Amber’s Cantina
By Shelley T. Hudson

Amber’s Cantina is one of those hidden gems we all love to stumble upon and call our own. Located at Clubhouse and Niguel Road in Laguna Niguel (in the Clubhouse Plaza near Fitness Elite for Women), this cozy, bustling spot is the perfect place to enjoy a hearty lunch or leisurely dinner and still have enough in your wallet for a tank of gas!

Amber Penrod established her own cantina in June, 1998 after honing her skills for many years in the restaurant business. She and her right-hand man and head cook, Fernando, set up shop and perfected the authentic Mexican menu. Today, her long-term staff and dedicated following of hungry locals keep her jumping week after week.

For lunch, my friend ordered the Pollo Relleño from the “Cantina Specialties” menu. This gourmet-style creation is composed of a Monterey Jack and cotija cheese-stuffed breast of chicken and is topped with creamy garlic primavera blanco sauce, accompanied by smoky black beans and rice. My friend was “eating for two,” so I didn’t dare ask for a taste for myself. She gave the dish rave reviews and from her empty plate, I’d just have to trust her.

I selected a more traditional Mexican dish—the smothered burrito. It was delicious and savory, stuffed with grilled vegetables and cheese and topped with a zesty ranchero sauce. The experience was a departure from the usual—the veggies were crunchy and the ranchero sauce had just the right kick. On my next visit, I’m eager to try one of the delectable-looking desserts. Amber’s offers Mexican favorites like churros, flan and buñuelos, but I can’t wait to sink my teeth into the Banana Caramel Cheesecake Burrito.

Amber’s Cantina offers lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday
from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and a festive daily happy hour from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Stop in and get your salsa on …ole!

Amber’s Cantina
949.488.2858
31341 Niguel Road, Suite D
Laguna Niguel, CA
AmbersCantina.com

Allen Family Automotive Group
By Shelley T. Hudson

During the month of May, the Allen Family Automotive Group is celebrating its 64th anniversary. When Stanley Allen opened his dealership in Laguna Beach in 1947, he couldn’t have imagined the population explosion the sleepy little beach town and the surrounding areas would experience in the coming decades.

Stanley Allen spent 25 years in Laguna Beach raising his family in South Orange County and getting to know the people in the community. When his son, Dennis, joined the business and initiated a move to Laguna Niguel, the reaction was mixed. Laguna Niguel was considered a no man’s land in the early ’70’s, boasting not much beyond orange groves and a freeway exit. Dennis’ vision proved to be a good one, and shortly thereafter, Allen added GMC to its Oldsmobile and Cadillac product lines.

This year, Allen Automotive celebrates nearly 40 years in Laguna Niguel and operates with the same principles on which Stanley Allen built his reputation. His grandsons have all taken a turn at the helm; Scott and Mitch ran the dealership for many years before turning over General Manager duties to younger brother Cliff. Nephew Cameron has joined ranks in the Internet Department, leading the fourth generation of Allens into the next decade.

Although Cliff Allen is busy with a young family, including sons Mason and Cooper and one-month-old baby Chloe, he can rest easy—professionally, at least! The management team at Allen has hundreds of years of combined experience with the company—many started careers with Dennis Allen in the 1970’s. This level of dedication and loyalty is almost unheard of in the ever-changing auto industry.

“The backbone of our dealership is community involvement,” says Cliff Allen. He lists Dana Hills High, Mission Viejo High, JSerra, San Clemente High and Vista del Mar Elementary, as just some of the schools the dealership supports, along with many area sports teams. These efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Allen was recently named Laguna Niguel’s “2010 Outstanding Business of the Year” and adds this honor to many other accolades, including OC Business Journal’s “Family-Owned Business of the Year.”

Allen has demonstrated a commitment to its brands as well, selling both Cadillac and GMC for decades. Cadillac, a luxury brand since inception, has developed into a performance name, with its CTS line and the V-Series. Allen has been one of the top Cadillac retailers for many years and has enjoyed success with the popularity of the Escalade and the newer fuel-efficient models like the SRX. GMC’s offering of mid-size and compact SUVs has also answered a call in the marketplace, being called “standards of industry” for their competitive fuel-efficiency.

The Allen Group expanded its family of brands in 2006 with the addition of Hyundai. Known previously in the market as a budget brand, Hyundai’s growth and improved design in recent years impressed the Allen family. The global development of Hyundai and its emphasis on quality and performance have made it attractive to consumers. When the Hyundai Genesis was named the 2009 North American Car of the Year, auto enthusiasts were intrigued. As awareness and excitement grew among industry insiders, so did the interest of the consumer. Now Allen is the fastest growing Hyundai dealership in the West. The roll-out of the highly anticipated 2011 Sonata has kept the push going. This mid-level sedan is sweeping up awards and winning over drivers at all levels.

The motto at Allen Family Automotive is “our family serving your family for over 60 years.” The commitment to the people in their local community backs up this promise. GM has awarded Allen the “Positive Impact Award for Service” for four consecutive years—an accomplishment no other dealer in the Western Region has achieved.

“The Allen Advantage” is the dealership’s promise to its customers and community. Come in and experience “The Allen Advantage” and help Allen Automotive celebrate its 64th year in business.

The Allen Advantage:
Consistent Excellence • Customer Care • Competitive Pricing • Customer Retention • Community Service • Commitment to Values

Allen Family Automotive Group
28332 Camino Capistrano • Laguna Niguel, CA • 949.485.3700 • AllenAutos.com

Dana Point Grand Prix 2011

Gear up for a great weekend of family fun, excitement and cycling action at the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling. This 5th annual event happens Sunday, May 1st at 7:00 a.m. around a dynamic downtown race course in picturesque Dana Point. Over $30,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to participating cyclists from around the country.

One of the most prestigious one-day professional bicycle races in America, the Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling is a family-oriented event promoting healthy lifestyles that also raises money for outstanding charities. This year’s race, the Breakaway from Cancer Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling, supports the Pacific Meso Center at the Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute in Los Angeles.

Overlooking Dana Point Harbor, in the scenic downtown and Heritage Park neighborhood, professional and amateur athletes compete on an exciting technical and challenging L-shaped race course that offers a unique spectator experience for fans and the community. The course begins on Pacific Coast Highway (Del Prado) and winds its way through downtown Dana Point into Heritage Park and the adjoining residential community before finishing on a long straightaway on PCH.

Check out the cyclists as they take a spin on one of the most challenging criterium courses in the country. With 11 amateur and professional races, 6 kids’ races and a new and improved Fan Zone, the Dana Point Grand Prix is sure to be an action-packed day of fun for the whole family. This year, the event also introduces a Kids Zone, featuring bike safety demonstrations, games, contests and vendors for the future cyclists of America.

The 2011 Grand Prix has been selected by USA Cycling as a member of the National Racing Calendar, an exclusive series comprising 34 race events in major U.S. cities representing American Pro/Am bicycle racing at its finest. Dana Point was selected to be part of this exclusive group not only because of its beauty, but because of its proactive community involvement with children and cycling advocacy.

The Vintage Steakhouse
By Amelia Winslow

Step into The Vintage Steakhouse and you’ll be transported to another era. This romantic and charming restaurant, located in downtown San Juan at the 1894 Capistrano Depot, has ambiance and history built-in. Want to dine in a 1927 fully-restored Pullman Car or have a cocktail in an 1887 Freight House Bar? No problem; just climb aboard.

At The Vintage Steakhouse, they do things a little differently, which is why you might have a more enjoyable experience there than at a conventional steakhouse. First, they prepare all of their meats and seafood over an open-fire, mesquite char-broiler, so every dish has a distinct and flavorful taste. Their entrées also come with vegetable and potato sides at no additional charge, so you won’t have to order a bunch of extras just to feel like you’ve had a complete meal. Best of all – besides the quaint setting in which you’ll experience your food – are the prices, which somehow remain low despite the impeccable quality of the food and service.

We sampled so many delicious items at The Vintage Steakhouse that it’s hard to highlight just a few. The featured mushroom appetizer, Abalone mushrooms in wine sauce, was mouth-wateringly good, as were the mesquite goat cheese-stuffed tomatoes. The bone-in smoked pork chop with a red currant demi-glace was also memorable, as were the sweet potato fries and perfectly cooked veggies that accompanied it. For the true meat-lover, the Tomahawk rib eye steak is a must-order if it’s available, as the presentation alone was quite a treat.

Do hold back enough to save room for dessert, since Vintage’s sweet offerings should not be missed. Though we intended to merely taste the warm chocolate cupcake, it’s extraordinarily creamy mint whipped cream and refreshing peppermint ice cream caused us to devour the entire dessert in a matter of moments.

Whether you go for a cocktail, dinner, or decide to host your next event at The Vintage Steakhouse, you’ll be on the right track.

The Vintage Steak House
26701-B Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano • 949.661.3400 • www.TheVintageSteakhouse.com

A CUT ABOVE: The Beveled Edge celebrating 25 years in business
By Shelly T. Hudson

In 2011, you might be hard-pressed to identify an industry that’s been relatively unchanged by technology in the last century. A shining example of how expert craftsmanship and old-fashioned customer care still make all the difference, however, is Norton and Vicki Canterbury’s art glass studio, The Beveled Edge. As many “mom and pop shops” have made way for superstores and big box warehouse chains, The Beveled Edge operates in much the same way as they did in 1986—all custom, all hand-crafted.

Fresh out of the Marine Corps in 1983, Norton took an apprentice position at a stained glass overlay franchise to make ends meet. Three years later, he opened his first studio. Since then, Norton has occupied locations in both San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, with the Canterbury’s settling the business in Laguna Niguel in 2000- where it’s still going strong.

What’s the secret behind The Beveled Edge’s 25 years as a successful, family-owned business? It’s actually no secret at all. Norton and Vicki personally work with each and every customer, guaranteeing their workmanship for a lifetime. When customers approach the Canterburys with a project, the wheels are set in motion for the creation of a one-of-a-kind, fully-custom art piece. While the Beveled Edge specializes in traffic-stopping entry doors, they also design and install elaborate windows, cabinet doors, shower systems and table tops. Each piece of glass is completely hand-crafted.

The design process is collaborative every step of the way. Once Norton and his customer formulate a concept, Vicki creates a full-scale template of the design. After the final design and color scheme are approved, the project is fabricated right at the shop. With 140 years of combined experience among the crew, precision craftsmanship is the standard. The Beveled Edge’s customers enjoy knowing that they are working with the owners of the business directly and that their projects are executed with expertise from conceptualization to installation.

Although most of The Beveled Edge’s business is residential—and from satisfied repeat customers—the Canterburys work frequently with designers and local businesses. Their sophisticated stained glass installations are displayed throughout the area and stunning examples can be seen at the Dana Point City Council offices and JSerra High School’s chapel.

An entryway designed and installed by The Beveled Edge sets a home apart from the rest of the neighborhood, providing distinctive curb appeal and a beautiful exterior focal point. Many larger homes have dark, uninteresting foyers and front entries. The Beveled Edge’s leaded glass designs offer style and flair, allowing natural light to flood the space.

Norton says that the majority of his residential entry projects utilize the homeowner’s existing door(s), translating into an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution. The Beveled Edge will transform any door—even metal and fiberglass doors primarily used in new construction—into functional works of art. In fact, many doors are designed utilizing an existing motif from the home that’s incorporated into the pattern. For example, the curves of a favorite iron table or the geometric shapes of an art deco chandelier may provide the inspiration for the final product. One customer even surprised her golf aficionado husband with a stained glass version of himself on the fairway!

By all accounts, Norton Canterbury is a lucky man. This year, he celebrates 30 years of marriage with Vicki and 25 years in business with The Beveled Edge. He has made his home in Laguna Niguel since 1986 with his wife and three children: Jaime, a professional distance runner residing in Arizona, Jeremy, a senior art degree candidate at UCSB and Paige, a sophomore and track athlete at Dana Hills High School. While many of us might consider slowing down after 25 years, Norton is as eager and enthusiastic about his business as ever. Maybe that’s his edge.

“The Beveled Edge’s creative talent and superior craftsmanship were spectacular at enhancing the beauty of our home’s entryway. The final product improved the look of our entry by 1000%. The full-scale template of the new door and windows was extremely helpful in visualizing the final design. Norton & Vicki are both congenial and a pleasure to work with. We congratulate them on their 25 years in business.” —Tom and Trishia Wood, Laguna Beach

27931 Cabot Road, Suite B • Laguna Niguel • 949.582.1035
TheBeveledEdge.com

Luxe Restaurant and Bar
By Bonnie Small

Dana Point’s dining and nightlife scene has just stepped up a notch! With the opening of Luxe, on the corner of Del Prado and Violet Lantern (in the former location of Purple Feet), your decision about where to go for cocktails, dinner and happy hour has become immeasurably easier.

Luxe’s sophisticated vibe is a welcome addition to the local landscape. A horseshoe shaped bar anchors the center of the restaurant with plentiful bar stools and a full selection of libations. In addition to the tables around Luxe’s perimeter windows, a somewhat more intimate lounge area in the back is furnished with low tables and sofa-style seating, providing the perfect place to catch up with friends and share Luxe’s small plate offerings. For those seeking an al fresco experience, patio seating is also available.

We started with a tasty eggplant flatbread drizzled with garlic aioli and mint. The swordfish brochette was primo – skewered with hunks of red onion, mushrooms and yellow pepper. We also enjoyed the Luxe Ahi Tartare – a yummy stack of finely diced cucumber, ultra-fresh Ahi, topped with an avocado mousse.

Some friends recommended the Jumbo Meatballs and one bite told me they would be on the table every time we visit! Served in a light garlic marinara sauce, these house-made beef spheres were melt-in-your-mouth tender and perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs. We also loved the Stuffed Shrimp (full of lump crab meat and drizzled with a lemony butter sauce) and the petite Filet Mignon served with a duo of fingerling potatoes and braised onions.

In addition to their selection of small plates, Luxe offers sandwiches, salads and dinner portions as well as a cheese plate with fruit and nuts and a bento-box-style Mediterranean Sampler of hummus, roasted eggplant & garlic dip, feta cheese and Kalamata olives.

Luxe’s happy hour is 3-6 p.m. daily, including selected wines at $5-$6 per glass and small plates priced at 2 for $12. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, I’d suggest the Pomegranate Mojito which is swirled with fresh mint and the perfect touch of tart ruby juice.

24582 Del Prado Ave • Dana Point • 949.276.4990
LuxeDanaPoint.com

The Swallows Return

St. Joseph’s Day and the Return of the Swallows celebration takes place on Saturday, March 19th at the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano.

The swallows are said to migrate to Goya, Argentina every October and return to their spring and summer home in San Juan Capistrano each March. The Swallows celebration began centuries ago when Mission Padres observed that the birds’ return roughly coincided with St. Joseph’s Day on the church calendar. The celebration has achieved international prominence since then.

“People from all around the world come to the town of San Juan Capistrano to share in the rich tradition that defines St. Joseph’s Day at Mission San Juan Capistrano,” said Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, Executive Director of the Mission. “We are grateful for our swallows history as a means of welcoming the public and sharing this incredible historic resource with them and to invite the public to take part in all that we have to offer – dances, entertainment, bell ringing, exhibits and the opportunity to connect with family and friends.”

The celebration will include many events and activities, including live music, community presentations, special guest “Swallows Speakers,” Mission Parish school performances, ringing of the historic bells, an official press conference and history of St. Joseph’s Day and the swallows legend.

The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a performance in the front courtyard by Mariachi Capistrano and will continue into the afternoon, concluding with the ringing of the historic bells at 3 p.m.

The day also will feature a Native American dance performance on the Central Courtyard stage beginning at 1 p.m., and later in the afternoon, a lecture by Dr. Charles R. Brown, a professor of Biological Sciences at University of Tulsa who has studied swallows since age 11. On Saturday, March 26th, the celebration continues with the Swallows Day Parade in Downtown San Juan Capistrano beginning at 11 a.m.

18th Annual Wag-A-Thon by Pet Project Foundation

“Bark” your calendars for the 18th annual Wag-A-Thon on Saturday, April 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Pet Project Foundation’s (PPF) “Waggin’ for a New Leash on Life” family event will be the biggest doggie social of the year.

Every dog has its day and this is your four-legged friend’s opportunity to have some tail waggin’ fun. You and your pooch can munch on treats, listen to the sounds of Martin Gerschwitz on keyboard and shop for cool doggie gear. Be sure to meet the celebrity dogs, Chloe and Papi, from Beverley Hills Chihuahua II and sign up for the pet contests that will include: Be a Rock Star, Best Costume and Best Pet Trick. Prizes will be awarded to the top three dogs in each category.

This year, Ted Ondrak of SoCal Herding (www.socalherding.com) will be giving demonstrations with his skillful border collies. These herding dogs are the main attraction at the Queen Mary Scottish Festival and have appeared on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

By participating in the event, you can gather pledges that will directly benefit The San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter. With $75 in pledges, you will receive a Wag sweatshirt with the colorful 2011 logo. Buy My Bikes is donating a beach cruiser bike that will be given to the individual raising the most pledges. Participants collecting $100 or more will be eligible for the grand prize drawing — two nights at the St. Regis Resort & Spa. Visit www.PetProjectFoundation.com to download the pledge form or find it inside the Wag brochure that is distributed throughout the community.

Pet Project Foundation provides countless hours of volunteering and over $300,000 annually for medical care, food, a large percentage of dog trainer and kennel attendant salaries and community spay and neuter programs. Lost and abandoned animals have a second chance at a good life, thanks to the unique partnership between PPF and the Shelter.

All paid event participants will receive a pet themed t-shirt, designed by local artist Heather Ritts (www.abovethereefs.com), and a goodie bag brimming with treats and toys. Sign up by April 23rd and receive a free dog bandanna plus $5 off the admission price of $30.

For more information about the WAG-A-THON or Pet Project Foundation, please visit www.PetProjectFoundation.org or call 949.595.8899