Bésame Mexican Grill
By Cathy Villafana

Bésame, which means “kiss me” in Spanish, is a fitting name for Gary Hutton’s restaurant. With roots steeped in traditional Mexican cuisine, Bésame Mexican Grill has produced a sophisticated menu reflecting its love and respect for the old and the new. Located in Dana Point’s Monarch Bay Plaza where PCH and Crown Valley meet, Bésame is nearing its one-year anniversary and has developed a loyal local following along the way.

The Guacamole, the Queso Fundido, or the Fish Ceviche, served with large chunks of fresh fish, mango, cucumber, chile and onion, is a great way to start your Bésame experience. The Chicken Tortilla Soup, a top pick among customers, is reminiscent of enchiladas with large pieces of shredded chicken, diced avocado, and strips of crispy tortillas – married in a rich, enchilada sauce-like soup.

Bésame features an array of main dish options, including barbacoa (shredded barbecue short ribs), carne asada, carnitas, chicken, and seafood, as well as a number of vegetarian options. If inclined, customers may build their own burrito, pick and choose their filling for tacos or a torta, or create a combination plate.

Diners may prefer the menu’s Classic Entrées, like the Carnitas Tamales, or the three types of enchiladas. House Specialties include the caramelized Carnitas – slightly crispy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside. The sautéed Garlic Shrimp, served in a garlic white wine sauce, is cooked to perfection. The Chile Relleno, a vegetarian favorite, is filled with diced vegetables and served with Bésame’s own yellow mole sauce.

Bésame also has a passion for tequila. Serving over fifty varieties in the Silver, Reposado and Añejo categories, tequila aficionados have plenty to choose from, whether they’re enjoying it straight, on the rocks or in their favorite margarita.

Bésame is open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. DailyHappy Hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m., and Taco Tuesday drink and taco specials are offered all day long.
Visit BesameMexicanGrill.com for more information.

Acting Academy for Kids
By Shelley Hudson

When Stephen Zygo was teaching fourth grade and running his school’s K-8 theater department, Acting Academy for Kids was just a seed of an idea. As arts programs were being slashed due to widespread budget cuts, Zygo saw a need in the community and wanted to continue helping kids discover their inner performers. Stephen and his wife Maggie took a leap of faith, followed that passion and created an environment where students are free to explore musical theatre, acting, voice, dance and instrumental music.

Acting Academy for Kids is now a burgeoning, multi-program organization, exposing young people to all aspects of the performing arts. The Academy’s home base at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and satellite location at The Gate in Rancho Santa Margarita allow aspiring singers, actors, musicians, and set designers to try their hands at the real thing. In the Acting Academy’s Musical Theater Series, young cast members produce and perform popular Broadway musicals every 12 weeks. These seasonal programs each culminate in a full-scale production with professional lighting, sets, and sound.

The Academy also offers Performing Arts Camps all summer long. These week-long sessions provide children and teens with a “full-theater immersion experience,” capped off with a performance for family and friends. Campers have the option to sign up for one week, the whole summer, or anywhere in between. “Summer camp is the perfect ‘test-drive’ for a child who’s interested. It’s a great opportunity for kids to interact outside their peer groups as well,” enthuses Maggie. With the popular camps at the Camino Real Playhouse and the launch of camps at San Clemente’s Cabrillo Playhouse this summer, the Zygos hope to get more kids involved than ever before.

In addition to its seasonal and summer camp programs, the Acting Academy provides after-school acting classes (group and private), vocal training, and guitar and piano lessons. Fundamental concepts like improv, line memorization, character development, professional singing techniques and voice-over training give the student a performing arts foundation that helps develop self-esteem. “Acting Academy for Kids helped transform my son from a shy athlete into a confident stage performer,” says one appreciative mom, “It’s a delight to see him willingly hang up his cleats one day per week to participate in the arts.”

The Zygos’ Acting Academy is more than a livelihood for the couple—it’s a true labor of love and a way for Stephen to combine his “twin passions.” Stephen and Maggie both have advanced degrees in education and they assert that the quality of the faculty sets their programming apart. “Our teachers are trained performing artists AND credentialed educators,” says Maggie, “They understand how kids learn.”

Stephen and Maggie pride themselves on the authenticity of the experience they offer as well. “We want the kids to see the real deal—an active dressing room, staging, lighting design, and set creation in a genuine working theater. Hands-on learning helps kids understand that each role is vital to the success of a show.”

With feet firmly planted in both the arts and in education, the Zygos have taken their show(s) on the road with their “school services” concept. They collaborate with schools, churches, and community centers, administering enrichment programs for organizations that don’t have the staff or resources to develop their own.

Stephen gives much credit for the Acting Academy’s excellence to the system of parents and volunteers who help bring each production to life. “It takes an army of crew, costumers, lighting and sound technicians, set designers, box office corps, and photographers to make a theater come alive” he says. “We’re proud that we provide teachers with jobs in the performing arts and that our students find friends, fun, and confidence along the way,” Stephen continues, “At Acting Academy for Kids, we aim for young performers to have all the opportunities possible to learn to present themselves, speak publicly, showcase their work, and understand the sheer teamwork involved in an endeavor like this.”

Take a behind the scenes look at Acting Academy for Kids photo shoot!

For more information on Acting Academy For Kids please visit their website.
ActingAcademyForKids.com

Summer Camp Guide 2013

Acting Academy for Kids
AA4K’s Performing Arts Camp is offered in two South OC locations this year—Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano and Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente. Daily classes in music, art, acting, and dance immerse kids aged 4 to 13 in an authentic performing experience. The weeklong camps are each guided by professional educators and culminate in a student-centered production with sets, costumes, and lights. Ten distinct weeklong programs run from June 24th to August 30th. The “core camp” rate is $250 per week with early-bird and after-camp enrichment options as well. Go to ActingAcademyforKids.com for details and production schedules.

Brain Builders
Brain Builders puts the “STEAM” in education—science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Weekly camps starting June 18th introduce children ages 5 to 14 to concepts including energy, thermodynamics, gravity, robotics, hydraulics, animation, and story-writing. Young builders test their skills and projects against equipment like the Bridge Crusher, Earthquake Simulator, and the 20′ Gravity Race Track. The camps are set up like classes and half-day and full-day options are offered. Get fee info and registration details at BrainBuildersEd.org and put on your thinking cap! Use promo code “thelocaldish” to receive 10% off any camp.

Capo Beach Christian School
Summer Quest is Capo Beach Christian School’s answer to the dreaded, “I’m bored!” This faith-based camp is run by the school’s faculty, with a low child-teacher ratio in a safe and loving environment. Outdoor fun like jaunts to the beach, pool, or park and field trips to Legoland, county fairs, and water parks keep the youngsters busy all summer long. Character building, new friendships, and creative play are emphasized. Summer Quest offers camps from June 24th to August 23rd. At only $190 per week, this is one of OC’s most affordable camps. Half-day and drop-in rates are also a great value. To register your child, visitCapoBeachChristianSchool.org.

City of Dana Point
Dana Point’s Recreation Department has filled its calendar with every camp under the sun. Future artists, engineers, gymnasts, singers, dancers, and athletes can sign up for one or more programs through the City’s website at DanaPoint.org. Sessions for ages 3 – 14 start June 17th and include Ceramics, Young Rembrandts, LEGO Engineering, Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Gymnastics, Multi-Sport, and Musical Theater. Professional instructors show your little phenom the ropes of the pottery wheel, soccer field, basketball court, and theater. Weekly rates range from $120 to $170 per week and locations vary.

City of Laguna Niguel
From June 17th to August 16th, campers from 3½ to 14 can participate in the City of Laguna Niguel’s age group camps in the pristine Crown Valley Community Park. The youngest participants learn through dramatic play, traditional camp songs, and nature exploration while making new friends. Children who’ve completed kindergarten experience activities like dancing, swimming, group games, and crafts. With older students (4th – 8th grade), the emphasis is on cooperation, arts, strategy games, and fun Thursday excursions. Trained camp counselors supervise and facilitate. Younger kids attend camp half-days and school-agers participate all day. Fees are extremely reasonable and depend on the camper’s age and number of days in attendance. Check outCityofLagunaNiguel.org for more.

DanMan’s Music School
Not your father’s band camp! DanMan’s five-day intensive workshops let campers create and name their own rock bands and put on a real show for family and friends. Instruction on guitar, piano, drums, bass, and vocals is provided by inspiring professional music teachers. Exercises include creating set lists, making band posters, and rehearsing for the big gig. The cost is $225 per camp, but if you register before June 30th, you can get in for $199. The jamming begins July 8th at DanMan’s Music School. Bring in Danman’s ad from this issue before April 30th to receive $25 off. Check out Danmans.com or call 949.496.6556 for more information.

Evolution Sports Camp
Two-time Olympian Felipe Delgado designed Evolution’s multi-sport camps to give kids a chance to play a variety of sports each day, including archery, swimming, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and field sports. In this active-all-day concept, campers learn the fundamentals of each activity and are inspired to join organized leagues during the school year. The weekday camps are for children ages 5 – 12 with both full-day and half-day programs available. The weekly costs are $225 and $175 respectively, but discounts are offered until May 15th. Register at EvoSportsCamps.com or call 949.388.4545.

Marina View Preschool
Summer camp at Marina View Preschool and Kindergarten is all about learning and fun! Full and half-day programs run weekdays, July 1st to August 29th. Children as young as 12 months and up to age 6 participate in activities such as Pajama Day, Sundae Party, Face Painting, and Movie Day. Two monthlong themes—”Under the Ocean” and “Land of the Dinosaurs”—let curious little minds explore topics in-depth through reading and art projects. Stop by the school to learn more and to pick up a registration packet. Stop by the school and pick up a registeration packet or visit MarinaViewPreschool.com to learn more.

MV Dance & Performing Arts
A wide range of camps and workshops for children and teens is offered by MV Dance and Performing Arts. The littlest tots (beginning at age 3) can enjoy Princess or American Girl get-togethers and older kids can try their twinkly toes at Hip Hop, Ballet, or Dance Team Camp. Intense workshops are available for intermediate and advanced students and a series of two-day Broadway Boot Camps include acting, singing, and dancing. A two-week Musical Theater camp features a performance on the last day. To sign up or get tuition rates, drop by the studio or go online to mvdpac.com. Mention MV Dance & Performing Art’s ad in The Local Dish Magazine to receive a 10% discount.

San Clemente Preschool
A summer jam-packed with field trips, shows, and play time is lined up at San Clemente Preschool. Children ages 2 to 6 are invited to participate in weekly themed adventure camps like Dance Party, Under the Sea, Science, Little Chefs, Community Heros, and Sweet Treats Carnival. Camp SCP operates June through August on weekdays and enrollment is $25 for current students or $125 for new students. Call 949.498.1025 or visit SanClementePreschool.com for tuition and sign up info. Let the play begin!

San Juan Sea Lions
Spending summer time at the local pool is what memories are made of! The San Juan Sea Lions offer both youth and high school swim camps, where swimmers learn techniques including diving, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, and free style. Monday through Thursday classes begin June 24th for kids aged 4 to 13 and all start at 9 a.m. The cost is $275 for the entire summer swim season and you can sign up atSanJuanSeaLions.com.

St. Anne School
The Summer Knights Day Camp is the perfect combination of fun and education for kids plus convenience and flexibility for parents. The seven-week camp starts June 24th with full-day, half-day, and extended hours options. Students from preschool through middle school are welcome to join for one week or all seven. Field trips, arts and crafts, and light academics are packed into weekly themes like Get Fit, Hollywood Knights, Surf’s Up, and Wild West. The full-day camp is $300 per week and the half-day option is $200 per week. Contact Ingrid Trenton at itrenton@st-anne.org to get on board.

Endless Summer Surf Camp
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Endless Summer is the longest running surf camp in south OC and caters to first timers wanting to learn the basics of surfing and ocean safety as well as experienced surfers looking to improve their skills. Offering a new camp every Monday from June through September, the fun in the sun continues for 15 weeks at San Onofre State Beach. Day camps (10 & older) run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include equipment, lessons, lunch, snacks, drinks, and a t-shirt for $495. Weeklong overnight camps are $895 and include accommodations, surf equipment, surf lessons, all meals, snacks, drinks, and a camp t-shirt. Surf & Turf (surfing & golf) camps, private lessons, group lessons and adult camps are also available. VisitEndlessSummerSurfCamp.com or call 949.498.7862 to register early; all of their camps sell out every summer!

Zen Dojos
Zen Dojos’ Active Camps will keep your kids aged 4 to 12 on the move and motivated. Daily stretching, warm ups and strength drills enhance athletic ability and coordination while fun and practical Karate training sessions develop focus and concentration. Kids will also enjoy park days, movies, bowling, laser tag and field trips to venues like Jump ‘n Jammin and the Rainforest Cafe. Ten action-packed weeks of camp begin June 17th and run through August 23rd. Choose from either full-day camp or one of the two half-day options. Enroll by April 15th for a special $199 full-day weekly rate or $120 for the half-day rate (plus a $35 registration fee). Mention The Local Dish Magazine and receive a 35% discount! For more information, visit TheKarateClub.com or call 949.240.6574.

The Surfin Cowboy
By Cathy Villafana

Giant cacti and surfboards may seem an unlikely combination, but not at The Surfin Cowboy Sports Bar & Grill in Capistrano Beach. Since opening its doors in late January, this establishment has created a big splash with locals – marrying gourmet comfort food with a casual coastal vibe. Located on Doheny Park Road, near the neighborhood post office, the restaurant’s interior was extensively renovated and now houses a main dining room, full bar with dining area, lounge area, and a beer garden with a fireplace.

Executive Chef Sima Ganaba, formerly of the five-star Resort at Pelican Hill, has created a menu that includes a unique blend of ingredients and flavors that tip their hat to the Old West, yet with a clearly modern result.

Get things rolling with one or more of the delicious appetizers – like the Fried Mac N Cheese, the Crispy Pork Belly, or the Sticky & Sweet Wings. From there, you can’t go wrong with an O.G. Burger, a Black & Blue Burger, a bowl of hearty chili or any one of the salads topped with your choice of blackened chicken, salmon or grilled prawns. Entrées, served after 4 p.m., include a 14-ounce Porterhouse Steak, Spice-Crusted Scallops, and Shrimp and Grits.

In addition to its regular menu, The Surfin Cowboy also serves brunch on Saturday and Sunday. For a traditional breakfast, opt for the Steak & Eggs or omelette, or treat yourself to the decadent French toast, served two ways.

Not to be outdone by its food, general manager and master Mixologist David Valiante has designed cocktails for every type of thirst. Early customer favorites include the Widow’s Kiss, the Buckin’ Bronco and the South Side.

The Surfin Cowboy opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. It closes nightly at 2 a.m. Happy Hour runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday with daily food and drink specials. Entertainment starts at 9 p.m. with live bands and DJs, along with acoustic music on Sunday nights. Yeehaw!

34235 Doheny Park Road, Capistrano Beach • 949.272.5957 • TheSurfinCowboy.com

OC Real Estate 411
By Shelley Hudson

Readers might remember Matt and Robyn Webb from a Local Dish feature last year detailing their bustling business called OC Short Sale 411. The Webbs answered a desperate need in the marketplace for homeowners who were tethered to bad mortgages or who owed more than their home was worth. What a difference a year makes! As the housing sector recovers, the Webbs are getting back to the methods that set them apart when they started their real estate company in 2004: bringing a business approach to real estate, with an elevated level of professionalism and intense focus on the homeowner’s profitability.

Recent reports have shown a dramatic change in the South Orange County real estate market, and with it has come an acute inventory shortage. In fact, inventory levels are so low that once a home is in the MLS, and priced at fair market value, it’s as good as sold. So how does one choose an agent in a market where an agent is a commodity?

Enter Robyn and Matt Webb of OC Real Estate 411. They understand all too well that public perception is that hiring a real estate agent to sell your home is a “necessary evil.” Matt and Robyn utilize a powerful “Design To Sell” business concept to take your real estate commission dollars and put them to work in a definitive, profitable manner.

The “Design to Sell” concept is a value-added service that works for a wide range of homeowners, with varying goals, that may have a budget from as low as $200, up to $30,000. This “mini-makeover” starts with an unbiased, third party valuation of the home’s market value. The Webb team then assesses the home and recommends changes that increase visual appeal for the home’s sale value. The Webbs can take a seller’s small investment and apply it to upgrades, typically resulting in a nearly 1,000 percent return. That’s not a typo. The average investment a client makes is $3,769, and the average return – based on sales price – is $42,900. Matt and Robyn retain and manage all subcontractors at no charge – that’s like getting the services of a general contractor for free!

On top of these smart design concepts, Robyn and Matt stage the home with the homeowner’s existing furniture and some of their own added pieces. The end result is a dramatic makeover, with mass buyer appeal, bidding wars, and a final sale price that exceeds the homeowner’s expectations. The Webbs even guarantee their work and structure commissions based on actual results.

Having closed over $100 million in real estate, with MBA’s in Marketing from USC, Matt and Robyn have expertise in understanding the dynamics of showing a home to prospective buyers. “Despite their many different preferences and personalities, there are some common threads amongst all buyers, and we know them well,” Robyn adds.

In addition to running this multi-million dollar operation and raising a family, the Webbs are heavily involved in the business development side of real estate. Both Matt and Robyn travel all over the country teaching credentialed real estate courses. “We learn a lot from teaching,” says Robyn, “and we hope to raise the bar of professionalism in this industry.” She has been recognized by OC Metro and the Orange County Register and is a regular guest on AM 870’s “The Home Show.” Matt also sits on the Board of Directors of the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, which raises millions for kids with the disease. “Despite having healthy kids ourselves, this organization has touched me and I’m happy to help families who aren’t so lucky,” he says.

Robyn and Matt bring the same level of dedication and determination to everything they do. Robyn insists, “We don’t want satisfied clients. We want them dazzled!”

Take a behind the scenes look of OC Real Estate 411’s photo shoot!

Whale of a Time

Festival of Whales
March 2nd – 3rd & 9th – 10th
The Dana Point Festival of Whales celebrates its 42nd anniversary with two action-packed weekends in March. Dana Point Harbor is the place to be, both on and off the water, on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th. In conjunction with the Festival, The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce hosts additional events throughout the city that you won’t want to miss!
For more info, visit FestivalofWhales.com

Street Fare
March 2nd
The Chamber welcomes you to enjoy the Annual Street Fare Festival on Saturday, March 2nd where over 80 vendors will descend upon La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza, near the corner of PCH and Golden Latern). From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., indulge in delicious food, a wine, beer and margarita garden, and family activities. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) information, one-of-a-kind finds and an unforgettable day of food, music and entertainment awaits.

New this year, the Street Fare’s music and entertainment has expanded with a variety of bands including Jazz Quest, Family Style, Kenny Big Daddy Williams and Missiles of October. Music starts at noon and goes until 5:00 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a chair to sit in the park and enjoy the bands in comfort.

Interested in being a part of the Street Fare? Then contact The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949.496.1555 for information on exhibiting or volunteering at the event.
To learn more, visit danapointchamber.com

Dana Point Restaurant Week
March 1st – 10th
Dana Point’s Restaurant Week is back! Treat yourself to this delicious event, taking place from Friday, March 1st through Sunday, March 10th. Twelve of Dana Point’s finest restaurants will participate and diners will have the opportunity to sample specialty dishes and prix fixe menus.

During the week, some of the city’s most talented chefs will personalize their menus to celebrate the Festival of Whales. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Restaurant Week is the perfect time to explore new places, enjoy a romantic dinner, or gather with friends for a night out in Dana Point! Start arranging your week of great eats now. To see what your favorite restaurant is offering, visit DPRestaurantWeek.com.

Humphry’s Sandwich Shop
By Cathy Villafana

Don’t be fooled by its name. Humphry’s Sandwich Shop offers much more than sandwiches. This local favorite, on Avenida Pico across the street from San Clemente High School, serves up an array of offerings to suit every mood and appetite from breakfast to dinner.

As graduates of San Clemente High School, opening the doors to their restaurant in 2010 was a full-circle experience for Tim and Nicole Humphry. Tim, an experienced certified chef, and Nicole, a fourth-generation restaurateur, are both passionate about providing delicious food and friendly service to their customers. Their thoughtful approach is evident in everything from the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere to the creativity in the menu.

You’ll have a difficult time deciding between Humphry’s breakfast items (served all day), salads, soup, wraps, custom sandwiches (build your own), specialty sandwiches, veggie sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, and desserts. Kids can select from six entrées, accompanied by fresh fruit, animal crackers, and a drink. Now, that’s what I call a “happy meal!”

Customer favorites include The Rachel, a grilled hot pastrami sandwich with 1,000 Island dressing; the stacked Club Sandwich with smoked gouda cheese; and the Famous BLT that has eight (gulp!) slices of bacon.

Humphry’s specials, which feature a different sandwich each day of the week, are also a popular choice. Wednesday’s special, the Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich, is regularly sold out. Served on a Hawaiian bun with Asian slaw, sesame ginger dressing, crunchy chow mein noodles and a grilled pineapple, this sandwich takes barbecue in a whole new direction.

Humphry’s is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Happy Hour takes place from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, with 20 percent off all dine-in food, $3 beers, $4 premium beers, $12 pitchers and $15 premium pitchers. Humphry’s also offers a number of catering platters for your next gathering or special event.

Humphry’s Sandwich Shop
800 Avenida Pico, San Clemente
949.361.1093 • HumphrysSandwichShop.com

By Shelley Hudson

As San Juan Capistrano’s JSerra Catholic High School celebrates ten years of pioneering in education, its new leadership looks with pride to the foundation upon which it was built and with a sharp focus on an ambitious blueprint for the future.

Newly minted President Richard Meyer and first-year Principal Dr. John Freeh were drawn to JSerra not only because of the school’s high scholastic ranking and college admission rates, but also by its independent operating model and entrepreneurial spirit. President Meyer admits that he’s still “in learning mode,” but says he’s happy to let JSerra’s existing culture shape his vision for future progress. “The solid infrastructure allows for easy adaptation in changing times,” Meyer says, “Our independence allows us to experience growth with no molds or boundaries.”

One example of JSerra’s untethered potential for growth is its online learning program. Students who have unique learning styles, medical conditions or travel for athletics or work can take advantage of the extensive menu of virtual classes and other resources. The online offerings can also supplement a campus-based schedule, allowing for maximum flexibility and curriculum customization. Last year, 40% of the student body took advantage of online classes.

JSerra’s internationally-recognized Magnet program is one of the few opportunities of its kind where students receive in-depth, hands-on experience in a specific profession. Law, business, and medical programs all offer college-accredited classes and field work. Medical Magnet students, for example, attend college-level anatomy and physiology classes and work in a hospital alongside clinicians and patients. JSerra’s Engineering Magnet launches in Fall 2013 and the coursework will also be integrated with real-world applications.

JSerra’s Artist in Residence program approaches visual and performance art much like the Magnet curriculum. Classes in painting, sculpture, photography, writing, and broadcast journalism are all taught by industry professionals and students are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in galleries and community art shows.

President Meyer insists that, although academic excellence is one of the pillars of a JSerra education, the institution places equal emphasis on spiritual and character development. “We are committed to imparting to all of our students the truths and beauty of the Catholic faith. We also encourage our non-Catholic students to embrace their own faith – whatever it may be – and practice it well.” Meyer continues, “Principal Freeh and I saw an opportunity at JSerra to shape our students from the inside out—to imbue each student with a vision for the future to become the best version of himself or herself.” To that end, JSerra’s extracurricular programming is as rich and rigorous as its academic side. The choir performs locally and nationally (including a recent gig at Carnegie Hall!), and a tour of Spain is in the works for next year. The girls cross-country team won the State Championship three years in a row—the first three-peat in CIF history. Varsity girls soccer is in the middle of an unprecedented winning streak, and the JV football team just celebrated the first undefeated season in school history.

“Remember Your Story” is JSerra’s theme for the 2012 – 2013 school year, inspiring students and faculty to commemorate the school’s impressive journey and legacy. “This vision was created by parents and built from the ground up – we started with 150 students and a handful of devoted staff members,” Meyer says. “Now we have over 1,000 students, 70 faculty, and a tremendous support system of additional staff, parents, and community members.” As part of its 10-year celebration, the school releases a weekly video featuring an alumni or teacher who describes his or her experience at JSerra and how it has translated into success. The inspirational videos can be found on JSerra’s YouTube channel and as part of the broadcast journalism group’s weekly production.

President Meyer looks forward to JSerra’s next decade with hope and a clear vision. “While it’s important to continually stay abreast of innovations in the field of education, our focus is not to “keep up with the Joneses” here at JSerra. Our mission, truth be told, is singular and timeless – to fully integrate faith and character formation with a rich academic experience in order to assist parents in raising their children to become men and women of integrity and virtue.”

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

The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will proudly host its annual Taste of San Juan on Tuesday, February 12th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the beautiful San Juan Hills Golf Club. More than twenty local restaurants will tempt you with tastes of their finest cuisine in a lively atmosphere with music and dancing.

Admission is $20 and includes tastings from participating restaurants such as RokPrime Steakhouse, Sundried Tomato Café, Ricardo’s Place, The Vintage Steakhouse, L’Hirondelle, 3:16 Bakery, Sarducci’s, Donna B’s, Mission Grill, El Adobe and San Juan Hills Golf Club to name just a few. There is a no host bar, but San Juan Hills Golf Club will honor its happy hour prices throughout the evening.

All Taste of San Juan participants will receive voting ballots to select their favorite restaurants in the following categories: Best Main Course; Best Original Dish; Best Appetizer and Best Dessert.

Event chair Stephanie Frisch says, “This year we have partnered with the recently resurrected San Juan Capistrano Restaurant and Tourism Council to give more exposure to participating restaurants at the Taste of San Juan.”

The Taste of San Juan is a fundraising event for the all-volunteer, nonprofit San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association. Proceeds from the Taste will be used to present a variety of community events throughout the year – most notably – the 55th Swallows Day Parade on Saturday, March 23rd.

SAVE THE DATE…
The San Juan Capistrano Fiesta Association will also be sponsoring a variety of other events in the upcoming weeks. Mark your calendar for these fun-filled festivities that will take place throughout the city.

Kids Pet Parade
Be sure to check out the Kids Pet Parade on February 24th at Zoomars Petting Zoo from 10:00 a.m. to noon (rain date is Sunday, March 3rd). All children 12 and under are invited to bring their pets to enter in contests including the best team costume, most unusual pet, most obedient pet and more.

Restaurant Week
San Juan Capistrano’s Restaurant Week will run from February 17th to the 24th. Many participating Taste of San Juan restaurants will offer $10 lunch specials and $20 dinner specials during the week.

El Presidente Ball
The El Presidente Ball will be held on Saturday, March 16th at El Adobe Restaurant from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. The Ball will be a wild western formal event in the spirit of the Swallow’s Parade’s theme “Happy Trails!”

Fiesta Grande
The lively Fiesta Grande is planned for March 20th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The Swallow’s Inn. Don your finest Old West outfit and get set for a night of Wild West entertainment.

Hoos’Gow Day
Get decked out in your Western gear for Hoos’Gow Day taking place in downtown San Juan on Friday, March 22nd. The Fiesta Association Deputies will be on hand to “arrest” anyone not dressed in the appropriate attire (and some who are, but just look like they need time in the Hoosegow) or any man who is clean-shaven.

Swallows’ Day Parade
The 55th annual Swallows’ Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March 23rd – rain or shine. The Parade is part of the Fiesta de la Golondrinas, celebrating the legend of the return of the swallows to the San Juan Capistrano Mission on March 19th- St. Joseph’s Day. The Parade is the nation’s largest non-motorized parade.

Bad to the Bone… it’s all good!
by Cathy Villafana

Known for its mouth-watering fare, Bad to the Bone BBQ celebrates its 8th year in business in San Juan Capistrano. Located in the Ortega Village center (where Ortega Highway and Rancho Viejo Road meet), you can practically smell your way there! With meats slowly cooking in the Hickory wood-burning pits for hours on end, the tempting aroma draws you in and the taste keeps you coming back for more.

Bad to the Bone has a surprisingly large menu for a barbecue joint. Diners can choose from appetizers, salads, soup, sandwiches, burgers, steaks, chops, seafood and over a dozen side dishes. But make no mistake, it’s the Carolina-inspired Pulled Pork, meaty Baby Back Ribs, and the tender Beef Brisket that makes Bad to the Bone so well-known in these here parts. Other barbecue meats include Tri-Tip, St. Louis Ribs, Sausage, and 1/4 Chicken. Order a plate, or better yet—a combination plate—and you’ll understand what the fuss is about.

Owners Al Meyling, a California native, and Marty Wells, an Oklahoman who practically has barbecue sauce running through his veins, have created a casual family atmosphere for enjoying Midwestern-influenced barbecue. The classic western decor, plus swift and friendly service, easily get you in the mood for a relaxing and filling meal. One exception to the rustic motif are the flat-screen TVs located throughout where you can catch the big game while feasting on your favorite grub.

Some changes in store for Bad to the Bone this year include the expansion of the patio and bar areas. The bar will soon feature 25 beers on tap, including IPA, Lager, and Belgian labels. Nothing goes better with barbeque than a cold one!

Look for Happy Hour specials Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Live entertainment starts at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Bad to the Bone also caters events, offering a variety of menus for any occasion.

Bad to the Bone BBQ
31738 Rancho Viejo RD.
San Juan Capistrano, CA 9267 • 949.493.9307
badtothebone-bbq.com