U.S. Reclaimed

After 20 years as a local contractor and craftsman, Ben Bonin saw a need in the marketplace for unique building materials and custom, one-of-a-kind creations that contractors, architects, builders, designers and homeowners were demanding. His woodworking expertise and experience with vintage lumber helped him fill the niche for designs that are anything but cookie-cutter.

Ben, and his wife Bethany, opened U.S. Reclaimed Vintage Lumber & Wood Works in Laguna Niguel just over a year ago to an enthusiastic response. Their set up is part showroom, part lumber store, and part workshop. The racks of reclaimed wood from all over the country are a history lesson waiting to happen. Pulled from structurally unsound buildings like barns, grain mills, factories and homes, each piece has both a time-worn story behind it and a yet-to-be-told story ahead.

Ben’s raw materials are salvaged and repurposed into fresh, new designs such as—doors, mantels, furniture, flooring, ceiling beams, paneling and more. “Getting my hands dirty and building things from scratch is my passion,” says Ben, “I can build anything a customer can imagine.” That seems like a tall order, but clicking through his portfolio seems to prove his point. His work is on display in kitchens, bathrooms, family rooms, dining rooms and home facades all over Orange County, as well as in a variety of commercial applications, including The Cellar in San Clemente. “We don’t really have a ‘typical’ customer. We get a wide variety of people coming through, including contractors, architects, builders, store owners, designers, and DIY homeowners who just want something different.”

“All of our products can be custom milled to a client’s specifications. Each piece is 100% unique, with its own patina, character and charm. It seems the possibilities are endless,” says Ben. He’s been making lots of custom bathroom vanities and sliding barn-style doors lately, and, of course, customers continue to come from near and far for the distinctive flooring options. Ben estimates his reclaimed materials range from pre-1900 to 1930’s old-growth, mixed American soft and hardwoods.

Born and raised in San Juan Capistrano, Ben is a true local. He and Bethany are raising their three kids, aged kindergarten through junior high, to appreciate the gifts the community has to offer. It’s important to them to keep their business “mom and pop” and client-focused. “I’d love to eventually expand my product line and possibly work toward becoming a customer’s one-stop shop for woodworking. Right now, though, I’m happy doing custom projects and enjoying the creativity and challenge this opportunity has brought me. Seeing the special character of 200-year-old wood come to life as beautiful flooring or a family dining table is the best reward.”

The tagline for the operation is “reclaiming the U.S. piece-by-piece,” and customers find inspiration in strolling the aisles and seeing the incredible variety of color, wood species and tactile features. Lisa Martin, a frequent U.S. Reclaimed client, has customized her home with Ben’s help. “Ben and his team are professional, creative and extremely patient,” explains Lisa. “He values my business and takes pride and ownership in his work. I love being able to hand pick each piece for my projects. My flooring and kitchen island are beautiful, timeless and indestructible! Now I’m working on a fireplace mantel, shelving and a huge custom chalkboard. I find the products and shopping experience addictive.”

When they’re not traveling the country collecting aged lumber, antique hardware and other treasures, Ben and Bethany are helping clients realize their visions. Come by the shop, located off the 5 Freeway at Avery Parkway, or check out the super cool website to find photos of finished projects, raw materials and “before and afters” to catch a glimpse of the old buildings before and during deconstruction.

Take a behind the scenes look at The Local Dish Magazine’s November Cover Photo Shoot!

 

Hennessey’s – San Juan Capistrano
By Krissy V.

With locations from San Diego to the South Bay, Hennessey’s has grown from its first casual coastal location in Hermosa Beach to an expansive chain of ten taverns throughout California’s beach cities and into Las Vegas. Its successful recipe is now being served up atHennessey’s Tavern in historic San Juan Capistrano to an enthusiastic crowd of newcomers and loyal followers.

Hennessey’s take on the traditional Irish pub is the brainchild of its founder and namesake Paul Hennessey. This former stock trader has definitely enjoyed the luck o’ the Irish when it comes to the restaurant industry. Paul opened the company’s first location back in 1976 on Hermosa Beach’s Pier Avenue at a time when the beach enclave was much more sleepy and laid-back. Hennessey’s Tavern, Inc. now includes ten taverns, H.T. Grill, The Wine Bistro, Mickie Finnz, LVCS, and the legendary Lighthouse Café — located a few doors down from the original tavern’s footprint.

In August of this year, Hennessey’s Tavern San Juan Capistrano opened doors across from the Mission on Camino Capistrano. The brand’s newest restaurant has that expectedly familiar pub atmosphere along with a spacious outdoor patio — complete with full bar, flat screen TVs and plenty of cozy seating.

Having had the pleasure of sipping a pint or two at several of its properties, I’m no stranger to what keeps guests coming back. The warm and friendly staff, consistently delicious and reasonably priced fare, and flowing drinks have certainly contributed to its success, but Paul Hennessey has brilliantly managed to create an inviting gathering place where friends and families can simply relax. Hennessey’s perfect blend of ingredients that draws customers in for an unhurried breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks have stood the test of time for close to 40 years.

One thing’s for certain, there’s always something happening at Hennessey’s. $5 freshly squeezed juice cocktails, early bird dinners for $10.95 (served all day), and $15 tasting flights are all offered daily. Monday through Friday happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. includes too many fantastic $5 food and drink specials to list. Stop in for 2-4-1 burgers and breakfast entrées on Two Timin’ Tuesdays and 50% off bottles of wine on Wine Up Wednesdays. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays for Hennessey’s famous $4 hand-made Bloody Mary’s until 1 p.m. and $20 champagne buckets with freshly squeezed juices ‘til 5 p.m.

Dana Point Oktoberfest – 2015
Saturday, October 10th

October brings an encore presentation of Orange County’s highly anticipated Oktoberfest. Grab your family and hang-worthy friends and make the short jaunt to Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point!

In previous years, South Orange County has been devoid of a local Oktoberfest celebration that it could call its own. Given the success of last year’s inaugural Dana Point Oktoberfest, things have changed. The excitement surrounding this year’s event is beyond anyone’s expectations. Enthusiastic participants from last year and eager first-timers have made promises to come early and stay late.

How can one resist the smell of freshly baked, doughy pretzels, or of plump, handcrafted artisan sausages being slowly roasted over an open flame? The sounds of cheering and laughter while dancers merrily tap their heels makes you want to swiftly grab the closest stein of Oktoberfest beer and join in the festivities. Get in touch with your inner Bavarian for the day! The celebration starts on Saturday, October 10th at 12 p.m. and continues through the evening until 7 p.m.

Oktoberfest organizer EventWerks has high hopes of making this free event a staple in the local community for years to come. EventWerks has been responsible for presenting several fun-filled events in the area, including the Dana Point Food, Wine & Music Festival, the California Celtic Classic, the Orange County Seafood Festival and the Taste of Doheny. EventWerks has also collaborated with the City of Dana Point to enhance elements of the Dana Point Summer Concert Series and the Dana Point State BBQ Championships. The EventWerks team is no stranger to understanding the desire to enjoy an incredible local venue mixed with outdoor activities, entertainment and the correct dosage of great food and drinks.

Event fare will include bratwursts, German pretzels, German potato salad, sauerkraut and many more Bavarian-style items. German beer (including five types of Spaten, the granddaddy of Oktoberfest beers), European and other craft brews will be pouring generously throughout this festive day. Themed games, a spectacular outdoor venue and cheery décor make the perfect combination for a fantastic local outing.

Free parking can be found along Niguel Road and Stonehill Drive. From there, it’s a short walk to the event through the Stonehill Drive Gate Entrance.

For more information regarding the Dana Point Oktoberfest, its flavors, parking, shuttle service, trolley schedule and more, visit DanaPointOktoberfest.com.

 
San Juan Capistrano Greek Festival
September 25th – 27th

The three-day festival, sponsored by Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church, returns to San Juan Capistrano on Friday, September 25 and runs through Sunday, September 27. Guests will enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, live Greek music, traditional Greek dancing, specialty shopping at the bazaar and kid-friendly activities.

The menu will feature various Greek delicacies including gyros, souvlaki, lamb chops, spanakopita and Greek salad, as well as delicious pastries like baklava and kourambiethes (powdered sugar butter cookies) to accompany a delicious Greek coffee or iced coffee frappe. The festival also offers a Taverna with a sports bar twist – equipped with big screen TVs where guests can enjoy domestic favorites as well as Greek beer, wine and ouzo.

The Greek word “Kefi” means the spirit of joy, fun and a passion for life. You will have the opportunity to experience this part of Greek culture at the festival as you dance to live music. Don’t worry; lessons are provided and within seconds you will be expressing your Kefi with shouts of “Opa!” The Saint Basil dance troupe will also perform traditional dances in costume representing different regions of Greece.

This year’s exhibits will showcase costumed dolls from the many areas of Greece as well as a chance to win some great raffle prizes. For those interested in art, iconographer Father Michael Courey will unveil and discuss two Byzantine icons to be used for Saint Basil’s Church. These icons were recently featured at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles as part of his lecture and demonstration.

Festival hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. Saint Basil’s Church is located at 27129 Calle Arroyo, near the 74 Ortega Highway exit in San Juan Capistrano.

For more information on the Greek Festival, please visit sjcgreekfest.org.

Discovery Cube Orange County’s Newest Exhibit!

All roads lead to Santa Ana as Discovery Cube Orange County opens Hot Wheels™: Race to Win™. This new family exhibit will get you revved up with immersive activities for three generations of Hot Wheels® fans. Hot Wheels: Race to Win debuts on September 19, 2015 and the pit stop continues through January 3, 2016.

Be part of a dynamic race team working together to build and test the fastest (and safest) speed machines on the planet, using Hot Wheels die-cast cars to experiment and play. This behind-the-scenes look at the thrilling world of racing investigates the scientific process for designing super-fast cars and helps families who have the need for speed understand how it is achieved.

“Generations of children have enjoyed the thrill and speed of racing with Hot Wheels, and this new interactive exhibit now brings families together to learn what brings racing to life in a fun and memorable way,” shares Julie Freeland, Senior Director, Global Live Events & Attractions, Mattel.

Children and Families will love the Pit Stop Challenge in which they can race the clock – and their family and friends – to change tires and refuel the car. A 6-lane downhill speed track, booster power track, adjustable angles track, and timing track are just a few of the ways visitors will be able to test their theories regarding the science of racing and cause and effect. Real race car parts, authentic artifacts, and captivating memorabilia will round out the experience.

Introduced by Mattel in 1968, the “tricked-out” toy cars have come a long way (both in the die-cast and life-size varieties). More than 800 models and 11,000 variations of Hot Wheels cars have been created and more than 4 billion Hot Wheels die-cast cars have been sold.

Don’t miss the opportunity to push the limits of your imagination and learn about the world of racing in this all-new exhibit.

Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N Main Street, Santa Ana
714.542.2823 • DiscoveryCube.org

Dana Point State Barbeque Championships
Friday, October 3rd

If you are the wizard of your backyard grill, then it’s time for you to head down to Dana Point and meet your masters. The 4th Annual City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championships returns October 3 to beautiful Sea Terrace Park. This event will offer melt-in-your-mouth delights with a smorgasbord of meats barbequed to perfection. BBQ teams will spend tremendous time preparing and creating dishes that will whet your appetite and satisfy your palate. Fans of hops and barley will be happy to know they can quench their thirst at the returning Beer Festival, a special section full of craft beers from independent breweries.

The City of Dana Point continues to do its part to support local charities. This year, a portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Dana Point 5th Regiment Marines Support Group, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and The VFW(Veterans of Foreign War). The Dana Point State BBQ Championship will also kick-off the holiday toy collection effort for Toys for Tots. Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the BBQ to help underprivileged children this holiday season.

The City of Dana Point State Barbeque Championship serves as the West Coast’s biggest BBQ competition, with over 100 of the top teams from California, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona competing for a slice of $30,000 in prize money. USA Today boasts that this competition is “one of the 6 must-attend BBQ events in the nation.” With reputation and cash on the line, patrons are sure to reap the delicious benefits of this heated rivalry. Start your engines BBQ enthusiasts, and be there to witness an epic battle in the categories of chicken, ribs, brisket, and pork. Not to mention, a special “Dessert” category is now part of the competition to sweeten your culinary experience.

A wide variety of beer stands will be positioned throughout the venue with beer by the glass served for just $6. Beer sampling opportunities will also be available in the Beer Festival area where enthusiasts can choose between the finest ales, lagers and stouts to wash down all of the BBQ competitors’ savory creations. Ask for the brewmaster’s recommendations to create a perfect pairing for the sweet, spicy and smoky meats available at the competition. Or, throw caution to the wind and conjure up your own coupling of food and drink to satisfy your individual penchant.

If you’re feeling a little weighty after all those barbeque tasters and ales, live musical entertainment will allow you to dance off all of those extra calories consumed at the festival. Stroll through the Vendor Village, or let your little ones explore the many kid-friendly activities and attractions.

Admission as always is free. You can purchase full plates of food directly from a variety of vendors or you may opt for $2 samples, if you’d prefer to fill your belly nibbling on a host of BBQ delights.

There will be free shuttle service for you and your group from Dana Hills High School starting at 9 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Complimentary parking will also be available along Stonehill Drive and Niguel Road, as well as at Salt Creek Beach. Circle your calendar for the first Saturday in October and check out DanaPointBBQChampionships.com for all the details.

MemorialCare Medical Group

MemorialCare Medical Group’s San Juan Capistrano office was recently relocated to the beautiful new San Juan Health Center at 31001 Rancho Viejo Road, Suite 200 near Marbella Plaza. The brand new 25,000 square-foot office offers internal medicine, family medicine and pediatrics and serves as a “one-stop-shop” for the families in San Juan Capistrano and its surrounding communities. Lab, digital imaging services, and a Coumadin Clinic are available onsite.

“With San Juan Capistrano’s and the area’s continued growth, it was imperative for us to relocate to a new state-of-the-art facility that meets the health care needs of the community,” says George Karapetian, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Medical Group-San Juan Capistrano. “With our dedicated team of medical professionals and onsite lab and imaging services, we can efficiently and effectively deliver high quality health care to local residents.”

Fall is when many companies hold open enrollment and Medicare Annual Election Period starts October 15 and runs through December 7. This is the optimal time to choose your doctor and to consider a health plan that includes MemorialCare Medical Group.

Choose Well, Choose MemorialCare Medical Group
Choosing the right doctor is one of the most important healthcare decisions you will make. The quality of health care you receive can depend largely on the doctor you choose. So how do you go about choosing the right doctor for you? Take into account the following to make the most informed decision for you and your family:

“They All Say They’re Good Doctors, So How Do I Know Who Is The Best For Me?”
As with anything new, you should research and ask questions about the doctor you’re considering. Recommendations from family and friends are a good place to start. For objective fact-based information, look to unbiased sources.

Independent, third-party organizations such as Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) and the Office of the Patient Advocate (OPA) of California, among others, routinely survey patients, publishing service and quality of care ratings on physicians and physician groups. Visit their websites to investigate the scores and grades given to the physicians.

The MemorialCare Medical Group Difference
MemorialCare Medical Group doctors take time with you and listen to you while offering all of the services and conveniences you should expect from your provider. Most HMO and PPO insurance plans are accepted. To schedule an appointment, call (949) 661-9600.

MemorialCare Medical Group, an affiliate of MemorialCare Health System, is comprised of nearly 220 physicians specializing in internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, select specialists, surgeons and urgent care. Caring for patients of all ages, MemorialCare Medical Group has 30 locations in Orange County and the Greater Long Beach area. Year after year, MemorialCare Medical Group has been honored as one of the Top Performing Medical Groups in California by Integrated Healthcare Association (IHA) and has been designated as “Elite” Status by the California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG).

For a physician referral,
call (866) 276-3627 or visit
MemorialCare.org/MedicalGroup

MemorialCare Medical Group
31001 Rancho Viejo Rd, Suite 200
San Juan Capistrano

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180blũ – Decked Out
By Shelley Hudson

Perched above Salt Creek Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is an oceanfront paradise that’s difficult to beat in South Orange County. Named for the 180° view of the Pacific, 180blũ is the summer spot for locals, jetsetters, families, and tourists alike. Although you may come across the occasional begowned bride traipsing through the hotel lobby, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to visit. 180blu is an any-day-of-the-week destination for business meetings, leisurely lunches, relaxing happy hours or romantic dinners. As you drink in the multi-million dollar view and a beverage or two, it’s evident that life rarely gets much better.

180blu’s creative slate of craft cocktails, extensive wine list and mouth-watering menu options add to the lounge’s already near-perfect vibe and spectacular views. It’s easy to get swept away by the surf and sun while casually chatting with friends on a comfy sofa or as you gaze out at the coastline with that special someone. Before you know it, you’re clearing your calendar for the rest of the day and watching a breathtaking sunset while listening to live music.

I met a girlfriend at 180blũ to enjoy a long-overdue chatfest over cocktails and crashing waves. We sipped a fresh Peach Bellini and an Ultimate Margarita (served iced-cold and straight up) while we decided on a few small plates to sample. We took our delightful server Niki’s recommendation and went with Lobster Tacos, Spicy Tuna and Wild Mushroom Huarache.

The tacos were as adorable as they were delicious. Served in little tortilla envelopes secured with tiny clothespins and generously stuffed with fresh lobster, black bean purée, chile salsa, avocado and cilantro, the serving of four was easily shareable and hearty. The Spicy Tuna was also a hit. The ahi was drizzled with wasabi-pea aioli and eel sauce and served atop a crispy sushi rice round. The result was crunchy, spicy and salty goodness.

My hands-down favorite was the Wild Mushroom Huarache, which took the form of a decadent flatbread. The cornmeal crust was layered with a variety of nutty, earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, black beans, creamy goat cheese and truffle oil. The combination blended seamlessly, but each flavor was distinct. This one is sized for sharing, too, if you can stand it.

180blũ is the perfect place to be on Friday and Saturday evenings, with high-quality, rolled-to-order sushi on the deck with acoustic guitar to sweeten the scene. Taco Tuesday is just plain better here, too. Chef Steve Wan elevates the classic street taco to a gourmet level—think tequila chicken, cojita cheese and pumpkin seed pesto. Add Partida tequila flights to the mix, and what could go wrong?

180blũ even caters to your canines! A monthly Yappy Hour cocktail party for dogs and their best friends on the Dana Lawn benefits theWounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions. Be sure to watch The Local Dish calendar for doggie-friendly holiday events at 180blũ also.

One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point
949.240.2000
RitzCarlton.com/Laguna180blu

Faith. Intellect. Character.

Founded in 2003 and coming into the 10th anniversary of its first graduating class, JSerra has established itself within South Orange County as an exceptional academic institution. Each year JSerra’s dedicated staff and faculty look for new ways to innovate the learning process, continually increasing its competitive edge in the classroom, out on the field, and after graduation.

Starting this fall, JSerra’s Artist-in-Residence program will officially join the already impressive collection of professional magnet programs, bringing the total to five: Medical, Business,Engineering, Law, and now Arts. Students can choose either the Visual or Performing Arts track and specialize in their respective area of interest, such as theater, dance, choir,instrumental, and more. The new status as a magnet will help grow the arts program even further, especially after such a successful 2014 -15 year full of awards and recognitions, including seven Gold Key Awards, two national 2015 Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards, top 10 vocalist for OC’s Artist of the Year, and 121 winning pieces in the Imagination Celebration and the Laguna Beach Art Festival (the most in the county).

This summer also saw the launch of a brand new middle school program called Lion Engage, a hands-on summer camp that allowed students entering grades 6-8 to dive into experiential learning. Participants had the option of choosing up to four different camps over the course of two weeks, such as medical and engineering, business, law, guitar, studio art, film/TV, vocal performance, theater, and more. The program was a huge success with over 120 campers from more than 30 different middle schools.

JSerra’s Athletic Department has earned its own reputation for excellence. The impressive on-campus facilities are among the best in the country and feature a 2,000-seat gym, an Olympic-class aquatics center, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, softball, and football fields, tennis courts, track, sand volleyball courts, and an expansive, multi-use fitness center. Student athletes can compete at the top of their game with access to first-rate equipment and the support of a dedicated coaching staff. Varsity football coach Jim Hartigan and girls swim coach Kevin Clements both earned titles as 2015 Coach of the Year. Varsity baseball was ranked number one in the state and number three in the country, and athletics as a whole made several CIF play off appearances, won Trinity League championships, and made school history in various sports.

The academic, athletic, and artistic achievements are something to applaud, and JSerra attributes its success to its core values. “All of our efforts are geared toward nurturing the character and cultivating the faith of our young women and men,” asserts Headmaster Rich Meyer. “Our ultimate success will be measured by the kinds of fathers, mothers, and citizens they become.” With an impressive 85% AP pass rate for 2015, rising SAT and ACT scores, and 80% of students playing a sport, it might be difficult to imagine your typical JSerra student having time for much else. However, the school offered two additional mission trips to Peru because of demand (approximately 85 students served abroad), the campus ministry office offered ten retreats which had the most participants in school history, and teachers and students came together to form discipleship groups and identity formation discussions in order to meet the growing demand for character-building in our society.

Needless to say, JSerra Catholic High School has much to celebrate this year. To top it off, the patron of the school, Junipero Serra – a Franciscan friar, supporter of education, and founder of California – will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis during his visit to the U.S. in September. As the school continues to provide the very best in Catholic high school education, it will be exciting to see where it goes next.

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