Author Archives: the local dish

Platinum Dental Group

Platinum Dental Group

BEN OMRANI, DDS

Platinum Dental Group

Step into Platinum Dental Group, where patients consistently describe their experience as the most relaxing and painless dental visit ever! Dr. Omrani and his dedicated team are committed to providing an unparalleled personalized experience during every moment of each patient’s visit. Located on the top floor of a tranquil courtyard building facing Ortega Highway, the immaculate office is easily accessible off the 5 freeway and offers ample parking.

Upon their arrival, an exceptional staff warmly welcomes patients into a spacious, bright, and modern dental suite. Equipped with top-of-the-line technologies, materials, and methods, the team aims to deliver a comprehensive range of dental care. The surgical suite even features a massage chair, while each room boasts overhead smart TVs and air purifiers.

MEET DR. OMRANI
With over 20 years of dental experience and dual European and American Dental licenses, Dr. Omrani brings a wealth of talent to provide truly comprehensive and personalized care. A graduate of the prestigious Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, he moved to California, where he recently realized his vision of creating an ideal dental setting. Proficient in all fields of general dentistry, Dr. Omrani excels in cosmetic dentistry, transforming and perfecting smiles painlessly.

His unmatched calm disposition, patience, and precision immediately put even the most anxious patients at ease. Soon, his multispecialty team, including orthodontic, root canal, oral surgery, and implant specialists, will join the group. Dr. Omrani, residing in Laguna Niguel with his family, cherishes quality time with his pediatrician wife, Jasmine, and their two adorable young children.

The Platinum Dental team welcomes Periodontist Jeremy Owyoung, DDS to their practice. An expert in implant dentistry and fixing smiles, Dr. Owyoung is a wonderful addition to Platinum Dental. Schedule an appointment today and discover the difference!

Platinum Dental Group
27184 Ortega Highway, Suite 208
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.2052
PtDentalGroup.com

Platinum Dental Group

Paloma Medical Group

Paloma Medical Group

Paloma Medical GroupPaloma Medical Group in San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Hills is a physician-led multi-specialty group. This established medical group is rooted in quality, compassion and excellent service. With 16 dedicated physicians and over 100+ years of combined experience, Paloma Medical Group is ready to assist you in a variety of medical specialties. This private medical group offers Pulmonary Medicine, Primary Care, Concierge Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Hospital Medicine as well as Sleep Medicine. Paloma Medical Group is distinguished by its commitment to providing seamless continuity of care, supporting patients across a full spectrum of healthcare settings—including their outpatient offices, affiliated hospitals (Providence Health Systems, Memorial Care, Hoag and UCI), longterm care facilities and nursing homes.

WELCOME DR. HALEH KHOSHREZA
Paloma Medical Group is proud to welcome Dr. Khoshreza. She is a primary care physician and family practitioner. Excited to be part of Paloma Medical Group, Dr. Khoshreza added, “I embrace the privilege of guiding my patients on their journey to better health. I believe in the power of preventive medicine and take great joy in helping individuals manage chronic diseases.”

Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, managing a chronic condition or transitioning from hospital to home, Paloma Medical Group is there for you, listening, guiding and advocating at each and every step.

CONCIERGE SERVICES
Unique to Paloma Medical Group are the three dedicated physicians who comprise their Concierge Medicine team. Drs. Susan Dindot, Yu-Hua Fang, and Patricia Ahearn offer their patients exceptional, personalized care. Concierge Medicine is a membership-based model in which patients receive direct access to their physicians, along with customized medical care and services. Patients experience unhurried appointments, greater access, and a higher level of attention and care.

A few key features include 24/7 direct access to your physician, same day/next day appointments, unhurried and longer visits as well as inhouse blood draw for labs.

Paloma Medical Group
30230 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano

23141 Moulton Parkway, Suite 108
Laguna Hills
949.443.4303
PalomaMedGroup.com

Paloma Concierge Medicine
30230 Rancho Viejo Road, Suites 112 & 115
San Juan Capistrano
Dr. Dindot:949.324.8185
Drs. Fang & Ahearn:949.750.0590

Paloma Medical Group

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

ORANGE COUNTY SKINLAB

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

OC SkinLab continues to receive top reviews and accolades across Orange County, recognized for its innovative, integrative approach to medical and cosmetic dermatology. Founded by Dr. Michelle Hure, the clinic is known for its warm, patientcentered environment, where the focus is on education, holistic skin health, cancer prevention, and tailored, conservative cosmetic enhancements.

Dr. Hure trained at Yale-New Haven Health System and the University of Massachusetts and is double board-certified with advanced subspecialty training in dermatopathology. This rare combination allows her to both diagnose and treat complex skin conditions, including challenging cases sent by other dermatologists for expert second opinions.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Hure is a sought-after educator and mentor, serving as faculty at national dermatology conferences and mentoring women in medicine from medical school through fellowship. She is also a frequent expert contributor in the beauty, health, and wellness space.

Her dedication has earned her numerous honors, including being named Orange County’s only “Physician of Excellence” in her specialty, as well as “Top Cosmetic Physician” in the LA Times Best of Southland awards.

Dr. Hure has been voted “Best Overall Healthcare Provider” multiple times and recognized as “Business Leader of the Year” by the city of San Juan Capistrano. Dr. Hure founded OC SkinLab to provide personalized, unhurried care, moving away from high-volume models to offer thorough consultations and meaningful patient relationships. She personally performs all cosmetic treatments, from microneedling and PRP to injectables and chemical peels, ensuring natural, balanced results.

As a dedicated local business leader, Dr. Hure provides free skin cancer screenings for first responders and participates in community events like the Swallow’s Day Parade, where she distributes sunscreen to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention.

Michelle Hure, MD, MS
31899 Del Obispo St., Ste. 130
San Juan Capistrano
949.359.6400
OCSkinLab.com

Michelle Hure, MD, MS

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

DR. NHU TRAN

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Nhu Q. Tran has been taking care of infants, children, and young adults in her San Clemente pediatric dental practice for over 20 years. Dr. Tran enjoys establishing lifelong relationships with her patients and their families. Her patients come from nearby neighborhoods and cities, and some come back to her practice even after they have moved away, like from Tustin and Temecula, or even states like Hawaii and Texas. Moreover, Dr. Tran is now excited to be seeing a second generation of patients in her practice, her patients’ children!

Dr. Tran enjoys treating a wide age range of patients who visit her pediatric dental practice. As a pediatric dental specialist, she sees patients for the first time at 1 year old. She has fun tickling the teeth of infants and toddlers who visit her for their first check up and cleaning. She also takes pride and care guiding a fearful child or teenager through a treatment and helping them overcome their dental fears. And because Dr. Tran is one of a very few pediatric dentist that has full time dental hygienists in her practice, she is able to continue providing optimal dental care to her older patients who want to continue seeing her into their late teens. So, whether a child is excited to have their teeth “counted and brushed” or they are nervous about seeing the “tickle toothbrush” or “Mr. Slurpy”, Dr. Tran and her team work to provide every patient with a fun and educational experience that they enjoy and look forward to each and every time.

A native of Southern California, Dr. Tran went to UC Berkeley for her undergraduate education, then relocated to the Midwest and attended Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. Having graduated among the top of her class, she became a recipient of the Pierre Fauchard Scholarship, and earned a membership into the National Dental Honor Society, Omicron Kappa Upsilon. Following dental school, Dr. Tran returned to Southern California to pursue two years of additional post-doctorate training in pediatric dentistry, at the University of Southern California. After receiving her Advanced Pediatric Dental Certificate from USC, Dr. Tran pursued further advancement in her specialty by achieving the status of Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Aside from taking care of her private patients, Dr. Tran has given back to her Trojan roots by being a part of the USC Advanced Pediatric Dentistry Faculty since 2006.

Whether you see Dr. Tran in the office or on the baseball field rooting on her boys, be sure to say hello! And whether your child is one or 16, excited or nervous, healthy or has special health care needs, Dr. Tran and her team are trained and ready to provide the best care for your children.

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry
1171 Puerta del Sol, Suite A
San Clemente
949.481.5437 (KIDS)
SCKidsDentist.com

Nhu Q. Tran Pediatric Dentistry

Laguna Heights Dental

Laguna Heights Dental

NAZITA GAFF, DDS

Laguna Heights Dental

Choosing the Right Dentist…
When it comes to choosing the right dentist, you deserve someone who provides personalized care and embraces the latest technology. That’s exactly what you’ll find with Dr. Nazita Gaff at Laguna Heights Dental in Marina Hills.

With her philosophy rooted in gentle dentistry, biological dental principles, and a true patient-first mindset, Dr. Gaff has built one of South Orange County’s most trusted destinations for comprehensive oral health. Her practice is about more than insurance-based dentistry—it’s about wellness, technology, and care that makes a difference.

Dr. Gaff incorporates advanced dental lasers and modern techniques to provide restorative, cosmetic, periodontal, and endodontic treatments. Her expertis includes smile design with dental veneers and zirconia crowns, dental implant placement to restore function, professional teeth whitening, and Invisalign® for straighter, healthier smiles. No matter your treatment goals, you’ll receive world-class care tailored to you.

At Laguna Heights Dental, the entire team is committed to helping patients understand their care options. Flexible financing plans, advanced technology that shortens treatment and recovery time, and a focus on comfort all make your visits stress-free and effective.

More than a clinic, Laguna Heights Dental is a community-focused practice with a warm, welcoming environment. Dr. Gaff and her team take time to listen, explain treatment choices, and involve you in every step of your oral health journey.

With her dedication to advanced procedures and compassionate, comprehensive care, Dr. Gaff has earned Laguna Heights Dental a reputation as a skilled, trusted, and patient-centered practice.

Laguna Heights Dental
30231 Golden Lantern St., Suite D
Laguna Niguel
949.363.1200
LagunaHeightsDental.com

Laguna Heights Dental

Howard Optometry

Howard Optometry

MARSHA HOWARD, O.D.

Howard Optometry

The team at Howard Optometry strives to give their patients the best quality optometry services available. With their highly trained team of doctors and staff, they provide each patient with comprehensive eye evaluations in a warm and friendly environment.

Patients visiting Howard Optometry have access to advanced technology, including the latest in retinal imaging and dry eye treatments. Their retinal camera and Optovue OCT scanner takes just a few minutes and provides their doctors with powerful diagnostic data. In addition to checking retinal health and structures in the eye, their doctors not only find the best glasses or contact prescription, but also screen for dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye issues. Patients visiting the office experience the highest level of care.

Howard Optometry is especially excited to have added Lumenis’ revolutionary Optilight and Optiplus technology to the practice. “It’s an amazing, gentle pulsating light treatment that has helped so many patients suffering from Dry Eye Disease,” explains Dr. Howard. “My patients with MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) have been thrilled with their treatments and results.” The new technology avoids lasers and delivers results in as little as four visits.

Dr. Marsha Howard grew up in a medical family, realizing her passion for eye care while studying as an undergraduate at UC Berkeley. In the years between finishing her residency in 1994 and opening her own practice in the Signal Hill Costco in 1997, Dr. Howard taught at her alma mater, as well as worked in other optometry and ophthalmology practices. One of the first independent Doctors of Optometry hired by Costco nationwide, Dr. Howard loves treating all types of patients, and was thrilled when offered a second office in Laguna Niguel.

Howard Optometry
27220 Heather Ridge
Laguna Niguel
949.328.9303
HowardOptometry.com

Howard Optometry

Hawkley Orthodontics

Hawkley Orthodontics

PEHRSON HAWKLEY, DDS

Hawkley Orthodontics

At Hawkley Orthodontics, every smile has a story—and they’re here to make it shine. Led by Dr. Pehrson Hawkley, DDS, a board-certified orthodontist, the practice is built around the idea that orthodontic care should be as unique as the people they serve.

No two patients are the same, which is why Dr. Hawkley takes the time to truly get to know each person who walks through the doors. From children getting their first set of braces to adults looking for clear aligners, every treatment plan is carefully customized to fit each patient’s needs, lifestyle and goals.

The practice proudly uses the latest technology to make treatment more precise, comfortable and efficient. From advanced digital imaging to modern braces and
aligner systems, their tools are designed to create amazing results while making the journey as smooth as possible.

Dr. Hawkley’s background includes years of specialized training at the University of Southern California and experience serving as an orthodontist in the United States Air Force. That combination of expertise, discipline and compassion shapes the way the practice cares for patients every day.

Located at 655 Camino De Los Mares, Suite 119 in San Clemente, the Hawkley Orthodontics office is a welcoming space where patients of all ages feel at ease. The team believes orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth—it’s about building confidence and creating smiles that last a lifetime.

Those ready to discover a personalized, technology-driven approach to orthodontic care are invited to join the Hawkley Orthodontics family—where they’ll work together to make their best smile a reality.

Hawkley Orthodontics
655 Camino De Los Mares, #119
San Clemente
949.488.0600
HawkleyOrtho.com

Hawkley Orthodontics

Foudy Chiropractic

Foudy Chiropractic

MICHAEL FOUDY, DC

Foudy ChiropracticDr. Michael Foudy of Foudy Chiropractic in Mission Viejo has been caring for his patients and practicing chiropractic for 30 years. He was the team chiropractor for U.S. Women’s Soccer from 1996 to 2004, including their 1999 World Cup Championship. Foudy Chiropractic is a thriving family business, as Dr. Mike is joined by his wife, Melanie, who is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with 36 years of expertise in Sports Medicine and Integrative Corrective Exercise.

“Our Mission is to provide the best chiropractic care to all in an ethical and professional environment,” states Dr. Mike. The practice emphasizes that chiropractic adjustments are a safe, natural, noninvasive procedure when administered by experienced, licensed chiropractors. Dr. Foudy was awarded as one of 2025’s “BEST Spinal Decompression Doctors” in America by the International Medical Advisory Board on Spinal Decompression.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION AVOIDS SURGERY
Dr. Foudy is extremely excited with the results he is seeing from his new Spinal Decompression treatments. Many patients that would have had to endure surgery have opted for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. He offers second opinions for patients with MRIs considering back surgery. The modality effectively treats Spinal Stenosis, lower back pain and sciatica resulting from herniated or deteriorated discs. Spinal Decompression has been proven effective in relieving the pain associated with bulging discs, degenerative disc disease and even relapse or failed back surgery. Since its release, clinical studies have revealed an amazing success rate in treating lumbar disc related problems.

Patients rave about Dr. Foudy. Melissa N. commented, “I am very grateful for Dr. Foudy and his staff. I highly recommend Dr. Foudy to anyone that is suffering from pain. I am feeling better than I have in years.”

Dr. Foudy sees patients of all ages and uses a variety of techniques in his practice to ensure maximum results to relieve pain. In addition to chiropractic care and spinal decompression, the practice offers massage therapy, examination and diagnostic equipment, therapeutic modalities and integrative exercise. Foudy Chiropractic is freeway close at Avery Parkway and Marguerite by Capo Valley High School.

Foudy Chiropractic
28892 Marguerite Parkway #150
Mission Viejo
949.365.0403
Foudy-Chiropractic.com

Foudy Chiropractic

Advanced Dermatology

Advanced Dermatology

GENERAL • COSMETIC • SURGICAL

Advanced DermatologyWhere do doctors and their families in South Orange County turn for dermatology and cosmetic care? They choose Advanced Dermatology in Dana Point—its one and only location.

Experience
The board-certified dermatologists at Advanced Dermatology have been caring for South Orange County for more than 15 years. With over 45 years of combined clinical experience, the doctors have set the standard for excellence in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. Advanced Dermatology is widely regarded as the premier dermatology center in the region.

Team-Based Care
At Advanced Dermatology, patients don’t just get one provider—they get the expertise of the entire team. The practice includes two board-certified dermatologists and two certified physician assistants (PA-Cs) who specialize in dermatology. PA-Cs are highly trained and qualified to provide the same level of care as the doctors, and together, the team collaborates on diagnoses, develops customized treatment plans, and delivers the highest level of care.

Comprehensive Services
Advanced Dermatology cares for patients of all ages and offers complete medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. From skin cancer prevention and treatment to advanced aesthetic procedures, the team provides expert care for the health and beauty of skin, hair, and nails.

Cutting-Edge Technologies
The office incorporates the latest breakthroughs in dermatology and aesthetics. Advanced Dermatology offers advanced treatments such as Mohs surgery, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (the same technology patients may recognize from GentleCure® ads), CoolSculpting,® Emsculpt Neo,® and Silhouette InstaLift® thread lifts. These state-of-the-art options allow for effective treatment of skin cancers and deliver dramatic cosmetic and body-contouring results— with minimal risk and downtime.

Compassionate Care, Convenient Location
From the moment patients call or walk in, they are met with warmth and professionalism. The staff is committed to making the experience comfortable and seamless. The office is located on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point, with easy access and ample parking. The reception team answers calls directly and patients are provided 24-hour emergency access to their dermatologist.

Advanced Dermatology in Dana Point
Trusted by physicians. Chosen by families. Here for you.

Advanced Dermatology
34213 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Dana Point
949.248.4547
DermSC.com

Advanced Dermatology

Serving Up Aloha

L&L Hawaiian

Serving Up Aloha

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

by Dina Scaglione

If you’re craving a taste of the islands without leaving South Orange County, this local takeout gem delivers an authentic Hawaiian experience, straight from the heart of the Pacific. From smoky grilled meats to sweet and savory marinades and island-style sides, every bite feels like a mini escape to your own lanai.

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue recently opened its doors in San Clemente, offering a full menu of island-inspired favorites. Crowd-pleasers like Loco Moco, Kalua Pork and seafood platters transport taste buds to Oahu and beyond. The family-size combination plates are hearty and satisfying, perfect for sharing or stocking up on leftovers.

The BBQ Mix includes tender barbecue beef, fall-off-the-bone short ribs and juicy barbecue chicken. Seafood lovers can dive into the Seafood Combo, featuring fried fish, shrimp and a choice of barbecue beef, barbecue chicken, chicken katsu or barbecue ribs. For a more traditional Hawaiian meal, the Kalua Pork and Lau Lau dish blends smoky pulled pork, fish and steamed taro leaves for rich, earthy flavor.

All combo plates are served with scoops of creamy macaroni salad and fluffy white rice. Classic sides like Portuguese sausage and Spam musubi — warm rice wrapped in nori—add even more island flair.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for dine-in or takeout, L&L is an ideal weeknight solution for busy families or anyone craving something hearty, fast and flavorful. Whether you’re a transplant missing the taste of home or a newcomer eager to explore Polynesian cuisine, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue brings the islands to your plate—served with generous portions and the warm aloha spirit.

 

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
622 Camino De Los Mares
San Clemente | (949) 503-1183