The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar

by Dina Scaglione

It doesn’t get much better than a tasty craft cocktail, perched on a rooftop with a view of a fiery orange sunset. If that sounds appealing, then say hello to the area’s newest dining destination, Rooftop Kitchen and Bar in historic San Juan Capistrano. The tasty craft cocktails, farm-to-table specialties and hip, comfortable motif will keep you coming back for more. 

Longtime partners Marc Resnick and Archie Hami found this gem of a location, the former Ruby’s, amid the height of the pandemic and set their sights on creating something fresh and novel. Opening on Swallow’s Day in March 2022, RTK+B is delivering on that promise, complete with spectacular views, a California-coastal-meets-comfort-food menu, and artfully created craft cocktail libations. 

Enjoy a craft beer, glass of wine or one of several signature cocktails like Ring of Fire, with smokey mezcal, passion fruit, citrus and Aperol. Margarita lovers will delight as they sip the Gran Torino, infused with Patron Silver. Popular shareables include ahi and chips, stacked with ahi, avocado, tomato, and cucumber, swimming in a tangy dressing. The must-have fresh shrimp ceviche is loaded with shrimp, cucumber, carrot, tomato, red onion, jalapeno, and Tajin in a citrusy lime marinade. By far, the pulled pork sandwich with honey mustard barbeque sauce, classic cole slaw, pickles, and cilantro is the best handheld around. Generously portioned, yet price conscious entrees include the Capistrano Chicken with grilled chicken and fresh veggies, layered in a cream corn sauce. The savory short rib pappardelle pasta features braised short ribs, mushrooms, caramelized onion, and arugula, languishing in a flavorful stroganoff sauce. Meat lovers will appreciate the Ribeye Fillet, a hefty 8-ounce cut, accompanied by garlic, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and potatoes topped with a spicy gorgonzola sauce. Definitely check out the daily fresh-made desserts prepared by a local pastry chef. 

Live music happens Thursday through Saturday, from 6 to 9 p.m., and all afternoon on Sunday. Tunes run the gamut from light jazz to pop to country, certain to get you swaying to the rhythm, whether you are looking for a fun date night, a cozy family meal, or enjoying drinks with a group of friends. Planning your holiday party or sports banquet? RTK+B offers private banquet facilities for parties of 50 to 100. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. (dinner only Tuesday – Wednesday) and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Stay tuned for more details on their Sunday brunch! 

The Rooftop Kitchen + Bar
31781 Camino Capistrano Ste. 301
San Juan Capistrano
949.503.3358
RooftopOC.com

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge

by Dina Scaglione

We all love a great story that takes us to unexpected places. Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge will certainly treat you to a palatable adventure, with pleasant yet unexpected turns, leaving you salivating to consume another savory chapter. Scarlet’s story began in January 2020, penned by a husband and wife team, Chef Paige and Matt Riordan. Chef Paige’s New York City training has created a modern speakeasy, with a laid-back, fashionable dining experience. Like a charming novel from decades passed, Scarlet is situated against a peaceful backdrop of rolling hills, where soft evening breezes remind you the ocean beckons only a few miles away. The bourgeoning community of Rancho Mission Viejo has warmly embraced the family-owned and operated Scarlet for bringing a beautiful richness to comfort food, in an unhurried setting. 

Every good story grabs you from the beginning, and Scarlet is no exception. For starters, I recommend the tuna tartare with thinly sliced cucumber, avocado, ponzu sauce, spicy mayo, wasabi crema, and sesame seeds, accompanied by crunchy wonton chips. Worth every decadent bite, the bacon wrapped dates and the crack fries, which absolutely live up to their colorful name, are a must-try. Lighter options include the summer beet salad showcasing roasted beets, goat cheese, pesto, couscous, and fresh basil tossed in a tasty balsamic, maple mustard vinaigrette. Taco lovers will find some interesting twists on their favorite handhelds, including lobster, blackened fish or slow cooked barbeque carrot tacos, served on corn or flour tortillas. Scarlet offers a plethora of generously portioned entrees including surf and turf, or pan-seared pork tenderloin with sweet potato puree and yam hash, generously ladled with a delicious maple bourbon sauce. Liquid Gold is a generations-old family recipe featuring tender flavorful pork and lamb ragout with pappardelle and shaved parmesan. Sunday brunch fans will delight in traditional favorites such as Eggs Benedict as well as more exotic faire like Lobster Grilled Cheese, Dutch Pancakes, or Duck and Waffles. 

Weekly specials include Wine and Whiskey Wednesdays, Taco Tuesdays, with live music Wednesday through Saturday. Located in Rancho Mission Viejo, enjoy Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Mondays. Visit Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge and write your own culinary tale. 

Scarlet Kitchen and Lounge
30865 Gateway Place
Rancho Mission Viejo
Scarletkl.com
949.503.3086

Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant

by Dina Scaglione

A new eatery has emerged in Mercado Village near downtown San Juan Capistrano, showcasing savory Mediterranean fare, served up in a quaint and inviting atmosphere. Family-owned and operated, Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant brings a delightful new energy along with an abundance of delicious and unique Persian flavors. Opening its doors on April 13, the local community has embraced Parmiss like a long-lost friend — lured by its warm, generous hospitality and delectable cuisine.

When you visit Parmiss, prepare to experience an array of sumptuous dishes, such as appetizers like Panir-o Sabzi, comprised of cheese and fresh mint, Persian style marinated olives, calamari and chicken wings. The herbaceous falafel is light and tasty with just the right amount of crunch. Side dips include creamy hummus, Babaghanoush and Mast-o Khiar, freshly prepared with yogurt, cucumber and dill. I highly recommend the Koobideh — made with minced ground beef or chicken, seasoned with grated onions and spices, appropriately served with Basmati rice, grilled tomato, onions, and green peppers. The marinated rack of lamb is not to be missed — so incredibly tender and flavorful you won’t believe your taste buds. You will also find an assortment of kabobs to suit any palate, including elegantly marinated salmon, chicken, filet mignon, shrimp or veggie skewers. At Parmiss, rice is anything but dull. The Albaloo Polo compliments any meal, seasoned with cinnamon, saffron and a surprising touch of sour cherries — adding just the right balance of aromatics and sweet tang. Additionally, their popular family platters allow you to taste an assortment of entrees that easily serves 6 to 8 people.

Parmiss is open daily for lunch and dinner, take-out or dine in. Sit at the bar and linger over a lovely glass of wine or a cappuccino and enjoy hookah on the patio and music each weekend.

Parmiss Mediterranean Restaurant
31952 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
949.503.1249
ParmissRestaurant.com

Gemmell’s Restaurant

Bon Appétit!

by Dina Scaglione

Say “bonjour” to the delectable French cuisine you’d expect to find at some of Paris’ best eateries, without traveling abroad. Imaginatively healthy, freshly prepared, made-when-you-order meals await at Gemmell’s Restaurant. For more than 20 years, this Dana Point Harbor gem has transported diners to a time and place where quality food and deliberate meal preparation was both fashionable and personal.

Long-time restauranteur Byron Gemmell has found a way to elevate fine dining without any of the pretense you might expect. Bringing more than 50 years to the table, chef-owner Gemmell delivers a full menu complete with traditional, Old World fare and a few surprising twists. After two decades, Gemmell’s continues to create artful masterpieces for locals and visitors, with a hint of the French countryside.

Walking through the menu is a delicious adventure, whether you relish classic French fare or something a bit more daring. Must-try dishes include the housesmoked wild salmon, pâté de canard, creamy lobster bisque and the hearts of romaine salad with roasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese and diced tomatoes. Whether you prefer fresh fish or exotic game, Gemmell’s offerings will not disappoint. Savor the poached salmon, embellished with a champagne lemon dill cream sauce, Sand Dabs Meniere with white wine, butter, parsley, lemon and butter sauce, or Shrimp Provençale with delicately sautéed Gulf shrimp, diced Roma tomatoes, basil, parsley, and caper sauce, all served with rice and vegetables. Carnivores will appreciate Gemmell’s succulent and slow roasted duck in a banana liquor reduction or the roasted lamb with fragrant thyme and garlic demi-glace, or sirloin steak, seared to perfection and finished in a bordelaise sauce. Of course, one’s meal is never complete without dessert; whether you choose the decadent flourless chocólat cake, fresh lemon tart with shortbread crust, or the soufflé served with a rich crème anglaise sauce; each one is worth every sinful bite.

There’s no need to travel to France when culinary masterpieces are available right in Dana Point. Make your reservation for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at GemmellRestaurant.com.

Gemmell’s Restaurant
34471 Golden Lantern
Dana Point • 949.234.0063
GemmellRestaurant.com

Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina

by Dina Scaglione

As we step out and about, dining with family and friends is high on the list of things to do. One of Dana Point’s best scenes for a casual, al fresco experience is Carlos Restaurant in Dana Point. With its sun-dappled Saltillo-paved patio, outdoor fire pit, ocean breezes and savory fare, we’re reminded of what we’ve been missing at this local gathering place.

For more than 50 years, Carlos’s has commanded the ample corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Alcazar Drive as the go-to locale for authentic Mexican food. Known for an incredible array of traditional dishes, including Fajitas, Pollo Ranchero, Chili Verde, Menudo and the hard-to-find Nopalitos – the latter two items are uncommonly served 7 days a week. What began as an intimate, family-owned coffee shop in the early 70’s quickly evolved into a beach city staple for authentic Mexican cuisine. Perhaps a bit lesser known, but every bit as delicious, is Carlos’s abundant and fresh selection of seafood options. Fish Tacos, stuffed Seafood Enchiladas and 7 Mares Soup, made with fish, crab, mussels, clams, octopus, calamari, shrimp and vegetables are just some of the popular offerings. My fave is the Camarones A la Diabla featuring spicy jumbo shrimp delicately sauteed in onions, garlic, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, refried beans, and warm tortillas.

Craving a hearty breakfast? Carlos Restaurant is also home to a traditional Mexican and American-style breakfast, served each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The expansive menu boasts all of your morning favorites, including homemade Chorizo and Scrambled Eggs, Huevos Rancheros, Carnitas and Eggs, a selection of freshly-made omelets, breakfast burritos and “choose your size” stack of fluffy pancakes.

Stop by for Happy Hour from 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and check out Carlos’s weekly Taco Tuesdays, starting at 2 p.m. Treat yourself to Lobster Wednesdays from 4 to 9 p.m., where mouth-watering garlic, butter-basted whole or half lobsters are grilled to perfection. If you’re celebrating a birthday, baby shower or other special event, call to reserve a cozy corner inside or a tranquil spot on the patio.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Carlos Restaurant is your recipe for relaxation, so take a break from cooking and unwind with a tasty Margarita. Still owned and operated by the same family since 1972, Carlos’s remains a dedicated purveyor of delicious food, always accompanied by warm and friendly service.

Carlos Mexican Restaurant + Cantina
34224 Pacific Coast Hwy in Dana Point
949.496.4470
CarlosCantinaDP.com

Paddy’s Station

St. Patrick’s Festival

by Dina Scaglione

In February 2020, only weeks before the lockdowns, local businessman David Woodnutt took possession of The Vintage Steakhouse’s former location at the historic San Juan Capistrano Train Depot. He transformed the somber ambiance into a warm-spirited and unpretentious Irish Pub, welcoming locals and ex-pats alike. After the renovations were completed in May 2020, Paddy’s Station opened its doors to a neighborhood hungry for a sense of community, hearty grub and the alluring charm of the Emerald Isle.

Since the nineties, Dublin, Ireland has hosted multi-day St. Patrick’s Day festivals. At various cities throughout Ireland, you’ll find lively parades and joyful revelries including traditional music and green attire. At last, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, lock down restrictions in Orange County are lifting. Paddy’s Station invites the community to celebrate with a similar ten-day long festival, just as you’d experience in Ireland. The festivities kick off on Friday, March 12 and run through Sunday, March 21. The pub you have come to know and love will feature authentic St. Patrick’s Day activities to usher in the Irish spirit, including toe-tapping music, trivia night, dance lessons, karaoke, traditional dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash, meat pies and an abundance of ales and adult beverages. I challenge other devout foodies to eat their way through the recently updated menu, augmented with more substantial meat dishes. Looking to fill your belly and savor the genuine flavors of St. Patrick’s Day? Special Irish dinners will be offered March 13th, 17th and 20th; contact Autumn for your table and dinner reservations at 949.525.6170.

If you’re looking to host a more intimate, private event, Paddy’s Station has you covered. The red train car, delightfully refashioned into a quaint cigar lounge, is ready for bookings any day of the week, from noon to midnight. Call 949.661.3400 to learn more. Come on by, kick up your heels and experience the luck of the Irish, jubilant festivities and tasty authentic fare.

Paddy’s Station
26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano
949.661.3400
paddysstation.com

TANNINS Restaurant & Wine Bar

by Dina Scaglione

Most foodies would agree; a good meal should be an experience savored and enjoyed, a time to marinate over palatable flavors and hearty conversation with friends. For nearly 20 years, Tannins Restaurant & Wine Bar, in San Juan Capistrano, has facilitated this type of dining experience with its authentic southern Italian fare, fueled by superb wine and a contemporary, welcoming vibe. Committed to the definitive dining experience, Tannins offers interesting wine and food pairings, with over 40 varietals to choose from. Five years ago, Cordon Bleu trained, and certified Master Chef Marc Cummings took over Tannins’ kitchen, breathing new life into the menu and transforming it into something worth writing home about.

Kick off your meal with the tender Calamari Fritti, delicately fried and accompanied by a fiery Arrabbiata dipping sauce for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The Tannins salad with garbanzo beans, shallots, capers and avocado, drizzled with a citrusy Poppy seed dressing, is the perfect starter — with or without the addition of chicken, salmon or shrimp. Then, there’s the pasta… authentically and unpretentiously prepared from Old World recipes. The signature Pancetta Carbonara, crafted from pan-fried pancetta, freshly cracked egg and finely grated Pecorino is a longstanding favorite. The Fettuccini Toscana is another popular dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts and blackened chicken, amid a flavorful cream sauce. Like many classic Italian restaurants, Tannins also serves up tasty pizzas from the traditional Margarita with Roma tomatoes and aromatic basil to its Barbeque Chicken and Gourmet Veggie Pizza. Desserts are prepared fresh daily by a local pastry chef and include a delightfully moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and the elegant Tiramisu.

Tannins has met the challenges of COVID-19 head on by updating its lively indoor bar and wine cellar, cozy wine cave, inside dining and expanded covered patio areas to allow for safe and comfortable social distancing. Visit Tannins for your next meal or special occasion and enjoy the ambiance and its distinctly flavorful cuisine. Open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 4 to 9 p.m.

TANNINS RESTAURANT & WINE BAR
27211 Ortega Highway • San Juan Capistrano
949.661.8466 • TanninsRestaurant.com

Instagram: @tanninsrestaurantandwinebar
Facebook: @TanninsRestaurantWineBar

New Mandarin Garden

by Dina Scaglione

New Mandarin Garden, purveyors of gourmet Chinese cuisine, makes the top of the list for local Asian eateries. Located next to Whole Foods Market in Laguna Niguel, it’s been serving up Cantonese-style specialties and generations-old recipes for nearly 20 years. With each dish made-to-order daily, the restaurant always uses fresh, not frozen, ingredients — never skimping on portions and flavor.

For starters, enjoy classic appetizers like the tender, oversized, pan-fried Potstickers, also known to some as dumplings. Equally oversized are the crispy “East Coast-style“ egg rolls, and for those of you from the East Coast, you will readily appreciate the flavorful difference. The classic Pork Egg Fu Young, made fresh for each order, is generously portioned and amply topped with a thick dark house glaze. The savory Salt and Pepper Fish is thinly sliced and lightly fried, served with vibrant red peppers, shredded cabbage and green onions. For noodle lovers, the Singapore Rice Noodle, filling enough to serve as an entree, features ample chunks of chicken, pork and shrimp, liberally peppered with spicy yellow curry.

Specialty items at New Mandarin Garden include Peking Duck, House Special Beef and Sizzling Black Pepper Filet Mignon. The popular Honey Walnut Shrimp is lightly battered, drizzled with a creamy honey sauce and embellished with crunchy walnuts. For those looking for a lighter meal, New Mandarin Garden’s heart healthy menu includes options like fresh steamed vegetables in a light sauce or a special hot garlic sauce, just garlicky enough to keep things interesting.

A large variety of lunch combinations are offered Monday through Saturday, starting at $9.95. Perfect for two, family-style dinners are also avail-able, and include soup, appetizers and your choice of entree, starting at $19.95. For your next special event, New Mandarin Garden provides a variety of catering options to suit your specific needs. New Mandarin Garden is open Monday through Sunday, with lunch served from 11:30 to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. (9 p.m. on Sundays).

NEW MANDARIN GARDEN
23902 Aliso Creek Rd, Laguna Niguel
949.495.0281 | NewMandarinTakeOut.com

Paddy’s Station

by Dina Scaglione

There’s something about the unpretentious charm of a neighborhood pub… tipping back a sudsy pint and watching a game while chatting casually with like-minded folks. That’s precisely how I’d describe Paddy’s Station, situated alongside the historic train depot in downtown San Juan Capistrano.

In February of this year, new owner David Woodnutt secured the location previously inhabited by The Vintage Steakhouse. He set about to create a relaxed grub pub, reminiscent of his upbringing in Ireland where other ex-pats could also experience a slice of home — sans the grey weather. By relieving the previous fine dining establishment of its heavy window-draped interior, David unearthed the train car station’s natural essence and brought a new light to the property with a genuine, warm-spirited Irish pub feel. Raised in Dublin, the former pilot and real estate professional knows the name of nearly everyone who enters, greeting guests with a lilting Irish accent and unaffected charm.

Opening on April 25, amidst COVID-19’s accompanying eat-in limitations, Paddy’s kicked off with takeout offerings. This spot is far from your fussy, sit-down restaurant and it serves up delicious, reasonably priced Irish fare like bangers and mash, fish and chips and a variety of meat pies with, of course, a large selection of cold beers. The fish and chips are light, crispy and amongst the best you’ll find, made with fresh cod, delicate and flavorful, served with French fries and malt vinegar. The freshly-made meat pies are amply filled with chicken or beef, encapsulated in a buttery pastry shell — soul food that warms the heart.

Music and dancing are integral to Paddy Station’s lively theme with toe-tapping bands performing 3 days a week and solo artists almost daily. Keep an eye out for the soon-to-open red caboose refashioned into a cigar lounge, ready for private bookings any day of the week, noon to midnight. And later this month, join fellow football (soccer as we say in the U.S.) fans, when the British leagues launch their fall season.

When you want to grab a bite, there are clearly plenty of wonderful choices in San Juan Capistrano. When you want to experience tasty comfort food in an enveloping, carefree pub environment, Paddy’s Station is the place to be.

Paddy’s Station
6701 Verdugo Street, Suite B, San Juan Capistrano
949.661.3400
PaddysStation.com

Marbella Farmers Market

by Dina Scaglione

When our world feels a bit upside down, it’s nice to know there are constants we can rely on. Since 1993, Marbella Farmers Market in San Juan Capistrano has remained a tried and true, go-to staple, offering fresh groceries and tasty, ready-made meals. From farm to table produce to made-to-order sushi and gourmet items, you’ll find just what you’re looking for at this local favorite in the Marbella Plaza.

As you walk through the doors, you’re immediately struck by a plethora of delicious cuisine and wonderful aromas. For foodies like myself, Marbella Farmers Market is a feast for the eyes, with a massive gourmet deli featuring Boar’s Head meats and specialty cheeses alongside signature sandwiches and fanciful paninis. Nearly two dozen unique salads, including bow tie with sun-dried tomatoes and Asian chicken are made fresh daily. Indulge in a king-sized salad bar featuring literally dozens of savory side dishes and accoutrement. Gluten free and organic options are also in abundance to accommodate nearly any diet or nutritional needs. The butcher shop highlights a variety of prime meat, poultry, fish and sausages, from marinated chicken to wagyu beef. To satiate your sweet tooth, the colorful bakery offers a substantial variety of tempting cookies, amazing cakes and freshly baked breads.

In a cooking rut? Pick up one of Marbella Farmers Market’s convenient heat-and-serve meals, including poached salmon made with dill and white wine, Tuscany herbed chicken, or seared pepper-crusted ahi – all house-made daily. Party platters include signature wraps, hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, crudité and fruit and cheese options. Wine connoisseurs, craft beer aficionados and those who fancy an occasional glass must check out the impressive array of options. If you need a quick hostess or housewarming gift, Marbella offers cards, baskets and other unique pieces to appropriately celebrate that special person or event.

Whether you’re an amateur chef looking for the finest ingredients, grabbing a quick cup of Joe, or feeding a famished family, Marbella Farmers Market has just what you are craving — open Monday through Sunday, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Marbella Farmers Market
31109 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano
949.248.1067 • FarmersMarket92675.com