.

“You can think of cancer as a mathematical model,” Tomasetti said. “The better we understand that model, the better we understand cancer and the better we can fight it.”

Patients at City of Hope Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center receive fully integrated, multidisciplinary cancer care — from prevention through survivorship — in one convenient location where every staff member is solely focused on treating and curing cancer.

For more information, visit CityofHope.org/OC. To make an appointment at any of our five Orange County locations, call 888-333-HOPE (4673).

Cristian Tomasetti , Ph.D.

makes cancer discoveries that are impacting 100 million lives

World-renowned physician-scientists conducting breakthrough research, the most clinical trials in Orange County, and compassionate care rooted in more than 100 years of expertise. It adds up to your best hope against cancer – from diagnosis to survival.

Around Town / BEACHY KEEN

Aliso Beach Park and other southern stretches of sand will change ownership from Orange County to the city of Laguna Beach early this year. March 1 is the target date for the property transfer, which will give Laguna possession of all beaches and beach access points within city limits, nearly doubling the length of city-controlled beaches. Back in 1987, when the city annexed south Laguna coastal areas, the county retained ownership of the beaches in that section. Now the county will step aside, thanks to the Dec. 6 agreement approved by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, which comes with a $22 million lump sum to assist the city with operations and maintenance of these properties over the next 20 years. In addition to Aliso Beach Park, the city is acquiring Camel Point, Laguna Royale, Table Rock, Thousand Steps and West Street beaches. As part of the ownership change, the city’s Marine Safety Department will take over all ocean lifeguard responsibilities in these areas, which will involve hiring five new permanent positions and up to 50 new seasonal lifeguards to staff these beaches. For continuity, the hours of operation at these beaches will remain the same as those set by the county. (949-497-3311; lagunabeachcity.net)

—Sharon Stello

Sharing Stories

For the third consecutive year, Bank of America has provided support for the Laguna Playhouse’s innovative program, Our Stories, which helps young people tell their own story through the arts. The latest grant, for $10,000, was awarded in September. Launched in January 2020 with funding from the Orange County Health Care Agency and expanded since then, the powerful program offers workshops led by specially-trained teaching artists for underserved and at-risk youths between the ages of 16 and 25 who have experienced trauma such as homelessness, foster care, domestic violence and debilitating illness. In these sessions, the teens and young adults learn to explore aspects of their lives, family or culture and express themselves through playwriting, spoken word, music, painting, sculpting and more as a catalyst for healing and change. The mental wellness effort creates a safe space for self-expression and the workshop leaders ensure that each participant feels validated and empowered throughout the process, which is monitored by mental health counselors. (949-497-2787; lagunaplayhouse.com) —S.S.

The city of Laguna Beach will take over ownership of Aliso Beach Park (pictured) and other southern spots around March 1.

Bank of America is helping fund Our Stories.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

A few locals earned top honors at the Coast Film & Music Festival, which took place in Laguna Beach in November. The Audience Choice award went to “Five Summer Stories,” directed by Greg MacGillivray and screened at the festival along with a performance by the band Honk, which provides part of the movie’s soundtrack. Originally released in 1972 with Jim Freeman—the other half of MacGillivray Freeman Films until his death in 1976—the movie is considered by many to be the best surf flick of all time; a 50th anniversary version of the film was released in August. Also during the festival, the documentary “Water” snagged the Best Student Film award in the high school category. Directed by brothers Zen and Keanu Mir-Scaer, both students at Laguna Beach High School, the film imparts the message that water is a precious natural resource that must be respected. Notably, the brothers are also published authors who wrote a children’s book called “Skimstories: Riding Waves” in 2017. (coastfilmfestival.com) —S.S.

Keanu (left) and Zen Mir-Scaer won Best Student Film in the high school category at the Coast Film & Music Festival for their documentary, “Water.”

MARCHING ORDERS

“Volunteer Heroes” is the theme of this year’s Patriot’s Day Parade, which is set to step off at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, and wind its way downtown. Several honorees for the 56th parade have been named, including longtime City Councilwoman Toni Iseman as grand marshal. Iseman decided not to run for reelection this past fall after 24 years of service. Other honorees include Maj. Erin E. Bevacqua, an active duty Marine stationed at Camp Pendleton and a graduate of Laguna Beach High School, as the Honored Patriot; community volunteer Ken Aubuchon as Citizen of the Year; Laguna Beach High seniors Kirra Moore and Chris Hemsley as Junior Citizens of the Year; Randy Morgan as Artist of the Year; and the Laguna Beach Little League Intermediate All-Star team, comprising students from Thurston Middle School who won the Southern California state tournament, as Athletes of the Year. (949-494-6016; lagunabeachparade.org) —S.S.

Patriot’s Day

with a

As part of its Innovation in Education initiative, Cox Communications awarded a total of $22,000 to 11 instructors from five local school districts in the fall, including Megan Bhaskaran, a social studies teacher at Thurston Middle School here in town; in nominating Bhaskaran, the school principal and assistant principal wrote that “she teaches her students to strive to do their personal best, practice empathy and be inclusive of others.” (cox.com)

Megan Bhaskaran (middle), who won a grant from Cox Communications

The

Parade,

theme of “Volunteer Heroes,” will take place March 4.

FINDING FELINE FOREVER HOMES

Catmosphere Laguna Foundation, which formerly operated a cat cafe and adoption center on Forest Avenue, continues to rescue and find homes for cats and kittens in the area. New this year, the local nonprofit will be holding its every-other-month adoption events—from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on third Saturdays including Feb. 18 and April 15—at the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, located at 20612 Laguna Canyon Road. Typically, eight to 10 felines are offered for adoption while the group offers lots of family fun and snacks. Volunteers from Laguna Beach High School and other local nonprofits will be on hand to help. Catmosphere will also host adoption pop-ups at Gelson’s Market, at 30922 S. Coast Highway, on a few upcoming Saturdays, including Feb. 25 and May 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The nonprofit, established in 2017 by Gail Allyn Landau, takes in and finds homes for stray cats, including pregnant mamas and kittens. Catmosphere also works with other OC rescue groups to raise public awareness and maintains a fund to make spay and neuter procedures, testing and emergency treatments available for incoming cats that are homeless, abandoned or relinquished, including those with special needs. Cats live with a foster family until they are adopted and Catmosphere boasts a 100% adoption success rate. All potential adopters must be fully vetted with interviews, reference checks and home visits before approval. Financial donations are accepted to help defray the costs of food, litter, medicine and supplies, and items from shirts to hats and pins are available for sale on the nonprofit’s website, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s Veterinary Fund. (949619-6369; catmospherelaguna.com) —S.S.

Minimalist West Coast Chic, Mimi & Rae is committed to eco and social responsibility. Women owned with women

brands. Feel good in and about what you wear.

Catmosphere Laguna Foundation finds loving homes for abandoned, relinquished and stray cats.

INFRARED SAUNA • RED LIGHT THERAPY

ON THE HOMEFRONT

Meital Taub Luxury Group launched a new company, Livel Real Estate, in December in partnership with Side, a top real estate technology firm that will support Livel behind the scenes to streamline the back office and allow its agents to spend their time providing the highest level of service to their clients. Livel was founded by Meital Taub, who, with her agents, has a total transaction volume of more than $1 billion and has amassed $260 million in 2022. Involved in the real estate industry since 2010, Taub facilitated upward of $204 million in sales in 2021. Notably, she was the driving force behind several prominent home sales in Orange County, including 24 Lagunita Drive, the $15 million Laguna Beach residence that was a winner on HGTV’s “Ultimate House Hunt 2018,” and 40 N. La Senda Drive, an iconic, historical Laguna Beach home deemed “The Lighthouse Estate” by locals. “I designed Livel Real Estate to inspire clients and agents alike while staying true to the core values that made Meital Taub Luxury Group the trusted authority in coastal Orange County luxury real estate,” Taub said in a press release. “Each buyer and seller will enjoy the same consistent, distinctive, elevated client experience and value that makes them feel like they’re our only client along with consulting on everything real estate. Each property will get exposure via our network, relationships and innovative sales and marketing techniques.” Livel is based in Laguna Beach, at 897 Glenneyre St., but Taub plans to eventually expand nationwide. (949-922-9552; livelrealestate.com) —S.S.

Helping Students Soar

Local resident and philanthropist Ken Jillson has donated about $6 million to establish the Ken Jillson & Al Roberts Happy Trails Aviation Scholarship Endowment at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest university specializing in aviation and aerospace programs. “I am a recreational pilot and absolutely love aviation so this scholarship is very near and dear to me,” says Jillson, who loves flying to Catalina Island and Sedona, Arizona. The goal is to help reduce the pilot shortage for future generations by offering this full-ride scholarship

for financially-in-need high school graduates, male or female, who maintain a 3.0 GPA, attend EmbryRiddle’s campus in Prescott, Arizona, and seek to become a professional airline or corporate pilot; preference will be given to students from Laguna Beach. Available for up to five years, the scholarship will cover tuition and fees, books, on-campus housing, a meal plan and flight training fees. The scholarship is named after Jillson and his partner, Roberts, who were together for 50 years when Roberts passed away in 2021. (928-777-3765; erau.edu) —S.S. g

Lagunan Ken Jillson has donated funds for an aviation scholarship.

Meital Taub Luxury Group and Side partnered to create a new company called Livel Real Estate (pictured) in December.

Local artist Marc Whitney has released a new book, “The Turpentine Diaries,” which features color images of his paintings along with his short stories and essays about artists, teachers and ideas, offering inspiration, guidance and insight into his life starting as a child in the 1960s Laguna art scene; told with Mark Twain-like tongue-incheek humor, the stories paint a portrait of this working artist, $34, at Whitney Gallery. (949497-4322; marcwhitney.com)

Painter Marc Whitney released a new book called “The Turpentine Diaries” to showcase his artwork as well as written stories that offer inspiration.

Community / Galas & Events

THE DRAKE AFTER DARK

A speakeasy-themed event, The Drake After Dark raised $190,000 on Dec. 1 at seven-degrees to benefit Save The Music Foundation through The Drake Gives, a Laguna Beach-based nonprofit that aims to provide underserved youth with music education, instruments and other materials. The Drake Gives was launched in 2021 by The Drake restaurant and live music venue, which was founded by Alec Glasser. This year’s speakeasy event featured a Prohibition-era hideout with live entertainment, signature cocktails, dinner by chef Donald Lockhart’s culinary team and a live auction. The event also honored Doug Freeman, CEO and executive chairman of OC Music and Dance, a nonprofit performing arts school in Irvine. He also established National Philanthropy Day and has supported numerous area nonprofits. Since The Drake Gives’ inception, it has raised nearly $500,000 to support Save The Music Foundation, which is able to provide one child with an instrument and music instruction for one year for every $50 raised. Notably, funds raised at The Drake After Dark will

FRANK SALAS

1. Doug Freeman, Alec Glasser 2. Daniel Niazi, Mo Honarkar 3. Chris and Danielle Bressoud 4. Sam Winkler, Wendy Misner, Alec Glasser 5. Kevin Sadati and Nazli Azimi 6. Carol Eastman 7. The venue 8. Cueva Entertainment

COMEDY NIGHT

More than 200 supporters attended the Extraordinary Lives Foundation’s annual Comedy Night fundraiser gala, which featured comedians including headliner George Wang, Lowell Benjamin and Frances Dilorinzo, who served as host, on Oct. 19 at the Festival of Arts grounds. Raising $155,000 to benefit the nonprofit’s health and wellness programs for children, the event featured a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, and photos with Piggie Bear, the character around which many ELF programs are based. Guests were welcomed not only by organization founder and CEO Mara James, but also California state Treasurer Fiona Ma, before videos and presentations about the group’s work. ELF seeks to improve children’s mental health and wellness and support families by raising awareness and providing educational tools and resources as an estimated one in five children have a diagnosable mental health condition. Funds raised at the event will support ELF’s Piggie Bear educational resources to boost children’s emotional development and the organization’s Hugs for Life Healing Center, which bridges the gap between mental health medical professionals and holistic healers. ELF offers healing tools to kids in hospitals, shelters, foster care centers and military families. The nonprofit’s leaders believe that, within a generation, they can transform many of the major problems facing today’s youth through early intervention and holistic treatment. (elfempowers.org) —S.S.

WYLAND FOUNDATION GALA

Leading up to the Wyland Foundation’s annual gala Nov. 13 at the Laguna Art-A-Fair grounds, some of the supporters were treated to a VIP whale and dolphin watching excursion followed by a walk-through of a new state-of-the-art audio-visual experience aboard the foundation’s mobile clean water learning center, which was on display at Dana Wharf. Later, at the gala—which was attended by approximately 275 guests and raised more than $300,000 to benefit the nonprofit’s clean water and healthy oceans efforts— marine life artist Wyland painted live for the crowd. Foundation President Steve Creech also spoke about some of the ways the organization is working to solve issues like urban runoff that affect the health of coastal regions nationwide. And an update was provided on new projects, like a waterwise pocket park makeover in the city of Westminster that will demonstrate smart water use for local homeowners. Guests also enjoyed dinner and live music, plus live and silent auctions featuring a vacation with Norwegian Cruise Line, a luxury golf excursion to Pebble Beach, a getaway for two at The Ranch at Laguna Beach and packages from Disneyland Resort, Alaska Airlines and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. (wylandfoundation.org) —S.S.

1. Ed and Carey Bettencourt 2. James Lin, Fiona Ma, Mara James 3. George Wang 4. Duan Tran, Lee Lombardo

5. Stephanie Bachiero Blake and Peter Blake 6. Renata Ururahy, Alexis Gomez

1. Lori Reyes, Scottie Bailey 2. Mark Thomas, Wyland 3. Wyland demonstrating his technique for the crowd 4. Wyland’s finished painting, created that night

NAPA IN NEWPORT

The eighth annual Napa in Newport event on Oct. 29 at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point raised more than $1.5 million for the CureDuchenne organization. Funding helps support research to find a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which affects one in 5,000 males, who are born with the condition. Worldwide, more than 300,000 individuals are living with Duchenne; most don’t live past their late 20s and must rely on a wheelchair to get around by the time they’re teenagers. To help these boys and young men, more than 400 local supporters attended Napa in Newport, which featured wine from more than 45 acclaimed Napa Valley vintners including the exclusive Dana Estates. The event included a grand tasting as well as vintner-hosted dining tables and a wine pairing dinner with cuisine by David Shim, executive chef of Cote, the world’s only Michelin-starred Korean steakhouse. An auction also offered rare and collectible wines in addition to New York City and Hamptons trips, and a day at the Porsche Experience Center. Over the years, the Napa in Newport event has helped to raise over $8 million for CureDuchenne. (cureduchenne.org) —S.S. /

1. Barry and Luci Nilson, Paul Miller, Reshma Peck, Jenna Chaffins 2. David Shim, Jean-Pierre Dubray

Fabric of the Community / Woman’s Club

A Century of Service

FOR

THAN

100

YEARS,

THE WOMAN’S

CLUB OF LAGUNA

BEACH HAS OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMING TOGETHER AND GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Since 1922, the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach has successfully pursued its mission to unite women through sisterhood and friendship as well as promote enrichment through community outreach and service.

Kitty Malcolm, the organization’s president, explains that the first woman’s club was formed in 1868 as a result of a female journalist from New York who wanted to cover a dinner held by an all-male press club honoring Charles Dickens; when she arrived, she was told women were not welcome. In response, she formed the Sorosis club for women and, 21 years later, that group brought together members of similar clubs throughout the country to form the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

“Today, this is one of the largest volunteer organizations in the world. It is an international women’s organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others, educating communities, and expanding civil and social opportunities for women,” Malcolm says. “In the years between 1870 and into the 1920s, women’s clubs became the major vehicle by which American women could exercise their developing talents to shape the world beyond their homes.”

Although the original clubhouse was built on Forest Avenue, it was later moved to the corner of St. Ann’s Drive and Glenneyre Street, where it remains today. The building has played a prominent role in the organization over the years, serving as a place for meetings for Girl Scouts, the Library Board, the Community Club and the Art Association in its early days while also hosting talks over the years on Shakespeare’s life, Arabian culture, Sputnik and much

more. Now, the group rents out its clubhouse to the public for private celebrations as well as commercial and nonprofit events.

The Woman’s Club has expanded since its century-old start, playing a role around town in things like the addition of the playground at Bluebird Park and the construction of South Coast Community Hospital (now Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach) as well as the creation of the Woman of the Year award, the Outgoing Mayor Luncheon and, more

recently, an annual fundraiser for Laguna Food Pantry.

“Our success is in how we respond to the growing and evolving needs of our members and our place as an organization in the community,” she says.

“As women’s roles, career paths and desire to participate in philanthropic activities have significantly changed over the years, we are constantly growing and evolving as well to meet those needs by listening to our members.”

Kitty Malcolm, president of the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach

FRIENDSHIP AND PHILANTHROPY

THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH

ENCOURAGES CAMARADERIE THROUGH CHARITY FUNDRAISING AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS.

GROUP GATHERINGS

The Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach comes together for regularly scheduled monthly events, including book clubs and a walking club, which will be picking up again soon. These monthly gatherings enable members to develop relationships with each other. “In general, when we have small group gatherings, like [the] walking and book club[s], one of our members will be the facilitator and keep the group going,” explains Kitty Malcolm, president of the Woman’s Club. “… As a board, we are constantly working to provide smaller group events as a way to engage our members who are interested in meeting new people and getting involved in the community. We are looking at adding [a] monthly game night as another example of bringing our members together.” The book clubs are for members only and have been in existence for about five years. When active, the walking group takes place weekly and works around participants’ schedules.

EXCITING EVENTS

Each year, the club hosts several annual events as well. “The Holiday Luncheon is a popular social event that enables our members and guests to enjoy a festive holiday get-together,” Malcolm says. “It is also our only annual fundraiser for our various outreach programs, … [like our] Adopt-A-Family giving.” The Woman of the Year Luncheon, which regularly sells out, recognizes a local woman who has consistently served or enhanced the local community. Nominees are selected and then voted on by the club’s members. Furthermore, the group was treated to a private, docent-led art tour of Laguna Art Museum’s exhibitions at the end of January, with additional tours to take place later this year, and looks forward to a High Tea & Hats social event planned for March 5 in addition to its spring wine and cheese event. “We do have additional pop-in events coming up, but dates are still being worked out,” Malcolm adds.

ORGANIC OUTREACH

According to Malcolm, the club has been big on community outreach since its inception. Today, with significantly more fundraising opportunities, the group is able to offer larger donations as well as include additional nonprofits in its contributions of goods and services to children and women in need. In 2022 alone, the club donated 40 backpacks to the Laguna Beach Unified School District for local children; provided scholarships of up to $3,500 for SchoolPower’s Thrive program for teen girls; donated $5,000 to Laguna Food Pantry; offered two scholarships through the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation; sent two kids to Camp Pinniped through the Pacific Marine Mammal Center; and donated $10,000 to the Friendship Shelter to help women find permanent housing. “Through [our] Adopt-A-Family program, we [also] provided 25 children with individual Christmas gifts, as well as food gift cards for each of the individual families; provided 45 gifts for the Laguna Beach Fire Department Spark of Love toy drive; and provided 48 gifts for young teens at the … Waymakers Youth Shelter,” Malcolm adds. g

Smaller gatherings like a monthly book club allow members of the Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach to get to know one another better.

The club also raises money and gathers other donations for charity, like holiday toys for kids in need.

Annual events range from a holiday luncheon to wine and cheese socials.

Active / Pickleball

Getting into a Pickle

DISCOVER WHY PICKLEBALL IS BEING CALLED THE FASTEST-GROWING SPORT IN THE U.S. WHILE LEARNING THE INS AND OUTS OF THE GAME WITH COACH MARC FREIJE.

By JESSIE DAX-SETKUS

For the last five years, pickleball has been the fastest growing sport in the United States, and for good reason—everyone is welcome, no matter your age or experience level. Marc Freije, a local coach certified by the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association and the Professional Pickleball Registry, has played in multiple U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, where he won medals in men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

Now Freije helps others gain an appreciation for the sport. Here, learn about pickleball while getting a feel for what to expect in his classes at Alta Laguna and Lang Parks.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE:

What is the history of pickleball?

MARC FREIJE: Pickleball was … invented on Bainbridge Island, Washington, in 1965. A family … lowered the[ir] badminton net until it touched the ground, grabbed some pingpong paddles and a whiffle ball, and began playing mini tennis back and forth across the net—and, voila, pickleball was born.

LBM: Does it differ from tennis?

MF: Pickleball is a cross between tennis, badminton and pingpong. The game of singles in pickleball is actually more similar to tennis. Most players prefer playing doubles, which involves four players. Doubles pickleball is predominantly played up at the net where the game is somewhat like playing pingpong standing on the table. Soft shots, which are called dinks, as well as volleys, which are struck out of the air, are the shots most used once the players get to the net.

LBM: Why is it so popular?

MF: First, it is much easier to play than tennis and much easier on your body. [And] the pickleball court is much smaller than a tennis court. … It is [also] a very social sport, which tends to attract players to the game. … Anyone can learn to play the sport in just a couple

of hours, regardless of their age or athletic ability.

LBM: What are some challenges of the sport?

MF: I truly believe that the most challenging aspect of the game is the scoring followed by where to position yourself on the court, if you are the serving team or the receiving team. This seems to give beginners the most trouble. The other challenge … is the innate fear of the net that most players experience. The goal is to work your way up to the net as quickly as possible, … [but] most players are uncomfortable with balls coming at them with speed when they are up at the net. The quickest way to get over the fear … is to have your paddle up in the proper ready position and be laser-focused on the incoming ball.

LBM: Could you walk us through one of your classes?

MF: I I offer classes for all level of players, from the absolute beginner to the avid player. The classes are one-hour in duration and go for four consecutive weeks. In the beginner class, we start with a brief history of the sport followed by demonstrating the proper grip when holding your paddle. Next, we will bounce a few balls on our paddles to get the feel of the ball striking the

paddle. Soon thereafter, we will be hitting soft dinks back and forth over the net to each other while standing up at the nonvolley zone line, commonly known as “The Kitchen.” Toward the end of the first session, we will learn the proper technique of serving and all class participants will be serving balls over the net by the end of the first hour. [In] the next one-hour session, we will again work on the serve, hit a few more dinks, then work on volleys and also hit some ground strokes, which are used for the return of serve. I ask all of my beginner students to watch a short YouTube video on scoring so we don’t take up class time. … By the end of the third one-hour class, we will actually play some games. Traditionally, the last class of the four-class session will be spent playing games, working on scoring and positioning, and … just having fun.

LBM: What advice do you have for those just starting out?

MF: Pickleball is social, really fun and easy to learn. You do not need to be a super athlete to play and have fun. Get a paddle and a ball and … give it a try. … The equipment necessary to play the game is affordable and readily available online [or] at your local sporting goods store.

LINDA GROSSMAN

Pickleball instructor Marc Freije demonstrating a forehand punch volley

HIT THE COURT

ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST EQUIPMENT WHEN PLAYING PICKLEBALL WITH THESE PRODUCTS FOUND IN LOCAL STORES.

1) The snapback THALIA SURF CRAFT USA HAT will help you keep your eye on the ball while shielding your face from the sun’s bright light, $34.95, at Thalia Surf Shop. (949-497-3292; thaliasurf.com)

2) Protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays while on the pickleball court with Sun Bum’s MINERAL SUNSCREEN FACE STICK, $13.29, at Whole Foods Market. (949-376-7888; wholefoodsmarket.com)

3) It’s important to stay hydrated while running up and down the court, and the 20-ounce PMMC STAINLESS STEEL TUMBLER will hold enough water to quench your thirst through multiple matches while also keeping your beverage ice-cold; plus, it has a spill-resistant lid, $28, at Pacific Marine Mammal Center. (949-494-3050; pacificmmc.org)

4) A quality paddle is key to playing your best pickleball match, so try the SLK GRAPHITE LATITUDE WIDEBODY PICKLEBALL PADDLE from Selkirk, which not only maintains your power and precision at the net, but looks stylish, too, $59.99, at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Laguna Hills. (949-472-8180; dickssportinggoods.com)

5) Keep your gear all together in the large SURF SERIES ANTI-CHAOS BUCKET bag by Rip Curl, which even has separate compartments to tuck away sweaty clothing after your match is over to help you stay fresh no matter where you’re headed next, $109.95, at Rip Curl. (949-715-4885; ripcurl.com) g

Wine & Dine / Fried Food

Fried Favorites

WARM, BATTERED AND CRISP FROM A DUNK IN HOT OIL, FRIED FOODS ARE A FUN REMINDER OF TIMES AT THE FAIR AND A WELCOME WINTER TREAT.

By SHARON STELLO

When cold weather creeps in during winter, cravings often turn to warm, comforting classics—maybe even something a little decadent. Fried food fits the bill, offering a hot and savory bite. And after a month of healthy eating, thanks to those New Year’s resolutions, perhaps it’s time for a slight indulgence: From childhood throwbacks like chicken sandwiches to elevated options like fried oysters, there’s no limit to the type of food that can be fried. And no matter what the batter is wrapped around, perhaps it’s that touch of crunch that keeps us coming back for more.

“Texture and mouthfeel is one the most important elements of any culinary experience,” says Oliver Beaver, guest relations manager at Nick’s Laguna Beach. “Enjoying a crispy texture that melts in your mouth is what makes fried food more fun.”

On the menu since Nick’s opened its Laguna Beach restaurant back in 2008, the lightly fried bacon deviled eggs are a twist on traditional picnic fare. “[They’re] crispy and fun to eat,” Beaver says. “This is our spin on a classic American staple. We flash-fry hard-boiled eggs with a Parmesan-and-panko crust and then fill them with a creamy yolk mixture and generously sprinkle on applewoodsmoked bacon.” These sinfully good deviled eggs offer “just the slightest kick of spice and a satisfying crunch,” he adds. “This isn’t your standard deviled egg. Nick’s unique spin combining a crispy texture with a sweet-and-savory flavor profile leaves a lasting impression that makes for the perfect starter.” (949-3768595; nicksrestaurants.com)

SAPPHIRE, CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK

Taking chicken wings up a notch, the Signature Crispy Meyer Lemon and Honey Duck Wings at Sapphire, Cellar-CraftCook are an explosion of flavor. “Chicken can be bland and dry; duck has an earthier taste and is much more tender,” says Jared Cook, executive chef and partner at Sapphire, who first created the dish about 15 years ago at Sapphire’s sister restaurant, Vine, in San Juan Capistrano. He had ordered whole ducks to use the breast in an entree. “Then, I had a pile of wings sitting there and the lightbulb went off,” he says. His approach is to confit the wings for a fall-off-the bone texture, then they are flash-fried to crisp the outside. Inspired by duck a l’orange, he set out to make a citrusbased sauce, finally settling on lemon combined “with the floral, fruity taste of honey.” Then the drumettes are tossed in chile and chives “for a nice little spice and fresh herbal component on the finish.” (949-715-9888; sapphirelagunabeach.com)

Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook’s elevated take on chicken wings, using duck drumettes

Bacon deviled eggs at Nick’s Laguna Beach

NICK’S LAGUNA BEACH

LUMBERYARD

From zucchini to calamari, Lumberyard serves up several fried options. But diners with an appetite will want to try the fried chicken sandwich, which provides a generous portion of battered and fried chicken nestled between two brioche buns with Jack cheese, cilantro slaw made with apple vinaigrette, and roasted jalapeno tartar sauce for a tangy accompaniment. Tender chicken breast is marinated in buttermilk and the restaurant’s own mix of blackening spices, then dipped in a batter with secret spices before it’s fried. Lumberyard co-owner Cary Redfearn says chef Josue Tavares, who goes by Primo, wanted to offer this so locals wouldn’t have to drive all the way to Howlin’ Ray’s in LA for a quality fried chicken sandwich. “I think fried chicken sandwiches have been popular for a long time,” Redfearn says, “but the last decade has brought us the Southern-style Nashville hot fried chicken sandwiches, which took the genre to a whole other level.” (949-715-3900; lblumberyard.com)

REUNION KITCHEN & DRINK

Premium Alaskan cod is at the center of the beer-battered fish and chips at Reunion Kitchen & Drink, offered since the restaurant’s opening. The fish is made-to-order and handbattered twice—using batter that incorporates a blonde ale from local brewery Laguna Beach Beer Co.—before being fried to perfection. In addition to house-made tartar sauce and a side of salt-and-pepper shoestring fries (or “chips”), the fish is served with Thai peanut slaw. “We didn’t want to offer a traditional slaw,” says Reunion owner Scott McIntosh. “Our customers love our Thai peanut [version]. … The slaw is on the crunchy side and it’s tossed to order.” As McIntosh says, fried foods like fish and chips are “a modern comfort delight [that] stays within our wheelhouse.” “Crispy and crunchy works well for us,” he adds. (949-2268393; reunionkitchen.net)

ROUX CREOLE CUISINE

Pairing with entrees like catfish gumbo, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits, Roux Creole

Cuisine’s fried cornmeal oysters provide an elevated appetizer to start the meal. These decadent bites are served with lemon remoulade and cornichons—those tiny, crunchy pickles—offering a variety of complementing flavors. Chef Robert Villanueva says the oysters are dipped in an egg wash, then dredged in a mix of flour, cornmeal and Creole spices before being lightly fried. ”They’re not overdone; they’re still juicy,” Villanueva says. The remoulade combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and zest, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, fresh Italian parsley, green onions and cornichon pickle juice. Offered since Roux opened five years ago, the fried oysters blend French flavors with those of the American South, like in the French Quarter of New Orleans. “For some people, it’s reminiscent … of a region they’ve been to. … It’s a food memory,” Villanueva says of the dish’s popularity. “[One bite and] … a person might remember a song or a person they were sitting at the table with.” (949-715-3707; rouxlaguna.com) g

Clockwise from left: Reunion Kitchen & Drink uses premium Alaskan cod in its beer-battered fish and chips; Lumberyard’s fried chicken sandwich comes with cilantro slaw and jalapeno tartar sauce; lemon remoulade and cornichons accompany the fried cornmeal oysters at Roux Creole Cuisine.

CLOCKWISE, FROM LEFT: BOB HODSON; JEANNIE SIMONS; KELLY GREEN

Q +

AStriking a Chord

LAGUNA BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL BRINGS THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR AN ANNUAL SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION.

By SHARON STELLO

Bringing acclaimed musicians to perform in town, the Laguna Beach Music Festival has been going strong for more than two decades. Every year, local nonprofit Laguna Beach Live and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County come together to present this multiday showcase of classical and contemporary concerts combined with special events and community outreach programs.

This year, the 21st annual festival runs from Feb. 17-19 and features pianist Jeremy Denk, a recipient of the MacArthur Fellows “Genius Grant” and winner of the Avery Fisher Prize, as artistic director. Three concerts are planned at Laguna Playhouse; some feature both Denk and special guests.

In addition to the festival, Laguna Beach Live offers music education outreach for kids in the community and more than 30 concerts a year— from chamber music at Laguna Art Museum to a winter jazz series, which starts and ends this year with Grammy-nominated artists. The series kicks off Feb. 8 with trumpeter Bijon Watson and an all-star band in their jazz tribute to a pop legend, followed by Dan Barrett’s Old-Fashioned Jazz Band in a New Orleansstyle Mardi Gras celebration Feb. 22. Next up is Brazilian vocalist and guitar player Kleber Jorge with his Rio Life quartet on March 8. The series is rounded out with trumpeter Tony Guerrero and vocalist Rachel Avalon performing straightahead jazz standards March 22, all at sevendegrees in Laguna Canyon.

Laguna Beach Live co-founder Cindy Prewitt, who was also named Citizen of the Year for the Patriot’s Day Parade last year, recently shared some insight into the music organization’s history and mission as well as a hint of what’s to come at this year’s festival.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: How did Laguna Beach Live and the Laguna Beach Music Festival come about?

CINDY PREWITT: Laguna Beach Live came about while I was on the [city] Arts Commission and saw the lack of music in town. Two friends, Sam Goldstein and Joe Byrne, and I formed a nonprofit and applied for the new money the hotels were making available to bring in more culture to town. … [It] started with free chamber

LEFT: JENN CARDON; RIGHT: JOSH GOLEMAN

Cindy Prewitt, co-founder of Laguna Beach Live, which partners with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County to present the Laguna Beach Music Festival

Jeremy Denk, artistic director for this year’s music festival

music concerts at … [Laguna College of Art & Design] in fall of 2001 and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County helped with finding musicians for us. PSOC had been planning to bring more music to Laguna for some time and the idea of a festival was under consideration. I wanted to expand Laguna Beach Live and so a natural partnership was formed to bring the first Laguna Beach Music Festival in spring of 2002.

LBM: In what ways has the festival changed over the last two decades and what has remained the same?

CP: Initially, the emphasis was on well-known artistic directors working with up-and-coming artists and we all learned from the process. As our audience developed, the artistic directors were invited to see the festival as an opportunity to work with others—not just new artists—in new ways. For

example, the Ahn Trio in 2007 invited friends to compose specifically for them and the festival. A highlight was a piece by David Benoit, “a jazz vs. classical duel” that he performed with his trio along with the Ahn Trio. The concept of an acclaimed artistic director and friends has remained a constant.

LBM: What do you think people like about the music festival?

CP: The artistic directors are all widely acclaimed and most often seen in large halls in big cities such as New York or Los Angeles. But the festival brings them up close and personal to our local, intimate settings. The interesting pairings of the musicians is a real treat and may not be to be heard elsewhere. … And every concert is different. Thanks to donors and grants, we keep the ticket prices low so I think people are more willing to try new things.

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LBM: What’s in store for this year’s festival program?

CP: Jeremy Denk, [a] MacArthur “Genius” award winner, is the artistic director. The New York Times has proclaimed him as ”a pianist you want to hear no matter what he performs.” He has invited violinist Stefan Jackiw and they will be joined by chorus members in a program of hymns, songs and sonatas—and that’s just opening night.

LBM: For those who can’t make it to the festival, what other music offerings does Laguna Beach Live present?

CP: We present monthly chamber music at the Laguna Art Museum, a series of jazz concerts, an annual Bluegrass and BBQ, and specialty concerts throughout the year. Additionally, we present free music classes for young children at the Laguna library and free concerts at the [Laguna Beach Community &] Susi Q [Senior Center]. g

Looking back on Laguna Beach WITH

LAGUNA

MEMORIES

DICK METZ SHARES HIS RECOLLECTIONS OF GROWING UP IN THIS BEACH TOWN BEFORE WORLD WAR II.

By SHARON STELLO

As shown in this circa-1930 photo, buildings once lined Main Beach, blocking the ocean view from Coast Highway.

Back in the early days, Laguna Beach didn’t have a single traffic light or even a stop sign—except for one that was rolled onto Coast Highway on weekends so that people could cross the road at Ocean Avenue. Main Beach was lined with buildings, from restaurants to a dance hall and even private homes, so those driving by didn’t have the stunning Window to the Sea that exists now. And the unpaved highway didn’t even connect to Newport Beach.

On the homefront, ice was delivered each morning to keep your food cold in an “ice box” since electric refrigerators were not readily available or affordable. And water was trucked up to the few people who lived on Top of the World. Yet, some things were more formal: The local lumber delivery driver wore a coat and tie. And, with fewer residents, it seemed like everybody knew everybody else in town.

“See, in those days, it was just different. … The culture was different. It wasn’t like it is today,” says Dick Metz, 93, who was born in 1929—just two years after the city was incorporated and on the brink of the Great Depression. “… You can show pictures, but there’s a story behind it. I think it’s important to keep the history [alive].

“… I guess the reason I’m so interested is I could be gone tomorrow and my mind remembers all this. And I don’t think there’s anybody that I know of [who was in Laguna during that time]. … I’m the only one left in my high school class and the classes below me.”

The lifelong Laguna resident—a surfer whose world travels would later help inspire “The Endless Summer” film and who went on to establish the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente—had a front-row seat to much of the town’s goings-on back then. His dad, Carl Metz, owned the Laguna Diner in an old railroad car and then The Broiler, both situated at Main Beach. There were plenty of shenanigans by local characters. And famous actors from Bing Crosby to Bob Hope, Victor Mature and Bette Davis would stop to eat there on the way to the Del Mar racetrack on weekends.

“The movie stars weren’t like they are

Lifelong Lagunan Dick Metz, founder of the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center in San Clemente, is an advocate of keeping history alive by sharing memories of local life and the evolution of surfing.

now. They weren’t so aloof,” Metz recalls. “You know, they were regular people that had a little bit better jobs than everybody else. They’d come in and just kind of join in the camaraderie of the local people.”

Metz specifically recalls one pint-sized actress, curly-haired Shirley Temple, who was about the same age as him and often visited with her parents in the summer.

“This is when I was 5 or 6. Shirley’s mom and dad would bring her down and they would always eat at The Broiler. And they got to know my mom and dad, so they would sit in the booth and socialize. … They’d say, ‘You and Shirley, go out on the beach and play.’ ”

Metz also got to be a child star of sorts and helped usher in a beloved local tradition. “I was in the first living pictures

Dick METZ

[now called Pageant of the Masters]. … It was only a week long and it was all done with Laguna volunteers,” says Metz, who portrayed a kid in a Norman Rockwell painting back when the show took place in a vacant lot where Las Brisas restaurant is now.

DEPRESSION-ERA DAYS

Metz’s parents, Carl and Edna May, were from Pomona and then lived in Big Bear before moving to Laguna where Carl had the opportunity to buy the diner in town. Edna May worked as a grammar school teacher when the lower grades were taught in the same building as the high school on Park Avenue. Then she helped as a cashier at the restaurant after classes let out in the afternoon. “See, in those days, you worked

all the time,” Metz says, noting that Sunday was the only day off for attending church and spending time with family.

Even though Metz was a kid, he worked, too. “This was all during the Depression, so nobody had any money and I sold newspapers,” he says of hawking the Los Angeles Times on the corner by his dad’s restaurant. “… In those days, the attitude, the culture, the mentality was you gotta learn to work and be a worker.” He recalls the truck rolling by— without stopping—and tossing out a wirewrapped bale of papers onto the sidewalk.

“They were 10 cents and I got a penny for selling one,” Metz says. “… I had to earn $2.50 for the whole summer—that’s how much a pair of Levi’s cost—and my mom would drive me to Santa Ana, because you couldn’t get them in Laguna. … Every September I would buy a brand-new pair of Levi’s for $2.50 that I had earned selling newspapers.”

Another job (although he didn’t get paid for it): Around age 12, he would watch the bar at the restaurant for a few minutes here and there, getting customers a beer if they came in when his dad had to run an errand. Later, as a teenager, he’d start learning to bartend; the rules weren’t as strict back then. Since he

Left: Coast Highway in downtown Laguna around 1935, including The Broiler restaurant owned by Dick Metz’s dad; bottom: a pier at Main Beach (circa 1933), which was later destroyed by a series of storms.

spent so much time in the restaurant and bar, eating all his meals there and helping out, Metz was witness to a lot of local happenings.

COLORFUL CHARACTERS

In addition to Hollywood actors, some of the artists who worked on the movie sets would come to Laguna. “One of the artsy guys, … he had a bulldog named Jigs and he would come down every weekend and come to the bar … and he would bring Jigs along,” Metz says. “And he’d come and say, ‘Hey, Dick, I want a case of Acme [beer]. … He’d always bring a pie pan and he’d have one bottle of beer and he’d give Jigs another bottle. And the two of them would drink the entire case of that beer. … He’d have to carry Jigs [home]—he couldn’t walk, he was so drunk.”

Metz recalls another guy, a lightweight boxing champion named Charlie Furlong, who worked as an engineer building highways and bridges in Brazil before returning to Laguna where he lived at Top of the World. “Every time he would come back from Brazil, he’d bring an animal,” Metz says. “And he brought a parrot one time, and he’d come into the bar with a parrot on his shoulder and the next time it would be a monkey. And I remember

so well, he brought in a black panther on a leash. A black panther! … He tied up the panther in a booth … [to the] round pillar holding up the table. … And the panther would just get up on the Naugahyde booth and, unbeknownst to me or Charlie Furlong, … he started clawing and eating the Naugahyde.”

Metz also remembers when Dick Smith, the son of Pappy Smith (who owned the Coast Inn), became the city’s first motorcycle cop. He rode a Harley-Davidson and would often park it near The Broiler, sitting inside the door and drinking coffee—since the stop sign would get rolled out right in front of the restaurant—and watch for people to speed past the sign. Then he’d hop on the bike and pull them over down the street. One day, Metz says, his dad, Furlong and a local painter in town were at the bar and asked Dick Smith if they could ride his motorcycle around the block. He agreed and comedy ensued. “They said, ‘Let’s see who can drive the motorcycle … with your cocktail resting on the gas tank.’ ”

But those friendly bets weren’t the only gambling in town. Metz’s uncle came to work at the dining car (before The Broiler took its place), washing dishes during the Depression.

To make extra money, he asked if he could set up a punchboard at the counter. A punchboard was about a foot square and was covered with little holes. It cost a nickel for the opportunity to punch out one of the holes with a small metal stick, revealing a piece of paper that said if you won any money. Punchboards evolved to machines featuring card games and then, finally, slot machines came out. Metz’s uncle introduced the first slot machines in Orange County, putting them in the Laguna Diner and a downtown drug store. But the line of people waiting to play spilled out onto the sidewalks and across the street, leading the City Council to ban slot machines. “It was so crowded that they had to outlaw it because it was stopping traffic,” Metz says.

A POPULAR PLACE

For spring break, Metz recalls crowds would flock to town, renting little tents that filled campgrounds on Broadway where Coast Hardware is now and where the Glenneyre Street parking structure is behind Peppertree Lane. “They were just side by side and they had a wooden floor. … I don’t know how much they were, but

Metz’s first grade class in 1934 (he’s in the back row, face partially obscured); Metz’s mother, Edna May, wearing his grandmother’s wedding dress in a fashion show at Hotel Laguna (circa 1937); downtown Laguna at Coast Highway and Forest Avenue in the 1930s

there were rows of them,” Metz says, adding that the young college-aged partiers would drink and make a ruckus. “… It was just a wild kind of time.”

In the 1920s and 1930s, Laguna was getting busier and busier as improvements made it easier for people to come to town. “I watched them pave the Coast Highway and it took them a week to pave a block,” Metz says. “Every block, I put my initials in for a mile down the Coast Highway. It used to be a two lane, just had tar on it and it was terrible, but then they paved it and made it four lanes. And that was about, I’m going to say, 1936 or ’37—I don’t know exactly.”

Once the highway to Newport was paved, visitors could take the Pacific Electric Railway’s Red Cars on a track from LA to Newport, then drive to Laguna. “That’s when the movie stars started coming down and the Del Mar racetrack started,” Metz says. “And the Festival of Arts [was going on], … so Laguna was booming in those days. And then the war started and that changed everything.”

During World War II, they had barbed wire on the Main Beach, Metz recalls. “You couldn’t even go to the beach,” he says.

“And they had Coast Guard guys with bayonets patrolling it. But that was only at first. That wasn’t during the whole war. But they were afraid the … [Japanese] were going to invade.”

And, of course, there was rationing like everywhere else in the country. But, since Laguna was a coastal city, extra precautions were taken for security. Right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, cannons and other artillery were set up at Top of the World in Laguna, with a communications center located downtown where the police station is now. “I was a messenger for the Army. They took the high school track guys and they didn’t have any radios or telephones … [so] we had the best relay team in Laguna’s history. They gave us white Army helmets, which I still have with a lightning bolt on it and we would run from the Top of the World in relays down to the police station sending messages.”

Once WWII was over, people started to have more free time and surfing took off with the war-time invention of materials that made for better boards. Metz has plenty of stories about surfing’s heyday, too, but that’s a tale for another time. /

Strumming Along for 50 Years

THE GUITAR SHOPPE HAS SERVED MUSICIANS THROUGH THE DECADES WITH CUSTOM INSTRUMENTS, LESSONS AND MORE.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Many things have changed in Laguna Beach over the last 50 years, but one local staple, established in 1972, remains nearly the same. The Guitar Shoppe, owned and operated by Jim Matthews and Kirk Sand, has provided every level of service to guitar, bass guitar, mandolin and banjo players, offering instrument, equipment and supply sales, lessons, repairs and even custom-made guitar selections since its opening.

“This is the real deal pro shop—you know you are in a real guitar shop when you come into this store,” says Sand, who is both an owner and a luthier at the shop. “There aren’t

Photos by CANDICE DARTEZ

The Guitar Shoppe owners Jim Matthews (left) and Kirk Sand

many of these kinds of stores left in today’s market, which is one reason for our longevity. We’re experts at this—no one knows more about guitars than the old Guitar Shoppe.”

Sand says when someone is looking for great advice or products in any industry, they go to a pro shop, and The Guitar Shoppe is this place for guitar players. Not only is the staff well-versed in the world of string instruments, but they are friendly and welcoming to musicians of all levels.

“The secret to our success is that we know and love everything about guitars, and there’s nothing we don’t do to share that knowledge and help fellow guitar players with repairs, products or just fine-tuning their skills,” Sand says. “We have the atmosphere of an old ’60s guitar shop—this is the place for professionals. We sell nothing but high-quality stuff at various price ranges, and we even make our beginner guitars as easy as possible so that they’ll continue playing it.”

MORE THAN A SHOP

Indeed, The Guitar Shoppe goes far beyond selling stringed instruments.

“We do everything you can possibly do to a guitar and with a guitar, including repairing them and teaching people how to play them,” Sand says. “We always have a good staff of teachers, and lessons are a wonderful way to bring people into the store. There’s no better customer than someone who’s learning to play.”

“The Shoppe is a one-stop shop for guitar players and bass players,” adds Ben Wagner, general manager at The Guitar Shoppe. “Retail, sales, repairs, modifications, restorations, custom building and lessons—we do it all. In any given week, we have 150 students in for 30-minute lessons.”

The Guitar Shoppe has also boasted its fair share of celebrity customers, including the late Chet Atkins and Lenny Breau, as well as Tommy Emmanuel and José Feliciano, to name a few. Sand says that the custom guitar side of his business took off and hasn’t slowed down since Atkins started playing his guitars 30 years ago.

General Manager Ben Wagner working on a guitar

Sand assembles a guitar. The shop builds custom guitars and also does restorations, repairs, modifications and more.

In the span of his career, Sand has made about 800 custom guitars, which have been sought after by all kinds of musicians including several celebrities.

Sand recalls a lot of the “LA guys” started coming down to Laguna Beach to talk about getting one of his custom guitars after Breau, a Canadian-American who played a sevenstring guitar with a high note than no one could figure out, became a customer. And, many of Laguna’s own talented musicians continue to frequent the shop.

“There are all these guys who used to be little kids that came into our store when they were learning to play,” Sand says. “Now, so many are out there playing professionally and some of our students have gone on to win Grammys and play in high-profile bands.”

Wagner notes that the store is a Martin guitar dealer—one of the larger ones in the county—which also brings people in.

“We also have Taylor guitars, Fenders, amplifiers, pedals, strings—you name it,” Wagner says. “The Guitar Shoppe is a happy place for everyone whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional. We can set you up regardless of your skill level.”

CUSTOM CREATIONS

To date, Sand estimates he’s made 800 custom guitars that are now “somewhere out in the world.” He started his career as a luthier in the 1970s when there weren’t many handcrafted guitar makers to be found. He says he excelled at wood shop and loved the guitar, and to

marry the skills needed for both together has enabled him to create beautiful pieces.

“To make a great guitar, you have to be able to play well, have studied the instrument and have a good eye for woodworking,” Sand explains. “I’ve played the guitar my whole life, but I found that playing guitar professionally wasn’t as glamorous as it seemed, so I started dabbling in building custom guitars. Made them right here in the Guitar Shoppe—it fell in my lap and I fell in love with it.”

Sand says the custom guitars he makes are built to each individual’s taste, including the trim, size of the neck, number of strings and inlays. He makes the guitars in batches by type of wood, like mahogany versus rosewood pieces, because it’s easier to build a group that are all alike, and then he can focus on the next batch. Sand’s customers usually hear about his guitars from others in the music industry who are already playing his creations, and he makes about 20 guitars each year.

“I really personalize the guitars for the player. Sometimes it’s artistic, sometimes not,” he says. “The seven-string guitar I made for jazz player Lenny Breau—that’s

one of the notable ones. The guitar became quite famous and there are pictures of him playing that guitar. The nylon-string classical guitar I made for José Feliciano also got some notoriety; it was specifically made for the player. I’ve got to tell you, there’s nothing like seeing a guitar you made being played on TV.”

The shop focuses on finger-style guitar playing. “Chet was the king of this style, which really changed the guitar in the 1950s. He was a pioneer of turning it into a real instrument,” Wagner says. “When Kirk started building guitars for Chet, his followers wanted the same thing and started ordering them direct from Kirk.”

Sand adds that the shop’s talented staff does a great job and they also have a good time together. In addition to Sand, Matthews and Wagner, the tight-knit group includes manager Jake Rosen, who also does repairs; repair technician Anson Ditt; and Brad Beylik, who works in retail sales.

“We get to dabble and play with guitars all day,” Sand says. “I was just a kid from Illinois who loved guitars his whole life and I ended up in one of the best careers I could have ever imagined. It’s been a lot of fun.” g

The Guitar Shoppe is one of the larger Martin guitar dealers in Orange County, and also sells Taylor, Fender and other brands plus accessories and equipment from amplifiers to pedals and strings.

Ben Wagner and the rest of the staff are ready to welcome and assist guitar players of all skill levels.

Maximum Luxury. Minimal Impact.

Here at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, we know we’re lucky to be tucked along the California coast, just steps from the ocean. That’s why we make the conscious choice to minimize our impact on the environment through a variety of sustainability practices– like eliminating single-use plastics along with a myriad other options we are proud of!

Dine at our Surfrider Ocean-Friendly restaurant with fresh, local seafood. Pamper yourself with in-room amenities, made and packaged with natural ingredients. Speak with our staff about their volunteering efforts to keep the land & sea pristine. Experience luxury by the sea, knowing you, and the planet will be cared for.

To make a reservation, visit www.theranchlb.com or call (866) 655-9392

SPECIAL SECTION HEALTH & WELLNESS

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

HOLISTIC HEALTH REMEDIES BELIEVED TO HELP EASE ACHES, INCREASE ENERGY AND MORE CAN BE FOUND THROUGHOUT LAGUNA.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

Alternative health treatments, available for several years in the region, have recently started becoming part of mainstream health care practices. Many hospital systems in the U.S. now integrate some of these approaches—such as healing touch therapies like reiki in addition to acupuncture and even aromatherapy—to enhance care as part of an integrated approach.

Such modalities can help manage pain and alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression among the sick. And healthy individuals striving to maintain optimal wellness can incorporate holistic practices into their routine as well.

HYDRATION THERAPY

Also called vitamin injection therapy, this practice is just what it sounds like: a dose of vitamins administered intravenously, either through a shot or IV. That’s what’s offered at the Hydration Room, which has a location in Laguna Beach. Founder Dr. Brett Florie, M.D., who also has a degree in osteopathic medicine and is a board-certified anesthesiologist, began researching vitamin compounds and creating formulas for friends who were managing chronic diseases, like Crohn’s, as well as his wife, who suffered from migraines.

This process inspired him to open a clinic “focusing on the body and what we can do with just vitamins,” says Shaun Hayward, director of business development. The first clinic opened in Newport Beach in 2014 followed by the Laguna location the next year. “Now we have 20 clinics where we’ve

Opposite page and this page, left: The Hydration Room, which offers vitamin injections and IVs to boost immunity, energy and more; above: a localized cryotherapy treatment at Cryo Haus

treated over 90,000 patients,” Hayward says.

IV hydration isn’t just for the ill; it can benefit athletes (pre- and post-competition); the elderly, who might not be drinking enough water; and even ease a gnarly hangover after a night at the Dirty Bird.

How it works: You’ll be assessed by a nurse who will customize a formula. Those who have received lab work from a general practitioner are advised to bring that along to help determine any vitamin deficiencies, Hayward notes. A menu of over 25 IV and injection therapies (further tailored to individual needs) includes such compounds as vitamin C for immune support and skin health; B vitamins for mental clarity and energy; and antiinflammatories to help athletes with lactic acid build-up.

“We see a lot of athletes,” Hayward mentions, “from golfers to marathoners to NFL players. We also see the average person at the start of their fitness journey or a fitness buff, who is looking for recovery or [to] prevent any injuries.”

Next, you’ll relax in a lounge chair— choose between a communal setting and a private room—as a cannula is inserted into your inner arm and a liter of electrolyte

fluid mixed with vitamins drips into your veins. This can cause light chills, so bring a sweater.

So why not just adjust your diet or pop a supplement? “Your body only absorbs 10% to 25% of vitamins through either of those,” Hayward asserts, “while with IV, it’s 100%.”

Consultations are free and include a complimentary vitamin B12 shot. Formulas range from $25 to $250 in addition to some add-ons and premium options. Frequency of treatment depends on your diagnosis and lifestyle. But Hayward recommends everyone come “at the first sign of a sniffle or scratchy throat.”

At Executive Esthetics med spa, target myriad issues with one of six different IV therapy treatments, including a B12 Boost, which promises sustained energy without unpleasant jitters or a crash; Inner Beauty, formulated to fight wrinkles, acne and other skin afflictions; and Brainstorm, said to improve memory and cognitive function.

CRYOTHERAPY

If needles aren’t your thing, how about extreme cold—spending three minutes in

temperatures between -166 and -220 F to ease aches and pains? Sound insufferable? “It’s a dry cold, so it’s a lot easier than it sounds,” promises Danielle Logan, owner of Cryo Haus.

The practice of cryotherapy, or cold therapy, originated in Japan in the late 1970s to treat rheumatoid arthritis, and evolved in Europe as a noninvasive procedure for various health woes, according to CryoCareUSA.

“The main purpose of cryotherapy is to reduce inflammation,” explains Logan, whose spa features two different pieces of equipment.

The Cryo T-Shock machine offers localized treatment to a specific area, “similar to intense icing” for an injury or for localized fat freezing procedures, she says. “It literally kills fat cells,” Logan says. Many clients also use thermal shock (sometimes alternating hot and cold) for its slimming effect.

The other machine is a fully enclosed cryotherapy chamber that treats the entire body. To help pass the time, Cryo Haus will use Bluetooth to play your favorite three-minute song. In addition to reducing inflammation, other reported benefits of the whole body cryotherapy include increased energy, improved blood circulation, calorie burn and a major mood boost. For inflammation, Logan recommends treatments three times a week for about three to four weeks, then once a week for maintenance.

CryoCare USA in Laguna also offers an extensive menu of cryotherapies, including whole body cryotherapy, localized spot treatments and the Cryo Facial, targeting wrinkles and fine lines while brightening dark spots and tightening pores.

For whole body cryotherapy, you’ll wear protective clothing—like cotton socks, gloves, underwear and a band to cover ears—before entering a Cryosauna, which emits cold, dry air to lower surface skin temperature by 30 to 50 degrees in a matter of minutes. According to CryoCare USA, the cold causes the skin to send messages to the brain, acting as a stimulant to the body’s regulatory functions. The exposure to extreme temperatures also triggers the release of endorphins and antiinflammatory molecules.

Like any alternative treatment, checking with a physician beforehand is always

advised as cryotherapy is not recommended for those with certain conditions.

ACUPUNCTURE

In Chinese medicine, physical symptoms often indicate something more complex: “Emotions such as fear, grief and worry can manifest as physical symptoms within the body in the form of digestive issues [and] headaches … [while] insomnia, depression and anxiety can be triggered by physical symptoms,” explains Jiwani Acupuncture owner Dr. Noorani Jiwani, who is a licensed acupuncturist and has a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. For that reason, her practice doesn’t focus solely on the physical body. Rather, “it diagnoses an individual as a whole being, rather than a list of symptoms,” she says.

How it works: Acupuncture refers to the movement of energy within the body.

“It works on the person as a whole: mind, body, spirit,” Jiwani says. More specifically, it’s the practice of manipulating this flow of energy (called Qi) by inserting hair-thin needles on certain points of the body, which are thought to be connected by meridians, or pathways, along which this energy flows.

Jiwani combines traditional Chinese

medicine and acupuncture as learned from mentors and experience in her practice as well as Japanese meridian therapy based on channel theory. She also uses pulse, palpation and five element acupuncture based on a person’s constitutional element.

“This allows me to get the most accurate diagnosis possible to create the most effective treatment,” she says. A patient is assessed from the moment they walk in.

“How a person speaks, carries themselves, how they move [and] what they talk about,” she explains, adding that health history also adds into the equation.

Sessions last 60 to 70 minutes and are done in conjunction with cupping (suction) and moxibustion (heat), based on the individual’s needs. How many sessions a person requires, and how often, depend on whether a condition is acute or chronic, but “an average of six to eight weekly sessions are needed to initially address any issue,” Jiwani says. Afterward, a treatment plan is reevaluated and may be tapered down.

“Acupuncture and Eastern medicine are a journey into mental, emotional and physical health,” Jiwani says. “They teach us to respect our bodies, experiences and traumas, and not look for a quick fix, but rather long-term health.”

Acupuncture manipulates the flow of energy, or Qi, by inserting hair-thin needles on certain points of the body.

REIKI

Certified reiki master Kerry WalkerCollins says this Japanese energy healing technique—ideal for people with conditions ranging from chronic pain to mental distress—“promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety through gentle touch.”

According to the Cleveland Clinic, considered one of the nation’s top hospitals, reiki can increase the efficacy of other treatments, but should not be used as a substitute for consulting a physician.

In 2008, Walker-Collins founded Mystic Reiki & Wellness in Laguna, where she says “practitioners use our hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing.”

Based on the teachings of Mikao Usui, who established his school in 1922 in Tokyo, reiki translates to “spiritually guided life force energy,” reflecting the force that flows through all living things. Used to relieve stress and tension and promote overall wellness, reiki is being used more in traditional health care settings, even as an option to help patients prepare for and recover from surgery.

How it works: During a session—options include 60 or 90 minutes or an in-depth reiki renewal lasting two or three hours— you’ll lay face-up and fully clothed on a massage table as the reiki practitioner “gently places their hands, palms down, on or just above your body in specific energy locations. … The length of time [they] leave their hands in an area is determined by the flow of energy through their hands at each location,” Walker-Collins explains.

Sensations of heat, tingling and pulsing are often reported, as are energetic movements throughout the body. “Most people still feel very relaxed and peaceful during treatment,” she adds, and falling asleep is common.

Mystic practitioners integrate sound healing, essential oils and crystals into sessions. While the practice traditionally has been hands-on, Walker-Collins can also administer healing energy through phone and Zoom.

“We learn a specific technique to administer reiki directly to a client via space and time,” she explains, “enabling the practitioner to work remotely.” g

Above and below: Kerry Walker-Collins, owner of Mystic Reiki & Wellness, conducts a reiki session.

SPECIAL SECTION HEALTH & WELLNESS

DIVINE INTERVENTION

CRYSTALS, PSYCHIC READINGS AND ENERGY HEALINGS ARE HELPING PEOPLE FIND SPIRITUAL ALIGNMENT.

By ASHLEY PROBST

Modern spiritual practices are often attributed to New Age spirituality, but most of these popular beliefs and rituals actually have ancient origins. The use of crystals, divination and energy healings can all be traced back to Mesopotamia—and these modalities have withstood the tests of time.

For those currently seeking a soul rejuvenation, there’s an abundance of opportunities for guidance and healing throughout Laguna Beach. Offerings range from gemstones and aura photography at The Chakra Shack, sound baths and angel readings at Experience Divine Vibes, reiki-infused facials and other treatments at Mystic Reiki & Wellness and much more.

“It’s so beautiful to see people come together with these [intentions] to heal,” says Jill Templin, owner of The Chakra Shack, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. “… When you’re on the right path, the universe opens up for you.”

And the first step on a spiritual journey is figuring out which healing modalities resonate with one’s intentions.

CRYSTALLINE ENERGY

Much more than just aesthetically pleasing rocks, crystals are also used as powerful tools to supplement the likes of energy work and manifestation.

LeAnn Morgan, owner of Experience Divine Vibes, describes crystals as highly abundant and says that each gemstone holds a particular frequency. Fluctuations in energy are part of the human experience and crystals can help stabilize or amplify those energies.

“We take it a step further by not just helping you select your crystals, but [showing you] how to work with them, how to use them for crystal healing on your body, or specific ones to help manifest certain things,” Morgan says of the crystal shopping experience at her store.

Some of Morgan’s favorite gemstones are Danburite, angel aura quartz and kunzite—higher consciousness crystals that help her tap into angel frequencies, which she describes as “the purest, clearest white light energy that you could possibly imagine.” Templin recommends that beginners opt

Opposite page: Experience Divine Vibes, which offers sound baths, angel readings and more; above: Mystic Reiki & Wellness owner Kerry Walker-Collins conducting a sound bath

for amethyst, clear quartz and rose quartz. These are easily accessible crystals that bring feelings of peace, clarity and self-love, respectively. In order to harness this crystalline energy, gemstones may be used as a totem, worn in jewelry or carried on their person; they are also used in meditation. Templin believes the most important part of this practice is the intention.

Gemstones are often incorporated in professional services at Experience Divine Vibes and Mystic Reiki & Wellness, where owner Kerry Walker-Collins utilizes a variety of crystals during her treatments, with one of her go-to gemstones being selenite.

“I think it corresponds really well with reiki and the removal of negative energy and the connection with spirit,” she explains. “… It wants to absorb all of the energy that doesn’t serve the person.”

There are a few metaphysical supply stores in Laguna Beach that carry an array of crystals, including Earth Stones International, Moonlight Crystals & Earth, Kristalle and The Chakra Shack. Earth Stones International has a vast collection of gemstones that come in all sizes, including giant geodes, as well as crystal jewelry and stone lamps.

For the crystal connoisseur, Kristalle in north Laguna has an inventory full of rare minerals and gold specimens that are ideal pieces for collectors. Moonlight Crystals & Earth is another metaphysical supply store that carries gemstones, handmade jewelry, tarot cards, singing bowls, home decor and more. This space also offers spiritual services like palm readings and aura photography.

HEALING HANDS

There are countless types of healing services, but some of the most popular offerings in Laguna Beach include reiki treatments, aura photography and sound baths.

Reiki, a Japanese form of energy work, is the main focus at Mystic Reiki & Wellness. Clients can choose from a variety of treatments like 60- or 90-minute reiki healing sessions, an in-depth reiki renewal with twoand three-hour options, distance reiki as well as reiki for animals, and coaching that incorporates reiki healing and intuitive guidance. There’s even an organic reiki facial. WalkerCollins says the unique facial utilizes reiki energy, organic skin care products, crystals that may be placed on the client, as well as

a crystal gua sha treatment; longer sessions also incorporate sound healing.

Templin says reiki is the most commonly requested form of energy work at The Chakra Shack, while the most popular service overall is aura photography.

“Aura photography relates to the energy that is beyond your physical or visual spectrum,” Templin explains. “… We have a machine and you put your hand on it and it measures the biofeedback to give you those colors.”

Each color aligns with a different energy or personality trait. For example, someone with a violet aura is likely sensitive to energy or even empathic, whereas those with a red aura are grounded and not easily influenced by external energies.

Aura photography can be done for humans and pets—though the latter is

only available once a month. Other regular events include monthly tarot card classes, winter and summer solstice parties, full moon sound baths, and new moon breathwork (coming soon).

If a more intimate experience is preferred, Experience Divine Vibes hosts private sound baths three times a day. Each session is fully channeled and includes a smoke cleansing; a body scan to pinpoint emotional, physical and/or spiritual blockages; the use of instruments like crystal singing bowls, tuning forks and gongs; messages from spiritual entities like angels or passed loved ones; and a reading using angel oracle cards.

Experience Divine Vibes also offers a 25-minute express clearing and chakra rebalance, which is intended as a tuneup for those who attend regular sound baths or maintain their own energetic hygiene.

An organic reiki facial at Mystic Reiki & Wellness

A recent addition to this shop’s offerings are treatments with Healy, a bioenergetic frequency machine. The compact device utilizes microcurrent and 230 different frequency programs that can perform anything from a liver or kidney cleanse to an aura analysis or chakra balancing. Morgan offers private spaces for clients to run the programs on themselves.

“My main thing is showing people how to become their own healer and … helping them move through things [happening in their lives] by supporting and guiding their path to peace,” Morgan says.

RESONATING WITH READINGS

Divination is another service offered locally. This practice typically uses tools like cards, birth charts or other objects to receive messages from the spiritual realm.

An angel reading at Experience Divine Vibes includes pulling oracle cards and receiving intuitive guidance with specific messages that pertain to each client’s life. Although some people arrive intending to only receive a reading, Morgan says they often realize through the divination

session that they would also benefit from an energy clearing.

Intuitive readings are a huge draw at The Chakra Shack, which employs up to 10 spiritual practitioners, all of whom offer a variety of readings, including tarot, psychometry, astrology, palmistry, tasseography (tea leaf reading), channeled messages, angel therapy and more.

With so many different types of readings to choose from, Templin encourages interested parties to select a reader with whom they feel the strongest connection.

“They help widen your gaze and … give you another perspective,” says Templin, who has received readings that have helped center her energy and reminded her to trust her intuition. “… Readings offer a lot of confirmation.”

Humans aren’t the only ones who can benefit from a reading: The Chakra Shack also offers pet communication services, which is an intuitive reading that taps into the pet’s energy.

No matter your circumstances—or species—all souls are worthy of divine guidance and healing. g

Holistic Happenings

THESE ETHEREAL EVENTS WILL LEAVE PARTICIPANTS FEELING ENERGETICALLY ALIGNED.

REIKI, GUIDED MEDITATION AND SOUND HEALING

FEB. 3; LAGUNA HILLS

Mystic Reiki & Wellness owner Kerry WalkerCollins and reiki master Courtney Parkyn will guide participants through a multifaceted healing journey using energy work, meditation and sound healing. (949-280-9202; mysticreiki.com)

FULL MOON SOUND BATH

FEB. 5 AND MARCH 7; THE CHAKRA SHACK

Enjoy an hourlong sound bath to find peace and clarity. Bring a blanket or yoga mat, pillow, water and crystals, and wear comfortable clothing. (949715-6930; chakrashack.com)

REIKI 1 & 2 CERTIFICATION

FEB. 12; MYSTIC REIKI & WELLNESS

This workshop will feature education about this popular form of Japanese energy work, followed by an attunement to reiki energy that will allow attendees to perform self-healing and to facilitate healing for others. (949-280-9202; mysticreiki.com)

TASTE OF TAROT

FEB. 20 AND MARCH 20; THE CHAKRA SHACK

Join Lisa O’Neil, who has been a practitioner for 25 years, to learn about tarot, discuss tarotrelated topics and exchange readings. Bring your favorite deck, notepad and pen. (949-715-6930; chakrashack.com)

PET AURA PHOTOGRAPHY

FEB. 25 AND MARCH 25; THE CHAKRA SHACK

Tap into your pet’s aura to learn more about their personality type and energy. (949-715-6930; chakrashack.com)

Pet aura photography at The Chakra Shack

PRIME DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS

•Consists of 2 parcels totaling 89+/- acres:

Main Parcel 88 +/- acre s

•Consists of 2 parcels totaling 89+/- acres:

Main Parcel 88 +/- acre s

•Consists of 2 parcels totaling 89+/- acres:

Main Parcel 88 +/- acre s

Utility Parcel 1 +/- acre

Main Parcel 88 +/- acre s

Utility Parcel 1 +/- acre

FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION

GSA.gov/LagunaRidge

LagunaRidge@gsa.gov (619) 557-5029

GSA.gov/LagunaRidge

LagunaRidge@gsa.gov (619) 557-5029

FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION

LagunaRidge@gsa.gov (619) 557-5029

GSA.gov/LagunaRidge

Offered For Sale by the U.S. General Services Administration

LagunaRidge@gsa.gov (619) 557-5029

Offered For Sale by the U.S. General Services Administration

SPECIAL SECTION HEALTH & WELLNESS

CLEAN BEAUTY

SOME DERMATOLOGISTS AND BEAUTY EXPERTS HAVE TURNED TO GREENER GROOMING WHEN IT COMES TO PRIMPING PRODUCTS TO PUT OUR BEST FACE FORWARD.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

After symmetry, radiant skin is one of the highest criteria for facial beauty, according to the National Institutes of Health. It makes sense that humans are wired to look for these traits—indicators of good health—when choosing a mate with whom to procreate. But in a modern world full of stressors and pollutants, it’s become more challenging to achieve optimal health and the glow to prove it.

And some of the chemical-filled products used to enhance our look could be causing more harm than good, so it’s important to know how to read the labels and understand the pros and cons of ingredients in these items.

There’s no question about it: What you put on your skin—the body’s largest organ—will absorb into your bloodstream, asserts Dr. Nathaniel DeNicola, chief medical officer for Caduceus Medical Group, which has a Laguna Beach office. Parabens—chemical preservatives in everything from shampoo to shaving cream—are among ingredients getting a lot of scrutiny. “Studies have found parabens in urine within just a few hours [of application],” DeNicola says.

What’s harder to measure is exactly what health risks are created by these types of chemicals in products, DeNicola explains. Currently in the U.S., safety standards are regulated under the Food and Drug Administration’s Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. But when you consider how

Cosmetics by Ilia Beauty (right) and Orzala Beauty’s Saffron Face Cream (inset) are made with natural ingredients.

many more synthetic chemicals have been added to products since that time, doing your own research is your best defense. Fortunately, many beauty companies, including those in Laguna, not only help you screen out the potentially bad ones— but curate the most natural ones.

BEYOND SKIN DEEP

The Environmental Working Group, a U.S. nonprofit specializing in research and advocacy in the areas of agricultural and drinking water pollution, toxic chemicals in products and more, has highlighted studies showing that parabens mimic estrogen and may lead to different types of cancers.

In 2012, the Journal of Applied Toxicology reported a study in which researchers examined breast tissue from 40 breast cancer patients to look at the concentration of parabens in each. The study, led by researchers at the University of Reading and University Hospital of South Manchester, detected one or more parabens in 99% of tissue samples, and higher amounts found near tissue from the armpit area versus other parts of the breast. However, seven of the women sampled reported never having used deodorant. While researchers could not say definitively that parabens caused the tumors, they felt further study was warranted. While DeNicola points out that no study has conclusively found a dose response between these “hormonedisrupting” chemicals and cancer, he says it’s best to steer clear of parabens, which have antibacterial functions; phthalates, used as softeners and to bind to fragrances; sulfates, detergents that can irritate skin; and formaldehyde, a preservative and human carcinogenic.

And, when choosing products, “opt for ‘fragrance-free’ over ‘unscented,’ which is actually multiple scents combined to cancel others out,” DeNicola adds.

IT’S ONLY NATURAL

When choosing products, it’s best to ignore greenwashed marketing and focus on the ingredient list. You’ll find that many reveal a host of chemicals that are potentially harmful, according to the Environmental Working Group. They’re even in toothpaste, body wash, face cream, antiperspirant, nail polish, hair dye—you name it. According to

Roots the Beauty Underground boutique and salon sells toxin-free beauty products.

the EWG, of the more than 1,600 ingredients limited or banned from personal care products in Europe and other countries, only nine are banned in the U.S.—let that sink in.

At Roots the Beauty Underground, founder Laura Linsenmayer, who spent over 20 years in the beauty industry before opening her own boutique and salon, avoids anything with toxins. Shop an extensive list of brands for practically any beauty need (even perfume and teeth whitening), including Laguna’s own Ilia Beauty. Some are even packaged in refillable, or 100% recycled or recyclable materials.

“In the man-made world, full of toxins and forever chemicals, it was important to me that we are able to enjoy highperformance makeup, hair color and skin care products that are not laced with hormone disrupters and cancer-causing chemicals,” Linsenmayer says. “At Roots the Beauty Underground, we are focused on having a good time and feeling beautiful without fear.”

At Ilia, founder Sasha Plavsic looks at how ingredients are sourced versus using solely organic. “We learned early on that not every natural ingredient is good for the skin, nor is every synthetic bad,” says the Vancouver native, whose interest in health

and wellness stemmed from her brother’s early-childhood allergies and acute asthma, and how her mother healed him with homeopathic remedies. “Clean beauty is where those two collide—with conscious, carefully-selected ingredients—and no compromises.”

But you won’t find anything with gluten, parabens, phthalates, petroleum, mineral oil, talc, BHA/BHT, propylene glycol, PEG, cyclomethicones or chemical screens, she asserts. “We are also cruelty-free and certified by Leaping Bunny.”

Always building awareness about what’s happening down the line in her industry, Pavlic says she learns about where Ilia ingredients come from and how they’re made. “You can’t see everything,” she points out, “but we try to really watch out for those things to make sure there is a consciousness and we source all of our ingredients responsibly.”

Her brand is built on the philosophy that business practices should use transparency as a guide to challenge the conventions of clean beauty to create something radically new, yet safe: potent formulas that make skin look and feel alive. (Its motto: “We believe in skin that looks like skin—and radiance that comes naturally.”) Products

like the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 and Multi Stick are designed to allow and enhance radiance that comes naturally, and have become popular worldwide after going viral on TikTok. In the last year, the company has released new products like a lipreviving balm, matte eye tint and C Beyond Triple Serum, a stabilized 10% Vitamin C serum with SPF 40 mineral sunscreen. And just last month: the Bright Start eye cream. In 2021, Laguna-based brand Orzala Beauty released its first product: Saffron Face Cream. “As a child, I would watch my mother and grandmother use saffron to care for their skin,” says the company’s founder, Edris Naseri, who describes watching them grind the spice into a paste that would leave their faces looking “radiant.” In his native Afghanistan, saffron has been used for millenniums for its antiaging properties, so Naseri was surprised to find it was “relatively unknown in western beauty products,” he says.

Long inspired to “by natural ingredients to promote health,” he and girlfriend Rowan Foley, a Laguna painter and sculptor, dreamed of creating a line that combines ancient beauty rituals of the Middle East with modern science. Translating to “light created by fire,” Naseri says the name represents the color and luxuriousness of the high-quality saffron, which is sourced from his family farm in Afghanistan. Equally committed to sustainability as it is natural, organic ingredients, Naseri says the process requires little water and creates jobs for women in areas where opportunity is limited by Taliban rule. Additionally, the company’s lab focuses on energy efficiency and reducing waste and pollution.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

While it’s important to be savvy about the ingredients in cosmetic products, the first step to good health and glowing skin is to eat a nutritious diet that emulates, as much as possible, that of our hunter-gatherer ancestors. The next is to limit sun exposure, which can cause dryness, wrinkles, age spots and—in worst-case scenarios—skin cancer. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are the most diagnosed of all cancers, affecting nearly 3.3 million people in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society. That makes it more common than lung, brain and breast cancers combined.

DeNicola recommends limiting time in the sun and wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat, even while surfing or driving in the car. Wear sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (which work synergistically to cause skin cancers) and is “no less than SPF 30 and reapplied every two hours,” DeNicola advises. “Contrary to popular belief, the SPF [factor] does not equate to the length of time it will protect you, so reapplication is more important than the SPF itself.”

And it isn’t not just for sunny days or hours in the surf, points out DeNicola, whose practice offers patients free annual skin screenings, which can be lifesaving. “Our exposure in Southern California is different than exposure in other parts of the country. …We find a lot of cases of early skin damage.”

A word to the environmentally conscious: Chemical sunblocks containing oxybenzone and octinoxate have been banned in such areas as Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin

Islands because they’re harmful to coral reefs. According to The Ocean Foundation, a nonprofit that supports the efforts of environmentalists and ocean conservationists globally, even a small amount of the chemicals in some sunscreens bleaches corals, depleting them of their algae energy source and causing them to become susceptible to viral infections. It estimates that a single drop of oxybenzone in more than 4 million gallons of water is enough to endanger marine organisms.

To protect your health and the environment from any potential risk, DeNicola recommends his patients apply a physical blocker (also called mineral sunscreen) that contains titanium dioxide or zinc, since these shield skin without getting absorbed. Physical blockers are especially preferred to chemical blockers for young children and pregnant women. And with newer formulas that blend nicely into skin, you don’t need to worry about masking your tan under a heavy white residue that older versions left behind. g

One of Ilia Beauty’s newer products, C Beyond Triple Serum, incorporates SPF 40 sunscreen.

Winter’s Favorite Town

VISIT PARK CITY TO HIT THE SLOPES AND ENJOY APRES SKI IN A CHARMING MOUNTAIN TOWN THAT FEELS AS IF YOU’VE LANDED IN A SNOW GLOBE.

By ASHLEY RYAN

As soft, fluffy snowflakes float down around you amid the twinkling lights of Main Street, it’s hard to deny the magic of Park City.

Known as Winter’s Favorite Town, this Utah destination has it all—powder skiing at world-class resorts, delicious dining at innovative restaurants, tranquil hotel experiences, a historic downtown district and more. While most luxury regions feel more formal, even in the

wintertime, Park City has an easy, breezy air about it, thanks in large part to its skiin/ski-out culture.

Orange County skiers can drive to Big Bear, Mammoth or even Lake Tahoe with ease. But if you’re looking to explore the mountains outside of California, Utah is one of the easiest to reach: Simply fly to the Salt Lake City airport and, in a half-hour ride, you’ll find yourself nestled amongst the beauty of Park City, ready to explore all that the old mining town has to offer.

HITTING THE SLOPES

There are two ski areas in town that travelers simply must visit. The first, Deer Valley Resort, has been named one of the best in the country by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, likely due to its uniqueness. Open only to skiers (hold on, snowboarders, we’ve got advice for you, too), the property prides itself in its attention to detail and limits the number of lift tickets sold each day. Because of this, it’s a great place to avoid crowds, enjoy the

Canyons Village, an area with restaurant and shops that is steps away from Park City Mountain Resort

Park City is known for its ski resorts: Deer Valley, which offers more than 100 trails exclusively for skiiers, and Park City Mountain Resort, where the 7,300 skiable acres are also great for snowboarders.

perfect powder and take in serene views of the slopes.

Relish a healthy breakfast at Fresh Tracks Kitchen in the resort’s Snow Park Lodge. Then, before taking to the snow, stop by the on-site rental shop, where you can find everything you need to hit the slopes. Deer Valley has over 100 trails that traverse more than 2,000 acres, ranging from easy (green) to expert (double black diamond). Ski lessons are also available for beginners, children and those with physical disabilities, and, because of the quality powder— deemed The Greatest Snow on Earth—and lack of snowboarders zipping by, Deer Valley is a wonderful place to learn.

Skiers and snowboarders alike can visit the largest alpine resort in the country, Park City Mountain Resort. The property— which contains 7,300 skiable acres, with half of the 330-plus trails labeled as expert and another 42% intermediate—is designed for experienced athletes. It’s also owned by Vail Resorts, so it’s part of the Epic Pass, ensuring unlimited seasonal access to ski areas in Lake Tahoe (in California and Nevada), Colorado, Canada and more. And with a summit elevation of over 10,000 feet, keep your eyes peeled on the lifts for the large moose that roam the area.

Additionally, winter evenings come alive at Park City Mountain with Silver Sky Nights, a seasonal celebration that includes live music, ice carving demonstrations, sweet treats and a fireworks spectacular above the snow on certain dates through Feb. 18.

Those looking for more mild snow play can go snowshoeing with views of the Rocky Mountains, take the family dog sledding with professional racers, cuddle up under a cozy blanket for a romantic sleigh ride or visit Woodward Park City for tubing.

APRES SKI ADVENTURES

When looking for a place to stay, there’s simply nowhere that compares to the level of relaxation you’ll find at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa. After a long, cold day on the slopes, a trip to the hotel’s Serenity Spa is in order. The stunning space features a cascading waterfall above a hot tub, a steam room and sauna in addition to 14 rooms where guests can enjoy massages, facials and other skin care treatments, hot stones, aromatherapy, pedicures and more. If you’re lucky, your experience just might include a little bubbly and chocolate-covered strawberries, too.

Elsewhere in the hotel, a heated indoor/ outdoor pool, an adults-only version and two hot tubs just add to the resort experience. Or, if you’d rather relax in your room, spring for one of Westgate’s villas, which are offered with one, two or four bedrooms and feature jetted bathtubs as well as unique showers that can also be used as steam rooms.

The Westgate offers a few dining options to indulge you after a day in the snow. The casual Drafts Burger Bar is perfect for gourmet burgers and sandwiches, but you’d be remiss not to try the Tatchos, tater tots smothered in melted Gouda and topped with bacon, green onions, tomatoes and sour cream. The eatery is also known for its over-the-top milkshakes and numerous beers on tap.

For fine dining, you can’t skip Edge Steakhouse, where the innovative culinary team crafts meals that are likely to be one of the best you’ve ever had. In addition to an impressive selection of quality wines and creative cocktails, diners can choose

left: In addition to skiing and snowboarding, wintertime activities in Park City also include dog

right: the front entrance to the snow-covered

from seasonal or chef’s tasting menus. Make sure to try the domestic wagyu steak, a cross between Kobe beef and American Black Angus. Pair it with lobster tail for the ultimate indulgence. Starters like spicy shrimp, steak sashimi, ahi tuna and Spanish octopus round out the menu, along with a variety of soups, salads and sides. Just outside, the restaurant also offers the Edge 360 experience, where guests can book one of two outdoor globes in which to enjoy a warm, romantic dinner.

Within walking distance, you’ll also find the Red Tail Grill, a cozy spot in Canyons Village with dishes like warm tomato soup, hummus, chorizo nachos, sandwiches and more. Or stop by Dos Olas, an elevated Mexican spot with colorful decor that offers refreshing margaritas to pair with tacos, burritos, fajitas and guacamole prepared tableside.

Venture downtown for breakfast at The Eating Establishment, a quirky spot partly

owned by actor Ty Burrell that serves up unique meals like the loaded baked potato omelet, corned beef hash and eggs skillet, smoked salmon atop avocado toast, and French toast with lemon curd from Portugal. Or, for dinner, visit Riverhorse on Main for another dining experience that you won’t want to miss. With live music, glass art reminiscent of ice and a glow from creative light fixtures, the ambiance rivals the outstanding dishes found here. The upscale eatery’s menu features starters such as buffalo tartare, pierogies and baconwrapped shrimp to accompany entrees like wild salmon and ratatouille, beef short ribs topped with chimichurri and macadamia nut-crusted halibut served with mango broccolini and whipped herb potatoes. If it’s simply drinks you’re looking for, there are plenty of options as well. Wasatch Brewery and the No Name Saloon are open late for a nightcap after dinner. Another spot to try is Alpine Distilling, where the

brand’s award-winning spirits are used to craft contemporary cocktails. In addition to its whiskeys and gins, Alpine is known for its fresh-baked pies—the perfect unexpected complement to the inventive drinks.

OUT ON THE TOWN

Those looking to explore the region can learn a lot about its connection to the Winter Olympics at the Utah Olympic Park. Originally built for the 2002 games that were held in Park City, the site has become a training space for athletes as well as an educational center for the general public to enjoy. In the winter, visitors can take a guided tour of the property, ride down the sliding track in a bobsled, visit museums on the history of skiing and the 2002 games, watch professional skiers practicing on the slopes and take in views of the Snyderville Basin from the top of the ski jump ramp.

Whether you visit for apres ski or not,

Top

sledding with professionals. Clockwise from top

Westgate Park City Resort & Spa; the whirlpool with a waterfall at the Westgate Park City’s Serenity Spa; a savory dish at Riverhorse on Main

the town’s historic Main Street is another place you’ll want to focus your attention. This quaint space just furthers the feeling of being in a beautiful snow globe with its Snow Globe Stroll, which visitors can catch again next holiday season. Wander up and down the street to find the nine life-size globes, then press the interactive button on each for a stunning display of Park City’s finest attributes accompanied by holiday tunes. This is also the best place for shopping in the region, with souvenir shops nestled together with high-end boutiques, art galleries, a historical museum and artistic statues.

Each January, Park City is also home to the famed Sundance Film Festival. Celebrities converge on the town for film screenings, panels and more, all in celebration of independent cinema. But spring, summer and fall have plenty to offer travelers as well, from river rafting, fishing, hiking, zip lining and mountain biking to events like the Park City Song Summit, the Miner’s Day Parade, Autumn Aloft hot air balloon experience and the Kimball Arts Festival. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to find the magic that makes Park City what it is—a uniquely warm destination filled with history, culture, arts and beyond. g

When not hitting the slopes, visitors can get their adrenaline going with activities like zip lining at Utah Olympic Park.

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:

OFFERING PRICE: 1472 MORNINGSIDE CIRCLE, $2,600,000 LAGUNA BEACH

AGENTS:

SHAUNA COVINGTON 949-412-8088

SHAUNA@SHAUNACOVINGTON.COM DRE #00991380

LANCE KRAMER (CO-LIST) 949-228-2404

LANCEKRAMER@COX.NET DRE #00597978

2022 FEATURED SALES BY CARTER KAUFMAN

Vista Baya, Newport Beach

Country Club, Costa Mesa

Artists & Galleries / Glasswork

JOHN BARBER AND SUSAN MAROSZ TURN TO INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUES TO CREATE STUNNING ART PIECES.

By ASHLEY RYAN

A New Beginning Groundbreaking Glasswork

Lagunan John Barber is no stranger to creating glass art—in fact, it’s been more than 50 years since he traveled to Germany, witnessed Erwin Eisch at work and convinced the glass master to give him an apprenticeship at Eisch’s Frauenau factory.

A few years later, Barber brought a wealth of knowledge with him back to the U.S. and built his own private glass studio in Santa Monica. By the late 1970s, he had moved to Laguna Beach and discovered the famed art festivals in the canyon. He has shown his glass vases, bowls, stemware and sculptures at Sawdust Art Festival for the last 46 years, with additional displays set up in the gallery on his Laguna Canyon property; as the area is zoned for dual residential/light industrial work, Barber has been producing blown glass pieces here since the 1980s.

This doesn’t even begin to cover the half a century his career spans. But his ever-busy schedule slowed down during the COVID19 pandemic and gave him time to consider his future. “I’m not going to be able to blow glass until I’m 90 years old,” Barber explains. “It’s physically a very strenuous endeavor. So I thought, what’s another medium I could bring my 50 years of glass blowing into?”

The answer he came up with was watercolors—but Barber’s pieces aren’t your standard watercolor paintings. In a technique he developed himself, which he calls pyrographic art, he places a sheet of heavy watercolor paper on plywood in front of his furnace, then drips molten glass onto the paper to burn a design into it. After that, he uses paint he makes himself to add color and finish the piece. “What I’m doing is making my own watercolors using

“Pole Dancers,” one of Barber’s new pieces

powdered, colored glass as my pigment,” he adds. “That way, these watercolors will never fade in the sunlight. And, to me, that adds a lot of value.”

Barber’s paintings vary in subject matter, ranging from landscapes depicting Catalina Island to imagery with figures or even abstract pieces. “I choose a title and then, when I sit down to paint, I can bring out the things I see in this piece—and I’ve never had to do that with glass,” he says. “When I’m painting these, I’m smiling ear to ear. It’s something brand-new for me.”

Clients at the Sawdust festival have embraced this new avenue since he debuted his pyrographic pieces for the first time during the summer show in 2021. Barber was also invited to give a presentation at the Loca Arts Education annual meeting back in October, where he detailed his new process and shared some of his creations with guests at the brunch.

“The whole thing was a challenge. That’s what intrigued me so much,” he says of developing the pyrographic technique. “I’m kind of reinventing myself.” Find Barber’s new pieces, along with his blown glass, at the Sawdust Art Festival this summer or at his private gallery.

JOHN BARBER: 21062 LAGUNA CANYON ROAD 949-494-1464; JOHNBARBERGLASSDESIGNS.COM

JOHN BARBER

John Barber, a longtime glass blower, is now using molten glass to make pyrographic art.

Creative Combinations

Vibrant ocean scenes and floral gardens come to life in Susan Marosz’s glass pieces, which hold texture with just as much importance as they do color. This is achieved through her unique process, leading to pieces that are both one of a kind and stunning to view.

With no formal art training, Marosz worked as a freelance muralist and decorative wall artist for years, but says it was always a job rather than a calling. When her cousin, who is a glass artist, got his own kiln, he invited her to try something new and she spent the next few years testing out techniques in his studio between freelance projects. “I was looking for … a more challenging way to express my art,” she explains.

Eventually, she came up with her own distinctive technique working with glass and she’s now been crafting her own pieces for more than a decade. After creating a rough sketch of her idea, Marosz takes a sheet of clear glass as a base then assembles various cut, crushed and powdered glasses to create the design. Sometimes, she also adds mica powder as well. Next, the piece is placed into

the kiln and Marosz uses strictly controlled settings to ensure all of the parts merge into one cohesive piece while maintaining the shape and texture of the individual sections. To finish, the back side of most of her artwork is painted with glass enamel, which Marosz says enhances the details and the color in the glass.

“Glass itself is not a unique medium. However, the process I use is my own so the resulting work is unique,” Marosz explains. “In my process, the glass has texture and vivid colors, and the thickness and transparency of glass allows [the] layers to be visible, adding depth and interest to the artwork.”

She uses both clear and dichroic glass; the latter provides a somewhat changeable color with dramatic results. Her paintings showcase stunning natural scenes, like crashing ocean

“Waterfall,” a colorful glass piece by Marosz

waves, fields of flowers, verdant meadows and underwater reefs, in addition to dramatic and emotive abstracts. “Nature is a big influence. But, really, as I’m putting a piece together, I’m thinking of a place I’d like to be or a feeling I have and that is what you see most reflected in my work,” she says. “As I work, whether the piece is realism or abstract, my intent is to express feelings like power, movement, beauty, peacefulness or a graceful flow.”

Although she lives in neighboring Corona del Mar, Marosz shows her artwork at Laguna Art-A-Fair and has also appeared at Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy. In the spring, her unique glass art will be on view at the Balboa Island Artwalk in Newport Beach. /

SUSAN MAROSZ ART: SUSANMAROSZART.COM

“Garden Gate” by Susan Marosz

Taste of the Town / Dining Guide

NORTH LAGUNA

242 CAFE FUSION SUSHI 242 N. COAST HWY.; 949-494-2444; 242CAFEFUSIONSUSHI.NET: Chef Miki Izumisawa has passed away, but her memory lives on in this cozy and casual sushi spot on Coast Highway, which blends her passions for sushi, art and fun. Open only for dinner, with a small patio and a view of the ocean, the restaurant offers fusion rolls, traditional nigiri and omakase meals.

ASADA TACOS & BEER 610 N. COAST HWY., STE. 108; 949-226-7263; ASADATACOS.NET: Asada Tacos & Beer features a menu full of Mexican dishes as well as snacks like carne asada fries, street corn or short rib nachos. The brainchild of restaurateur Scott McIntosh, expect tasty plates, handmade tacos and a great selection of brews and margaritas.

BIANCHI WINERY TASTING ROOM 496 N. COAST HWY.; BIANCHIWINE.COM: Bianchi Winery of Paso Robles, owned by Laguna Beach resident Glenn Bianchi, is opening an intimate tasting room in north Laguna for locals and visitors to sip the label’s various varietals. Charcuterie plates from The Butchery may also be offered.

BLKDOT COFFEE 656 N. COAST HWY.; 949-371-0288; BLKDOTCOFFEE.COM: Known for its slow-dripped Vietnamese craft coffee, this shop offers hot, blended and iced drinks in addition to banh mi sandwiches and savory toasts topped with avocado or sausage and egg.

HUSKY BOY BURGERS 802 N. COAST HWY.; 949-497-9605; HUSKYBOYBURGERS.COM: A drive-instyle burger joint that serves the ultracasual crowd, Husky Boy Burgers is known for its namesake burger, which features pastrami atop a beef patty with cheese. Try a classic banana split or a root beer float for dessert.

JAN’S HEALTH BAR 610 N. COAST HWY.; 949-371-0023; JANSHEALTHBAR.COM: Popular Orange County chain Jan’s Health Bar offers smoothies, fresh juices and acai bowls, in addition to sandwiches and wraps, which are ideal after a long day in the sun.

LAS BRISAS 361 CLIFF DR.; 949-497-5434; LASBRISASLAGUNABEACH.COM: Serving Mexicaninspired coastal cuisine, Las Brisas offers diners some of the best views in town. Popular for weekend brunch, the menu at Las Brisas also includes seafood-heavy signature dishes such as the steak and lobster enchiladas and the grilled rockfish tacos plus margaritas and other cocktails.

MANDARIN KING 1223 N. COAST HWY.; 949-494-8992; MANDARINKINGLAGUNA.COM: Open for lunch and dinner every day of the week, Mandarin King serves made-to-order Chinese cuisine that is free of MSG. Since 1984, this cozy restaurant has been a go-to for traditional favorites such as orange peel chicken, Mongolian beef and mu shu pork as well as other signature items.

A Winning Drink

Two Shores Gin, launched last year by Laguna Beach resident Eileen Keighley, was used in a winning cocktail created by Inga Tantisalidchai, head bartender at Olea in Newport Beach, during the Mixology Masters last fall at Porsche Irvine. Tantisalidchai crafted a caprese cocktail featuring Two Shores Gin, tomato and basil, topped off with a mozzarella ball and prosciutto. Keighley entered her gin brand to be used in the event alongside other spirits. Of the 15 competing mixologists, four chose to work with Two Shores Gin. Keighley, who grew up in Scotland and recalls helping her dad forage for ingredients to make his own gin in the family’s greenhouse, worked with a master distiller in London to help develop her own recipe with fruits and botanicals—including many from California—such as citrus, pepper tree, sage and prickly pear. The liquor, which was distilled and bottled in Los Angeles in August, has already won several awards. Available online and in select retailers, including Spigot Liquor in Laguna, Two Shores Gin is the first offering by Keighley’s Laguna Beach Spirits Co., which will include botanical-based beverages from premium gins to ready-to-drink cocktails and nonalcoholic mixers. (twoshoresgin.com) —Sharon Stello

A caprese cocktail made with Two Shores Gin during a competition

Dine / Laguna Fish Co.

Fresh Catch

LAGUNA FISH CO. SERVES UP TACOS, SANDWICHES, CEVICHE AND MORE IN A SLEEK YET CASUAL SETTING.

By ASHLEY RYAN

t’s been over three years since Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store shut its doors and the building has remained empty ever since. But in January, the space finally gained a new tenant: Laguna Fish Co. Owner Ivan Spiers, who also launched Laguna hot spots Mozambique and Skyloft (which is located just upstairs from the new space), developed a fast-casual concept for Laguna Fish Co., which showcases a spacious bar close to the entrance as well as a counter where customers place their food orders. The dining room is sleek and chic, with modern

design in neutral colors, but is also adorned with black-and-white photos of Laguna in years past, courtesy of the local historical society, that provide a sense of place.

Choose your drink to start: All beer on draft is brewed by Laguna Beach Beer Co. and there are a number of cocktails to choose from as well. Try a classic espresso martini or the house margarita, or go for signature options such as the mezcal-filled Smoked Apple or gin-based basil martini.

As you wind your way through the food menu, make sure to check out the board detailing the day’s fresh catches. Sourced

from a San Pedro fisherman, the daily selections range from branzino to rainbow trout to red snapper and beyond. The daily and specialty catches can be added to a number of menu items, including soups, salads (we recommend the Winter Citrus, which combines grapefruit, mandarin oranges and cranberries with baby kale, arugula, fennel, almonds and feta in a citrus-honey vinaigrette), burritos, bowls, tacos and even pasta.

Outside of these rotating specialties, consider some starters to share. The halibut ceviche is a refreshing option with a bit of spice, incorporating serrano peppers and fresh lime. Seafood nachos with shrimp and lobster, topped with black beans, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo, are another delectable option.

For something a little more substantial, opt for the ever-popular poke bowl, in which your choice of tuna or salmon is tossed in a citrus-ponzu sauce before mingling with pineapple, scallions, edamame and sesame seeds on a bed of wasabi rice.

If it’s an entree you seek, you can never go wrong with beloved fish and chips. Handbattered Alaskan cod is fried to golden perfection, then served with warm, hand-cut fries and a jalapeno-infused tartar sauce. Another favorite, the halibut Veracruz, offers a bit of Latin flare with a tomato clam broth, onions, green olives and capers over rice.

However, the most mouthwatering menu item is the Laguna Tacos, featuring three crispy corn tortillas stuffed with shrimp and fish sofrito, cheese and cabbage then drizzled with spicy pasilla chile-lime aioli.

End your meal with a sweet treat, like fried ice cream, which is breaded then deep fried and smothered in a caramel drizzle, or double thick malts in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, caramel or banana.

In addition to lunch and dinner, Laguna Fish Co. also serves morning meals Friday through Sunday with an organic crab omelet, lox bagel and the LFC or smoked salmon Benedicts—for seafood any time of day. g

LAGUNA FISH CO.: 400 S. Coast Highway; 949-715-1002; lagunafishco.com

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday

Clockwise from left: the bar inside Laguna Fish Co.; a poke bowl (back), Winter Citrus salad (right) and Laguna Tacos; halibut ceviche and the Smoked Apple (left) and basil martini cocktails; and fried ice cream

NUMBER THREE RESTAURANT 320 N. COAST HWY.; 949-549-4817: Located in a charming historic building with space for outdoor dining, this restaurant offers delicious meals at modest prices. Popular items include the cinnamon swirl French toast and California omelet for breakfast, the Madison Burger and a wide variety of shrimp dishes, from salads to burgers, dips and generously portioned shrimp pots.

REUNION KITCHEN + DRINK 610 N. COAST HWY., STE. 102; 949-226-8393; REUNIONKITCHEN.NET:

Reunion, operated by restaurateur Scott McIntosh, has a menu that features modern comfort foods like slowbraised short ribs and turkey pot pie. Perfectly crafted cocktails as well as a wide range of wines and beers are also available.

SALINE AT HOTEL JOAQUIN 985 N. COAST HWY.; 949-494-5294; HOTELJOAQUIN.COM: Although temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Mediterranean-inspired eatery typically offers complimentary meals for hotel guests. While it is not currently open to the public, a stay may be worth it to try dishes like crab gnocchi, braised lamb and truffled tuna.

URTH CAFFÉ 308 N. COAST HWY.; 949-376-8888; URTHCAFFE.COM: Located in a restored historic house with ample patio seating, Urth Caffé offers heirloom coffee, tea and boba drinks alongside gourmet cuisine and delicious desserts and pastries. The menu also includes options that are exclusive to the Laguna Beach location.

ZÉYTOON CAFE (CLOSED BRIEFLY TO SWITCH BACK TO ORIGINAL OWNERS) 412 N. COAST HWY.; 949-715-9230; ZEYTOONCAFE.COM: A Laguna favorite for dining on Mediterranean-inspired dishes, Zéytoon’s menu includes delicious items such as artichoke and mushroom soup, the Zéytoon flatbread and a toasted caprese panini. The cafe also features a top deck with stunning views, perfect for a light lunch before or after a quick romp on the beach.

DOWNTOWN/MIDTOWN

230 FOREST AVENUE 230 FOREST AVE.; 949-494-2545; 230FORESTAVENUE.COM: Chef-owner Marc Cohen leads the kitchen at 230 Forest Avenue. The restaurant serves contemporary California cuisine with options such as chargrilled salmon and a chopped seafood salad with shrimp and crab, as well as meats, salads, sandwiches and various appetizers.

ACTIVE CULTURE 1006 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-5188; ACTIVECULTURECAFE.COM: A vegetarian and vegan haven, Active Culture’s menu is made up of meatless choices with fresh ingredients for a light meal. The cafe serves bowls, salads, wraps, shakes and smoothies—all perfect for enjoying on the patio.

ADOLFO’S MEXICAN FOOD 998 S. COAST HWY., STE. A; 949-497-2023: Adolfo’s has set the standard for fast, casual and affordable Mexican food since 1985. Also on the menu are burgers and fries. The surf crowd tends to file in around lunchtime, kicking back with a horchata or beer at the counter or on the patio.

ADONIS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL 202 PARK AVE.; 949715-4581: Gyros rotating on a spit give this little shop a savory scent that draws people in as they walk by. A

simple menu consists of Mediterranean dishes like the gyro, a chicken wrap and a veggie plate. Adonis is perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal before taking in the downtown sights.

ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI 234 FOREST AVE.; 949497-8222; ALESSALAGUNA.COM: Part of award-winning chef Alessandro Pirozzi’s culinary collection, Alessa Laguna’s inviting atmosphere and artfully crafted Italian food have made it a downtown staple. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner; be sure to try one of Pirozzi’s homemade pasta dishes or one of the varieties of gnocchi.

ANASTASIA CAFE 460 OCEAN AVE.; 949-497-8903; ANASTASIABOUTIQUE.COM: This stylish little cafe adjacent to Anastasia Boutique has a hearty selection of French and American breakfast and lunch options including omelets, sandwiches, salads, pastas, fresh-baked bread, squeezed juice and more. The dogfriendly patio is great for sunny days.

AVILA’S EL RANCHITO 1305 S. COAST HWY.; 949376-7040; AVILASELRANCHITO.COM: Avila’s El Ranchito has been a staple in town for over a decade. The Mexican chain serves up classic dishes like fajitas, burritos, tacos, tamales and enchiladas, but guests can also grab a seat around the bar or outside on the spacious patio to enjoy one of the restaurant’s refreshing Cadillac or skinny margaritas.

BANZAI BOWLS 1100 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-8989; BANZAIBOWLS.COM: With all-natural fruit juices and no added sugar, ice or fillers, a Banzai Bowls smoothie is one of the healthiest snacks in town. Try a smoothie featuring ingredients like fresh fruit and soy milk, or indulge in the acai or pitaya bowls loaded with a number of delicious toppings for a guilt-free meal.

BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA 328 GLENNEYRE ST.; 949-715-8234; BROADWAYBYAMARSANTANA.COM: Local and seasonal ingredients make up the inventive dishes that populate chef Amar Santana’s menu at Broadway. The contemporary cuisine at this fine dining establishment includes expertly crafted steaks, seafood, salads and small plates, plus an intimate chef’s table for a custom meal.

BRUSSELS BISTRO 222 FOREST AVE.; 949-376-7955; BRUSSELSBISTRO.COM: This downtown eatery transports its guests to Belgium with a cozy dining room and premium Belgian beer. Chef Thomas Crijns crafts Belgian-inspired dishes with a French flair. Additionally, a variety of happy hour specials are available every day.

CARMELITA’S KITCHEN DE MEXICO 217 BROADWAY ST.; 949-715-7829; CARMELITASKITCHEN.COM: A stylish addition to the area’s eateries, Carmelita’s draws a large dinner crowd every night with its menu inspired by different regions of Mexico. Try classics like enchiladas or chile rellenos, and indulge in inventive, handcrafted drinks like the cilantro cucumber or the strawberry jalapeno margarita.

C’EST LA VIE 373 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-5100; CESTLAVIERESTAURANT.COM: C’est La Vie offers casual indoor and outdoor dining in a European

bistro setting. The French cafe and restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner, in addition to its happy hour deals. C’est La Vie also features a bakery counter offering French pastries, macarons and other delectable goodies; call for information on wedding, birthday and special occasion desserts.

CHANTILLY ICE CREAM 202 PARK AVE.; 949-494-7702: Frozen treats are plentiful at Chantilly Ice Cream, where the lineup includes everything from frozen yogurt and Dreyer’s ice cream to smoothies. The shop satisfies everyone’s sweet tooth on a hot summer day from its convenient location across the street from Main Beach.

THE CHOCOLATE SOLDIER 1200 S. COAST HWY., STE. 103B; 949-494-4462; THECHOCOLATESOLDIER.COM: Located in the historic Old Pottery Place, this chocolate shop sells gourmet truffles, peanut butter cups, toffee and other confections. The Chocolate Soldier also sells a selection of housewares and gift items such as fine china mugs and plush toys.

THE CLIFF RESTAURANT 577 S. COAST HWY.; 949494-1956; THECLIFFRESTAURANT.COM: Offering some of the best panoramic ocean views in town, The Cliff Restaurant is a relaxing option for breakfast or lunch, as well as a romantic setting for sunset dinners. With a seasonally changing menu of seafood, pastas, burgers and more, The Cliff is a favorite respite after shopping Laguna Village, or on the weekdays during happy hour.

COMEDOR AT LA CASA DEL CAMINO; 1289 S. COAST HWY.; 949-376-9718; COMEDORLAGUNA.COM: Inside the historic La Casa del Camino hotel, Comedor features small bites, refined entrees, locally-sourced ingredients and fresh seafood, with Executive Chef Glen Tinsley helming the kitchen, and lively entertainment that has included live music, jazz and salsa nights as well as karaoke.

THE DECK ON LAGUNA BEACH 627 SLEEPY HOLLOW LN.; 949-494-6700; DECKONLAGUNA.COM: Located at Pacific Edge Hotel, The Deck offers the quintessential on-the-beach dining experience. A relaxed, breezy place for light bites and tropical cocktails, or a seafood dinner, the restaurant also sits adjacent to the hotel’s bungalows, at which guests can enjoy food and beverages from The Deck.

DIZZ’S AS IS 2794 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-5250; DIZZSASIS.COM: Owned and operated by the Pitz family since 1977, Dizz’s is a favorite spot amongst locals thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and friendly service in a 1920s wood-shingled house with patio dining. The eclectic menu features steaks and seafood dishes served on unique mismatched dishes.

DOLCE GELATO 247 BROADWAY ST.; 949-715-9249; GELATOBYDOLCE.COM: Meaning “sweet” in Italian, Dolce Gelato features the authentic Italian treat from which it takes its name. More than 20 handcrafted, rotating flavors are offered, with new flavors introduced every Friday at the family-owned shop. Themed months offer flavors based on things like fairytales and the beach.

THE DRAKE 2894 S. COAST HWY.; 949-376-1000; THEDRAKELAGUNA.COM: Equal parts restaurant and entertainment venue, The Drake will have you feel like you’ve escaped to old New York. Enjoy lamb lollipops, Maine sea scallops, filet mignon with a peppercorn sauce and many other entrees and shared plates—plus cocktails named after famous songs—for a delicious night in an upscale jazz-inspired atmosphere.

DRIFTWOOD KITCHEN 619 SLEEPY HOLLOW LN.; 949-715-7700; DRIFTWOODKITCHEN.COM: Boasting sweeping views plus ocean-themed decor, Driftwood Kitchen offers fresh seafood, steaks and delicious appetizers. The Stateroom Bar provides artisanal cocktails, with an emphasis on fine whiskeys and bourbons. Add a gorgeous view of the Pacific and a sun-soaked patio, and you have the recipe for an unparalleled dining experience.

FIN AT HOTEL LAGUNA 425 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-1151; HOTELLAGUNA.COM: A modern Japanese restaurant on the newly renovated ground floor of historic Hotel Laguna, Fin offers sushi, sashimi, cut rolls and starters like smoked salmon miso and tuna shitake. Fin joins another restaurant, Larsen, and a bar within the hotel.

GELATO PARADISO 448 S. COAST HWY., STE. A; 949-464-9255; GELATOPARADISO.COM: Inspired by the romantic streets of Italy, Gelato Paradiso features artisanal gelato and sorbetto offerings that are handmade in small batches every single morning. Choose from a wide selection of up to 30 flavors daily, or sample several at once by following the shop’s popular pairing suggestions.

GG’S BISTRO 540 S. COAST HWY., STE. 108; 949-494-9306; GGSCAFEBISTRO.COM: GG’s is known for its classic Mediterranean flavors. Open for lunch and dinner every day, as well as for breakfast on Sundays (complete with morning cocktails like mimosas and bloody marys), GG’s welcomes diners to enjoy salads, sandwiches, kebabs and other entrees. The restaurant also offers a gluten-free menu.

GINA’S PIZZA 1100 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-4342; GINASPIZZA.COM: Gina’s Pizza is a quick, casual option for lunch or dinner. Order pastas, salads, sandwiches or pizza, including the famous cheese BiggaSlice or the full BiggaPie.

THE GREETER’S CORNER RESTAURANT 329 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-0361; THEGREETERSCORNER.COM: Named for the town’s original greeter, the late Eiler Larsen, The Greeter’s Corner Restaurant provides a relaxed setting for visitors and locals alike to enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch. Choose from morning specials like omelets, eggs Benedict and French toast, or sink your teeth into a hamburger featuring the restaurant’s peppercorn sauce.

GU RAMEN TAPS & TAPAS 907 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-0825: A casual ramen spot, Gu Ramen offers flavorful bowls of noodles and broth with toppings like egg, corn, spinach and chashu, or pork belly. Choose the level of hotness as well, with bowls ranging from non-spicy to extra spicy. Also try fresh plates such as the spicy poke salad or the hibachi fried rice.

HAPI SUSHI 250 BEACH ST.; 949-494-9109: Take a seat at the sushi bar and chat with the chefs as they prepare specialties right before your eyes. This casual spot features Japanese- and island-inspired decor plus a TV at the end of the bar to watch while noshing on sushi rolls, calamari and more.

Winter Bites

Maro Wood Grill has announced new seasonal menu items for winter including small bites like hamachi carpaccio, thin-sliced yellowtail with Meyer lemon dressing and aromatic herbs, and Gaucho Bread, a gluten-free flatbread topped with burrata cheese, mortadella, pistachios, arugula and white truffle oil. A variety of new pasta dishes include spaghetti alla checca, which is served al dente with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh tomatoes and basil; handmade ravioli filled with portobello mushrooms; and rigatoni Amatriciana and polpo, which comes in a tomato sauce with octopus, pancetta, onions, parsley and extravirgin olive oil. Diners may also choose from three types of risotto: mixed berry with Parmesan cheese and mint; salmon, shrimp and pesto; or tomato sauce, basil and burrata. For those seeking meat entrees, there’s Filleto Patagonia, filet mignon bits sauteed with brandy, mushrooms, spinach, basil, and sun-dried and heirloom cherry tomatoes. Or opt for chicken Parmesan or Griffin’s Burger, which layers a grass-fed beef patty with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella, bacon, avocado and horseradish aioli on a brioche bun. These seasonal items join the restaurant’s regular lineup of Argentine fare such as empanadas, fresh salads, and entrees like beef estofado (a type of stew), rack of lamb and skirt steak with chimichurri. (949-793-4044; marowoodgrill.com) —S.S.

Maro Wood Grill’s winter dishes

HEIDELBERG CAFE & BISTRO 1100 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-4594; HEIDELBERGCAFE.COM: Have a seat inside and order at the counter or sit outside on the breezy patio at this breakfast and lunchtime gem. Wellknown for its coffee creations, the casual cafe’s menu showcases morning options like a Belgian waffle and walnut banana pancakes or, for heartier appetites, the bacon omelet.

HENNESSEY’S TAVERN 213 OCEAN AVE.; 949-4942743; HENNESSEYSTAVERN.COM: You’ll find menu items ranging from bar bites like pub nachos and beer-battered onion rings to Irish favorites such as fish ’n’ chips and shepherd’s pie, as well as a breakfast menu and options for kids. Plus, enjoy $5 drinks and appetizers during the weekday happy hour.

KEBAB | KURRY 793 LAGUNA CANYON RD., STE. A; 949-715-0340; KEBAB-KURRY.COM: With spices flown in from India, this authentic restaurant offers Indian, Moroccan, Turkish and Persian dishes from kebabs to curries, samosas, hummus and more. The kebabs are made with hand-cut meat, sourced from California farms and cooked over a live fire. Enjoy your meal on the patio with canyon views.

KITCHEN IN THE CANYON 845 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-715-5388; KITCHENINTHECANYON.COM: This friendly neighborhood cafe boasts a menu of both breakfast and lunch options. Dine on the spot’s omelets, breakfast burritos or avocado toast in the morning, but don’t forget to stop by in the afternoon for wraps, salads or sandwiches on the lunchtime lineup.

THE KOFFEE KLATCH 1440 S. COAST HWY.; 949376-6867: A quintessential independent coffee shop, complete with a cozy outdoor patio and free Wi-Fi, the Koffee Klatch is a quaint place to sit down and enjoy

the morning with a meal or light bite. Coffee is a given, but patrons can also enjoy dining on salads, sandwiches, pastries and hot breakfast items.

LA RUE DU CHOCOLAT 448 S. COAST HWY., STE. B; 949-494-2372; LARUEDUCHOCOLAT.COM: Whether you’re looking for chocolates in the shape of sea animals or caramel-covered marshmallows, La Rue du Chocolat probably carries it. Known for its specialty handmade confections from around the world, the small shop will satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth.

LA SIRENA GRILL 347 MERMAID ST.; 949-497-8226; LASIRENAGRILL.COM: With two locations in town, La Sirena Grill is a go-to spot for fast, casual Mexican food. Family-owned and committed to fresh, sustainable ingredients, the restaurant offers tacos, burritos, daily specials and more.

LAGUNA BEACH BEER CO. 859 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-715-0805; LAGUNABEER.COM: The owners of this Rancho Santa Margarita-based beer company, who live here in town, opened a tasting room in Laguna Canyon in 2018. In addition to its core and specialty beers, the brewery serves up guest brews, shared plates, artisan flatbreads and salads.

LAGUNA CANYON WINERY 2133 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-715-9463; LAGUNACANYONWINERY.COM: Let your taste buds guide you through Laguna Canyon Winery’s tasting rooms, where visitors can sample a selection of boutique wines. The winery also hosts tasting parties featuring handcrafted wines, food and live music.

LAGUNA COFFEE CO. 1050 S. COAST HWY., STE. B; 949494-6901; LAGUNACOFFEECO.COM: A boutique micro

The Latest Scoop

SouthSwell ice cream

coffee roaster, Laguna Coffee Co. uses a European roasting process to create distinctive blends. Enjoy your coffee black, blended or any way in between while relaxing with a pastry at one of the independent coffee shop’s small tables. The shop sources its beans from places like Honduras and Ethiopia, and also offers fresh fare including a variety of bagels and toasts.

LAGUNA FEAST 801 GLENNEYRE ST.; 949-494-0642; LAGUNAFEAST.COM: Known for “Taco Tuesday all day long,” Laguna Feast’s version of the regional holiday offers $1.25 tacos and discounted beers. On the restaurant’s regular menu, you’ll find Mexican dishes like enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, tostadas, burritos, tortas, tamales, guacamole and carne asada.

LAGUNA FISH CO. 400 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-1002; LAGUNAFISHCO.COM: A fast-casual concept featuring fresh seafood and a full bar, this eatery serves items like fish and chips, ceviche, seafood tacos, a poke bowl, fresh oysters and fish soup of the day in the historic Heisler Building space previously occupied by Tommy Bahama Restaurant, Bar & Store.

LARSEN AT HOTEL LAGUNA; 425 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-1151; HOTELLAGUNA.COM: Larsen is named after the city’s first official greeter, Eiler Larsen. Based on historic Hotel Laguna’s newly renovated ground floor, the eatery offers a fresh take on coastal California cuisine.

LE MACARON LAGUNA BEACH 154 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-5282; LEMACARON-US.COM: At this patisserie filled with sweet treats that make perfect gifts, visitors can pick up low-calorie macarons in a variety of flavors as well as other French treats like eclairs and madeleine cookies. Also available are gourmet candies, gelato and decadent cakes.

LUMBERYARD 384 FOREST AVE.; 949-715-3900; LBLUMBERYARD.COM: Located in a historic building downtown, Lumberyard’s plush leather and mahogany— and dramatic, horseshoe-shaped bar—give the restaurant a classic feel. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, the restaurant’s menu features traditional American dishes like hearty burgers, rotisserie chicken, steaks, soups and salads.

SouthSwell Hand Dipped Ice Cream, a family-owned shop in San Clemente, will soon open a second location in Laguna Beach’s HIP District at 1330 S. Coast Highway. Owners Kristen and Dylan Wolfe and Christine and Jason Collopy (Dylan’s parents) are aiming to open the doors in March. Customers may select a frozen banana, soft serve, or a vanilla or chocolate ice cream bar, which are dipped in warm chocolate and then covered in a choice of classic toppings like chopped nuts or rainbow sprinkles. Or opt for a specialty bar with unique and gourmet flavor combinations, all starting with a vanilla ice cream base dipped in gourmet chocolate. Some of these indulgent creations, which rotate to keep the menu fresh, include Da Bomb Fire, topped with graham cracker and toasted marshmallow fluff; The Dawn Patrol, with favorite childhood breakfast cereals and homemade vanilla icing drizzle; and The Scout, featuring crushed Thin Mint cookies and chocolate drizzle. And for those who enjoy a float, the bars may be added to one of many soda options. (southswellicecream.com) — S.S.

MARINE ROOM TAVERN 214 OCEAN AVE.; 949-4943027: This downtown bar has been “where the locals gather” since 1934. The oldest bar in Laguna Beach, the Marine Room features great drinks, a pool table and live music from musicians from throughout Southern California.

MARO WOOD GRILL 1915 S. COAST HWY.; 949-7934044; MAROWOODGRILL.COM: Dedicated to sustainable and seasonal ingredients, this establishment features a small heated patio, some indoor tables and a few seats at a counter near the open kitchen. But what the restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in flavor: Find a selection of empanadas, seafood, salads and steaks on the menu.

MCCLAIN CELLARS 849 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-590-9980; MCCLAINCELLARS.COM: This tasting lounge, located at The Hive shopping center in Laguna Canyon, showcases wines made in Santa Ynez. Many of

the bottles feature interesting names, like the Laguna Sunrise muscat. Visitors can also purchase things like olive oil and flavored popcorn while enjoying live music on the patio.

MCCLAIN CELLARS WINE LIBRARY & TASTING LOUNGE 381 FOREST AVE., STE. 100D; 949-4905998; MCCLAINCELLARS.COM: A new downtown space next to the Visitors Center houses a temperature-controlled wine cellar with more than 600 of the brand’s library wines, with another 500 labels available on-site in the tasting lounge. The library is exclusively for wine club members.

MOULIN 248 FOREST AVE.; 949-715-6990; MOULINBISTRO.COM: Take a trip to France without leaving Laguna Beach. Try artisan breads and pastries, along with assorted cheeses and cold cuts. The bistro and cafe also features prominent French dishes that aren’t easy to find in America, such as the croque-monsieur and ratatouille plus a crepe station unique to this location.

MOZAMBIQUE 1740 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-7100; MOZAMBIQUEOC.COM: Mozambique brings Africa to Laguna with flavorful dishes and exotic decor. Signature items like the peri-peri prawns and vegetable samoosas populate the menu at this steakhouse. With a romantic atmosphere downstairs and a hip ambience upstairs at the Shebeen Lounge, Mozambique is a popular choice for those looking for a cultural experience.

NATRAJ CUISINE OF INDIA 998 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-9197; NATRAJLAGUNABEACH.COM: Tandoori delicacies, like the specialty chicken marinated in yogurt sauce and fresh spices, along with an array of appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts, are plentiful at Natraj Cuisine of India. The fresh, authentic dishes are on the menu for lunch or dinner.

NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA & BIRRERIA 31542 S. COAST HWY.; 949-499-4531; NEALAGUNA.COM: Neapolitan Pizzeria & Birreria is a casual eatery featuring woodfired pizzas made from scratch such as the Funghi, which contains shiitake mushrooms, fontina cheese and fried egg. Classic versions like the margherita pizza and pepperoni are available here as well, plus there is a selection of small plates, desserts and craft beers on the menu.

NICK’S LAGUNA BEACH 440 S. COAST HWY.; 949-3768585; NICKSRESTAURANTS.COM: With an expansive, contemporary bar and exposed brick walls, Nick’s hosts a diverse clientele, from the after-work crowd to visitors looking to dine on American favorites like burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, steak, salads and more. The “liquid assets” menu showcases a selection of wine, beer and specialty cocktails.

NIRVANA GRILLE 303 BROADWAY ST., STE. 101; 949-497-0027; NIRVANAGRILLE.COM: Nirvana Grille Executive Chef Lindsay Smith describes her food as clean California cuisine, with a culinary philosophy centered on local, seasonal and organic ingredients. Smith finds culinary influences in American, French and Latin flavors, and the eatery also offers gluten-free and vegan menus.

OAK LAGUNA BEACH 1100 S. COAST HWY., STE. 202; 949-940-3010; OAK-LAGUNABEACH.COM: Owned and operated by Laguna Beach locals, this eatery’s menu focuses on California cuisine that highlights locally sourced ingredients as well as tempting desserts and cocktails. A brunch menu is also available, complete with dishes that range from tostadas to omelets and chilaquiles.

OLIVER’S OSTERIA 853 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-715-0261; OLIVERSOSTERIA.COM: Italian chef Erik De Marchi brings his traditional family recipes to Laguna, blending them with American influences to create unique lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and takeout menus at this canyon eatery. Dishes include pastas like cacio e pepe and tagliatelle alla Bolognese as well as risotto, various antipasti and classic desserts.

ORANGE INN 703 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-6085; ORANGEINNCAFE.COM: The wood-paneled beach cottage on the corner of Coast Highway and Cleo Street has long been a favorite of beachgoers for both breakfast and lunch. With boardshorts-and-sandals charm, Orange Inn, which started as a juice bar, serves sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as breakfast burritos, baked goods and refreshing smoothies.

PENGUIN CAFE 981 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-1353; THEPENGUINCAFE.COM: A local favorite for more than 50 years, the family-owned Penguin Cafe proudly owns the label of “hole in the wall.” With diner staples, the cafe draws breakfast and lunch crowds daily for omelets, bowls, burgers and more.

PIZZA BAR 397 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-2277; PIZZABARLAGUNABEACH.COM: Featuring handcrafted pizzas, along with gluten-free crusts and vegan options, Pizza Bar also has filling pastas, crisp salads, ciabatta sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies. Grab your lunch as you head down to Main Beach.

RASTA TACO 170 BEACH ST.; 562-715-1510; RASTATACO.COM: This casual, grab-and-go eatery offers affordable tacos, burritos and other dishes inspired by the flavorful street food of Jamaica and Mexico. Take advantage of deals on Taco Tuesday as well. The small patio is dog-friendly so you can enjoy a bite on-site even though there is no inside dining room.

REBEL OMAKASE 361 FOREST AVE., STE. 103; 949664-3186; REBELOMAKASE.COM: Set aside two hours to experience this sushi restaurant’s 19-course omakase, or “chef’s choice,” meal that changes every day based on what the chef finds at the LA fish market that morning. Reservations are required for omakase. Walk-ins may be accommodated for the a la carte menu as space allows.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY 248 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-3799; RMCF.COM: Fudge, truffles, caramel apples and other sugary indulgences line the walls of Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, which is located right across from sun-soaked Main Beach. A chocolate lover’s nirvana, Rocky Mountain entices with a huge selection of gourmet sweets made there at the shop.

ROMEO CUCINA 249 BROADWAY ST.; 949-497-6627; ROMEOCUCINA.COM: This charming eatery is open

for lunch on the weekends and dinner each night, serving up flavorful Italian options including homemade pastas, risottos, wood-fired pizzas and more. A seasonal happy hour is available as well.

THE ROOFTOP LOUNGE AT LA CASA DEL CAMINO; 1287 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-2446; ROOFTOPLAGUNA BEACH.COM: The Rooftop Lounge offers ocean views, delicious food, signature fresh fruit mojitos and one of the best happy hours in town. Stop in for Sunday brunch or light bites and sips while enjoying breathtaking sunsets from the roof of the historic La Casa del Camino hotel.

ROUX CREOLE CUISINE 860 GLENNEYRE ST.; 949-7153707; ROUXCREOLE.COM: After a brief stint serving spice-filled Creole cuisine exclusively, Roux changed direction, bringing in a brand-new chef. Though some of the old favorites like Catfish Orleans, gumbo and jambalaya are still on the menu, Roux also offers organic salads, salmon, steak, pasta and more.

RUBY’S DINER 30622 COAST HWY.; 949-497-7829; RUBYS.COM: Look to Ruby’s Diner for hearty American classics for the whole gang. This family-friendly restaurant offers diner staples, including cheeseburgers and milkshakes. Kids will also enjoy the classic cars parked out front and the 1940s decor. Dine inside or on the rooftop patio with an ocean view.

RUM SOCIAL KITCHEN & COCKTAILS 448 S. COAST HWY.; 949-549-4014; RUMSOCIAL.COM: Offering island-inspired fare from the Caribbean and Polynesia, this restaurant serves tropical cocktails and dishes like plantains, tuna poke, rum-braised beets and Mary’s Farm Jamaican jerk chicken.

SAIGON BEACH 1750 COAST HWY.; 657-392-4424; SAIGONBEACH.COM: Serving up Vietnamese favorites and creative spins on traditional dishes, this new eatery offers everything from pho noodle soup, banh mi sandwiches and spring rolls to Shakey Shakey Beef, Golden State Curry, Crazy Rich Bao buns and pork belly lollipops.

SALERNO BY CHEF PIROZZI 220 BEACH ST.; 949-4972600; SALERNOLB.COM: A Laguna Beach staple since 1975, Salerno serves authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. Classic staples such as salads, soups, pastas, meat entrees and seafood populate the menu, with the option to create your own pasta as well; top traditional or gluten-free noodles with sauces like creamy pesto or mushroom.

THE SALOON 446 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-15469; LAGUNABEACHSALOON.COM: The Saloon is a small, cozy bar with a friendly staff and great drinks. With an intimate setting and chalkboards listing daily specials, the bar makes for a perfect stop before or after dinner at one of the nearby surrounding restaurants.

SAN SHI GO 858 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-1551; SANSHIGOLB.COM: Although its former location closed, this eatery has moved into the former Okura Robata Grill & Sushi Bar space. Through the years, sushi lovers have come to San Shi Go for some of the freshest, most inventive rolls in Orange County. Have a seat at the sushi bar with a Japanese beer while watching the chefs.

Sweet Treats

SLICE PIZZA & BEER 477 FOREST AVE.; 949-715-3993; SLICELB.COM: This pizzeria offers customizable pies as well as curated salads and sandwiches, all crafted with fresh ingredients from the local farmers market. Slice is housed in a building that was erected in the early 1900s with a long community table as the focal point where groups can sit spread apart as well as a bar with stools along the window.

Selanne Steak Tavern introduced some new desserts in January with the arrival of Executive Pastry Chef Theresa Ebilane this winter. On the menu through mid-March, the latest sweet treats include a Meyer lemon creme brulee topped with lemon curd, crumbled shortbread, and both fresh and freeze-dried raspberries. Meanwhile, a napoleon with both passion fruit pastry cream and ube jam between delicate layers of puff pastry is served with coconut sorbet and a passion fruit caramel on the plate. A dessert that’s sure to make diners feel toasty is the s’mores dish, a warm chocolate pudding cake drizzled with caramel and topped with graham cracker crunch, paired with toasted marshmallow ice cream. And rounding out the dessert lineup is an item that’s reminiscent of childhood: The Creamsicle is a burnt vanilla panna cotta topped with calamansi (a type of citrus) curd and blood orange sorbet. These are all in addition to Selanne’s signature monkey bread with pineapple, Luxardo maraschino cherries, rum caramel and candied coconut, which remains on the menu. (949-715-9881; selannesteaktavern.com) —S.S.

THE SANDPIPER LOUNGE 1183 S. COAST HWY.; 949-494-4694; SANDPIPERLOUNGE.COM: Known as the “Dirty Bird” by locals, The Sandpiper is where legends are made. The old bar is a true dive, complete with dartboards, strong drinks and live music. Open for more than 75 years, the popular bar doesn’t serve food but is known as a late-night hangout after many of the other local venues close.

SAPPHIRE, CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK 1200 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-9888; SAPPHIRELAGUNA.COM: Located in the historic Old Pottery Place, Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook is a new take on an old favorite. Chef Azmin Ghahreman has turned it over to Russ Bendel, known for Newport’s Olea and Ironwood in Laguna Hills. The refreshed menu includes duck meatballs, Alaskan halibut, a wagyu beef burger and more. Pantry at Sapphire next door offers quick to-go options.

SEABUTTER 1100 S. COAST HWY.; 949-942-6042; SEABUTTERLA.COM: Bringing a Beverly Hills concept to Laguna Beach, Seabutter offers contemporary sushi and sashimi dishes that highlight a talented culinary team and the freshest fish. The innovative menu also features hot plates and a chef’s special multicourse dinner.

THE SEAHORSE 1796 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-4533; PEARLSTGENERAL.COM: After transitioning from a 1940s gay bar to an auto parts shop, The Seahorse inside Pearl St. General has become a neighborhood watering hole once more. Offering an ever-changing lineup of beers and an extensive list of wines from California and around the world, the bar also serves cheese plates and creative snacks like duck wings, crabcakes and salmon tacos.

SELANNE STEAK TAVERN 1464 S. COAST HWY.; 949715-9881; SELANNESTEAKTAVERN.COM: Selanne Steak Tavern, a culinary venture from former Anaheim Ducks hockey player Teemu Selanne, is an upscale tavern serving chef-driven comfort food, small plates and steaks cooked

The new s’mores dessert at Selanne Steak Tavern

ot perfection. Sectioned into distinct venues, the restaurant accommodates customers with an open downstairs tavern, outdoor patio, wine room and upstairs dining room.

SERGIO’S EMPANADAS 977 S. COAST HWY.; 949-7157622: SERGIOSEMPANADAS.COM: Find empanadas for every craving, from those featuring traditional fillings like carne asada and spicy pork to more creative options like macaroni and cheese empanadas. Frozen empanadas are available for cooking at home, and the eatery also offers salads, soups and more.

SEVEN7SEVEN 777 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949-4946044; 777LAGUNABEACH.COM: Located on the grounds of Laguna Art-A-Fair, the former Tivoli Too! has been transformed into a more casual dining option, where festivalgoers will pay in advance then find a table or walk with their food. With Art-A-Fair closed for 2020, service will return in 2021.

SHIRLEY’S BAGELS 303 BROADWAY ST., STE. 108; 949-494-6296; SHIRLEYSBAGELS.COM: Supplying freshly baked bagels, Shirley’s features a selection of classics like poppy, onion and everything bagels, and the more adventurous jalapeno and sundried tomato. Enjoy these with cream cheese or as bread for a sandwich to go with your cup of delicious coffee.

SKYLOFT 422 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-1550; SKYLOFTOC.COM: Enjoy live music and sweeping ocean views from the rooftop at Skyloft. The eatery also boasts menu items like brisket, ribs and pulled pork, as well as beer, wine and cocktails, plus a daily happy hour.

SLAPFISH 211 BROADWAY ST.; 949-715-9200; SLAPFISHRESTAURANT.COM: Sitting just steps away from Main Beach, this “grab and go” lunch spot features meals that are easy to eat en route to the beach. The menu features lobster and shrimp rolls, chowder fries and fish tacos. Additionally, all seafood items are caught sustainably and responsibly.

SOUTH OF NICK’S 540 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-3717; NICKSRESTAURANTS.COM: Nick Nickoloff of Nick’s Laguna Beach decided to bring his other chain, South of Nick’s, to town, serving up dishes with Mexican flair. Enjoy sharable orders of queso fundido or shrimp taquitos before indulging in specialties like chicken chipotle, pork carnitas or the mini soft taco platter.

SPLASHES RESTAURANT AND BAR AT SURF & SAND RESORT; 1555 S. COAST HWY; 949-497-4477; SURFANDSANDRESORT.COM: With dining that’s practically on the sand, Splashes offers cuisine inspired by the sea as well as soups, salads and steaks. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or one of the restaurant’s inventive top-shelf cocktails. Splashes is a solid choice for light bites or romantic date nights with a spectacular oceanfront view that’s guaranteed to impress patrons.

THE STAND NATURAL FOODS 238 THALIA ST.; 949-4948101; THESTANDNATURALFOODS.COM: Order vegan bowls, soups, sandwiches, tamales, burritos and desserts from this little walk-up window on Thalia Street. The Stand prides itself on using natural and sustainable ingredients and is a local favorite of those getting ready to spend the day in the sand.

SUEÑOS 222 OCEAN AVE.; 949-715-8155; SUENOSLAGUNABEACH.COM: Now offering a Peruvian menu, Sueños (which means “dreams” in Spanish”) is owned by husband-and-wife team Jose Gutierrez and Kay Ayazi, who have opened several other eateries in OC together such as Costa, a contemporary Peruvian establishment in Costa Mesa.

SUSHI LAGUNA 231 OCEAN AVE.; 949-376-8786: This popular sushi spot offers a wide variety of rolls that taste as good as they look, along with other Japanese favorites. The atmosphere is comfortably casual and the space includes a patio for outdoor dining.

TACO LOCO 640 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-1635; TACOLOCO.NET: A casual spot for both quick lunches and late-night eats, Taco Loco serves up delicious tacos, salads, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas, burgers and even Mexican pizzas. The small outdoor patio space is a great spot for enjoying a beer or glass of wine with your meal.

THE TACO STAND 699 S. COAST HWY.; 949-210-9001; LETSTACO.COM: Founded in La Jolla and inspired by taco stands in Tijuana, where the founders grew up, this small chain offers tacos filled with a choice of carne asada, al pastor, chicken, grilled or batterd fish, spicy shrimp, mushrooms or nopal (cactus), as well as burritos and quesadillas, sides like carne asada fries, street corn on the cob and more.

TERRA LAGUNA BEACH 650 LAGUNA CANYON RD.; 949494-9650; TERRALAGUNABEACH.COM: Since opening on the Festival of Arts grounds back in 2018, this romantic, upscale restaurant, formerly Tivoli Terrace, offers artistic fare in its creative space. With an emphasis on sustainable

California cuisine, enjoy food made with fresh produce and ethically sourced meats while you peruse the artwork at the renowned festival.

THAI BROS. 238 LAGUNA AVE.; 949-376-9979; THAIBROTHERSRESTAURANT.COM: The family-owned and operated Thai Bros. has been serving Thai food out of a cozy shop since 1994. Open for dinner, the eatery invites diners to sample appetizers, curries, soups, salads, seafood, chicken, and rice and noodle dishes. Vegetarian options are also available.

TIPPY’S TEA & COFFEE & THINGS 272 BROADWAY ST.; 949-715-1625; TIPPYSLAGUNABEACH.COM: With a name change from Boba Me Baby to Tippy’s Tea & Coffee & Things, this quaint spot stays away with the artificial ingredients traditionally used in boba drinks. Instead, the space offers international loose-leaf teas alongside smallbatch boba drinks.

WAHOO’S FISH TACO 1133 S. COAST HWY.; 949-497-0033; WAHOOS.COM: A local legend born in the heart of coastal OC, Wing Lam’s Wahoo’s Fish Taco epitomizes the Southern California beach lifestyle with its walls adorned with skate and surf company stickers and casual Baja-style fare. The famous fish taco restaurant offers a children’s menu, indoor and outdoor seating, and beer on tap as well.

THE WHARF 237 OCEAN AVE.; 949-497-3381; THEWHARFOC.COM: The Wharf offers a unique combination of Cajun and Asian cuisines. From crawfish mac and cheese, and a pork belly shrimp burger to a Cajun seafood hot pot and grilled Maine lobster, there is something for everyone.

WILD TACO 188 S. COAST HWY.; 949-549-4282; THEWILDTACO.COM: Formerly a Johnny Rockets diner, this new space has the same owners as the Newport Beach location, who also run Bear Flag Fish Co. The fast-casual eatery provides a 56-seat restaurant featuring a menu with wildcaught fish options and other proteins in tacos as well as enchiladas burritos and more, plus breakfast on weekends.

WINE GALLERY WINE BAR & KITCHEN 1833 S. COAST HWY., STE. 110; 949-715-8744; WINEGALLERYLAGUNA.COM: Wine Gallery perfectly serves the happy hour and dinner crowd around an expansive, marble-topped bar. Culinary creations like wood-fired pizzas, short rib tacos and house-made ravioli, along with cheese plates, complement the varied wine list.

ZINC CAFE & MARKET 350 OCEAN AVE.; 949-494-6302; ZINCCAFE.COM: This little European-style cafe on Ocean Avenue attracts vegetarians with its meatless menu, but diners can also enjoy delectable coffees and teas as well as breakfast and lunch items such as huevos rancheros, quiches, sandwiches, salads and more. Just next door, stop by the market for take-home items like artisanal cheeses and fruit platters.

SOUTH LAGUNA

AHBA 31732 S. COAST HWY.; 949-549-4556; EATAHBA.COM: Ahba offers Mediterranean-American fusion fare. Enjoy dinner or weekend breakfast at the eatery, which cooks up dishes like the popular Ahba Burger and half chicken with harissa and chimichurri as well as creative items like a squash blossom quesadilla and Japanese sweet potatoes with morita chiles and labneh.

COYOTE GRILL 31621 COAST HWY.; 949-499-4033; COYOTEGRILL.TV: Since 1989, Coyote Grill has served locals and tourists that venture down south with its super casual, Bajastyle fare. The recently remodeled restaurant welcomes guests for a margarita, taco, enchilada or specialty plate.

HARVEST AT THE RANCH AT LAGUNA BEACH; 31106 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-1376; THERANCHLB.COM: This restaurant blends local flavors with warm comfort foods. A seasonal menu, which incorporates herbs and produce grown on site, includes everything from avocado toast and grilled salmon salad to New York steaks and whipped potatoes. Seating on the patio offers views of the canyon and golf course.

LA SIRENA GRILL 30862 S. COAST HWY.; 949-499-2301; LASIRENAGRILL.COM: With two locations in town, La Sirena Grill is a go-to spot for fast, casual Mexican food. Familyowned and committed to fresh, sustainable ingredients, the restaurant offers tacos, burritos, daily specials and more. The south Laguna location is known for its extensive number of craft beers on tap.

THE LOFT AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH; 30801 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-6420; MONTAGELAGUNABEACH.COM: The Loft offers fine dining during breakfast, lunch and dinner hours with panoramic ocean views. Resort guests and locals can enjoy a menu of American standards, with dishes highlighting seasonal produce, seafood and meat. Don’t forget to enjoy the cheese gallery, which features over 150 global selections.

LOST PIER CAFÉ 31131 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-4210; LOSTPIERCAFE.COM: Located at Aliso Beach, this quick-service counter, owned and operated by The Ranch at Laguna Beach, sells breakfast items, seafood, sandwiches and salads right on the sand. It also offers beach chair, umbrella and portable fire pit rentals and s’mores kits.

MOSAIC BAR AND GRILLE AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH; 30801 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-6420; MONTAGELAGUNABEACH.COM: Located near the Mosaic Pool at Montage Laguna Beach, the outdoor Mosaic Bar and Grille serves casual California-inspired cuisine like salads, sandwiches and seafood alongside relaxing, breezy coastal views.

O FINE JAPANESE CUISINE 30872 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-5551; OFINEJAPANESECUISINE.COM: Enjoy both traditional and fusion Japanese fare as well as a premium sake list at this popular restaurant. Have a seat around the contemporary, blue-lit sushi bar and dive into an adventurous menu of sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and katsu along with many other Japanese favorites. Leave it up to the chef with omakase menu options.

PAPA’S TACOS 31622 COAST HWY.; 949-499-9822; PAPASTACOSINC.COM: This small corner shop serves quick and tasty, made-to-order Mexican food favorites, and its breakfast menu of items like chilaquiles and huevos rancheros are available throughout the day. With limited seating indoors, Papa’s Tacos is an ideal spot for carryout meals.

SOUTH SWELL DONUTS (COMING SOON) 31660 S. COAST HWY.; 949-499-6171: A small shop favored by Laguna Beach locals, South Swell Donuts features a broad menu with an eclectic mix of sweet and savory items. In addition to more traditional doughnuts and bagels, the eatery offers more substantial fare in the way of Vietnamese-style pho, or noodle soup with a flavorful broth.

STARFISH LAGUNA BEACH 30832 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-9200; STARFISHLAGUNA.COM: This stylish restaurant serves up innovative and delicious Asian fusion dishes, including small plates like the crab banh mi sliders, wokfired edamame and Korean tacos, as well as large entrees such as seafood Thai curry.

STUDIO AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH; 30801 S. COAST HWY.; 949-715-6420: STUDIOLAGUNABEACH.COM: Blending modern Californian cuisine with coastal influences, Studio is an elegant, Craftsman-style restaurant with hand-selected ingredients like fresh seafood and produce from the on-site garden. Currently open for special events only.

ZPIZZA 30822 S. COAST HWY.; 949-499-4949; ZPIZZA.COM: Originally founded in Laguna Beach, fast-casual eatery zpizza, now a chain, offers signature and classic topping combinations, as well as a menu of salads, sandwiches and side dishes, with both gluten-free and vegan options.

BEYOND LAGUNA

AVEO TABLE & BAR AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB; 1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT, DANA POINT; 949-234-3915; WALDORFASTORIAMONARCH BEACH.COM: Enjoy an alfresco meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner at this Latin-inspired eatery. The chefs focus on using fresh ingredients that shine at the resort’s seaside setting.

THE BEACHCOMBER AT CRYSTAL COVE; 15 CRYSTAL COVE; 949-376-6900; THEBEACHCOMBERCAFE.COM: Located in historic Crystal Cove, The Beachcomber Cafe is a quaint cottage-turned-restaurant positioned right on the beach. Choose from breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that feature large serving sizes and plenty of cocktails to enjoy with the view.

BOURBON STEAK ORANGE COUNTY AT WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB; 1 MONARCH BEACH RESORT, DANA POINT; 949-234-3405; WALDORFASTORIA MONARCHBEACH.COM: Bourbon Steak features luxurious menu items including steaks that have been butter-poached using the chef’s signature technique as well as flavorful dryaged cuts of meat, sides like truffle macaroni and cheese plus timeless cocktails and wine options.

ENOSTEAK AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL; 1 RITZ-CARLTON DR., DANA POINT; 949-240-2000; RITZCARLTON.COM: Intimate steakhouse enoSteak specializes in dishes that incorporate grass-fed, pasture-raised beef and organic, local produce. The fine dining restaurant features an extensive wine list.

OUTER REEF AT LAGUNA CLIFFS MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA; 25135 PARK LANTERN, DANA POINT; 949-487-7555; OUTERREEFOC.COM: Executive ChefJohn Tesar, a fourtime James Beard semifinalist—who also has appearaed on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef”—helms this California coastal concept, which features seafood exclusively sourced from the West Coast along with fresh local produce.

RAYA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL; 1 RITZ-CARLTON DR., DANA POINT; 949-240-2000; RITZCARLTON.COM: Spectacular ocean views create the perfect backdrop for gourmet meals from a Latin-inspired menu that shines a light on sustainable seafood as well as organic meat and local produce at this resort restaurant. /

Last Impressions / David Strong

10

MINUTES WITH David Strong

THE OWNER OF STORE TALKS ABOUT THE MENSWEAR SHOP AND HIS MONADIC LABEL AS WELL AS HIS BARBECUE SAUCE COMPANY AND LIFE IN LAGUNA.

By SHARON STELLO

Born and raised in Florida, David Strong arrived in California in summer 2003 without a job or a plan.

“In college, I was hustling a T-shirt ‘company’ with friends and we were selling shirts from the trunks of our cars, literally,” Strong says. “We wanted to be in California, so after school, [we] made our way. I remember that day very well: We pulled up to the beach, the waves were on, it was hot and I started laughing, because I knew I was exactly where I always wanted to be.”

Laguna Beach drew him in right away.

“I landed a job at Laguna Surf & Sport, which ended up being a major catalyst in my life, but I fell smack dab into an incredible community,” he says. “Meeting my beautiful wife here and building our family, Laguna has given me everything. I think this town does an excellent job of keeping you in check, being kind, being respectful, being accountable, being a part of a tribe with common goals. … Other than the people, the scenery ain’t half bad.”

Now, Strong owns a menswear shop, Store, which opened over the summer in the space previously occupied by North Menswear, at 380 Glenneyre St. He’s also owner and designer of Monadic men’s clothing, which is sold at Store along with labels like Free & Easy, Corridor, Freenote Cloth, Saint Rita Parlor and more.

In any spare time, Strong can be found at the beach between Brooks and Thalia streets, enjoying Music in the Park summer concerts and playing on his men’s softball team, Compound Fractures. Although he now lives in San Clemente with his wife, Megan, and children Grace, 2, Bo, 5, and Caleb, 9 (who came up with the store’s name), Strong still spends plenty of time in Laguna. But, mostly, “if I’m not working, I am either surfing, dodging Nerf assaults from my kids or in the backyard barbecuing.”

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: Can you tell us a little about Store and what you offer?

DAVID STRONG: Store is a high-end men’s clothing store stocked with unique and independent designers and labels. We specialize in contemporary clothing with top-tier fabrication, incredible fabrics and an approachable casual luxury. I hope we are a place where the atmosphere is comfortable and loose. We want to be a place to kick back, relax, have fun and, if you want to add incredible clothing to your wardrobe, we have you covered. And if you’d like to raid the fridge, it’s always stocked.

LBM: What are some of the current men’s clothing trends that you’re seeing?

DS: Southern OC, in general, is centered around an athletic/comfort and casual athleisure in men’s and women’s [clothing]. [It’s] a category we cover, but Store really focuses on being well-dressed in the classical sense with a modern approach—think style for going out, but casual enough for day to day. Monadic covers a number of bases from top-shelf knitwear to dynamic Japanese fabrics in cut and sew. It is our intention that each and every garment we sell is the type of piece [that,] when worn, the wearer feels their best and is excited each time to pull that piece from the hanger.

LBM: What’s your inspiration and approach to the clothing that you design for Monadic?

DS: Monadic is distributed globally, so my design philosophy steps outside of the backyard, but we are still 100% rooted in a laid-back Southern California mentality. Each season has its own structure but the core tenants are to create thoughtful products from the finest raw materials in the world, constructed by the finest sewers in Los Angeles. Inspiration comes from all over and [is] expressed in seasonal color palettes that are connected to a particular theme. Sometimes that theme can be a place, sometimes an abstract concept. [It] really depends on how weird I’m feeling during a certain time of the year.

LBM: Do you have any go-to stores in town?

DS: You want anything surf/beach/cool, Laguna Surf & Sport. When shopping for my wife, The Shop, [The] Garage Collective, Twig. When shopping for the kitchen, The Salt Horse. Best barber, The Den. Anything with wheels, the Troy Lee [Designs] store, our incredible neighbors. New to my radar: WillBo and Good Together House.

LBM: You also make and sell barbecue sauce?

DS: Strongarm BBQ’s story is the definition of a hobby turned into a business. We offer two all-natural, unique, ultrapremium flavors that go with just about anything. … My favorite recipe, though, is bone-in, skinon chicken thigh in our original Subitism Sauce. Come to Store and I’ll talk barbecue for hours. g

David Strong, owner of a new menswear shop called Store

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We have handled numerous trust, estate, and life-changing moves. We take our role seriously in guiding our clients to the next step in an important time of life.

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LAGUNA MEMORIES

Contents features / departments

STRUMMING ALONG FOR 50 YEARS

TRAVEL: WINTER’S FAVORITE TOWN

REAL ESTATE SHOWCASE

ARTISTS & GALLERIES

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Magazine

The Way to Wellness

ADVERTISEMENT

3 Essentials for Aging Well

3 Essentials for Aging Well

A Holistic Approach from Belmont Village

3 ESSENTIALS FOR AGING WELL

3 ESSENTIALS FOR AGING WELL

MIND

MIND

BODY

BODY

SOUL

SOUL

calendarof events

41ST

REIKI LEVEL 1

ORANGE

“ONCE”

ONGOING

CITY OF HOPE ORANGE COUNTY’S PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION PROGRAM TRANSFORMS APPROACH TO CANCER CARE

Around Town / BEACHY KEEN

Sharing Stories

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…

MARCHING ORDERS

FINDING FELINE FOREVER HOMES

ON THE HOMEFRONT

Helping Students Soar

Community / Galas & Events

THE DRAKE AFTER DARK

COMEDY NIGHT

WYLAND FOUNDATION GALA

NAPA IN NEWPORT

Fabric of the Community / Woman’s Club

A Century of Service

FOR

THAN

YEARS,

CLUB OF LAGUNA

FRIENDSHIP AND PHILANTHROPY

THE WOMAN’S CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH

GROUP GATHERINGS

EXCITING EVENTS

ORGANIC OUTREACH

Active / Pickleball

Getting into a Pickle

HIT THE COURT

Wine & Dine / Fried Food

Fried Favorites

WARM, BATTERED AND CRISP FROM A DUNK IN HOT OIL, FRIED FOODS ARE A FUN REMINDER OF TIMES AT THE FAIR AND A WELCOME WINTER TREAT.

SAPPHIRE, CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK

LUMBERYARD

REUNION KITCHEN & DRINK

ROUX CREOLE CUISINE

Q +

AStriking a Chord

Looking back on Laguna Beach WITH

LAGUNA

MEMORIES

Dick METZ

DEPRESSION-ERA DAYS

COLORFUL CHARACTERS

A POPULAR PLACE

Strumming Along for 50 Years

MORE THAN A SHOP

CUSTOM CREATIONS

Maximum Luxury. Minimal Impact.

SPECIAL SECTION HEALTH & WELLNESS

ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES

CRYOTHERAPY

ACUPUNCTURE

REIKI