Author Archives: the local dish

OCWineFest

OCWineFest

OCWineFest

An Exploration of Taste

2ND ANNUAL – MARCH 9-10

OCWineFest returns to San Juan Capistrano March 9 and 10, to sip for a cause, bringing top wineries into one location for two days of wine tasting and wine education on the historic grounds of A Stone’s Throw Winery, with many OC-based winemakers, luxe exhibitors and great philanthropic organizations in the mix. All tickets include unlimited tastings and a souvenir glass.

In its second year, OCWineFest, produced in coordination with LAWineFest owner and CEO, Dr. Joel M. Fisher, will be bigger and better, continuing to blaze the trail of bringing wine and people together – from the novice to the aficionado – in an accessible way, balancing fun, exploration and education with wine and beer tastings, food pairings, seminars, and a chance to meet some of the area’s top sommeliers and winemakers. The event will also feature gourmet goodies and luxury products from a variety of vendors.

Tasty eats will be available for purchase from Cousins Maine Lobster, MAIZ Cocina, Nostimo Greek Mediterranean Cuisine, Slammin’ Sliders and The Poke Hut Food Truck. There will be games by King Barrel and dancing to the tunes of the The Shenanigans Band, Three Forks Junction and other live acts.

The spirit of giving will continue through 2019 at OCWineFest, which will raise funds and awareness for three amazing philanthropic organizations — Kids Konnected, the Swanner House Restoration Foundation, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

At its inaugural event in 2018, almost 2,000 guests sipped more than 200 wines and beers from 40 producers, while they mingled, danced, nibbled bites and learned about award-winning wines from certified sommeliers and the winemakers themselves.

Tickets for the 2019 OCWineFest retail for $100 for General Admission and $125 for All Access, (which provides access to the exclusive VIP boutique winery areas). Designated drivers are appreciated, and their tickets cost only $25. Stay tuned for ticket deals by keeping in touch with OCWineFest online and on social media. More info at www.OCWineFest.com.

OCWineFest

Oak + Agave Market

The Oak + Agave on the Ranch

Oak + Agave Market

Esencia Pavilion (2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo)
Saturday, December 7th at 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Visit the Oak + Agave Market at the Esencia Pavilion on Saturday, December 7th for shopping, amazing food from El Corazon Food Truck, photos with Santa Claus, and fun for all ages! This unique market hosts small and local businesses which include handmade goods, clothing, amazing skincare products, home décor, vintage items and much more. Feel free to bring a friend, your kids, or your pet for a morning of fun and entertainment. You definitely don’t want to miss this holiday event! The Market is located in the heart of Esencia right next to the school at 2 Tierno Road, Rancho Mission Viejo, 92694. The Oak + Agave market takes place 4 times a year, so if you miss this one keep an eye out for the next market. Please check out their website at OakAndAgaveCo.com for more shopping info or to become a vendor.

Dewey’s Home Appliances and Electronics

Dewey’s Home Appliances and Electronics

Dewey’s Home Appliances and Electronics

Exceeding Expectations Since 1950

by Veronica Badzey

Dewey’s Home Appliances and ElectronicsFor the best deal in town on your next dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer, or TV, come to Dewey’s Home Appliances and Electronics, proudly serving South Orange County since 1950. A family-owned company with a reputation for integrity, exceptional customer service, and unbeatable prices, Dewey’s offers an extensive selection of premium and mid-range kitchen, laundry, and refrigeration appliances, as well as electronics from the industry’s leading manufacturers.

But what sets Dewey’s apart from the competition isn’t just great products from trusted name brands like Thermador, Bosch, Dacor, Monogram, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, GE, Whirlpool, Café, and LG. Customer service is its number one priority, and that shows in the numerous glowing reviews and countless recommendations it receives from loyal clients, some of whom have been shopping at Dewey’s for four generations.

“Our goal,” relates owner and operator Alex Haynes, who bought Dewey’s from his father in 1991, “is to provide every customer with the best product that fills their needs at the lowest possible price, along with top-notch service to back it up. There’s simply no other big box appliance store around that can say that.”

Dewey’s is a member of Nationwide Marketing Group, a national consortium of thousands of independent retailers with over $18 billion worth of buying power. This means it can offer manufacturer direct pricing on the latest technology from the industry’s top brands, like Thermador’s Professional product line shown on the cover. This luxury kitchen remodel features a 36” range top, 36” hood insert, double-oven with steam assist, and panel ready refrigerator columns with push-to-open doors.

The team at Dewey’s uses special data harvesting software that searches the internet to find real-time pricing on any available product, which allows the company to easily match or beat competitors’ prices. Customers can also take advantage of exclusive rebate programs, like one of Dewey’s current rebates from Frigidaire, which offers up to $500 off on the Professional Cooking product line. Delivery service is complimentary anywhere in South Orange County, with basic set-up included for free-standing appliances. Installation of built-in appliances is offered at some of the lowest costs in the industry.

Unlike most of the “big box” stores, Dewey’s dedicated team of sales staff are all highly knowledgeable, full-time professionals with 10 to 15 years of experience each. Because they don’t work on commission, customers never feel pressured to buy; instead, they receive reliable advice on choosing the ideal home appliances and electronics for their needs and budget. Dewey’s will even send out technicians to take accurate onsite measurements, which is especially important when buying built-ins for laundry rooms and kitchens.

“We’ve seen so many nightmare experiences,” Alex relates, “from people who bought online or from one of the big box stores. The product usually ends up being a bad fit or having the wrong features. At Dewey’s we do everything we can to help you avoid those kinds of problems.”

Even after an appliance is bought and paid for, Dewey’s continues to go the extra mile to assist customers. Its professional Service Center provides cost-effective repair and maintenance services from qualified techs – something that the big box stores just don’t offer.

If you’re an interior designer, builder, property manager, or contractor, be sure to ask about special programs for trade professionals. Along with additional pricing incentives, Dewey’s will also assign you a dedicated point person to make sure your project runs smoothly from start to finish, giving you extra peace of mind and saving you time and money.

But Dewey’s commitment to the community doesn’t stop at offering the highest quality products and exceptional service at rock bottom prices. “When you buy from us,” Alex states proudly, “you can feel good about knowing that a portion of your money goes right back into the community, whether that is through helping your local high school, youth sports league, halfway house, community youth group, or charitable organization.”

Call or stop by the San Clemente showroom today. Dewey’s is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

1542 N El Camino Real
San Clemente
949.492.3457
ShopDeweys.com

Fitness 2019

Fitness 2019

Fitness 2019

Fit Pilates

Fit-Pilates

FIT Pilates invites you to check out one of Orange County’s hottest workouts! Using the Lagree Fitness Method, FIT Pilates is the only licensed studio in San Clemente and Mission Viejo to offer the Megaformer. Providing constant resistance, the Megaformer effectively combines strength, endurance, cardio, balance, core, and flexibility, not only in one session, but in each and every move. In a 50-minute workout, you will shake, you will sweat, and you will quiver, but most importantly, you will get strong, toned, and FIT! Try one of these new client specials: first class $10 or 10 classes for $69 until January 31st. Experience for yourself why celebrities and athletes around the world are addicted and just can’t get enough of Lagree Fitness. Email info@FitPilatesStudioSanClemente.com or visit FitPilatesStudio.com for more info.

1001 Avenida Pico H • San Clemente, CA 92673 • 714.421.2127 • FitPilatesStudio.com

F45 Training

f45 training

F45 Training is a unique workout platform combining Functional Training using a HIIT timing format in a Circuit type environment.  The concept was developed in Australia in 2012 and brought to the US in 2014.  The class is based on a 45 minute time schedule so you get in and out and every minute is very effective. Some days are resistance based, other are Cardio and others are a hybrid of both.  Every day the workout changes so you never do the same one twice. There are over 4,000 exercises and 32 different daily schedules so you will never get bored and neither will your muscles! This workout is perfect for everyone no matter where you are in your fitness journey. Every single exercise can be modified and the reps are up to you. The certified personal trainers are there to assist you and make sure you are doing the exercises safely and within your own ability. Visit F45training.com for more information.

26711 Aliso Creek Rd. #100A • Aliso Viejo • (949) 484-4008
25260 La Paz Rd. • Laguna Hills • (949) 297-8199
27835 Santa Margarita Pkwy • Mission Viejo • (949) 239-1212
30451 Avenida de las Flores • RSM • (949) 239-1212
30595 Gateway Pl. • San Juan Capistrano • (714) 714-6001

Zen Dojos

zen-dojos

For nearly 30 years, Zen Dojos’ commitment to helping the kids of San Juan Capistrano and beyond stay healthy and gain confidence through the martial arts has been unwavering. Its one-of-a-kind children’s program focuses on nourishing our youth with life-long health and fitness principles that become a cornerstone for healthy living as they grow into young adults. Instructors are trained in recognizing the greatness in each of the students to help them become healthy and strong, both mentally and physically. Call 949.240.6574 to set up a free class and to learn how Zen Dojos can help your child actualize their fullest potential.

31888 Del Obispo #C6 • San Juan Capistrano • (949) 240-6574 • ZenDojos.com

9Round

9round

9Round is a 30-minute full-body kickboxing workout that is circuit-based. Not only will you punch and kick bags at each of the 3-minute rounds, but this effective workout incorporates strength and core training as well. All fitness levels are welcome at 9Round and every workout includes a trainer to guide you along. The state-of-the-art heart rate monitoring system ensures that you maintain an optimal target heart rate to achieve maximum fat loss. 9Round’s unlimited circuit-based workouts (with trainer included) are convenient for those with busy lives since there are no set class times or schedules to navigate. Locations in San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel make it easily accessible for those in South OC. Check the Yelp and Google reviews or visit www.9Round.com to learn how you can lose weight and get fit at 9Round.

3916, 979 Avenida Pico Ste K • San Clemente • (949) 218-7271
31742 Rancho Viejo Rd #D • San Juan Capistrano • (949) 429-6059
30100 Town Center Dr #S • Laguna Niguel • (949) 218-6611

Orangetheory

Orangetheory

Orangetheory Fitness is group personal training at its best. It combines heart rate based, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with resistance training for a complete, full-body workout in one hour. The professionally coached and expertly created workout templates take the guess-work out of getting stronger, more fit, and burning more calories. Although the workout changes daily, it is the same throughout each day so that you can take any of the many classes according to your schedule. Orangetheory Fitness has combined known, proven techniques in such a way to get the most out of an hour. Each member has their own heart rate monitor and their efforts are based on the five heart rate zones. It also targets specific amounts of times in each zone to induce EPOC, a biological state in which your body will increase calorie burn for up to 36 hours after the workout. Visit san-clemente.orangetheoryfitness.com or call 949.485.4885 to learn more.

802 Avenida Pico • San Clemente • (949) 485-4885 • san-clemente.orangetheoryfitness.com

Studio A Pilates

Studio A

 

Studio A is a space created for and dedicated to mindful movement and wholistic wellness presenting specialized and certified instruction in the arts of Pilates and Yoga. It offers classes in The MELT Method, (a simple self-treatment system to boost performance, speed recovery and eliminate chronic pain), as well as Barre and Pilates Suspension Method Classes. Clients and students are guided according to their unique and individual strengths and challenges through functional, integrated methods of movement, in order to attain a clear, unified relationship of mind, body and spirit. Studio A gives the option of choosing group class settings, semi-private duet sessions or one-on-one private instruction. Studio A provides an inviting atmosphere with clean lines, calming tones and textures as well as organized, professional surroundings. Visit studioApilates.yoga or call 949.218.0233 to learn more.

24849 Del Prado • Dana Point • (949) 218-0233 • studioApilates.yoga

Pure. Love. Yoga

pure-love-yoga

 

Pure Love Yoga caters to the true beginner.  Learn HOW to do yoga before you start practicing yoga. There is a difference between guiding a yoga class and teaching yoga. Both are offered at this studio. The heated and non-heated Vinyasa classes are for all levels, and teachers offer modifications as well as suggestions to challenge the advanced yogi. While strength and flexibility are physically beneficial, they include in their full spectrum of classes: Restorative, Yin, Reiki, Meditation, and Sound Healing classes. Pure Love Yoga offers full amenities such as locker rooms, showers, and a student lounge with plenty of herbal tea choices to warm the soul. They are a community of kind and loving people with the common goal of practicing the healing arts of yoga. They are community. They are family.  They are Pure Love Yoga.  Start your life-changing journey today at Pure Love Yoga and visit pureloveyogasc.com.

415 E Avenida Pico • San Clemente • (949) 492-5048 • pureloveyogasc.com

 

Education Spotlight 2019

Education Spotlight
January 2019

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The Fuel Shack

The Fuel Shack

The Fuel Shack

by Dina Scaglione

The Fuel Shack“People will forget what you said; people will forget what you did, but they will always remember how you made them feel.” This sums up the experience at The Fuel Shack in San Clemente. From the moment you walk through the door of this recently opened restaurant, you’re immediately greeted with a warm smile and a genuine ‘happy to see you’ hello, as if you’re part of the family.

The Fuel Shack is an eatery where you not only feel welcome, but where unique, fresh-to-order breakfast and lunch is prepared with a tremendous amount of care and creativity. Featured menu items are made using a slow-cooking methodology — an old-school technique that enhances the flavors in each dish, without a fryer, griddle or grill.

Yolanda, The Fuel Shack’s manager, is a retired pediatrician and life-long chef who leverages a wonderful fusion of ingredients from her travels abroad and from time spent as a child cooking in the kitchen with her loving grandma. For those of us who grew up in a home that revolved around family gatherings and intentionally prepared meals, the ‘food is love’ feeling at The Fuel Shack certainly rings true.

Looking to start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast? Then, the Tropical Matcha, a coconut and matcha waffle, generously topped with a medley of tropical fruits, whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate is just the fix. For those wanting something a bit more hearty, don’t pass up the Savory Waffle Sliders: two cornmeal waffles nestled around Oaxacan-style black beans, cheese and the signature Kickin’ Chicken Tinga or veggies — if you prefer a meatless dish. This two-fisted sandwich is finished with your choice of fire-roasted salsa, salsa verde, or chimichurri sauce for that extra kick. No modern breakfast place would be complete without the popular avocado toast on its menu. The Fuel Shacks’ Awesome Avocado features seasoned avocado, micro greens, tomatoes, bacon and a cage-free egg, all loaded generously on a thick slice of Texas toast.

The Fuel Shack aims to wake you up with the aroma of freshly brewed gourmet coffees, your favorite concoction from its espresso bar, house-made cold brew and delicious teas. A beautiful selection of assorted baked items, from moist, oversized muffins to mouth-watering, homemade banana bread topped with a cream cheese frosting, are a definite can’t-miss.

Stop by and fuel up! Open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends, The Fuel Shack is conveniently located on the corner of Camino de Estrella and Camino Mira Costa, across from the Sprouts shopping center.

The Fuel Shack
360 Camino De Estrella
San Clemente
(949) 388-4015
TheFuelShack.com

The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church

The Parish School

St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
an evolving schoolwide learning environment

The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church

Always learning, The Parish School graduates are confident and compassionate young men and women who will make a difference. Faithful to Catholic values, The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church sustains an evolving schoolwide learning environment that inspires each learner to achieve his or her God-given potential inside and outside the classroom.

ALWAYS LEARNING
The Parish School is #AlwaysLearning. Learners don’t just memorize math equations or recite spelling words. They ask questions. They explore. They love not just school – but the process of learning. And learning comes not just through doing things right, but through doing things wrong. The Parish School develops resilient, innovative learners who try, grow and achieve.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
The Parish School utilizes a standard-based curriculum aligned to the Roman Catholic Church teachings which prepares learners for high school and beyond. The faculty and staff continually expose learners to meaningful hands-on experiences, resulting in thoughtful risk-taking, problem solving and collaboration.

SMALLER CLASSES – IN-DEPTH LEARNING
Not only does the school boast an impressive 11:1 instructor-to-student ratio, they have a unique classroom format. The Lower School is the first in the Diocese to use Departmentalized Platooning. Each class moves as a unit between three classrooms, with a teacher focused on just two subjects. The result – a richer learning experience and expert teachers. 

In the Upper School, each learner has eight periods daily on a waterfall schedule, the standard for many high schools. The classes are integrated, yet small groups and individualized instruction ensures learners’ needs are met and challenged.

CREATIVITY
Through art and music classes and after-school activities like chorus and the Spring Musical, The Parish School builds creative and confident leaders. And, they are one of the only schools to offer Makerspace – a hands-on studio that integrates technology, engineering and creativity with project-based solutions to real-world situations

FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Each day, the school community prays, serves and grows in their relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is present in the books they read, the history they teach, and the music they sing. Learners attend weekly mass, provide mentorship through Prayer Partners and participate in monthly hands-on service projects and retreats.

The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
33866 Calle La Primavera
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.496.1241 • www.StEdSchool.org

The Parish School | St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church

 

 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Together Eagles Achieve More

Santa-Margarita-Catholic-High-School

Santa Margarita Catholic High School develops students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of the world. Ranked as the No. 1 Catholic High School in the county by Niche.com, the school’s 42-acre campus is nestled against the picturesque Saddleback Valley Mountains in Rancho Santa Margarita. 

Individualized Learning

  • Academic tracks tailored to meet the needs of varied learners
  • 106 higher level courses
  • Only Catholic high school in the county to offer the rigorous International Baccalaureate program
  • Auxiliary Studies Program supports students with specialized learning needs
  • Model United Nations program gives students the opportunity to attend mock meetings of the UN worldwide
  • Award-winning arts program with 63 visual and performing arts courses
  • Nine counselors assist with academic, college and personal counseling
  • 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio
  • One of 30 schools in the nation recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School for transforming the educational experience through student-centered immersive learning

College Preparedness

  • 99 percent of graduates in the Class of 2018 attend college with 92 percent at four-year universities; the class received $57.8 million in scholarship offers
  • Director of college relations dedicated to building strong partnerships with universities across the nation
  • 100 percent acceptance rate at 208 schools (class of 2018)
  • Comprehensive college counseling and college relations programs 
  • Approximately 155 college representatives visit campus annually to recruit SMCHS students

Building Champions for Life

  • 66 CIF championships, 208 league championships and seven state championships
  • 25 CIF teams plus club sports including roller hockey, ice hockey, equestrian, surfing and
    sand volleyball
  • Nine-time recipient of the CIF Commissioners Cup, recognizing the top athletic program in the 585-member CIF Southern Section

Campus and Faith Life

  • 90 percent of the student body participates in more than 85 campus clubs and activities developing leadership skills
  • Eagles Edge program provides “real-world” experiences and networking opportunities
  • Award-winning robotics program, the team took top honors in the county in 2018 earning an invitation to the world championships
  • Retreats, fellowship, school Masses and service learning
  • Link Crew eases the transition into high school with upperclassmen serving as mentors to the freshman class
  • One in every four students receives tuition assistance
  • Bus transportation serving Orange County

Santa Margarita Catholic High School
22062 Antonio Parkway
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.766.6076 • www.smhs.org

Santa Margarita Catholic High School

 

 

Marina View Preschool

Marina View Preschool
Developing A Lifelong Love of Learning

Marina View preschool

Studies have shown that children attending preschool generally do significantly better academically, developmentally and socially in the long-term compared to children who do not enroll in a preschool. However, the simple fact of attending preschool does not guarantee any immediate or life-long benefits. The quality of a preschool is the critical factor.

Marina View Preschool in Laguna Niguel was established over 16 years ago and in December 2012 had a change of ownership due to the previous owner’s retirement. The school is now owned and directed by Reshma Morey, a mother of two young boys and an educator with over 17 years of teaching experience. The school cares for children ages 12 months to six years and provides a healthy balance of academics and a developmental program. The school offers an Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Junior K and K program. The school’s philosophy is to offer a strong, child-centered learning environment that educates the whole child: intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Marina View’s vision is to create a love of learning in children that lasts a lifetime.

Since taking over the school, Mrs. Morey has made a number of improvements including developing a rigorous academic curriculum that exceeds the California Core Standards in the Junior K and K classes and includes formal Spanish instruction in all Pre-K classes.  Mrs. Morey has also embarked on creating a sense of community amongst the parents by having more events at the school such as the annual “Fun Run,” Open House, Halloween Parade, Winter Holiday Recital, Father’s Day and Mother’s Day celebrations, Kindergarten Science Fair, and “Masters of Art” Show. There are a number of additional events scheduled for 2019!

Over the years, Marina View has built an impeccable reputation by having an effective and proven school curriculum and an attractive and safe school facility. The school provides a developmentally appropriate curriculum taught by long-tenured, degreed, and credentialed teachers and offers an introduction to Spanish in all classes, Learning Centers focused on math, art, reading, and science, and Enrichment classes in Gymnastics, Soccer, and Spanish.

If you are considering a preschool for your child, Marina View Preschool should definitely be on your list. 

Please call (949) 249-8687 to schedule a tour today or just stop by to visit the facility at your convenience.

Marina View Preschool
25301 Sweet Meadow Lane
Laguna Niguel
949.249.8687
www.MarinaViewPreschool.com

 

marina-view

Our Lady of Fatima Academy

Our Lady of Fatima Academy
EMPOWERING TODAY’S CHILDREN TO PROMOTE TOMORROW’S LEADERS

our lady of fatima

Our Lady of Fatima Academy is a TK-8th grade Catholic school. Our mission is to nurture every student to discover their God-given gifts, to encourage them to use these gifts in the service of others and to empower them to be models of integrity and peacemakers who work for justice. Parents, school staff, and parisha community collaborate in striving for excellence in the education of the children.

Faith-Filled Catholics

  • Cultivating students’ spiritual and academic growth for 53 years 
  • A welcoming learning environment that incorporates the value of “family”
  • Strong Community Service Program ensures that students value their faith-filled education
  • Student-led weekly school Mass, monthly Sunday Masses and May Crowning
  • Choir groups
  • Weekly Family Assistance Ministries food drives
  • Annual participation in the Passion Play and the Knights of Columbus Writing Contest
  • Numerous Academy/Parish community building events throughout the year

Life-long Learners

  • WECA/WASC accredited
  • Staffed by a team of outstanding credentialed, nurturing, and dedicated professionals
  • Transitional Kindergarten – the first year of a two-year academic kindergarten program
  • 1:1 integrated technology learning and programs
  • Blended and differentiated learning opportunities
  • Enrichment programs: Spanish, STEM, music, piano, art, drama, technology, and PE
  • Yearly Science Fair
  • Innovative electives for junior high students including Advanced Math
  • After School fee-based programs

Effective Communicators

  • Leadership opportunities encouraged
  • Annual K-2, 3-6 and junior high musical productions
  • Annual participation in local and regional competitions
  • Fall, winter and spring PAL Athletics
  • Kindness Counts Week
  • Community Appreciation Day
  • Art, Writing and Technology Night
  • Participation in San Clemente’s Red Ribbon Week
  • Lip sync and talent show nights

Globally Responsible Citizens

  • Instructional Field Studies and Day Field Trips
  • Weekly Fine Arts: music, piano, art, drama, choir, advanced technology
  • Annual International Day

Our Lady of Fatima Academy
105 N. La Esperanza
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.492.7320 • www.olfschool.net

Our Lady of Fatima Academy