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.”

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thelocaldishmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/TLD_January14_EducationSpotlight.pdf”]

 

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.

 

 

Harv Wyman, The Mortgage Manager
By Shelley Hudson

As the South Orange County real estate market slowly inches its way to a more favorable climate, homeowners, prospective homeowners, and market watchers inevitably shift focus to property values, refinancing, and optimizing investment strategies. With new government regulatory pressures and increasingly stringent lending requirements in place, partnering with a seasoned industry veteran is a pivotal decision toward securing your financial future.

With a 25-year career in the local mortgage finance arena, Harv Wyman has witnessed the extreme highs and lows of the Southern California real estate market. As a graduate of USC, Wyman made his home in Laguna Niguel, where he and wife Kim have raised their four children, coached youth teams, and enjoyed a 20-year membership at the Monarch Beach Club and the El Niguel Country Club. “Over the years I have made so many great friends and acquaintances; that’s why I love doing this. I like being entrenched in the community and helping my neighbors make the right choices,” shares Harv.

After operating his own brokerage firm for many years, Wyman recently transitioned to a position as Senior Mortgage Analyst with Alpine Mortgage Planning in the Ocean Ranch neighborhood of Laguna Niguel. As a subsidiary of Pinnacle Capital, Alpine Mortgage boasts unparalleled strength and unlimited resources within the industry. “It’s amazing to be able to present such a variety of lending programs to clients,” says Wyman, “Since Alpine funds its own loans, I have a flexibility that I was never able to offer in the past. I have absolutely everything at my disposal.” In addition to conforming and jumbo loans, Alpine provides FHA/VA, interest-only, reverse mortgages, and special programs for borrowers who don’t quite fit the criteria of traditional lenders. Clients who have suffered setbacks from a flagging economy such as a short sale, bankruptcy, or foreclosure can take advantage of Alpine’s Alternative Mortgage Program, which is designed to get families back into homes without the “seasoning time” requirement. “Most companies can accommodate the ’round peg-round hole’ buyers, but we can extend our services to a wider segment of the population. With Alpine’s own mortgage-backed security, almost anything is possible,” adds Wyman.

Changing legislation in the mortgage industry has resulted in tighter restrictions for both lenders and borrowers. Despite a challenging regulatory environment, Harv asserts that Alpine’s core competencies lie in the versatility and financial strength behind the company’s product mix. His ability to offer more competitive, high performance programs—and to fund them faster—allows him to deliver results for his clients under circumstances where other mortgage brokers and bankers can’t. The accessibility to specialized products, coupled with concierge-level customer service have generated a loyal and long-term clientele for Wyman.

Harv’s analysis of current market conditions is optimistic, but guarded. “The historically low interest rates helped stimulate the local economy toward a rebound, but rates have been slowly creeping back up. In fact, we’ve seen a full percentage point increase since May. Combined with the usual seasonal sales slump, more properties on the market, and rising prices, buyer incentive has plateaued. All signs point to a continuation of suppressed interest rates through 2014, however. The traditional home-selling season is Spring, so we expect to see a similar boost in activity this year as well.”

Let Harv Wyman’s experience and resources work for you. To learn more about mortgage and refinancing opportunities you might not find elsewhere, call Harv directly at 949.939.3410 for a private consultation.

 

Rockin’ Holiday Happenings
By Shelley Hudson

South OC isn’t missing a beat this year with a superstar lineup of festive family fun! We’ve got the skinny on where to find Mr. Belly-Full-of-Jelly and more from now until the new year.

Dana Point
Harboring The Good Life
This town always goes all-out for the yuletide season and this year is no exception. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 6th, Dana Point Harbor is hosting Holiday in the Harbor with a sea of family-friendly fun. A petting zoo, game booths, Santa chats, holiday crafts, and “people painting” will go down simultaneously. All events and parking are free!

A Boatload Of Fun
Dana Point’s 39th Annual Boat Parade of Lights is an absolute can’t miss. Boaters from all over OC elaborately decorate their vessels and compete for prizes. The show can be viewed from virtually any spot in the harbor, but the best (and warmest) views can be enjoyed from one of the many restaurants (make reservations early) lining the waterfront. You can even hop on board a parade boat and experience the festivities first-hand by reserving a ride at DanaWharf.com. The parade starts cruising at 7:30 p.m. on December 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th.

‘Tis the season to share your list with Mr. Claus on a cruise! Twenty-minute Boat Rides with Santa are offered by Dana Wharf Sportfishing on the 7th and 8th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. With a new toy donation, you’ll get a $10 Bask Bucks certificate toward a future trip or purchase. Come to the sportfishing docks near the Jolly Roger—and don’t forget your camera.

Santa Paws
Bring your furriest family member to Dana Point Harbor near El Torito on the 14th between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for Pet Project Foundation’s Santa Paws fundraiser. For a small fee, pose with your pets and Sandy Claws and support the work of this worthy organization.

A Bundle Of Joy
The City’s Winter Festival and Tree Lighting takes place at LaPlaza Park on December 14th. The jam-packed schedule kicks off at noon and runs until the start of the Boat Parade at 7:30 p.m. This FREE day of entertainment includes (deep breath…) a craft fair, face painting, reindeer, carnival games, caricature artists, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts, cookie decorating, balloon twisters, marionettes, storytelling, great food, carolers, jazz musicians, dancers, and SNOW! Lots and lots of cold, fluffy powder! A screening of Arthur Christmas with complimentary popcorn is set to immediately follow the hot-chocolate-and-cookie-accompanied tree lighting at 5:15 p.m.

Homework For The Holidays
Dana Point is proud to team with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley for Operation Holiday Homework. Students in the program are encouraged to complete homework assignments and are rewarded on a point system which are redeemed for a “shopping spree” for family gifts. Community participation is vital to this event’s success, so please get involved! You can collect gifts for boys, girls, moms, and dads at your office or in your neighborhood in one of the club-provided boxes, and then donate them to the program. You may also volunteer your time at the event on December 14th to help kids select gifts for their families or assist with wrapping them. Email Steve Rho at srho@bgccapo.com for details.

San Clemente
Holly Jolly Hoopla
The elves of Santa’s Village by the Sea and Casa Romantica have put in overtime to sponsor a double dose of merriment at this year’s Holly Jolly Hoopla. Starting at 2 p.m. on December 7th, the Community Center will host photos with the portly Guest of Honor, cookie decorating, and a viewing of Polar Express. San Clemente’s Mayor will officiate the tree lighting at 5:15. Head over to the holiday-bedecked Casa Romantica for Christmas at the Casa at 5:30 for carolers, crafts, and live music.

Food For Thought
The Watershed Task Force, Holiday Inn Express and Carbonara Trattoria are joining forces with The Funniest Housewives of Orange County to host the 5th Annual Adopt-A-Marine Holiday Dinner for service members stationed at Camp Pendleton. This is a great way to show appreciation to military personnel who can’t be with their loved ones for the holidays. Your $25 donation covers a Marine’s night out and keeps you off the “naughty” list. Email info@SCWwatersheds.com for donation details.

A Family Affair
Another opportunity to spread good tidings is through Family Assistance Ministries’ Adopt-A-Family program. Your co-workers, club, scout troop, or family can sign up at the FAM office and pick up a special family’s wish list, including ages and sizes of clothing for children. Your group can remain anonymous or deliver gifts personally. If you prefer, you can donate groceries for holiday meals instead. Check out Family-Assistance.org for more info.

San Juan Capistrano
Making Spirits Bright
The Annual Tree Lighting Celebration and Downtown Festivities will be more wondrous than ever this year. This long-running tradition at Historic Town Center Park kicks off on the 7th at 4 p.m. with a stage show, followed by the tree lighting at 5:15. Downtown shops will stay open late and provide refreshments and one-night-only discounts. The Claus couple, train rides, face painting, and art projects will keep the tots busy, and ZOOMARS’ Live Nativity will surely entertain even the scroogiest Scrooge.

After the tree lighting ceremony, stroll down the street for Christmas at the Mission. Carolers, chamber singers, orchestra musicians, dancers, mariachis and an always-fun Santa’s Workshop for kids make for holiday card-worthy family memories.

Let It Snow!
For the first time ever, San Juan Capistrano will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland on December 14th. We’re talking sledding and snowmen—the real white stuff. Don your cozy apparel between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and check out the Second Saturday Art Fair along with live music, an ugly sweater contest, and a visit with Father Christmas. Bring receipts from local shops for complimentary gift wrapping.

Laguna Niguel
A Latke Fun
Chabad Laguna Niguel and the City of Laguna Niguel will jointly host the Chanukah Wonderland and Menorah Lighting on December 1st at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall. This free family event includes all the traditional favorites, live music, and activities and crafts for kids.

A Feast For The Eyes
Throw watts to the wind and enter your home in the Holiday Lights Decorating Contest. Now’s your chance to channel your inner Clark Griswald and create a magical scene—and score a $25 Home Depot gift card in the process. Prizes will be awarded for a variety of display categories. For an entry application, see the CityofLagunaNiguel.org calendar. The application must be received by December 9th for judging on the 10th.

Strike Up The Band!
The City’s marquis event this season is the Holiday Parade on December 14th along Crown Valley Parkway. This spectacle draws a crowd of more than 10,000 each year. Marching bands, floats, youth groups, equestrian teams, military units and local celebrities entertain onlookers along the route. A special appearance by the Man In Red is the highlight of the festivities. The parade gets going at 10 a.m., so come early and bring a chair. A free shuttle from the Federal Building at Dorine and El Lazo is your best bet for easy parking.

Star Light, Star Bright
The Christmas Tree Lighting at City Hall on the 14th is just a stocking full o’ fun. This community tradition is the perfect time to offer season’s greetings to friends and neighbors while enjoying performances from St. Anne Strings, Center Stage dancers and Dana Hills High Dickens Carolers. Cool stuff for kids like a photo booth, balloon animal-making and a pow wow with St. Nick will keep your little creatures stirring (at least from 5 to 7 p.m.). Bring a new toy donation for the 1st Battalion, 4th Regiment and the USS McClusky to spread joy to the families of local Marines. Word from the North Pole is to “dress festive and warm.”

 

Savannah Chop House
By Bonnie Small

Savannah Chop House in Laguna Niguel has recently undergone a culinary facelift, but not the type that might leave it unrecognizable to its dearest patrons. Executive Chef Chris Tzorin and his Chef de Cuisine, Manny Velasco, have choreographed a gentle transition which honors the restaurant’s traditional offerings while injecting some swag with modern plating techniques and locally sourced accompaniments.

Of Guatemalan decent, but born in Orange County, Chris got his start at age 13 washing dishes and as a prep cook in his father’s kitchen (Chef Luis Tzorin of 21 Oceanfront fame). By the age of 20, he was running the kitchen at The Beach House in Laguna and developing his “edgy” personal style that is evident in his trademark red chef coat, multiple tattoos, and the way he rocks a plate of food.

Under Tzorin’s direction, Savannah now serves exclusively Aspen Ridge grass-fed beef and each steak is hand cut in-house. Normally a filet-kind-of-gal, I took a stab at the Chop of the Day – a bone-in Rib Eye grilled to medium rare perfection, served with Savannah’s decadent jalapeño cheddar scalloped potatoes and tender-crisp broccolini.

Chris also bangs out a divine grilled Chilean Sea Bass, topped with a luscious bruleed jumbo scallop, stacked atop a tasty vegetable ragout and a glimmering puddle of citrus beurre blanc. Have I mentioned the whipped butternut squash? Don’t miss it.

Just off his win at the OC Taste Fest in 2012, Tzorin has also been honing his skills on two Food Network shows – as a competitor on Guy’s Grocery Games (aired November 24th) and as a contestant on an upcoming episode of Cutthroat Kitchen, hosted by Alton Brown.

Chris is a dynamic guy who loves to mingle with guests and talk about what ingredients are getting his attention at the moment, so his monthly cooking classes are a must-do! Held the first Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m., the $35 price includes a drink, yummy lunch, and three recipes.

Savannah Chop House
32441 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel
949.493.7107