Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

by Dina Scaglione

With south OC located so close to the border, Mexican restaurants aren’t exactly in short supply in these parts. Already have your favorite go-to Mexican place? Well, it’s time to break out of your routine, because few come close to the homemade taste, quality food, and affordable prices found at Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina.

Well-situated on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point’s Lantern District, Carlos’s is a comfortable, casual eatery that will cure your hankering for authentic Mexican fare. As soon as you enter through the expansive outdoor patio, you’re immediately greeted by a welcoming fire pit and a salivating blend of sweet onions, roasted peppers and chili spices.

The restaurant’s vast menu overflows with both contemporary combo plates as well as more traditional dishes like Menudo and Pozole. Be forewarned; once you start in on the chips with addictive house-made salsa and creamy guacamole, you won’t be able to stop! Seafood fans will definitely want to dive into the Camarones al Mojo de Ajo featuring delicate shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce — served with rice and beans. The savory chunks of chili-spiced lean pork in Carlos’s Chile Verde Enchiladas will literally melt-in-your-mouth. The Nopailitos con Carne de Puerco combines slow-roasted bites of pork with tender seasoned cactus, a taste sensation that must be experienced to be truly appreciated. The shredded beef flautas are also a popular favorite — tender, flaky and seasoned to perfection.

Carlos first opened this spot as a small coffee shop back in the early 70’s when Dana Point was a burgeoning area, as a way to offer respite for busy contractors and harbor residents. A hearty Mexican style breakfast was soon added, including a deliciously filling Huevos Rancheros. It wasn’t long before Carlos expanded operations with a complete breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, as it remains to this very day.

Enjoy Carlos’s 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and for Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mid-week specials include Taco Tuesdays, offering tacos from a mere $1.25 each; and Lobster Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m., for grilled and garlic butter-basted lobsters. On Sundays, a local guitarist creates mood-lifting background music to help ease you into the looming work week ahead.

Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
34224 Pacific Coast Hwy  |  Dana Point  |  (949) 496-4470
CarlosCantinaDP.com

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Wildflowers Bloom on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Experience 24 Hours of Wildflowers Online March 21 and See What’s Blooming Where

Orange County, Calif. (March 1, 2017) – Irvine Ranch Conservancy and OC Parks invite the community to enjoy the sights and smells of wildflowers on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks by registering for a free public program. Nature lovers can also explore the blooming lands through a virtual wildflower tour on Tuesday, March 21 beginning at 6 a.m. 

Heavy rains led to an early wildflower season this year, and many of the Landmarks are in full bloom ahead of spring. Limestone Canyon is sprouting with common wildflowers including arroyo lupine (Lupinus succulentus) and Mariposa lilies (Calochortus). Visitors to Black Star Canyon can spot California lilacs (Ceanothus) and bright yellow fiddlenecks (Amsinckia). In the City of Irvine, trekkers enjoying the Turtle Ridge Trail in Bommer Canyon can spot elusive shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia) and visitors to Orchard Hills can admire vibrant blue hyacinths.

In celebration of wildflower season, Irvine Ranch Conservancy is launching their 2^nd annual “3…2…1…Bloom: 24 Hours of Wildflowers” virtual tour. The tour will include 24 hours of wildflowers and feature a photo of a different bloom posted every hour to the Landmarks’ Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Each post will include a picture of a native wildflower, information on the species, and links to programs on the Landmarks where you can see these flowers firsthand. Join the virtual tour by “liking” the Landmarks’ Facebook page at Facebook.com/irlandmarks, following us on Twitter (@IRLandmarks), or adding us on Instagram (@OCMountainstoSea).

OC Parks, City of Irvine, and City of Newport Beach and Irvine Ranch Conservancy offer a variety of programs where visitors can appreciate wildflowers in bloom while connecting with the land. Whether registering for a docent-led activity or exploring the open spaces during self-guided access, wildflower season is waiting for you in the great outdoors. Click the programs below to register for a free program and enjoy the many blooms of the season.

• Wildflower Showcase on Sat. 3/4 kicks off at 10 a.m. and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to admire Orange County native wildflowers in bloom. Visit the Native Seed Farm and learn about 45 different local plant species grown onsite while enjoying the views of the land. Pack a picnic lunch and join a guided walking tour.
• Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road on Tues. 3/7 travels through OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, which is currently sprouting with wildflowers! This weekly fitness hike helps you connect with nature while finding fresh air and exercise on the Landmarks.
• MidWeek Hike: Quail Hill on Weds. 3/8 is a great way to take a break and spot blooms in the City of Irvine’s Quail Hill. Enjoy views and quiet time in Irvine’s beautiful Southern Preserve, and be sure bring plenty of water for this 10 – 12 mile hike.
• The Natural History of Baker Canyon on Sun., 3/19 welcomes nature lovers to enjoy views of the Santa Ana Mountains as well as the wildflowers and plants of oak-shaded Baker Canyon. Travel along a 3.5-mile hike and learn about the local habitat.
• Dig In! Plant With Us at the Native Seed Farm is a reoccurring stewardship program always looking for volunteers to harvest seeds from native spring wildflowers. Take in the sights of the 14-acre farm and help the Landmarks by harvesting seeds from local wildflowers. All tools and training are provided, and nature lovers age 8 and older are welcome.
• Buck Gully Reserve in Newport Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk, where it’s common to see bush sunflower (Encelia californica) in bloom along the trails.
• Bommer Canyon is also open for self-guided access on designated trails, where sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) and popcorn flower (Cryptantha intermedia) have been known to sprout.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers a full calendar of spring activities and free, guided programs that include hiking, mountain bike rides, horseback riding, habitat restoration and special events for nature enthusiasts of all ages and fitness skill levels. Visit http://LetsGoOutside.org for more information and to register for free today.

Gary Jolliff Insurance Services

Protecting What Matters Most

by Veronica Badzey

If you’ve ever had to shop for a new insurance policy, then you know it can be an overwhelming experience. Gary Jolliff and his team in Laguna Beach are committed to making these difficult decisions stress-free, while providing every client with the peace of mind of knowing that they’re covered when they need it most. 

Gary has been providing consistent, quality insurance services to clients throughout California for over 25 years. Last year, he received Allstate’s prestigious Best in Company award, designating him the #1 insurance advisor in the country…quite an accomplishment when you consider the tens of thousands of agents that are affiliated with the company. He has also been a member of the Allstate Hall of Fame, the Circle of Champions, the Allstate Leader’s Forum, the Inner Circle Elite, and has received the National Conference Award and the Honor Ring for the last 12 and 14 years, respectively. 

Although Gary has the ability to shop many different companies as an independent broker, he and his agents ultimately insure about 80% of their clients with Allstate. “They have a history of paying claims,” Gary says of the well-respected company, “with superior customer service you can depend on. Every customer receives a direct line to a dedicated insurance advisor, so you won’t waste hours on the phone wading through endless phone prompts, or struggling to do it yourself online.”

Employing a “service matters” motto, Gary puts his customers first in every business dealing, and has worked hard over the years to build an office known for its professionalism, personalized customer service, and knowledgeable staff. “This is our home away from home,” says Sandra, an insurance advisor on Gary’s team, “Our clients are like family to us.” Every one of the office’s six advisors is dedicated to providing outstanding customer service. Going above and beyond, making themselves available 24/7 by providing cell numbers to clients is standard practice among the team.

Gary’s agency offers a wide range of insurance services, including home, condo, auto, motorcycle, life, business, flood, and renter’s insurance, as well as mortgage pay-off, loss of income, and personal policies. William, the office’s financial advisor, provides expertise in the areas of investments, annuities, legacies, and retirement products. When shopping for a new insurance or financial package, Gary recognizes that staying within a budget is often a concern. “Money is important,” he says, “but getting the correct coverage is even more important.” As a result, Gary and his staff go out of their way to educate their clientele about the specifics of a policy, making certain they understand exactly what they’re purchasing. 

Yet what makes Gary exceptional isn’t just his 30 years of experience as an agent, or his insistence on concierge-level service. Clients also benefit from his relationships with specialty companies who serve niche markets. Gary recently insured four new luxury homes in the Strand beachfront community of Dana Point. This particular insurance company guarantees to rebuild your home, which is virtually unheard of in the insurance business. “I have the ability to broker to companies that do things that are out of this world,” says Gary, “which most other agencies aren’t able to do. Customers can get things here that they can’t get anywhere else.”

Along with an exemplary work ethic and a unique breadth of product offerings, Gary brings a special brand of integrity to his profession. “This job is all about helping protect people’s lives,” he says, “protecting the things that matter most. It’s very gratifying and rewarding to be able to serve in that way. That’s our purpose in life…to be here to help somebody. And we get to do that all day long.”

Gary lives in San Juan Capistrano with his wife Eileen, who is also an insurance advisor, and their four children. Their office is located at 1475 Glenneyre Street, Laguna Beach, in the Hobbit Center, across the street from the Surf and Sand Hotel.

1475 Glenneyre St, Laguna Beach
Mobile: (949) 798-9269
Office: (949) 497-1861

19 Sports Bar & Grill

by Dina Scaglione

Football and fried wings are ubiquitous in south OC sports this time of year, where folks gather to cheer on their favorite uniformed team and craft beer is consumed like water. Then there’s 19 Sports Bar & Grill at the San Juan Hills Golf Club, reminding us why we are drawn to the infectious energy, experienced only at a local pub.

19 Sports Bar & Grill is a lively, upscale tavern, where spent golfers and spirited sport fans come to find camaraderie and delicious fare, after a long day, either at the office or on the course. A local hidden gem, recently updated with river-rock textured walls and glass framed jerseys, 19 Sports Bar & Grill serves up spectacular views of lush green fairways and savory comfort foods, a varied selection of craft beer and hand-crafted cocktails daily. Happy Hour specials are also offered from 5 to 7:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Whether you saddle up to the bar or perch yourself at a high-top table, every seat offers an unobstructed view of your favorite sport.

Tired of the same old greasy bar food offered at many watering holes? Then you will delight noshing on the hearty cuisine from the expansive menu, including some unique twists on our old favorites. Yes, they still have your kidult faves like stone fired pizzas, loaded nachos and chicken wings. But wait until you experience the homemade meatloaf sliders — classic chili topped with cheese and onions (talk about comfort food) and mouth-watering, build-your-own burgers.

Still watching the NFL Sports package in your living room (boooring)? Why not enjoy it on 25 flat-screens along with your favorite pint, offered all day on Sundays. And for those who favor a little toe tapping with their libations, live entertainment is also featured Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m.

Whether it’s a night out with friends or dinner with the family, there’s a little something for everyone at 19 Sports Bar & Grill, including great tasting food, drinks for every thirst and inspiring views, all served up in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

19 Sports Bar & Grill is located at 32120 San Juan Creek Road in San Juan Capistrano. Visit www.19SportsBar.com for more info.

Babychella Family Art & Music Festival 

Mason Regional Park March 12

(Irvine, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to welcome the inaugural Babychella Family Art & Music Festival at Mason Regional Park in Irvine on Sunday, March 12 from 12 – 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites parents and children to enjoy entertainment and activities in the park’s picturesque springtime setting.

Babychella Family Art & Music Festival will offer a variety of engaging activities for children including story time, face painting, and an interactive bubble village. Find a spot on the grass near the main stage and enjoy beloved songs and fun-filled sing-alongs fit for the whole family.

Participate in mommy, daddy and me yoga, pose for pictures in themed photo booths, and take part in various hands-on arts and crafts. Discover the newest trends from popular baby brands on-site and hear from family-oriented educational speakers. A kids’ costume contest will award a $200 gift card for the best bohemian festival style.

Eats from local food trucks will be available for purchase. Bringing blankets and lawn chairs is recommended. Restrooms and baby changing areas will be available. Activities planned are perfect for children five years and under, but enjoyable for all ages. The festival will take place rain or shine.

Presented by OC Parks and produced by Hampton Productions. For more information visit www.Babychella.com.

March 12 – Babychella Family Arts & Music Festival
12 – 4 p.m.
Event Cost: FREE
Parking: FREE
Location: William R. Mason Regional Park
18712 University Drive Irvine, CA 92612
Website: www.Babychella.com
Contact: (949) 923-2220

Dana Point, CA Ranked No. 9 as America’s Happiest Seaside Towns 2017

Coastal Living has ranked Dana Point, California #9 as America’s Happiest Seaside Town 2017.

A once-sleepy town put on the map among the surf-minded set in the 1950s, Dana Point’s appeal has reached far beyond wave worshippers: A bustling harbor, locally owned restaurants, and more than 30 specialty shops attract thousands of visitors each year. Today, 35,000 people—a mix of everyone from retirees to young families—call Dana Point home. An 18-hole, Robert Trent Jones–designed golf course skirts the sea, and an emerging food scene has meant an influx of restaurants, and a $16 million rejuvenation project upgraded its historic Lantern Village district with outdoor seating, wider walkways, and coastal landscaping. It’s a Southern California gem.

+See the full Top Ten America’s Happiest Seaside Towns 2017 list here: http://bit.ly/2jdNorz 

+Watch Coastal Living editors announce the full list here

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

The Coastal Living 2017 Top Ten Happiest Seaside Towns in America, in Ranked Order:

#1 Grand Haven, Michigan

#2 Orleans, Massachusetts

#3 Sarasota, Florida

#4 Fernandina Beach, Florida

#5 Langley, Washington

#6 Cape May, New Jersey

#7 Hilton Head, South Carolina

#8 Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

#9 Dana Point, California

#10 Camden, Maine

Design to Sell

By OC Real Estate 411

It’s a brave new world of real estate. While staging a home for sale has become increasingly common, OC Real Estate 411 has taken it to the next level. Their Design to Sell model is giving home sellers astounding returns, setting home sale price records and making traditional real estate marketing an antiquated concept.

“Everyone needs Design to Sell,” states Robyn Webb, Owner and Broker of OC Real Estate 411. “The way we design our home to live is far different than how a home should be designed to sell.” Webb has an MBA from USC and is also a certified interior designer. “In traditional real estate, the agent encourages the homeowner to de-clutter and move some items into the garage. Then, the agent brings in a photographer and puts the photos on the Internet. In order to grab a buyer’s attention, the photos have to be stunning, and that must start with the design of the house itself.”

Steve and Carolyn Fowle, of San Juan Capistrano, were blown away by the results. “After listing our home for 5 months with another broker, we decided to take the Design to Sell plunge and we called OC Real Estate 411. After a $31,000 investment, we sold our home for $400,000 higher than the best offer we received with the previous agent. What’s more incredible, Robyn sold our home in less than a week! We now know that what Robyn is doing with Design to Sell is truly a game changer and the only way a home should be sold.”

The Design to Sell concept is a value-added service that works for a wide range of homeowners, with varying goals, that may have a budget as low as $500 or as high as $50,000. This mini-makeover starts with an unbiased, third-party valuation of the home’s market value. The OC Real Estate 411 team then assesses the home and recommends changes that will have the greatest buyer emotional impact on the home’s sale value. From there, Robyn and her team execute the new design. The results are impressive. The majority of homeowners have sold their homes in 30 days or less, and for prices that well exceeded expectations. “Most of our clients get at least 3 times their return on investment,” Webb states. “We don’t take lightly that we are asking homeowners to make a big investment and permanently change their home — they need to be serious about selling and they need to trust the process.”

HGTV shows like Fixer Upper and Property Brothers have changed homebuyers’ expectations. For those buyers that don’t have the time or funds to take on these transformations, Design to Sell meets an unmet need, and makes the property stand out against the competition. For those that do want to try a fixer upper, OC Real Estate 411 does the reverse business model as well. Referred to as “Orange County’s Joanna Gaines” by her clients, Webb enjoys helping homebuyers purchase a fixer upper and transform it afterward into their dream home. “Our home appraised for $265,000 more than the purchase price after we invested a fraction of that with Robyn’s fixer upper program. We now have our dream home and are sitting on a pile of equity,” states Darlene Jones of Laguna Niguel.

Webb’s business is rooted in ethics and integrity, as evidenced by her Champion of Home Award, presented by the California Association of Realtors. Of approximately 500,000 real estate agents in California, only 1-3 are designated with this prestigious award each year, which recognizes ethics, professionalism and overall exemplary conduct of a Realtor^®. With over $200 million sold, Webb strives for every client experience to become a client for life. “This isn’t a job for me”, she says, “It’s a labor of true love.”

OC Real Estate 411
949.359.6572 | OCRealEstate411.com

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Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta

by Dina Scaglione

At a time when restaurants seemingly pop up one day and shut down the next, Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta, or more affectionately known as simply Sonny’s, has been serving up thin-crust pizzas and flavorful pasta dishes to devoted locals and curious tourists for more than 36 years. You can hardly mention the restaurant’s name without heads nodding in approval.

Since 1980, owner Sonny Genovese has prepared his family’s recipes from scratch each day, perfectly balanced with aromatic seasonings and flavorful spices. The restaurant’s unpretentious vibe and relaxed atmosphere welcomes families, friends and couples alike. Just bring a hearty appetite and let them handle the rest.

Though San Clemente is largely known for its cool, coastal climate, Spanish feel and chill vibe, the city and its surrounding areas have no shortage of Italian food aficionados who’ve made Sonny’s their go-to spot for a delicious bowl of savory Baked Rigatoni or the new Badda Bing pizza with spicy Calabrese salami, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. Another favorite is the Rigatoni Pomodoro with ricotta cheese and spinach. Steeped in a classic pink sauce – a combination of Sonny’s signature red and Alfredo sauces, and topped with sliced sausage, this blissful marriage of melt-in-your mouth flavors and textures is a testament to the restaurant’s mass appeal. With a dizzying array of generously portioned entrées, from fresh seafood to meatless dishes, Sonny’s offers something to suit every palette.

As far as appetizers go, nothing beats the Spicy Calamari. Unlike most other renditions, Sonny’s tender calamari steak (not the typical chewy, rubber band-like rings) is cut into strips and sautéed in a spicy, garlic tomato sauce. Magnifico! The Tomato Basil Bruschetta also tops the list, served with crunchy garlic toast and sweet tomatoes, seasoned with basil, capers and chunks of Pecorino Romano.

With gondola muralled walls and the scent of roasted garlic hanging in the air, Sonny’s inviting atmosphere draws you inside and keeps you coming back for more. The spacious outside patio adorned with red and white-checkered tablecloths accommodates those who prefer to dine al fresco. Although Sonny’s can be quite popular on weekends, don’t let the appendage of outside gatherers dissuade you. Sonny’s is one of those can’t-miss local gems, and like so many good things in life, is well worth the wait!

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta
429 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente
949.498.2540 • Sonnys.com