Active Culture

Active Culture
By Shelley T. Hudson

In a restored 1920’s Spanish building on South Coast Highway, Faye Clapp and her sister-in-law Jennifer Clapp fulfilled their dream of opening a café that focuses on organic natural foods. Faye and Jennifer named the business “Active Culture” both as a reference to the vibrant, bustling community of Laguna Beach and as a nod to one of their specialty items.

The women worked with well-known local architect Anders Lasater to restore the historic site to its original glory. The group took advantage of the city’s “Open for Business” initiative to get the project going. The year-long process was worth the wait and according to Faye, “the response from the community has been overwhelming.”

Active Culture’s mostly organic menu answers the demand for a healthy, quick, delicious alternative to the fast food joints and sandwich shops that dominate the local landscape. Faye’s enthusiasm for fresh, natural ingredients and healthy cooking is reflected in the extensive and varied menu. Her commitment to eco-consciousness is practiced right down to the spoon as well. Most of the disposable items are made from recycled materials and the plastic utensils are made from a corn starch compound….so you have many reasons to feel good about your meal.

Active Culture opens early for breakfast, which is great news for surfers and morning walkers. The breakfast bowls are an ideal start to a productive day. The “Acai Bowl,” packed with Greek yogurt, acai, organic granola, flaxseed, banana and berries is one of the most popular. Fresh bagels served open-faced with almond butter and bananas or cream cheese and avocado are also perfect combinations of healthy fats and muscle-building protein…and they’re scrumptious.

A hit for lunch and dinner, Active Culture’s rice bowls are offered in a ton of interesting combinations. The “Laguna Beach Bowl” has a base of organic brown rice, goat cheese, prosciutto, apples, dates and fresh herbs. The best seller, Faye says, is the “Whole Bowl,” which features a secret vegan sauce. Wrap versions of the bowls are also available, in organic tortillas, of course.

Faye is especially proud of their unique take on an old favorite—the smoothie. All smoothies are non-dairy and have a frozen coconut base. The “Chocolate Bliss,” made with almond milk, and the “Naked Coconut” are local stand-outs. Even the coffee is distinctive at Active Culture. Only organic, fair-trade Kean Coffee is served here, and the droves of morning devotees are a testament to the difference!

With ten frozen yogurt options and over thirty toppings, your favorite combo is only limited by your imagination. The half-organic yogurts are primarily non-fat (also available in no-sugar and non-dairy varieties), all with the important live and active cultures that make frozen yogurt a healthy snack or dessert. The frozen yogurt is self-serve, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you like.

Faye attributes the success of Active Culture to overwhelming community support. She’s proud to have earned the loyalty of so many “regulars” since she and her partner opened the doors in November. Faye is also grateful for the droves of tourists who stumble in from the local galleries and beaches in search of quintessential “Southern California.”

Check out Active Culture on your next summer stroll and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal or frozen yogurt. Take in an art exhibit, bask in the warm sun, gaze out at the ocean view…and enjoy!

Active Culture: 1006 S. Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach Corner of Anita and PCH 949.715.5188