Hoedown 4 Hunger

The first annual Hoedown 4 Hunger takes place on Sunday, June 3rd from noon to 6 p.m. at the Limo Barn in Rancho Mission Viejo’s Reata Park. The proceeds from this event will benefit hungry children and families in Orange County through two outreach non-profits:  Focus OC and Family Assistance Ministries. Focus OC delivers food vouchers to families living in small hotels, especially in the summer when school food programs are not available. Family Assistance Ministries (FAM) runs a daily food bank in San Clemente and has a weekly food bank in San Juan Capistrano on Wednesdays. FAM also provides clothing, food to the elderly and many other services.

Bring the entire family! Hoedown 4 Hunger will feature live music from the Kelly Boys and Country Western-style dancing with instructors to help beginners. Once guests have danced up an appetite, they can enjoy BBQ ribs, hamburgers and hot dogs with the proceeds from food purchases supporting the cause. Beer, wine and signature margaritas will also be available for purchase. Come dressed to impress in your finest Western boots and hat and enter the Best Dressed Contest. Awards will also be handed out to the winners of the Chili Cook-off and Blue Ribbon Pie Contest. There will be a variety of free games and fun activities for the kids to enjoy. Admission to the event and parking are free.

Hoedown 4 Hunger was founded by Irene Basdakis of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church in San Juan Capistrano. Irene and her committee have reached out to the St. Basil’s community of 140 families to sponsor the event so that 100% of the proceeds will go toward feeding and caring for families in need. When asked about her motivation, Irene shared, “We truly begin to live a life of purpose when we can look beyond our own churches and households and see the community around us as our neighbors, whom we are called to care for and embrace as part of our extended family.” Irene is currently on the St. Basil Church Parish Council and is a past Parish Council President.

For more information about the event, visit Hoedown4Hunger.org.

Hoedown 4 Hunger
Reata Park in the Limo Barn
28632 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano
Hoedown4Hunger.org

Gemmell’s Restaurant

Bon Appétit!

by Dina Scaglione

Prepare yourself for a gastronomic adventure as you explore vibrant, flavorful dishes, unlike anything you have tasted before at Gemmell’s French Restaurant. Celebrating 17 years in Dana Point, Gemmell’s is that unique kind of dining destination, complete with a snug French ambiance, set to a backdrop of seductive Parisian music. Award-winning Owner and Chef Byron Gemmell brings his 49 years of culinary experience to the harbor, preparing every delicious dish from scratch.

I suggest starting your dining experience with the Feuillette, a fluffy puff pastry, wrapped around asparagus spears and layered with a creamy tarragon wine sauce. Add shrimp or scallops and this becomes a satisfying meal unto itself. The Hearts of Romaine salad is a wonderful twist on the famous wedge salad, topped with roasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, diced tomatoes and topped with a delicious Bordeaux vinaigrette dressing.

Gemmell’s Chicken Elizabeth is anything but your typical poultry entrée. Fresh chicken breast is sautéed with artichoke hearts, garlic and shrimp, smothered in a citrusy chardonnay sauce, and paired nicely with rice and steamed veggies…unbelievably moist and flavorful. The tender Pork Tenderloin is topped with a delectable Madeira wine demi-glace and accompanied by roasted potatoes and sautéed vegetables. Chef Byron’s Roasted Duck is a complete departure from what you may have experienced with duck, without the typical gaminess or fat. Sliced lean and topped with a unique caramelized banana rum sauce, you’ll be tempted to lick the plate.

No meal is complete without dessert, but you’ll be especially tempted to indulge at Gemmell’s. Like all of the restaurant’s dishes, the desserts are also made from scratch, and the proof is in the pudding! Do yourself the favor of ordering The Harlequin Soufflé when you start your meal; it takes 25 minutes to prepare, but is so worth the wait. Half chocolate, half vanilla, this soufflé is gooey and rich and imploding with a crème Anglaise sauce. Another decadent option is Gemmell’s Crème Brûlée – a deliciously smooth, custard, crowned with caramelized sugar and assorted berries.

Experience the best of French-Continental cooking without leaving Dana Point and plan to be swept away with every savory bite of Chef Byron’s beautifully prepared meals. Gemmell’s has been rated as one of Orange County’s Best Continental restaurants by ZAGAT — after one taste of their skillfully prepared meals, you will quickly agree.

Gemmell’s Restaurant
34471 Golden Lantern • Dana Point
(949) 234-0063 • GemmellsRestaurant.com

Saddleback Golf Cars

By Veronica Badzey

Wanna go for a ride? Then why not make the journey part of the experience. Cruise around town, take the kids to school and trek to the beach in a customized vehicle from Saddleback Golf Cars. The fun doesn’t need to end at the 18th hole when you own a convenient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly golf car or low-speed vehicle (LSV) that’ll get you to your destination in comfort and style.

Since 1980, Saddleback Golf Cars has been offering new golf cars, rentals and service to residents and businesses throughout South Orange County and all of Southern California. With hundreds of options across new, used and refurbished models, customizing a unique vehicle that’s tailored to your specific needs and personal aesthetic is right in the company’s wheelhouse. Surfboard racks, lifted tires and LED lighting are just a few of the many features available to customers. Whether you’re in the market for a 2-seater golf car to navigate fairways and greens, or a 4-seater shuttle for driving guests to and from your next big event, the knowledgeable staff at Saddleback Golf Cars is happy to assist you in selecting from a vast array of practical options and luxury amenities. Choices include ostrich leather or cloth upholstery, turn signals and lights, rear-facing seats, mag wheels, stereos, custom paint colors, and more.

Speedy turnaround times for a fully-customized vehicle makes the process from purchase to pick-up a breeze. Saddleback also provides every customer with a loaner golf car or LSV for use in the interim. Accessories and parts are also available through the company’s website, or by visiting the impressive 5,000 square foot showroom.

About 85 to 90% of golf cars and low-speed vehicles are electric, making them a green transportation option. Golf cars may not exceed 19 miles per hour by law and typically come with a standard 2-seater model, with rear-facing seats available for installation. In contrast, street-legal shuttles, also known as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), are required to reach at least 25 miles per hour and must possess turn signals, front lights, brake lights, seat belts, and tops.

Saddleback Golf Cars carries a wide range of both golf cars and shuttles, available in 2-facing forward, 4-facing forward, and 6-facing forward models. New and used options start at just $2,500 and go up to approximately $18,000, with a well-outfitted version of its most popular model, the E-Z-GO 2five, averaging between $10,000 and $12,000.

Saddleback offers a variety of reconditioned cars, which receive a complete service inspection and overhaul, including new paint, tires, and batteries, as well as any needed maintenance and repairs. “Our reconditioned cars come with a full one-year warranty,” relates Phil Bellafaire, owner of Saddleback Golf Cars for the last 13 years. “They are built to last.”

For those who want a golf car on a short-term basis, Saddleback Golf Cars’ inventory of 300 plus cars and shuttles may be rented for a day, a week, or a month’s vacation. Its a popular resource for wedding planners, event planners, and community organizations, especially around Salt Creek Beach and South OC’s many parking-challenged venues. Rentals come with an optional delivery service and can also include professional drivers to shuttle guests back and forth between venues, or from parking lots to event sites.

Golf car owners benefit from the company’s exceptional service department, which provides comprehensive maintenance and repairs, including house calls when on-site service is required. With a complete in-house body and paint shop, it’s team of experienced technicians can handle repairs for all makes and models, including E-Z-GO, Cushman, Yamaha, Taylor Dunn, Club Car, and more. The fleet of ten service trucks and flatbeds stand ready to transport golf cars and LSVs to customers located throughout Southern California, sometimes traveling as far as Santa Barbara, Palms Springs, and San Diego.

Stop by today to take advantage of May’s discount special — $500 off any new golf car or low-speed vehicle in stock. The E-Z-GO brand is also offering 48 months of 0% financing for those who qualify. Saddleback Golf Cars accepts financing in cooperation with Sheffield Financial and Yard Card from TD Bank.

Saving Lives of Lung Cancer Patients

Local Surgeon Offers a Minimally Invasive, Robotics Surgery

Dr. Samer A. Kanaan, MD, FACS, FCCP combines compassionate care and state-of-the-art technology to bring the best in minimally-invasive thoracic surgery to Orange County. His revolutionary approach utilizes the da Vinci® Surgical System to ensure a high rate of success in treating cancer and lung disease, including faster recovery times and less risk of infection, pain, and scarring.

Dr. Kanaan is a Harvard-trained, board-certified surgeon specializing in minimally-invasive robotic surgery, and is one of only a handful of doctors in the United States qualified to use the da Vinci® Surgical System to perform high precision thoracic surgeries. Dr. Kanaan received his medical degree and general surgery training from Northwestern University. He completed his thoracic fellowship at USC and a lung cancer fellowship at Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Since then, he has worked as an attending surgeon at numerous hospitals and medical centers throughout California, and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Cancer Committee at Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

“My goal,” says Dr. Kanaan, “is to take all of my training and research to bring something to Orange County that did not exist before I arrived.”

Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer in America and the world and has previously been treatable only through chemotherapy, open chest surgery, or 2-dimensional video-assisted surgery. “What is important for patients to realize,” says Lina, Dr. Kanaan’s wife and office manager, “is that if you have lung cancer, you have options. You have the power to choose your surgeon, even if you have already received a referral.”

The da Vinci® Surgical System works by greatly increasing the surgeon’s visualization of the operating field through a 3D camera, which provides a magnified, high-resolution image of the lung and chest area. The surgeon controls four interactive robotic arms through miniaturized EndoWrist surgical instruments, which mimic the exact movements of his hands as he sews, staples, and dissects tissue. As Dr. Kanaan puts it, “It’s a better cancer operation; better for the patient. I won’t ever go back to using the traditional or 2-dimensional camera systems.”

The benefits of minimally-invasive robotic surgery go far beyond surgical precision during the operation. Since the procedure only makes small, 1 cm. incisions in the rib space, it does not require spreading or cutting the breastbone or ribs. This means the operation is safer for patients, who experience less blood loss, have shorter hospital stays, and can usually return to normal activities within a few weeks. Robotic thoracic surgery also makes lung surgery a viable option for older patients in their 80s and 90s, who would normally be prohibited from considering a surgical care option.

Unlike with many other specialists, patients at Dr. Kanaan’s Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo offices don’t have to wait weeks, or even months, just to get an appointment. Dr. Kanaan usually gets patients in for an appointment within one week, and will often be performing robotic-assisted surgery a week later. With an emphasis on high quality, compassionate care, Dr. Kanaan and his team are in constant communication with patients’ healthcare providers and hospitals, facilitating the operation so everything runs smoothly and according to plan.

In fact, Dr. Kanaan is so highly respected in his field that the makers of the da Vinci® robotic system have asked him to train other surgeons in its use. He routinely travels across the country teaching expert surgeons at some of the most prestigious hospitals and universities in the nation, including the Head of Thoracic Surgery at USC.

Yet it is not just the da Vinci® Surgical System or his years of experience that sets Dr. Kanaan apart from others in the medical profession. As his wife, Lina relates, “this isn’t just a job for him, this is a calling. This is God working through his hands.”

To learn more about Dr. Kanaan and robotic thoracic surgery, or to schedule an appointment, visit www.SamerKannanMD.com. He is a preferred provider for most medical insurance plans, including Medicare.

SAMER A. KANAAN, MD, FACS
27451 LOS ALTOS, SUITE 290, MISSION VIEJO • 23961 CALLE MAGDALENA, SUITE 517, LAGUNA HILLS
949.444.LUNG • SAMERKANAANMD.COM

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival

Powered By Gringo Bandito

Returns to Doheny State Beach Saturday, April 7

Headliner The Offspring & Pennywise To Perform At All Shows;
The Vandals, Against Me!, Me First And The Gimme Gimmes & Others Play Select Dates
Plus Craft Beer Sampling, Gourmet Tacos, Lucha Libre Style

Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE) and Brew Ha Ha Productions are pleased to announce the expansion of the acclaimed Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito to include additional dates in Sacramento, Denver, Albuquerque, Tucson, Auburn, and Portland during April and May of 2018. Sabroso also returns to the scenic Doheny State Beach in Southern California on Saturday, April 7 from 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (VIP Entry at Noon). Each date of the 5th annual taco and craft beer celebration features a music lineup headlined by Orange County, CA-based The Offspring, along with SoCal’s Pennywise. Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, The Vandals, Against Me!, Lit, Unwritten Law, Street Dogs, Los Kung Fu Monkeys, and more will perform on select dates. Visit www.SabrosoTacoFest.com for music lineup details.

Produced by California’s most successful and respected craft beer festival producer Brew Ha Ha Productionsand premier music festival production company Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), most dates of Sabroso will also feature craft beer tastings (until 4:00 P.M.) from some of the best breweries in the country. The region’s top chefs and restaurants will serve delectable tacos and attendees can enjoy Lucha Libre style wrestling, lawn games, contests, and more. Beer tastings will vary by city according to local alcohol laws and restrictions.

Dexter Holland of The Offspring said, “Tacos and craft beer are two of The Offspring’s favorite things! We’re excited to be bringing Sabroso to new cities in 2018! See you at the shows!”

“Sabroso offers craft beer from some of the best, top-awarded breweries in the nation and pairs them with some of the tastiest tacos in the region. It’s truly an experience unlike anything seen before,” Sabroso co-producer Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions said. “The festival will offer everything from savory carne asada and carnitas to delicious fresh fish tacos, and of course, craft beer favorites like IPAs, pale ales, stouts, lagers and more!”

During VIP early entry tastings (from Noon – 4:00 P.M.), and general admission tastings (from 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.), craft beer lovers that are 21+ can sample over 100 craft beers from the finest breweries in the nation. Tastings will feature tons of local favorites, with an initial list of well-known breweries including Avery Brewing, Pizza Port Brewing Company, Three Weavers, Abnormal Beer Co., Artifex, and Modern Times in Dana Point.

At each festival date, the taco creations will compete for the coveted Sabroso “Best Of Show,” awarded by a panel of highly acclaimed and pre-selected food judges.

Attendees are also invited to sample all flavors of Gringo Bandito—Dexter Holland of The Offspring’s top-rated hot sauce—during the event.

Lucha Libre style wrestling stars from across the globe will take to the ring battling for the title of Sabroso Champion. There will be multiple qualifying wrestling matches throughout each festival day and one final championship match at each show.

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito runs from 1:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. (VIP Entry at Noon). Tickets for all dates of Sabroso go on sale Friday, January 26 at 10:00 A.M. local time at www.SabrosoTacoFest.com and start at just $29.00 in some markets and $39.50 in others. For each ticket purchased, $0.50 will be donated to a charity in the local festival market.

The VIP Lounge + Early Entry Ticket includes (1) festival admission ticket with craft beer tastings, music festival access, VIP entry lane with one-hour early entry for craft beer tastings (21+), VIP lounge access with exclusive craft beer tastings and special taco vendors, VIP bathrooms, and VIP commemorative laminate.

The 2018 Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito dates are as

Sponsors for Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito include Gringo Bandito, Avery Brewing, Rockstar Energy Drink, Chronic Tacos, Milagro Tequila, Cosmic Fog and many more.

For more on Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival powered by Gringo Bandito, visit:

Website: www.SabrosoTacoFest.com
Facebook: @sabrosotacofest
Twitter: @sabrosotacofest
Instagram: @sabrosotacofest

Hashtag: #sabrosotacofest

Acting Academy for Kids

It’s Time to Watch Your Star Shine!

By Veronica Badzey

Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) offers students of all ages a wealth of opportunities to explore the fun and amazing world of theater. Established in 2007 by Stephen and Maggie Zygos, AA4K has become a well-known program throughout Orange County for its family-friendly Performing Arts Summer Camps, exceptional Musical Theater Program, and the progressive AA4K Studios, a conservatory-style program for TV and film.

AA4K’s Performing Arts Summer Camps use contemporary favorites chosen by its students for its students. Actors, ages 4 to 13, are invited to attend one week of camp, the entire ten weeks, or anything in between. Themes change every week and include live stage performances each Friday, complete with professional costumes, props, lighting, and sound. “Our goal is to create a fantastic, amazing summer experience for kids,” exclaims Stephen. “We want them to have a great time while learning important life skills about confidence, leadership, and creativity.”

The Camp Director, Mr. Dimitri Garaud, is a favorite with attendees and will be returning this year to lead the popular program, which runs June through August. Also returning are many of AA4K’s alumni, who love to assist backstage, run lines with the campers, and help with props and costumes. This year’s extended offerings include 10 weeks at San Clemente’s Cabrillo Playhouse, 9 weeks at Irvine’s OC Music and Dance, and 5 weeks at Laguna Niguel’s Community Roots Academy. Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with optional enrichment programs from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. No experience is necessary to participate.

Local students can also sign up for AA4K’s upcoming Spring Musical, Disney’s Aladdin, which is open to aspiring actors, singers, and dancers ages 5 to 16. Rehearsals begin the week of April 9th and will be held at three different locations: Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel, OC Music and Dance in Irvine and the Holiday Inn Express in San Clemente. With class sizes limited to 30 students, every child that enrolls is guaranteed a part. This exciting experience culminates in June when kids have the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences at OC Music and Dance’s brand new, state-of-the-art Main Stage theater.

For kids who enjoy the world of theater, but would prefer to work behind the scenes, AA4K also offers a Junior Director program for both the Spring Musical and Summer Performing Arts Camps. Open to students 10-years and older, this unique opportunity teaches participants how to work backstage with the Stage Manager and Director; help with lighting designs, props, and costumes; and create a live stage show through hands-on experience.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been AA4K Studios, a conservatory-style Film and TV Academy. The school gives students a firm foundation in the skills and technical knowledge necessary to succeed in the film and TV business. The curriculum advances according to age and experience and includes mid-term progress reports, individual evaluations, and plenty of time spent in front of the camera. Each semester, students produce and star in a short film that is screened at an extravagant red carpet gala attended by family, friends, and industry professionals. Students also receive a reel of their work, professional IMDb (Internet Movie Database) credit, and feedback from professionals currently working in the industry.

“Our program differs from most other TV and film programs,” relates Stephen, “because our main goal is to educate our students in the art and craft of filmmaking, not to get them agents. We want to teach them in a really fun and engaging way, so they walk away more enlightened and confident about themselves as actors and as people.”

Visit ActingAcademyForKids.com for more information on summer camps and programs and to register your young actor for an engaging experience where they can make lifelong friends.

Community Roots Academy: 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
OC Music & Dance: 17620 Fitch Avenue, Irvine
Z PlayHouse: 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente
ActingAcademyForKids.com

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Cryo For Kids!

Cold Rush Wellness Family Hour

Dr. Scott Young and his team at Cold Rush Wellness have been working on their patient’s immune systems with Whole Body Cryostimulation for more than 4 years now. The data collected has revealed some startling results. Patients say they feel more energetic and healthier than ever, with far fewer instances of colds and flus. After surviving a historically bad flu season, it’s more important than ever to look for alternative therapies that strengthen your immune system. Dr. Young decided to start offering this cutting-edge technology to kids as well as adults. Kids often don’t feel pain like adults when something is wrong. They may act out instead or have problems concentrating when they’re tired or a little under the weather. When real sickness takes hold, the world stops for everyone until they get better. According to Dr. Young, the families who have already adopted Cryostimulation have felt the benefits for a while now and everyone at Cold Rush Wellness is excited about it.

Cryotherapy is an adaptogen, an environmental exposure used to promote homeostasis or balance in the body. So consistency is the key to good results. Cryo for kids can yield a stronger immune system with fewer allergies, colds and flu. For more information, check out www.coldrushwellness.com or visit the company’s Facebook page.

Parents and kids are welcome on April 14th and 28th from 12 to 3 p.m. to attend the Cold Rush Wellness Family Happy Hour to see what cryostimulation can do for your family’s health.

• Strengthen Immune System Naturally
• Reduce Inflammation
• Improve Mood and Concentration
• Increase Energy and more

The event is free. Dr. Young and his staff will be offering extremely discounted family rates for first-time Cryo Sauna patients at the clinic. ($20 for parents, $10 for child). Kids should wear dry bathing suits to try Cryo Sauna. Healthy treats will be provided.

Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling

Come Along for the Ride

The 12th annual Dana Point Grand Prix (DPGP), presented by Kingston Technology^®, returns Sunday, April 29. This free, family-friendly, healthy bicycle celebration offers a unique and fun sports experience while raising money for outstanding charities. The event is hosted within the downtown Dana Point Lantern District and is considered a premier Southern California up-close bicycle racing experience for spectators, families and participants. Officially sanctioned by USA Cycling, the governing entity for professional & amateur racing, the DPGP is part of its prestigious national Pro Road Tour schedule.

Attendees will experience thrilling racing action with cyclists often exceeding speeds of 40 mph, competing within inches of one another. Referred to as “NASCAR on Bikes,” the DPGP offers fans the opportunity to watch top American and International athletes navigate a challenging and technical race circuit criterium from local restaurants, shops and expo attractions lined along the course.

In addition to the international level competition, the DPGP will once again team with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley to present one of the event’s highlights, the free Youth Races beginning at 12 p.m. Kids will have the chance to ride on the same road course as the Pro’s.  Age classes start at 4 & under and go up to 10-years-old, with each participant receiving a t-shirt, medal and other cool swag that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Dana Point Community Cycling Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization advocating bicycle-friendly communities and safe, responsible cycling, is the organizing entity of the event. The Foundation collaborates with local charities to help organize and produce the top-notch national event.

Races take place throughout the day, with Kids Races starting at noon. The grand finale pro races will start at 2:30 and 4 p.m. for the ladies and men, respectively.  Visit DanaPointGrandPrix.com for more details.

Celebrate Orange County Restaurant Week!

Eat. Drink and Repeat for 7 days! March 4 – 10

Explore Orange County one meal at a time. Nothing and we mean nothing brings people together like food! Orange County’s most treasured event is celebrating TEN Years. Restaurants are dishing up delicious food AND cocktails at fantastic prices during Orange County’s most anticipated culinary event. From all corners of the county, this foodie celebration provides food lovers the opportunity to indulge and explore Orange County’s favorite restaurants.

The only thing to make ALL week is reservations.
Get out there and celebrate!

These menus showcase some of the region’s most talented chefs who have personalized each menu to reflect their culinary style. The prix fixe menus are priced at $10, $15 and $20 per person for lunch, and $20, $30, $40 and $50 per person for dinner. The only thing to make for dinner during Restaurant Week is reservations! This is the time for food lovers to try new places, enjoy a romantic dinner, get a group of friends, and dine out! Enjoy a week of fabulous dining, start planning your week of great eats today!

Why Dine Out During OC Restaurant Week?

• It only happens once a year!
• No grocery shopping and no dishes, just dining out all week!
• Explore restaurants you’ve always wanted to try while they have these incredible menus.
• Dedicate this week to breaking bread with friends and family.
• Get to know Orange County Restaurants one meal at a time.
• It’s only ONE week that’s why it is called Restaurant Week.

OCRestaurantWeek.com