Celebrity Chef Marc Cummings

at TANNINS Restaurant & Wine Bar

By Veronica Badzey

For over ten years, Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar has been bringing the art of Southern Italian cuisine to diners throughout South Orange County. A beloved favorite with locals, Tannins is known for its delectable Mediterranean menu, meticulously curated California wines, and friendly, old world ambience. Now, there’s even more reason to visit Tannins with the addition of Celebrity Chef Marc Cummings.

Guests of the restaurant might recognize Chef Marc from his hit Food Network TV shows: Simply Sumptuous with Chef Marc and The Very Best of Everything with Marc Cummings, where he was instrumental in introducing the network to the food and travel concept. Chef Marc received his training in the culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, then spent 18 years as Executive Chef on world-class cruise ships such as Crystal Cruise Lines, Oceana, and Seaborne. In 2006 and 2007, he was invited by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to orchestrate 42,000 Thanksgiving dinners for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, as part of Operation Season’s Greetings.

“What drew me to Tannins,” Chef Marc shares, “was the exceptional menu. I’ve traveled all over Europe and I’ve seen the best of Italian cuisine, and in my opinion, Tannins is the top Mediterranean restaurant in all of Orange County.”

In his new role at Tannins, Chef Marc has elevated the menu with handcrafted appetizers, entrées and dessert specials that are updated every two weeks. His creations showcase the freshest possible ingredients, high quality pastas, and tempting flavors based on authentic European dishes.

According to Chef Marc, he typically prepares his specials where most of the dishes separate certain culinary dynamics which help to pair the vast collection of fine red and white wines at Tannins. Just ask your server or the restaurant’s sommelier for a recommendation on the perfect bottle to complement your meal.

When it comes to the main event, be sure to try the traditional Venetian Pancetta Carbonara, made with premium pancetta, linguini, olive oil, parmesan cheese and egg. Another one of Chef Marc’s most popular entrée specials is his Seafood Posillipo, a delicious combination of fresh shrimp, clams, scallops, and salmon sautéed in a red wine marinara broth over linguini. For dessert, don’t miss the crowd-pleasing “Big Apple” — a homemade apple cobbler topped with vanilla bean ice cream. Equally sinful, the mouthwatering Strawberry Cherva dessert special, featuring strawberries sautéed in butter, brown sugar, and reduced balsamic vinegar, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and served over a roasted vanilla bean cake — the perfect ending to any meal.

Tannins also features handcrafted, brick-oven fired pizzas, a full bar, and a unique array of premiere California wines. The property also offers two private dining rooms that can accommodate intimate occasions and larger gatherings. The Wine Cellar and Levendi Wine Cave offer charming and cozy spaces that are perfect for hosting birthdays, corporate luncheons, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties and book clubs. Look for new and exciting events coming soon, including a monthly Special Rib Night featuring Chef Marc’s famous Lollipop Candy Roasted Baby Back Ribs, Wine Tasting Nights and Wine Dinners.

Guests also appreciate Tannins well-deserved reputation for delivering friendly, impeccable service. It’s waitstaff makes a special effort to greet customers by name, and the open kitchen allows diners the opportunity to watch their food being made while they wait. Chef Marc goes out of his way to greet customers at their tables, contributing to the family atmosphere often found at neighborhood establishments in the old country.

“Eating here,” says Chef Marc, “is as authentic and real as dining in Europe. The flavors are so robust, and the plate presentation and attention to detail is like I’ve never seen anywhere in the world, on the finest cruise ships, or at the most luxurious resorts. Tannins brings it to you.”

Tannins also offers off-site catering for events of all types and sizes. For a truly exclusive dining experience, Chef Marc is available for private dinner parties in your home. For groups of 10 to 12, consider having him prepare a meal to remember at your next special occasion.

Get a behind the scenes look at the Tannins cover photo shoot on YouTube.

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar
27211 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano
949.661.8466
TanninsRestaurant.com

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INBRACE

By Dr. Mogavero

By Veronica Badzey

For 28 years, Dr. Frank Mogavero has been creating big, beautiful smiles for kids, teens, and adults throughout Southern California and beyond. He and his talented team are known for compassionate orthodontic care and exceptional results that are delivered  in a cool, fun-loving environment. Through the utilization of clear and metal braces, Invisalign, early treatment, and surgical and airway orthodontics, Dr. Mogavero customizes a treatment plan to meet the needs and goals of each patient, whether it’s for preventative, restorative or cosmetic outcomes. Now, he is one of only a select group of orthodontists in the U.S. to offer an innovative technology that may transform the path to gorgeous teeth — INBRACE.

As one of approximately 100 orthodontists invited to offer the cutting-edge INBRACE system, Dr. Mogavero is uniquely positioned to provide this remarkable new technology that straightens teeth far more efficiently and quickly than traditional braces. “I think this is the most significant advancement in many years.” says Dr. Mogavero, “I am proud to be one of only a handful of orthodontists across the country to be able to treat with INBRACE before it is released nationally next year.”

INBRACE was originally developed by a dedicated team of Orthodontists, Engineers, Biologists, Computer Scientists and Advanced Manufacturing Experts at USC’s Ostrow School of Dentistry. This revolutionary system works through the use of friction-free Smartwires made of flexible interdental loops that are designed to fit behind teeth, instead of in front of them. Unlike metal braces and Invisalign (which uses aligners and fasteners that can still be seen on the front of teeth), this makes INBRACE truly invisible.

“The Smartwires move teeth more efficiently with light continuous forces,” relates Dr. Mogavero, “which is the best way to move teeth. All of the activations are built into the loops of the Smartwire, which starts working immediately.” This translates into less dental visits for patients, more accurate results, and faster treatment times. Patients can also floss and brush normally while wearing INBRACE, due to the ingenious Smartwire design. INBRACE is also more hygienic than removable clear aligners, which tend to trap food and liquids, and can become stained and discolored over time.

The most exciting feature of INBRACE is that no one will even know you’re wearing them. Dr. Mogavero’s INBRACE patient, Figen Padley says, “I absolutely love my INBRACE. I’ve had them on for two months and the changes have been significant. The braces aren’t visible, and my smile looks great.”

It’s easy to get started with INBRACE. The procedure begins with a simple set of orthodontic X-rays, digital photos, and scans of a patient’s teeth. The data is then uploaded directly to the INBRACE team through its secure online portal. A single visit is usually all that’s needed to attach the new, custom-designed braces, and patients will be happy to know that INBRACE is typically covered by orthodontic dental insurance.

Dr. Mogavero is a Board Certified Orthodontist (Baylor Orthodontics) with degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Dentistry from UCLA and he has taught Orthodontics for five years at USC. His practice includes locations in San Clemente, San Diego, and Mammoth Lakes. Give him a call today to schedule an appointment or visit SyncYourSmile.com.

“At first I was really skeptical about trying a new technology with INBRACE. My friends have already noticed my straighter smile, and it’s only been about a month! I can definitely tell it’s working.”
— Tannor Morgan

“I’m really excited to have my teeth straightened. The INBRACE was such a quick and easy process with Dr. Mogavero.”
— Nicki Bright

“I am thankful for INBRACE because I am straightening my teeth — and nobody knows it but me! My tooth movement has been quick – a lot quicker than expected — and my friends are already noticing how straight my smile is getting! Thank you to Dr. Mogavero and the Team at INBRACE!”
— Lindsay Russo with son Mason

DR. MOGAVERO ORTHODONTICS
1031 Ave. Pico, Ste. 101
San Clemente
949.373.3737
SyncYourSmile.com
myINBRACEdoc.com

Reed Team

A Trusted Name in Real Estate

by Veronica Badzey  |  Photo by The Bowman Group

For a trusted name in real estate, look no further than the Reed Team of San Clemente. Rated the #1 Team in Orange County on Zillow, four years in a row, the team is committed to providing concierge-level service, expert knowledge and competitive market strategies throughout the real estate purchase and sales process. In the current real estate climate, the Reed Team knows that delivering a personalized approach to meet the unique needs of each client is critical for successful outcomes.

When deciding to partner with a real estate group, one should expect professional, experienced, responsive agents and strong brand consistency that’s based on honesty and integrity. The Reed Team is dedicated to providing you with exactly that… and more. Under the leadership of Jimmy Reed, a licensed Realtor^® with over 20 years of experience and a Graduate of the Realtor Institute, his team has expanded and has opened a new office location in San Clemente this month.

Jimmy began his real estate career as a Coldwell Banker agent in Huntington Beach, where he succeeded in becoming the #1 ranked agent out of its 10 offices and reached the top 1% of agents nationwide for 14 years running. Prior to becoming a Realtor,^® he served for 5 years in the U.S. Army and during the first Gulf War. Soon after, he was tapped to become part of the exclusive Army Honor Guard and Presidential Escort Unit in Washington D.C., where he was honored to serve under two U.S. Presidents.

Jimmy brings the same dedication, focus, and tenacity he exhibited in the nation’s capital to his work in real estate. “What makes us different from other real estate teams,” relates Jimmy, “is our extreme ethical values. We are always up-front and honest with our clients, and we educate them on exactly what’s needed to sell a property at the highest price, or to buy the home of their dreams even in a very competitive market.”

The Reed Team believes in proactively driving traffic to a client’s listing through the use of technology and various marketing and advertising platforms to get the most possible eyes on a property. With seven licensed Sales Partners and an administrative staff focused specifically on operations, marketing, and technology, it’s possible for the team to offer clients a highly collaborative and more effective marketing approach than often found through the traditional solo agent model. The team leverages popular online real estate platforms like Trulia and Zillow, social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube and the more time-honored marketing avenues of snail mail and email blasts, as well as tapping into its vast network of industry professionals. For each and every listing, the talented marketing group generates multiple compelling videos using drones, HDR photography and other technology to enhance viewership on the most prolific real estate sites around. Instead of simply marketing to a general geographical area and hoping for the best, the Reed Team demographically targets buyers and utilizes property-specific approaches that translate into quicker sales cycles and more dollars in their clients’ pockets.

It’s a testament to the team’s high level of client satisfaction that over 70% of its business is derived from referrals and repeat customers. As proof that their system works, a recent client’s listing went from having little response with their previous Realtor,^® to becoming the #1 viewed property on Zillow in just 48 hours after switching to the Reed Team. In two days, the home received over 400 views and the client had five offers at and above asking price.

The Reed Team uses the same technique when helping buyers find their ideal home, whether they are looking for a $400,000 townhome in Mission Viejo or an $8.2 million estate in Ritz Cove. Their primary service area is South Orange County, but they can often be found listing and selling homes for clients from Rancho Santa Fe to Long Beach, including everything from condominiums, single-family homes, sprawling equestrian estates and ocean-front villas. In addition, they offer a full concierge suite of ancillary services, including an extensive network of professional photographers, home stagers, house cleaners, painters, construction companies, and trusted lending partners.

“Everything we do is for our customers,” says Jimmy. “Whether they are buying or selling, our services are designed to protect them from having to experience the highs and lows that create so much stress when buying or selling a home. We want people to understand the real landscape, so they can make the best decisions possible.”

Jimmy Reed has lived in San Clemente for 17 years with his wife, Lisa. To find out how the Reed Team can help you buy or sell your next home, visit ReedTeamHomes.com or call (949) 973-3636.

Saddleback Golf Cars

By Veronica Badzey

Wanna go for a ride? Then why not make the journey part of the experience. Cruise around town, take the kids to school and trek to the beach in a customized vehicle from Saddleback Golf Cars. The fun doesn’t need to end at the 18th hole when you own a convenient, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly golf car or low-speed vehicle (LSV) that’ll get you to your destination in comfort and style.

Since 1980, Saddleback Golf Cars has been offering new golf cars, rentals and service to residents and businesses throughout South Orange County and all of Southern California. With hundreds of options across new, used and refurbished models, customizing a unique vehicle that’s tailored to your specific needs and personal aesthetic is right in the company’s wheelhouse. Surfboard racks, lifted tires and LED lighting are just a few of the many features available to customers. Whether you’re in the market for a 2-seater golf car to navigate fairways and greens, or a 4-seater shuttle for driving guests to and from your next big event, the knowledgeable staff at Saddleback Golf Cars is happy to assist you in selecting from a vast array of practical options and luxury amenities. Choices include ostrich leather or cloth upholstery, turn signals and lights, rear-facing seats, mag wheels, stereos, custom paint colors, and more.

Speedy turnaround times for a fully-customized vehicle makes the process from purchase to pick-up a breeze. Saddleback also provides every customer with a loaner golf car or LSV for use in the interim. Accessories and parts are also available through the company’s website, or by visiting the impressive 5,000 square foot showroom.

About 85 to 90% of golf cars and low-speed vehicles are electric, making them a green transportation option. Golf cars may not exceed 19 miles per hour by law and typically come with a standard 2-seater model, with rear-facing seats available for installation. In contrast, street-legal shuttles, also known as low-speed vehicles (LSVs), are required to reach at least 25 miles per hour and must possess turn signals, front lights, brake lights, seat belts, and tops.

Saddleback Golf Cars carries a wide range of both golf cars and shuttles, available in 2-facing forward, 4-facing forward, and 6-facing forward models. New and used options start at just $2,500 and go up to approximately $18,000, with a well-outfitted version of its most popular model, the E-Z-GO 2five, averaging between $10,000 and $12,000.

Saddleback offers a variety of reconditioned cars, which receive a complete service inspection and overhaul, including new paint, tires, and batteries, as well as any needed maintenance and repairs. “Our reconditioned cars come with a full one-year warranty,” relates Phil Bellafaire, owner of Saddleback Golf Cars for the last 13 years. “They are built to last.”

For those who want a golf car on a short-term basis, Saddleback Golf Cars’ inventory of 300 plus cars and shuttles may be rented for a day, a week, or a month’s vacation. Its a popular resource for wedding planners, event planners, and community organizations, especially around Salt Creek Beach and South OC’s many parking-challenged venues. Rentals come with an optional delivery service and can also include professional drivers to shuttle guests back and forth between venues, or from parking lots to event sites.

Golf car owners benefit from the company’s exceptional service department, which provides comprehensive maintenance and repairs, including house calls when on-site service is required. With a complete in-house body and paint shop, it’s team of experienced technicians can handle repairs for all makes and models, including E-Z-GO, Cushman, Yamaha, Taylor Dunn, Club Car, and more. The fleet of ten service trucks and flatbeds stand ready to transport golf cars and LSVs to customers located throughout Southern California, sometimes traveling as far as Santa Barbara, Palms Springs, and San Diego.

Stop by today to take advantage of May’s discount special — $500 off any new golf car or low-speed vehicle in stock. The E-Z-GO brand is also offering 48 months of 0% financing for those who qualify. Saddleback Golf Cars accepts financing in cooperation with Sheffield Financial and Yard Card from TD Bank.

Acting Academy for Kids

It’s Time to Watch Your Star Shine!

By Veronica Badzey

Acting Academy for Kids (AA4K) offers students of all ages a wealth of opportunities to explore the fun and amazing world of theater. Established in 2007 by Stephen and Maggie Zygos, AA4K has become a well-known program throughout Orange County for its family-friendly Performing Arts Summer Camps, exceptional Musical Theater Program, and the progressive AA4K Studios, a conservatory-style program for TV and film.

AA4K’s Performing Arts Summer Camps use contemporary favorites chosen by its students for its students. Actors, ages 4 to 13, are invited to attend one week of camp, the entire ten weeks, or anything in between. Themes change every week and include live stage performances each Friday, complete with professional costumes, props, lighting, and sound. “Our goal is to create a fantastic, amazing summer experience for kids,” exclaims Stephen. “We want them to have a great time while learning important life skills about confidence, leadership, and creativity.”

The Camp Director, Mr. Dimitri Garaud, is a favorite with attendees and will be returning this year to lead the popular program, which runs June through August. Also returning are many of AA4K’s alumni, who love to assist backstage, run lines with the campers, and help with props and costumes. This year’s extended offerings include 10 weeks at San Clemente’s Cabrillo Playhouse, 9 weeks at Irvine’s OC Music and Dance, and 5 weeks at Laguna Niguel’s Community Roots Academy. Classes run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with optional enrichment programs from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. No experience is necessary to participate.

Local students can also sign up for AA4K’s upcoming Spring Musical, Disney’s Aladdin, which is open to aspiring actors, singers, and dancers ages 5 to 16. Rehearsals begin the week of April 9th and will be held at three different locations: Community Roots Academy in Laguna Niguel, OC Music and Dance in Irvine and the Holiday Inn Express in San Clemente. With class sizes limited to 30 students, every child that enrolls is guaranteed a part. This exciting experience culminates in June when kids have the opportunity to perform in front of live audiences at OC Music and Dance’s brand new, state-of-the-art Main Stage theater.

For kids who enjoy the world of theater, but would prefer to work behind the scenes, AA4K also offers a Junior Director program for both the Spring Musical and Summer Performing Arts Camps. Open to students 10-years and older, this unique opportunity teaches participants how to work backstage with the Stage Manager and Director; help with lighting designs, props, and costumes; and create a live stage show through hands-on experience.

One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been AA4K Studios, a conservatory-style Film and TV Academy. The school gives students a firm foundation in the skills and technical knowledge necessary to succeed in the film and TV business. The curriculum advances according to age and experience and includes mid-term progress reports, individual evaluations, and plenty of time spent in front of the camera. Each semester, students produce and star in a short film that is screened at an extravagant red carpet gala attended by family, friends, and industry professionals. Students also receive a reel of their work, professional IMDb (Internet Movie Database) credit, and feedback from professionals currently working in the industry.

“Our program differs from most other TV and film programs,” relates Stephen, “because our main goal is to educate our students in the art and craft of filmmaking, not to get them agents. We want to teach them in a really fun and engaging way, so they walk away more enlightened and confident about themselves as actors and as people.”

Visit ActingAcademyForKids.com for more information on summer camps and programs and to register your young actor for an engaging experience where they can make lifelong friends.

Community Roots Academy: 29292 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
OC Music & Dance: 17620 Fitch Avenue, Irvine
Z PlayHouse: 35 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente
ActingAcademyForKids.com

Cryo For Kids!

Cold Rush Wellness Family Hour

Dr. Scott Young and his team at Cold Rush Wellness have been working on their patient’s immune systems with Whole Body Cryostimulation for more than 4 years now. The data collected has revealed some startling results. Patients say they feel more energetic and healthier than ever, with far fewer instances of colds and flus. After surviving a historically bad flu season, it’s more important than ever to look for alternative therapies that strengthen your immune system. Dr. Young decided to start offering this cutting-edge technology to kids as well as adults. Kids often don’t feel pain like adults when something is wrong. They may act out instead or have problems concentrating when they’re tired or a little under the weather. When real sickness takes hold, the world stops for everyone until they get better. According to Dr. Young, the families who have already adopted Cryostimulation have felt the benefits for a while now and everyone at Cold Rush Wellness is excited about it.

Cryotherapy is an adaptogen, an environmental exposure used to promote homeostasis or balance in the body. So consistency is the key to good results. Cryo for kids can yield a stronger immune system with fewer allergies, colds and flu. For more information, check out www.coldrushwellness.com or visit the company’s Facebook page.

Parents and kids are welcome on April 14th and 28th from 12 to 3 p.m. to attend the Cold Rush Wellness Family Happy Hour to see what cryostimulation can do for your family’s health.

• Strengthen Immune System Naturally
• Reduce Inflammation
• Improve Mood and Concentration
• Increase Energy and more

The event is free. Dr. Young and his staff will be offering extremely discounted family rates for first-time Cryo Sauna patients at the clinic. ($20 for parents, $10 for child). Kids should wear dry bathing suits to try Cryo Sauna. Healthy treats will be provided.

Estelle & Kennedy

A Professional Law Corporation

BY VERONICA BADZEY

Estelle & Kennedy, A Professional Law Corporation (APLC), is a boutique, full-service law firm offering strong advocacy and aggressive representation to Orange County residents, families, small businesses, political officials, and corporations. Led by attorneys Michael Kennedy and Brandy Estelle, the firm’s accomplished team of 11 attorneys are deeply committed to delivering exceptional legal service across a wide range of practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, employment/labor law, probate, wills/trusts, and business law, to name just a few.

“Whether you are a homeowner who has a conflict with a contractor, a spouse who needs assistance in a divorce case, or a child who has an issue with his or her school and needs an advocate,” relates Mr. Kennedy, “we have the skills, tenacity, and experience to bring your case to a successful resolution.”

While the Mission Viejo office of Estelle & Kennedy APLC opened in mid-2016, the firm has been serving Los Angeles and the Inland Empire since 2012. Before joining forces, Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Estelle had each owned their own successful practices; they merged in order to provide a broader spectrum of legal services for their clients.

After running several profitable small businesses and serving eight years as a Peace Officer for the California Youth Authority, Mr. Kennedy founded Child Support Liberation, Inc., a father’s rights paralegal firm that helped fathers achieve legal equity through the court system. He noticed a strong need for legal representation among his clients and returned to school to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Newport University College of Law. Michael also holds a Bachelor degree in Economics from UC Riverside and serves as General Counsel for the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce.

A Laguna Hills native, Brandy earned a BA degree in Political Science and Rhetoric from UC Berkeley, and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School. Recognized as one of the top probate attorneys in the state, Brandy has over 16 years of experience in both public law and private practice. Her extensive background includes work for CVI Realty, Public Counsel, and the Western Law Center for Disability Rights. She is also a member of the Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Association of Realtors and serves on the Loyola Law School Board of Governors.

Estelle & Kennedy APLC’s team of attorneys has decades of combined experience in a diverse range of fields, such as Economics, Communications, English, Criminology, and Political Science, and they hold Juris Doctors degrees in law from prestigious universities across the country. The firm’s attorneys are trained to expertly handle every case from intake to appeals, whether that requires a jury trial, bench trial or negotiating a settlement.

“We wanted to make sure we have competent attorneys in a wide range of practice areas,” explains Michael. “Oftentimes, we’ll have a client that comes in with an issue such as family law, but after doing the legal analysis you realize they have other related issues that need to be addressed. If you don’t have competent attorneys experienced in those areas, you can end up underserving the client.”

Estelle & Kennedy, APLC is also deeply committed to community engagement. Attorneys take time out of their busy schedules to participate in education panels for small businesses and groups, hold monthly legal clinics at the James L. Brulte Senior Center, Nu Philadelphia Church, and take on pro bono work for local clients whenever possible. It’s one of the main reasons Brandy entered law in the first place. “I wanted to serve the underprivileged,” she relates, “and to be in a position to help those in a very complex legal system, where if you don’t have a certain expertise, you can really get lost in it.”

While they have significant trial experience and will not hesitate to take a case to litigation, Estelle & Kennedy, APLC remains solution-focused. They will seek settlement as long as it doesn’t compromise their client’s position; however, Brandy asserts that they are always ready to aggressively litigate a case. “The client always comes first for us…always,” she says firmly. “We fight for them.”

DINNER. DRINKS. DANA POINT.

SUNSETS BAR & GRILL • STILLWATER • WATERMAN’S HARBOR

BY VERONICA BADZEY

When Damian Collins opened Sunsets Bar and Grill ten years ago, he was looking to fill a void in the Dana Point restaurant scene. With breathtaking views of the Pacific, it’s become a popular local hangout known for its upscale, yet unpretentious atmosphere, award-winning cocktails, and delicious Hawaiian cuisine. “I started Sunsets because I wanted a local spot where I could feel comfortable hanging out with friends and having a great drink,” he relates. “My goal has always been to bring things to the community that I was really passionate about, and that we didn’t have.”

In 2012, Damian built on his success by opening StillWater in the Dana Point Lantern District, followed a few years later by Waterman’s Harbor in the Dana Point Harbor. Though each restaurant features its own unique menu, ambiance, and entertainment, they all share a commitment to excellent food, exemplary customer service, and support for the local community. “We’re always looking to improve,” says Frank Perreira, Director of Operations for all three restaurants, “which is why we’ve made a real effort to elevate the food and enhance our customers’ experience in every way we can.”

SUNSETS BAR AND GRILL
Sunsets Bar and Grill got a boost last year with a new chef and revamped Hawaiian-themed menu that features popular items such as Bacon Bombs, Kahlua Pork Sliders, and Seared Ahi Tacos. In addition to a tantalizing array of cocktails like the Pineapple Margarita, Pono, and Mango Whiskey Sour, it also offers a full range of quality draft beer and wine. Sunsets showcases live music three nights a week, along with Happy Hour specials (all day on Wednesdays), and an incredible ocean view with its location on Pacific Coast Highway, directly across the street from Doheny State Beach.

STILLWATER
Approaching its 5-year anniversary, StillWater evokes a pre-prohibition vibe that honors its status as a local historic site, and the first building to be constructed in the City of Dana Point. Chef Steve Kling has created a tempting menu of classic American fare, utilizing sustainable, locally-sourced produce, meat, and fish, augmented by the restaurant’s new Farm to Table garden. The bar offers an impressive selection of 54 foreign and domestic beers on tap, along with craft cocktails based on the libations from the 1920s, ‘30s and ‘40s.

StillWater has also added a new lunch menu, focusing on fast and affordable grab ‘n go options for $10 and under, including a delicious Chicken Bowl, Drive Thru Burger, and Veggie Wrap. Guests will enjoy live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday (with no cover charge), and other nightly events like Taco Tuesday Karaoke, Wednesday Country Night, and Tribute Thursday, which features local Tribute Bands. With an open floor plan, expansive outdoor bar, and HDTVs to catch your favorite game, StillWater has become the go-to Dana Point spot for live entertainment, dancing, great grub and the perfect place to catch up with old friends and to meet new ones.

WATERMAN’S HARBOR
Named “Seafood Restaurant of the Year” in 2016 by the Orange County Register, and winner of the prestigious “Golden Foodie Award” for Seafood in 2016, Waterman’s Harbor has already earned a solid reputation for delivering excellent cuisine created from locally-sourced, sustainable seafood. Having recently acquired a seafood processing license, it has the ability to serve fish purchased directly from local harbor fisherman, which translates into the freshest offerings possible – like the Baja Taco Style Shrimp and Macadamia Crusted Sea Bass. If lobster’s your weakness, then you won’t be able to resist the 3-course Maine Lobster meal on Thursdays for a mere $29.95.

Waterman’s newly-designed upstairs lounge offers guests a relaxing and comfy spot from which to enjoy gorgeous views of Dana Point Harbor while sipping on their favorite drinks. The exclusive bar menu with generous half-off Happy Hour specials on delectable appetizers, beer, wine, and cocktails is a compelling excuse to gather with friends and co-workers at the end of the day. Be sure to drop in for the family-friendly, all-you-can-eat, $20 Sunday Brunch Buffet, featuring an omelet bar, $10 bottomless Mimosas, and plenty of treats for the kids, which can be enjoyed anywhere in the restaurant, including the open-air patio with expansive views of the water.

Be sure to make your reservation at Waterman’s Harbor during Orange County Restaurant Week, taking place March 4 to 10. Specially created two-course lunch and three-course dinner menus, including complimentary cocktail, are offered at $15 and $30, respectively.

“Our hope is that as we focus on the food and keep improving,” enthuses Damian, “we’ll bring more good restaurants into town. We want to create a synergy that everyone in Dana Point can enjoy.”

CHECK OUT OUR BEHIND THE SCENES COVER SHOOT ON YOUTUBE!

CB CycleBarn®

By Veronica Badzey

CB CycleBarn^® opened its doors five years ago with three sold-out classes, and has since become San Clemente’s ultimate indoor cycling experience. CB CycleBarn^® fosters a true sense of community, (locally known as TheBarn) and welcomes a broad range of clientele from all backgrounds and fitness levels. “I’m proud of our diversity,” says owner Karen Casler. “Anybody can ride here, whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a weekend warrior, or a competitive athlete.”

From the very beginning, Karen was determined to make CB CycleBarn^® a safe space where anybody could come to get a fantastic workout, have fun, and find relief from the overly-scheduled stress of the digital world. More than physical fitness, Karen describes indoor cycling as “CardioTherapy,” with long-lasting benefits that renew the body, mind, and spirit. The high-energy, non-impact cardio workout is ideal for any fitness level. Instructor-guided classes are 45 minutes to an hour long, and include a warm-up, heart-pumping core, and cool-down period. Each participant sets their own level of difficulty by controlling the bike’s flywheel resistance, making for a truly individual experience.

At CB CycleBarn^®, you never have to worry about showing up early to claim a bike, or risk not getting a bike at all. Instead of the first-come, first-serve method found at most indoor cycling gyms, clients at CB CycleBarn^® reserve their bikes prior to each class through an easy-to-use, “Book Your Bike” online portal. The friendly staff works hard to accommodate clients’ varying schedules, with classes available 7-days-a-week, and some starting as early as 5:30 a.m. Complimentary towels, hand weights, and clip-on cycle shoes are available for all classes, as well as a customer favorite — post-workout, oil-infused cold towels. CB CycleBarn^® instructors have free reign over their music selection and volume level, enabling them to customize the classes they teach. For riders that want a more subdued experience, ear plugs are available at the front desk.

The 800-square foot, air conditioned studio has a raised dais, allowing instructors an unobstructed view of the class. Studio walls are adorned with hand–painted graffiti by a local artist, representing how deeply rooted TheBarn is in the community. Once the class gets going, the instructor dims the lights and an infectious energy takes riders to another world.

“People come in to check out,” relates Karen. “For some of them, this is the only free hour to themselves in their busy day.”

Besides the basic CB2 Cycle class, (based on a traditional Spinning^® style class), customers can also choose from the CB2 IQ, a performance-driven option with real time leaderboards; CB2 Rhythm, a dance-inspired bike-party; and CB2 TotalBody, which includes segments of upper body resistance. Participants receive post-workout emails with a daily performance summary, providing details like calories burned, total miles biked, and average/max RPM.

If you’re looking for more than indoor cycling, you’ll find it at CB CycleBarn’s^® newest addition to the family. A second, adjoining studio, opened 18 months ago, now offers PiYO, Barre, Bootcamp, and TRX classes.

With something for everyone, CB CycleBarn^® easily fulfills its promise of “Keeping it Fun.” Deeply committed to providing a high-quality experience for every customer, Karen deliberately keeps her prices as low as possible. “What I care about most is people,” she enthuses, “not how much money I make. I measure success in lives changed.”

Karen lives in San Clemente with her husband Chris, and children Cory, Eileen and Ryan; all of whom have helped make CB CycleBarn^® the success it is today. For a full schedule of classes and fees, visit CBCycleBarn.com. The first five classes for new customers are always FREE!

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CB CycleBarn® |  372 Camino de Estrella  |  San Clemente  |  949.481.5438  |  CBCycleBarn.com