Min’s Dumpling

by Dina Scaglione

With the winter chill still lingering, there’s nothing quite like warm, flavorful comfort food to satisfy the soul. Just in time for the season, San Clemente welcomes Min’s Dumpling on Del Mar—a delightful new spot offering fresh and authentic dishes that go beyond your typical Chinese takeout.

Min’s serves up a rich menu featuring fluffy, handmade steamed dumplings, crispy pot stickers, stir-fried favorites, and more. These dumplings are anything but ordinary: light, tender, and generously filled with options like classic pork, comforting chicken soup, or a hearty vegan blend of cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and glass noodles. Other must-tries include the BBQ pork buns, deep-fried mini buns, and steamed custard buns. The steamed sweet buns are a particular fan favorite, offering just the right amount of sweetness to end your meal on a high note.

For those who love a crispy bite, the pan-seared pot stickers, filled with your choice of pork, chicken, or shrimp alongside cabbage, ginger, and green onion, are sure to please. Meanwhile, Min’s stir-fry dishes, like white-meat orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp, and tender Mongolian beef, offer bold, satisfying flavors.

The menu’s side dishes are no afterthought, either. Highlights include the deep-fried string beans, perfectly sautéed in a savory brown sauce, and the chicken fried rice, loaded with sliced chicken breast, peas, carrots, green onions, and eggs. If you’re starting with appetizers, the crispy scallion pancakes (dubbed “Chinese pizza”) deliver a flaky exterior with a soft, chewy interior. Or try the crispy sesame balls filled with red bean paste, and don’t miss the potato string shrimp—light, crunchy, and paired with a tangy dipping sauce. For a refreshing balance, the cucumber salad and seaweed salad add a zesty, nutritious touch.

Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Min’s Dumpling is the perfect spot for both dine-in and takeout. Whether you’re gathering with friends or simply indulging in a quiet meal, Min’s cozy atmosphere and satisfying menu make it an irresistible addition to San Clemente’s dining scene—comfort food for any season.

Min’s Dumpling
211 Avenida Del Mar
San Clemente
949-545-7266

Screenmobile

Matt Rudar

In South Orange County, Screenmobile has built a strong reputation for delivering reliable and custom screen solutions, thanks to Matt Rudar, who has been leading the company in the region for over 28 years. Based out of Laguna Niguel, Matt and his team of expert technicians specialize in repairing and installing window, door, and porch screens for both homes and businesses throughout the coastal communities. With their fleet of mobile service vehicles, Screenmobile brings their services directly to customers’ doorsteps, saving them time and eliminating the hassle of bringing screens in for repairs or installations.

Matt’s journey in the screen business began at an early age when he worked alongside his parents, who owned a screen company in Huntington Beach. In 1996, he made the move to South Orange County to open his own Screenmobile franchise. After settling in Laguna Niguel, Matt grew his business while also building a family. “I love being able to pair the wants and needs of my customers with the perfect screening solution,” says Matt. “My years of experience allow me to solve their issues on a daily basis, and it brings me great pride and satisfaction.”

Over the years, Screenmobile has expanded its offerings beyond standard window and door screens to include a variety of specialty products. Whether it’s solar screens for increased energy efficiency, security screens for added protection, retractable door screens for seamless design, or pet-friendly options for animal lovers, Screenmobile is committed to providing solutions for every need. Whether repairing a torn screen or designing a custom enclosure, their team ensures top-quality results that elevate both the functionality and aesthetic of any space.

What truly sets Screenmobile apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction. Every project is approached with professionalism, and each client receives a tailored solution that fits their specific needs. From the initial consultation to installation, Screenmobile’s mobile service makes it easier than ever to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about pests or the elements. With a deep commitment to solving customer problems and a foundation built on years of experience, Screenmobile continues to be the trusted choice for anyone seeking dependable, custom screen solutions.

Screenmobile
Servicing South Orange County
949-364-5292
ScreenMobile.com

Reynolds Termite Control

Mike Reynolds

Reynolds Termite Control in San Clemente is your best line of defense against termites and all types of wood destroying pests. Since 1978, Mike Reynolds, along with the help of his father Bill Reynolds, have provided homeowners in South Orange County with quality and effective termite control services. After his father retired in 1991, Mike and his dedicated and helpful employees have continued serving this industry. Mike was born and raised in San Clemente and is a class of 1980 Triton graduate.

In most buildings, the best defense against termites and wood destroying insects is a great of-fense. One of Reynolds Termite Control’s best plans is the Yearly Control Service Policy. This option provides owners with a comprehensive annual inspection and local treatment of visible and accessible termite evidence at no additional cost… any time of the year. The company offers very competitive rates for local treatments, whole house fumigations, dry rot and all types of wood repairs for residential, commercial and homeowners associations.

Reynolds Termite has been serving the local real estate market for over 45 years. “Your home is an investment; protect it,” says Mike Reynolds. “Quality termite control starts with the best inspection and we are just the company to do it.” Orange County’s climate takes its toll on wood framed structures, from the moist, salty air along the coast to hotter and cooler condi-tions found inland. These weather fluctuations provide an environment for termites, fungus and dry rot to spread throughout your structure. Property owners are often unaware they have a problem until Reynolds Termite Control completes an expert inspection.

If you are unsure when your property had its last inspection or treatment, it’s time to contact Reynolds Termite Control for a whole house or limited inspection at 949.498.3500. Throughout the month of February, Reynolds is offering a 5% discount on all localized termite treatments, whole house fumigations and woodwork.

Reynolds Termite Control
616 S El Camino Real, Ste C
San Clemente
949-498-3500
reynoldstermitecontrol.com

Dewey’s Home Appliances & Electronics

Alex Haynes

For unbeatable deals on dishwashers, refrigerators, washers/dryers, and TVs, Dewey’s Home Appliances & Electronics is South Orange County’s go-to destination. Family-owned since 1950, Dewey’s is renowned for integrity, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. Offering a wide selection of ultra-premium and mid-range appliances, plus electronics from trusted brands like Thermador, Bosch, Lynx, Monogram, Café, KitchenAid, Samsung, LG, Speed Queen and more, Dewey’s has every home appliance need covered.

Dewey’s dedication to customer satisfaction is evident, boasting over 400 five-star reviews across Google, Yelp, Nextdoor, and Facebook. Owner Alex Haynes, who took over the business in 1991, says, “Our goal is to find the best product for your needs at the best price, backed by unmatched service. Big-box stores can’t compete with our combination of experience, pricing, and personal care.”

As a member of the Nationwide Marketing Group, Dewey’s benefits from the buying power of $20 billion, allowing it to offer manufacturer-direct pricing on top brands. Customers can enjoy exclusive deals, such as a full suite of Thermador Professional Appliances for as little as $10,000, or up to $1,000 in Café appliance rebates, often stackable with manufacturer rebates. Dewey’s also provides free delivery across South Orange County and North San Diego County, with complimentary setup for freestanding appliances and affordable rates for built-in installations.

Unlike big-box stores, Dewey’s employs experienced, full-time professionals who don’t work on commission. Customers receive expert, pressure-free advice, along with services like onsite measurements for built-in appliances to ensure a perfect fit. Dewey’s also has an in-house service center offering affordable repairs and maintenance—something large retailers rarely provide.

For interior designers, builders, and contractors, Dewey’s offers special programs with pricing incentives and dedicated project support. The business also proudly gives back to the community by supporting local schools, youth sports leagues, and charitable organizations.

Visit Dewey’s San Clemente showroom today, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Experience the difference that 70 years of expertise, value, and service can make.

Dewey’s Home Appliances & Electronics
1542 N. El Camino Real
San Clemente
949-492-3457
ShopDeweys.com

Lantern Bay Interiors and Flooring

Gene DeCollibus

For over four decades, Gene DeCollibus has been synonymous with exquisite flooring craftsmanship. With a rich history in Dana Point, Gene made a strategic move in 2022, relocating Lantern Bay Interiors and Flooring to the bustling Capistrano Business Center off Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano. Despite the slight adjustment in distance from his cherished ocean view, Gene is reveling in the charm of his new showroom and warehouse. He enthusiastically notes that this move has afforded him his shortest commute to work ever, a considerable advantage.

Originally hailing from Buffalo, New York, Gene ventured westward, finding a home in Dana Point in the early 1980s. Eager to work closer to his growing family, he inaugurated Lantern Bay Carpets & Flooring on PCH near Blue Lantern in 1984. As a devoted father raising four children and now relishing in the joys of six grandchildren, Gene’s familial pride is evident through the countless photos he readily shares.

Gene’s energy and amiable demeanor leave a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to meet him. While a subtle echo of his east coast roots lingers in his voice, Gene has seamlessly embraced the laid-back vibe of California. In an industry where many peers might be contemplating exit strategies, Gene, with his recent move, appears revitalized. Alongside his dedicated employee Susan, Lantern Bay thrives in its new location.

Expressing gratitude to the community that has contributed to Lantern Bay’s success, Gene emphasizes, “My customers make it a pleasure to do business here. I owe them tremendous thanks.” Reflecting the company’s ethos, Gene shares his motto: “Lantern Bay Interiors and Flooring — Where Quality and Service Comes First.”

Lantern Bay offers a diverse selection of wood, vinyl, carpet, and area rugs to cater to various flooring preferences. Additionally, they provide window coverings to add the perfect finishing touch to your spaces. Whether you seek high-end luxury or budget-friendly options, Lantern Bay has something for everyone. With personalized service, a knowledgeable staff, and professional installers committed to timely project completion, a visit to Gene’s Lantern Bay promises a fulfilling experience for all your flooring needs.

Lantern Bay Interiors and Flooring
27128 Paseo Espada, Ste. 1501
San Juan Capistrano
949-240-1545
LanternBayCarpets.com

Gentle Genie Rug Care

Eric Bollmann

Gentle Genie Rug Care offers your area rugs the most thorough cleaning they’ve ever received—a process they proudly call restorative deep cleaning. Whether your rug is a cherished heirloom, a high-end designer piece, or a functional part of your home, Gentle Genie ensures it gets the care and attention it deserves.

The process begins with a meticulous rug dusting, designed to extract dry soil, gritty sand, and embedded particles from deep within the fibers and foundation of your rug. This essential first step not only protects your rug from premature wear but also prepares it for a deep and effective cleaning. Once dusting is complete, your rug moves to the wash floor for a mild yet thorough shampooing of both the front and back. During this stage, Gentle Genie also applies any necessary stain or odor treatments, ensuring your rug is fully refreshed.

The magic continues as Gentle Genie’s state-of-the-art river of water flushes and rinses fresh water through your rug until it runs completely clean. This process removes all remaining dirt and residue, leaving your rug as fresh as the day it was made. A final conditioning rinse enhances the softness and vibrancy of your rug’s fibers, followed by water extraction and placement in a high-powered centrifuge to remove excess moisture. The finishing steps include careful drying and grooming to ensure your rug is returned looking its absolute best.

Pricing for this comprehensive cleaning is $5 per square foot, with optional pick-up and delivery services available at $65 each way. Gentle Genie provides convenience and peace of mind, especially for large or delicate rugs.

Eric, along with his business partners Livingston and Larry, proudly operates Gentle Genie Rug Care in Orange County and the Inland Empire. As a lifelong resident of San Juan Capistrano, Eric personally oversees rug jobs in South Orange County, ensuring a customized experience and the neighborly care you’d expect.

Gentle Genie Rug Care is committed to treating every rug with expert precision and a personal touch. Visit their website at GentleGenieRugCare.com to learn more about their process or schedule a cleaning for your treasured rugs today.

Gentle Genie Rug Care
3605 W. MacArthur Blvd, Santa Ana
Servicing ALL of OC
949-484-8888
GentleGenieRugCare.com

Dana Point Hardware

Billy Barker

In the late 1950s, Bill Sandberg began his career in the hardware industry in his hometown of Burbank, California. After marrying Carolyn, the two purchased Frazier Park Lumber and Hardware, where they worked tirelessly while raising their family in Los Angeles.

By 1976, they decided it was time for a new chapter. Selling the business, they set their sights on finding a coastal location to establish a store of their own. Bill and his brother Bernie scoured the coastline of Orange County, traveling as far south as Oceanside, in search of the perfect spot. They ultimately discovered the charming beach town of Dana Point, a community that felt like home. That December, Bill, Carolyn and Bernie opened the doors of Dana Point Hardware.

In those early days, sacrifices were made to ensure the fledgling business thrived. Bill and Carolyn lived in a tiny trailer behind the hardware store for the first year. Eventually, they purchased a sailboat docked in Dana Point Harbor and made it their home for an impressive 17 years. Their unique lifestyle became a testament to their dedication and resilience.

The Sandberg family’s involvement in the store grew as time went on. Bill and Carolyn’s children, Bill Jr. and Susan Sandberg (now Basanda), joined the family business, with Bill Jr.’s wife, Carla, also contributing to the operation. Their children grew up working in the store, learning the values of hard work and community service. Among them was Susan’s son, Billy Barker, who found his passion in the family business. Starting in 1998, Billy took on increasing responsibilities and now manages all day-to-day operations.

Today, Dana Point Hardware is a four-generation family legacy. Billy’s daughters, Ava, Lexi and Jaiah, often lend a hand, running registers and assisting customers with the same friendly service the Sandbergs are known for. Whether serving local tradesmen or do-it-yourselfers, the team at Dana Point Hardware is dedicated to providing top-quality home improvement products and superior customer care.

Proud to be a part of Dana Point’s history, Billy Barker invites you to visit their neighborhood hardware store on Del Prado Avenue. Stop by and let the Sandberg family help you with your next project.

Dana Point Hardware
24366 Del Prado Ave
Dana Point
949-496-4158
DanaPointHardware.com

Cindy Horner Design & Construction

Transforming Houses into Dream Homes

Nestled in the heart of San Clemente, Cindy Horner Design & Construction is a family-owned business dedicated to delivering innovative, high-quality home renovation and design solutions. A long-time resident of San Clemente, Cindy runs the business with her husband, a retired Marine who served honorably for 25 years. Together, they’ve built a strong community presence while raising their three children.

As proud members of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), Cindy Horner Design & Construction showcases a commitment to professionalism and industry excellence. Their skilled team of project managers, contractors, and designers takes on projects of all sizes, turning visions into reality while respecting budgets.

This February, the company will debut its new showroom on El Camino Real in downtown San Clemente, across from Sonny’s Pizza. The showroom will feature an array of cabinets to suit every style and budget, along with premium materials like Cosentino Countertops, Dekton, and Silestone to inspire your next project.

Cindy has built a reputation for creating spaces that balance style, functionality, and comfort. From kitchen makeovers to bathroom renovations, her team combines creativity and precision to deliver outstanding results. “We’re not just designing spaces; we’re creating homes where families can truly thrive,” Cindy shares.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of their approach, with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs. Cindy and her team tailor every project to fit their clients’ lifestyles, ensuring homes reflect the unique needs of each family.

Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil retreat, a creative workspace, or a family-friendly haven, Cindy Horner Design & Construction is ready to transform your house into a home. Visit their new showroom and experience the expertise and dedication of a business deeply rooted in the San Clemente community.

Cindy Horner Design & Construction
430 N. El Camino Real, Ste. B
San Clemente
949-836-9363
CindyHornerDesigns.com

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives

Laura Bradburn

Meet “Laura the Lighting Lady,” proud owner of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives. Laura Bradburn is brightening homes across Orange County and is are thrilled to enlighten readers about her expertise in all things lighting!

Laura is a SoCal native and raised her family right here in the OC. With a BS degree in landscape architecture, Laura brings a great depth of knowledge to her lighting design business. Outdoor Lighting Perspectives (OLP) provides outdoor lighting design, installation, and maintenance. Laura loves the design process and creating livable outdoor spaces for her clientele. With her landscape architecture degree, she also offers her clients guidance on their gardens and helps to coordinate garden refreshes, new landscaping, and/or outdoor elements with her community of outdoor construction professionals.

What sets OLP apart from the rest is its core services consisting of landscape and architectural lighting for residential, commercial, hospitality venues, golf clubs HOAs, and vacation homes. They also offer a holiday lighting rental program and permanent roofline lighting. OLP is one of the few companies that offers a limited lifetime warranty for their entire lighting system.

Laura and her team recently completed an expansive lighting project for Jason and Melanie Hamilton, at their home in Coto de Caza. The project included revamping the lighting fixtures for their entire home exterior. The Hamilton’s lighting design was seamless and beautifully integrated into their home’s outdoor design. When asked about his experience with OLP, Jason shares: “Laura was fantastic and very accommodating to our family’s schedules. She was extremely adaptable and worked to find the best solutions to meet our needs and welcomed our feedback during the process. Her team was patient, efficient, and clean throughout the duration of the project.”

Given Laura’s expertise, one piece of advice that she can offer homeowners is to explore the benefits of security lighting. With the rash of recent break-ins, this is a very hot topic these days. OLP offers lighting that can provide both security and beauty to your home.

To learn more about Laura and her services, please visit OutdoorLights.com/ocsouth.

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
License #1106783
San Juan Capistrano
949-523-3936
OutdoorLights.com

South Coast Shutter and Shades

Tom & Donna Schuster

Specializing in the customization of shutters, blinds, cellular shades, woven woods, plantation shutters, and motorization, South Coast Shutter and Shades, led by Tom and Donna Schuster, goes the extra mile to cater to their clients. They offer complimentary in-home design consultations, assistance with measurements, and professional installation, all at no additional cost. Bringing over 32 years of expertise to the table, the team at South Coast Shutter and Shades is dedicated to providing personalized service that aligns with your budget.

Tom emphasizes their commitment to client input, stating, “We listen to you and integrate your ideas into the design of your custom shutters, blinds, or shades. Our extensive portfolio and samples allow you to envision the final look of your windows.” He highlights that their pricing, sales support, and in-house design services, provided without extra charges, set them apart from the competition.

Greg and Shari Rhodes of D&G Rhodes Construction, Inc., attest to the outstanding service, stating, “Once we discovered South Coast Shutter and Shades, we only recommend them to our clients. Tom and Donna are reliable, punctual, and maintain a tidy workspace. Our clients, impressed by their experience, happily refer South Coast Shutter and Shades to others.”

Having earned a 5-star rating on Yelp with numerous positive testimonials, South Coast Shutter and Shades is celebrated for its excellence. Doug W. of Mission Viejo commends, “From the first call, I knew I was dealing with a reputable, experienced, HONEST company. Tom and Donna are absolute PROS and obviously take pride in their work… Their price was very competitive, and what they quote is what you pay—unlike some others whose prices seem to escalate. All appointments, including installation, were flawless.”

The team invites you to experience their trustworthiness. With the capability and integrity to tackle projects of any size, South Coast Shutter and Shades encourages you to reach out for a free in-home consultation and discover the difference they can make.

South Coast Shutter and Shades
949-388-8344
SouthCoastShutterAndShades.com