Acting Academy for Kids
By Shelley Hudson

Stephen and Maggie Zygo co-founded the Acting Academy for Kids in 2008 as both a community service and as a vehicle to pursue their lifelong passions in education and the performing arts. With public school budgets slashed in recent years, an unfortunate casualty has been the near elimination of cultural arts programs from the curriculum. The Zygos answered by developing a theater-based program to expose children and teens to acting, music, and dance and to teach skills that are inherent to performing—poise, confidence, collaboration, and discipline.

The foundation of the Acting Academy for Kids is based on providing a quality performing arts experience with an emphasis on fun. A distinctive feature of the Academy is that its teachers are primarily credentialed educators and professional performing artists. These industry experts teach students to stretch their boundaries in a safe, supportive environment. The benefits are virtually limitless—whether a child is new to the stage or a budding superstar, he or she will learn valuable life lessons while nurturing friendships and forging lasting memories. “Our teachers are passionate and enthusiastic artists,” says Stephen, “They know how to keep kids engaged while having fun.”

Another hallmark of the Academy is its partnership with local organizations such as the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Both venues provide an authentic theater setting for the Academy’s classes and performances. Main stage theatres, a set-building workshop, professional sound and lighting systems, a conservatory, dressing rooms, and the Academy’s expansive inventory of costumes gives students a first-hand appreciation for how the elements of a full-scale production come together. “It’s important for us to demonstrate that all aspects of theatre are integral for the whole to shine,” explains Maggie, “The collaborative nature of performing arts encourages teamwork, compromise, and commitment.”

Acting Academy for Kids offers voice, piano & guitar lessons, acting classes, a musical theater series each season throughout the year (a Spring Series performance of GREASE starts in April) as well as an innovative series of summer camps. “Our camps are a great way to ‘test-drive’ the stage,” says Maggie, “Athletes and introverted or shy students learn just as much as kids who are natural performers. They gain the confidence to speak in public and explore a new form of self-expression.”

Each week-long camp introduces a different kid-voted, popular theme, and campers have the option to enroll for one week, all ten, or anywhere in between. Kids ages four through thirteen can participate, and no experience is required. With a low flat fee, flexible scheduling, and convenient locations in San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente, the Academy’s camps are ideal for busy parents who are seeking economical and enriching summer activities for their kids.

At the Academy’s flagship location in SJC, four distinctive daily classes provide the structure for summer camp, with each segment focusing on one element of the production—music, dance, acting, or fine arts. Outdoor breaks and lunchtime punctuate the schedule and provide students with an opportunity to refresh and play in the adjacent grassy park between sessions. Kids are divided into age groups with limited class sizes, allowing each performer to have a chance to get involved. The week culminates in a mini-musical performance on Friday afternoon in which every student has a role. Friends and family are invited to attend and cheer for their stars.

Extended scheduling options offer flexibility for parents and even more instruction for camp participants. Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an early bird Sunrise Studio from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and an after hours Camp Unplugged from 2 p.m. to
5 p.m. Seasoned Activity Directors—typically college theater and/or education majors—facilitate the extended programs as well as teach the technical aspects of performances. Select Academy alumni teens also volunteer to make the campers’ experience a fulfilling one.

Acting Academy for Kids has enjoyed “training the next generation of talented performers” for nearly seven years, and the organization’s commitment to its founding principles and the community has generated a loyal following. Students from as far away as San Diego County and Newport Beach come to study with the Zygos, and Parenting OC named the Academy “Best Theater School” and “Best Children’s Live Theater” in 2013. “We have so much more to come,” offers Stephen, “We love to contribute to children growing into confident, creative young adults.”

Check out ActingAcademyforKids.com for schedules, themes, and details about summer camps, the Spring Musical (GREASE), and other upcoming projects. See you on stage!

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of Acting Academy for Kids cover shoot! ]

 

Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar
By Bonnie Small

 

For more than a decade, Tannins Restaurant has been a fixture in San Juan Capistrano. The menu has certainly evolved over the years, but the emphasis on the simplicity and complexity of wine and food pairing remains central. Tannins does a remarkably good job of making wine approachable as evidenced by Sommelier Jesse Clanton’s Weekly Wine Flight, which highlights one winery at a time (Kuleto Estate during my visit) and offers a perfect way to expand your wine horizons.

Tannins’ cheese platter makes all others look like 98-pound weaklings! A selection of five cheeses is presented with a generous array of fresh fruits and berries along with nuts and honey-drizzled crostini.

Chef Abraham Nava creates a short list of weekly specials made with seasonal ingredients and during our visit the Watermelon and Cantaloupe salad grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let it go! A mound of spring greens, jicama, and carrots is tossed in a light pomegranate vinaigrette and kicked up with generous spears of prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe and watermelon wedges sprinkled with Cajun spices: genius+scrumptious. With a little luck, this salad will migrate over to the regular menu!

I’d heard that people come from miles around for Tannins’ Butternut Squash Ravioli and, after one bite, I knew exactly why. These al dente pasta pillows are stuffed with butternut squash and drizzled with browned butter kissed with truffle oil, toasted hazelnuts, and frizzled sage.

Another dinner winner is the Chicken Marsala. The kitchen turns out expertly executed chicken escalopes gently sautéed to juicy perfection served with a woodsy mushroom Marsala sauce that is magical when paired with either the linguine or garlic vegetables on the side.

Along with wonderful wines and an equally super menu, Tannins sweetens the deal by offering 2 for 1 dinner entrées seven days a week (with The Local Dish coupon), as well as Wine Wednesdays (½ off any bottle of wine with the purchase of 2 entrées). Cheers!

27211 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.8466
TanninsRestaurant.com

 

South County FIAT

The Italians are coming! The Italians are coming! This historically inaccurate quote was recently made famous from a national television campaign by the auto manufacturer FIAT. Good news for you, the Italian vehicles are no longer in transit, they are here and available today at South County FIAT.

Pat Lustig, Operating Partner of South County FIAT and Maserati (Alfa Romeo to be added this summer), has expanded his automotive footprint with his new dealership in Mission Viejo. Lustig is a 35 year veteran of the car industry. In 2010, Lustig unveiled South County Lexus on Marguerite Parkway near Saddleback College. Four years later, his second dealership brings the sexy appeal of Italian cars to our coastal communities. The dealership offers the entirely revamped FIAT line of vehicles, the legendary Maserati sports cars, and the luxurious Alfa Romeos will be coming soon.

Pat is proud to work side-by-side with his two sons, Pat Jr. and Houston. Pat Jr. is a Finance Manager and Houston is in the sales department, truly making this a family run business. Lustig shared that the retail automotive industry requires long hours, late nights and weekends. “I tried to keep my sons out of the business just like my dad advised me,” admitted Lustig. “I’m blessed that they chose to work with me. Working with Pat and Houston is very fulfilling.”

FIAT was born over 50 years ago, emerging from Post WWII Italy. FIAT has grown and is now the parent company of Ferrari, Maserati, Alpha Romeo and Chrysler. The company from the start prided itself on being a liberating form of self-expression. This spirit continues today, with a variety of FIAT models to fit your personality. The new 2014 500L is the first 4-door, 5 passenger vehicle in FIAT’s history. The 500e is a 2-door hatchback that is solely electric. FIAT offers convertibles, traditional 2-door hatchbacks and has special edition 2014 series, including a 500 GQ series, a 1957 Edition of the 2014 FIAT 500, and a “Small and Wicked” 500 Abarth. Lustig believes that FIAT rounds out the entry level car that was missing with his Lexus dealership. “We have many young adults that FIAT reaches, with models starting under $17,000,” he adds. “This price-point fills a huge gap in sporty, compact offerings for the public.”

The FIAT 500e is featured on the cover of the magazine this month. This electric dynamo delivers over 100 MPGe, and comes with the valuable HOV carpool lane stickers to zip you around the freeways of Orange County. South County FIAT is eager to share their excitement about this vehicle. You can drive off in your own FIAT 500e with only $995 down, and a payment of $199/month on a 36-month lease. “This is an incredible offer,” states Lustig. “You can have a stylish car and get stickers to drive in the carpool lane. All this while you are being environmentally friendly.”

Expanding their appeal in the industry, the 2014 500L is FIAT’s entry into the compact car marketplace. The 500L has room for five passengers. The company has an amazing television campaign to promote this revolutionary vehicle, including a current “Mirage” commercial featuring Sean “Diddy” Combs. Come see for yourself that the 4-door FIAT vehicles do exist, starting at $19,195. With 25MPG in the city, 33 MPG on the highway, the fuel-efficient car has tons to offer.

South County FIAT
28400 Marguerite Pkwy.
Mission Viejo
949.276.7601
SouthCountyFIAT.com

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our South County FIAT photo shoot! ]

Patsy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
By Bonnie Small

Everyone’s a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, but in South OC we can enjoy some Irish warmth and comfort food year round at Patsy’s Irish Pub in Laguna Niguel. In the same location (at Crown Valley and Golden Lantern) since 1984, Patsy’s has been the go-to spot to catch the day’s games and enjoy the wee luxury of a Guinness or Smithwick’s on tap.

Get started with any one of several great appetizers like the shrimp on toast (think petite Texas toast with an enormous prawn nestled under a layer of crunchy golden parmesan shavings). The crab stuffed mushrooms are brimming with a savory filling made from King Crab and finished with a tasty cheesy sauce. Also fantastic are the fire roasted artichokes, which are served with a yummy dill sauce and drawn butter.

If you’re a corned beef lover, Patsy’s is the real deal! The meat is nicely trimmed, braised for hours, and served with a wedge of steamed cabbage and an outrageously tasty horseradish sauce (which also accompanies the corned beef tacos that I confess to having a minor addiction to).

As the experts say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and Patsy’s Irish Breakfast is one of the best things on the menu and it’s served all day! Fried eggs are surrounded by rashers (Irish style bacon made from pork loin), traditionally spiced Irish bangers (sausages), sautéed mushrooms, broiled tomato slices, and house-made corned beef hash.

On Saturdays and Sundays, you can get creative at Patsy’s Bloody Mary bar. A hand-crafted concoction of tomato juice, Worcestershire, and fresh horseradish arrives at the table as a blank canvas, and off you go to the condiment station to personalize the garnishes with supplies of celery sticks, gherkins, sweet chili peppers, pickled onions and blue cheese stuffed olives, just to name a few.

Make Patsy’s your St. Patrick’s Day celebration destination this March 17th!

28971 Golden Lantern
Laguna Niguel
(949) 249-2604
PatsysIrishPub.net

 

Ocean Auto Mall – Driving Service First
By Shelley Hudson

Ocean Auto Mall’s Jeff Cappo may be a fresh face on the South OC car scene, but he’s far from the new kid on the block. Cappo’s 30-plus years in the industry and string of 30 dealerships spread out over seven states has earned him a reputation among manufacturers for excellence in sales and service.

Victory Automotive Group, Ocean Auto Mall’s parent company, acquired the Kia, Nissan, and Honda stores in San Juan Capistrano in mid-2013 and has captured the attention of the community by making a few small, but significant changes. Cappo operates Ocean Auto Mall like his other endeavors, under a simple core philosophy, “If the customer feels comfortable, the customer wants to do business.”

To create this inviting and comfortable environment, Cappo introduced value-added perks to both sales and service customers. A just-completed café offers complimentary lunch to guests waiting for cars in the service department, and if waiting is not an option, a loaner car is provided—also at no charge. All vehicles are returned washed and vacuumed as well.

Cappo cites his staff as the primary factor for driving customer satisfaction. He hired additional employees, extended operating hours, and considers training an integral part of every work day. “Our salespeople are all ‘car buffs.’ They’re driven by product knowledge and information. We have drastically improved the customer experience, and this is how we do it,” explains Cappo. Patrick Peters, General Manager at Ocean Auto Mall’s Honda dealership, elaborates, “We take a unique approach to the car business here; it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen in all my years in the field. Most GMs sit behind a desk all day and look at spreadsheets. To the contrary, I greet guests in the lobby and introduce myself to every person walking in the door. This practice is not only an enjoyable part of my job and great for staff morale, it’s empowering for our customers to have this kind of access. Trust is very important to a customer making a sizeable investment.”

Ocean Auto Mall’s customer service efforts are underscored by the group’s impressive sales performance. The number of cars sold in January was more than double the mark in the same period in 2013 before Ocean Auto Mall took the reins. Cappo is modest about his success, however, “It’s easy when you have highly-trained people who want to be here; we just stick to the basics.” Patrick Peters agrees, “It’s true. Everyone is greeted and made to feel welcome. We want our customers to tell their friends about us!” Advances in automotive technology have kept the interests of buyers piqued as well. Peters says his best-selling Honda models are perennial favorites: Civic, Accord, and CRV. With all three boasting fuel economies in the 40 miles per gallon-plus range; that’s not surprising. Peters is especially enthusiastic about the redesigned 2014 Civic and the upcoming 2015 Fit, which will be larger and even more of a fuel sipper. Newly-implemented safety features like the “lane departure camera” and integrated smart phone applications offer drivers options to help mitigate tedious freeway time.

Nissan’s reputation in the market for solid, reliable trucks and sedans is buoyed by the brand’s “Safety Shield” monitoring system, pursuit of sustainable manufacturing methods, and consistently remarkable values. Kia’s safety ratings, sophisticated styling, and increasing residual values keep these models at the top of sales charts, too. Motortrend named the Kia Cadenza and Kia Forte best-in-class, with features including ventilated front seats and in-vehicle wireless connectivity for diagnostics and navigation. The jaw-dropping UVO “Infotainment and Telematics” suite allows drivers to make hands-free calls and manage music libraries with only voice commands, making road trips fun as well as safe.

For Jeff Cappo, his commitment to making Ocean Auto Mall as successful as his other dealerships starts and ends with his clients. “I feel like I’ve been doing this since Moby Dick was a minnow,” he laughs, “but it’s always, always, always about the customer.”

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of the Ocean Auto Mall Photo Shoot! ]

 

Carlos Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
By Bonnie Small

1972 was a big year for the budding hamlet of Dana Point, as it hosted the first annual Festival of Whales and opened the doors of Dana Hills High School. That same year, Carlos Lamas bought a burger stand at the southern convergence of PCH and Del Prado. By 1975 the restaurant had been remodeled, expanded, renamed, and with the help of his daughter Mercedes and her husband Neal Winvick, has continued to evolve ever since.

Chiles rellenos are a favorite of mine, but I try to avoid the battered & fried items on any menu these days. Lucky for me, Carlos’ version is a brilliant alternative – beautiful deep green poblano chiles are filled with cheese and cooked on the stove (not in the fryer) then draped in paper-thin scrambled egg and served in a tasty ranchero sauce. They are light and delicious and the flavor of the pepper shines through un-muddled by batter and oil.

The kitchen also has a nice touch with shrimp – the Mexican shrimp cocktail features perfectly cooked prawns in a slightly spicy (and not overly sweet) tomato sauce combined with pico de gallo and diced avocado. The shrimp mojo de ajo is nicely executed, with the prawns cooked just right and smothered in a buttery garlic sauce.

Another big plus – Carlos serves menudo and posole every day (not just on the weekends)! Both have rich, meaty broths with hominy and tender pieces of tripe or pork and are accompanied by diced onions and serrano peppers, cilantro, sliced cabbage, and lime wedges. The combination of the fresh crunchy vegetables and the steaming soup is fabulous.

Regular readers know that I am a big fan of flan and I’m always searching for my next fix. Carlos’ homemade flan is silky smooth and the caramel-bathed custard is rich and dense, a perfect portion to top off the meal.

Dana Point has come a long way in 40 years and when the weather is nice (and it usually is) the patio at Carlos is a great place to enjoy it. Stop by for Taco Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. or savor a lobster dinner on Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m. for a mere $24.99!

JSerra Catholic High School
By Shelley Hudson

JSerra’s picturesque 40-acre campus in historic San Juan Capistrano is a dream come true for its founders. The state-of-the-art classrooms, media center, technology department, and university-level athletic complex provide the setting for this private Catholic high school, now in its eleventh year of operation.

Headmaster Rich Meyer describes the institution’s “second phase” largely in terms of the first. “Our innovations in education produced significant milestones in JSerra’s first decade. It is now our responsibility to fortify our existing programs and continue to develop our unique brand,” he explains. “We currently have our largest enrollment so far, and we’ll reach capacity in the next few years. I want to maintain the balance we’ve created and build on it. We offer a base of solid liberal arts programs that provide a rich education; we add to that an overlay of specialized courses to challenge and engage every student.”

In order to keep energy and momentum funneled into JSerra’s ambitious curriculum, the school’s administration depends on a solid partnership with students and parents. High expectations are placed on academic performance, but in exchange, students have the ability to pursue opportunities not available elsewhere. JSerra’s incredibly successful Magnet Programs, for example, draw students who are interested in a specific field of study and offers them real-world experiences with industry professionals. The Medical, Business, and Law Magnet tracks have expanded in scope each year since they were introduced, and an Engineering program was added in September. “This kind of professional insight is just something you don’t find outside our model,” enthuses Headmaster Meyer. “We have medical students working with clinicians, business hopefuls taking on internships in the community, law students participating in mock trials, and pre-engineers competing in robotics. It’s an exciting time, and universities are very interested in what we’re doing here.”

The school’s Artist-in-Residence, JSerra Online, and Study Abroad options add depth to the curriculum as well. Accomplished professionals in Fine and Performing Arts and Broadcast Journalism mentor students in and out of the classroom. Broadcasting students produce original weekly content, dance students train under a talented professional dance teacher, and the choir will tour Spain and Portugal in a few months. A schedule of online classes provides flexibility for students who work, travel, or who have specific needs. Students can embark on a two-week adventure to Italy this summer to study the culture first hand. These demonstrative programs enhance the traditional classroom experience and pique a student’s natural curiosity about the world.

JSerra’s Athletic Department has earned its own reputation for excellence. The impressive on-campus facilities are among the best in the country and feature a 2,000-seat gym, an Olympic-class aquatics center, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, softball, and football fields, tennis courts, track, sand volleyball courts, and an expansive, multi-use fitness center. Student athletes can compete at the top of their game with access to first-rate equipment and the support of a dedicated coaching staff. “Athletic success is important for many reasons, but character is key—sports is a great vehicle for that. We have coaches working with students who understand that balance. Team sports provides an additional layer of opportunity to develop talents, responsibility, discipline, and accountability,” shares Meyer.

An astounding 75% of JSerra’s students are involved in one of the school’s 20 athletic programs. The Athletic Department boasts 17 all-league athletes for the Fall semester, with several teams reaching top-tier status. The girls cross-country track team won its fourth consecutive CIF and Trinity League titles, and the football squad celebrated the best year in school history. Three-sport athlete Dante Pettis received a football scholarship to the University of Washington, and he’s just one of many JSerra student athletes to earn recognition for dedication to both academics and athletics. “All of our efforts are geared toward nurturing the character and cultivating the faith of our young women and men,” asserts Headmaster Meyer. “Our ultimate success will be measured by the kinds of fathers, mothers, and citizens they become.”

JSerra Catholic High School
26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano
949.493.9307 • JSerra.org

 

Get Lean in 2014
By Shelley Hudson

Jazzercise
The original dance exercise phenomenon! Each 60-minute cardio workout routine blends dance and muscle toning movements choreographed to today’s hottest music, including Top 40, jazz, country, funk, and classics. The instructors make all the routines fun and easy-to-follow. Every class includes a gentle warm up and 30-minute aerobic workout. You can even get a jumpstart by learning the moves online at Jazzercise.com. Start for $0 in January at the beautiful studio at the OC Sailing & Events Center in Dana Point Harbor next to Baby Beach. Call Nancy at 949.492.7817 for more info.

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CB CycleBarn
San Clemente’s CB CycleBarn is a dedicated cycling studio offering a high-energy, non-impact workout ideal for all ages and fitness levels, including teens and seniors. Voted Orange County Hotlist’s 2013 Best Spin Classes, CB CycleBarn combines inspirational, fun instructors, hot music, real time leaderboards, mood lighting, and the best bikes on the market to give you the results you want—all in “the happiest place in town!” New clients can take advantage of one free month when signing up for a monthly contract in January. Special packages are also available for high school students. You can even take your first five classes for free with a local ID. Register and check out the class schedule online at CBCycleBarn.com or call 949.481.5438 to learn more.

 

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Pilates Plus OC
Voted #1 Pilates Studio on Orange County Hotlist three years in a row, Pilates Plus brings its high-energy, “shirt-drenching” workout to Laguna Niguel. Integrating strength work and cardio into the principles of Pilates training, Pilates Plus offers classes seven days a week that are designed to lengthen, tighten and tone muscles, increase flexibility and cardiovascular endurance, and build a strong, supportive core. The Megaformer machine provides a focused approach to full-body conditioning in an addictive, 50-minute session, and Pilates Plus is one of the only studios in the area to offer this state-of-the-art equipment. Score two weeks of unlimited group classes for only $49 in January! Call 949.554.7272 or email info@pilatesplusoc.com for details.

 

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Anytime Fitness San Clemente
San Clemente’s Anytime Fitness represents a high-concept twist on a traditional “big box” gym. Owners Steve and Peggy have created an intimate, private training studio/gym environment that offers the maximum convenience and flexibility for members, while taking advantage of the resources of a larger national organization. Anytime’s personal trainers are all degreed professional coaches in strength and conditioning, and each is certified in TRX Suspension, kettle bell training, and nutrition. Group classes including yoga and Zumba, affordable group training, complimentary educational workshops, and Precision Nutrition counseling will also keep you motivated and on track. For three days only, January 7th, 8th, and 9th, you can sign up for a 12- or 18-month agreement for only $14 (new members only; restrictions apply). Come by the gym or call 949.276.8888 to learn more and see why Anytime Fitness is “not your average gym.”

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Fiano’s Restaurant and Bar
By Bonny Small

More good news for San Juan Capistrano – Fiano’s Restaurant & Bar brings another great dining option to the heart of downtown. Owner Sid Serafini has created a go-to spot for delicious lunches, cozy dinners and, with the addition of the patio area, alfresco dining within shouting distance of the Jewel of the California Missions.

The menu, developed by Executive Chef Jaime Carachure, certainly leans to Italian classics, but incorporates a generous helping of local ingredients and California influences. The starters highlight the chef’s attention to detail, offering eight versions of Bruschett – we loved the Margherita, which was mounded with the traditional freshly diced tomatoes and basil. The Fig Jam Bruschetta topped with Point Reyes blue cheese, crispy bacon, and drizzled with red wine reduction was outrageously good.

I’m a big fan of stuffed mushrooms, which infrequently appear on menus anymore, so when I spotted Fiano’s version, petite portabellos overflowing with Italian sausage and parmesan, I was thrilled and conversation came to a full stop as we gobbled them up. Another revelation was Fiano’s Chicken Salad, which is a beautiful composition of sliced grilled chicken breast, red quinoa, dates, micro-thin apple slices, and jicama batons over a bed of baby field greens tossed in champagne vinaigrette – fabulous.

The kitchen turns out a fantastic salmon entrée, either grilled or blackened, in a light lemony sauce, rounded out with tasty rice pilaf and perfectly grilled veggies. The lasagna, made with sheets of house-made pasta and a scrumptious meat sauce, was a definite favorite at our table. Oh, and the Chicken Piccata? Delish!

For a decadent finish, I recommend ordering Fiano’s Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding – and extra spoons! Chef Carachure’s recipe is the perfect marriage of texture and taste, with warm chocolate pockets and delicate hints of orange.

The “Tasty 12,” available Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to close, features a selection of delicious entrees for just $12 each, which seems like at least a dozen good reasons for a midweek visit.