Dana Point Grand Prix 2011

Gear up for a great weekend of family fun, excitement and cycling action at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. This 5th annual event happens Sunday, May 1st at 7:00 a.m. around a dynamic downtown race course in picturesque Dana Point. Over $30,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to participating cyclists from around the country.

One of the most prestigious one-day professional bicycle races in America, the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling is a family-oriented event promoting healthy lifestyles that also raises money for outstanding charities. This year’s race, the Breakaway from Cancer Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, supports the Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute in Los Angeles.

Overlooking Dana Point Harbor, in the scenic downtown and Heritage Park neighborhood, professional and amateur athletes compete on an exciting technical and challenging L-shaped race course that offers a unique spectator experience for fans and the community. The course begins on Pacific Coast Highway (Del Prado) and winds its way through downtown Dana Point into Heritage Park and the adjoining residential community before finishing on a long straightaway on PCH.

Check out the cyclists as they take a spin on one of the most challenging criterium courses in the country. With 11 amateur and professional races, 6 kids’ races and a new and improved Fan Zone, the Dana Point Grand Prix is sure to be an action-packed day of fun for the whole family. This year, the event also introduces a Kids Zone, featuring bike safety demonstrations, games, contests and vendors for the future cyclists of America.

The 2011 Grand Prix has been selected by USA Cycling as a member of the National Racing Calendar, an exclusive series comprising 34 race events in major U.S. cities representing American Pro/Am bicycle racing at its finest. Dana Point was selected to be part of this exclusive group not only because of its beauty, but because of its proactive community involvement with children and cycling advocacy.

The Vintage Steakhouse
By Amelia Winslow

Step into The Vintage Steakhouse and you’ll be transported to another era. This romantic and charming restaurant, located in downtown San Juan at the 1894 Capistrano Depot, has ambiance and history built-in. Want to dine in a 1927 fully-restored Pullman Car or have a cocktail in an 1887 Freight House Bar? No problem; just climb aboard.

At The Vintage Steakhouse, they do things a little differently, which is why you might have a more enjoyable experience there than at a conventional steakhouse. First, they prepare all of their meats and seafood over an open-fire, mesquite char-broiler, so every dish has a distinct and flavorful taste. Their entrées also come with vegetable and potato sides at no additional charge, so you won’t have to order a bunch of extras just to feel like you’ve had a complete meal. Best of all – besides the quaint setting in which you’ll experience your food – are the prices, which somehow remain low despite the impeccable quality of the food and service.

We sampled so many delicious items at The Vintage Steakhouse that it’s hard to highlight just a few. The featured mushroom appetizer, Abalone mushrooms in wine sauce, was mouth-wateringly good, as were the mesquite goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes. The bone-in smoked pork chop with a red currant demi-glace was also memorable, as were the sweet potato fries and perfectly cooked veggies that accompanied it. For the true meat-lover, the Tomahawk rib eye steak is a must-order if it’s available, as the presentation alone was quite a treat.

Do hold back enough to save room for dessert, since Vintage’s sweet offerings should not be missed. Though we intended to merely taste the warm chocolate cupcake, it’s extraordinarily creamy mint whipped cream and refreshing peppermint ice cream caused us to devour the entire dessert in a matter of moments.

Whether you go for a cocktail, dinner, or decide to host your next event at The Vintage Steakhouse, you’ll be on the right track.

The Vintage Steak House
26701-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano • 949.661.3400 • www.TheVintageSteakhouse.com

A CUT ABOVE: The Beveled Edge celebrating 25 years in business
By Shelly T. Hudson

In 2011, you might be hard-pressed to identify an industry that’s been relatively unchanged by technology in the last century. A shining example of how expert craftsmanship and old-fashioned customer care still make all the difference, however, is Norton and Vicki Canterbury’s art glass studio, The Beveled Edge. As many “mom and pop shops” have made way for superstores and big box warehouse chains, The Beveled Edge operates in much the same way as they did in 1986—all custom, all hand-crafted.

Fresh out of the Marine Corps in 1983, Norton took an apprentice position at a stained glass overlay franchise to make ends meet. Three years later, he opened his first studio. Since then, Norton has occupied locations in both San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with the Canterbury’s settling the business in Laguna Niguel in 2000- where it’s still going strong.

What’s the secret behind The Beveled Edge’s 25 years as a successful, family-owned business? It’s actually no secret at all. Norton and Vicki personally work with each and every customer, guaranteeing their workmanship for a lifetime. When customers approach the Canterburys with a project, the wheels are set in motion for the creation of a one-of-a-kind, fully-custom art piece. While the Beveled Edge specializes in traffic-stopping entry doors, they also design and install elaborate windows, cabinet doors, shower systems and table tops. Each piece of glass is completely hand-crafted.

The design process is collaborative every step of the way. Once Norton and his customer formulate a concept, Vicki creates a full-scale template of the design. After the final design and color scheme are approved, the project is fabricated right at the shop. With 140 years of combined experience among the crew, precision craftsmanship is the standard. The Beveled Edge’s customers enjoy knowing that they are working with the owners of the business directly and that their projects are executed with expertise from conceptualization to installation.

Although most of The Beveled Edge’s business is residential—and from satisfied repeat customers—the Canterburys work frequently with designers and local businesses. Their sophisticated stained glass installations are displayed throughout the area and stunning examples can be seen at the Dana Point City Council offices and JSerra High School’s chapel.

An entryway designed and installed by The Beveled Edge sets a home apart from the rest of the neighborhood, providing distinctive curb appeal and a beautiful exterior focal point. Many larger homes have dark, uninteresting foyers and front entries. The Beveled Edge’s leaded glass designs offer style and flair, allowing natural light to flood the space.

Norton says that the majority of his residential entry projects utilize the homeowner’s existing door(s), translating into an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution. The Beveled Edge will transform any door—even metal and fiberglass doors primarily used in new construction—into functional works of art. In fact, many doors are designed utilizing an existing motif from the home that’s incorporated into the pattern. For example, the curves of a favorite iron table or the geometric shapes of an art deco chandelier may provide the inspiration for the final product. One customer even surprised her golf aficionado husband with a stained glass version of himself on the fairway!

By all accounts, Norton Canterbury is a lucky man. This year, he celebrates 30 years of marriage with Vicki and 25 years in business with The Beveled Edge. He has made his home in Laguna Niguel since 1986 with his wife and three children: Jaime, a professional distance runner residing in Arizona, Jeremy, a senior art degree candidate at UCSB and Paige, a sophomore and track athlete at Dana Hills High School. While many of us might consider slowing down after 25 years, Norton is as eager and enthusiastic about his business as ever. Maybe that’s his edge.

“The Beveled Edge’s creative talent and superior craftsmanship were spectacular at enhancing the beauty of our home’s entryway. The final product improved the look of our entry by 1000%. The full-scale template of the new door and windows was extremely helpful in visualizing the final design. Norton & Vicki are both congenial and a pleasure to work with. We congratulate them on their 25 years in business.” —Tom and Trishia Wood, Laguna Beach

27931 Cabot Road, Suite B • Laguna Niguel • 949.582.1035
TheBeveledEdge.com

Luxe Restaurant and Bar
By Bonnie Small

Dana Point’s dining and nightlife scene has just stepped up a notch! With the opening of Luxe, on the corner of Del Prado and Violet Lantern (in the former location of Purple Feet), your decision about where to go for cocktails, dinner and happy hour has become immeasurably easier.

Luxe’s sophisticated vibe is a welcome addition to the local landscape. A horseshoe shaped bar anchors the center of the restaurant with plentiful bar stools and a full selection of libations. In addition to the tables around Luxe’s perimeter windows, a somewhat more intimate lounge area in the back is furnished with low tables and sofa-style seating, providing the perfect place to catch up with friends and share Luxe’s small plate offerings. For those seeking an al fresco experience, patio seating is also available.

We started with a tasty eggplant flatbread drizzled with garlic aioli and mint. The swordfish brochette was primo – skewered with hunks of red onion, mushrooms and yellow pepper. We also enjoyed the Luxe Ahi Tartare – a yummy stack of finely diced cucumber, ultra-fresh Ahi, topped with an avocado mousse.

Some friends recommended the Jumbo Meatballs and one bite told me they would be on the table every time we visit! Served in a light garlic marinara sauce, these house-made beef spheres were melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. We also loved the Stuffed Shrimp (full of lump crab meat and drizzled with a lemony butter sauce) and the petite Filet Mignon served with a duo of fingerling potatoes and braised onions.

In addition to their selection of small plates, Luxe offers sandwiches, salads and dinner portions as well as a cheese plate with fruit and nuts and a bento-box-style Mediterranean Sampler of hummus, roasted eggplant & garlic dip, feta cheese and Kalamata olives.

Luxe’s happy hour is 3-6 p.m. daily, including selected wines at $5-$6 per glass and small plates priced at 2 for $12. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, I’d suggest the Pomegranate Mojito which is swirled with fresh mint and the perfect touch of tart ruby juice.

24582 Del Prado Ave • Dana Point • 949.276.4990
LuxeDanaPoint.com

The Swallows Return

St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows celebration takes place on Saturday, March 19th at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The swallows are said to migrate to Goya, Argentina every October and return to their spring and summer home in San Juan Capistrano each March. The Swallows celebration began centuries ago when Mission Padres observed that the birds’ return roughly coincided with St. Joseph’s Day on the church calendar. The celebration has achieved international prominence since then.

“People from all around the world come to the town of San Juan Capistrano to share in the rich tradition that defines St. Joseph’s Day at Mission San Juan Capistrano,” said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, Executive Director of the Mission. “We are grateful for our swallows history as a means of welcoming the public and sharing this incredible historic resource with them and to invite the public to take part in all that we have to offer – dances, entertainment, bell ringing, exhibits and the opportunity to connect with family and friends.”

The celebration will include many events and activities, including live music, community presentations, special guest “Swallows Speakers,” Mission Parish school performances, ringing of the historic bells, an official press conference and history of St. Joseph’s Day and the swallows legend.

The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a performance in the front courtyard by Mariachi Capistrano and will continue into the afternoon, concluding with the ringing of the historic bells at 3 p.m.

The day also will feature a Native American dance performance on the Central Courtyard stage beginning at 1 p.m., and later in the afternoon, a lecture by Dr. Charles R. Brown, a professor of Biological Sciences at University of Tulsa who has studied swallows since age 11. On Saturday, March 26th, the celebration continues with the Swallows Day Parade in Downtown San Juan Capistrano beginning at 11 a.m.

18th Annual Wag-A-Thon by Pet Project Foundation

“Bark” your calendars for the 18th annual Wag-A-Thon on Saturday, April 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation’s (PPF) “Waggin’ for a New Leash on Life” family event will be the biggest doggie social of the year.

Every dog has its day and this is your four-legged friend’s opportunity to have some tail waggin’ fun. You and your pooch can munch on treats, listen to the sounds of Martin Gerschwitz on keyboard and shop for cool doggie gear. Be sure to meet the celebrity dogs, Chloe and Papi, from Beverley Hills Chihuahua II and sign up for the pet contests that will include: Be a Rock Star, Best Costume and Best Pet Trick. Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category.

This year, Ted Ondrak of SoCal Herding (www.socalherding.com) will be giving demonstrations with his skillful border collies. These herding dogs are the main attraction at the Queen Mary Scottish Festival and have appeared on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

By participating in the event, you can gather pledges that will directly benefit The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. With $75 in pledges, you will receive a Wag sweatshirt with the colorful 2011 logo. Buy My Bikes is donating a beach cruiser bike that will be given to the individual raising the most pledges. Participants collecting $100 or more will be eligible for the grand prize drawing — two nights at the St. Regis Resort & Spa. Visit www.PetProjectFoundation.com to download the pledge form or find it inside the Wag brochure that is distributed throughout the community.

Pet Project Foundation provides countless hours of volunteering and over $300,000 annually for medical care, food, a large percentage of dog trainer and kennel attendant salaries and community spay and neuter programs. Lost and abandoned animals have a second chance at a good life, thanks to the unique partnership between PPF and the Shelter.

All paid event participants will receive a pet themed t-shirt, designed by local artist Heather Ritts (www.abovethereefs.com), and a goodie bag brimming with treats and toys. Sign up by April 23rd and receive a free dog bandanna plus $5 off the admission price of $30.

For more information about the WAG-A-THON or Pet Project Foundation, please visit www.PetProjectFoundation.org or call 949.595.8899

What a Dish!

Walking into What a Dish Café in Dana Point is almost like taking a quick trip to France for lunch at a cool French bistro. The quaint, relaxed ambiance is just what you’d want in a café and if the delightful lunch menu doesn’t quickly make this your new favorite place, the irresistible desserts certainly will.

Executive Chef Cathy McKnight combines French bistro and California fresh cuisine that caters perfectly to Southern Californians looking for flavorful food made from simple, high-quality, locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Since freshness is a top priority at What a Dish, the menu changes seasonally to incorporate the best of what’s available.

During our lunch at the café, my friends and I enjoyed a few of the hot sandwiches, including the Croque Monsieur du Jour, the grilled vegetable with melted provolone and homemade pesto and the smoked turkey BLT, which came with house-roasted and shaved turkey breast. Each of the sandwiches arrived on perfectly baked Ciabatta bread alongside a remarkably tasty baby green salad with candied nuts in citrus vinaigrette. Though we polished off every morsel, we did find enough room to taste the truffle-dipped cupcakes, petit fours and ganache-frosted brownies, all of which were divine.

In addition to the café which serves lunch, weekend plated brunch and a Chef’s Thursday night dinner featuring a four-course menu, What a Dish is a full-service caterer. Whether you’re planning the grandest of weddings or an intimate dinner, they can create and execute the perfect menu. And no need to look elsewhere for your desserts, as their cake design studio – It’s All About the Cake – will bring your dessert dream to life. Specializing in smooth butter cream work, an exquisite and delicious cake of any shape or design is only limited by your imagination.

WHAT A DISH!
24921 Dana Point Harbor Dr. • Dana Point • 949.276.4884
WhataDish.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CAKE
949.240.7100
ItsAllAbouttheCake.com

JSerra Catholic School

In only its eighth year, JSerra High School, San Juan Capistrano’s top-tier Catholic learning institution, has exceeded all measurable expectations of growth and excellence. The school’s Professional Magnet Program, implemented just last year, has been overwhelmingly successful and has garnered national attention from Ivy League educators. The music and theater programs have been significantly expanded. The athletic department has developed championship teams and nationally-ranked individual athletes in a variety of sports. The school has 23 international students from seven different countries. Graduates of JSerra earn a remarkable $24,311 on average in scholarship and have been accepted at 70 of the 100 top-ranked universities. Frank Talarico, JSerra’s President and CEO, views these achievements as examples of “good customer service.”

Talarico describes his approach to managing the development of the school and its students as “customer focused.” That commitment to his customers, in this case the parents and students, has driven him to take the job of college prep to the next level and beyond. In fact, Talarico’s exhaustive discussions with both JSerra parents and parents of students in other area high schools led to the evolution of much of JSerra’s innovative curriculum.

The Professional Magnet Program is one such innovation. JSerra students may apply to either the medical or business track and get a jumpstart on a higher education and possibly a future vocation. Hands-on demonstrations in an actual hospital or business setting combined with the practical application of classroom concepts provide students a foundation from which to start a professional trajectory.

Talarico credits the school’s close relationship with its corporate partners for much of the magnet program’s success. Mission Hospital’s CEO, Peter Bastone, “has been an extraordinary partner” in the medical track, according to Talarico. The business track, which was just introduced this school year, is co-facilitated by UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business, headed by Dean Andy Policano and Denise Patrick. “Without their vision and confidence, this program never would have happened,” insists Talarico. The corporate partners work alongside the school to offer students a unique first-hand insight into their respective fields.

The magnet programs offer significant academic advantages in addition to professional exposure. Business students can earn UC credits through JSerra’s program, and students in both tracks receive a distinctive certificate with their diplomas upon graduation. In the highly competitive climate of college admissions, participation in the Professional Magnet Program may give students the competitive edge they need. Future magnet programs in the works include law, engineering, technology and performing and fine arts. Talarico intends that these tracks will follow the model of the existing programs: real world experience coupled with a strong corporate partner.

JSerra has an eye on globalization as well. The science department is currently adding a second college-caliber laboratory and classroom and the liberal arts program is looking to expand its foreign language offerings to include Chinese. Students routinely earn perfect scores on Advanced Placement exams, which speaks well to both the quality of the curriculum and faculty.

In addition to academic excellence, JSerra is committed to providing students with a well-rounded high school experience. The school’s South Campus is dedicated to 22 sports and its training facilities rival any in the country. The Aquatics Center has one of only two pools west of the Mississippi that can host an Olympic Qualifier—the other is at Stanford. JSerra’s soccer and cross-country teams are defending CIF State Champions and the baseball team has sent more players to Division 1 teams than any other in Orange County in the last three years. ESPN featured student Juan Gutierrez on its cover and named him the top soccer player in his position in the nation. If that’s not enough, JSerra even has a successful ice hockey team!

The JSerra Choir was recently selected to travel to Rome and perform for the Pope. The black box theatre has been expanded and upgraded to accomodate a wider variety of performance art. In conjunction with the school’s Community Relations Committee, many JSerra students are involved with local non-profit organizations, including The Mission in San Juan Capistrano. This commitment to nurturing well-rounded young women and men is as important to the administration as test scores in determining long-term success.

JSerra is just getting started. Talarico promises “very exciting and progressive academic announcements” in the next few months. He says he simply “wants kids to be curious about the world.” In doing so, he’s piqued the curiosity of the academic world about JSerra. Visit www.jserra.org for more information on the school.