LBM122_MAR/APR.24

DINING DEBUTS NEW RESTAURANTS ARRIVE ON THE SCENE

FAVORITES FIVE WAYS

CREATIVE SPINS ON CLASSICS FROM BURGERS TO PIZZA

UPPER CRUST

LOCAL BAKERY OWNER BUILDS SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS

Coastal Gems

BY WAY OF THE JOHN STANALAND GROUP

34 Boulder View | Irvine

$21,995,000 | 7 BEDROOMS, 7 BATHROOMS, 3 POWDER ROOMS APPROXIMATELY 9,202 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROXIMATELY 23,566 SQUARE FOOT LOT

There are luxury homes—and then, there is pure architectural bliss. Welcome to the pinnacle of design and natural beauty. Nestled inside the prestigious guard-gated community of Shady Canyon on the 6th hole of the Tom Fazio golf course, this masterpiece of designer living by architect Rob Sinclair and builder Bob Close Homes has everything to take your lifestyle to the height of perfection. WEB# LG24043194

35857 BEACH ROAD | DANA POINT

$7,295,000 | 4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS, 1 POWDER ROOM APPROX. 3,664 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROX. 9,169 SQUARE FOOT LOT

This sumptuous and expansive oceanfront property is positioned on an oversized lot and ideally located at the end of the highly desirable and exclusive private community of Beach Road. WEB# LG23035586

547 TEMPLE HILLS DRIVE | LAGUNA BEACH

$6,995,000 | 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS, 1 POWDER ROOM APPROX. 4,256 SQUARE FEET OF LIVING AREA, APPROX. 8,417 SQUARE FOOT LOT

This highly updated home with multiple outdoor spaces is a stunning example of contemporary Laguna Beach architecture and features panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below. WEB# LG23143853

Contents features

FIVE FAVORITES

Diversify your diet with beloved classics—a burger, ravioli, salad, pizza or eggs Benedict—prepared in varied ways at Laguna Beach restaurants.

By ASHLEY RYAN

56 NEW ON THE SCENE

Exciting culinary journeys begin as several new restaurants open in Laguna Beach.

By TANYA A. YACINA

66 RISING TO SUCCESS

Local resident Jonnie LoFranco has turned her business, Bread Artisan Bakery, into a culinary force.

By ANNE MARIE PANORINGAN

WED YOUR WAY

Laguna’s experts can help create a dream celebration to match any couple’s style.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

CALLING ALL CAMPERS

Long summer days are the perfect time to meet new friends while playing sports, making art and having adventures together in one of Laguna’s diverse camp sessions.

By JENNIFER

PAPPAS YENNIE

Mexico’s Conrad Punta de Mita offers everything you need for the ultimate laid-back vacation.

By ASHLEY RYAN

TASTE OF THE TOWN

Explore the latest news about dining out in Laguna Beach.

Around Town

A look at the latest happenings around Laguna 22

Community SchoolPower Chef Challenge; California Cool Art Auction & Benefit & Bash; Sip & Shuck

26

Fabric of the Community: The Power of Music

Alec Glasser, founder of The Drake restaurant, aims to give Orange County’s underserved youth a shot at success with donations for instruments and instruction through his nonprofit, The Drake Gives.

28

Home: Vintage Meets Modern Blend retro-inspired and contemporary decor for timeless elegance.

30

A&G: Conceptual Creativity

Local artists Mandy Brasa and Isabelle Alessandra shine with their abstract designs.

32

Q&A: It’s Only Natural

Karin Wyman-Vardaman, the new executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, has come full circle, helping to protect the open spaces she grew up enjoying as a child.

82

Last Impressions: 10 Minutes With … Tim Hartshorn

The South County Crosscultural Council’s new executive director talks about expanding resources for local day laborers, some of his favorite places in Laguna and more.

COVER: The jalapeno burger at Finney’s Crafthouse, highlighted in “New on the Scene” (page 56)

EDITORIAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER

Steve Zepezauer GROUP EDITOR

Sharon Stello

sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

MANAGING EDITORS

Justine Amodeo, Ashley Ryan

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Breeding, Anne Marie Panoringan, Tanya A. Yacina, Jennifer Pappas Yennie

DESIGN CREATIVE DESIGN DIRECTOR

Tracy Powell

DIGITAL MEDIA CONTENT WRANGLER

Kim Zepezauer

Magazine

SALES ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Mara Hertel

mara@firebrandmediainc.com

Carol Josepher

carol@firebrandmediainc.com

Dawn Lindeman

dawn@firebrandmediainc.com

Chris Mattingley

chrism@firebrandmediainc.com

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER

Tina Leydecker

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

TO OUR READERS: Laguna Beach Magazine invites you to share your reactions to our latest stories. Send your correspondence to Editor, Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, or to edit@lagunabeachmagazine.com. The magazine accepts freelance contributions; however, unsolicited materials cannot be returned, and Laguna Beach Magazine accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to unsolicited materials. ADVERTISERS: For inquiries, please contact Scott Sanchez at scott@firebrandmediainc.com. Laguna Beach Magazine, 900 Glenneyre St., Ste. B, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 | 949-715-4100 | lagunabeachmagazine.com

A big thank you to all of our advertisers. Please support their businesses whenever possible!

Alessa Laguna Beach

Angelus Block Co. Inc.

Belmont Village Senior Living

Berkshire Hathaway - Shauna & Leita Covington

Bottega Angelina

Compass - Carter Kaufman

Compass - John Trevino

Douglas Elliman - John Stanaland

Emerald Business Solutions

GG’s Bistro

gorjana huit

Laguna Coffee Co.

Laguna College of Art & Design

Laguna Playhouse

Livel Real Estate

Nick’s Restaurants

Ocean Institute

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Payton Addison, Interior Design Atelier

Perspire Sauna Studio Dana Point

Surterre Properties - The Horton Team

The Finishing Touch Floors Inc.

The Ranch at Laguna Beach

Vault Men, Vault Women and Laguna Active Wear

Verso Homes - Natalie Boyle

Whittier Trust

©2024 BY FIREBRAND MEDIA LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent from Laguna Beach Magazine. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of the ownership or management of the magazine. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Laguna Beach Magazine is published eight times a year. One year’s subscription in the U.S. is $28.95; $57.95 per year outside the U.S. To subscribe, please call 949-715-4100 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST).

Meet the Whittier Trust Board of Directors

Whittier Trust’s growth from a single-family to a trusted multi-family o ce is the result of our unwavering commitment to our clients. Guiding our company is a Board of individuals who exemplify our core business beliefs of integrity, reliability, and empathy. We are grateful to all of our Directors for their thoughtful insight and commitment to our legacy of providing a level of service that aims to exceed client expectation.

Board Members: James R. Parks, Steven G. Pizula, Andrew S. Garb, David A. Dahl, Peter J. Zarifes, James L. Doti, Michael J. Casey, Julie Nesbit, James G. Ellis, Jerrold D. Green, Timothy K. McCarthy

Editor’s Letter / Spring Flavors

Laguna’s culinary scene has seen many shifts in the last year or so, with a few longtime restaurants closing their doors and scores of new eateries opening up. In this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine, with an Eat & Drink special section, we explore the many flavors that chefs are whipping up in this ever-changing landscape.

First, we give a nod to local favorites that have permanently closed while highlighting what the new establishments bring to the table (page 56). Then, we spotlight classic dishes from burgers to pizzas, salads, ravioli and eggs Benedict presented in unique ways on menus around town (page 46). And, finally, our special section includes a profile on Jonnie LoFranco, a Laguna resident who owns the successful Bread Artisan Bakery, whose bread and pastries can be found in many stores, restaurants and farmers markets around Southern California and even at a popular Orange County theme park (page 66).

In addition to epicurean explorations, in this issue we talk with local wedding planners, floral arrangers and dress shop owners about trends and tips for ceremonies and receptions this season, plus the many venues in Laguna (page 34). And for those with little ones, we offer a guide to local summer camps focused on everything from sports to beach activities, art and adventure, as well as science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, which are already accepting sign-ups (page 42).

These stories and many more—from profiles on local abstract artists and nonprofits to dining news and a Q&A with the new director of Laguna Canyon Foundation—fill the pages ahead. So, take a few moments to relax and read about your community while easing into spring and dreaming about the summer ahead.

Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon@firebrandmediainc.com

Scampi ravioli at Alessa by Chef Pirozzi is one of several classic dishes prepared in unique ways. For more, see page 46.

calendarof events

“A SHAYNA MAIDEL” THROUGH MARCH 31; LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

A memory play narrated by one of two sisters, this poignant stage show is a moving tale about family, the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of forgiveness. It follows along as the girls reunite in New York City in the 1940s after one of them survived a concentration camp during World War II. (949-4972787; lagunaplayhouse.com)

“EPHEMERAL MONUMENTS: A STILLMAN SAWYER RETROSPECTIVE” THROUGH MARCH 31; FOASOUTH Artwork from Festival of Arts exhibitors can be viewed yearround at this satellite gallery inside Active Culture. Currently displaying photography from the late Stillman Sawyer, the black-and-white landscape prints showcase the beauty of nature, the passing of time and how the two intersect. (949-494-1145; foapom.com)

“WINTER BLOOMS” THROUGH MARCH 31; JOANNE ARTMAN GALLERY

With the arrival of spring comes flowers galore, but before the real blooms open up, stop by this north Laguna gallery to view floral-themed paintings. This show features pieces by Anna Kincaide and Mary Finlayson that convey emotion and intimacy, with Kincaide incorporating socio-cultural symbols of status and identity and Finlayson adding movement to her still lifes. (949-510-5481; joanneartmangallery.com)

“MODERN ALCHEMY” THROUGH JULY 29; LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

In the museum’s first decorative arts exhibit, Adam Neeley’s jewelry designs are in the spotlight, highlighting the fusion of art and nature, traditional techniques and modern technology. In addition to admiring the jewelry up-close, visitors can learn about Neeley’s process, use of gemstones and invention of the SpectraGold technique, which allows him to create a golden ombre gradient. (949-494-8971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

SCHOOLPOWER GALA

MARCH 23; MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Parents, educators and philanthropists will come together to support local schools during this fundraiser, which will feature a theme of Above & Beyond for 2024. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner and after-party along with both silent and live auctions plus a Funda-Need initiative that to support the nonprofit’s programs. (949-4946811; lbschoolpower.org)

ROCK IT IN EL MORO CANYON

MARCH 30; CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

As the weather warms up, runners will take to the trails in El Moro Canyon at Crystal Cove State Park in hopes of crossing the finish line in either the 6K or 10-mile race. Each participant will earn a medal with the top three men and women in each category receiving prizes. The event is being held in collaboration with California State Parks and Irvine-based training gym Fitness on Fire. (rockitracingoc.com)

Clockwise from above: the “Ephemeral Monuments: A Stillman Sawyer Retrospective” exhibit at foaSouth; jewelry by Adam Neeley from Laguna Art Museum’s “Modern Alchemy”; the SchoolPower gala; Anna Kincaide’s “In a Barbie World” painting, on display at JoAnne Artman Gallery

EASTER OCEANFRONT BRUNCH BUFFET

MARCH 31; MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Indulge in tradition this Easter Sunday with Montage’s annual brunch buffet. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this luxurious outdoor dining experience will feature live entertainment, photo keepsakes and activities for children in addition to a chef-attended buffet with cheese and charcuterie, a raw bar, carving stations and more. (949-715-6420; montage.com)

SPRING JUNIOR GOLF CAMP

APRIL 1-3; WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB, DANA POINT

Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13 can learn the fundamentals of golf or improve on their skills during this nearby resort’s youth golf camp. All equipment is provided and students will also enjoy complimentary snacks and water at each three-hour session. (949-234-3900; waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com)

CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL

APRIL 19-20; DANA POINT

STATE OF THE CITY 2024

APRIL 2; MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Learn more about the city during this annual luncheon, which will feature a special address from Mayor Sue Kempf and other city officials as well as highlights of the past year and goals for the future from the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce. This networking event brings together arts and cultural organizations, nonprofits, Laguna-area businesses, residents and more. (949-494-1018; lagunabeachchamber.org)

RIDE THE WAVE MOVEMENT WORKSHOP

APRIL 7; LAGUNA BEACH

YOGA & FAIR TRADE

Designed to provide increased energy and a deeper connection with your own self, this movement workshop incorporates everything from yoga and dance to breathwork and moving meditation. Learn new forms of motion, increase blood flow to your cells and release stored trauma as you go. (949-312-1357; lagunabeachyoga.com)

This two-day vino celebration returns to Orange County with the Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa on Friday night, giving guests the chance to try hard-to-find bottles. Then, a beachside wine festival will take place Saturday at Sea Terrace Community Park, with samples of foods and wines, a live band and more. (californiawinefestival.com)

A CAREER RETROSPECTIVE WITH ANDREW MYERS

APRIL 25; ANDREW MYERS ART GALLERY

Dive deep with artist Andrew Myers during this special presentation, organized by Loca Arts Education, during which he will offer insight on his figure drawings and signature screw art series while sharing stories from his past. Myers will also provide a demonstration of his screw technique. (949-363-4700; locaarts.org) /

ONGOING

FIRST THURSDAYS ART WALK: APRIL 4; 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. (949-463-4800; firstthursdaysartwalk.org)

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM:

In addition to ongoing art exhibits, check out Laguna Art Museum’s special events, including The Fine Art of Jewelry panel discussion on April 20 and Storytime Saturday with a reading by Pamela Knudsen of her book “Two Cats, a Mermaid and the Disappearing Moon” on April 27. (949-4948971; lagunaartmuseum.org)

LAGUNA BEACH FARMERS MARKET:

Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Forest Avenue and Laguna Canyon Road (ocerac.ocpublicworks.com)

LAGUNA LAUGHERS:

An informal group meeting Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m.; Main Beach (lyinstitute.org)

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

SAWDUST STUDIO ART CLASSES:

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

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

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, mosaics, pottery and more. (949-494-3030; sawdustartfestival.org)

WINE CRAFT:

Explore your artistic side while tasting wine; projects have ranged from painting on canvas to decorating wine glasses and seasonal items. (949-376-0007; winecraftoc.com)

Montage Laguna Beach’s oceanfront brunch buffet on Easter Sunday

The California Wine Festival is a two-day celebration of vino.

Clockwise from above: a historic shot of Hobie Surf Shop in Laguna Beach; an event held at the store; the original Dana Point location, which opened in the 1950s

Around Town / Humble Beginnings

The iconic Hobie Surf Shop is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its first retail store this year, showcasing the brand’s transition from humble beginnings to becoming an industry leader in the water sports sector. Visionary surfer Hobie Alter began shaping boards in the 1950s, leading to the creation of his first store, which opened on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point on Valentine’s Day 1954. It has since expanded, with the Laguna Beach location opening in the 1970s. To celebrate how far the brand has come, special events are planned throughout the year, such as an in-store event at the Laguna Beach location with clothing brand Rhythm on May 11 and a partnership with Laguna resident Greg MacGillivray to screen his four iconic surf films from the 1960s and 1970s at various Hobie shops, with a Laguna showing of “The Sunshine Sea” on May 24. Additional events will take place throughout the spring and summer as well, including a presentation of “The Endless Summer II” on Aug. 23 in collaboration with John Florence’s eponymous surf line, Florence, at a new San Juan Capistrano collaborative location expected to open soon; later this year, on Nov. 10, the Dana Point store will also host The Big One, an annual meetup of vintage surfboard collectors. (949-497-3304; hobiesurfshop.com) —Ashley Ryan

PICKLEBALL FANS REJOICE: AN OPTION FOR INDOOR PICKLEBALL IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH, WHICH IS OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY ON MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY MORNINGS FOR ADULTS TO PLAY PICKLEBALL RAIN OR SHINE ON THREE COURTS THAT HAVE IMPACT-ABSORPTION PLAYING SURFACES TO REDUCE INJURIES. COURTS MAY BE RESERVED ONLINE AHEAD OF TIME. (BGCLAGUNABEACH.ORG/ ADULT-PICKLEBALL)

Pickleball courts at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

BELLE OF THE BALL

With floor-length white gowns, crystal chandeliers and floral arrangements teeming with pink roses, the National Charity League’s Debutante Ball was a sight to behold. The event, held Dec. 27 at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, paid tribute to 15 young women—all college aged, as they hold the reception after the final honoree has turned 18—from the Laguna Beach chapter who dedicated the last six years to service, philanthropy, leadership and cultural experiences through the volunteer organization. One noteworthy component of this group is the connection it fosters between mothers and daughters, who serve their community together, supporting local groups such as Laguna Art Museum, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Waymakers Youth Shelter and more. Today, the Laguna chapter of NCL has more than 300 active members and is one of only five chapters in the country that host an annual debutante ball. (nationalcharityleague.org) —A.R.

The National Charity League’s annual Debutante Ball honored 15 young ladies in December in light of their six years of volunteer service.

Enter the Portal

Over the last year, local resident Mark Dawson has been working on creating a smartphone app called Laguna Beach Portal, offering a look inside our sister city of Menton, France, from right here on our downtown streets. The augmented reality app, which launched in early March, leads users on a walking path that visits 10 portals in roughly 40 minutes. Start on the boardwalk in front of the iconic Main Beach lifeguard tower before making your way to The Promenade on Forest, up to Laguna Presbyterian Church, over to City Hall and then back toward the sand along Ocean Avenue, “visiting” each portal along the way to experience 360-degree views of the French city and its annual Fête du Citron lemon festival. “The South of France is amazing—not at all what I expected,” says Dawson, who traveled to Menton with his wife, Mary, last year to gather footage for the project. “… I’ve always wanted to create applications with experiences that inspire younger people to do more and realize that everyone can make a contribution and push things forward.” Dawson already has plans to create another app: a walking tour through Heisler Park with a focus on the public art pieces found there, including interviews and insight from the artists who created them. (apps.apple.com/ us/app/laguna-beach-portal/id6478005997) —A.R.

SEA LION SUPPORT

When the Pacific Marine Mammal Center reopens in the fall after its expansion project, one part of the facility will bear the moniker of a famous animal lover. Thanks to a donation from the Bob Barker Foundation, the legacy of the former “Price is Right” host will long be remembered through an improved visitor courtyard to be dedicated in his name. After Barker died in 2023, PMMC learned that he had included the center in his estate plans, leaving $1 million for enhancement of the visitor area. Barker was a longtime friend of the PMMC, even playing an integral role in helping the center rebuild after local flooding 14 years ago. His estate’s latest gift will help to enrich the experience both of the center’s pinniped patients and its visitors while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to marine mammal care and educational outreach. (949494-3050; pacificmmc.org) —Sharon Stello

Local Mark Dawson created an app that allows you to tour Menton, France—a Laguna Beach sister city–through augmented reality.

The late Bob Barker (third from left at a sea lion release in a past year) left an estate gift to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which will name its visitor courtyard after Barker following an expansion project.

MAKING A BUZZ

Good of the Hive,” highlighting the importance of pollinators.

A brand-new mural featuring bees, a butterfly, a pond and spring flowers now graces a wall at the downtown Laguna Beach County Water District building. Commissioned by the Laguna Beach Garden Club, the mural was painted in February by renowned artist Matt Willey to raise awareness about the plight of pollinators and the need to help them. Willey’s mission is to hand paint 50,000 honey bees—the number in a healthy hive—around the globe and he has already completed nearly 40 permanent murals, including one at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The local club hopes to educate the community and get this “hive” to think collectively about the importance of pollinators and how the world’s agricultural crops—and thus, our food supply—are threatened by the precarious situation that bees are facing with colony collapse disorder and other factors endangering their lives. The Laguna Beach Garden Club, which now boasts more than 220 members, has been making a difference in the environment since 1928. The club partnered with electric vehicle brand Rivian, which recently opened the renovated Rivian South Coast Theater in town, to present a party celebrating the start of the mural project and the club’s education efforts, calling for change to correct the prob lems pollinators are facing. (Laguna Beach Garden Club: lagunabeachgardenclub.org) (Matt Willey: thegoodofthehive.com) —S.S.

We have something for everyone: gluten free, vegan, lamb, chicken, beef & fish.

Indoor/Outdoor Patio Dining & Catering

949-494-9306

540 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 108, Laguna Beach Mon–Sat 11:30am-8pm • Sun 9am-7:30pm

Camps:

Sea Squirts (5-6 YO)

Neptune’s Mysteries (6-7 YO)

Buccaneer Adventures (7-8 YO)

Ocean Discovery (8-9 YO)

Shipwreck Hunters (9-11 YO)

Coastal Explorers (10-13 YO)

Family Memberships & above

member Registration: March 11

general Registration: March 18

This new downtown mural was painted by artist Matt Willey as part of his series, “The

NEW IN TOWN

An exciting array of new businesses are operating in town. A ribbon cutting took place in late February for Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center, which reopened last year with an upgraded exterior and fully renovated interior to welcome guests and their pets.. The clinic, which is led by Dr. Roxanne Kruger and Dr. Mathew Cohen, offers wellness exams, preventative care, surgical procedures, dental treatments, alternative therapies and emergency services. It has also provided general practice care for local nonprofits, including Unconditional and the Blue Bell Foundation for Cats. (949-4641000; lagunabeachvet.com)

Then, in the fall, Sea Level Yoga moved into the former Pacific Blue Yoga space, with

a selection of heated yoga, Pilates and sculpt classes designed for those of any skill level. Started by local Jennifer Grzeskowiak, the studio also hosts workshops and fundraisers for organizations such as With My Own Two Hands and can be rented out for special events like bridal shower sound baths as well. (sealevelyogalaguna.com)

January saw the addition of Chanel Esthetics, a skin care center that opened inside the Boat Canyon Wellness Collective in north Laguna. All treatments are customized depending on the client’s needs, with owner Chanel Croswell incorporating innovative technology, high-end products and education on healthy skin to all who visit. Some of her services include facials for teens

that focus on combating acne with nonaggressive methods, body treatments with deep exfoliation, and microdermabrasion accompanied by lymphatic drainage, light therapy and stress relief massage. (949-500-5846; chanelcmc.wixsite.com/chanelesthetics)

Most recently, in early February, Farmers & Merchants Bank opened its newest location in downtown Laguna, on Glenneyre Street near Park Avenue, providing whiteglove service to customers whose banking needs range from commercial banking and business or home loan programs to retail products such as checking, savings and youth accounts. This marks the 27th branch for the company, which first launched in 1907. (949900-8275; fmb.com) —A.R. /

Clockwise from top left: Laguna Beach Veterinary Medical Center; Sea Level Yoga; Farmers & Merchants Bank; Chanel Esthetics

IN JANUARY, THE CHEER SQUAD FROM THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH’S CANYON BRANCH PARTICIPATED IN A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT, WASHING THE WINDOWS OF DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES WITH THE HELP OF SQUEEGEES AND WATER BOTTLES THANKS TO DONATIONS FROM LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE OFFICERS. (BGCLAGUNABEACH.ORG)

The Cheer Squad from the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach’s Canyon Branch washing windows for downtown businesses

Community / Galas & Events

SCHOOLPOWER CHEF CHALLENGE

The competition to win the Golden Spatula got underway Jan. 29 at Lumberyard during SchoolPower’s annual Chef Challenge. The event, which was started in 2009 by the restaurant’s owners Cary and Suzanne Redfearn as a way to give back to the schools that their children attended, pits Laguna Beach school principals against each other in an effort to win the lustrous trophy. This year, Laguna Beach High School’s Jason Allemann and El Morro Elementary School’s Julie Hatchel claimed a narrow victory over Joe Vidal of Thurston Middle School and Megan Schooler of Top of the World Elementary School with their selected menu of grilled New York steak, peewee potato salad and shaved asparagus, edging out the latter duo’s meal of pan-roasted halibut with lobster risotto. In addition, SchoolPower trustees Katie and Shaun MacGillivray competed at the bar with signature handcrafted cocktails. Around 125 SchoolPower supporters, parents and others from the community packed the house, raising $12,000 for the nonprofit’s efforts to enrich academics, athletics and more on local campuses. (lbschoolpower.org) —Ashley Ryan

1.

Allemann, Julie

2.

dining room 3. Cary

with SchoolPower supporters 4. Ed and Caroline Wilson

5. Shaun and Katie MacGillivray

6. Jason Allemann 7. Donna Wilczek-Lebano and Charles Lebano, Christina and William Dodge 8. Mark and Heidi Draper, Ben Warner

9. Jennifer Roop, Melissa Vermilya, Lisa Preston, Jennifer Buxton 10. Tiffany Frey, Jill Lockhart, Elaine Brashier, Meital Taub

11. Joe Vidal 12. Marcus and Tammy Skenderian 13. Julie Hatchel, Jason Allemann

Meghan Schooler, Joe Vidal, Jason

Hatchel

Lumberyard

Redfearn

CALIFORNIA COOL ART AUCTION & BENEFIT & BASH

Each winter, the Laguna Art Museum hosts its biggest fundraiser of the year, the California Cool Art Auction & Benefit & Bash. The 42nd iteration was held within the museum on March 2, raising more than $450,000 toward the institution’s exhibitions, education and other programming. In addition to enjoying mouthwatering madeto-order sushi and specially crafted cocktails, the guests walked the red carpet before perusing artwork from over 100 different California artists, including Lagunans such as Jorg Dubin, Tom Lamb and Baldemar Fierro as well as artists like Kelly Berg and Luciana Abait, who have participated in the museum’s Art & Nature initiative. The event’s art auction launched online Feb. 16 and continued until March 4, ensuring that attendees could view the pieces before bidding. California Cool also featured a live auction, musical entertainment and the chance to mingle with many of the artists whose work was on display. (lagunaartmuseum.org) —A.R.

SIP & SHUCK

Guests were treated to hand-shucked oysters, Champagne, sparkling wines, spirits and more from around the globe while soaking in panoramic ocean views and enjoying live music at the ninth annual Sip & Shuck on Nov. 12 at The Deck on Laguna Beach. More than 300 supporters attended the event, a benefit for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County. Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz and his team prepared delicious tastes from The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen, both in Laguna Beach, and Hendrix Restaurant & Bar in Laguna Niguel, all owned by the same company. Over $15,000 was raised for CASA, which recruits, trains and supports volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children going through the foster care system. (casaoc.org) —Sharon Stello g

1. Daniel Kolimar and Genevieve Williams 2. Laguna Art Museum 3. Live auction 4. Zack Krone 5. Adam Neeley, Zach Rollins, Todd McIntyre, Matt Gerard 6. Peter Bray, Sara Genn, Georgeana Ireland

1. The Sip & Shuck crowd 2. A musician playing saxophone 3. Food being prepared during the event 4. Bartenders serving Don Julio 5. An oversize beer pong game 6. A musician playing keyboard

Fabric of the Community / The Drake Gives The Power of Music

ALEC GLASSER, FOUNDER OF THE DRAKE RESTAURANT, AIMS TO GIVE ORANGE COUNTY’S UNDERSERVED YOUTH A SHOT AT SUCCESS WITH DONATIONS FOR INSTRUMENTS AND INSTRUCTION THROUGH HIS NONPROFIT, THE DRAKE GIVES.

By ASHLEY RYAN

From an early age, Alec Glasser’s passion for music permeated his life. As part of a program to desegregate schools, he spent nearly 40 minutes each day on a bus to Queens, New York. “I was just an average-sized white Jewish kid,” he notes. “I couldn’t make a lot of the sports teams. So I went into the band.”

Glasser started learning saxophone in middle school during a time when public campuses had ample funding, ensuring that

it was part of the daily curriculum rather than an after-school program. “What I want is for kids to have the same access to music that I had in public school,” he shares.

Glasser says that playing instruments in school (he also learned to play clarinet and flute) allowed him to break out of his shell.

“It helped me socialize with other kids in the band and, through music and through the connection of playing music, … get to know them,” he explains, noting that he

has also experienced cognitive and emotional benefits from playing music.

He later started a garage band, performing at Sweet 16 parties and bar mitzvahs around the region as well as at resorts in the Catskill Mountains in the summertime. During high school, Glasser’s father helped him secure a job as an elevator operator at the Drake Hotel, where his love for music grew as he rubbed elbows with big names like John Coltrane and Miles Davis.

Glasser went on to study political science and Russian at the University at Buffalo with the intention of becoming a foreign diplomat but, upon graduation and in light of the political turmoil over the Vietnam War, he headed west to attend law school at USC instead. But, roughly four decades later, a full circle moment occurred when he opened The Drake restaurant here in Laguna in 2019.

“The Drake Hotel had a dining room with a grand piano in the middle and all the tables were around it. And they had very, very high-level cuisine with music integrated into the experience,” Glasser recalls. “Just simply having a restaurant didn’t appeal to me. But copying what the Drake did—which is bring high-level food together with high-level music in a really cool, intimate, New York[inspired] setting—that’s what I wanted to do. Without the music, it just wouldn’t work.” Around 20 to 25 different performers now take the stage at The Drake each month.

But his vision didn’t end there. A year after the restaurant opened, he founded The Drake Gives, a nonprofit dedicated to providing underserved youth with musical instruments and education. Through fundraising events, donations to Save The Music Foundation and a partnership with a nearby university, Glasser is making his dreams come true by helping keep music alive.

Alec Glasser, founder of The Drake Gives, which helps promote the importance of music

STAYING IN TUNE

AS THE DRAKE GIVES FURTHER EXPANDS, FOUNDER ALEC GLASSER REMAINS DEDICATED TO ELEVATING MUSIC EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS.

SAVING THE MUSIC

Early on in the creation of The Drake Gives, founder Alec Glasser knew that he wanted to partner with Save The Music Foundation. “What they do is exactly what we wanted to do, which is provide underserved school districts with money for instruction and instruments,” he explains. Multiyear commitments from the school districts ensure that these programs reach a great number of students; most recently, in January, The Drake Gives donated more than $200,000 to the Anaheim Union High School District, which will be allocated to grants for recording/production technology and mariachi as well as new instruments. While initial contributions to Save The Music went into a national fund, the majority of the donations (over $500,000 in total) have been directed to Los Angeles and Orange County campuses, with more than 7,000 children impacted in Southern California and 12,000 nationally. “The great part is visiting the kids, visiting the schools, … [and] listening to their performances,” Glasser adds.

A PROMISING PARTNERSHIP

While education is of top priority to the team running The Drake Gives, the nonprofit is exploring how music can be used in other industries as well. Through a partnership with the University of California, Irvine, two programs have been established. First, last year, The Drake Gives implemented a $100,000 fund to support college students who plan to incorporate music in their future career paths; in its inaugural year, nine recipients benefited from the scholarship. The nonprofit and UCI’s School of Social Ecology have also been hard at work creating the Center for the Power of Music, which will help inform people on the uses that sound can have in industries ranging from medicine, counseling or linguistics to sports, agriculture or marketing. “The more people understand the power of music— which is why we’re doing what we’re doing at UCI—the more music education will expand,” Glasser notes. The group, which will soon launch a website and plans to open

a physical center on the UCI campus in the future, will also create a directory of music-related nonprofits in the U.S. and plans to spread awareness on how community problems can be solved through sound.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Each year, The Drake Gives hosts one or two fundraisers, typically held in the intimate space at The Drake restaurant—with plenty of live music, of course, and speakers from either the school districts with which the nonprofit is partnering (through Save The Music) or students affected by their programs. While these events net around $150,000 for the nonprofit, Glasser says what he loves most is bringing supporters together with the people their donations are impacting. “There’s a lot of really upbeat energy,” Glasser says. “… It really integrates the community into what we’re doing— getting people to understand the importance. That’s the real value of [hosting these events].” Don’t miss the next fundraiser at The Drake, slated for June 4. g

From left: students performing during The Drake Gives’ check presentation ceremony for the Anaheim Union High School District; Glasser (left) and Jon Gould (right), dean of UC Irvine’s School of Social Ecology, with students benefiting from the nonprofit’s inaugural scholarship fund

Home / Mixing Styles

Vintage Meets Modern

BLEND RETRO-INSPIRED AND CONTEMPORARY DECOR FOR TIMELESS ELEGANCE.

By TANYA A. YACINA

Mixing modern design pieces with retro or vintage-inspired items can create a unique aesthetic in a home. Michael Fullen, founding principal of Fullen Enany Design Group, says spaces should reflect the owner’s style and, at the same time, have a soul. Mixing old with new adds character and a bit of history, regardless of overall style.

“Most of us have treasured items from our past. I like to use those items as part of the home’s interior design,” Fullen says. “This could be anything from a kid’s baseball glove, a collection of vintage items or an heirloom piece of furniture. [Incorporating] items from someone’s past [helps to] personalize … the spaces.”

According to Fullen, experts in the design world have been mixing traditional decor with

contemporary items for many years, but the idea has more recently caught the eye of mainstream retailers. Now, reproduction architectural etchings, aged rugs, Roman statue fragments, distressed leathers and even French garden plans are just some of the examples of trending items that can help you achieve this aesthetic.

“Since we all retreated back to our own homes in early 2020, I think we all wanted our home to not only function properly for us, but also make us feel comfortable and relaxed,” he notes. “Adding a little bit of character and warmth helps to achieve that feeling and sense of comfort.”

Fullen says that when his team works on a project, they get to know a lot about the owners and their families, try to uncover personal interests and assess the client’s current decor. Along the way, he “collects” items that play to those interests and can be used as decorative accessories or furnishings.

“It is very easy to make a home feel collected over time if we delve into the interests of those that … live there,” Fullen says. “Consider using a vintage rug in a contemporary room setting. Pull out old blackand-white photos and create a collection, or mix art from different periods and styles and

hang salon style.”

He also recommends visiting vintage stores or antique shops to see what catches your eye; it doesn’t have to be a major investment to make a statement. Pair a contemporary house designed using glass and steel with an antique console in the entryway, and it would not look out of place. Meanwhile, he adds, a Spanish Revival home could be completely outfitted in contemporary furnishings.

“Mixing old and new has no specific rules—use what you love,” Fullen says. “It’s your personal space and it should reflect each of the family members [in its design and decor].”

Vintage and modern pieces can be used together within the same room.

Spaces that mix old and new pieces should reflect the owners' style and personality.

IN THE MIX

USE THESE PRODUCTS—A BLEND OF MODERN AND RETRO DESIGNS—TO CREATE A HOME THAT IS ALL YOUR OWN.

1) Designed in the 1950s by George Nelson, this battery-operated DIAMOND DESK CLOCK, a refreshingly original midcentury modern piece, offers an alterna tive to traditional timekeepers and will look right at home anywhere in the house, $765, online at Vertigo Home, which closed its brick-and-mortar store but the Laguna-based owners still sell furniture and home decor through their website. (949-738-0374; vertigohome.us)

2) Featuring a neutral-colored strap for easy assimilation, the circular LEATHER WRAPPED MIRROR, which comes in both small and large sizes, is a unique yet practical piece that will seamlessly blend with any design style, from $250, at The Garage Collective. (949-715-0868; shopgaragecollectivelaguna.com)

3) The traditional CANE TEAKWOOD DRESSER expertly complements both modern and classic pieces with intricate rattan detailing and four drawers that offer ample storage, $2,000, at Tuvalu Home Environment. (949-497-3202; tuvaluhome.com)

4) Inspired by the ancient Greek use of clay containers for storage, each SMALL NARROW MOUTH WHITEWASHED RIBBED POT is over 100 years old and hand-selected from villages in the Mediterranean region, $550, at Nuance. (949-494-8833; nuance-home.com)

5) With tapered arms, a scalloped back, deep channel stitching and plush twin cushions, the mid-century modern PEARL SOFA allows you to add some retro style to your home in the form of ultracomfortable seating—and its leather upholstery comes in a variety of hues to match any color scheme, from $2,219, with advance order at Modern Studio. (949-376-0103; modernfurnishings.com) g

Artists & Galleries / Abstract Art

Conceptual Creativity

LOCAL ARTISTS MANDY BRASA AND ISABELLE ALESSANDRA SHINE WITH THEIR ABSTRACT DESIGNS.

By SHARON STELLO

Unlike artwork that attempts to closely mimic people or scenes as they appear in real life, abstract paintings rely on the creativity of both the artist and the beholder, who may interpret the shapes on the canvas in a much different way than the painter intended, drawing their own unique conclusions from the same piece. Local artists Mandy Brasa and Isabelle Alessandra each add their own style to the abstract approach.

Bold and Bright

Abstract expressionist Mandy Brasa, who opened an eponymous gallery in town in 2020, grew up in East Germany and remembers the Berlin Wall coming down at age 12. No doubt those early experiences affect her artwork today, if only on a subconscious level. She eventually moved to California after

meeting her future partner while on vacation in Santa Cruz and they settled in a small mountain town near Yosemite National Park, surrounded by natural beauty. When she picked up a paintbrush, her initial pieces were centered around animals and landscapes, but she began experimenting with an abstract style shortly after visiting Laguna.

Having previously worked in the hospitality industry, she tapped into her creative side upon connecting with another artist and painting with her a decade ago. Despite little exposure to the art world—and with no formal training—her raw talent flourished, especially as she started painting on larger canvases.

Mandy Brasa (above) paints abstract pieces, like this untitled artwork (right).

“I feel that not having a formal education in art allows me to create in a way that is uninfluenced by learned techniques and has made it easier for me to find my own unique style,” Brasa says.

The Laguna resident is most inspired by the freedom of beginning an art piece without knowing ahead of time what she will be creating. “It was when I decided to not use the conscious mind and allow a different kind of content and expression to materialize that I found my inner voice and my deepest self-expression,” she says.

Brasa appreciates abstract painting because it’s more liberating. “For me there are no rules and no mistakes,” she says. For each piece she works on, Brasa might first sketch some line work then adds color based on the form, making adjustments as her creation takes shape. “I can physically feel when a piece works and has a correct vibration, almost like doing architectural design work—all components have to be in balance,” she says. “Occasionally, I will start with a general idea and then let go of the need to create the image, going with the flow to capture a deeper emotional representation.”

Brasa tends to paint in bright, bold colors with strong shapes that flow together. “I have thought about this and it seems that growing up in East Germany, where there was a predominance of drab colors, I might be reacting to that formative influence by trying to bring more color into the world,” Brasa shares.

She primarily uses acrylic paint and freehand brushwork on canvas, but sometimes paints on found objects like sculptures, store mannequins or even couches. “While painting in the gallery, I accidentally spilled some paint on our gallery sofa,” she recalls. “… It was too much to clean up, then [I] decided to keep adding paint. I never thought it would be something that people would want to purchase—only … a gallery novelty, but people seem to love them and I’m currently working on No. 4 in the Brasa Art Couch series.”

Brasa says, of all her work, her favorite piece is most often “the latest one I’m working on.”

Emotive Expression

Isabelle Alessandra ran a successful consulting company that provided strategic advice and training to education and business leaders. But it was the words of her 96-year-old mother during her final hours in hospice that made Alessandra leave all that behind to become a full-time artist. Now, Alessandra, a Newport Beach resident who paints in the abstract style, exhibits at Laguna’s Festival of Arts, Sandstone Gallery and more.

So what did her mother say? Alessandra shares those powerful words here: “I have one important regret to share with you, and it’s not about what I did with my life, it’s about what I didn’t do,” her mother told her. “… I always found an excuse not to fully pursue my gifts as an artist: work, then family, then caring for your dad, then finally losing my eyesight. … [There were] always reasons that put my desire to create on the back burner.

“You have the same gift I had, and I’ve watched you shelve it just like I did. So, after 96 years on earth, here is my best advice for you, right now—use your gift, develop your talent and work full time to let the world know what you can do.”

Alessandra took that message to heart. “Exactly one year after my mother passed, I closed the doors to my company and began painting every day. My work as an artist is a life force that absolutely lights me up, and it’s a cherished legacy from my mother.”

The artist, who grew up playing in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, tends to incorporate many colors found in nature in her art. “Inspiration can also come from seeing different kinds of art, from talking and laughing with friends, from when it’s raining or the way the sun hits the sand. It’s endless.”

Alessandra views abstract work as “a full mind-body experience.” “For me, art that represents or looks like something familiar, implies how or what the artist—and the viewers—should see and even feel,” she explains. “My own abstract art is a visual expression of emotion using color and form. It’s not that I don’t deeply admire representational art, because I do—it’s more that my own connection to the ideas and feelings in abstract work stretches me in new and unknown directions every time I create a painting. I love that.”

She builds layers and layers of acrylic paint on birch wood panels, then scratches, etches and sands back into those layers to reveal what she calls “the history of the painting.”

When starting a piece, she likes to “paint boldly and a little out of control” then get more intentional about composition. “It becomes a sort of conversation between me and the work,” she says.

BRASA GALLERY

490 S. COAST HIGHWAY, STE. 1 949-204-7370; MANDYBRASA.COM

Her work is inspired by what’s around her. “Because the idea of ‘feeling’ my work is important to me, my palette is often inspired by the music I’m playing and, although it isn’t necessarily intentional, my surroundings also influence what happens on my boards,” she says.

Alessandra creates artwork specifically for Sandstone Gallery; in May, a large collection will be featured on the gallery’s lower floor. And her current show at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel will run until at least May 1. /

Above: Isabelle Alessandra; right: her painting, “Tell Me What You’re Dreaming”

Q + A

It’s Only Natural

KARIN WYMAN-VARDAMAN, THE NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LAGUNA CANYON FOUNDATION, HAS COME FULL CIRCLE, HELPING TO PROTECT THE OPEN SPACES SHE GREW UP ENJOYING AS A CHILD.

By SHARON STELLO

Aphoto of Barbara’s Lake hangs on the wall of Karin Wyman-Vardaman’s office. Next to it is a watercolor painting of the same scene by her mother, recalling special memories of their time together in this peaceful place.

Now, as executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation since December, WymanVardaman is helping to conserve the same wilderness she enjoyed while growing up in town.

“For me, taking this position … is kind of a way to give back to what gave me so much as a child,” she shares. “I grew up here, graduated from high school here and the canyon was my playground. … We used to ride our horses into town and tie them up at the parking meters to get ice cream and rode our horses to Top of the World and over to the lakes, because there was nothing here. You [could] just cross the road and ride wherever you want[ed].”

Wyman-Vardaman steps into the position after longtime leader Hallie Jones left for a job at Crystal Cove Conservancy in September. Before coming to lead the foundation, WymanVardaman served in the 1980s as director for animal care and operations at Pacific Marine Mammal Center (then known as Friends of the

Sea Lions) and senior director of the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for nearly two decades as well as founder and executive director of Working Circle, a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to wolf conservation. She was even named by Forbes magazine as one of 50 women over age 50 making an impact in 2021.

She returned to Orange County in the fall after living in Colorado for about eight years. She resides in San Clemente with her husband, George Vardaman; two dogs, Cainey and Snuggles; and horse, Mikey.

“I love being in the ocean,” she says. “It’s almost a spiritual thing for me to be in the water. It’s one of the reasons I moved back. I love Colorado. It’s so beautiful and it was really convenient for my work, but I just missed the ocean. It’s a soul thing. I had to get back.”

Among her hobbies, Vardaman has enjoyed distance swimming in the ocean and competing in equestrian sports. And she has plenty of plans to increase outreach and education by Laguna Canyon Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting the 22,000-acre South Coast Wilderness, including Laguna Canyon, advocating for open space as well as conducting trailwork and habitat restoration.

Karin Wyman-Vardaman, executive director of Laguna Canyon Foundation, with her horse, Mikey

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What drew you to the Laguna Canyon Foundation position?

KARIN WYMAN-VARDAMAN: For me, it wasn’t just taking … another conservation job. It was very deeply meaningful to me. And the … Laguna Canyon Foundation is really special. The expertise and the passion for the land, the plants and the wildlife, protecting it and restoring it, is so deep. … It’s powerful to see the commitment from each and every one of the folks here. Hallie did a great job establishing that culture, and I want to honor that and grow that.

LBM: Any new plans for the foundation?

KWV: One thing I’m really excited about is expanding and developing new education programs for students and adults and also expanding the reach of those programs so more people have the opportunity to remain connected to the land. … The idea is that, through exploration, they discover it on their own … [so] their learning is much deeper versus just interpretation. So I’m really excited

to build those out. And then also, expand it so more—students from Title 1 schools have always been our priority, but we also want to make sure that we include other folks that don’t have the opportunity or live in Laguna Beach.

LBM: Are there any challenges the foundation is facing?

KWV: We’re always looking at invasive species. One thing we’ve found is there’s a little bit … of a disconnect in understanding how bad invasive species are. Sometimes people think maybe they’re not invasive anymore because they’ve been here so long. But invasive species will take over and kill native plant species and ruin endangered wildlife habitats. So those have to be mitigated. … You have to be able to control that in order to protect this unique ecosystem that is not found anywhere else in the world. … In order for endangered species—animals—to survive, they need the plants and the soil and everything else to be in balance, from soil health all the way up to the animals. But invasives

impact all of that and not in a good way. … Believe it or not, one of the things that people love—I did too—[is wild] mustard. … I didn’t realize how dangerous they are … to the ecosystem.

LBM: Do you have a favorite local trail?

KWV: I love … Aliso and Wood Canyons [Wilderness Park], where I spent a lot of my time. Of course, there was nothing on the hills behind it [when I was a kid]. The first time I went back, it was a little hard because of looking up at all the houses. But having returned again more recently through this position and still seeing the amount of tracks and scat and pictures of wildlife on the trail cameras, I’m like, “OK, this place is still thriving because of this work.” So it really made me feel good. And then I do love Willow [Canyon trail], which is right across from … [the foundation office] and then the lakes because of my childhood memories. They’re all so unique and different. … I love to hike and I do horseback riding. … There’s just something that’s good for the soul once you get out there and see the natural beauty. g

LAGUNA’S EXPERTS CAN HELP CREATE A DREAM CELEBRATION TO MATCH ANY COUPLE’S STYLE.

By ASHLEY BREEDING

WITH SPRING IN THE AIR AND WEDDING SEASON ON THE HORIZON, PLANNERS ARE AFLUTTER FINALIZING DETAILS FOR THEIR BRIDES’ BIG DAY.

“This is the time when we tie everything up with a big, pretty bow,” says Lindsy Swarts, owner and principal planner of Coastal Coordinates in Laguna Beach. She’s been working for some of her clients for over a year to design their dream celebration; other couples enlist her just a couple of months prior to ensure all their own plans are properly executed.

“There is nothing more special than your wedding day,” says Swarts, who married her background in hospitality and a lifelong obsession with weddings to form her business in 2015. “[Planning] is such an intimate process. … Each event is unique and so special. … I can’t get enough of it.”

Swarts takes on full-service planning— from venues to vendors, florals to fare—for many client couples who want their wedding to be special, but whose busy school or career schedules preclude them from managing the myriad details themselves. “With full-service planning, we handle every detail for you,” she says. “It’s truly a whiteglove service.”

With coastal weddings, Swarts has seen trends ebb and flow. When choosing which fads to follow, she relies on a survey of the client. “Are you a classic couple? Bohemian? Modern? Romantic?” she shares as examples. “Do you want toes in the sand or a view of the

canyon? Are you a music fanatic or is food your priority?” These and other details help her team nail every nuance.

An emerging trend across the spectrum is treating guests to three different experiences throughout the wedding: ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception with dinner and dancing, each taking place in unique parts of the venue and with personalized details that tie together for a cohesive overall event. For couples inviting out-of-town guests, a robust welcome party, preceding an intimate rehearsal dinner, is also popular. In Laguna, smaller weddings (200 guests or fewer) are also “en vogue,” as

are modestly elegant events.

For a full trend forecast, some of Laguna’s most coveted vendors offer further insight.

SET THE MOOD

From bluff-tops overlooking the waves to shady spaces beneath the sycamores, Laguna offers a short list of venues to exchange vows in style. Those seeking a true coastal experience can find it at Montage Laguna Beach, where the oceanfront lawn perches above the pounding waves to boast an idyllic setting—for a ceremony, cocktail party or reception—and where the resort’s master chefs can create a bespoke menu from fresh, organic ingredients. (Indoors, an expansive ballroom features a warmer ambiance for cool, evening affairs).

Farther north, Surf & Sand Resort offers “vows with a view” on its 15FiftyFive

Weddings at The Ranch at Laguna Beach (opposite page), Montage Laguna Beach (top left and bottom) and Surf & Sand Resort (top right)

outdoor lounge and other terraces overlooking the Pacific, plus multiple ballrooms to accommodate parties of all sizes, plus on-site cocktails and catering.

If whimsy and woods are more your vibe, create your fantasy wedding at Terra at the Festival of Arts grounds, Seven 7 Seven at the Laguna Art-A-Fair grounds, or seven-degrees in Laguna Canyon, or at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, where you can say “I do” with a backdrop of the oaky canyon wilderness. The Harvest Lawn is a popular space at The Ranch, especially at sunset, in addition to the golf course-adjacent patio and cozy outdoor lounge with fire pits. Other draws include on-site catering from the resort’s signature restaurant, Harvest, where Executive Chef Kyle St.

Laguna boasts a variety of settings, from indoors to outside with canyon views, including Surf & Sand Resort (top left), Terra at the Festival of Arts grounds (top right) and The Ranch at Laguna Beach (bottom row).

Left and above: Coastal Coordinates was the planner behind these weddings. Shannon Yerkovich of Cargo Creative, which designed the floral arrangements above, says about half of her clients choose classic white or ivory blooms.

John uses vegetables and herbs from the property’s garden in his dishes; 97 restful rooms for overnight wedding guests; the Sycamore Spa by Hudson, perfect for pre-wedding pampering; and a special Treehouse Suite with premium amenities, including a wraparound deck amid the treetops. The Ranch also boasts easy access to Aliso Beach, just across Coast Highway.

STYLISH TOUCHES

For several springs, the popularity of pampas grass and muted floral palettes kept growing. This season, it has finally dried up. Now in demand for outdoor ceremonies, says Swarts, is the “blooming aisle” (or floral aisle-runners) and natural-looking meadowy flowers.

Shannon Yerkovich, founder and principal

florist at Cargo Creative, arranges charming displays for all things wedding: ceremonial flowers, bouquets and boutonnieres, table centerpieces, fireplace and lounge vignettes, and her favorite challenge—large-scale installations. “Something like a hanging installation is really unique and fun to make … even though I hate heights,” she jokes. “It’s a ‘wow’ factor.”

Yerkovich often incorporating something unique and unexpected, but, like Swarts, gets a sense of her clients’ vision and style before choosing blooms. About half of Yerkovich’s clients lean toward classic white or ivory (often interspersed with greenery) while the other half opt for color.

While Yerkovich encourages her clients to seek inspiration from visual apps like Pinterest,

she cautions that images are often overly edited and not always realistic. For example, “a David Austin rose might look like a dusty peach, but it’s actually an orange-peach.” So be prepared to make concessions. Other sources for ideas, she suggest, include venue photos and wedding photographers’ galleries.

“I love spring blooms, especially ranunculus and peonies, and dahlias for summer,” Yerkovich shares. Other floral trends this season are Pantone’s “Peach Fuzz” Color of the Year, daintier bouquets and single-variety floral arrangements, like all white roses or peonies.

Custom paper goods—welcome signs, escort displays and more—create another “wow” moment, Swarts adds. “I recently commissioned a watercolor artist to paint

Ocean views are always popular for wedding ceremonies and receptions, like these planned by Coastal Coordinates (top left and bottom right) and at Montage Laguna Beach (bottom left). Or opt for lush greenery at Seven7Seven at the Laguna Art-A-Fair grounds (top right).

custom portraits of my couple’s dogs for their signature cocktail signage,” she says. In other cocktail trends, Champagne towers continue to flow. Bows are also having a moment, affixed to anything from menu cards to tapered table candles. A craving for carving stations remains a hot culinary trend, while wedding cakes return to a more romantic aesthetic with hearts and catchphrases like, “Death ’til us part.”

Borrowing from Studio 54 circa the 1970s, disco balls add a flash of fun everywhere from the dance floor to table displays.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

“This season, brides are going for lots of drama,” Swarts says. Vibrant color, voluminous sleeves and overskirts, and details like lace applique, ruching, sweetheart necklines, and pearls are making a statement. While bodices and below go big, veils are more modest in fingertip-length and blusher (face covering) styles. With the continued trend of a bride slipping into a new look for the reception, fun and flirty party dresses (think sequins, fringe) are popular this season. Also back

and top

are by Cargo Creative.

is the formal jumpsuit, typically worn for a rehearsal dinner.

Whatever your sartorial style or body silhouette, Laguna’s wedding-dress boutiques can help you find the ideal fit. At Laguna Bridal Boutique, browse eclectic collections (for bride and ’maids) from more than 20 esteemed designers. Choose from traditional and tailored to whimsical and fun, and even select the accessories to match.

Seeking a custom design? Look to Yasmin’s Bridal, where owner Yasmin Mallah loves to draw up your dream dress.

Dresses with vibrant color and dramatic touches like voluminous sleeves, ruffles and sweetheart necklines are trending this season, as seen in these photos from weddings by Coastal Coordiantes. Flowers (bottom left

right)

Payton Addison Inc., a name synonymous with luxury living and design, was founded in 2009 by Payton Addison. Located in the heart of the HIP district along the coast this sought-after Laguna Beach Interior Designer specializes in all aspects of residential Interior Design.

Payton has built an exclusive repeat clientele with her creative and practical approach to the design-build of each project. A Payton Addison Home is elegant, relaxed, and distinctive. Payton has developed an exclusive black book of trade resources to create a seamless project from inception to fruition. Her stellar reputation and experience, along with the ability to produce results efficiently, have gained respect from the best architecture firms, builders, and specialized craftsmen in the industry.

A commitment to quality and her trademark attention to detail ensure each client has peace of mind throughout the entire design-build process.

“Dramatic, bedazzled, long train, full A-line is my signature,” she notes. All pieces are handmade by her atelier in Milan.

“I try to work within a client’s budget—I don’t believe any bride should have to settle or be limited by finances,” says Mallah, whose work once appeared in Vogue and Elle magazines on a celebrity client and who continually dresses brides around the world.

Yasmin’s also offers three sets of measurements, reducing the likelihood of last-minute alterations. She’s also designing her premier ready-to-wear collection and currently carries some ready-to-wear options—think mermaid-cuts, ruffles and other dramatic styles.

Modern brides on a budget will hit the jackpot at Elizabeth Findlay Bridal, where owner Deborah Badillo features samples and consignments from “more contemporary, niche designers” like Tara Lauren, Bo & Luca, and Laila Hafzi. Most are unworn and unaltered designer samples previously used for photo shoots and trunk shows or are from last season; there are also a few classics from previous seasons. “All are in excellent condition,” Badillo notes. Discounts are between 20% and 50% off—marked down even more if slight repairs are needed—and available to take home that day—perfect for last-minute brides.

If overwhelmed by so many options, consider this: “Pay attention to your intuition and how a dress makes you feel,” Badillo advises. “It should make you feel beautiful and should also be comfortable and easy to move around in. … The same [applies] to shoes. You’ll be on your feet all day. If you want height, try a platform or chunky heel.”

GLOW ALL NIGHT

Even wedding photography and videography are seeing a new era with the dawn of “cinematic, editorial style,” Swarts says. In place of traditional portraits, couples are requesting more candid photographs and thoughtful artistry within them. Sessions are even timed for the golden hour before sunset to capitalize on the sun’s warm, glowing light.

To look your “natural” best, Laura Linsenmayer, owner of Roots The Beauty Underground, offers these must-haves: sunless-tanner-kissed skin with a casual contour, ½-set lash extensions, berry-stained lips, full brows, and teeth-whitener by

planet- and people-friendly brands. Linsenmayer also likes what she calls a “kitten eye” instead of a cat eye (visit her shop to learn more), as well as applying the same color to lids and cheeks for “monochromatic drama.” To “make eyes pop,” sweep on an eyeshadow color directly opposite your eye color on the color wheel. Help your lip shade last by first filling in your pout with a lip liner matching “the prettiest color in your natural lip,” she explains. “Always set with a sheer finishing powder and makeup-setting spray to ensure all-day wear.” g

When it comes to photos, couples are seeking more candid and artistic shots to remember their special day. Bottom: a wedding planned by Coastal Coordinates; top: a wedding at The Ranch at Laguna Beach with a photo session at a nearby beach

CALLING ALL

CAMPERS

Long summer days are the perfect time to meet new friends while playing sports, making art and having adventures together in one of Laguna’s diverse camp sessions.

By JENNIFER PAPPAS YENNIE

Believe it or not, summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about how the kids are going to spend all those glorious, idle hours while parents are away at work (or, heaven forbid, getting a little alone time). Luckily, Laguna Beach has a little bit of everything: nature, art, science and athletics. The right camp, filled with new experiences and lasting friendships, can be the perfect recipe for creating the type of memories that linger for a lifetime.

SPORTS LIFE

Camps focused on athletics abound in Laguna during the summertime, so it’s really about choosing the right fit for your child. This year, the city of Laguna Beach has a diverse slate of camps scheduled, including Baseball and Beach Camp (which combines baseball fundamentals with a post-lunch swim at nearby Divers Cove), Skyhawks Beginning Golf Camp, and both Beginning/ Intermediate and Advanced Youth Beach Volleyball—plus options for soccer, tennis (including one that brings together tennis

Top: SoLag Skim School’s camp; right: Mini League’s Baseball and Beach Camp, both city offerings

and swimming), skateboarding, cross country, and track and field. New to the programming this year is Laguna Beach Lawn Bowling Youth Rollers, a fun camp designed for older kids ages 11-18 looking to give the typically exclusive sport of lawn bowling a try. According to the camp description, “teens will develop their playing skills and game knowledge through social play, modified games, drills and support instruction.”

The Boys & Girls Club also offers myriad sports camps, including two sessions of Basketball Camp for kids in second through sixth grade that focus on the fundamentals of

“WE WORK TOWARDS CREATING A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE DIVERSITY CAN FLOURISH AND CONFIDENCE AND EMPATHY CAN GROW. WE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO CREATE WITHOUT JUDGMENT AND LEARN TO WORK AS A TEAM— SKILLS THAT THEY CAN USE IN MULTIPLE ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES.”

-JOSEPH ALANES, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND OUTREACH AT LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

shooting, dribbling, passing and rebounding. Attendees will get to show off their new skills in scrimmage games. Those looking for a more urban sports experience might be interested in the specialty Skateboarding Camp (grades K-8) with professional skateboarding instructor Eric Mickelson of U SK8, offered through both the city of Laguna and the Boys & Girls Club.

More traditional summer camps, which present a wide range of activities, from sports to games and art projects, are also offered by the Boys & Girls Club, with beach and pool days as well as field trips. The Laguna

Canyon Enrichment Center hosts kindergarten through eighth grade campers while the Bluebird Enrichment Center hosts sessions for kindergarten through fifth grade students.

SUN & SAND

In a town graced with gorgeous beaches and limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure, there are countless ocean and nature-themed summer camps to choose from. Laguna Ethos offers two exciting beach camps (separated by age group, 5-7 and 8-12) that transcend the one-note, surf camp experiences proliferating Orange County.

“The whole ethos is to get kids together under the supervision of professional watermen and women to facilitate camaraderiebuilding, ocean awareness and etiquette,” says Justin Behrendsen, founder and CEO of Laguna Ethos.

To that end, camp starts each morning with the daily surf report (read by a different camp member), followed by an excursion to one of Laguna’s many beaches. Once there, kids can explore tide pools, swim, build sandcastles, make seashell crafts or play beach games. Kids can also paddleboard, kayak or go on a snorkeling scavenger hunt on days when the weather is calm and conditions are safe. Trolley rides and trips to south Laguna for cove exploration are also on the agenda. Regardless of the activity, Ethos camps are specifically designed to be educational, inclusive, fun and interactive. “We’re not a surf camp,” Behrendsen reiterates. “We’re a summer camp. We educate our kids on all things ocean-related: safety, conservation, littering, how to respect the tide pools. … We don’t focus on a one-size-fits-all

Clockwise from bottom left: art projects at Laguna Art Museum; a Laguna Playhouse youth performance; kids involved in STEM at Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

approach. We just don’t do that.”

Beach Camp Laguna is another local favorite that offers two different camps grouped by age. Little Mermaids & Sea Cubs is for kids ages 4 ½ to 7, while Beach Camp Laguna is designated for kids ages 7-14. Like Laguna Ethos, Beach Camp Laguna is more than just fun and games, (although there’s plenty of that, too). Campers are also taught ocean safety and awareness while activities range from short swims past the ocean breakers to fun lifeguard-related games, paddleboarding, bodysurfing, snorkeling and more. Parents can register for the weeklong camps online through the city of Laguna Beach.

Laguna’s Junior Lifeguards Program is a perennial favorite best suited for kids ages 8-15 looking for a challenge. The program hinges on ocean safety, rescue techniques, physical fitness and teamwork. All

newcomers must pass a swim test before getting the green light to enroll, so the first step would be to make an appointment (Fridays and Saturdays only) at the Laguna Beach High School and Community Pool on one of the dates posted online throughout the spring and first week of summer.

The city also offers skimboarding camps, taught either by champion rider Paulo Prietto and staff from his SoLag Skim School or The Vic champion Johnny Weber with Leo Bushman and Victoria Skimboards owner Tex Haines assisting. The SoLag camps take place at Treasure Island Beach— walking to Aliso Beach if conditions are better there—focusing on everything from basic skills to advanced maneuvers. The Victoria Skimboards camps roam along beaches from Thalia to Bluebird, teaching water safety, wrapping waves and advanced tricks for every level plus tide pool exploration and beach fun; both camps offer loaner boards and feature a ratio of five campers to one instructor.

Last, but not least, the Boys & Girls Club’s Action-Packed Adventure Camp Week, Aug. 5-9, is a special opportunity for kids in fifth grade or older to embrace the great outdoors via hiking, kayaking or stand-up

paddleboarding, pitching tents, cooking and gathering around a campfire to roast marshmallows, plus other activities like indoor rock climbing. Camp culminates with an overnight experience that kids are sure to be talking about once school starts again in the fall.

ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS

Looking for something a little more artistic for the little ones this summer? Laguna Art Museum and Laguna Playhouse have it covered. This summer, the museum is focusing on weekly day camps held every Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for kids ages 6-12. First up is Art Adventure Day Camp on June 24. “Top Secret,” the program blurb teases, “channel your inner spy and adventurer as the museum transforms into an immersive code-breaking space, equipped with cryptic clues and yarn lasers.”

Mini camp add-ons from 3-5 p.m. are also available after the day sessions. Parents would be wise to keep checking the museum website for the staggered release of additional summer programming, but Museum Educator Katherine Morton promises they’ve got a ton of fun things planned. “Each program will be different,” Morton says, noting that some will mix in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. “Think … the chance to blow things up in the art museum, allowing kids to make a mess in a space that usually feels more restrictive.” As an added bonus, the museum is closed to the general public on Mondays, so kids get full, free reign of the entire museum space. According to Morton, the types of children who thrive in the art museum’s programs are “kids that are open to exploring, that have a lot of high energy, that want to learn more about art, but also more about

Clockwise from bottom left: Pro Touch Soccer Camp; Beach Camp Laguna; a Legofocused camp, all offered through the city

Laguna Beach as a whole. We try to capitalize on that high-energy excitement while also focusing on art skills that can only really be taught by an art museum.”

This summer, Laguna Playhouse is offering three different Theater Camps (with musical and nonmusical, half- and full-day options) for ages 4 to 19. Divided into three separate age groups, each camp has its own theme (Musical Villains, Rock Musicals, Acting for Laughs) and culminates in a free showcase for friends and family. Some of these sessions will be held at the city’s Community & Recreation Center, which opened recently on South Coast Highway, while others will be held in the Playhouse’s rehearsal space, so parents should take note when registering.

Joseph Alanes, director of education and outreach, explains that the Playhouse camps, like its school-year classes, focus on the process. “We work towards creating a positive environment where diversity can flourish and confidence and empathy can grow,” he says. “We encourage students to create without judgment and learn to work as a team— skills that they can use in multiple aspects of their lives. We create a safe space for the ensemble to develop trust in each other so they can take risks, learn and grow together.”

IT’S A STEM WORLD

Just because the kids are out of school doesn’t mean learning has to stop—quite the contrary, actually. Summer is the perfect

time for kids to pursue a passion or pick up a skill in a fun, low-stakes environment focused on STEM. The city of Laguna Beach offers a variety of different Lego camps that focus on everything from engineering and physics to architecture and robotics. These full-day, weeklong camps allow kids to combine real-world building concepts with relatable content like Minecraft and Pokémon video games.

Additionally, the Boys & Girls Club’s weeklong Destination Innovation Science Camp, from July 29 to Aug. 2, promises “an immersive, hands-on experience exploring the day in the life of a true scientist and engineer” for kids in grades 3-6. Outsidethe-box thinking and problem-solving skills are encouraged, and gone are the constraints of the classroom walls, allowing kids to perform science experiments, create their own inventions and follow their curiosity wherever it may lead them.

Meanwhile, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which normally hosts Camp Pinniped, will not have any in-person camps this summer as the facility is closed for renovations. Until PMMC’s summer camps return in 2025, there are several online education and outreach options. These distancelearning programs, geared toward school classes, scout troops and other groups, run all year long to help spark children’s interest in marine life and immerse them in the underwater world found right along the coast of their hometown. g

THE DATE

LOCAL CAMPS OFFER MULTIPLE SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER AND REGISTRATION HAS ALREADY STARTED FOR MANY OF THEM.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF LAGUNA BEACH SUMMER CAMPS

DATES: June 17 to Aug. 16

REGISTRATION: Opens April 1 at bgclagunabeach.org

CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH

DATES: Camps start June 17.

REGISTRATION: Open now; parents can register in person at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center on Third Street, or using the link on the Recreation page of the city’s website, lagunabeachcity.net. For Beach Camp Laguna, sign up through the city before June 1 for a 10% discount.

LAGUNA ART MUSEUM

DATES: Every Monday from June 24 to Aug. 5

REGISTRATION: Open now at lagunaartmuseum.org

LAGUNA ETHOS

DATES: June 10 - Aug. 9 (weekly and one-day drop-in rates offered)

REGISTRATION: Open now at lagunaethos.com

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

DATES: Session I: June 24-28; Session II: July 8-12; Session III (a full two weeks): July 29 to Aug. 9

Have more than one child wanting to participate? The Playhouse offers a refer-a-friend discount of $25 off for siblings/friends.

REGISTRATION: Open now using the link on the Recreation page of the city’s website, lagunabeachcity.net; more info: lagunaplayhouse.com

The Skateboarding Camp at the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach

FIVE FAVORITES

< Eat & Drink >

Diversify your diet with beloved classics—a burger, ravioli, salad, pizza or eggs Benedict—prepared in varied ways at Laguna Beach restaurants.

By ASHLEY RYAN

There’s no doubt that the culinary scene in Laguna Beach has seen a lot of changes over the last year, and with new eateries come innovative new dishes. But there are plenty of tried-and-true options on local menus as well. From fresh, flavorful salads and mouthwatering burgers to pillows of pasta stuffed with deliciously unique ingredients, the variation in renditions of these popular dishes will inspire you to set out and try them all this spring.

BURGERS

OC SOURDOUGH BURGER / REUNION KITCHEN & DRINK

Inspired by owner Scott McIntosh’s time at Claim Jumper, this variety offers a half-pound patty on Parmesan sourdough bread. Traditional toppings—Swiss cheese, tomato, shredded lettuce, sliced dill pickle, a house-made Thousand Island dressing and optional grilled onions—complement the bread, resulting in a savory burger with a touch of cheesy goodness.

CHILE RELLENO BURGER / THE CLIFF

A brioche bun is buttered and grilled, then topped with a wagyu patty before the magic ingredient—a stuffed chile relleno, fried in tempura batter—is placed on top. “This burger is a great blend of the flavor profiles of California and Mexico,” says James Brice, chef at The Cliff. Crispy bacon and sliced red onion complete the burger, which is served with jalapeno aioli and a side of sweet potato fries.

MOZAMBIQUE STEAK BURGER / MOZAMBIQUE

Help combat waste with this option at South African-inspired eatery Mozambique. “We wanted to utilize every part of our highquality steaks, so we use the end trims of our tenderloin and rib-eye to build an amazing steak burger,” says Angel Velazquez, the restaurant’s chef. The 8-ounce patty is seasoned to perfection, cooked over an open flame and layered on a brioche bun with cheddar cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, red onion and Monte Carlo sauce.

BLACK BEAN AND PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER / HARVEST

This vegetarian patty features black beans, mushrooms, corn, quinoa, lentils, shallots, garlic, cheese, breadcrumbs and spices, all consolidated by hand before half of the mixture is pulsed in a food processor. “This helps bind the ingredients, but also keep some texture,” says Kyle St. John, executive chef at Harvest. After baking in the oven, the patty is placed on a potato bun with vine-ripened tomatoes, butter lettuce, a grilled portobello mushroom, caramelized onion, melted Swiss cheese and harissa aioli.

GUACAMOLE BURGER / RUBY’S DINER

In a state that values avocado above all else, this just might be the quintessential Californian burger. A generous helping of guacamole sits right on top of the other ingredients—a juicy beef patty, two slices of Swiss cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and signature RubySauce—to create a classic with a twist that locals and visitors alike will want to tuck into.

Clockwise from top: the chile relleno burger at The Cliff; the Mozambique steak burger; the black bean and portobello mushroom burger at Harvest; the guacamole burger at Ruby’s Diner; opposite page: the OC Sourdough Burger at Reunion Kitchen & Drink

LEFT:

MARIELENA VERDUGO

COURTESY OF RUBY’S DINER

RAVIOLI

SCAMPI RAVIOLI / ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI

Limoncello is popular in Naples, Italy, where chef-owner Alessandro Pirozzi was raised—and it just so happens to pair perfectly with seafood. “I wanted to duplicate that refreshing taste of fresh scampi,” says Pirozzi of the inspiration behind his unique dish, which incorporates pasta infused with limoncello. The ravioli are filled with shrimp tossed in garlic, shallots, chopped tomatoes, Meyer lemon and Italian white wine, allowing the chef to feel close to his family from the other side of the world.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

RAVIOLI / NIRVANA KITCHEN & PANTRY

Traditionally a fall dish, this ravioli can be found on the menu well into spring,

offering a healthy decadence for all to enjoy. Roasted butternut squash is tucked into egg dough, which is then boiled and coated in house-made beurre blanc. It’s finished with sage brown butter, goat cheese crumbles, nutmeg, chopped hazelnuts and micro celery. “It’s sweet, tangy and savory all together, with great texture … [from] the nuts and the creaminess of the ravioli and goat cheese,” says chef-owner Lindsay Smith. The best part? The ravioli, beurre blanc and sage butter can all be purchased to go from the Nirvana pantry so you can easily re-create it at home.

SCARLET BEET “RAVIOLI” / SELANNE STEAK TAVERN

Though not made with actual pasta, this signature dish, which has been on the menu since the eatery opened,

is one of the most unique in town: Oven-roasted jumbo red beets are thinly sliced, then stuffed with an artisanal lemon goat cheese mixture and punched closed. The “ravioli” are plated with frisee, watercress, arugula, candied orange, grapefruit segments and sliced Chioggia (or candy stripe) beets, all drizzled in a warm golden beet vinaigrette crafted with roasted golden beets, crushed hazelnuts and hazelnut oil.

SHORT RIB RAVIOLI / RUMARI

Hearty short ribs are the star of this dish, which features the flavorful meat inside pockets of pasta. After boiling, the ravioli are doused in a sauce made of fresh tomatoes, spinach, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt and pepper

before being sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. “I love ravioli, and the sauce is very light and heartwarming,” says chef Braulio Melo of why the short rib ravioli was added to Rumari’s menu. “It’s delicious and a family favorite.”

SAVORY HERB CHICKEN RAVIOLI / GINA’S PIZZA

While classic cheese ravioli is also an option, the savory herb chicken option is delightfully tasty—and gluten free. The chicken breast is combined with spinach, mozzarella, ricotta and herbs inside pillows of fresh pasta dough, then served with your choice of sauce, with options like creamy pesto, roasted garlic Alfredo, arrabbiata, BellaLinda (a creamy marinara) and more. Pair them with the eatery’s new porcini mushroom meatballs for a 100% gluten-free meal.

page, from left: scampi ravioli at Alessa by Chef Pirozzi; butternut squash ravioli at Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry; this page, clockwise from top: Scarlet Beet “Ravioli” at Selanne Steak Tavern; short rib ravioli at Rumari; Savory Herb Chicken Ravioli at Gina’s Pizza

Opposite

SALADS

AHI CITRUS SALAD / BODEGA LAGUNA COCINA & CANTINA

Seafood enthusiasts will fall in love with this salad, in which ahi tuna is pan-seared until lightly blackened then placed atop a bed of arugula, baby kale, iceberg lettuce, fennel, grapefruit, mandarin and blood orange, all coated in a citrus-honey vinaigrette and finished with sprinkles of cranberries, toasted almonds and queso fresco. “I wanted to add a little bit of lightness to our menu,” says chef Angel Velazquez. “The citrus complements our coastal flavors and the tuna provides the perfect amount of smokiness to balance it out.”

SUMMER SALAD / JAN’S HEALTH BAR

A sweeter option is this colorful Summer Salad, in which fresh berries steal the show: Blueberries, strawberries and raspberries mingle with apple, shaved carrots, avocado, mixed greens, candied walnuts and blue cheese crumbles. The vibrant mixture is doused in a house-made raspberry vinaigrette, which just adds to the fruity flavor.

BBQ RANCH SALAD / SKYLOFT

For those who feel like a salad isn’t hearty enough, opt for Skyloft’s barbecue variety. Mixed greens, chopped romaine, black beans, roasted corn, tomato, scallion, cilantro and Monterey Jack cheese are tossed together with chipotle barbecue ranch dressing that adds the perfect amount of sweet and tangy—plus crispy tortilla strips on top for added crunch. Add a protein—chicken breast, filet mignon, grilled salmon, andouille sausage or giant prawns—to complete the meal.

EL GRINGO TACO SALAD / SOUTH OF NICK’S

Served in an oversize house-made shell—crisped to perfection before it’s filled to the brim with appetizing ingredients—this taco salad comes with your choice of spicy ground beef, chicken tinga, carnitas or ranchera beef. The savory protein is joined with refried beans and Spanish rice as well as chopped greens, scallions, black olives, Jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole and cilantro dressing in the restaurant’s made-from-scratch kitchen.

LA SALADE MOULIN / MOULIN

On the menu since day one, this signature dish at Moulin is inspired by the classic Caesar—with a twist. Filled with roasted chicken marinated in pesto, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts and croutons crafted out of the French cafe’s artisanal baguettes, then covered in the eatery’s house-made dressing, it’s the ideal option for a light yet satisfying meal. The same flavors can be found in the Moulin sandwich as well, layered with tomato between two slices of ciabatta bread.

Clockwise from top left: ahi citrus salad at Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina; Summer Salad at Jan’s Health Bar; BBQ Ranch Salad at Skyloft; El Gringo Taco Salad at South of Nick’s; La Salade Moulin at Moulin

PIZZAS

BLACKBERRY PIZZA / NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA & BIRRERIA

Traditional tomato sauce is replaced by a special blackberry sauce for a sweeter taste—but the fruit flavor doesn’t end there: This pie, from south Laguna pizzeria Neapolitan, also features a unique apricot ricotta. Large chunks of applewood smoked bacon and a pile of fresh arugula that has been tossed in lemon and olive oil are the final touches to this pizza, which is cooked in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven.

BIANCO BACON ROSEMARY PIZZA / WINE GALLERY

There’s something about a pizza with white sauce that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine. At Wine Gallery, the bianco bacon rosemary pizza features a thin layer of house-made white sauce, four different cheeses, Nueske’s bacon, shaved potatoes and red onion. After being cooked at 750 degrees in the restaurant’s wood-fired oven, it’s finished with fresh parsley and rosemary for an aromatic touch. Now all you have to decide is which wine to select.

ROCKPILE PIZZA / SLICE PIZZA & BEER

It’s an age-old debate: Does pineapple belong on pizza? Slice says yes, offering a tasty pie covered in not only pineapple, but prosciutto, arugula, Parmigiano-Reggiano and ovalini mozzarella as well—all on a base of organic tomato sauce. Named for the north Laguna beach just steps from Heisler Park, this quintessential pizza captures the essence of our beach town with its curated toppings and balanced flavor.

PESTO BURRATA PIZZA / ZINC CAFE

It’s as if you’re eating straight from the garden when you bite into this pizza from Zinc Cafe. Fresh flavors abound thanks to roasted tomato, fresh

spinach and baby artichokes, which are placed atop the crust after it’s brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Large chunks of burrata, a layer of pesto (rather than red sauce) and chile flakes complete the dish. “What’s nice with the burrata is that it creates a pop of fresh cheese rather than a pizza covered in melted cheese,” says owner John Secretan. “The toppings really come through.”

LOUISIANA HOT CHICKEN PIZZA / FINNEY’S CRAFTHOUSE

A bit of spice is just the ticket when it comes to selecting the perfect pizza, and spice is something that Finney’s has definitely mastered. “Hot chicken is a food style that is currently ‘in’ and we thought, instead of a Nashville hot chicken, we would make a Louisiana Hot Chicken Pizza instead,” says Eric BosRau, the brand’s corporate executive chef. The pizza crust is layered with the chicken, shaved garlic, red and green onions, pickled cherry peppers and Finney’s own cheese blend, plus a Louisiana hot ranch.

Clockwise from top left: blackberry pizza at Neapolitan Pizzeria & Birreria; bianco bacon rosemary pizza at Wine Gallery; Rockpile Pizza at Slice Pizza & Beer; Zinc Cafe’s pesto burrata pizza; Louisiana Hot Chicken Pizza at Finney’s Crafthouse

EGGS BENEDICTS

LOX BENEDICT / KITCHEN IN THE CANYON

One of the most in-demand items on the Kitchen in the Canyon menu—and a filling morning option—is the lox Benedict. “We have … [had] this item for four years,” says owner Shima Roshani, “and people have been coming back to have [it] … again [and again].” Along with the classic English muffin and poached eggs, this version includes smoked salmon, sauteed spinach and a unique caper hollandaise sauce to complement the fish.

DUBLIN BENEDICT / HENNESSEY’S TAVERN

The Irish influence is strong at Hennessey’s, where diners can try the Dublin Benedict. Already a delicacy in Ireland, this distinct dish has all of the typical Benedict ingredients: a toasted English muffin, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce and a sprinkle of paprika. But it also features corned beef hash, cooked on the griddle to perfection, to lock in that Irish flavor.

KUROBUTA PORK BELLY BENEDICT / SAPPHIRE, CELLAR-CRAFT-COOK

As pork belly continues to gain traction in the culinary world, Sapphire stands at the forefront with this popular dish—often deemed the best Benedict guests have ever had. “Pork belly is perfect for Benedict the way we prepare it,” notes partner and Executive Chef Jared Cook. The slow-cooked pork is roasted for about four hours, then flash fried to create a crisp outside with a tender interior. It is then placed on rosemary focaccia muffins with cage-free poached eggs, country ham, chives and a Champagne-bearnaise sauce.

EGGS BENEDICT CANYON / URTH CAFFÉ

Rather than the traditional English muffin base, this unique iteration layers farm-fresh eggs and house-made

hollandaise sauce on top of two potato latkes made from a family recipe. “The farm is completely old school, with truly free-range, vegetarian-fed, happy chickens that produce the best tasting eggs with a bright, vibrant yolk,” says owner Shallom Berkman. Additionally, diners can opt for thinly sliced Italian ham or smoked salmon lox to round out the dish.

LOBSTER EGGS BENEDICT / LAS BRISAS

Available for breakfast or weekend brunch, this decadent dish is an exquisite selection for any and all lobster lovers. The succulent seafood is poached in butter while a ciabatta English muffin is toasted a la plancha, then guacamole is spread on the bread before it is layered with the lobster tail, poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, chives and paprika. Chef Samantha DeLeon describes the dish as “a luxurious twist to a classic breakfast favorite” that embodies the restaurant’s commitment to fresh California seafood. g

Clockwise from top left: Lox Benedict at Kitchen in the Canyon; Dublin Benedict at Hennessey’s Tavern; kurobuta pork belly Benedict at Sapphire, Cellar-Craft-Cook; Eggs Benedict Canyon at Urth Caffé; lobster eggs Benedict at Las Brisas

< Eat & Drink >

A selection of tacos at Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina

SHARON WILLIAMS

NEWON THE SCENE

Exciting culinary journeys begin as several new restaurants open in Laguna Beach.

By TANYA A. YACINA

As they say, change is the only constant. And it’s no different with Laguna’s dining scene, which has been cooking up some new offerings over the past year, while the community also bid farewell to some longtime restaurants including The Stand Natural Foods, San Shi Go, Taco Loco, The Seahorse and Banzai Bowls. While it’s sad to see these local favorites close, all is not lost—with every door that has shuttered, an opportunity to fill the space has opened, and there are now many new eateries to try with more on the way.

One such establishment is Evan’s Gourmet, which opened in January, taking over the space previously occupied by Roux Creole Cuisine, which closed on New Year’s Eve. Chef and owner Evan Lewis, who also has a popular food stand at Sawdust Art Festival and a local catering company, has curated an “everyday menu that also has some upscale entrees”—a little something for everyone.

“I have created a local neighborhood eatery with gourmet, high-quality ingredients, all made with love,” Lewis says. “Locals feel at home and tourists can feel like locals. I am excited to have this opportunity and hope the community enjoys it.”

In addition to dinner hours Wednesday through Saturday, this cozy spot offers a Sunday brunch, acoustic performances by local musicians on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons, and happy hour Wednesday through Friday from 5-6 p.m. For dinner, tuck into chicken Dijon, filet mignon with blue cheese butter, an Angus burger or ahi sandwich, but save room for butter cake with strawberries. Tip: A fried chicken special is offered on Wednesday nights.

Miso-sake sea bass and Evan’s Egg Beastro (inset), both at Evan’s Gourmet

REDEFINING RESTAURANTS

Indeed, last year witnessed a slew of new restaurant openings. Finney’s Crafthouse, located in the historic White House restaurant space on Coast Highway, is a craft kitchen and bar designed to appeal to all ages. Carnitas nachos, pepperoni flatbread, burgers or mini lobster rolls are just a few of the menu choices to pair with a margarita flight or one of the many craft beers on tap. Finney’s opened in March 2023, as did upscale Chinese restaurant Red Dragon, which focuses on unique and authentic Cantonese cuisine. Shareable, family-style dishes echo traditional Chinese meals like stir-fried Wagyu beef, Peking duck and Hong Kong-style wok-fried noodles.

Last May and June, respectively, saw the acquisition of Rumari and Royal Hawaiian by new owners. Rumari, now part of the same ownership as Mozambique and Skyloft, offers Italian cuisine with a Greek influence on the reimagined menu, including grilled lamb chops, house-made pasta and chicken Parmesan. The vision for the new iteration of Royal Hawaiian—reopened by Los Angeles-based Boulevard Hospitality Group—was to pay homage to the history of the restaurant as one of the oldest Tiki bars in the country, and staple menu items like a pu-pu platter and grilled meats continue to be served for a taste of the islands, adding to the nostalgia.

Then, over the summer, Cabana

Restaurant & Beach Club replaced Peruvian restaurant Suenos in August, serving contemporary Mexican beach cuisine while celebrating traditional fine dining with weekend brunch and dinner throughout the week.

In early fall, Bodega Laguna Cocina & Cantina moved into the space that was briefly filled by Laguna Fish Co., and combines coastal and central Mexican flavors that remind Executive Chef Angel Velazquez of the food he enjoyed as a child, including branzino zarandeado, halibut ceviche and tacos filled with carnitas, blackened fish, chorizo, charred mushroom and more.

“So far, we [have] had great support and positive feedback,” Velazquez says of the newest sister restaurant of Skyloft,

Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry chef-owner Lindsay Smith (left) and a variety of her dishes (right)

Clockwise from top left: pizza at Grazie Grazie! Pizzeria; A barbecue platter with a Buzz Man boozy shake at Herb’s Place inside Skyloft; bucatini Bolognese at Rumari; Peggy’s Crispy Chicken sandwich at Finney’s Crafthouse

Mozambique and Rumari. “[Patrons] love the concept, the relaxed ambiance, the spicy bold flavors and the margaritas—it makes them feel like they might be in a little hidden part of Oaxaca.”

Bodega Laguna also has an attached retail shop, La Tienda, where authentic items from Mexico, including vibrant glassware, ceramics, home decor and apparel, can be purchased. Customers may also dine or host a private event in the retail space.

In November, Breeze & Brew opened in The Wharf’s former space to offer a constantly evolving, “no boundaries” menu featuring staple dishes like ceviche, burgers, chicken sandwiches, fajitas and signature cocktails plus live music on some weekends. Nirvana Grille also rebranded in the fall as Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry, offering farm-totable food and specializing in private space

rentals for any group size, plus cooking classes, curated events and a market with house-made culinary delights.

“We focus our menu on food sourced seasonally for the freshest culinary experience,” says chef and owner Lindsay Smith. “Our focus has increased in assisting with nonprofit fundraising, corporate team building, small cooking classes or demonstrations, … and special tasting dinners.”

“The market, as well, has been a new addition that we will be expanding more online for pick up or delivery where you can get ready-to-heat-and-serve proteins, housemade soups, pestos, ravioli, family meals, ice creams, desserts, sauces, dressings, appetizers and more to make entertaining and the work week easier on individuals and families.”

Closing out 2023, Herb’s Place opened in December within Skyloft, and has been

nicknamed “a barbecurated lounge.” The concept includes burgers, nachos, barbecue plates and boozy milkshakes served in a nostalgic space decorated with vintage band posters and iconic hues from the 1970s.

In recent months, the owner of Number 3 Restaurant in north Laguna changed concepts to Dai Mei Express Hot Pot, which also has a location in Irvine. Choose from hot pots with tiger prawns, lamb and seafood, or beef belly and seafood, all with a mix of mussels, clams, sausage, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and corn.

And in early March, chef Leo Bongarra opened the doors to Tango Laguna for farm-to-table dining downtown with globally-inspired tapas, sandwiches and entrees, curated wine pairings and cocktails all inspired by Argentinian and Californian cuisine.

Steamed Chilean sea bass at Red Dragon

406 Riverside Ave | Newport Beach

430 El Modena Ave | Newport Beach

Paseo Celestial | San Juan Capistrano

Hilledge Dr | Laguna Beach

2507 Island View Dr | Newport Beach

Nottigham Rd | Newport Beach

2751 De Soto Ave | Costa Mesa

Cliff Dr | Laguna Beach

QUICK-SERVICE CUISINE

Several smaller eatery concepts have also opened during the last year, including one of the most recent, Coast Kitchen, which took over the Coast Highway spot previously occupied by Taco Loco. This February, Coast started offering a menu of tacos, burritos, nachos, sandwiches and smash burgers.

A little over a year ago, in January 2023, The Taco Stand chain—started in San Diego and inspired by Tijuana taco stands—moved into the space long held by Taco Bell. The concept offers an authentic taco experience with handmade tortillas, high-grade meats and fresh ingredients coupled with flavored ice pops, churros and imported beer.

In March 2023, Grazie Grazie! Pizzeria set up shop in the north Laguna space that was formerly home to Gina’s Pizza in Boat Canyon Shopping Center; Grazie specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza with toppings from prosciutto to burrata and tuffles, and even one

pie finished with pistachio pesto and honey. Downtown, Yummy Dogs began serving gourmet hot with creative toppings in April 2023 in a family-friendly space complete with an arcade. In July, Wigz repurposed Laguna Beach’s only wig shop into a sandwich shop, serving high-quality deli meats, fresh ingredients and breads from Bread Artisan Bakery.

“We haven’t had a proper sandwich shop in quite a while. While there are places that serve great sandwiches—Orange Inn and Jan’s [Health Bar], to name a few—we are 100% dedicated to the sandwich, which is what our town has needed,” co-owner Zac Cornwell says. “Combine that with our fresh, high-quality ingredients and it’s the perfect lunch spot for Laguna Beach.”

Two bakery concepts are also now available. Rye Goods opened in May and the b8kery by Selanne opened in October. Rye Goods is an all-organic sourdough bakery that works with small-farm, West Coast heritage grains

and produce, and highlights the importance of locally sourced ingredients. In addition to baguettes, Danish rye, brioche, challah, bagels and other breads, Rye Goods offers sandwiches, soups, salads and breakfast items like avocado toast and an egg bagel sammy.

“Rye Goods fits Laguna’s passion for healthy food, its focus on the importance for community, and bringing more small business to the area,” says owner Sara Lezama. “I’m a local Laguna-ian and all I’ve ever wanted for Laguna is more local restaurants that match the vibe of the town. We make really yummy food that we think the community has asked for.”

The b8kery by Selanne, which opened in October, offers guests a neighborhood pastry and coffee shop in a cheerful white-and-pink interior with charming decorative touches, and an array of pastries from “bang pies,” like gourmet Pop Tarts, to muffins, cookies, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, scones and more.

For another type of treat, South Swell Ice

Left, from top: one of Royal Hawaiian’s cocktails and some dishes at the Tiki-inspired eatery, including curry pineapple rice served in half of a pineapple (center) and Huli-Huli Half Bird Inasal (right); right: dishes at Rye Goods

The New Era of Creatives

Cream expanded from San Clemente to Laguna in June 2023 to cater to patrons with a sweet tooth. Vanilla or chocolate ice cream bars, frozen bananas and soft serve with creative toppings are just the tip of the iceberg in this ice cream parlor. The rotating menu allows patrons to even further their taste buds’ exploration of flavorful adventures.

COMING SOON

Additional new restaurants are slated to open soon. Pinafini Restaurant & Bar will feature fine dining that blends Mediterranean flavors with California style in dishes like grilled meats and calamari. Pinafini has announced it will open in early 2024 in the former

Fishbone Kitchen & Bar space along Coast Highway. Only a few doors down, the space vacated by Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails this past fall remains empty and waiting for the next culinary concept.

And in north Laguna, local favorite 242 Cafe Fusion Sushi will be returning soon. It closed when owner and chef Miki Izumisawa passed away in 2022. To honor her memory and legacy of culinary arts, the restaurant will reopen as Miki Sushi + Sake this April in the same location; the dining room is undergoing a remodel with all new finishes. Izumisawa’s original menu and the original female staff will be a highlight of the new concept, plus upgraded wine, sake and beer selections will be available.

EYE-OPENING ELIXIRS

SEVERAL NEW COFFEE SHOPS HAVE ALSO RECENTLY OPENED IN LAGUNA BEACH.

JEDIDIAH COFFEE: Striving to keep Laguna caffeinated, Jedidiah Coffee opened this February and has created a commuity gathering place in north Laguna with consistent coffee drinks, pastries and other locallymade foods and snacks.

MOONGOAT COFFEE ROASTERS:

Filling the long-empty drivethrough coffee stand in north Laguna, the brand’s Pacific Goat Highway kiosk began grab-and-go coffee service last May with the motto of “Making Coffee. Better. Easier. Daily.” The business serves made-from-scratch foods and pastries, as well as internationally sourced coffees and teas, to delight customers with quick service.

“For those that have been there, the menu was exceptional and the same original menu will be available along with the ability to make reservations and order to go online,” explains proprietor Chris Olsen, who is also co-founder of the Wine Gallery in town. “The food and vibe were very unique to Laguna Beach. It was my wife, Heather, and myself, along with my business partner Greg Washer’s favorite restaurant in town. We are extremely honored to carry on Miki’s legacy and honor her life’s work.” Stay tuned for more emerging concepts catering to the foodies of this town—with more to come and excited chefs and owners behind each concept, the summer months are looking pretty tasty for Laguna Beach. g

BEAR COAST COFFEE: Opened in December on South Coast Highway, Bear Coast provides approachable coffee excellence to customers. Known for its version of a lavender caramel latte, the cafe shares its love for artisanal specialty coffee plus a lineup of breakfast sandwiches and bowls.

ENDLESS QUEST ROASTERS:

Opened in early March in north Laguna’s Boat Canyon Shopping Center, Endless Quest ethically sources unique international specialty coffee beans and brings out the full potential of each flavor profile through small-batch roasting. The brand’s owners visit farms to participate in harvest and collaborate with producers.

The Taco Stand (left) and some of its dishes (middle); right: the b8kery by Selanne

< Eat & Drink >

RISING TO SUCCESS

Local resident Jonnie LoFranco has turned her business, Bread Artisan Bakery, into a culinary force.

By ANNE MARIE PANORINGAN

Although she lived in Los Angeles for a while, Laguna Beach is where Jonnie LoFranco grew up and where she returned to raise her children. Indeed, LoFranco’s roots are firmly planted in this coastal city. “It’s paradise and I get to call it my home,” she says. Over the years, from this vacationworthy home base, LoFranco has built up a successful bakery brand. Previously

working as a music rep in the advertising industry, an opportunity presented itself when her father passed away. This businesswoman and mother of two going through a divorce was compelled to turn her dad’s modest, 15-year-old bakery into the flourishing enterprise he had always dreamed about. But it was a bit of a process to get there.

In 2010, she closed his business, Breads

Bread Artisan Bakery owner

Jonnie LoFranco; inset: master baker

Yannick Guegan

Bread Artisan Bakery creates a wide variety of bread, available at several restaurants, stores and even an Orange County theme park, plus pastries, which are sold along with bread at area farmers markets.

and Spreads—when the lease ended and was without a head baker—then started from scratch with her own Bread Artisan Bakery, building it up through hard work and fueled by copious cups of Americano from Laguna Coffee Co.

“To be honest, the intent was to sell my dad’s bakery after my father died, but then the stars somehow aligned,” LoFranco says. “Bread Artisan Bakery is my passion now and I love every minute of it.”

LoFranco’s business acumen along with her determination and outgoing nature would translate to additional accounts and continuous growth. “I have more of a mathematical, business mind, but I love being around energetic, creative people,” she says.

In 2011, her first client, a landmark Anaheim theme park, would lay a foundation

for the growth of Bread Artisan Bakery, which will soon be known simply as Bread. Expanding from one to 11 delivery vehicles, the bakery’s goods are now found in more than 300 dining rooms and eateries throughout the region, with a local roundup including Nick’s, Ahba, Montage and Sapphire, CellarCraft Cook in Laguna, and Marché Moderne and Mario’s Butcher Shop in Newport Beach. Locals also find her company’s breads in a very popular neighborhood grocery retailer throughout Orange County and Long Beach.

Yet LoFranco emphatically gives much of the credit to her talented master baker Yannick Guegan. She unknowingly tried Yannick’s baking while dining at French 75 years ago, not realizing who he was nor that his current place of employment was closing until a mutual friend introduced them.

After three years of working together, Guegan would ultimately become a partner in the bakery and they would move the operation from San Juan Capistrano to its existing home in Santa Ana.

THE PROOF

Born in the Brittany region of France, Guegan’s talent for baking has been refined over the course of 40-plus years. He not only runs the bakery side of the business, he works seven days a week—by choice. “Why not? There’s always something to do,” he says. As the weekend approaches, Guegan begins prep at midnight on pastries from croissants to tarts for the multiple farmers markets (including Laguna Beach) where they set up shop, always keeping the specific inventory a surprise until the team loads the

delivery trucks. These weekly markets allow the bakery to extend beyond restaurants and into the kitchens of home cooks and busy families who appreciate fresh, locally made bread and pastries.

The markets are also an opportunity for Guegan to bounce between classic and creative bakes. On the traditional side, the sourdough table bread at Water Grill is an integral part of a diner’s experience. For weekends, sweets sell out as quickly as savory. From sesame brioche burger buns and multigrain sourdough to iced cinnamon rolls and fanciful kouign-amanns, Guegan’s expertise knows no bounds.

“We make at least 200 kinds of breads, including several different kinds of sandwich/burger buns and loaves such as batards, baguettes, rolls, etc.,” LoFranco says. Her favorite is a multigrain pan loaf or baguette; Guegan prefers a toasted campagne multigrain. On a normal day, the bakery produces between 14,000 and 17,000 pounds of dough.

Touring the baking facility gives a better idea of just how busy Bread truly is. Amongst the wall-to-wall equipment, team members swiftly move between the various stages of breadmaking. From incorporating Guegan’s 27-year-old sourdough starter into every batch of dough to its first rise, shaping, proofing/second rise and baking, it is a process so precise that the weather can easily affect a batch. “The most challenging … is the Santa Ana’s wind; it’s hot and dry,” Guegan says, explaining how the dough grows more temperamental as the weather shifts.

THE BAKE

At home in Laguna Beach, LoFranco begins each day with some form of exercise, such as spin or strength training, at local spots Vessel and Prevail Strength & Conditioning, respectively. When looking for a place to dine, she frequents Ahba for its crave-worthy cheeseburger as well as South of Nick’s for Mexican fare. She also enjoys live music and exploring new restaurants throughout the county. When it comes to work, despite never thinking she would be part of her father’s business, LoFranco, Guegan and Bread have made a significant contribution to the restaurant landscape in OC and beyond. Future plans include a much-needed expansion of the existing bakery to a neighboring space, adding Yorba Linda to the farmers market list as well as at least one project LoFranco is still keeping under wraps. For LoFranco, passion for her company makes the bakery more than just her bread and butter.

“We’re living and breathing this 24 hours a day, whether we’re here or not,” LoFranco says. “It never stops. That’s having your own business, right?” g

“TO BE HONEST, THE INTENT WAS TO SELL MY DAD’S BAKERY AFTER MY FATHER DIED, BUT THEN THE STARS SOMEHOW ALIGNED. BREAD ARTISAN BAKERY IS MY PASSION NOW AND I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT.”

-JONNIE LOFRANCO

The fresh loaves from Bread Artisan Bakery can be used in seemingly endless ways, from topping soups (top right) to making avocado toast (below).

Welcoming Wellness

MEXICO’S CONRAD PUNTA DE MITA OFFERS EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE ULTIMATE LAID-BACK VACATION.

By ASHLEY RYAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CONRAD PUNTA DE MITA

FROM THE WHITE SAND BEACHES OF CANCUN AND energetic nightlife of Cabo to Mexico City’s vibrant art, architecture and history, there’s no doubt that vacationing south of the border offers ample adventures to uncover. But, if it’s rest and relaxation you seek, there’s a hidden gem that you simply must experience—and it just happens to lie along Mexico’s western coastline.

Conrad Punta de Mita resort, along 2 miles of beach

Less than an hour’s drive from tourist hub Puerto Vallarta—which you can reach by direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport—the private peninsula of Punta Mita is a lesser-known piece of paradise right on the Pacific. Head straight for Conrad Punta de Mita, a mecca for slow “living” that will elevate your stay with wellness activities, cultural elements and indulgent Mexican cuisine.

REST YOUR HEAD

Conrad Punta de Mita boasts a tranquil atmosphere the moment you set foot on the property, entering the lobby through a tunnel—welcome drink in hand—that is said to cleanse the body, designed to act as a metaphorical portal between the real world and the luxurious realm of the Conrad. Owned by Hilton, Conrad resorts are less plentiful than those of its parent brand, situated

solely in destinations that are filled with culture and showcase a connection to the natural landscape.

One way that Conrad Punta de Mita highlights local culture is through an eclectic art program, showcasing varied pieces by Mexican artists throughout the hotel, in guest rooms, the spa, the lobby and beyond. The resort also features an artist-in-residence program, with bold sculptures by Oaxacan native Sabino Guisu on display through the end of March.

Every room at the Conrad offers at least a partial ocean view, with the entire property oriented toward the sea. And while the rooms in the main building range from simple to spectacular—like the sprawling 3,200-square-foot penthouse suite—you can’t beat the beachfront suites, which feature king-size beds, a rainfall shower and soaking

tub, daily breakfast buffet, spa access, nightly cocktail hour, transportation to and from the airport, and an expansive balcony with a private plunge pool just steps from the sand.

Another benefit of booking a stay in the beachfront suites (and some of those in the main building, too) are the Personal Concierge services offered, creating an unparalleled hospitality experience. Enjoy a private, in-room check-in process and specially curated itinerary designed by your assigned concierge, who can assist with things like scheduling spa treatments, dinner reservations or activities like chartered yachts, tequila tastings or s’mores on the beach with a fire pit. You may also find special treats in your room to help you unwind, from a bottle of Valle de Guadalupe wine to a bath drawn exclusively for you with fragrant oils, salts and florals.

Top and bottom right: Every room features at least a partial ocean view at Conrad de Punta Mita. Bottom left: a patio with plunge pool

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.

STAY & PLAY

Add a touch of magic to your trip without ever leaving the resort—especially if your focus is on rest and relaxation. Throughout the duration of your trip, make Conrad Spa your hub. Home to holistic experiences that will keep self-discovery in the forefront of your mind, you can work your way through unique sessions that are centered around the mystical ancient Huichol culture. Try the healing Maraakame Copal Purification Experience with the burning of incense and detoxifying massage, the Muvieri body wrap for cleansing your energy or the chocolatescented Chilate, which uses cacao beans—an antioxidant—to evoke tranquility. Perhaps the most intriguing, though, is the

Temazcal experience, which takes place in a clay dome known as the “womb of the earth.” These were once placed at the entrance to ancient Mexican cities so that guests could rest and be cleansed of disease or illness before visiting. Led by a local shaman, the ceremony, which is said to represent rebirth and offer new beginnings, is a transformative, emotional encounter that uses steam, heated stones and meditation to reduce stress.

A number of facials and massages are also available, creating serenity with the soothing sound of rolling waves, soft sheets embroidered with Mexican-inspired designs and aromatic essential oil blends. Special “nests” with thatched roofs also offer a tranquil spot for breezy outdoor treatments,

surrounding the spa’s outdoor pool, whirlpool spa, cold plunge and vibrant garden; a sauna, hair salon and fitness center can also be found indoors.

In between treatments, slip out to the private, 2-mile beach, where chairs adorn the sand. Sit for a while, enjoying the views, scents and sounds of the ocean, or dive in for a swim in the warm water. This is an especially reposeful place at sunset, when the glowing sun sinks down below the expansive waves, painting the sky purple and pink. Or you can opt to lounge by one of the resort’s many pools. The main pool features an infinity edge that overlooks the beach with unrivaled views of the Riviera Nayarit coastline, while the Aura pool—for adults

Several swimming pools and a spa (opposite page) make the resort a relaxing space.

only—offers a swim-up pool bar and cabanas that can be reserved for the day. Get the perfect photo opp by ordering a cocktail served in a coconut, stamped with the resort’s name. Those with children have options too, including the family pool, which has a water slide, as well as the kiddie pool with a splash pad for the littlest guests.

Elsewhere, children can enjoy the Turi Kids Club, where they can construct cultural crafts like creating their own God’s eye, or practice healthy competition over foosball, table tennis or billiards in the resort’s game room. Meeting spaces are also available for corporate events or weddings of up to 600 people, with event planning teams on-site to help with your every need.

Of course, if relaxation isn’t your aim, there are plenty of exciting ways to explore the region, from snorkeling to stand-up paddleboarding, whale watching, surfing, sport fishing, kayaking or golfing at the nearby Higuera Golf Club, exploring the Marieta Islands or shopping for treasures in the charming town of Sayulita to the north.

Spa Conrad features special “nests” with thatched roofs for outdoor treatments surrounding the spa’s pool.

DINING DESTINATIONS

No vacation is complete without an array of eateries to choose from, and the Conrad aims to impress with culinary destinations that span from dining on the sand to an opulent, innovative signature restaurant.

Hidden amongst the trees in a little oasis along the sand is Codex, the resort’s crown jewel. Named for an ancient Aztec manuscript, this secluded signature spot—which was recently honored in the 2023 Mexico Gastronomic Guide, a list of the top 250 restaurants in Mexico by Culinaria Mexicana— offers bold takes on the country’s heritage. Upon arrival, all guests are cleansed with a copal blessing ceremony before being escorted inside. Start with a drink from the inventive mixology program, which features ancestral beverages in addition to cocktails like Chak, a red drink that represents the color of the rising sun with tequila, orange liqueur, hibiscus and lemon, or Kisín, a blend of mezcal, tequila, blackberry, cranberry, lemon and habanero named for a Mayan god. On the menu, you’ll find dishes like tomato salad, soft shell crab, pork belly, shrimp, sea bass, oysters and lamb loin, simply named but masterfully plated. For dessert, you can try the goat cheesecake or Mexique Chocolate cake, but it’s the Black Velvet that really stands out: a sugar sphere stuffed with strawberries and cherries, served alongside white chocolate mousse, a nut crumble and flower petals that are frozen tableside with dry ice before they’re sprinkled over the plate.

Another great dining spot is Mezquite. Also on the sand—though not nearly as tucked away as Codex—this open-air grill

offers a seasonal menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening cocktails. Try the fruity Pineapple Dust, which combines rum with roasted pineapple, horchata and pineapple juice, or Rabbit, a bourbon drink with apple juice, smoked cinnamon and bitters. Flavorful entrees include the San Blas shrimp, prepared with a Nayarit-style jerk marinade, as well as grilled octopus, short rib ravioli, a whole chicken, prime beef cuts and yellowfin tuna. But the shared plates—particularly the tuna sashimi and charred avocado tacos—are also worth tasting. And don’t forget the crispy, authentic churros, served with chocolate and vanilla sauces.

Paleta, located alongside one of the pools, is a great lunch spot. On a hot day, this shady patio is the perfect place to take a break— maybe with a ice pop-topped margarita. Paleta serves up easy eats like poke bowls, pizza, Baja-style fish tacos (made with the catch of the day) and fresh ceviche. Or, for a more unique spread, arrange a zarandeado, a traditional beach barbecue offered by the Conrad. Local fishermen arrive with their fresh catches in order to prepare your meal,

with the main attraction being fish, like red snapper, that is grilled before your eyes on the sand. The feast is rounded out with regional dishes like mahi-mahi ceviche, shrimp, grilled octopus, salad, vegetables, desserts and tableside margaritas.

To start the day, visit Arbol’s breakfast buffet or dine on a la carte items like chilaquiles, an acai bowl, cinnamon toast, chicken enchiladas, an egg white vegetable frittata or a chocolate and bacon waffle. Or enjoy your morning meals from the comfort of your own room with a floating breakfast placed directly into your plunge pool.

One other culinary experience not to be missed is the agave spirit tasting held at Agave Studio, tucked away in the corner of Arbol. With a collection of more than 200 bottles, guests can sample tequila, mezcal, raicilla and sotol in a variety of vessels with miniature appetizers for pairing. Feel your stress melt away as you sip these artisanal beverages and learn about the history of spirit-making in Mexico—just one more way that Conrad Punta de Mita marries wellness and culture. /

Top left: Conrad Punta de Mita’s floating breakfast in a plunge pool; top middle and bottom right: signature restaurant Codex; top right: zarandeado, a tradtional beach barbecue; bottom middle: Mezquite’s beach bar

Dine / Evan’s Gourmet

Going Gourmet

CHEF EVAN LEWIS EXPANDS ON HER SAWDUST FOOD BOOTH AND CATERING COMPANY WITH A NEW RESTAURANT OFFERING DELIGHTFUL DINING OPTIONS FOR DINNER AND BRUNCH.

By SHARON STELLO

Alongtime fixture in the community, chef Evan Lewis, who grew up in Laguna Beach, has run her Evan’s Gourmet Bistro food stand at Sawdust Art Festival for nearly a decade and also maintains a successful catering business, finally opened a brick-andmortar restaurant in town in January. Also called Evan’s Gourmet, the eatery is tucked away on Glenneyre Street in the cozy space that was home to Roux Creole Cuisine until it closed at the end of last year. Pull up a chair at the counter to watch your dish being prepared or grab a table in

the front area or the back room and settle in for a delicious dinner. While perusing the brief but memorable menu, sip a glass of Champagne or wine hailing from Napa or Sonoma in California, Oregon, New Zealand, Australia or France. A few beer options are also available.

When it comes to appetizers, locals will no doubt recognize the Asparagus Cigars from Lewis’ offerings at Sawdust. These tasty bites are deep-fried lumpia, each filled with an asparagus spear and Parmesan, served with lemon aioli. Meanwhile, the New Orleansstyle BBQ Shrimp are a nod to Roux. And

the crab cakes, made with blue crab and paired with jalapeno tartar sauce, are also delectable. Two other menu items were also curated from her Sawdust booth: the Angus burger with barbecue sauce, Muenster and a hint of blue cheese, mayo, arugula, red onion, tomato and pickles, and the ahi sandwich with seared sashimi-grade ahi tuna, also topped with Muenster cheese, arugula, tomato and pickles on toasted focaccia with jalapeno tartar sauce.

When it comes to the elegant entrees, these dishes take it up a notch from any festival. Perfectly prepared filet mignon is topped with blue cheese butter and comes with mashed potatoes and vegetables while the miso-sake sea bass is a tender piece of fish with a tempting scallion sauce served on a bed of coconut forbidden black rice with bell peppers and bok choy for added texture and flavor. But the piece de resistance is the chicken Dijon, a rich and creamy meal featuring seared chicken breast, shallots, garlic, thyme, mushrooms and white wine all simmered in a Dijon cream sauce, accompanied by mashed potatoes and vegetables like asparagus. Lewis also plans to add a swordfish dish in tribute to Cafe Zoolu, which called this spot home before Roux.

And for those who dine here often, Lewis mixes it up on Wednesday nights, offering fried chicken with white pepper gravy, mashed potatoes and pickled watermelon rinds. Or come on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for brunch. In addition to the Angus burger and ahi sandwich, the midday menu also includes Evan’s Egg Beastro, a breakfast sandwich piled high with eggs, bacon and cheddar cheese as well as avocado and smoked tomatoes layered on a focaccia roll with lemon aioli. Or opt for Evan’s Benedict, which starts with a toasted English muffin, then adds creamed Swiss chard, a poached egg and hollandaise sauce; filet mignon or a crab cake can also be added. No matter what time you come, be sure to save room for dessert. Choose from the chocolate cake with whiskey-caramel sauce, a lemon cake with lemon frosting or Kentucky butter cake topped with roasted strawberries—all great options as the finale to any meal. g

EVAN’S GOURMET

860 Glenneyre St.; 949-715-3707; evansgourmet.com

HOURS: 5-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday

Clockwise from top left: chicken Dijon; the homey dining room at Evan’s Gourmet; crab cakes (front) with the Asparagus Cigars and a glass of prosecco; Kentucky butter cake with berries

Taste of the Town / Dining News

A LITTLE BIT OF ALOHA

The spirit of the islands slides into town with the opening of ALOHANA ACAI BOWLS & COFFEE, an Orange County-based chain that started in San Clemente just before the pandemic. Co-owner Robert O’Quinn and his wife, Lucy, whip up fruit smoothies, coffee drinks and acai bowls piled high with toppings, bringing another healthy alternative to Laguna in the former Banzai Bowls space. Build your own bowl, choosing from bases that include pitaya, coconut and mango in addition to organic acai, or select one of Alohana’s signature creations, like the Seaside, Moonlight, Grom Kids or Lowers bowls; add-ons and drizzles are also available. Or opt for a smoothie, made fresh to order with no dairy, ice or preservatives. Options include the peanut butter-banana Pendleton, mango acai, the strawberry-banana Shaka and the nutrientpacked Emerald Bay. While you wait for your order to be made, peruse the retail selection of home goods, resin artwork, Pura Vida bracelets, greeting cards, body mousses, hats, T-shirts and Mexican blankets or entertain yourself: Alohana has games on the tables, surf books on the counters

and even a guitar in the corner for customers to enjoy. (949-573-2385; alohanaacaioc.com) —Ashley Ryan

SLOW DOWN

Relax and unwind sipping Slowdays Gin, the inaugural spirit from Laguna Beach resident and Hotel Laguna bartender Jared Murphy’s SLOWDAYS GIN CO. The brand started with a soft launch in the region last August to gauge reception before elevating to a full launch. “This spring is the

beginning of our push to become a recognizable product behind bars and on shelves in Orange County, even without the backing of a major distributor,” Murphy says. “Our independence from distributor pressure at this stage allows us to be less focused on short-term sales targets and instead look for long-term partners—both at retail [stores] and at restaurants or bars—where Slowdays is a natural fit instead of just another spirit.” Slowdays Gin features botanical notes of hibiscus, as well as ginger and cinnamon in an attempt to create a unique, approachable drink. It is already being served at Hotel Laguna and Ahba as well as A Crystal Cove in nearby Newport Beach, with plans to expand to Pavilions here in town soon. The date for the full launch party will be revealed in the coming weeks. (slowdaysgin.co) —A.R.

FRESH FLAVORS

Former Cajun seafood joint The Wharf is now under new management and recently underwent a remodel before BREEZE & BREW was unveiled as a place to “eat, drink and socialize” in November. The new downtown eatery, located on Ocean Avenue, serves as a gathering place with live musicians performing

From left: a bowl from Alohana Acai Bowls & Coffee; Slowdays Gin Co.’s introductory spirit

BOTTOM, FROM LEFT: ASHLEY RYAN; THOMAS GAVIN

Sliders from the new Breeze & Brew, located downtown on Ocean Avenue

periodically. Menu items include ceviche, garlic Cajun fries, sliders, salads, chicken sandwiches, fajitas and more, and can be paired with drinks like the Raspberry OMG or mezcal mule. (949-497-3381; breezeandbrew.com)

In February, COAST KITCHEN launched with a soft opening in the former Taco Loco spot on Coast Highway, serving up a selection of smash burgers made from beef, shrimp or tofu and mushroom as well as Mexican classics like quesadillas, tacos, burritos and nachos. Pack your picks with a variety of proteins, with chicken, carnitas and beef available all around and special offerings like fish or potato for the tacos and a steak and shrimp burrito. (714-809-4000; coastkitchen0950.s4shops.com)

Exceptional food and memorable experiences will be front and center at the forthcoming PINAFINI RESTAURANT & BAR, which is expected to open this spring along Coast Highway. Moving in where Fishbone Kitchen & Bar used to be, Pinafini plans to blend the flavors of the sun-kissed Mediterranean with the spirit of the West Coast, serving up Greek fare with California flair. Designed to reflect both the tranquil nature of the ocean, the fine dining eatery will remain dedicated to fresh ingredients in dishes such as grilled calamari and braised lamb shank. (pinafini.com) —A.R.

CULTURAL CREATIONS

International fare is spotlighted during Destination Dining at BROADWAY BY AMAR SANTANA. Held on the first and third Tuesday of the month, travel connoisseurs and adventurous foodies will love this series that explores regional cuisines from around the world. The menu for the multicourse, prix fixe meal changes each time, with dishes prepared in Broadway’s own culinary style, and an optional beverage pairing can be added on. February’s offerings included a Thai menu—with shrimp spring roll, Thai panang curry with beef short rib and mango sticky rice pudding—as well as one featuring New Orleans-inspired cuisine that included corn and crawfish chowder, cornmeal-crusted fried catfish and a New Orleans bourbon bread pudding. March saw the inclusion of food from Ireland, with oysters, shepherd’s pie and Irish apple cake on the menu, as well as Iranian kuku sabzi (herb frittata), khoresh fesenjoon (chicken stew) and sholeh zard (saffron rice pudding); among others, Morocco, Italy, Portugal and Ukraine have also been featured. Destination Dining continues April 2 with the Dominican Republic—chef Santana’s birthplace. (949-715-8234; broadwaybyamarsantana.com) —A.R.

EPICUREAN EXPLORATIONS

From French to Italian, MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH has announced a dining series that takes participants on a tasting journey around the globe. Called Friends of the Chef, this series

features nationally recognized friends of David Serus, the resort’s executive chef. Each will offer a luxurious fourcourse meal along with beverage pairings by Wally’s Wine & Spirits. Starting April 5 with Taste of Italy by chef Chad Colby of Antico Nuovo in LA, the events take place in The Loft Private Dining Room from 6-9 p.m., except for the final iteration, a Bastille Day celebration brunch—Taste of France by Master Chefs of France—on the Pacific Lawn from on July 14. The April meal features items like caprese salad and dry-aged amberjack served “Sicilian style” with salmoriglio, which is a sauce of lemon juice, olive oil and herbs, along with “schiacciate” (cracked) olives, lemon and caper leaves. The other two dinners include Taste of New American with chef David Feau of Wally’s on May 17 and Taste of Baja with chef Roberto Alcocer of Oceanside-based Valle on June 21. Reservations are required. (949-7156420; montage.com) —Sharon Stello /

RESTAURANT LISTINGS

Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online.

Various cultural cuisines are the focus of Montage Laguna Beach’s Friends of the Chef series.

Oysters from Broadway by Amar Santana’s Irish Destination Dining event in March

Last Impressions / Tim Hartshorn

Hartshorn 10

MINUTES WITH Tim

THE SOUTH COUNTY CROSSCULTURAL COUNCIL’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TALKS ABOUT EXPANDING RESOURCES FOR LOCAL DAY LABORERS, SOME OF HIS FAVORITE PLACES IN LAGUNA AND MORE.

By SHARON STELLO

In college, Tim Hartshorn began conducting research on the experiences of migrant workers, which not only helped him earn a Ph.D. from UC Irvine, but also put him on the path to his new job as executive director of the South County Crosscultural Council, which runs the Day Worker Center in Laguna Canyon and offers English as a second language classes.

Originally from Boston, Hartshorn earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and anthropology from Connecticut College.

“Much of my anthropological work in college focused on the tobacco and alcohol consumption in New London, a once-bustling port city now confronted with significant economic and social challenges,” he says. “I was interested in urban geography and history—in how our environments inform our behavior, beliefs and values over time, especially through trying circumstances. I was also—as I still am—invested in improving the conditions of daily life among those who are most marginalized.”

Through his work with Spanish-speaking communities on the East Coast, he became more interested in immigration issues, then eventually moved to Southern California to work toward his doctorate in anthropology.

“I had originally set out to conduct an ethnographic study of daily life among day laborers—or ‘jornaleros’ in Spanish—in Santa Ana, focusing on economic challenges, social networks and the like,” he says. “I spent a lot of time in a retail parking lot, learning names, making friends and generally establishing rapport, while trying to pick up some data along the way. …

“With the onset of the pandemic, the workers and I increasingly spoke about profound—one might even say existential— issues: life, death, morality, God. My work … came to focus on religious expression in a time and space of intense uncertainty.”

Hartshorn learned about the South County Crosscultural Council’s Day Worker Center and began speaking with workers there. Eventually, SCCC board chairman David Peck asked if Hartshorn would consider serving as the council’s director in a part-time role and then full time after completing his doctorate. “It was a no-brainer,” ‘Hartshorn says. “The work of SCCC is vital to our community.”

In addition to the Day Worker Center, which matches job seekers with contractors and homeowners who need help with landscaping, moving, home repairs and remodeling—find forms at crossculturalcouncil.com—the SCCC also runs La Playa, a program offering ESL classes at the Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Senior Center as well as the San Juan Capistrano Community Center. For the past year, weekly ESL classes have also been offered at the Day Worker Center, where Hartshorn is adding resources: regular visits by health advocates and nurses from Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and the Be Well OC Mobile Crisis Response Team, specializing in mental and behavioral health, plus legal aid from Santa Ana’s Public Law Center.

Below, Hartshorn—who lives in Long Beach with his fiancee, Sarah, and their cat, Pepita—shares more about his time spent in Laguna and what inspires him.

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE: What do you like about Laguna Beach?

TIM HARTSHORN: I love the sense of community. … People here care deeply about their city, about its history, culture, institutions and natural beauty, and are open to new ideas and opportunities. You can really make a difference here.

LBM: Any favorite places in Laguna?

TH: I love hiking in Laguna Canyon. For a lover of nature—especially birds—such as myself, it provides the perfect setting to behold an incredible diversity of flora and fauna while getting some exercise. … In terms of restaurants, I’d like to give a shoutout to friend of the Day Worker Center, chef Leo Bongarra, who … [recently opened] a tapas and cocktails restaurant, Tango, right here in … Laguna.

LBM: What’s the last book you read that inspired or was meaningful to you?

TH: I’ve recently returned to Gary Soto’s poetry collection, “The Elements of San Joaquin,” first published in 1977 but still vibrant as ever. Soto is a California native and UC Irvine alumnus, along with being one of the most highly regarded poets of his generation. g

Tim Hartshorn, the new executive director of the South County Crosscultural Council

SARAH STANLEY

Real Reviews Real Results

The Hortons are very knowledgable on the market and their years of experience show. Their judgment, advice, and instincts prove worthy time and time again.” ~Seller

They are creative, hard-working, resourceful, committed, and extremely professional. They helped our family find our dream home and handled the transaction and negotiation with elegance.” ~Buyer

The Horton’s knowledge and expertise in working with both buyers and sellers is exceptional. Amanda diffuses difficult situations with wisdom and a calm spirit. She is problem solver and truly makes the buying/selling experience less stressful. We highly recommend the Hortons to anyone who is in need of an agent.~ Buyer and Seller