Coastal Kitchen

by Dina Scaglione

Enjoy the weekend every day of the week at Coastal Kitchen. Open just over a year now, its warm and welcoming vibe, floor to ceiling windows and hip ocean elegance, draws you in from the moment you enter. Well-located at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Blue Lantern in Dana Point’s burgeoning Lantern District, this eatery’s deliciously diverse, made-from-scratch fare and coastal chic atmosphere delivers a California casual dining experience with a sleek nautical twist. Savor the full-service menu in the open dining room or sip a handcrafted cocktail, a glass of well-chosen wine or draft beer as you sit back in Adirondack chairs in front of crystal fire-pit tables on the relaxing patio.

Give your taste buds a real treat and start with the spicy, sweet-glazed Pork Belly Bites or the palate-perking Spicy Hummus and chips. For a main entrée, I highly recommend the Grilled Trout. Make no mistake; this is far from the oily, strong-tasting variety you may remember growing up. Coastal Kitchen’s is wonderfully flakey and light, tarragon-herb crusted and topped with lightly salted Marcona almonds. Die-hard crab cake fans, look no further. The Jumbo Lump Crab cakes are far beyond what you typically find at most California restaurants. Paired beautifully with a tangy, crunchy coleslaw, these hamburger size cakes are generously stuffed with so much succulent crab you will think you’ve been transported to a New England seafood joint.

Be sure to leave room for dessert. The custard-textured Crème Brule serves up a decadent ending to your meal. For those who fancy a good old-fashioned sundae — dive into this one any day of the week, complete with crunchy caramelized pecans, warmed Ghirardelli chocolate sauce and topped with a signature marshmallow whipped topping.

Open daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer with Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The adventuresome “SIPS Happy Hour” menu includes specialty cocktails, IPA’s from nearby San Diego breweries and California select wines. 

Next time you head into the harbor for a boat gazing stroll, be sure to stop by!

34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point
949.449.2822  •  CoastalKitchenDanaPoint.com

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor

(Dana Point, Calif.) – OC Parks invites the community to spend Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor. Enjoy waterfront dining, ocean activities, boating, sailing, and experience south Orange County’s best aerial fireworks display, the July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza.

The July 4^th Fireworks Extravaganza will light up Dana Point Harbor. Visitors can enjoy fantastic views from the harbor, Baby Beach, the Island, and the many waterfront eateries located within the harbor. The display begins at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 and early arrival is recommended. Visitors are encouraged to bring a personal FM radio to tune into KSBR 88.5FM and listen to the patriotic music accompanying the fireworks display.

Spend the week of Independence Day enjoying Dana Point Harbor’s many waterfront restaurants and ocean activities, or take a cruise in the harbor on July 4^th to view the fireworks display. The Ocean Institute, Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching, and Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari are all offering 4^th of July Fireworks cruises.

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the free shuttle services on July 4^th to avoid traffic jams. The shuttles will make round trips from Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Shuttle service will suspend at 9 p.m. until after the fireworks and will resume until 11 p.m.

The Dana Point Trolley will drop off and pick up at stop #6 on July 4^th in the Harbor from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the inter Harbor shuttle will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Streets within Dana Point Harbor will have restricted left hand turn lanes and cars will be detoured to go right only (Dana Point Harbor Drive, Puerto Place & Island Way). Cove Road will be closed during the fireworks and re-opened after the fireworks.

Celebrate Independence Day at Dana Point Harbor and experience the spectacular July 4^thFireworks Extravaganza. For more information visit www.DanaPointHarbor.com.

Orange County Fire Watch Exercise Deployment June 24

Fire Watch volunteers embark on a full-scale mock deployment across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in preparation of wildfire season.

Orange County, Calif. (June 19, 2017) – The Orange County Fire Watch program will hold a full-scale deployment exercise on Saturday, June 24 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The deployment exercise aligns with the 10^th anniversary of the Santiago Canyon wildfires, and will give volunteers an opportunity to visit new Fire Watch locations and prepare for the coming dry season. Facilitated in partnership with OC Parks, City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, Irvine Ranch Conservancy and Orange County Fire Authority, the Fire Watch volunteer program helps raise awareness on the risk of wildfires through education, early reporting, and deterrence.

Fire Watch staff have held emergency communications tests for volunteers in the past, but the upcoming deployment will be the first large-scale exercise for the program. The exercise is expected to include more than 100 Fire Watch volunteers and will be held across 34 Fire Watch locations on or near land managed by the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, including the new coastal zone that includes Buck Gully and Newport Coast Drive Lookout.

“This is our first full-scale deployment exercise,” commented Tony Pointer, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Program Coordinator for Fire Watch. “The deployment is designed to give volunteers access and encouragement to see Fire Watch locations they may not usually monitor. Considering this is the 10^th anniversary of the Santiago Canyon fires, it seems more appropriate than ever to take a proactive approach.”

Fire Watch program volunteers monitor the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and beyond by observing the perimeters of high-risk areas throughout Orange County. They deploy to specific locations determined by fire spread research and historical ignition data, and are trained to report suspicious or dangerous activity. Volunteers also assist with early detection and public outreach, and Fire Watch staff created the upcoming deployment exercise to be as realistic as possible. Actual deployment of Fire Watch volunteers occurs on Red Flag Warning days, Santa Ana Wind events, and/or in other special circumstances.

The exercise comes following near-record rainfall this past winter, which Pointer noted has aided the growth of nonnative grasses and invasive weeds in the region, which could dry out and become fodder to fuel wildfires.

“The rain we received has assisted the vegetation that has not had the best conditions to sprout and grow the last few years,” Pointer said. “The potential will be a combination of the increased vegetation growth and how hot and how severe the Santa Ana wind conditions will be this year.”

The simulation will begin June 23, the day prior to the field exercise, when volunteers will receive a recorded phone message alerting them to the staged Fire Watch conditions. After the call, volunteers will sign up for shifts at various locations throughout Orange County. Once onsite, volunteers will arrive in full uniform with vest, Fire Watch car magnets, IDs, and data logs, and participate in a full test report. Two hour shifts begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. on June 24, and volunteers will engage with the public and report any situations that may cause accidental or intentional ignitions.

“Holding a large-scale exercise like this will be hugely beneficial, designed to broaden the volunteers’ knowledge of the Fire Watch locations and strengthen their skill set,” Pointer said.

For more information on the Fire Watch program and volunteering opportunities visit www.letsgooutside.org/activities/fire-watch/. For more information on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.

Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival

by Veronica Badzey

For the perfect summer kick-off event, come play at the 5th Annual Orange County Food, Wine, and Music Festival, taking place June 24th at Dana Point’s beautiful Sea Terrace Park. This year’s highlights include a 100 varietals of California and international wines, 40 craft breweries, culinary creations from dozens of food vendors, and one-of-a-kind treasures from nearly 100 artisans. All of this while enjoying sweeping ocean views, grassy hillsides, and fresh coastal breezes.

The Music
In celebration of its 5th Anniversary, the popular festival has secured a stellar line-up of musicians to entertain guests throughout the event. On the Craft Brew Main Stage, 40 oz. to Freedom, the Sublime Tribute band whose performance this year coincides with the 25th Anniversary of Sublime’s hit album of the same name, will energize participants with it’s thumping So Cal ska-reggae sounds. Also featured is the No Doubt and Gwen Stefani Tribute band No Duh, and the Faux Fighters, a rockin’ homage to the Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl and Nirvana. Orange County’s own DJ Peter G will be spinning all day in the Wine Area, and the Killer Dueling Pianos will keep the party going in the VIP Pavilion.

The Wine
International wines from countries such as France, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, and Chile will be represented at this year’s event. Guests will also have the opportunity to sample varietals from the popular California regions of Napa, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Mendocino, just to name a few.

The Craft Brew
Craft brew connoisseurs can quench their thirst with tastes from up to 40 of the Festival’s craft breweries. Vista’s Belching Beaver, L.A.’s Angel City Brewery, Petaluma’s Lagunitas, San Diego’s Acoustic Ales, Newport Beach’s Newport Brewing Company and Laguna Beach’s own Laguna Beach Beer Company will be on hand to showcase their offerings.

The Food
Foodies need not fret! Dozens of gourmet vendors will serve up an eclectic mix of specialty food items; many of which have been created exclusively for the event. Guest will have the opportunity to nosh on Cajun catfish, meatloaf cupcakes, pineapple pork chops, paella, barbecue of all kinds, chicken cordon bleu, smoked tuna, African sausage, sushi, poke, and lots more.

The Shopping
Once you’ve quenched your thirst and indulged in delicious fare, you’ll have a chance to check out treasures from nearly 100 artisans, many from the surrounding areas of San Diego, L.A., Palm Springs and beyond. One-of-a-kind jewelry, art, and unique products not found anywhere else, can be snatched up for yourself or gifted to that special someone.

Getting In
A modest $10 gets you through the door, including access to all of the music, events, select beer and wine stands, and food. Once inside, beer or wine is a modest $8 per glass, soda and water are just $2 and food prices and portions will vary by vendor.

The Unlimited Sampling ticket is the most popular option. This ticket gives you all the perks of the General Admission ticket, and also includes a commemorative sampling glass that entitles you to unlimited samples from the up to 40 craft breweries and 100 varieties of wine from around the globe. The Unlimited Sampling ticket runs $50 through the end of May (the price increases to $60 on June 1). Don’t fear, the DISH has you covered. Visit FoodWineandMusIcFestival.com and enter code “DISH” to receive $10 off!

For the ultimate red-carpet experience, step up to the VIP treatment. Limited to the first 500 purchased, this ticket offers everything that the Unlimited Sampling ticket provides plus exclusive entry into the Grand VIP Pavilion. You’ll enjoy Killer Dueling Pianos, shaded seating, private restrooms, a complimentary meal from the selected event caterer, unlimited bite size samples from participating restaurants in the Pavillion, and complimentary full glasses of wine and beer. VIP tickets run $125 until the end of May (tickets increase to $150 on June 1). Be sure to purchase early and enter code “DISH” to save an additional $10. Buy now; VIP tickets sell out quickly.

Getting There
By far the best way to get to the event is through Uber or Lyft, which can drop you off right at the front steps of the event. If you plan to drive, free parking can be found along Stonehill Drive, Niguel Road, or Pacific Coast Highway. Paid and metered parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot with a short walk through the tunnel that runs under PCH. You may also park at Dana Hills High School and shuttle to and from the event; the ride to the Festival is complimentary and a $5 ticket can be purchased at the event box office for the ride back to the high school. The Dana Point city shuttle or the Laguna Beach trolley are also great options; both will drop you off at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot just steps from the event. See you there!

read more

AVEO Table + Bar

by Dina Scaglione

Looking for a unique culinary adventure that reflects our South Orange County coastal lifestyle? Then AVEO Table + Bar at Monarch Beach Resort is the seaside experience you won’t want to miss. With a sultry, Mediterranean-inspired vibe and sparkling ocean views, AVEO feels more like an unexpected getaway than a destination for drinks and dining.

AVEO boasts sweeping ocean views from every table, whether you’re enjoying them from inside the main dining area or on the stunning outdoor terrace. The resort’s golf course, manicured gardens and ocean meets the sky backdrop are as delightful as the Sunday brunch I recently enjoyed there.

As much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach, AVEO’s impressive brunch showcases a beautiful presentation of foods from around the globe, from freshly made sushi to a ‘Little Italy’ create-your-own pasta bar to a meat carving station. For those with heartier appetites, a sampling from AVEO’s dinner fare is also represented, such as the Moroccan spiced lamb chops, melt-in-your mouth Pacific Dover Sole, Seafood Paella and a flavorful Cream of Asparagus soup.

The expansive spread also includes an assortment of more traditional breakfast items like a vegan spin on Eggs Benedict with tomato and spinach, Eggs Florentine, fluffy Belgium waffles, and an array of ingredients from which you can create your own omelet. And let me tell you about the Chorizo hash browns…well, let’s just say you won’t need any ketchup. To whet your whistle, AVEO serves up delicious Champagne Mimosas, spicy Bloody Marys and a freshly squeezed juice bar.

Last, but certainly not least, is the rainbow-colored dessert station, guaranteed to bring out the inner child in even the most disciplined diner. Pecan bars, mango pistachio parfaits, lemon meringue bites, maple bread pudding, and vanilla mouse pops are just a few of the hard-to-resist treats. Along with an overflowing chocolate fondue fountain, AVEO has just the dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth…and then some.

AVEO is more than just a fine dining destination; it is an epicurean experience. Whether you’re there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks or the sensational Sunday brunch, the friendly and attentive staff and breathtaking views will most certainly greet you. Visit MonarchBeachResort.com for reservations and more.

CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital

The only dedicated pediatric hospital in South Orange County

Every baby is precious. Some arrive right on time with no complications. Others need a little more help entering the world. These tiniest lives, and their mothers, are in the best hands at CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital, the only dedicated pediatric hospital in South Orange County, the surrounding coastal areas and north San Diego County.

A “hospital within a hospital,” CHOC Mission tends to the emotional and practical needs of its little patients and their caregivers, coupling compassionate care with the latest technologies to ensure the best outcomes for mothers and their babies. They work in partnership with maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Mission Hospital, where more than 3,000 babies are welcomed each year, including those whose moms have had complicated pregnancies and deliveries.

“Carrying a baby is an incredibly exciting time but it can be stressful as well, especially for women who are having a complicated pregnancy or who have faced challenges in their previous pregnancies,” says Dr. Vivien Pan, director of Mission Hospital’s Perinatal Diagnostic and Treatment Center (PDTC), which provides care to women with high-risk pregnancies. “At Mission Hospital and CHOC Mission, we’re uniquely equipped to help guide women through their pregnancies, keep them and their babies healthy, and deliver expert care when it’s needed.”

Catherine and Luke Steen of Ladera Ranch understand how important it is to have such compassionate care close to home. The couple had endured a miscarriage and then the loss of their baby, Ella, who died just four days after birth from a serious lung condition. When they discovered they were expecting for a third time, they found Dr. Pan, who closely monitored the pregnancy.

“As soon as I found Dr. Pan, I knew I was in good hands. I could tell immediately how incredibly smart she is in her field,” Catherine says. “She is compassionate and makes me feel comfortable. I wanted desperately to be a mom, and there was a time in my life when I wasn’t sure that was going to be possible.”

At 34 weeks, Catherine went into pre-term labor with twins. The babies were cared for in the NICU at CHOC Mission.

“In partnership with our laborist and the CHOC Mission neonatal intensive care unit, we were able to deliver her babies safely and see them through to health,” Dr. Pan says.

Now the mother of three beautiful daughters, Catherine looks back with gratitude.

“I am so incredibly grateful for Dr. Pan and the team at Mission Hospital and CHOC Mission for caring for us, guiding us and helping us fulfill our dream of bringing our babies home,” says Catherine.

With a labor and delivery staff that holds the safety of both mother and baby as the highest priority, Mission Hospital is the place women can count on when they need help with a complex pregnancy.

Ask your ob/gyn about getting a referral to a maternal fetal medicine physician if you are pregnant with more than one child, if you are over the typical age for giving birth, or if you have a history of complications. Miscarriages, early labor or delivery, or health conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease, can affect later pregnancies.

“If you have struggled with pregnancies in the past or have a history of premature delivery, you need extra care the next time you are expecting,” says Dr. Pan. “When we see a mother who has experienced something like that, our goal is to make sure with the subsequent pregnancy that both mother and baby are healthy. If we can do that, we know we’ve done something wonderful for a family.”

Healthy mothers and happy babies get their start at Mission Hospital and CHOC Mission. Pre-register early in your pregnancy, and welcome your newest family member with the support of Orange County’s leading maternity center. Call Mission Hospital at (949) 364-1400, or visit mission4health.com.

Gala of Hope

Cure Spinal Muscular Atrophy

May 6, 2017 at Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

by Nikki McIntosh

I still remember walking down the hospital hallway in a fog. After months and months of testing, the neurologist suspected that our then 18-month old son, Miles, might have a life-threatening disease. We got the call, the test was positive for Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a degenerative, neuromuscular disease that would slowly rob him of strength and lead to muscle atrophy. There was no treatment and no cure. So not only could our son not stand or walk, but it was expected that he would continue to grow weaker over time. The cruelty of the prognosis was heartbreaking and those first months after the diagnosis were the hardest time of our life. But then there was Miles. He was a little ray of light, living life with a smile on his face everyday despite his circumstances. We decided to take our cues from Miles and we chose to have hope. 

We sought out support and answers, which led us to the Cure SMA Foundation and the world of research towards a treatment and cure for SMA. We learned about best care practices for our son and we immersed ourselves into his care. 

At age two and a half, we started to see Miles regress. At around the same time, we learned of a clinical trial for a drug therapy that was showing promise in slowing the progression of the disease. Miles was enrolled into the trial and began receiving treatment. What we saw was nothing short of a miracle. Not only was the drug therapy stopping the progression of the disease, but it was also improving Miles’s strength.

On December 23, 2016, the FDA approved this drug therapy, Spinraza, and it became the first-ever treatment for SMA. For our family, the achievement of an approved treatment is an answered prayer and a hope realized. We have teamed up with the Cure SMA Foundation for the 3rd year, to chair The Cure SMA Gala of Hope on May 6th at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. Being a part of the gala has been our way to help fight SMA and to bring hope to all the families like ours who are battling this disease. We now have an approved treatment and we’ll continue our quest all the way to a cure. We invite you to take part in this night of hope. For tickets or to donate, visit events.CureSMA.org/2017GalaofHope.

Yappy Hour

Tail Wagging Fun!

Yappy Hour, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s monthly cocktail party for canines and their companions, returns this season for tail wagging fun. Dapper dogs, haute hounds and classy canines are invited to party with other pups and pooches and lap up libations such as bacon, chicken, and beef-infused water and the ever popular house-made dog biscuits, while their companions relax with a glass of Mutt Lynch Unleashed Chardonnay, Merlot Over and Play Dead, or Chateau d’Og Cabernet Sauvignon. Cocktails, beer and a savory selection of barbecue items are also available for purchase.

As part of the resort’s Community Footprints program, proceeds from Yappy Hour will once again benefit The Veterans Initiative™ of Canine Companions for Independence. With a dramatic increase in wounded veterans, The Veterans Initiative™ provides an opportunity for them to regain their independence through the support of Canine Companions for Independence assistance dogs. To date, Canine Companions has placed more than 200 assistance dogs with veterans, and has 37 active teams from the Southwest Region.

Yappy Hour season begins on Thursday, May 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. Mark your calendars for a summer full of fun canine parties on June 22, July 27, August 24 and September 28.

On Thursday, October 26 from 4 to 7 p.m., the resort offers its Yappy Howl-O-Ween where pups and their human companions strut their stuff in their favorite costume. A panel of judges determines a winner, including Best in Show.

The season ending Yappy Howl-iday Celebration will be on Sunday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This festive gathering provides Fido a chance to be photographed with the “Big Dog” himself – Santa Claus.

Yappy Hour is held on The Dana Lawn at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Visit RitzCarlton.com/LagunaYappyHour for more information.

1 Ritz Carlton Drive  •  Dana Point  •  949.240.2000  •  RitzCarlton.com

Acting Academy for Kids

It’s Time to Watch Your Stars Shine!

by Veronica Badzey

True to the world of theater, Acting Academy for Kids’s past year has been filled with both heartache and joy. Since 2008, Stephen and Maggie Zygo have operated their professional acting and film school out of the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano, but last year received word that the venue would soon be closing its doors. The news came on top of a diagnosis of Stage 3 cancer for Maggie the same day their 2nd son was born. With so much on their plates, the fate of the beloved acting school seemed uncertain. Despite these many challenges, Stephen and Maggie have emerged stronger than ever, ready for a progressive 2017 full of new beginnings. 

“We’ve been doing our best to manage all of this change,” says Stephen. “It’s been a unique juggling act. As a leader in the performing arts community for kids and teens, we’re committed to maintaining our reputation of excellence and are excited about the next chapter,” he enthuses.

March 31st will see the Acting Academy’s last classes taught at the Camino Real Playhouse, but instead of a final curtain call, the impending closure ushers in a new era. Maggie and Stephen have found a new “forever” home at a fantastic location in San Clemente close to Avenida Pico and the 5 Freeway inside the Holiday Inn Express.

Designed in grand 1920’s Hollywood style, the spacious building is in the process of being converted into a fully functional theater, complete with a TV/film studio, recording studio, concession area, dressing rooms, a costume shop and rehearsal rooms. Registration is already open for Spring Session, and classes begin April 10th at the new “Z Playhouse.” The school has also filed for non-profit status and is actively seeking donations to help defray build-out costs. 

Stephen and Maggie have also joined forces with Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel, which recently invested substantial resources in new technology and infrastructure for its facility. Community Root’s 400-seat theater offers an ideal setting for the Acting Academy’s spring musical theater production of Beauty and the Beast, as well as the school’s popular Performing Arts Summer Camps, which start the first week of June. These week-long classes for kids, ages 4-13, feature fun themes like Hawaiian Moana, Harry Potter, and Beauty and the Beast, and will be held at Z Playhouse, Community Roots, and the Acting Academy’s newest location — OC Music and Dance in Irvine.

Started by Charlie Zhang, CEO and founder of Pick Up Stix, OC Music and Dance is Orange County’s only non-profit community music school. It hosts several professional music, dance, and theater groups, including the Pacific Symphony, of which Mr. Zhang is the top donor.  Acting Academy for Kids was handpicked to represent the dramatic arts department at this dynamic new school, and will be providing classes in musical theater, TV, and film.

The film school at Acting Academy for Kids has grown from its modest beginnings into an 18-week conservatory program, complete with its own website – AA4Kstudios.com. The curriculum includes 36 hours of instruction, a mid-term report for each student, experience in crewing a film, and the opportunity for students to act in their own short films. Each film premieres at a Red Carpet Gala at San Juan Capistrano’s Regency Theater where students see themselves on the silver screen! Students receive reels of their work, professional IMDb (Internet Movie Database) credit, and the opportunity to work with professionals in the industry to gain a well-rounded experience as TV/film actors.

Despite all the struggles of the past year, Acting Academy for Kids has only grown stronger, and is more deeply committed to its mission than ever. “This year has given us an amazing opportunity to change a lot of young kids’ lives,” explains Stephen. “Our vision is to launch all three of these locations, with education still being the heart of what we do . . . teaching kids the arts through learning and having fun at the same time.”

Acting Academy for Kids    |    Ages 4-17    |    ActingAcademyForKids.com    |    949.427.0072