Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has always been a jewel in the heart of San Clemente. This year ushers in a new Executive Director, Berenika Schmitz, along with an array of new programs for the community to enjoy.

“Berenika is the ideal Executive Director to lead Casa Romantica due to her Harvard, Oxford, Juilliard and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts training and background. Her energy to engage artists, performers, guest speakers, and arts and science educators is remarkable. She will continue the Center’s dedication to history and California culture, while also broadening its reach and engaging the community. The Board and I are tremendously happy to welcome her,” says Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica’s Board President.

“This 2013-14 season will have extraordinary programming with something for everyone – a season that will bring the very best artists, speakers and performers to the Casa,” shares Berenika, “We can be a premiere Southern California Cultural Center.”

Highlights of the season include the performance of the acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir from the University of Oxford in England. The Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles will lead the audience through site specific choreography that will make the Casa location become as much a part of the performance as the dancer’s bodies. A Casa Nutcracker will also be presented during the holiday season.

The Casa has always hosted a variety of guest speakers and lectures which will expand to include Malcolm Warner, director of the Laguna Art Museum, and Timothy J. Clark, world-renowned California artist. A new Casa Wellness Wednesdays program will present UCI Medical Health speakers, as well as guest yoga classes from Asana Fit and Pure Yoga. A Casa Cool Jazz series will feature a salsa dance lesson and Latin Jazz. Open Casa will highlight visual artists, starting with Rick J. Delanty, celebrated San Clemente fine visual artist, who will present “The Color of San Clemente: A Collection of Original Paintings of San Clemente and its Surroundings.” These visual art openings will be free to the public.

Berenika is particularly excited about an expanded Casa Kids program. The Casa has always encouraged a love of reading through its Wednesday morning StoryTime at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. This year, the Casa will offer programs in music and theater from the Arts and Learning Conservatory. A Visual Arts class for toddlers taught by local artist and teacher Fery Khadivi and STEM based science programs by Mad Science will be new additions for children in the community. “I cannot think of a more inspiring and pleasant place for parents to spend time with their children. The programming is of incredibly high standards, and we hope that it will also give parents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds of the Casa,” remarks Berenika.

“Sustaining arts in our communities is of fundamental importance to me, and I have a fantastic board, staff and volunteers to help make this year at the Casa truly special,” says Berenika. The Casa Captivating 2013-14 Season is ready to begin, and reservations are open as is the Casa: a warm welcoming San Clemente home and Cultural Center, open to everyone.

For more information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, call 949.498.2139 or visit CasaRomantica.org.

Ricardo’s Place
By Bonnie Small

Ricardo Beas and his eponymous restaurant, Ricardo’s Place, have been pillars of San Juan Capistrano for over a decade; known as much for their commitment to our local community as for their delicious traditional soups. As a lifelong Mexican food devotee, I have spent the last few years branching out from the world of combination platters in order to acquaint myself (and my doubting family) with the lighter side of the menu.

On a recent visit, we began with a beautiful plate of ceviche made with fish and octopus and garnished with slices of avocado and lime wedges. I had to battle the skeptics for my fair share.

We also enjoyed Ricardo’s shrimp cocktail served in the traditional Mexican style – large chilled prawns immersed in a delicious sweet tomato sauce with diced avocado, onions and tomatoes. This dish is eaten like chilled soup – with a spoon and a handful of saltine crackers.

A word about condiments – the housemade pico de gallo is delicious and, if you have a thing for salsa, make sure you ask for Ricardo’s roasted jalapeño and green chile salsa, tomatillo salsa, and chile de arbol salsa which each have some spice, but mostly you’ll be dazzled by their depth of flavor.

If you’re feeling festive, try a Mission Margarita – a refreshing blend of lime juice and tequila modernized and amplified with the addition of muddled cucumber and fresh jalapeño.

Other notable favorites at our table were the chicken fajitas – the sizzle alone draws me in every time – and a platter of tender, slow-cooked, pork carnitas; each is served with beans and rice, but the kitchen will gladly substitute a green salad if you prefer.

We shared Ricardo’s flan for dessert and those few bites of velvety custard with golden caramel sauce were the perfect way to round out the meal.

Ricardo’s Place is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Mondays.

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group and The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial
By Shelley Hudson

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group and The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial partner to provide exceptional maternity care. With offices in San Clemente, Laguna Hills and Irvine, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group has provided personal, comprehensive care to over 50,000 women in the local area. The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial has been the birthplace of over 60,000 babies, serving the community for over 25 years.

The Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group’s (OCWMG) Talega office in San Clemente opened in 2007 with the goal of offering convenience to expectant mothers and other busy women seeking personalized care, user-friendly resources, and exceptionally skilled physicians. The group’s partnership with The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial ensures that patients benefit from the highest standard of healthcare available. Obstetrician Dr. Elizabeth Johnson describes the office’s familial atmosphere. “San Clemente is a special community, and it is where my family calls home. Caring for patients here is particularly gratifying and unique,” she says, “On any given day I might run into a neighbor, local business owner, or friend I have had the chance to care for during an important life event.” Fellow physician Dr. Todd LaRocque agrees, “I feel privileged to work in this field and share experiences that are frequently joyous and often challenging throughout the stages of a woman’s life. I look forward to continuing relationships with the families who make this area such a vibrant place to live and work.”

Specializing in maternity care from preconception planning through post-partum care, OCWMG provides onsite ultrasound, nutritional counseling, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) services, and gestational diabetes management. Patients enjoy the scheduling flexibility and proximity of the Talega, Laguna Hills, and Irvine offices for these services and for routine appointments, and they deliver exclusively at The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial in Laguna Hills.

Terri Deeds, Executive Director of The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, is proud of the network of specialists and the hospital staff who work together to ensure the safety and comfort of mother and child—no matter what the circumstances. “Our on site Level III neonatal intensive care unit is adjacent to the labor and delivery department, and our round-the-clock Board Certified neonatologists are here to care for critically ill babies,” explains Deeds, “Of course we plan for perfect deliveries and healthy babies, but we’re more than prepared and equipped for any outcome.” A 24/7 staff of OB-dedicated anesthesiologists and hospitalists (physicians available to evaluate patients who arrive with pregnancy issues) provides an additional safety net and
peace of mind.

In its 25-year history, The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial has delivered over 60,000 babies, many of whom were multiples—even quintuplets! The newly remodeled luxury birthing suites have been designed to provide the most healing and relaxing environment for expectant parents. With the convenience of local offices and the security and standard of excellence of The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group is the comprehensive, confident choice in women’s healthcare.

Visit www.ocwmg.com for physician bios, appointments, healthcare resources, and questions for the advice nurse. For more information about The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial, go to memorialcare.org/saddlebackbaby.

Choya Japanese Cuisine
By Bonnie Small

So you think you know sushi? Choya Japanese Cuisine has launched in Dana Point’s Ocean Ranch and its goal is to heighten American-style sushi to its pinnacle in addition to introducing authentic Japanese-style sushi to an eager South OC audience. Chef S.B. See personally selects the fish each day and offers only the finest that the waters of Boston, Hawaii and Japan can offer – no lesser varieties are ever substituted.

After noshing on an order of piping hot Garlic Edamame, we dove into an amazing selection of fresh Kumamoto oysters, sweet shrimp, tuna, and yellowtail sushi, each of which were textural perfection. We then tasted the Mexican Roll which exceeded every expectation – each component was perfectly executed, beautifully presented and unbelievably delicious.

Traditional Japanese sushi has little to do with the multitudinous variations of the California Roll that are synonymous with American sushi. Chef See is introducing South OC to Donburi, which literally translates to “bowl.” We opted for the Chirashi Don, a bowl of über-fresh salmon, tuna, octopus, eel & scallop sashimi beautifully arranged atop a bed of sushi rice and garnished with a quail egg. In a word, it was transformative.

I could not resist trying the red snapper sashimi, which was flown in from Japan that morning, sliced Carpaccio-thin, and dressed with a lightly vinegary sauce – it just melted in my mouth. The landlubbers in our party were thrilled at Choya’s non-fish options which are prepared with equal attention to detail – a favorite at our table was the free-range chicken breast with balsamic teriyaki sauce.

Looking for a little something sweet to finish off the meal, we were delighted with our richly colored and velvety smooth green tea ice cream and rumor has it that red bean ice cream is arriving soon!

32545 Golden Lantern • Dana Point

949.488.0933 • ChoyaJapaneseCuisine.com

Halstrom Academy
By Shelley Hudson

Mission Viejo’s Halstrom Academy thinks outside the box when it comes to educating 6th through 12th graders. The school’s one student, one teacher approach is the core principal behind its academic success and an impressive college admissions record backs that up. An environment where customized schedules, online classes and a content mastery philosophy that allows students to progress at their own pace is the norm at Halstrom, not the exception.

Most notable is Halstrom’s hyper-focus on the individual needs of each and every student. How the Academy engages its students is equally as important as the curriculum it provides. By implementing a one size does not fit all environment – students, parents, teachers and the school’s administrative staff partner to develop a tailored plan for individualized learning. Whether a student’s vocation or sport requires remote classroom access, or a child thrives through one-to-one instruction, Halstrom employs a cooperative approach with no limits to achieving academic excellence.

Katie Vandermost
Creative Writer / Artist / Intern / Volunteer / Student Body President

This Fall will mark Katie Vandermost’s third year at Halstrom Academy. She excelled at her former school, but found the “existing friend groups” intimidating and the schedule daunting. She was originally introduced to the school by a neighbor. “I went to an open house and fell in love with everything,” enthuses Katie. “At Halstrom, I’m able to think freely. I have room in my life for creative outlets, and I’m more motivated to succeed. I have real relationships with my teachers, and I know when I’m doing something right.”

Katie’s involvement with the National Charity League and her summer internship at a local ad agency keep her busy but grounded. “I just wouldn’t have the time to dedicate to my other interests if I went to another school,” Katie acknowledges, “This way I can do everything I like but still have fun along the way.”

Connor Perkins
Eagle Scout / Marine Biology Enthusiast / Piano Student / Athlete

Social Studies and Science are Connor Perkins’s favorite subjects, but this almost-ninth-grader has a lot more on his mind than the next midterm. He found attending a school with six jam-packed classes per day both stressful and limiting. Connor’s mom, Marianne, explains, “Everything is so efficient at Halstrom. Connor missed sports practices and time with family because of the heavy homework burden at his former school. Now he can have the lifestyle he wants and still experience academic growth.”

According to Connor, the rank of Eagle Scout would have been impossible to obtain without a flexible schedule. His final project for the Scout promotion was a booth at Newport Beach’s “Kelp Fest” which included a touch tank and other educational materials. “It was a lot of work to put together and report on,” says the ambitious teen, “but definitely worth it.”

Summer & Serenity Phillips
Competitive Equestrians / Athletes / Aspiring / Veterinarian and Chemist

Sisters Summer and Serenity Phillips have been riding horses and rising through the equestrian ranks for eight years. Their grueling training and show schedules made it difficult to concentrate on studies and enjoy time with friends until they switched to Halstrom Academy. The school’s individualized approach allows each girl’s academic talents to shine and the flexible scheduling provides them time for their sport. Summer has won awards in all of her most recent competitions and Serenity has advanced her technique by leaps and bounds since they started at Halstrom two years ago. “This school has changed me as a student,” says Summer, “My teachers focus on what I need to improve.” Serenity agrees, “I just feel smarter here because I don’t get passed over.”

26440 La Alameda, Ste. 150, Mission Viejo

(949) 348-0608 • HalstromAcademy.org

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our Halstrom Academy photo shoot! ]

2013 San Clemente Ocean Festival

The Ocean Festival makes a splash at the San Clemente Pier on July 20th & 21st when ocean athletes from the sports of surf lifesaving, surfing, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), paddleboard, surf ski (ocean kayak) and mulit-sport (swimming, triathlon, running) will compete in the California Waterman and Waterwoman Championships. Top athletes to watch include former U.S. Olympian Mitch Kahn and San Clemente residents Rob Pelky and SUP racer Brandi Baksic.

Back by popular demand, the Stand-up Paddleboard Surfing Championships will take place on Saturday. Competition is open to all and is fiercely competitive among the many world-class SUP surfers who hail from Orange and San Diego counties.

This annual event welcomes families to enjoy its wide range of activities and exhibits. Car enthusiasts should definitely zip over to the Classic Woody Cars displayed on San Clemente Pier. Afraid of the water? Visit the Bodysurfing Clinics on Saturday where information on how to watch for rip currents and how to ride the waves will be presented just south of the Children’s Pavilion. Don’t forget to check out Saturday evening’s free concert on the beach, featuring Millertime Boogie, as the sun sets over Dana Point.

The younger crowd can dive in to loads of fun at the end of the Pier including the Children’s Fishing Clinic and Derby. At the Children’s Pavilion, located south of the Pier, hula dancers, jiu-jitsu demonstrations, and live performances by Ugly Paint and Rock the Autism will be on hand. Crafts, face painting and games – available for a nominal charge will keep the kiddos entertained all day. Don’t forget to register your young runners (ages 4-12) for the “Dolphin Dash” kid’s beach run on Saturday morning or the “Groms Rule” surf contest on Sunday morning (ages 14 and under). Space for these competitions is limited and fills up quickly.

The Ocean Art Show in Parque Del Mar, overlooking the beach, will offer a variety of artwork for purchase. Start both mornings with a hearty Pancake Breakfast, prepared by our own incredible team of San Clemente lifeguards who will be on the grills from 7 to 11 a.m. cooking up a delicious way to begin the day. Plenty of other tasty items to tempt your taste buds will be available throughout the day, such as rice bowls, hamburgers, turkey legs, corn on the cob, strawberry shortcake and shaved ice.

Sunday’s Fishing Derby is open to all ages and prizes will be awarded for the top two heaviest game fish and heaviest shark or bat ray. For those who don’t mind getting a little dirty – join in on the fun and enter the Sand Sculpting Competition. Awards will be presented for the best in the following categories: Creatures, Castles & Things, Family, and Open categories. The weekend’s activities will close with The Great Rubber Duck Race. For a mere $5, you can “sponsor” a duck and cheer it on to swim ashore from the surf line – and win a prize!

Complimentary parking and shuttles will be available at San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. For those of you traveling from outside the area, check out the Metrolink train schedule which stops right at the San Clemente Pier.

For more information on registration, event schedules, or how to become a volunteer or sponsor, visit www.OceanFestival.org or call 949.440.6141.

LJ’s Bistro
By Bonnie Small

Don’t you love it when you discover a hidden gem? I felt that way recently when I stumbled upon LJ’s Bistro in a shopping center I visit on my weekly rounds. From the outside it’s unassuming, but the edgy urban décor, enormous U-shaped bar and the tasty menu offerings are definitely memorable.

The bar is the focal point as you enter LJ’s. The metropolitan decor featuring charcoal with orange-upholstered barstools beckon you to take a seat and unwind with your favorite libation. After that, it was the concise menu that grabbed my attention. I’m the worst when it comes to making decisions, so I’ve never been a fan of menus with chapters, and though I still struggled to narrow down my choice, it was because everything sounded so good, not because I couldn’t remember what was on page 5.

Our server tantalized us with a delicious daily special of chicken meatballs delicately bathed in a tangy sauce accompanied by a light risotto with kale and sundried tomatoes. We weren’t disappointed and I really loved the delicate veggies that garnished the plate, especially the ultra-thin waffle cut zucchini.

We also tried LJ’s specialty – a pulled pork sandwich served on a warm, airy, ciabatta roll with perfectly prepared coleslaw. The chef’s citrus reduction BBQ sauce made the silky pork sing and we gobbled up every morsel. Also, don’t miss the curry fries! Thinly sliced, double fried, lightly sprinkled with a mixture of curry powder and dill and served with a delicious aioli dipping sauce, they made the experience complete.

LJ’s Bistro is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday – with lunch served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Drop by for the daily the daily happy hour from 4 to 6:30 p.m. featuring a $5 specialty martini, $4 well drinks and affordable food selections. LJ’s keeps the fun going with bottomless sparking wine for a mere $7 every day from 4 to 10 p.m.

29971 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel
(949) 495-1453 • www.LJsBistro.com

Sawdust Art & Craft Festival
By Shelley Hudson

he 47th Annual Sawdust Festival’s Summer Show is underway. Drawing over 200,000 visitors from around the world, this Laguna Beach tradition is designed to both entertain and educate. Take in the sights throughout this charming hand-crafted village from now until September 1st.

This season’s theme, “Enter a Whole New World of Art,” brings with it a few interesting changes. Marketing Director Cynthia Fung explains, “Local artists have learned to embrace the digital world and some have explored new mediums. New artists bring in new audiences, so every show is different.” With a slew of first-time exhibitors and several new live entertainment groups, the Summer Show is ever-evolving and promises to be a hot ticket.

The Sawdust Art Festival’s primary mission is to educate the public about the Laguna Beach art community at large and to promote and preserve the creative processes and methods of the artists. The Festival hosts workshops and classes year round and organizes fundraisers in coordination with other groups to benefit artists in need and their families. The Summer Show is the Festival’s signature event and is no exception. Key sponsor Subaru has donated a 2014 Forester for a raffle benefitting the art education programs and a live art auction will be held on the grounds on August 11th for the Artists’ Benevolence Fund.

Providing opportunities for artists to contribute their talents to charitable endeavors in the surrounding community is another significant function of the Sawdust Art Festival. This year’s major undertaking is the Artist Video Project—a series of 12 snippets that profile artists and their methods. The project was made possible through a partnership with the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau for the A La Carte Festival in March. Artists designed stemware, serving ware and flatware for the March 10th event. Visitors can enjoy the resulting video series at the Festival grounds daily between live entertainment acts by the Greek Grille stage.

Since the Summer Show is not juried, the variety of art exhibited is of particular interest. Established, popular artists display and demonstrate their work alongside newcomers—each in unique, hand-crafted booths lined up along sawdust-strewn paths. Guests can amble along and watch sculpture, wood crafts, paintings, leather work, glass-blowing, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry being created right there. Over 200 artists—all Laguna Beach residents—operate booths at the event, and all art created on the grounds is offered for sale. Visitors are encouraged to ask the artists questions, sign up for on-site workshops, and attend live art demonstrations.

Activities for kids, including demonstrations and hands-on workshops, are offered daily on a first come, first served basis. This is an ideal opportunity to expose curious youngsters to the art world in a non-intimidating, fun and casual setting. Several themed days are peppered over the schedule, including Hawaiian Surf Day, Green Day, Beatles Day and Country Western Day. Check out
www.sawdustartfestival.org for details.

The Festival’s live entertainment calendar is packed with bands all summer. Music is performed from open to close daily on three stages, covering all genres. A wide variety of food and beverage options are available as well, so plan to bring the whole family and make a day of it.

The Summer Show runs from June 28th through September 1st from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day. Ticket prices are $7.75 for adults, $6.25 for seniors, $3.25 for kids up to age 12 and free for kids five and younger. Season passes are $15, but a more impressive bargain is the $21.50 Passport to the Arts. The Passport also gets you into the Festival of the Arts and Art-A-Fair. Freebies are offered to locals, too. Visit the website for your Orange County zip code’s free entry after 5:00 p.m. Laguna Beach residents can enter for free every Thursday evening after 5:00 p.m.

Parking can be tricky, but a little patience and planning will go a long way. A limited number of metered parking spaces are available on the Sawdust Festival grounds, but it’s best to walk down Laguna Canyon Road from downtown or park in the Act V lot and hop on a free shuttle.

See you at the Sawdust!

Sawdust Art Festival • 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA • 949.494.3030 • sawdustartfestival.org

JFC Xpress Tire Center
By Shelley Hudson

Kevin honed his skills while working at John’s Foreign Car Service – which happens to be South Orange County’s oldest independent automotive repair shop; owned by his father, master mechanic Russ Graham. Every summer growing up, he learned the ropes of the family business as well as what it takes to provide customers with both quality and value. He attended St. Edward’s School and after graduating in the third alumni class at JSerra High School, he earned a degree from Point Loma University in San Diego. After graduation, Kevin found himself in the same predicament as many recent college grads – searching for a job. He faced the challenge head on and turned it into an opportunity to start his own enterprise.

Graham combined his know-how and business education with the entrepreneurial spirit he learned from his father and opened his own tire store in early 2012. Russ stood on the corner of Crown Valley Parkway and Forbes Road with a sign pointing toward his son’s shop every Saturday. Within a year, the business outgrew its location, so Kevin moved it to a larger space adjacent to his dad’s shop. A 32-year industry veteran, Russ knew that getting the right message out to potential customers is the most difficult aspect of owning a business. Kevin is constantly reinvesting in his company and securing the latest software and equipment to offer the highest level of service to his customers.

With the expansion, JFC Xpress is able to provide a larger selection of in-stock tires as well as a full range of “xpress”—one day or less—services, including alignments, suspension work, oil changes, and brake jobs. A huge inventory of tires in all ranges are on hand every day, including high performance models, light truck and “run flats.” Graham keeps his overhead low by buying in bulk, and he passes the discounts on to his clients. In fact, Kevin states that his prices are lower than any other local shop and even lower than his warehouse store neighbor a block away. “95% of my business is referrals,” says Kevin, “and that motivates me to do the best job I can every time.” When clients find out how much they’re saving—up to $100 per set of tires—word-of-mouth advertising spreads quickly. JFC Xpress guarantees the lowest prices and will match any competitor at any time.

While most local automotive stores parse work out to other shops, JFC Xpress keeps customer waiting times to a mini- mum by offering all services in house and using state-of-the-art technology including dealer-level diagnostic software, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and “touchless” tire-changing equipment. This allows Graham’s technicians to quickly perform a battery of tests and diagnose issues on the spot. The “touchless” equipment ensures the perfect installation and fit of new tires without ever touching the wheel—ideal for after-market rims and high-end “driving machines.”

Kevin knows that time plus good service equals success in the automotive industry, and he’s set out to prove himself in the community he calls home. His parents, Russ and Sheila, couldn’t be prouder. “Kevin knows more about tires than I’ll ever know,” Russ admits, “I don’t even bother mounting tires anymore—I send all that business to him. JFC Xpress is your one stop shop for all your foreign & domestic car repair needs.” Check out JFC Xpress’s May specials and come see how much you can save!

JFC Xpress Tire Center
28002 Forbes Road, Ste. A, Laguna Niguel • 949 347-1106
jfcxpress.com

Take a behind the scenes look of JFC Xpress Tire Center photo shoot!

NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria
By Cathy Villafana

Since its debut last November, NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria has managed to create a lasting impression by utilizing only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Located on Pacific Coast Highway in South Laguna Beach, this authentic Italian eatery’s delicious wood-fired pizzas, made from scratch, small plates and wide array of craft beers will certainly please your palate and whet your whistle.

At the heart of NEApolitan’s operation is the imported red-tiled oven created by third-generation designer, Stefano Ferraro. With its classic dome shape, the wood-burning oven heats up to a scorching 900 degrees, producing authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas that rival the best of Naples.

Thin in the center and thick at the crust – and best eaten with a fork and a knife – diners will enjoy the chewy and crispy textures unique to this pizza style. NEApolitan’s use of imported flour, master artisan-created cheeses, olive oil from Napa Valley and produce from local organic farms elevates its fresh and simple dishes to the next level.

Purists may opt for the Margherita Pizza, while others seeking something out of the ordinary might venture toward the Funghi (mushroom) topped with an egg or the New Haven with Little Neck clams.

NEApolitan isn’t just about the pizza. Other selections hailing from the wood-fired oven include the Veal Meatballs Al Forno and the Sicilian Jidori Wings that are generously coated with butter, breadcrumbs, Calabrian chile, rosemary and cheese. No sauce needed.

Organic lovers will swarm over the salads embedded with locally-grown greens, vegetables and herbs. Not-to-miss favorites are the flavor-packed Roasted Beet Salad and the Kale Salad.

Open seven days a week from noon to 10 p.m., NEApolitan has an extensive wine list plus an eclectic mix of craft beers chosen to enhance your experience. Monday through Friday, customers can enjoy a Margherita pizza and salad for a mere $10 from noon to 2 p.m., or eat for half price from 4 to 6 p.m. Dine in and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating or grab take out for a quiet night at home.

NEApolitan Pizzeria & Birreria
949.499.4531
31542 S. Coast Highway,
Laguna Beach, California 92651
nealaguna.com