Author Archives: the local dish

Inka Mama’s

nka mama's

Inka Mama’s

by Claire Cote

Although I haven’t had the pleasure of traveling to Peru, I feel like a connoisseur of its cuisine after my inaugural visit to Inka Mama’s. Located in San Clemente’s Talega Village Center, this cozy establishment will have you feeling like a South American tourist who stumbled upon a local, hidden gem from the moment you step foot through the front door.

Breaking away from the ubiquitous, yet hackneyed “New American” cuisine, this Peruvian eatery brings traditional recipes, fresh ingredients and zippy cocktails to the forefront, without sacrificing affordability or style.

My dinner companion and I sampled our way through the happy hour menu with gusto. I fell hard for the Causas, a layered stack of potato cakes and chicken salad, while my friend was over the moon for the Shrimp Empanadas — impeccably prepared pillows of buttery crust and saucy shrimp. We were both in love with the seductive, green aji sauce, a Peruvian staple which is used for dipping, slathering or as an additive to just about any dish on the menu. This punchy salsa was perfect for spreading on rolls, dipping a Yuka (sweet potato) fry or drizzling over your entire plate. A veritable wimp in the face of anything remotely spicy, even I didn’t mind my burning lips after my 10th helping. 

The Croqueta Sliders were impossible to resist. These top sirloin patties served on sweet bread and adorned with a tomato slice, chili mayo and a side of sweet potato fries, were tasty and well prepared. The Chicharon de Pollo is not your mama’s fried chicken! Marinated in garlic and spices and then deep fried, this tender meat packs a crispy texture and exciting flavor.

Inka Mama’s offers happy hour Monday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. and all day Sunday. Enjoy house wines and Sangria for $6 a glass and discounts on select appetizers. The bar is stocked with local beer on tap, the food is adventurous without being intimidating, and the mood is on point when the sun goes down and the bistro lights come on. With additional locations in Aliso Viejo, Foothill Ranch, and Santa Ana, there’s always tasty Peruvian fare right around the corner. ¡Salud!

821 Via Suerte, #104, San Clemente
949.369.6262  •  InkaMamas.com

Redmond Orthodontics

Redmond Orthodontics

ORTHODONTICS • DENTOFACIAL ORTHOPEDICS

Redmond OrthodonticsRedmond Orthodontics has been known for integrity and relationship-based care that focuses on patient needs and goals for the past 40 years. Dr. Bill Redmond and his staff take pride in providing quality care in a friendly environment. Smiles are their business, and they work hard to make sure everyone has the one they want.

Dr. Redmond offers traditional braces to patients who want them but also offers Invisalign, lingual (behind the teeth) braces, as well as a number of aesthetic options for patients that are interested. Additionally, Dr. Redmond is certified to use neuromodulators in the treatment of TMJ and Migraine-related pain. Feel free to ask him for more information during your complimentary exam. He is always looking for ways to better serve his patients and continuously updates his knowledge of Orthodontics and adjunctive treatment options by attending continuing education seminars throughout the year. For example, Dr. Redmond is certified to provide appliances that limit the interruptions of a good night’s sleep caused by sleep apnea; a major concern for children and adults alike. Now practicing in San Clemente, patients can easily choose from one of Dr. Bill Redmond’s three office locations in Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and Trabuco Canyon.

“I don’t think many people like going to the dentist or orthodontist,” admits Dr. Redmond. “For that reason, we try to create an environment where patients are going to feel comfortable and relaxed. As far as the relationship I have with patients, I consider them to be friends. Laughing and joking is one of those things that I find very comforting and disarming for patients and parents.”

Redmond Orthodontics’ mission is to provide the most advanced, technologically sound and clinically-proven treatment options for their patients. When a patient comes in for treatment by Dr. Redmond and his team, they can expect to let any worry they have about their orthodontic care disappear because they are going to take care of all of that for them. When you come in for a visit to Redmond Orthodontics, you will know that they are there to help you get the smile you deserve.

Contact the office of Dr. Bill Redmond to schedule an appointment today. They offer flexible hours that enable easy scheduling for those with busy lives and limited time for office visits.

Redmond Orthodontics
181 Avenida Vaquero, Suite A
San Clemente
949.495.0600  •  RedmondOrthodontics.net

Redmond Orthodontics

Erini P. Redmond, DDS

Erini P. Redmond, DDS

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Erini P. Redmond, DDSMission
Dr. Erini Papandreas Redmond’s dental practice was voted Best Dentist in San Clemente by the SC Times. Dr. Erini was honored and humbled by her patients’ support. She believes that you are the sum of your parts. She attributes her success to a staff that has been with her for more than 10 years and provides the highest standard of care with integrity. “I want our patients to know that we are listening to what they have to say and addressing their needs without upselling,” says Dr. Erini. Her staff has the same devotion to providing excellence to her patients; treating them like family, listening to their needs and accommodating their schedules which is the common goal. The practice has been building lasting relationships for the past 17 years because she is such a perfectionist and takes her job very seriously. Her staff and patients also have a lot of fun. “I think there is always laughter in my practice because I love what I do and truly feel blessed with the relationships I have built over the years with the children and adults,” added Dr. Erini.

History
Dr. Erini originated from Cleveland, Ohio and is a grandchild of Greek Immigrants. She received her BS in Microbiology at Ohio State University and did post graduate studies in Nuclear Medicine. She graduated with honors as a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific. She settled with her husband and 2 children in San Clemente and started her dental practice in 1998.

State-of-the-Art Services
Dr. Erini follows the latest technological advancements in dental care with state-of-the-art equipment at affordable prices. Dr. Erini’s dental office strives to “Go Green” in all aspects of the practice with it being a latex, paper and BPA-free environment. The use of Digital x-rays not only diagnoses cavities at an early stage, but also benefits patients by protecting them from unnecessary radiation. Along with comprehensive functional and aesthetic dentistry that promote intra-oral health, Dr. Erini has also extended her expertise to their facial aesthetic needs through the use of Botox. One of the most important things Dr. Erini prides herself on is giving her patients the most honest advice with a very conservative approach when diagnosing treatment. She genuinely cares about her patients and will spend as much time as needed to make sure that every patient leaves smiling.

Dr. Erini aims to make your experience at her practice as convenient, affordable and rewarding as possible! If you’re searching for the complete package in a dentist, Dr. Erini Redmond is it: dedicated, dynamic, knowledgeable and most importantly… caring!

Erini P. Redmond, DDS
181 Avenida Vaquero, Suite A
San Clemente
949.361.1124  •  SanClementeDentist.com

Erini P. Redmond, DDS

Hybrid MD

Hybrid MD

URGENT CARE, OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, AESTHETIC MEDICINE AND AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE

Hybrid MD“Orange County’s Most Innovative Medical Practice”… a tagline that summarizes Hybrid MD’s mission statement. This unique medical practice has been in San Clemente for over 2 years and has quickly become a 5-star rated Urgent Care in South Orange County!

It’s unique model combines four specialties: Urgent Care, Occupational Medicine, Aesthetic Medicine and Age Management Medicine. This innovative concept brings a unique focus to health and wellness in this area.

Since opening in 2014, Dr. Sonya Murray and Dr. Kenneth Pierce have joined the team of Urgent Care providers. Together with Dr. Jairam, they are bringing the art of customer service back to the practice of medicine. With the recent closure of San Clemente’s hospital, Hybrid MD is now open 7 days a week. This makes access to excellent medical care easy, even on weekends. It is also one of few Urgent Care practices in the area where you will always be seen by a Board Certified Physician.

Within the last 2 years, Hybrid MD has taken a very active role in integrating itself into the local community. The staff routinely participates in events at 24-hour fitness, Orange Theory Fitness, Vista Del Mar Elementary School and San Clemente High School to name a few. Becoming a household name for excellent medical care in the area is fast becoming a reality for this young medical practice.

The much awaited opening of Avenida La Pata has made access to Hybrid MD a breeze for the the neighborhoods of San Juan Capistrano, Rancho Mission Viejo and Ladera Ranch. There is no need to get on the 5 freeway, the practice is just a short 5 mile drive over the hill. In fact, Dr. Jairam lives in Rancho Mission Viejo and routinely has neighbors drive over for treatment.

So whether you are looking to be seen for a sore throat, work-related injury, forehead wrinkles or laser hair removal, Hybrid MD has something to offer everyone.

Stay tuned for the addition of more services within the coming months as Hybrid MD continues to grow within the neighborhoods of South Orange County!

Colin X. Jairam, MD
1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 103
San Clemente
949.429.1919  •  HybridMDoc.com  •  HybridMD@HybridMD.com

Hybrid MD

Frank Mogavero, DDS

Frank Mogavero, DDS

ORTHODONTICS • FACIAL ORTHOPEDICS

Frank Mogavero, DDSFor 26 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been creating big, beautiful smiles. Specializing in orthodontics and facial orthopedics, Dr. Frank, as patients affectionately call him, sees himself as more than an orthodontist. Over the course of his career, he’s shaped the gorgeous smiles of over 10,000 patients, and has also witnessed the tremendous boost in confidence that often accompany his results.

Studies show that people with nicer smiles get better jobs, are thought of as more intelligent, and receive more opportunities in life,” shares Dr. Frank. He also emphasizes that, for him, it’s always been about the people he treats in his practice. “People are not a procedure,” he adds.

Dr. Mogavero designed his fun, action sports-themed office in San Clemente to curb the apprehensiveness that can sometimes be associated with a trip to the orthodontist. Decked out with an authentic Mammoth Mountain chair lift, sports photography, and famous athletes’ autographs – many of whom are former patients, he’s captured a hip vibe that appeals to patients of all ages. Dr. Frank’s reputation has also attracted a high-profile clientele of young athletes and personalities who appreciate the value of a dazzling smile when they appear on TV and compete in the national and international X-Games.

Using the popular Invisalign® system since 2000, Dr. Mogavero was one of its first providers to treat patients with this new technology. These “invisible braces” utilize clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth instead of traditional hardware.

Dr. Mogavero’s love for kids extends into the community, where he supports schools through his mouth guard program for local high school and youth football teams, sponsors major fundraisers, and can often be seen cheering on his patients at sporting events and the X Games. He even finds time to coach soccer!

Dr. Mogavero holds honors degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Dentistry from UCLA, is a Board Certified Orthodontist, and has taught for five years in the Orthodontics Department at USC. Dr. Frank, his wife Anna, and their five children reside in San Clemente.

Frank Mogavero, DDS
1031 Avenida Pico, Suite 101
San Clemente
949.373.3737  •  SyncYourSmile.com
Facebook: Mogavero Orthodontics
Instagram: @drfrankm
Twitter: @drfrankm

Frank Mogavero, DDS

Dana Niguel Dental

Dana Niguel Dental

FRANK GODINO, DMD

Dana Niguel DentalDr. Frank Godino has been providing quality dental care to the south county community from his Dana Point office for the last 30 years. “We are a family-oriented practice, dedicated to providing the best possible care utilizing advanced, state-of-the-art technology and skills.”

All team members of Dr. Godino’s office have been with him for at least 17 years and are highly skilled in their areas of service. They pride themselves on providing quality care in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere where you will feel more like family than patients. Much time is spent getting to know their patients on a personal level building an atmosphere of comfort and trust.

Although he provides a multitude of dental services, Dr. Godino excels in the areas of Cosmetic, Implant, and Full Mouth Restoration dentistry. Concerning his cosmetic cases, Dr. Godino feels his success is attributed to a combination of proper pre-op planning, including listening to his patients’ desires, and his artistic clinical skills. Implant dentistry has been one of the most exciting areas of Dr. Godino’s focus. “Today’s advances in Implant dentistry enable us to replace a person’s complete dentition with as little as 8 implants, restoring their full function, aesthetics, confidence and self esteem.” Dr. Godino is continually maintaining and updating his skills through coursework and multiple study clubs to ensure that his patients are given the best and most current dental care available.

Dr. Godino has also been providing care in the area of Sleep Medicine for the past 9 years, having completed a mini-residency in Sleep Medicine at UCLA in 2007. This enables him to assist in the diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders and to help patients sort through the various treatment options.

Dr. Godino wants prospective patients to know that they can be assured of exceptional expertise in their general and cosmetic dental care. When needed, Dr. Godino utilizes a trusted network of local specialists to ensure the quality of his patients’ total dental care. He treats his patients with honesty and respect, ensuring that all their concerns are addressed and an accurate diagnosis is presented and explained. Dr. Godino believes it is his obligation to truthfully present your treatment needs and options, but that it is your decision as to how you want to proceed.

If this sounds like a dental family you would like to become a part of, then Dr. Godino encourages you to call for an appointment or to learn more about his office online at: www.DrFrankGodino.com.

Dana Niguel Dental
34190 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Dana Point
949.493.7004  •  DrFrankGodino.com

Dana Niguel Dental

Premier Medical Weight Loss, Inc

Premier Medical Weight Loss, Inc

HCG • LIPO INJECTIONS • ONE-ON-ONE WEIGHT LOSS SUPPORT • MEDICALLY SUPERVISED

Premier Medical Weight Loss, IncImagine your ideal self. Would you weigh less? Have more energy? No longer struggle with chronic fatigue? Dr. Mantell and his wellness team are there to guide you so you can take control of your life and get healthy. Whether you need assistance with medical weight loss, nutritional counseling, or increasing stamina, they can help. For many years, the clinic has aided many patients to successfully lose weight, regain energy and keep the weight off. The clinic’s approach to wellness is truly transformative and the doctors and staff are excited to share their approach with you.

“Being overweight is a medical condition, and we treat it as one,” say Dr. Richard Mantell, owner and operator, located in San Juan Capistrano. “Our patients’ chances of losing weight will be significantly higher using our program rather than doing it on their own.”

“Losing weight is much more than just diet and exercise. It is simply overwhelming without guidance and direction,” adds Jennifer Mantell, co-operator in the business. “Our program provides private one-on-one weight loss support to help keep our clients accountable for achieving their weight loss goals. Many patients have failed numerous times in their past dieting attempts, but are amazed when they find real success us.”

Dr. Mantell and his team can help you lose up to 30 pounds in 30 days, and more importantly, keep it off. They start with determining the underlying problem for your weight gain. For many patients, eating healthy and exercising is not enough to take off the pounds. Dr. Mantell’s cutting-edge medical weight loss treatments include integrating HCG injections, lipo injections, appetite control medication and weekly weigh-in and support.

The medically prescribed injections protect your lean muscle mass while turning your body into a fat-burning machine. HCG is part of a fast track medical weight loss program which helps patients drop pounds fast and feel more energetic than they have in years. Most notably, weight loss support and lifestyle advice helps patients correct negative habits that may have led to their weight gain in the first place, so the pounds stay off for good.

Dr. Mantell and his team provides weight loss support and lifestyle advice. Their patient-proven results show that their programs deliver positive results. Obviously, they point out that results may vary by individuals, but firmly believe that by proactively addressing and correcting unhealthy eating habits in combination with their medically supervised programs, they can help patients down the path to permanent weight loss. Dr. Mantell and his wellness team are committed to helping every patient embrace a healthy, positive lifestyle.

Premier Medical Weight Loss, Inc
31888 Del Obispo, Ste. C-2
San Juan Capistrano
949.267.3885  •  PremierWeightLossMD.com

Premier Medical Weight Loss, Inc

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California

ALLERGY & ASTHMA ASSOCIATES of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

WILLIAM E. BERGER, MD • WARNER W. CARR, MD

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern CaliforniaIt’s nice to know you can turn to physicians who truly understand your asthma and allergy concerns and who’ve been there for you, your family, and your neighbors for over 30 years. That’s Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California — because they’re your neighbors, too.

Allergy & Asthma Associates has established the Food Allergy Center, the first and only one of its kind in Orange County, to focus exclusively on the diagnosis and now treatment of food allergy.

Some may have heard about the ground breaking research being conducted with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) for the treatment of food allergy. Allergy & Asthma Associates is one of a few selected premier research sites across the United States enrolling patients in this landmark clinical development program. The team at Allergy & Asthma Associates are pleased to announce that they will now be offering this breakthrough therapy (OIT) in the Food Allergy Center.

Suffice it to say, patient safety is always the number one priority. OIT patients will be monitored closely by the dedicated OIT staff who have been trained specifically in food allergy treatments. Patients will have direct, 24-hour, 7 day-a-week access to OIT staff. In addition, a dedicated OIT Specialist, Chanté Phan, can be contacted at (949) 364-2900 ext. 1879 for questions and information.

Allergy & Asthma Associates’ doctors and staff will treat you just like family. You will truly appreciate their friendly, unhurried and informative care. And the same goes for your child; they make allergy testing visits for children as positive an experience as possible… every step of the way.

The practice was founded in 1980 by Dr. William E. Berger. Along with his partner, Dr. Warner W. Carr, and an outstanding team of physicians, Allergy & Asthma Associates offers exceptional care for children and adults. The highly specialized care can help you greatly improve your health and your quality of life, and it’s available right here in San Clemente, Mission Viejo and Irvine.

ALLERGY & ASTHMA ASSOCIATES of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
675 Camino de los Mares, Ste. 403, San Clemente
27800 Medical Center Rd., Ste. 244, Mission Viejo
15785 Laguna Canyon Rd., Ste. 100, Irvine
949.364.2900  •  SoCalAllergy.com

Allergy & Asthma Associates of Southern California

The Vein Clinic at Elite Medizin

The Vein Clinic at Elite Medizin

ANNE LUHOAN, MD, FACS

The Vein Clinic at Elite MedizinHow do your legs look? How are your legs feeling? Do you have heavy, achy, itchy or restless legs at the end of the day? Do you see bulging veins across your legs or feet? Have you noticed unsightly spider veins?

If so, you may be one of 80 million Americans who are plagued with varicose veins and may not even realize you have them. Why suffer needlessly when treatment is just around the corner at Dr. Anne Luhan’s office in Dana Point. Her clinical expertise focuses on the full spectrum of treating venous disorders and most procedures are covered by Medicare and major insurance companies.

Many who have experienced varicose veins believe they are simply a cosmetic issue that is more of a nuisance than a genuine medical concern. The fact is that varicose veins are a massively underdiagnosed and undertreated problem that can progress into a more serious medical condition, if not addressed properly. Dr. Luhan is making it her mission to educate patients and the community about varicose veins.

Once a patient learns that they are a candidate for the cutting edge treatments that deliver maximum results with minimal pain, they are elated to finally have a solution to their nagging problem. Dr. Luhan is able to offer patients an in-office procedure requiring no anesthesia, minimal downtime and no scarring.

The latest technologies include the Venaseal glue closure system which offers no need for compression stockings, no needle sticks and the treatment of multiple large veins at once.

For many patients, receiving treatment is life-altering, enabling them to now lead active, productive lives that were once not possible.

On the cosmetic side, Elite Medizin and Veins is offering the full scope of vein treatments including leg, face and hand veins and uses the latest ultrasound and vein light guided methods to treatspider veins with optimal results.

Dr. Anne Luhan is certified by the American Board of General Surgery, the American Board of Surgical Critical Care as well as by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. With these credentials and expertise, it’s no wonder that Dr. Luhan’s patients put their full trust in her hands.

The Vein Clinic at Elite Medizin
34052 La Plaza, Suite 102
Dana Point
949.388.4800  •  EliteMedizin.com

The Vein Clinic at Elite Medizin

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group

A LIFELONG RESOURCE FOR HEALTH

Orange Coast Women’s Medical GroupA leader in the field of women’s health, Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group (OCWMG) is consistently at the forefront of providing the highest level of care to its patients.

This OBGYN practice not only demonstrates exceptional service in the field of comprehensive obstetrical and gynecological care, OCWMG also offers onsite bone density screening, diagnostic ultrasounds, screening mammography, phlebotomy, weight and nutrition management, pellet therapy for bio-identical hormone replacement and laser & aesthetic services. The practice has added specific services directed at the needs of patients such as the MonaLisa Touch for restoring vaginal health, the only FDA approved treatment for the changes associated with menopause. The physicians are also at the forefront of advanced surgical techniques including minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery to treat the full spectrum of female gynecological conditions. The extent of the menu of services beyond OBGYN care makes OCWMG a very unique practice in the arena of women’s healthcare and wellness.

The latest addition to Aesthetic and Laser practice is SculpSure for non-invasive body contouring. SculpSure is designed to reduce stubborn fat in problem areas such as the abdomen and love handles without surgery or downtime. Visit the OCWMG website to find out more information or to schedule a consult about this or any other aesthetic services.

There are three conveniently accessible locations to serve the residents of South Orange County. These offices are located in Irvine, Laguna Hills, and Talega/San Clemente. The practice’s highly esteemed physicians have dispersed to different locations to meet the needs of their patients in these communities. Doctor’s Angelika Priestley, Norene Norris-Walsh, Mary O’Toole, Ann Marie Raffo, and Elizabeth Johnson have made San Clemente and its surrounding cities a primary focus of their practice. Women may also visit these physicians at their Laguna Hills office.

Visit www.ocwmg.com for physician bios, appointments, healthcare resources, and questions for the advice nurse. OCWMG accepts most insurance plans including PPO plans, POS plans, EPO plans, Medicare, and Tricare. They also accept all HMO plans through Monarch Healthcare and Covered California exchange plans.

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group
Three convenient locations
San Clemente  •  Laguna Hills  •  Irvine
949.829.5500  •  OCWMG.com

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group