Capistrano Toyota
By Shelley Hudson

As Capistrano Toyota General Manager Roger Hogan, Jr. surveys the expansive dealership, he stops to shake hands and chat with every customer along the way. Maintaining the highest standards of personal attention and integrity are the founding principles upon which his father Roger, Sr. grew the business into the success it is today.

Capistrano Toyota’s sterling reputation and no pressure sales philosophy are the cornerstones that continue to fuel its growth. “My dad was determined to make this industry more reputable,” Roger explains. “We want customers to know that car people can be good family people. The easier we can make a customer’s experience with us, the more successful we are. We like what we do, and we want to offer a fair deal.”

Jerry Hernandez, Irvine Valley College basketball coach and loyal Capistrano Toyota customer, sums up his experience, “Going to the dealership is like dining at your favorite family restaurant where you know everyone. The Hogan brothers are always there—it’s about a sense of trust and the security of knowing that someone will take the time for me. I’ve referred at least 25 friends or family members to Capistrano Toyota in the last ten years.”

Community outreach remains an integral component of the Hogan philosophy as well. Capistrano Toyota recently partnered with the Dana Hills High School football team and Honor the Valor to raise over $20,000 for military veterans. “We were approached by one of the players about helping out with a fundraiser. When I learned about Honor the Valor, I said, ‘How about if we donate a car?'” recalls Roger. “I have a soft spot for veterans—both of my grandfathers served during the Korean War and we work with many Marines from Camp Pendleton. This was a team effort, and I was happy we could be a part of it,” he adds. As the fundraiser’s grand prize winner, local resident Bill Sidenfaden couldn’t be more pleased with Roger’s donation of the new 2014 Toyota Matrix.

Homefront America is another worthy organization that benefits from Capistrano Toyota’s generosity. This group provides scholarships to military dependents and assists military families in need. The dealership and several employees “adopt” families each year to provide necessities and support. The Ocean Institute, youth education and sports programs, and Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) are also organizations that receive assistance from the Capistrano Toyota family.

Roger Hogan, Jr. is enthusiastic about his dealership’s outlook for 2014 with the upcoming rollout of several new vehicles. The Corolla, Tundra, RAV-4, and Highlander have completely new body styling, and all 2014’s come standard with Bluetooth technology. The top-selling Prius and the new RAV-4 EV plug-in models are all highly-anticipated and well-reviewed. With the opening of the Toyota Truck Center on the adjoining property earlier this year, sales of trucks and SUVs have skyrocketed and Capistrano Toyota is now the fastest-growing truck seller in Southern California. The Hogans have even more expansion in the works—Claremont Volkswagen is scheduled to open in early 2014 next door to Claremont Toyota (operated by Hogan
brother Stephen).

The service department has also increased capacity with the addition of several new service bays at the Truck Center, allowing customers to get rolling even quicker. On top of the always complimentary Wi-Fi, local shuttle, concierge service, car wash, and continental breakfast, new customers can score $10 oil changes for any vehicle on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

December is the busiest month of the year in the auto sales industry, and Capistrano Toyota is ready to meet the demand. Inventory is packed with competitively priced new and pre-owned cars, SUVs, and trucks. Be sure to ask your salesperson for the locals only “Back Yard Deals” and incentives.

Roger, Stephen, and Kyle Hogan have grown up in the car business alongside their father Roger, Sr., and all three brothers are now raising families of their own. Roger, Jr. is excited to welcome “Oh Baby!” #5, due to arrive in Spring 2014. “We all work hard, but our families are most important,” says Roger, “I still have lunch with my dad every day, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

[ Check out our behind the scenes footage of our Capistrano Toyota photo shoot! ]

 

The 36th Annual Dana Point Turkey Trot

 

Run the race before you stuff your face! The Dana Point Turkey Trot, presented by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 36th year and is an annual tradition for families across Orange County. Welcoming more than 16,000 participants each year, the 2013 race features an expanded two-day Health & Wellness Expo, Kids’ Gobble Wobble, and of course, the 5K & 10K runs. With its scenic views of the Dana Point Harbor and Doheny State Beach, the Turkey Trot is a fantastic experience for the entire family and a great way to start your Thanksgiving Day.

Get the whole family involved
The Turkey Trot embraces participation from the entire family. The one-mile Kids’ Gobble Wobble is a fun way for your child to be included in this fitness-filled event. All race participants and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and enter the contest at 9:00 a.m. on race day. The best costumes will be awarded prizes from Dick’s Sporting Goods and Salt Creek Grille. Parents with strollers are also invited to join in the festivities, but are asked to stay toward the back of the pack.

New to the Turkey Trot in 2013
The popular Health & Wellness Expo has been expanded to a second day this year and will be located in the Dana Marina Plaza. The Expo offers music and entertainment from 100.3 FM The Sound, and highlights fitness related vendors such as CLIF Bar, Moms in Charge and Winder Farms. Turkey Trot merchandise will be available for purchase, including new t-shirt designs, themed accessories, and more. Registration and packet pick-up will be available at the Health & Wellness Expo on Wednesday, November 27th from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on race day, Thursday, November 28th starting at 6 a.m. Additional parking will be available on Wednesday at the Dana Wharf parking lot to accommodate those attending the Health & Wellness expo and for participants that are picking up race packets early.

Support Local Charities
In the tradition of giving thanks, all proceeds from the 2013 Turkey Trot will go to local non-profit organizations: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Family Assistance Ministries, The Dana Point 5th Marine Regiment Support Group and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9934. On the day of the race, the charity that has raised the most money on Crowdrise.com will be presented with a $5,000 donation, second place receives $2,500, third place – $1,500 and fourth place – $1,000. Donations will be provided by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about this family tradition and to register for the event, visit TurkeyTrot.com.

 

The Diamond Ball

Get ready to sparkle, shine and give back to some treasured friends. The Diamond Ball, to be held Saturday, November 9th at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, is a gala evening with the special mission of raising funds and awareness for animal-related charities. The emotional ties that connect us to the animals we love can oftentimes make the difference in our lives and this wonderful event takes that sentiment to heart.

The 2013 Diamond Ball will support charities whose purpose is to change lives through the assistance of animals. The beneficiaries of this year’s gala are the Wounded Veteran Initiative of Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Friends of Orange County’s Homeless Pets (FOCHP).

Veteran’s Day weekend was intentionally selected as the date for The Ball because it’s a time to honor and reflect on those who’ve served our country proudly. Both CCI and FOCHP support the residents of our local community through their work. Having FOCHP and CCI together as beneficiaries solidifies The Diamond’s Ball’s vision that it’s not just about people saving animal’s lives; it’s about how animals save people’s lives, too.

CCI helps injured veterans put their lives back together by providing assistance dogs that play an integral role in a veteran’s ability to regain independence. Established in 1975, CCI has five regional training centers across the country and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. Through CCI’s Wounded Veterans Initiative, veterans with physical disabilities such as hearing loss, limb amputations and spinal cord injuries receive services that may not otherwise be available.

FOCHP aids homeless and unwanted pets by making them more adoptable. Their mission is accomplished through training, veterinary services, and spay and neuter assistance. FOCHP is operated solely by volunteers and 100 percent of donations received go directly back to the needs of their rescued animals.

This extraordinary evening to honor veterans and The Ritz-Carlton’s charity partners will be a night to remember. Tickets are $250 per person and the evening includes a silent and live auction and a four-course dinner presented by Executive Chef Pedro Contreras. The evening also includes The Diamond Drop Extravaganza, an opportunity for guests to donate gems and jewelry in support of the cause. For more information about The Diamond Ball and to purchase tickets, please visit TheDiamondBall.org.

 

Luciana’s Ristorante
By Bonnie Small

“Umph and Zing!,” says Jorge Luhan II, are his mother Lucia’s trademark criteria for a well-prepared dish. And as Luciana’s Ristorante, a culinary landmark in Dana Point, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the community is in for a healthy serving of both. Established in 1983, Luciana’s opened in tune with a very different dining culture – guests arrived in black tie and the original menus included detailed descriptions of such exotic drinks as “espresso” and “cappuccino.”

Today’s diners are both more culturally sophisticated and more casual. Jorge Luhan II is thrilled that locals now think of Luciana’s as not just a “special occasion” restaurant, but also as an “any night” destination where families can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and couples can unwind with a delicious bottle of wine after a long day.

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All in the Family
A true family business, everyone played a part in the day-to-day operations, including Jorge’s Grandma Mary Vallera who made all of the fresh pasta for the restaurant until she was 90! Before she retired, Mary taught the kitchen staff the “right” way to create it, and even now, as she celebrates her 100th birthday, the first question she has for her grandson is always, “Who made the pasta today?” Mary learned the art of pasta making at just six years of age – strictly by hand – mixing, rolling, and cutting each batch daily, refusing to ever use a machine.

Luciana’s menu has certainly evolved over thirty years, although many of the original family recipes remain, including Grandma Mary’s Ravioli di Vitello and his mom’s Linguine Luciana. The kitchen rarely veers from its emphasis on the simple preparation of high-quality, fresh ingredients. The Mediterranean diet, which is now creating a buzz as a “new” culinary trend, is merely what Jorge’s family has intuitively understood and practiced for decades as part of their Italian heritage. “Farm to table is what we’ve been doing for generations,” says Jorge, “Knowing where your food comes from and eating handmade meals is how my family has always lived.” For years, he’s witnessed his mother and grandmother artfully craft fresh, delicious dishes that would keep the family gathered at the kitchen table for hours. And with the family’s matriarch turning 100, they just may have been ahead of the times. Americans are just recently beginning to transition away from processed and fast foods. “You look at trends and you get to watch them come full circle,” says Jorge.

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History in the Making
Lucia and her husband ventured back to her homeland in the late 80’s in search of a quiet retreat from their busy American lives. As they happened on a 500-year-old Tuscan farmhouse in Montevettolini, complete with 18 acres of olive groves, they knew they found home. Within a year, Lucia began pressing olives and creating oil. In keeping with her philosophy of using only the best ingredients of known origin, she’s been supplying the restaurant with Villa Lucia’s organic extra virgin olive oil for years. The Luhans have plans to market their product and hope to have it available for your table in the next few months.

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The Legacy Continues
Jorge attributes Luciana’s longevity to the strong family foundation laid by his mother and the internal culture of the restaurant. The Luhans believe that life revolves around the table and feel that the key to the restaurant’s success stems from a willingness to be in tune with what customers want and to provide a consistently high level of personalized service. Luciana’s staff is like a family and Jorge finds that the higher the bar is set, the more they rise to the occasion. As the 2nd generation to oversee the restaurant, he is proud to have carried on the family legacy for over 20 years now. On any given night, you’ll find him warmly greeting guests and stopping by tables to make certain that diners are having an experience that would make his mother and grandmother smile.

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Family Expansion
Very active in and devoted to the community, Jorge is a member of several local business organizations and is also involved in the revitalization of Dana Point’s Town Center. In November 2011 the family grew when he married his lovely wife Anne. As a physician and the proprietor of Elite Medezin in Dana Point, Anne has also developed strong ties to the area in which she now calls home.

As Luciana’s kicks off its 30th year, Jorge and his entire family hope that customers of every vintage will stop in and say hello. In the coming months, Luciana’s will feature some favorite classic menu items and they hope that the community will help them celebrate by sharing personal stories of memorable meals and moments at the restaurant.

24312 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point
(949) 661-6500 • Lucianas.com

 

Dana Point State BBQ Championships

The enticing smell of bbq smoke will ride the coastal winds at the 3rd Annual Dana Point State BBQ Championship. The event takes place on Saturday, October 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the beautiful Sea Terrace Park…and admission is free. This Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned contest is the largest bbq competition on the west coast. Last year’s event set a California state record with 79 teams participating in the championship and organizers are anticipating to eclipse that turnout this year with a goal of 100 teams. The City of Dana Point encourages local residents and amateur barbeque enthusiasts to form teams and join in the friendly competition.

KCBS is the world’s largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 15,000 members worldwide. The KCBS places their stamp of approval on over 400 barbeque contests throughout the country. A blind judging process is used by KCBS certified judges to ensure fairness and KCBS judges are trained in a manner that allows them to appropriately assess all types of barbeque, from St. Louis and Texas styles to Memphis and Carolina styles. Judges will sample and assign a point total to each entry based on appearance, taste and texture. Each teams’ cumulative points not only determine the winners at the Dana Point competition, but also go towards regional and national titles like the California BBQ Association’s Team of the Year.

BBQ enthusiasts from Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and across the state are competing again this year for a share of $20,000 in prize money – with the ultimate goal of being crowned the Grand Champion. Teams will compete in four different bbq categories: brisket, pork, ribs and chicken. A special contest category for all you sweet lovers is being served up this year – dessert! The committee has included a bonus contest called the Ranchers Reserve, which will award the most deserving team a cash prize of $900.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9934 will be selling BBQ Tasting Tickets for $2 per tasting, so the public can try some of the mouth-watering BBQ prepared by many of the competitors. All of the proceeds from the public tastings will go directly to the VFW.

The entire family can savor a delicious meal while having some fun at the BBQ Championship. Along with the BBQ, there will be Microbrew Tastings and a food court where full entrees and beverages will be available. Bring the whole family, even the dog, to enjoy the festivities. Plenty of live entertainment will be performed throughout the afternoon from Chris Lozano and the Dixie Playboys, to The Tricia Freeman Band and Turn the Page (a Bob Seger Tribute band).

Proceeds from the food court and beverage area will benefit the 5th Marine Regiment Support Group, American Cancer Society’s Dana Point Relay for Life, Pet Project Foundation and other deserving non-profit groups that support local residents.

Parking will be available on Stonehill Road and at Dana Hills High School. A complimentary shuttle bus will run from Dana Hills High School to the BBQ Championship from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To become an event participant or for more information, please contact the Dana Point Community Services & Parks Department at 949.248.3530 or visit
DanaPointBBQChampionships.com.

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Smashburger
By Bonnie Small

Founded in Colorado in 2007, Smashburger is a nationwide sensation, and thanks to owners Ernie and Stephen Sandoval, locations in South OC are sprouting up everywhere! The newest digs in San Clemente’s Gateway Village Plaza (adjacent to San Clemente High School) has been smashing for just over a month to rave reviews.

Smashburger’s goal is to bring back the classic American burger and they accomplish their mission by using a precise method of “smashing” a ball of 100% Angus beef on the flat top grill, resulting in a burger perfectly seasoned, expertly seared on the outside, and juicy inside.

The Smashburger core menu is available at each location, but specialties like the OC burger are unique to each region. Starting with either a beef patty or chicken breast, the OC brings some sophistication to quick food with the addition of baby portabella mushrooms, baby arugula, grilled onions, aged Swiss cheese and truffle mayo. One tip – a side of flash fried green beans and carrots (no batter!) is the perfect accompaniment.

No-fuss burger lovers will love the Classic Smash – American cheese and traditional burger condiments are perfected with the addition of Smash Sauce (think Thousand Island dressing made with mustard instead of ketchup.) If you like it hot, head for the Spicy Baja burgerwhich layers fresh jalapenos, guacamole, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo on – wait for it – a chipotle bun!

Anyone can order off the menu board, but you can impress your family and friends by ordering from Smashburger’s secret menu, which includes fried pickles and the jackpot-worthy Sin City Burger topped with a fried egg, bacon, grilled onions, haystack onions and Smash Sauce.

Nothing rounds out a classic burger better than a classic shake, which the Smashburger crew whips up with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. For a scrumptiously nostalgic blast, try the PB&J shake made with vanilla Häagen-Dazs, strawberry syrup and Nutter Butter cookies. (PB&J is featured for a limited time, but will soon make its way to the secret menu!)

Open daily 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

806 Avenida Pico, San Clemente • 949.218.4900 • SmashBurger.com

 

Nanch Pellegrino, NP Aesthetics
By Shelley Hudson

Nancy Pellegrino, NP is much more than a pretty face. Although it’s difficult not to notice her flawless skin and sparkling blue eyes, she’s also the brains and expertise behind thriving NP Aesthetics, Inc. in Newport Beach. Just ask any of Nancy’s loyal skin care devotees, and you’ll quickly learn that she’s not only an age fighting authority, but a trusted and attentive professional who delivers results-based aesthetic medicine to men and women ages 18 to 88.

What sets Nancy Pellegrino apart from her colleagues is what can’t be taught through formal education. She has 15 years of experience providing injections, laser and skin care treatments, in addition to graduating from UCLA at the top of her class. Her innate ability to assess each patient’s face and to visualize the possibilities allows Nancy to personalize each and every injection, achieving natural and consistent results. “I am in the business of providing happy medicine, but am serious about fighting the aging process with safe and proven solutions. I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my patients, helping them match the outside with how they feel on the inside,” shares Nancy.

Nancy’s clientele ranges from stay-at-home moms to the entertainment industry’s familiar faces. “Several of my patient’s livelihood’s are dependent on their appearance, so it’s imperative that I offer innovative services that deliver the perfect balance of classic elegance and glamour. I want my clients to look like they’ve just returned from a restful vacation, not that they’ve been noticeably injected with Botox or fillers,” says Nancy. Peggy Tanous from the OC Housewives agrees, “Nancy Pellegrino is the best injector I have ever been to. Being a TV host and a model, my appearance is everything. She has a way of distributing Botox and fillers so it reaches all areas, not just one. You look rejuvenated rather than frozen
and expressionless!”

As a member of Allergan’s advisory board and a highly regarded A.C.E speaker and trainer for the company, Nancy stays one step ahead by having advanced knowledge of products before they’re widely available. She trains doctors and other medical professionals, educating them on the technique and use of Botox and Juvederm. Patient and former OC Housewife Lynne Curtin says, “I am so lucky I found Nancy Pellegrino. She is definitely the Michelangelo of Botox, fillers and other non-invasive treatments for women who are not ready to make that step towards a surgical procedure. Along with her amazing staff, Nancy is changing lives and breathing new life and hope into women of any age. I highly recommend a visit to her beautiful state-of-the-art facility which offers the latest and greatest procedures
and products.”

Nancy Pellegrino’s success has resulted from her passion for the field of aesthetics and because she genuinely cares about her patients. “I’m very grateful for the loyal, happy clients who have trusted me with their faces for years. I’ve been their friend, confidant and have shared in their major life moments. It’s rewarding when they leave NP Aesthetics looking and feeling amazing… and my reputation depends on it.”

Nancy Pellegrino holds R.N. (Registered Nurse) and N.P. (Nurse Practitioner) certifications. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from CSULB and a Masters in Nursing (MN) from UCLA. Nancy is a member of the California Association of Nurse Practitioners and The Aesthetic Practice Association. She is also a trainer, speaker and on several advisory boards for Allergan, Inc.

Nancy Pellegrino, N.P.
180 Newport Center Drive, Suite 160
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 706-9919
npaesthetics.com

 

Casa Romantica

Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens has always been a jewel in the heart of San Clemente. This year ushers in a new Executive Director, Berenika Schmitz, along with an array of new programs for the community to enjoy.

“Berenika is the ideal Executive Director to lead Casa Romantica due to her Harvard, Oxford, Juilliard and Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts training and background. Her energy to engage artists, performers, guest speakers, and arts and science educators is remarkable. She will continue the Center’s dedication to history and California culture, while also broadening its reach and engaging the community. The Board and I are tremendously happy to welcome her,” says Ruth DeNault, Casa Romantica’s Board President.

“This 2013-14 season will have extraordinary programming with something for everyone – a season that will bring the very best artists, speakers and performers to the Casa,” shares Berenika, “We can be a premiere Southern California Cultural Center.”

Highlights of the season include the performance of the acclaimed Christ Church Cathedral Choir from the University of Oxford in England. The Luminario Ballet of Los Angeles will lead the audience through site specific choreography that will make the Casa location become as much a part of the performance as the dancer’s bodies. A Casa Nutcracker will also be presented during the holiday season.

The Casa has always hosted a variety of guest speakers and lectures which will expand to include Malcolm Warner, director of the Laguna Art Museum, and Timothy J. Clark, world-renowned California artist. A new Casa Wellness Wednesdays program will present UCI Medical Health speakers, as well as guest yoga classes from Asana Fit and Pure Yoga. A Casa Cool Jazz series will feature a salsa dance lesson and Latin Jazz. Open Casa will highlight visual artists, starting with Rick J. Delanty, celebrated San Clemente fine visual artist, who will present “The Color of San Clemente: A Collection of Original Paintings of San Clemente and its Surroundings.” These visual art openings will be free to the public.

Berenika is particularly excited about an expanded Casa Kids program. The Casa has always encouraged a love of reading through its Wednesday morning StoryTime at 10 a.m. for ages 3 to 5. This year, the Casa will offer programs in music and theater from the Arts and Learning Conservatory. A Visual Arts class for toddlers taught by local artist and teacher Fery Khadivi and STEM based science programs by Mad Science will be new additions for children in the community. “I cannot think of a more inspiring and pleasant place for parents to spend time with their children. The programming is of incredibly high standards, and we hope that it will also give parents an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds of the Casa,” remarks Berenika.

“Sustaining arts in our communities is of fundamental importance to me, and I have a fantastic board, staff and volunteers to help make this year at the Casa truly special,” says Berenika. The Casa Captivating 2013-14 Season is ready to begin, and reservations are open as is the Casa: a warm welcoming San Clemente home and Cultural Center, open to everyone.

For more information about Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, call 949.498.2139 or visit CasaRomantica.org.

Ricardo’s Place
By Bonnie Small

Ricardo Beas and his eponymous restaurant, Ricardo’s Place, have been pillars of San Juan Capistrano for over a decade; known as much for their commitment to our local community as for their delicious traditional soups. As a lifelong Mexican food devotee, I have spent the last few years branching out from the world of combination platters in order to acquaint myself (and my doubting family) with the lighter side of the menu.

On a recent visit, we began with a beautiful plate of ceviche made with fish and octopus and garnished with slices of avocado and lime wedges. I had to battle the skeptics for my fair share.

We also enjoyed Ricardo’s shrimp cocktail served in the traditional Mexican style – large chilled prawns immersed in a delicious sweet tomato sauce with diced avocado, onions and tomatoes. This dish is eaten like chilled soup – with a spoon and a handful of saltine crackers.

A word about condiments – the housemade pico de gallo is delicious and, if you have a thing for salsa, make sure you ask for Ricardo’s roasted jalapeño and green chile salsa, tomatillo salsa, and chile de arbol salsa which each have some spice, but mostly you’ll be dazzled by their depth of flavor.

If you’re feeling festive, try a Mission Margarita – a refreshing blend of lime juice and tequila modernized and amplified with the addition of muddled cucumber and fresh jalapeño.

Other notable favorites at our table were the chicken fajitas – the sizzle alone draws me in every time – and a platter of tender, slow-cooked, pork carnitas; each is served with beans and rice, but the kitchen will gladly substitute a green salad if you prefer.

We shared Ricardo’s flan for dessert and those few bites of velvety custard with golden caramel sauce were the perfect way to round out the meal.

Ricardo’s Place is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Mondays.