Raya

by Claire Cote

A sunset dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is quite a treat, especially at a spot like Raya that offers delectable bites, sweeping ocean views of the Pacific and impeccable service. Chef Richard Sandoval’s creations showcase Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine utilizing sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meat and his signature Latin flavors. With its elegant decor and welcoming staff, diners will find Raya an ideal setting for a special occasion, yet casual enough for any day of the week.

I dove into Raya’s menu with a light and refreshing cucumber-lime Margarita that I selected from a handful of delicious-sounding craft cocktails. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, full bar and select beers, so you’ll find a wide array of drink options from which to pair your meal.

As we began to sample the tapas, our server explained that Raya’s rotating seasonal menu takes advantage of local seafood and fresh California produce to incorporate the best ingredients possible. Soups and seafood offerings change regularly, depending on ingredient quality and availability. Our first small plate was the Brazilian Cheese Bread with avocado-chili butter that delivered impossibly airy, savory puffs of gluten-free dough and delectable cheese. The flavorful mini Lobster Tacos, prepared with black bean purée and chile de árbol salsa, were also a hit at the table. Assistant Chef Chris Hart then served us a perfectly balanced Thai Salad. Mint and basil tossed in tangy citrus dressing and topped with rich duck confit was a delightful way to perk up our palates.

We then savored some of Raya’s most popular large plate items that continued to elevate our experience. The Achiote Salmon with a drizzle of achiote ponzu and chayote slaw and the buttery, wild-caught New Hampshire Pan Seared Scallops with char siu pork belly were simply off the chart. Following the surf with a bit of turf, the All Natural Prime New York steak with Dungeness crab potato purée, chipotle hollandaise, and truffle chimichurri was an exceptionally tender and rich creation that we gleefully devoured to the last bite.

Dessert was a dream. The sinful molten chocolate brownie filled with caramel sauce and a side of marshmallow ice cream was an incredibly gooey and indulgent way to cap off a perfect meal. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we shared a dramatic sunset over the horizon accentuated by dolphins jumping through the surf. Life truly is good!

RAYA | The Ritz-Carlton | Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point
949.240.2000 | RitzCarlton.com

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School
Unveiled 13th Annual Masters Pageant and Student Art Exhibition

Live Gallery Art Works and Students Embraced theme of
“We Can Do Small Things with Great Love”

LAGUNA BEACH, CA, June 2, 2016 — Last week, in a tribute to Laguna Beach Heritage, Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School performed a Masters Pageant Show. For one night, each spring for the past thirteen years, the school by the sea transforms itself into a gallery of live art and talent beyond compare.

This year’s show and exhibit proved to be no exception, with students from all grades posing in live gallery art encompassing the theme of “We Can Do Small Things with Great Love,” including Gustav Klimt’s, “The Kiss,” Edgar Degas’, “La Classe de Dance,” and of course Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

The pageant operates each year under the direction of Art Teacher Christine Thomas and parent volunteers who continue to enrich the lives of students.  Their time and talent includes creation of the initial canvas, to lighting, costumes, make up and set design.

Before the Pageant, visitors were welcomed to a student art exhibit, showcasing the top artistic talent of the school.

Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School, grades TK-8, is rooted in 59 years of academic excellence.  Saint Catherine’s recognizes the family as the primary educator of its children, and the school strives to extend and support each family’s efforts.  Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School challenges students with a strong and diverse curriculum that inspires them to become lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and good shepherds in a global community.  Saint Catherine of Siena Parish School, 30516 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA.

The 4th Annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival

by Mac McDonald

The 4th annual Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival brings much more to the table than you might expect. On June 25th at Dana Point’s Sea Terrace Park, a mouthful of eats and treats awaits from noon to 7 p.m.

Event Director Rich Goodwin says, “We’re similar to a lot of food festivals out there, but what we tend to do is bring in more. We have a little bit of everything!” The festival features 50 wine varietals from all over the world, food from dozens of Orange County restaurants, caterers and bakeries and 80 different craft beers. Continuous live music and circus-like strolling entertainers, from jugglers and stilt walkers to magicians and contortionists will keep the party going all day.

“We have everything, from high-end chocolates and bakers to local restaurants,” says Goodwin, “That’s why this event is so popular, because we address all types of people and we have a bead on what people want.”

In addition to this festival, EventWerks partners with the City of Dana Point to bring Dana Point Summer Concerts, Dana Point State BBQ Championships (October 8), Dana Point Oktoberfest (October 15), as well as concerts, food festivals, craft brew festivals and Oktoberfet celebrations in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Lake Arrowhead and beyond.

The festival began rather modestly in 2013 as a free, family-oriented event and it’s now blossomed into a community-wide experience serving up higher-end offerings for foodies and wine and beer aficionados.

The VIP Grand Tasting Package is your ticket to the festival’s most exclusive amenities. VIP ticket-holders will have access to the Grand Tasting Pavilion, a private tented area featuring unlimited sampling from over 20 food purveyors, 50 craft breweries and tastes of more than 50 wine varietals. VIP participants will also enjoy shaded seating areas, private restrooms, and choice entertainment. VIP tickets are $100 in advance and are limited to the first 500 sold at FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

The Unlimited Drink Sampling Package allows ticket holders unlimited samplings from 40 craft breweries (80 varieties of beer), 50 varietals of wine, live entertainment, and a commemorative glass. Tickets run $40 in advance online and $50 at the gate on the day of the event.

If you’d prefer to just stroll the grounds and nosh and sip a la carte, the General Admission option is the right one for you. A mere $10 at the event’s main box office provides entry, $8 per drink for beer, wine and cocktails, and food for purchase from an array of restaurants. Once you’re inside the event and you like what you taste, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to the Unlimited Drink Sampling Package for just $40.

Live entertainment at the Orange County Food, Wine & Music Festival will be provided by L.A.-based band Nutty, which takes classic rock and mixes it with jazz, a mashup where “Hendrix, Ozzie, Neil Young and The Who are sittin’ in with jazz cats like Miles, Dizzie, Mancini and the Duke.” DJ Peter G will be on hand to add to the mix, playing everything from classic rock to contemporary hits. Last but not least, everyone’s favorite 80’s Nerd Band, the Spazmatics, will also keep guests pumped.

Parking is available at the Salt Creek Beach parking lot and on nearby streets. For your convenience, a round-trip shuttle service will run from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., to and from Dana Hills High School. You can also take the Laguna Beach and Dana Point free trolley to Salt Creek Beach where you may enter the event through the tunnel under PCH.

For more information about the event, go to FoodWineandMusicFestival.com.

Sea Terrace Park at 33401 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point, CA 92629

The Doheny Surf Festival is Back

June 25 – 26, 2016

A two-day celebration of the Southern California surfing lifestyle returns to Dana Point on Saturday and Sunday, June 25th and 26th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Doheny State Beach Surf Festival will feature great surfing, a classic woody car show, delicious food and beverages, a beer garden, live music, healthy living demonstrations and a variety of vendors offering surf collectables and more.

This free event is sponsored by the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association (DSBIA) and the California State Parks. “We are very excited to be bringing back the surf festival,” said Mario Cuevas, Event Coordinator and Board Member of DSBIA. “We took a year off to restructure the festival and bring it back to a down-home, “surfy” event that looks back on the past and forward to the future of the sport of Hawaiian Kings and California Moondoggies.”

Amazing surfing exhibitions will take place both days. On Saturday, the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association will hold its annual Menehune (kids) Surf Contest for competitors in categories from 8 and under to 17 years of age. On Sunday, the Hobie Surfboard Surf Team will present an Expression Session demonstrating the championship skills they take into international surf competitions. “I’m very excited about the array of vendors who will present their wares in our Surfers Vendor Village,” said DSBIA President Margie Black. “We’ve put together a very diverse group, but the focus will be on surfing. There will be a lot to see and some very tempting items to take home.”

To learn more about the Doheny Surf Festival, visit the DSBIA website at DohenyStateBeach.org and click on the event button. For information on how to participate as a vendor, contact Mario Cuveas at mariolcuevas@yahoo.com.

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine

Small Plate, Big Flavor

by Claire Cote

I had the most decadent meal last night. I gorged on seared ahi, stuffed grape leaves, cheesy artichoke dip, and I regret nothing. This was my first visit to Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine, previously Zona’s Italian Restaurant, nestled in the far corner of the Krikorian Plaza in North San Clemente.

Owner/Operator Vince Bevany and Chef Nick Vahdati have created an eclectic menu, boasting influences from Spain, Greece, Morocco and more, with something for every palate to enjoy. Carnivores will love the lamb op-tions and Hungarian goulash, while vegetarians can choose from a variety of dishes including chickpea salad, tabouli and hummus.

Dinner began with the eggplant medallions. These breaded eggplant rounds topped with tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion and olive oil were light, tart and a perfect appetizer for two. Next came the perfectly seared ahi, crusted in sesame seeds on a bed of sliced beets. With a side of pickled ginger and ponzu for dipping, it was satisfying and absolutely delish.

Stuffed grape leaves dripping with olive oil and cheesy cilantro-artichoke dip came next. Warm pita slices and creamy tzatziki made each earthy mouthful a sumptuous delight. We finished with the curried lamb. Served with simple mashed potatoes and emitting hints of almond and vanilla, this distinctive meat, topped with creamy curry sauce, was a rich showcase of Mediterranean flavor.

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine is a welcome addition to the San Clemente food scene. Check out the weekly specials: Tapas Tuesday (tapas at happy hour prices all day) and Thirsty Thursday (happy hour prices on beer all day) for the perfect dinner-and-a-movie date night. With its diverse menu, extensive wine and drink list, and delicious fare, you’ll find any excuse to come back.

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine

Located at 647 Camino De Los Mares |  San Clemente

949.488.0120 |  BayLeafMediterraneanCuisine.com

The Laguna Beach
Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team

Photos by Tony Zentil

The Laguna Beach Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team participated in the National Interscholastic Cycling Association race on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Vail Lake in Temecula. Three of the twelve participating team riders earned a place on the podium – Tasha Zentil, 3^rd place Experienced Girls Middle School Division; Morgan Zevnik, 5^th place Novice Girls Middle School Division 6^th Grade; and Dylan Vanek, 4^th place Novice Boys Middle School Division 8^th Grade. The course included rollercoaster style single track and fast fire road climbs. One middle school lap was approximately 3.4 miles with 300 feet of climbing. “Our goal this season was to break into the top 20, but the race results have far exceeded our expectations and we are so proud of this team,” said Team Director Tony Zentil. The team will participate in their last race in Tehachapi on Saturday, May 7, 2016. 

10th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix

Welcome to the 10th Annual Dana Point Grand Prix Sport & Family Festival 2016

New for this year, we have included an additional day of participatory events geared towards the healthy active lifestyle segment that offers a family friendly atmosphere within a unique outdoor festival sports experience. The DPGP Sport & Family Festival is hosting a unique Fan Zone Expo Village that offers vendor opportunities to intimately associate with participants in a fun leisurely environment with; food, beverages, music and up close sports action.

Now in our 10th year, the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling has become one-of the best organized 1-day criterium races in America with top notch competition, fans and sponsors nestled within our beautiful host community of Dana Point along the majestic Pacific Ocean in Orange County, California.

Positioned between San Diego and Los Angeles, Dana Point is considered the coastal Southern California jewel with beautiful beaches, a world class harbor, excellent community amenities and some of the best hotels in the world to help your corporate brand in making important connections with enthusiastic participants.

San Clemente Christian School

Become one of the Family

San Clemente Christian School is nestled in the small beach community of Capistrano Beach, working enthusiastically to support the mission, vision, and heart of the school. SCCS continues to expand, serving grades TK through 10th (adding a new grade for high school each year) and is working diligently to secure a final home in San Clemente!

San Clemente Christian School’s philosophy brings the “boutique school” concept to life. Classes are intentionally designed to allow teachers to honor each child’s individual strengths and needs, offering only one class of students (20 maximum) per grade level and a student-to-staff ratio of 1:3. Becky Casey, a teacher of 30 years, shares that “Each child is valued and known for who God created them to be. We are truly a united family where students are taught to love, support and respect each other. It is not just about test taking or memorizing facts; it’s about challenging our students beyond what they believe they can accomplish! One of my favorite comments from a parent was that every student gets to be a star here—that’s exactly the point!” 

The staff is excited about the growth and development of SCCS’s preparatory Middle and High School Programs, offering a positive, safe, and challenging alternative to other educational options in the community. In a time when students are faced with enormous pressures and challenges, the school creates and environment where students can “develop his or her giftings, thrive, and truly be themselves through mentorship and hands on experiences.”

San Clemente Christian School’s academic approach is described as Full S.T.E.A.M. ahead—science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Assistant Principal, Rebecca Romo shares, “We are firm believers in giving our students a competitive edge and provide every opportunity for them to be academically and practically prepared to succeed now and in the future—to encourage problem-solving, critical thinking, discovery, creativity, exploratory learning, and active engagement across all subjects.” SCCS promises a rich, balanced experience with weekly student-led chapel services, academic competitions, a surf club, field trips to Science Camp, Catalina Island and Washington, D.C. and mission trips for families and students alike. In addition, the entire student body is exposed to art, science labs, Greek, Latin and Spanish language classes. Dr. Magnuson asserts, “The potential of our students is boundless, and we want to support that amazing potential.” The school is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in every class; Smart Boards, laptops and iPads are used as powerful tools to support real world instructional experiences that ultimately enhance each student’s unique learning process.

It’s clear that teachers and staff firmly believe that students have the potential to be leaders in our world today, no matter the age! Leadership instruction at San Clemente Christian School is woven into daily instruction, across subject matter, and throughout all grade levels. This leadership program is based upon four cornerstone ideas which comprise a model called P.A.C.E—Prepare for the future, Acquire a servant’s heart, Connect to communities, organizations and global issues, Energize youth to make lasting change. Dr. Magnuson shares, “Many parents ask me why and how we are different from other schools. Of course our teachers are highly educated and credentialed, and we have amazing new curriculum and technology. But that is not why we are different. We choose to be here to impact our student’s character in a way that has lasting impact on their lives. We want every single student to know without a doubt that they are beautifully made, priceless, valued, and amazingly capable!”

Learn more about San Clemente Christian School’s mission, vision, academic curriculum and programs at SanClementeChristianSchool.com

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Chronic Tacos

Mexican Grill

by Claire Cote

I’m always on the prowl for the perfect taco. Meat or fish marinated to tender perfection, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh avocado, all wrapped inside a fragile tortilla. It’s somehow the perfect food. It’s quick and simple and always a good idea. Lucky for me, Chronic Tacos serves up a mean version. And the best part is… it’s DIY. Another best part? They don’t just have tacos.

A stone’s throw from Doheny State Beach and minutes from the Dana Point Harbor, this taco shop offers authentic-style Mexican food presented as a skeleton menu of tacos, burritos, salads and bowls. It’s the choose-your-own-adventure of food. Want a salad topped with grilled chicken, fresh lettuce and tomato? Go for it. Have a hankering for a burrito bursting with beans, rice and cheese? You got it.

On a recent visit I sampled Chronic Taco’s new meatless option, Carne Vegano, which is completely natural plant proteins seasoned and sautéed. Versatile enough to fill a burrito or top a salad, it’s light and tasty — the perfect option for a meatless diner and delicious enough for even meat-lovers. I also enjoyed the mahi-mahi taco, prepared with creamy Baja sauce, spicy pico de gallo and fresh cabbage. It’s a marvelous mouthful.

One of 25 locations in Southern California, the Dana Point joint also boasts a large patio (pet-friendly!) over-looking PCH, as well as a selection of beer on tap, from Lagunitas IPA to Bud Light. The restaurant’s produce is prepared fresh daily and the mahi-mahi is beer-battered or sautéed to order. With breakfast and lunch served all day, it’s an ideal stop before heading down for a day on the water.

Chronic Tacos dishes out weekday specials that are hard to beat. Monday Madness features a burrito, chips and a drink for a mere $7.99. Taco Tuesday delivers $1.99 tacos and Wednesday Unwrapped offers customers a choice of salad or tostada bowl and a drink for $7.99. They also serve hand-burritos, for smaller appetites, nacho french fries (exactly what it sounds like!) and flaky churro bites for dessert. Chronic Tacos is quick, delicious, and easy on the wallet. Fellow taco hunters, look no further.