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

Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival

Gringo Bandito Chronic Tacos Challenge

On Saturday, April 8, KLOS presents the 4th Annual Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point. Besides headlining the event with his band The Offspring, lead singer Dexter Holland has created a line of Gringo Bandito hot  sauces which will kick up the heat during an amazing taco eating competition sponsored by Chronic Tacos. The highly acclaimed professional taco eating contest will bring in 10 professional eaters from around the world, including world-champion eater Takeru Kobayashi from Japan. The professionals will be vying for cash prizes and the distinguished title as champion of the 7th Annual Gringo Bandito Chronic Tacos Challenge. Kobayashi holds eight Guinness Records for competitive eating and will be defending his record from 2015, when he succeeded in devouring 144 tacos in 10 minutes. If you’d like to test your own taco eating skills, an amateur competition will be open to 8 lucky contestants at the festival.

In addition to Chronic Taco’s eating contest, attendees will enjoy unlimited craft beer sampling, gourmet tacos, spirited games and engaging attractions, including the crowd-favorite lucha libre Mexican wrestling matches. 

Sabroso’s musical lineup is impressive with Orange County-based, multi-platinum rock band The Offspring, along with Sum 41, Rival Sons, Lit, Unwritten Law, and the world’s first and only heavy metal mariachi band, Metalachi, as well as roving performances by local mariachi bands.

Festival General Admission Tickets start at $60, and VIP Lounge + Early Entry Tickets are $99. Day-of Festival General Admission Tickets (if available) will be $75 each.

For the most up-to-date information on the Sabroso Craft Beer, Taco & Music Festival, please visit sabrosotacofest.com.

PANHE

A Native American Gathering 

A Celebration of Protection & Preservation

11^th Anniversary Event
San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach
Sunday, March 26, 2016, 10 am – 4 pm

The San Onofre Parks Foundation (SOPF), whose mission is to support education and interpretive efforts of California State Parks at San Clemente and San Onofre State Beaches, is presenting the 11^th annual Panhe – A Celebrtation of Protection & Preservation. Panhe is the 9,000 year old historic village of the Acjahmen/Juaeno people and continues to be a sacred and ceremonial site.

EVENT INFORMATION:

• Panhe 2017 – A Celebration of Protection & Preservation, FREE ADMISSION
  • Featuring Native American: Singers, Dancers, Flute Circle, Food, Basketry Demonstrations, Speakers, Artisans, Plant Demonstrations, Vendors, Museum Exhibits, and more!

Panhe 2017 Event Location

• San Mateo Campground, at San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente, California
• FREE Parking and round-trip shuttle throughout the day departing from: Concordia Elementary School, 3120 Avenida del Presidente, San Clemente, CA 92672

Event sponsored by United Coalition to Protect Panhe and The San Onofre Parks Foundation. In partnership with California State Parks.

For a complete event schedule, additional information, membership and volunteer opportunities please visit: www.SanOFoundation.org, or call 949-366-8599

ABOUT SAN ONOFRE PARKS FOUNDATION:

The San Onofre Parks Foundation (SOPF) is a California non-profit, charitable corporation, whose mission is to provide education, protection, and preservation for the California State Parks at San Onofre and San Clemente State Beaches. As a public liaison to these parklands, the San Onofre Foundation will foster a comprehensive stewardship of this unique recreational resource, with its historically important sites and environmentally significant setting.

Barre3

Goodbye Limits. Hello Results.

by Veronica Badzey

If you’re looking for an exceptional workout in Orange County that is unintimidating and yet delivers visible results, then you’re overdue for a class at Barre3. Known for its philosophy of balancing mind and body, the classes combine the three disciplines of ballet, yoga, and Pilates to energize, strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Far more than a gym, Barre3 is a community where people from all walks of life come to get fit, make connections and develop lasting friendships.

Co-owners Jessica Leonard and Nicki Insley opened their Laguna Niguel studio three years ago, adding a second location in San Clemente last year. Part of the national Barre3 network, both locations offer bright, clean workout rooms, a friendly staff, and a childcare center so that parents can attend a class even with kids in tow. The San Clemente studio has a soothing view of the ocean, enjoyed by participants as they cool down at the end of one of Barre3’s heart-pumping workouts.

Sadie Lincoln, a former executive for 24 Hour Fitness with 20 years of experience in the industry, developed Barre3 for those who were burned out on the traditional, hard core approach to exercise. With more than 100 locations across the country, Barre3’s growth can be attributed to an effective workout that generates proven results while being gentle on the body. Sixty minutes from start to finish, a typical Barre3 class is an intense, full body workout that builds strength, flexibility, and stamina, through a series of mindful, low-impact exercises designed to create long, lean muscles, a strong core and optimal postural alignment. The ultimate goal is to have you feeling strong and balanced – inside and out.

“I’m constantly humbled by it,” says Nicki, “It’s a crazy hard workout, and yet it’s kind on the body at the same time.” Self-proclaimed “gym rats,” Jessica and Nicki are no strangers to the fitness world. “I used to push through injury all the time,” Nicki explains, “I would beat my body up in the gym every day, then go home drained, exhausted, and feeling bad about myself.”

Jessica first found Barre3 through the company’s online workouts, one of the largest and most popular online platforms in the industry. Hundreds of workouts are available for streaming from an online video library, with weekly updates from instructors, master teachers, and studio owners across the country. The online community is also a valuable resource for recipes and motivational tools that help achieve a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Barre3 takes its name from its innovative three-part formula: 1) The Hold – firing muscles through correct body alignment; 2) Move Small – bringing muscles to the point of fatigue and integrating the core; and 3) Move Big – large range movements that flush the body and increase heart rate. Most Barre-style workouts don’t include Step 3, which increases “functional strength” by mimicking movements used in daily life. This multi-layered approach produces stellar results in a remarkably short time; most clients who attend class consistently experience a positive change in as little as two weeks.

Instructors encourage modifications to the workout, providing personalized solutions for each client so they can achieve the ultimate burn, no matter their current fitness level. “You meet yourself where you are that day,” says Jessica. “We have people come in who have never worked out a day in their lives, and next to them is a 22-year-old marathon runner, and it is challenging for both of them.” Barre3 offers pre-natal and post-natal workouts, and often works with clients who are post-chemotherapy, post-cancer, or recovering from injuries or accidents.

The benefits of the method go far beyond the physical rewards of weight loss, increased muscle tone, and improved posture. “People walk out the door with so much energy,” Nicki enthuses, “ready to conquer their day. It creates a ripple effect that extends into the rest of their lives.”

Now is a great time to start. Barre3’s $99 new client special gives you unlimited classes for a month. For a smaller class sampling, the 3 for $40 deal offers an enticing incentive
to get moving. So what are you waiting for?

For more info, visit barre3.com.
23882 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel  |   949.328.9633
638 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente  |  949.429.1738

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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