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by Dina Scaglione
There are few places in South OC where you can enjoy a dining experience and an adventure under one roof. At OC Tavern, savor a delicious meal with family or a craft beer at the bar with friends, a cocktail while taking in spectacular ocean views from the patio or catch a live game on one of the 60 HD TVs in the main room. You can even wager on live satellite horse racing, hear live music or host a private event. OC Tavern is far from your average sports bar or pub; it’s a comfortable and welcoming staple where locals have gathered for years.
As you ease into the menu, choose from a large variety of traditional appetizers, including homemade rolled chicken taquitos, served with guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream. The spicy San Clemente chicken wings consist of drums and wings, with your choice of sauces from buffalo, BBQ, or a tavern blend dressing. A must-have is the fried calamari — lightly fried and tender, paired with a zesty house-made chipotle marinara sauce. The fish and chips are understandably popular with generously portioned beer battered cod accompanied by a heaping scoop of tangy cole slaw, complemented with tartar sauce and steak fries. One of my faves is the Tavern Tacos, with your choice of grilled chicken, carne asada, carnitas, ground beef, beer-battered shrimp, served on corn tortillas and served with rice, black beans, house-made guacamole, and sour cream. OC Tavern’s tri tip beef is one of the most flavorful and tender around, as an entrée or atop a bed of chopped romaine and spinach, layered with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, avocado, and a house-made Italian dressing.
Happy Hour features a wide assortment of craft beers and fun specialty cocktails and takes place Monday through Friday, from 3 to 7 p.m. and all-day Monday. Planning a corporate or private event Reserve your date now for the holidays and secure your choice of private rooms that seat 40 to 200. OC Tavern has it all, a distinct and laid-back venue to fit every mood and a menu to appease every palette.
OC Tavern
2369 South El Camino Real
San Clemente
949.542.8877
OCTavern.com
MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano Focused on Family, Community and Wellness
An Enriched Past — Investing in the Community
MemorialCare is rich in the modern-day history of San Juan Capistrano. In fact, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has served this community for more than 20 years. Dr. Craig Albert and Dr. George Karapetian – who worked out of the first, much smaller MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano site — are retiring after serving this community for more than 20+ years.
These same physicians and their staff, along with MemorialCare leadership, knew the residents of San Juan Capistrano needed expanded access to health care. In 2015, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano moved into a 2-story, 25,000 square-foot space, nestled between the 5 Freeway and Marbella Country Club.
“We knew we needed to do more for the health care needs of the community,” said George Karapetian, M.D., past medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “We were determined to give this community the ease of access to general care, along with specialized services.”
This once small, but mighty practice turned into a one-stop shop for complete health care for the entire family – and opened with an on-site lab, digital imaging services and a Coumadin Clinic. It also offered access to care focused on improving health outcomes, including health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.
A Bright Future – Healthcare Advances Woven into Primary Care
Although it was just seven years ago since the re-investment in healthcare for the community of San Juan Capistrano, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano is at it again. Even before the growth of the need for mental health services due to the pandemic, the team at MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano saw the need and brought on behavioral health as a service to the community.
Not only is this Center complete with primary care physicians, but it includes specialists in pediatrics, podiatry and pulmonary medicine. Dr. Wong, a pediatrician at the Center, is a passionate advocate of pediatric healthcare – and strives to ensure a child’s needs are met first, specializing in understanding how to communicate and connect with children. In addition, an urgent care is available with the ability to check in online, provide virtual care visits and offer a virtual exam kit for the home.
“What is truly remarkable about our Center is the ability for us to take care of the entire family,” says Mimi Trinh, M.D., current medical director, MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. “From the working mom, who gets her primary care as well as her child’s well checks here, to someone in the sandwich generation, who has herself, her parent and her child’s care to coordinate — we have specialized care exclusive to each patient’s unique needs all under one roof.”
Much like the City of San Juan Capistrano has adapted with changes through the years, so has MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano. New clinicians are joining to meet those growing needs of the community, including Dr. Sandy Serna, Dr. Vincent Zheng and nurse practitioner, Elizabeth Upson.
More than 38 percent of the city of San Juan Capistrano’s population is Hispanic and Spanish speaking. Dr. Serna’s second language is Spanish, offering our community the comfort of knowing they can receive care in their family’s native language. Dr. Zheng is also passionate about healthcare equity and chose a career in medicine after experiencing his family’s difficult access to healthcare and health insurance. While he watched his father have to work through an injury, he wants to be the change for his patients.
Finally, addressing the need for female care providers in the area, a new nurse practitioner is joining the group, giving women of South Orange County another female practitioner to turn to.
Become a Part of the MCMG San Juan Capistrano Community
While MemorialCare Medical Group San Juan Capistrano has an illuminating past, the future too is bright for this Center as well as those who call MemorialCare Medical Group their medical home.
MemorialCare Medical Group accepts most major HMO, PPO, EPO, POS and some Covered California plans, as well as Medicare, Tricare, Medicare Advantage and Supplemental plans. Visit memorialcare.org/SJC or call (877) 696-3622 for more information.
MemorialCare
31001 Rancho Viejo Rd., Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano
877.696.3622
MemorialCare.org/SJC
by Dina Scaglione
It doesn’t get much better than a tasty craft cocktail, perched on a rooftop with a view of a fiery orange sunset. If that sounds appealing, then say hello to the area’s newest dining destination, Rooftop Kitchen and Bar in historic San Juan Capistrano. The tasty craft cocktails, farm-to-table specialties and hip, comfortable motif will keep you coming back for more.
Longtime partners Marc Resnick and Archie Hami found this gem of a location, the former Ruby’s, amid the height of the pandemic and set their sights on creating something fresh and novel. Opening on Swallow’s Day in March 2022, RTK+B is delivering on that promise, complete with spectacular views, a California-coastal-meets-comfort-food menu, and artfully created craft cocktail libations.
Enjoy a craft beer, glass of wine or one of several signature cocktails like Ring of Fire, with smokey mezcal, passion fruit, citrus and Aperol. Margarita lovers will delight as they sip the Gran Torino, infused with Patron Silver. Popular shareables include ahi and chips, stacked with ahi, avocado, tomato, and cucumber, swimming in a tangy dressing. The must-have fresh shrimp ceviche is loaded with shrimp, cucumber, carrot, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, and Tajin in a citrusy lime marinade. By far, the pulled pork sandwich with honey mustard barbeque sauce, classic cole slaw, pickles, and cilantro is the best handheld around. Generously portioned, yet price conscious entrees include the Capistrano Chicken with grilled chicken and fresh veggies, layered in a cream corn sauce. The savory short rib pappardelle pasta features braised short ribs, mushrooms, caramelized onion, and arugula, languishing in a flavorful stroganoff sauce. Meat lovers will appreciate the Ribeye Fillet, a hefty 8-ounce cut, accompanied by garlic, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and potatoes topped with a spicy gorgonzola sauce. Definitely check out the daily fresh-made desserts prepared by a local pastry chef.
Live music happens Thursday through Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and all afternoon on Sunday. Tunes run the gamut from light jazz to pop to country, certain to get you swaying to the rhythm, whether you are looking for a fun date night, a cozy family meal, or enjoying drinks with a group of friends. Planning your holiday party or sports banquet? RTK+B offers private banquet facilities for parties of 50 to 100. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (dinner only Tuesday – Wednesday) and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Stay tuned for more details on their Sunday brunch!
The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar
31781 Camino Capistrano Ste. 301
San Juan Capistrano
949.503.3358
RooftopOC.com
RYAN ANDERSON, DC & ASHLEY DAVIES, DC
Since 2013, Trestles Chiropractic has provided the ultimate modern chiropractic care. Dr. Ryan Anderson and his team of professionals are focused on delivering pain relief, but they ultimately want to see you thrive. They believe the first step in the treatment process is listening to their patients in order to determine the origin of each ache and pain.
Life events, traumas, and past injuries can all wreak havoc on a body, so open communication helps to formulate the most impactful treatments and suggest realistic lifestyle changes to prevent further pain. After a complimentary consultation, patients can sign up for an initial examination, which includes a set of fully digital x-Rays, performed on-site. The practice saves patients time and money by eliminating the drive to an imaging center. Trestles Chiropractic has the ability to offer test results within just a few minutes. Once Dr. Ryan or Dr. Ashley, who joined the team in early 2022, have reviewed the x-Rays, their hands-on work can safely begin.
Treatments offered by the physicians at Trestles are as varied and unique as the conditions they address. When it comes to spinal adjustments, Trestles utilizes the diversified technique, which involves using manual pressure to restore proper movement. Traditional and state-of-the-art chiropractic devices provide lower force techniques for patients with conditions like osteoporosis. Laser therapy is also available for those suffering from joint and soft tissue injuries.
Dr. Ryan says massage therapy is one of the most effective treatments for repetitive stress disorders, pelvic instability, and shoulder injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. He has a team of three massage therapists with 60 years of combined experience to specifically treat these patients. Dr. Ryan feels that true therapeutic massage with a doctor’s input lets two sets of hands diagnose or track an injury, even if that injury resulted from an incident that took place years ago. “Pain is the last symptom to show up. If you just threw out your back, that didn’t just happen. That was the ‘last straw’ that resulted from something else,” he says. If you want to avoid future pain, consider chiropractic treatment as a preventative measure, before symptoms arise.
Athletes flock to Dr. Ryan’s office for pre-competition adjustments or post-injury healing. “We see a lot of golfers,” he says. They also treat many youth soccer and water polo players, as well as new pickle-ball enthusiasts suffering from sprains, strains, and shoulder impingement.
Whether you want to improve your golf swing, or just want relief from pain and discomfort, Trestles Chiropractic has a treatment solution for you. Call today to schedule a complimentary consultation at 949-284-6620 or visit TrestlesChiropractic.com.
Trestles Chiropractic
653 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 100
San Clemente
949.284.6620
TrestlesChiropractic.com
DR. KYLE SONG, MD
The team at South Coast Plastic Surgery is focused on providing a superior patient experience. They have chosen to create a place where your journey is something you look forward to. You can expect a warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere, where you are treated as a friend – not a patient.
The board-certified medical professionals have each achieved acclaim for their outstanding skills and talents. The office is friendly, warm, and caring. World-class surgical and non-surgical enhancements are performed in a comfortable, professional setting. There is no better clinic than what you will discover at South Coast Plastic Surgery in Ladera Ranch and Irvine. Don’t expect white coats and badges — South Coast Plastic Surgery believes you deserve comfort above all, and that includes how to interact with you throughout your journey.
State-of-the-Art Surgical Center
Surgical procedures are performed at the private, accredited surgical center, which is equipped with advanced patient health and safety technology. Rather than undergoing surgery in an impersonal hospital setting, you have the option to be cared for personally by a team that genuinely cares about you, your experience, and achieving an outstanding outcome.
Meet Dr. Song
Dr. Song’s approach is compassionate and supportive, but it doesn’t end there. His education, extensive experience, medical contributions, and local and national recognition make him an Orange County leader for both plastic and reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Song is a highly skilled and talented plastic surgeon who offers an impressive level of expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive breast, face, and body contouring procedures. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery under the American Board of Medical Specialties.
The South Coast Plastic Surgery Difference
At South Coast Plastic Surgery, the focus is you, your experience, and your results. The plastic surgeons are among the most talented in the nation and have garnered respect and recognition for their achievements.
You are invited you to discover the difference at South Coast, where it’s all about you — from your first consultation to your recovery.
South Coast Plastic Surgery
800 Corporate Drive, Suite 280
Ladera Ranch
949.701.4454
SoCoPlasticSurgery.com
DRS. JEFFREY BARRERA & TYLER KISLING
Discover this peaceful experience at Sendero Dental Studio in Rancho Mission Viejo — an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and a uniquely tranquil setting for your next dental appointment. It’s also home to one of the best-reviewed dentists in South Orange County.
Dr. Jeffrey Barrera launched Sendero Dental in Rancho Mission Viejo as an intimate studio designed for maximum relaxation and comfort. Sendero’s minimalist décor, in neutral shades of white and grey, feels less like a scene for a root canal and more like the lobby of a luxury retreat.
Dr. Barrera’s friendly and convenient practice values a patient’s time and his team ensures you’re in and out as efficiently as possible… with a smile. Dozens of 5-star Yelp and Google reviews offer testament to the exceptional level of care.
Dr. Barrera approaches every patient as a member of the family, as does Dr. Tyler Kisling, who recently joined the Sendero Dental Studio. Hailing from Fresno, Dr. Kisling brings eight years of experience and a fresh perspective. After particularly work-intensive treatments, he’s known for calling patients at the end of the day to check in. “Dr. Kisling and I are on the same page,” Dr. Barrera says.
For some, visiting a dentist, no matter how serene the atmosphere, generates feelings of apprehension. That’s why the office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver the best possible outcomes with the least amount of discomfort. Remember “impressions” created with unpalatable trays of green, goopy material? Well, you won’t find those at Dr. Barrera’s offices. He uses iTero, a laser scanner that creates a virtual model of your teeth in just five minutes, expediting the treatment process. If a crown is required, the fabrication time is reduced from more than two weeks to a mere three to five days.
With iTero, Dr. Barrera has the capability to show you the interior of your mouth and the positioning of teeth, essentially in real time. The technology allows practitioners to treat patients more precisely and provides before-and-after video simulation of how corrective measures would improve the health of your teeth.
Patients love the scan because it saves them time, but dentists love iTero’s ability to detect decay, minute chips in teeth, and gum recession. It also enables the office to maintain a chronological record of your oral health as a companion view to traditional x-rays.
Technology aside, Dr. Barrera knows that superior care and personal interactions make a dentist visit successful, not the equipment. “If we build trusting relationships that last a lifetime, that’s what’s most rewarding to me,” he says.
If you’re looking for a new dentist to care for your entire family, a second opinion, or referral, schedule a consultation at 949.371.8533.
Sendero Dental
30901 Gateway Place, F-5
Rancho Mission Viejo
949.371.8533
SenderoDental.com
DRS. EUGENE AND JENNIFER MEDLEY
An often overlooked but important healthcare connection to establish is a personal relationship with your neighborhood pharmacist. Experienced, independent pharmacists are an invaluable resource for parents, seniors, athletes, and anyone else who needs trusted medical information and consultations. Family-owned and operated for 44 years, and now in its second generation, Sea View Pharmacy in San Clemente has served the community through decades of sweeping changes in healthcare and will support the current generation of local families through the next.
Jerry Medley assumed ownership of Sea View in 1988 and can still be spotted behind the counter assisting patients. His son Eugene now owns and runs the day-to-day operations, along with Eugene’s wife Jennifer (when she’s not chasing after three busy kids!). Eugene grew up hanging around the pharmacy, but he explored stints as an ocean lifeguard, working in animal husbandry with Siegfried and Roy, and teaching veterinary anatomy before obtaining a doctorate degree in pharmacy and joining his father. As a professional, Medley finds gratification in knowing his business caters to a particular niche in the marketplace. “We can devote more time to customer service than corporate-run stores,” he says, “As a compounding pharmacy, we can provide customized therapies that aren’t available commercially.”
“Pharmaceutical companies formulate medications and determine dosages based on a 180-pound Caucasian male,” Medley explains, “We work with physicians to customize treatments for people who don’t fit into that mold.” Babies with digestive issues, hormone replacement for both women and men, veterinary patients, and people with special dietary requirements—just to name a few—all benefit from a partnership between the doctor and pharmacist to determine the most effective treatment with the most appropriate dosage.
As San Clemente’s only independent pharmacy, Sea View is also the go-to source for all medical equipment and supplies—even hard to find products—from bandages and braces to compression garments and wheelchairs. The website provides a wealth of information as well, including drug profiles, healthy recipes, articles, and referrals. Check out SeaViewPharmacy.com and take a peek, or better yet, stop by and introduce yourself!
Sea View Pharmacy
665 Camino de los Mares, #101
San Clemente
949.496.0123
SeaViewPharmacy.com
BRANDON CURFEW, DMD
OFFICE VIBES
Dr. Curfew and his staff place their highest priority on the experience of every patient they treat. Patients enjoy the light, airy feel that the natural light in the office provides through floor-to-ceiling windows. Overhead smart TVs and wireless headphones are also available for patients who enjoy entertainment during their dental appointment.
ABOUT DR. CURFEW
Dr. Curfew lives in San Clemente with his wife of 16 years, Brittany, their two boys, Drake (10) and Beau (8), and their dogs Dennis & Oscar. He is grateful to be able to serve the community in which he lives. He earned his dental degree from The University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and then continued on to complete a General Practice residency at the VA Hospital in Denver, Colorado. While there, Dr. Curfew gained extensive experience with the placement and management of implants, wisdom teeth removal, and many other advanced dental procedures.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT AND PATIENT COMFORT
Dr. Curfew participates in ongoing training in many areas of dentistry to provide his patients with the most personalized treatment and the best outcomes. He is active in local study clubs and also continues his education through intensive training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and other professional organizations. The office utilizes cutting-edge technology such as intraoral scanners, cameras and lasers to ensure that every patient is well-informed and receives optimal results with maximum comfort.
THE HIGHEST STANDARD
When you are in the care of a team member at San Clemente Smiles, you will always receive the highest quality treatment and be shown with the utmost respect. Whether you need assistance with scheduling an appointment, you’re visiting for a routine dental cleaning, or you are completing a life-changing smile makeover, you will receive the undivided attention and professional treatment that you deserve from the team at San Clemente Smiles. Every team member is highly skilled in their chosen area of expertise, and take great pride in the experience that they offer and the relationships they build.
San Clemente Smiles
905 Calle Amanecer, Suite 220
San Clemente
949.498.1320
SanClementeSmiles.com
BRADY NIELSEN, DDS
Commitment To You
Oral and facial surgery can cause many patients to feel apprehensive and nervous about their treatment, especially if this is the first surgery they will undergo. San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery, board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Brady Nielsen, and his experienced team are aware of the stress surgery can cause. They make it a top priority to provide expert, comfortable surgery in a pain-free and relaxed setting. That is the commitment to you—and one upheld every day.
Excellence With Compassion
Dr. Nielsen achieved board certification through the American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and has years of experience in the full scope of oral and facial surgery, including placing thousands of dental implants. He has lectured at both local and national meetings and has several publications in the oral surgery literature focusing on implant dentistry. Dr. Nielsen is also on staff at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo where he is able to perform jaw reconstruction and trauma surgeries. He and his team are dedicated to surgical excellence and take a compassionate and gentle approach to your care. With custom anesthesia services and a calming office atmosphere, you’ll experience the best surgical care available.
High-Tech, Innovative Care
The surgical facility is equipped with the newest CBCT imaging and digital technologies to virtually plan surgical procedures. The practice also leverages advanced healing techniques to expedite patient recovery after surgery. The surgical suites are at the highest standard of safety and sanitization, along with full office-based anesthesia capabilities, including general anesthesia. All technology used is to ensure delivery of the most innovative surgical solutions and the most efficient, comfortable, and predictable care for you.
A Heart For The Community
Community involvement is a central part of the mission to serve the San Clemente area. San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery offers CPR classes and other health-related courses to increase public knowledge and overall wellness. Dr. Nielsen and his team are also actively involved with local schools and support small businesses. They truly have a heart for the community and love giving back.
Put your care in the hands of the expert and contact Dr. Nielsen in San Clemente for a personalized consultation today.
San Clemente Oral & Facial Surgery
675 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 303
San Clemente
949.403.6602
SanClementeSurgery.com
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