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

Ross Medical Associates
By Shelley T. Hudson

Ross Medical Associates’ long and storied history as a community healthcare resource in Southern California just added a few more chapters. With its most recently opened clinic in San Juan Capistrano going strong and approaching its three-year anniversary, executives at Ross have made plans to take an already-impressive philanthropic record a step further—and this time, it’s personal. A new program aptly named “Ross Medical’s Heroes” has been instituted to support South Orange County’s partnership with our military neighbors. The doctors at all four locations have treated veterans and their families for years and many members of the Ross team have close personal military connections as well—including founder Dr. T.A. Ross, who came to California as a naval physician. Dr. Monica Harms of Ross’s Rancho Santa Margarita office is a navy reserves veteran, and Dr. Jeff Globus of the Mission Viejo clinic was a naval officer. CEO Samantha Jefferies’s sister and brother-in-law are both active duty soldiers in Afghanistan and her father and brothers are retired from the Air Force. These ties and others provide Ross Medical’s staff with a keen awareness of the unique circumstances and specific needs of military families. This sense of appreciation has motivated the Ross group for its own call to action.

For all of 2013, Ross Medical Associates will hold a fundraiser for military-related charities and support groups. The staff will accept tax-deductible monetary donations on behalf of the military charity of the donor’s choice. In addition, Ross offices will donate a portion of patients’ copayments to military organizations as part of their “CoPay It Forward” initiative.

This type of community commitment is nothing new to Ross Medical. The foundation upon which the business model is built is Dr. Ross’s philosophy that high-quality, family-based healthcare should be accessible and convenient. Dr. Ross also believed strongly in reinvesting into the local area in which he served. Dozens of schools, sports leagues and booster clubs—including AYSO, J Serra, Niguel Hills, San Juan Hills, Saddleback Valley Christian, Capo Valley Christian, San Clemente High and Dana Hills, to name a few—have received the generous support of Ross Medical Associates. In fact, Jefferies encourages students to bring in their sponsorship forms for consideration. “We want to participate in everything,” she says, “We want to be a true community partner.” Ross Medical will also continue to provide no-charge sports physicals to student athletes in 2013.

Another important component of Ross’s community-minded approach to healthcare is the senior outreach program. Jefferies, who also is aGerontologist, states, “When a senior becomes established as a patient, we can provide them with so much information regarding diet, exercise and disease prevention.” As a special incentive, Ross is offering free tetanus boosters to seniors throughout the month of January.

With Ross Medical’s fully-integrated state-of-the-art electronic record sharing, clinicians can address treatment for each patient holistically. All locations are connected on the same system, so follow-up care and diagnostic testing are more streamlined and comprehensive. For example, a student athlete with a sprained ankle might come to urgent care for an x-ray and a splint and learn that she’s due for an immunization. A heart patient might visit the office for a check-up and receive a dose of nutritional counseling.

Now that a federal healthcare overhaul is afoot, it’s even more important than ever to know the facts. More people will become eligible for covered preventative care early this year and insurance exchanges will become effective later in 2013. Ross Medical accepts most forms of insurance as well as Tricare, Medicare and Medicare Senior Advantage. Samantha Jefferies encourages patients to call with questions. “We’ll guide you to resources and help you through the process,” she offers, “We are your medical home. We see patients from one to 100 years of age and we want to help.”

Ross Medical Associates has offices in San Juan Capistrano, Ladera Ranch, Rancho Santa Margarita and Mission Viejo—all of which are open 365 days a year. The combination of a personalized family practice and an easily accessible urgent care is the realization of Dr. Ross’s vision. Visit a Ross Medical location soon and get a jump start on YOU for 2013!

For more information please vist: RossMedicalAssociates.com

Take a behind the scenes look of the Ross Medical Associates photo shoot!

Best places in South OC to get into shape
By Shelley T. Hudson

If you’ve opened every last present and did not get that new body you asked for, you’re in luck. With so many exercise options available in South OC, those toned arms and taut tummy are just a few weeks away. Get moving NOW, and be bootylicious by Spring Break!

BT FITNESS
BT Fitness is San Clemente’s premier private training studio and was voted in the top five for “best personal trainers” on the OC Hotlist. Through the combination of private personal training and challenging programming, including TRX Suspension, Fusion, and yoga, clients can achieve quicker results than with a single-exercise routine. BT is also the only studio in San Clemente to offer the revolutionary Proformer workout. Log on to www.bt-fit.com to take advantage of this month’s special offers. For more information please call 949.276.2706.

BELLA PILATES
With private and semi-private classes 7 days a week, Bella Pilates offers something for everyone, including children with special needs, seniors, high-level athletes and those in and out of shape. Bella Pilates provides individual, modified and safe workouts that will leave you energized, limber and lean. Pilates benefits those seeking injury rehabilitaion to those wanting overall improved health and quality of life. Get started in January with $99 per month unlimited group reformer classes or a 1-hour free private session for new clients. For more information please call 949.388.2747.

CB CYCLEBARN
This is the latest specialized studio to come to San Clemente, offering indoor cycling classes for all fitness levels. If you’re a little intimidated by large clubs or traditional spinning, check out CycleBarn’s non-impact classes and state-of-the-art Freemotion Carbon Drive bikes. Unlimited monthly memberships or 10 or 20-class packages are available, so it’s easy to add cycling to your existing regimen or become a dedicated CB cyclist. Hop on in January to take advantage of a “one month free” special offer. For more information please call 949.481.5438.

ANYTIME FITNESS
Convenience, round-the-clock access and individualized training from some of the most experienced and educated strength coaches in Orange County are the hallmarks of Anytime Fitness’s brand. Incentives like free zumba and yoga classes, 40 virtual classes, no enrollment fee, and two free personal training sessions have motivated even the most committed couch potatoes to jog right over. Nutritional counseling based on the “Precision Nutrition” program helps members develop a comprehensive approach to wellness—100,000 successful clients can’t be wrong! Reach Anytime Fitness in San Juan Capistrano: 949.481.2220 and San Clemente: 949.276.8888.

JAZZERCISE
The original dance workout is still one of the hottest workouts in town! Jazzercise classes overlooking the beautiful Dana Point Harbor are better than ever, with new routines and a powerful 60-minute total body workout. Burn up to 600 calories and change the shape and composition of your body while having fun with this jazz, strength training, Pilates, yoga, and kickboxing combo. Dance your way to the OC Sailing & Events Center and get ten classes for only $89 with no sign up fee for new customers. For more information please call 949.492.7817.

ZEN DOJO
Zen Dojo offers martial arts classes and fitness programs for all levels of interest and ages starting at 3 years old. Featuring Kempo Karate, Divas in Defense, Krav Maga Self-Defense Classes, a Children’s Life Skills Program, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s something for everyone in the family at San Juan Capistrono’s largest martial arts studio. Founder and Chief Instructor Paul Benavidez has been teaching martial arts in the area since 1991. Zen Dojo was voted “Best Martial Arts Studio” in San Juan Capistrano in 2012 and Lead Instructor Marco O’Campo was named “Best Coach in San Juan Capistrano” by the Capistrano Dispatch newspaper. January is an ideal time to get started. The studio’s 2 for 1 special offer on all programs (for new students with paid enrollment) ends on January 31st. For more information please call 949.240.6574.

Bull Taco
By Cathy Villafana

After much anticipation, Bull Taco has opened its doors on El Camino Real in San Clemente’s North Beach area. With three sister restaurants in Carlsbad, Cardiff by the Sea and at San Diego’s Petco Park arena, this is its first foray into Orange County. Led by founderGreg Lukasiewicz, Bull Taco is charging full-steam ahead with its unique concept of “Inauthentic Mexican.” This new location not only breaks the Mexican restaurant mold, it blows it to smithereens.

Bull Taco’s specials read like a National Geographic Magazine index—minus the endangered species, of course. During my visit, the featured specials ranged from the exotic to the more tame, including: Alligator, Elk, Wild Boar, Halibut, Ahi Poke and Ceviche. Bull Taco’s fare takes a big leap from the Mexican food you may be accustomed to. Case in point: Sriracha, a staple in Thai cooking, is a key ingredient in many of the menu items.

In addition to having traditional chicken, pork and carne asada options, try steering toward the street tacos so you can sample different items from Bull Taco’s eclectic menu. The Lobster, Bacon, Chorizo Taco currently tops the list as most popular. I highly recommend the Breakfast Burrito, which received a nod in Sunset Magazine as a reader favorite. Need some heat? Dab or douse your grub with homemade salsas that span from “Mild” to “Ghost” (no bull… it might vaporize you).

Diners—if so inclined—can pull out a TV tray and eat in the Astro Turf-lined lounge area where the little ones can run wild. One fortunate guest will score the best seat in the house—a cozy upholstered chair directly facing a flat-screen TV. More traditional table seating is also available both inside and on the patio.

Open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Bull Taco offers beer and wine and serves up taco specials on Thursdays. Catering services cover everything from private events to large company parties, with convenient food pick-up/drop-off or on-site/off-site cooking. Pre-made or custom menus are available. Contact catering@bulltaco.com to learn more.