Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina

by Dina Scaglione

As we step out and about, dining with family and friends is high on the list of things to do. One of Dana Point’s best scenes for a casual, al fresco experience is Carlos Restaurant in Dana Point. With its sun-dappled Saltillo-paved patio, outdoor fire pit, ocean breezes and savory fare, we’re reminded of what we’ve been missing at this local gathering place.

For more than 50 years, Carlos’s has commanded the ample corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Alcazar Drive as the go-to locale for authentic Mexican food. Known for an incredible array of traditional dishes, including Fajitas, Pollo Ranchero, Chili Verde, Menudo and the hard-to-find Nopalitos – the latter two items are uncommonly served 7 days a week. What began as an intimate, family-owned coffee shop in the early 70’s quickly evolved into a beach city staple for authentic Mexican cuisine. Perhaps a bit lesser known, but every bit as delicious, is Carlos’s abundant and fresh selection of seafood options. Fish Tacos, stuffed Seafood Enchiladas and 7 Mares Soup, made with fish, crab, mussels, clams, octopus, calamari, shrimp and vegetables are just some of the popular offerings. My fave is the Camarones A la Diabla featuring spicy jumbo shrimp delicately sauteed in onions, garlic, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, refried beans, and warm tortillas.

Craving a hearty breakfast? Carlos Restaurant is also home to a traditional Mexican and American-style breakfast, served each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expansive menu boasts all of your morning favorites, including homemade Chorizo and Scrambled Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Carnitas and Eggs, a selection of freshly-made omelets, breakfast burritos and “choose your size” stack of fluffy pancakes.

Stop by for Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and check out Carlos’s weekly Taco Tuesdays, starting at 2 p.m. Treat yourself to Lobster Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m., where mouth-watering garlic, butter-basted whole or half lobsters are grilled to perfection. If you’re celebrating a birthday, baby shower or other special event, call to reserve a cozy corner inside or a tranquil spot on the patio.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Carlos Restaurant is your recipe for relaxation, so take a break from cooking and unwind with a tasty Margarita. Still owned and operated by the same family since 1972, Carlos’s remains a dedicated purveyor of delicious food, always accompanied by warm and friendly service.

Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina
34224 Pacific Coast Hwy in Dana Point
949.496.4470
CarlosCantinaDP.com

First Team Real Estate

Brian Barney

AN ALASKAN IN OC

Born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Brian Barney is a real estate agent with 22 years of construction and general contractor experience. He’s built custom homes in the rugged Alaskan landscape, crafted coastal estates in places like Laguna Beach, and even served as construction lead on a popular HGTV show. With over 300 new homes and over 3.5 million square feet of commercial and residential space under his belt, Brian is truly unique — a home expert, who’s also a realtor.

“I can walk into a house and know that if you invest $15,000 in a kitchen, within a specific period of time, you’ll receive a certain return on investment,” he says. “I can determine, just by looking at a house, where your money is best spent.”

Clients appreciate his eye for structural quality and ability to envision a home’s potential, but also his honesty. “I always ask my clients, ‘is this your short-term, 5-year, or forever home?’ Because if this is your forever home, then we should implement a new strategy.”

An outdoorsman since birth, Brian has a deep respect for nature. His childhood home was warmed by a wood-burning stove and he lived a genuinely sustainable lifestyle before anyone had coined the phrase. His Alaskan heritage inspired him to become LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) certified, so he can help you build and maintain a healthy home, choose the most energy efficient appliances, and ensure that it’s well-insulated.

Now based in San Clemente, this father of three is ready to make his mark in the Orange County real estate market. “I pride myself on being a family man. I love showing my children all that California has to offer and help them appreciate this beautiful state.”

Ready to see where your money is best spent? Learn more about Brian at BrianBarney.FirstTeam. com and discover what a home expert can do for you.

First Team Real Estate
900 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach
949.705.8772
BrianBarney.FirstTeam.com
BrianBarney@FirstTeam.com

Acting Academy for Kids

Parents & Kids Rave that AA4K is the Best in the OC!

by Val Vanderpool

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the world into lockdown last spring, Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) immediately focused on how to safely operate its long-running theater and performing arts programs for kids and teens.

By July of 2020, AA4K co-founders Stephen and Maggie Zygo developed a way to host small, in-person summer camps, enabling students to continue acting, singing and dancing — while following CDC guidelines. During a time when the pandemic had all but decimated in-person events and most other youth activities, AA4K’s summer camps provided kids and teens with an opportunity to make new friends, create fun memories and build confidence — all in a safe environment.

“This year, we will continue to operate, rain or shine, following every required CDC and state protocol. We’ve always been leaders in youth safety, so we can confidently say that kids will be safe, and they will walk away from our camps with an awesome experience,” said Zygo, who founded AA4K with his wife Maggie in 2008. Stephen holds dual degrees in elementary education and musical theater, and both Stephen and Maggie hold Master’s Degrees in education.

The Academy’s flagship location in Mission Viejo features a state-of-the-art theater complete with LED lighting wall, professional sound, and plenty of space for students to safely perform and interact. AA4K’s virtual class component allows even more kids to participate in its performing arts program.

Like so many adapting to the new normal of online life in 2020, Zygo said it took days of research and experimentation to create a virtual solution, drawing on the expertise and experience of his team, the broader theater community, and his brother — an 8-time Tony Award winner. “In the process, we became a leader in virtual theater production,” he said. “Other groups were able to glean information and inspiration from us. We all were just trying to figure out how to make it work, and fortunately, our team created an experience that was phenomenal for so many kids!”

AA4K’s virtual summer camp option also made it more feasible for kids to sign up for multiple sessions, and it allowed those from outside Orange County to attend last year. “We had kids signing up from all over the country. We even had one kid from China, who got up at 4 a.m. to attend,” Zygo said. “The virtual crew became friends on TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. They created all kinds of fun stuff together — and they all met at our camps.”

In the theater, Zygo and the AA4K staff had to determine how to facilitate in-person productions, where students could interact safely and have fun. The team designed a unique approach which allowed them to perform while social distancing. Students also received daily temperature checks and were required to wear masks. “Over the 9-week period last summer, we did not have a single COVID case,” Zygo said. “Our students and parents can trust us; we are following every CDC COVID guideline.”

From June 7 to August 13, AA4K will offer weeklong, in-person summer camps in Irvine/Tustin and Mission Viejo. To accommodate families who prefer to have their children participate from home, a virtual component will also be offered. This year’s performances will include Evil Descendants 2, Aladdin’s Magic Lamp, Matilda, Harry Potter, and several others. Until the guidelines change to be able to gather in front of a live audience again, AA4K’s final camp performances will be live-streamed and professionally filmed and edited, every Friday, for families to watch and share.

AA4K offers a $25 sibling discount, and a multiple camp discount when registering for more than one camp at a time. Register today, as space is limited!

ACTING ACADEMY FOR KIDS | AGES 5-17 | ActingAcademyForKids.com | 949.427.0072

Reata Glen

Moving Forward in 2021

Well-known Laguna Beach painter Karen Phelps has a new muse for her next masterpiece. The scene will take onlookers to the early-February COVID-19 vaccine clinic at her Reata Glen home where Karen’s neighbors were sporting big grins on their faces and Superman capes around their necks.

“This was a moment we’d all been waiting for,” Phelps said with a smile. “This vaccine clinic was like a big party at the community. We had balloons, pinatas, and live entertainment. It felt like the pandemic never happened. This painting will have a unifying theme behind it.”

With nearly all of Reata Glen’s residents vaccinated, the community looks forward to maintaining the strength, hope and resiliency in its residents and team members, and it has big plans to #MoveForward in 2021.

The Unforgettable Year
Reata Glen residents had so much looking forward as they rung in 2020. Like many holidays, the community celebrated with a large New Year’s Eve party.

“This is a lifestyle I always dreamed about,” laughed resident Jeanne Hankins.

Orange County’s newest Life Plan Community, located at 2 Las Estrellas Loop in Rancho Mission Viejo, opened its doors in 2019. The 60-acre campus has 480 residential living homes with dozens of unique floor plan options. Along with the more than 200 activities and amenities, residents enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.

In March 2020, as the pandemic escalated, the community quickly made enhancements to adhere to CDC, state and local guidelines to keep residents secure and safe while ensuring they stayed engaged and connected.

“Our team had to re-invent dining, activities and fitness programs overnight,” said Reata Glen Executive Director Suzanne Nasraty. “We strategized outdoor programming and worked to bring activities and parties to residents safely.”

Residents were encouraged to take advantage of the Southern California climate with outdoor fitness classes or to enjoy virtual fitness classes in their own homes. In addition, the community delivered chef-prepared meals, groceries and household supplies to residents.

“It was wonderful to see my neighbors outside on their balconies working out,” said Hankins. “I received so many more services living at Reata Glen than if I were still in my house by myself.”

“One day, the activities team passed out ice cream to everyone,” said resident Karen Rose. “The next day, they had a margarita machine and were handing out margaritas.”

Throughout the pandemic, Reata Glen team members continued providing the high-quality services the community’s residents are accustomed to receiving.

“Our community looked for additional roles and opportunities for staff,” said Nasraty. “Our residents appreciate our team members and vice versa.”

Reata Glen’s Plan to Move Forward
The community ushered in 2021 a little differently.

“We all stood outside on our balconies and did a toast,” Rose recalled. “It was nice to see everyone dressed up and still enjoying each other’s company, even though we were socially distanced.”

With the second vaccine clinic now complete, and nearly all their residents vaccinated, the community is working on plans to expand its programming to include additional in-person activities while following social distancing practices. The Orchards health center, adjacent to Reata Glen, opened its doors this year. Residents now have convenient access to assisted living, memory care, and long-term care in a skilled nursing center — if they ever need it.

“The Life Plan Community option was the most important factor in our decision to move to Reata Glen,” said resident Alan Rose. “If we ever need assisted living or memory care, we have it there.”

Residents say they’re excited to #MoveForward in 2021 and enjoy meals with friends in the community’s restaurants, along with spending more time with their neighbors face to face.

“I can’t wait to sit and play cards with my friends again in the card room,” said Karen. “It’s a small thing, but I’m grateful I have that here at Reata Glen.”

To learn about floor plan options, pricing and location, go to ReataGlen.com. Please call (949) 545-2200 for details.

Reata Glen
2 Las Estrellas Loop, Rancho Mission Viejo
949.545.2200
reataglen.com

Paddy’s Station

St. Patrick’s Festival

by Dina Scaglione

In February 2020, only weeks before the lockdowns, local businessman David Woodnutt took possession of The Vintage Steakhouse’s former location at the historic San Juan Capistrano Train Depot. He transformed the somber ambiance into a warm-spirited and unpretentious Irish Pub, welcoming locals and ex-pats alike. After the renovations were completed in May 2020, Paddy’s Station opened its doors to a neighborhood hungry for a sense of community, hearty grub and the alluring charm of the Emerald Isle.

Since the nineties, Dublin, Ireland has hosted multi-day St. Patrick’s Day festivals. At various cities throughout Ireland, you’ll find lively parades and joyful revelries including traditional music and green attire. At last, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, lock down restrictions in Orange County are lifting. Paddy’s Station invites the community to celebrate with a similar ten-day long festival, just as you’d experience in Ireland. The festivities kick off on Friday, March 12 and run through Sunday, March 21. The pub you have come to know and love will feature authentic St. Patrick’s Day activities to usher in the Irish spirit, including toe-tapping music, trivia night, dance lessons, karaoke, traditional dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, meat pies and an abundance of ales and adult beverages. I challenge other devout foodies to eat their way through the recently updated menu, augmented with more substantial meat dishes. Looking to fill your belly and savor the genuine flavors of St. Patrick’s Day? Special Irish dinners will be offered March 13th, 17th and 20th; contact Autumn for your table and dinner reservations at 949.525.6170.

If you’re looking to host a more intimate, private event, Paddy’s Station has you covered. The red train car, delightfully refashioned into a quaint cigar lounge, is ready for bookings any day of the week, from noon to midnight. Call 949.661.3400 to learn more. Come on by, kick up your heels and experience the luck of the Irish, jubilant festivities and tasty authentic fare.

Paddy’s Station
26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano
949.661.3400
paddysstation.com

Vision Real Estate and Design

Robyn Webb

Vision Real Estate and Design is changing the way homes are bought and sold in Southern California. Their Design to Sell approach was groundbreaking, and although it’s often imitated by the biggest names in the business, it’s never been duplicated.

With 17 years of experience and over 100 successful Design to Sell projects completed, Vision Real Estate and Design confidently states their listings sell at record-high prices and set record lows for days on the market. They create jaw-dropping outcomes as they reimagine your home. By illuminating its beauty with carefully selected remodel improvements and model home-like staging, they capture the home’s essence with breathtaking photos and alluring videos. In short, the team designs aspirational spaces where buyers can’t help but imagine living the lives of their dreams.

Vision Real Estate and Design is led by Robyn Webb, a polished professional with a wealth of experience. A certified interior designer, Robyn works tirelessly to make sure each project has a current and cohesive design that appeals to the masses. Her model home-quality staging and breathtaking photos create stunning results. With her MBA in marketing from USC, Robyn’s exhaustive and cutting-edge marketing plans drive outcomes that break industry records. Her listings typically sell for 20% more than those of her competitors. Buyers quickly fall in love with properties appointed to perfection, and sellers receive the highest possible return on investment.

But excellence at Vision Real Estate and Design goes far beyond the visual realm. They are obsessed with excellence in all its forms. Their compassionate, diligent, tech-savvy agents are by your side from beginning to end, and dogmatically inclusive. Their goal is to create irresistible, memorable experiences, all while assuring that you attain your goals, whatever they may be.

If you are in the market for a new home, or are considering selling your existing property, contact Robyn Webb and her team at Vision Real Estate and Design. She’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Vision Real Estate and Design
17815 Sky Park Circle, Suite A, Irvine
Cell: 714.328.5999 • 949.359.6572
robyn@californiavision.com
californiavision.com

The Awning Company

Gary Kerr

Family owned and operated, and with more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Scotland born Gary Kerr and his team at The Awning Company have the know-how, experience, and expertise to get your project done right. As a leader in the industry and the preferred vendor for all things awnings in Orange County, The Awning Company provides nothing less than unparalleled quality and service.

The Awning Company only sells American made products. Whether it’s retractable patio awnings, fixed awnings, or even retractable sunscreens, customers can take pride in knowing that they’re not only getting the best products but that they’re also helping American businesses in their efforts to compete in the world market.

It may sound bold, but The Awning Company is so confident in their products that they encourage customers to get at least two to three other quotes. Then they beat those written quotes without compromising on service or quality. You will find that their products are far superior and less expensive to what their competitors are offering. The bottom line is do not pay more for a cheap imported product when you can have a better, custom made, sun control product made right here in the USA at a lower price than anyone in Orange County.

Gary Kerr stated, “We appreciate all our loyal customers. Many longtime customers have moved homes over the years and they call us to create the perfect shade solution at their new home. We have been busy this past year making our client’s homes more comfortable and livable during COVID-19. I welcome the opportunity to assist you with any awning, shade or canopy needs!”

With excellent service, great rates, and quality craftsmanship and materials, The Awning Company has a stellar reputation throughout Southern California for delivering value.

The Awning Company
16811 Hale Ave, Suite E, Irvine
949.769.2485
https://theawningcompanyca.com/.com

San Clemente Woodworking

Ed Estrada

San Clemente’s Skilled Staircase and Railing Experts

Ed Estrada moved to San Clemente in 1989, three years after starting San Clemente Woodworking. This family-owned and operated staircase business specializes in elegant, custom staircases, including wood staircases, iron staircases, curved stairs, and stainless steel.

By sourcing and purchasing materials directly from local mills and manufacturers, the company is able to maintain competitive pricing. The skilled craftsmen at San Clemente Woodworking are experts in bending rails, custom woodturning, and precise duplication of architectural designs. Your beautiful, new staircase will be the envy of the neighborhood.

The staff at San Clemente Woodworking is committed to high quality workmanship in all aspects of a project, from design to installation. The company has grown to become one of the largest custom staircase builders in Southern California, providing comprehensive services to numerous residents and building contractors throughout the Orange County area.

Whether you’re renovating an existing staircase or installing a new one, San Clemente Woodworking prides itself on offering innovative designs and precision detail. Staircases are crafted using traditional woodworking techniques in your choice of wood, components and stain. If you can dream it; the team can create it.

Owner Ed Estrada says, “I’ve watched the transition take place throughout San Clemente during the past 30 years. Trends in staircases have changed. I’ve had the pleasure of working with great clients over the years. I welcome the opportunity to assist you on your next project, whether it’s updating your staircase or new
construction.”

Visit SanClementeWoodworking.com to view the photo gallery of the company’s work. Projects are also showcased on Houzz.com. Give Ed a call for more information and a quote for your next job.

San Clemente Woodworking
1030 Calle Sombra, Unit F, San Clemente
949.498.4397
sanclementewoodworking.com

Cecilia’s Interiors

Cecilia Durkin

At Cecilia’s Interiors, they take pride in every stitch they make! Since1969, Cecilia Durkin has been beautifying residential, business and marine interiors in South Orange County. She’s seen styles and fabrics change drastically since she started her business over 50 years ago. With her daughter, Lisa, diligently by her side, these two expert seamstresses have no need to ship out their client’s work. All projects are completed in the on-site workroom, within their corner showroom, located next to Mulligans in the industrial section of North San Clemente.

“It’s hard to believe I’ve been in business here for fifty years. We originally started up on Del Mar in the 70s, before making our way down to our current location. Our customers are extremely loyal and their referrals have continued to keep our business steady,” shares Cecilia.

Cecilia’s Interiors offers a wide range of products and services to fit its clients’ needs and lifestyles. The company proudly stands behind all of its work. Cecilia and Lisa believe in quality craftsmanship and they use only the best materials for their projects. Specializing in custom draperies and valances, furniture re-upholstery, slip covers and complete bed ensembles (bedspreads, skirts and shams), they welcome any job, no matter how big or small. For your convenience, the showroom houses an array of fabrics to complete your custom job, to suit your style and taste.

The company’s rave reviews speak for themselves. Ellendea T. in San Clemente recently posted on Yelp, “I entrusted my two Louis XVI chairs to Cecilia for reupholstering and was delighted with her work. Given the superb attention to detail, I would say the cost is quite reasonable. I highly recommend her. She is often busy, so book ahead for your project.”

Call on Cecilia’s Interiors for your next design or upholstery project. The showroom is open Monday through Friday to serve you. They are available for on-site consultations and estimates. As Cecilia smiles, she says, “We look forward to adding you to our long list of delighted clients!”

Cecilia’s Interiors
154 Calle De Los Molinos, San Clemente
949.492.0881
ceciliasinteriors.com