Dana Point Food, Wine and Muisc Festival

An eclectic mix of delectables, libations and melodies await you at the 2nd Annual Dana Point Food, Wine and Music Festival, presented by Orange Coast FIAT. The event returns to Sea Terrace Park in Dana Point on Saturday, June 21st. Admission is free. This day of fun in the sun has something for everyone.

Various musicians will entertain the masses throughout the day. Amazing piano players will tinkle the ivories in the wine festival area, jazz percussionists will provide atmosphere in the food festival area, and several string musicians and DJs will be entertaining the crowds throughout the festival.

A number of local restaurants will be in attendance, providing samples of their most tempting dishes. Dana Point will be represented by Choya Japanese Cuisine, Shwack Beach Grill and Stillwater. Laguna Niguel’s Savannah Chophouse, Chaparosa Grill and Bistro K are serving up grub for the masses. Inka Mama’s will be sampling Peruvian cuisine while El Adobe de Capistrano and Casa Ranchero will offer some Mexican favorites. Private Chef Mumsie and OC’s Rock ‘n Roll Chef will demonstrate their culinary skills. Restaurants are joining the event continuously, so check out the website to see the latest additions.

If you are on more of a liquid diet, then you definitely will want to partake in the international wines. Old World meets New World, with wines from France, Italy, Spain and Germany complementing the varietals from California, New Zealand, Argentina and Australia. Over thirty breweries representing more than 60 brands will be pouring their hops and barley masterpieces throughout the day. Stella Artois will have a special lounge area in the beer garden. Hand crafted cocktails will also be in abundance, along with a champagne bar.

Stroll through the exhibitor village, with over one hundred vendors sharing their wares. The festival’s Art in the Park will display wonderful works from artisans, both local and beyond. Street performers will provide lots of smiles in and around the park. For all you cigar lovers, Payne-Mason will be offering Cuban cigar rolling presentations. Pick up a fresh stogie right from the master’s hand.

The Food, Wine and Music Festival sells Gold and Silver passes in advance of the event. Gold passes provide VIP access with a host of amenities that include unlimited beer and wine sampling, full glasses in the VIP area, a delicious lunch or dinner by Chef Mumsie, private bars, upgraded restrooms and more. Gold passes are just $60 in advance or $80 at the event (limited tickets available). Silver passes also offer unlimited beer and wine sampling opportunities and are just $40 in advance and $50 at the festival (limited tickets available). See the website to purchase passes in advance.

Visit FoodWineAndMusicFestival.com for all updated festival information.

2011 San Clemente Ocean Festival
The Greatest Show on Surf

San Clemente Ocean Festival is coming to a beach near you on July 16th and 17th. Each year, tens of thousands of beachgoers attend this annual event featuring water-based activities ranging from standup paddleboard surfing championships and a fishing derby to ocean swims and body surfing championships.

For those preferring to stay grounded, a variety of activities for all ages also awaits at the festival. Landlubbers can enjoy the 18th annual woody car exhibit, the ocean art show, The Great Rubber Duck Race and a beach party & free concert featuring A Bunch of Guys. Kids can participate in the revelry with carnival games, face painting, crafts, the Discovery Science Center, kids’ dolphin dash beach run, a children’s fishing clinic and much more.

All in all, whatever your age, interest or skill level, there is sure to be something for you at the festival. “Our goal is to maintain a quality event, attracting both novice and world-class athletes at a venue for them to enjoy with their friends and families, creating lasting memories and passing on traditions,” says Peggy Vance, Executive Director.

The event got its start back in 1975 with a group of lifeguards who envisioned a series of beach games for the general public. Now celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Ocean Festival is designed to combine ocean awareness with safe, healthy competition and recreational activities. It has become a respected tradition for the local community.

A portion of the proceeds from the San Clemente Ocean Festival benefit local charities that strive to make a difference in our community. The celebration raises funds for charities such as the Jr. Lifeguard program, Adopt-a-Class at the Ocean Institute, The Mentor Program at the Boys & Girls Club and for high school scholarships. “It’s fun and it’s all for a good cause,” shares Todd Bryant, the event’s President. “It’s great to bring the community together. It’s the best event we have in San Clemente. We’re just trying to put on a really great show that everyone can enjoy.”

Take advantage of hassle-free parking. A complimentary, round trip shuttle service will be running from San Clemente High School to the Ocean Festival and back on Saturday, July 16th from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Sunday, July 17th from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Date: July 16th-17th

Admission: FREE

Register: scof2011.eventbrite.com

Schedule/Info: oceanfestival.org or call 949.440.6141

Positively Peruvian
By Bonnie Small

If your bucket list includes exploring the cuisines of the world, you’ll want to head over to the new Inka Mama’s restaurant in San Clemente’s Talega Village Center to peruse some delicious and authentic Peruvian classics!

I definitely recommend starting off with a glass of Inka Mama’s house-made sangria. They offer both red and white versions, made either with merlot or pinot grigio, splashed with fruit juices and garnished with frozen diced green and red apples, nectarines, pears and oranges.

As your Sangria arrives, so will a basket of sliced French baguette and a small jar of jade green Aji – Inka Mama’s house-made, super-addictive sauce made from pureed Serrano chilies and lettuce! This spread has both deep flavor and a kick (butter is provided for less adventurous diners). Long after our bread was gone, we splashed the Aji on our plates with reckless abandon!

With a vast Pacific coastline, Peruvian cuisine incorporates seafood into many of their traditional dishes. The Ceviche – available with either mixed seafood or sashimi-style slices of Alaskan cod – is marinated in lime juice, yellow pepper puree and ginger and then tossed with sliced red onion, cilantro and Peruvian corn nuts called “cancha.”

Topping our list was Inka Mama’s house specialty – Estofado – where thinly sliced medallions of beef are quickly sautéed and then simmered in a sauce made from slowly braised red onions, garlic and cilantro. Another favorite, Arroz con Mariscos, (similar to Spanish Paella, minus the saffron) is rice steeped in a mild brew of water, beer and cilantro and then tossed together with shellfish and spices.

Lomo Saltado is the national dish of Peru and Inka Mama’s turns out a great version of this classic! Strips of top sirloin steak are browned and then sautéed with tomato wedges, sliced onion and French fries and then served with a delicious “au jus” made right in the pan.

For dessert, we selected Sweet Francesca – a crepe filled with fried plantains and caramel sauce and served with Lucuma ice cream (Lucuma is a mild tasting “egg fruit” grown in the Andes.) Que Rico!

INKA MAMA’S in Talega Village Center
821 Via Suerte, #4 • San Clemente • 949. 369 .6262 • InkaMamas.com

Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante
By Bonny Small

If you haven’t visited downtown San Juan Capistrano lately, it’s worth the drive to marvel at the amazing restoration and revitalization. With the opening of the new Regency Theatre, the heart of downtown had a need for additional options for hungry movie-goers. One astonishing highlight is the renovation of the retail space directly below Ruby’s on the corner of Camino Capistrano and Verdugo Street. What had once been a mixture of small stores and quirky walkways is now beautifully unified and reborn as Vito’s Pizza & Italian Ristorante.

Vito’s is family-owned and new to California, but their successful sister restaurant in Mesa, Arizona has given them plenty of time to develop a smooth operation. The owners are very hands-on (you may even see Vito chatting with customers in the dining room) and the staff is very friendly and welcoming.

Fresh rolls and pesto butter will greet you at the table – for apps try the fried calamari which is lightly battered, sprinkled with chile flakes and served with a creamy Cajun sauce. The bruschetta is lightly toasted, mounded with diced tomatoes and fresh basil and then finished with a drizzle of balsamic reduction. So tasty!

From there, the sky’s the limit – get the Piccata with your choice of veal, salmon, or chicken (served with spaghetti and a lemon and caper sauce) or create your own pizza on Vito’s Chicago-style thin crust. Vito’s homemade tiramisu – with a light, fluffy mascarpone layer – was a favorite at our table!

Vito’s lunch specials start at just $7 and a slice of pizza, salad and soda are easy on the wallet at a mere $8.50! They also offer a gluten-free menu, featuring both pasta and pizza, as well as a variety of salads. Kids eat for $1.99 on Sundays, and make sure to stop in on Mondays for “All You Can Eat Pasta.” More good news, Vito’s will soon begin offering home delivery for those staying home to watch movies on DVD!

31781 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
949. 481.8300
VitosPizza.com

Active Culture
By Shelley T. Hudson

In a restored 1920’s Spanish building on South Coast Highway, Faye Clapp and her sister-in-law Jennifer Clapp fulfilled their dream of opening a café that focuses on organic natural foods. Faye and Jennifer named the business “Active Culture” both as a reference to the vibrant, bustling community of Laguna Beach and as a nod to one of their specialty items.

The women worked with well-known local architect Anders Lasater to restore the historic site to its original glory. The group took advantage of the city’s “Open for Business” initiative to get the project going. The year-long process was worth the wait and according to Faye, “the response from the community has been overwhelming.”

Active Culture’s mostly organic menu answers the demand for a healthy, quick, delicious alternative to the fast food joints and sandwich shops that dominate the local landscape. Faye’s enthusiasm for fresh, natural ingredients and healthy cooking is reflected in the extensive and varied menu. Her commitment to eco-consciousness is practiced right down to the spoon as well. Most of the disposable items are made from recycled materials and the plastic utensils are made from a corn starch compound….so you have many reasons to feel good about your meal.

Active Culture opens early for breakfast, which is great news for surfers and morning walkers. The breakfast bowls are an ideal start to a productive day. The “Acai Bowl,” packed with Greek yogurt, acai, organic granola, flaxseed, banana and berries is one of the most popular. Fresh bagels served open-faced with almond butter and bananas or cream cheese and avocado are also perfect combinations of healthy fats and muscle-building protein…and they’re scrumptious.

A hit for lunch and dinner, Active Culture’s rice bowls are offered in a ton of interesting combinations. The “Laguna Beach Bowl” has a base of organic brown rice, goat cheese, prosciutto, apples, dates and fresh herbs. The best seller, Faye says, is the “Whole Bowl,” which features a secret vegan sauce. Wrap versions of the bowls are also available, in organic tortillas, of course.

Faye is especially proud of their unique take on an old favorite—the smoothie. All smoothies are non-dairy and have a frozen coconut base. The “Chocolate Bliss,” made with almond milk, and the “Naked Coconut” are local stand-outs. Even the coffee is distinctive at Active Culture. Only organic, fair-trade Kean Coffee is served here, and the droves of morning devotees are a testament to the difference!

With ten frozen yogurt options and over thirty toppings, your favorite combo is only limited by your imagination. The half-organic yogurts are primarily non-fat (also available in no-sugar and non-dairy varieties), all with the important live and active cultures that make frozen yogurt a healthy snack or dessert. The frozen yogurt is self-serve, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you like.

Faye attributes the success of Active Culture to overwhelming community support. She’s proud to have earned the loyalty of so many “regulars” since she and her partner opened the doors in November. Faye is also grateful for the droves of tourists who stumble in from the local galleries and beaches in search of quintessential “Southern California.”

Check out Active Culture on your next summer stroll and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal or frozen yogurt. Take in an art exhibit, bask in the warm sun, gaze out at the ocean view…and enjoy!

Active Culture: 1006 S. Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach Corner of Anita and PCH 949.715.5188

San Clemente Fiesta Street Festival
By Shelley T. Hudson

Bring the whole family to Avenida Del Mar on Sunday, August 14th, for the 58th Annual Fiesta Street Festival in San Clemente. This summer tradition is an all day event, starting at 9:00 a.m. and finishing with the last band at 7:00 p.m. A full schedule of children’s activities, live entertainment, arts and crafts and cooking (and eating!) contests are planned for this year’s Fiesta, which is sure to draw a huge crowd.

Kids.
Start your day early with the little ones, and enjoy a bevy of kid-friendly activities, including jump houses, rides, games, face-painting and a petting zoo. Roaming balloon artists, jugglers and clowns will be on hand to keep them entertained all day.

Contests.
Older kids (and much, much older kids) with a competitive spirit may want to get in on the action and join the jump rope contest, diaper derby, hula hoop contest, egg hunt, tortilla toss and piñata whacking contest. If you bring your iron stomach and a pocket full of antacids, sign up for the Baskin-Robbins ice cream-eating, pie-eating, pickle-eating or Cassano’s pizza-eating contests.

Music.
The action kicks up a notch in the afternoon with live music thumping throughout downtown and the estimated 35,000 attendees out in force. Music and live entertainment are a key component of the festival with three stages hosting a full schedule of bands. Headliners this year will include perennial party band Flock of 80s, Journey tribute band Don’t Stop Believin’, Alter Ego, Neon Nation and Jann Browne. Additional bands featured at the 2011 Fiesta Street Festival include The Cholulas, Steel Toed Slipperss, ocVertigo, Orange Solutions, The Badfooters, Nail Drivers, All up in There, The Dreams, Lessons from Zeke, Sea Cure, Rod & the Pistons and Lucidiom. Live performances from the San Clemente Dance & Performing Arts Center, the Boys & Girls Dance Troupe and the Solid Hip Hop Dance Crew round out the stage entertainment.

More!
Art enthusiasts can peruse the arts and crafts show, which will feature hand-crafted merchandise from talented Southern California artists. A variety of international food vendors will keep foodies intrigued and the annual Salsa Challenge contest will be back and hotter than ever, featuring competitions for both restaurants and amateurs. A Classic Car and Motorcycle Show will draw motorheads from near and far as well. This extravaganza truly features something for everyone!

TO LEARN MORE: 949.492.1131or visit scchamber.com

Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
Come along for the ride as world champion cowboys compete in America’s richest rodeo. Forone weekend only, the nation’s top rodeo cowboys, including numerous current World Champions, will be riding into San Juan Capistrano to compete in the 11th Annual Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo.

On Saturday and Sunday, August 27th and 28th, some of the best rodeo action in the nation will take place as more than 30 champions compete in each of the following events: bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and team roping. In addition to the competition, attendees will be invited to enjoyold-fashioned family fun with games, music, an evening concert with dancing and more than 50 vendors. Proceeds from the rodeo will benefit local charitable organizations.

“We attract the world’s best cowboys to San Juan Capistrano, year after year,” says Gilbert Aguirre, Rodeo Committee President. “Champion cowboys rarely miss a Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo and will be competing once again this year. We feel honored to have the opportunity to host these champions and many others in one of the best rodeo venues available!”

Sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA), the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo has earned a reputationas “the place to be” every August. Cowboys will compete for their share of the $200,000 purse as they try to secure a spot at the National Finals Rodeo, held every December in Las Vegas.

“Hosting the Rodeo is our way of sharing our tremendous Western heritage with our South County neighbors,” adds Aguirre. “The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo allows us to keep the cowboy culture alive while honoring the old cowboy tradition of ‘passing the hat’ in support of a family in need.”

This “passingof the hat” tradition is alive and well, as proceeds for this year’s Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo will, once again, benefit local charities. Last year, the Rodeo surpassed the $1 million mark in contributions.Proceeds from the Rodeo benefited Camino Health Center and The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, both based in San Juan Capistrano.

The Rodeo is an important part of the legacy of the Rancho Mission Viejo landholdings, which has been under the stewardship of the O’Neill/Avery/Moiso family since 1882. It will take place at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park at San Juan Capistrano, located at the intersection of Ortega Highway and Antonio Parkway and La Pata, along the western border of Rancho Mission Viejo in South Orange County.

For more info: RMVRodeo.com or RanchoMissionViejo.com

Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen
By Amelia Winslow

Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen, located in the Marbella Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, is the perfect casual neighborhood eatery. Bring the kids without worry, catch the big game over an ice-cold beer or just nosh on down-home Italian food. No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it at Mr. B’s.

As you would expect from any good family-friendly Italian restaurant, Mr B.’s offers a large menu filled with classic dishes that suit any taste. Salads, hot and cold sandwiches, pasta, pizza, as well as traditional entrees and desserts are all available on the extensive menu.

For dinner, my friends and I enjoyed a couple of pizzas – the Godfather, which was loaded with a hearty blend of meats, cheese and peppers over a spicy red sauce – and the Margherita, a lighter option topped with ripe chopped tomatoes and plenty of fresh basil. We also sampled some of their popular entrees: the Shrimp Capri, which boasted perfectly cooked shrimp tossed with veggies and linguine; the Chicken Parmigiana, a classic take on an old favorite and the Sausage & Peppers, whose fantastic flavor was in part due to the addition of homemade (really!) sausage.

To top off our meal, we indulged in a piece of Spumoni ice cream pie and a delicious chocolate chip cannoli. If you dine on a Friday or Saturday, definitely try their famous chocolate cake, which is only available on weekends.

In addition to a wide food selection, Mr. B’s offers a full bar menu, complete with your favorite cocktails, seriously cold draft beers and a variety of delicious wines. They also have plenty of flat-screen TVs as well as a large party room available for private events. So whether you’re looking for a new dining spot for the family or a venue to host your next gathering, Mr. B’s is the place.

Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen
31111 Rancho Viejo Rd. • San Juan Capistrano • 949. 240.8100 • MrBsPizza.com

Sawdust Art Festival
By Shelley T. Hudson

Our sunny Southern California summer is well underway and that can only mean one thing—the artists at the Sawdust Art Festival’s Summer Show are ready to knock our socks off! This year’s festival promises to be as exciting and varied as ever, with over 200 exhibitors displaying their fine art and craft and creating their passions right before our eyes.

The 2011 Sawdust Art Festival marks the 45th anniversary of this celebrated event, which began in 1965 as a vehicle to promote and support local artists and educate the public. True to its origins, the festival hosts artists who all live and work in Laguna Beach. They show off their talents in a wide variety of mediums, including hand-blown glasswork, fused glass, painting, jewelry, wood and metal sculpture, ceramics, textiles, clothing, scrimshaw, photography, mixed media and more.

The festival draws in excess of 200,000 visitors each year and organizers are careful to provide an unstuffy, family-friendly atmosphere. In fact, patrons are encouraged to interact with the artists and participate in art workshops and live demonstrations. An expansive Children’s Art Booth gives future Van Goghs hands-on experience with paintbrushes and clay. Visitors of all ages can try their hand at the potter’s wheel in the Ceramic Center or take a wide variety of art classes at the Sawdust Studio.

What started as a little art display in a parking lot in the 60’s has become the region’s most popular art event. Encompassing three acres of eucalyptus grove, the festival is rebuilt from the ground up every summer. Each exhibitor constructs his or her “venue,” creating a unique village-like setting. Once the booths are assembled, sawdust is brought in to line the pathways and landscaping is added. Guests can amble along the paths and enjoy the exhibits at a leisurely pace, taking time to get to know the artists and their creative processes.

The variety of fine art and craft is the signature draw of the Sawdust Art Festival. It’s non-juried, so visitors will find accomplished and acclaimed artists exhibiting their work alongside newer artists. Since the booths are rebuilt and booth locations are changed every year, each show is a new experience for guests.

The Sawdust Art Festival’s nine-week schedule includes daily live music on three stages and roving musical acts. With food and beverages from four restaurants and the Sawdust Saloon, be prepared to spend at least a whole day taking in all the sights, sounds and flavors. A better idea might be to spring for a Season Pass, which is an exceptional bargain. At only $15 per person, the pass offers unlimited admission and access to all activities for the entire run of the Summer Show. For just five bucks more, you can purchase an Annual Pass, which grants access to the Sawdust Art Festival’s Winter Fantasy.

A primary function of the festival is to support Laguna Beach’s intrepid artists. A terrific opportunity to participate in the cause directly is to attend the Artists Benevolence Fund Art Auction on Sunday, August 7th, on the Sawdust Entertainment Deck. Exhibiting artists generously donate work for the auction to raise funds for their peers. The fund has donated over $100,000 to local artists in times of need.

Sawdust Art Festival • 935 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA • 949.494.3030sawdustartfestival.org

Sparks Fly in South OC!
By Shelley T. Hudson

Independence Day… when your most crucial decisions are charcoal or propane? Burgers or hot dogs? Apple or cherry pie? And, of course, which fireworks display to watch! One surefire bet is that we’ve got the DISH on all the best shows in your backyard.

Dana Point
Dana Point’s annual fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular around. This impressive display can be enjoyed from any point in the city with a harbor view. The show starts promptly at 9 p.m. and the pyrotechnics are fired from a barge in the harbor. It’s best to walk to your viewing spot, but you can also catch a free shuttle from Dana Hills High School to the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The shuttles runs from 10 a.m. until after the show, but not during the show. An added bonus to this spectacle is the musical accompaniment. Bring your portable radio set to KSBR FM 88.5 for a synchronized musical broadcast. Doheny State Beach is an ideal place to take in the light display, but you can make the night extra special by booking a Fireworks Display Cruise with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel kicks off its annual slate of festivities with the “33rd Annual Run in the Parks.” Events begin at 7 a.m. with a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and children’s races. For more information, call South Coast YMCA at 949.495.9622.

If running a race is not your idea of a leisurely holiday, then the Chamber of Commerce Pancake Breakfast might be right up your alley. Five bucks will get you pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. The breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA (29831 Crown Valley Parkway). Visit www.lnchamber.com for details.

Evening celebrations begin with Beach Boys and Beatles tribute bands at 6 p.m. at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater (29751 Crown Valley Parkway). After the live entertainment, bust out a flashlight and join your neighbors and friends in a community walk (3/4 mile each way) to Regional Park for the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Bring along a blanket for sky-gazing in the grass.

Laguna Beach
The City of Laguna Beach’s fireworks are back! The long-running tradition was shelved for several years due to budget cuts and enjoyed a last-minute reprieve in 2010, thanks to a fund-raising campaign by the Laguna Board of Realtors. The event was questionable again this year, but the City has decided to pick up the tab—much to the delight of many area families. The show will take place at Monument Point in Heisler Park. Bundle up and enjoy this popular holiday treat.

San Clemente
Municipal Pier is once again the spot for San Clemente’s Independence Day celebration. The city’s annual fireworks show is a must-see, but be prepared for a crowd. The pier area will close to automobile traffic from 7 p.m. until after the show and pedestrian traffic on the pier will be restricted from noon on July 3rd for staging and preparations. For safety reasons, swimmers, surfers and jet-skiers will be prohibited within 1000 feet of the pier during the fireworks display. Bring your blankets and beach chairs for this long-standing community tradition.

San Juan Capistrano
The city’s 50th birthday party continues with the biggest July 4th celebration yet. This annual event takes place at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park (25925 Camino del Avion) and kicks off at 3:00 p.m. with rides, craft booths, food, drinks and live music. Wristbands are available for purchase for the mechanical rides at the Community Center until July 1st or at the gate during the event. Pony rides, old-fashioned family games and souvenir photos are all offered for free this year. Beer, wine, food and treats will be available for purchase. Classic rockers, Family Style, will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m., so bring your dancing shoes. While you’re at it, grab a blanket or beach chair for a cozy view of the spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Sorry, no pets are invited to the party.

No matter where you are: The Local DISH magazine wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!