Laguna Beach Magazine: February 2019
Photo by Barbara McMurray
Up Front: Around Town
Monks & Mandalas
Laguna Beach is once again playing host to a group of monks from Drepung Gomang, the oldest monastery in Tibet. These eight holy men are visiting as part of the Sacred Art Tour, which has taken them to various communities across the nation and, now, to Healy House on the Sawdust Art & Craft Festival grounds. After arriving Jan. 28, the monks planned to create an intricate mandala out of colorful sand, dedicating seven hours a day over the course of several days in order to complete it. Visitors are welcome to observe this as well as the monks’ trichord chanting ritual every morning and evening, plus various blessings, dances and prayers that are used to manifest the likes of positive energy, health, good luck and world peace; blessings can also be performed at local homes, offices, galleries and churches, upon request. Once the mandala is complete Feb. 3, the monks will facilitate a dissolution ceremony, during which they will sweep away their creation into one large pile of sand as a symbol of how life is fleeting, so we must appreciate its beauty while we can. (949-573-7104; sawdustartfestival.org)
Photo courtesy of Carolyn Witte
Photo courtesy of Luke Droulez
Alumni Accolades
Six graduates from Sage Hill School, a nonprofit college-preparatory academy in Newport Coast, have now been named to Forbes magazine’s esteemed “30 Under 30” list of the brightest young minds in the U.S. and Canada. Among those six, two alumni are on this year’s iteration: Laguna Beach natives Luke Droulez and Carolyn Witte, who graduated from the high school in 2007 and 2008, respectively.
Droulez is recognized in the retail and e-commerce category for his position as chief marketing officer at Los Angeles-based Parachute Home, which sells essential home goods like bedding and bath linens. Starting as the company’s first hire, Droulez helped it grow into the multimillion dollar business that it is today, thus allowing the online-only platform to move toward its goal of opening 20 brick-and-mortar locations by 2020.
Witte is honored in the consumer technology category alongside her business partner, Felicity Yost. The pair co-founded Tia, a women’s healthcare network in New York City that connects users with medical experts through a smartphone app as well as on-location at its clinic, which is slated to open in February and will provide services such as gynecology while also meeting primary care needs.
Mo Honarkar, owner of Hotel Laguna | Photo by Grant Puckett for lagunabeachliving.com
Hotel in New Hands
Family-run real estate investment firm Laguna Beach Co. recently acquired a long-term lease for the iconic Hotel Laguna, a local landmark that was built in the late 1800s, but has been vacant since the end of 2017 in conjunction with a lawsuit that claimed the previous, longtime hotel operators were forced out illegally. The new lease agreement also includes six other addresses along the strip of South Coast Highway between Laguna Avenue and Legion Street, which includes a mixture of commercial and residential properties all within the Central Bluffs neighborhood.
The company’s intention is to restore the hotel and meet the requirements to become a green building with a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. “Hotel Laguna is such an important jewel in our community and so crucial to our local, downtown economy,” says Mo Honarkar, CEO of Laguna Beach Co. “We’ve established a seasoned team of local experts, united by their love for our Laguna Beach community and its creative culture. Our No. 1 priority will be to return this magnificent piece of history to its former grandeur for all residents and visitors to enjoy.”
The newly renovated interior of The Vault | Photo by Gila Leibovitch
Opening Up The Vault
Local men’s clothing store, The Vault Men, underwent an expansion that was completed in October with a grand reopening in mid-November. The storefront now has an additional 750 square feet after expanding into the adjacent building, which was also recently remodeled and now houses the Laguna Beach Visitors Center and Catmosphere cat cafe and adoption center. This includes a second entrance, more windows looking out onto Forest Avenue and a feeling of fluidity within the space. “There is no better way to celebrate a 12-year anniversary than to add more space and offer more options to our … customer[s],” says owner Gila Leibovitch, who notes that shoppers love that the vault door on display was preserved from when the space was used as an actual bank vault. The store still carries favorite brands like Ted Baker, Georg Roth Los Angeles, Cole Haan and more, but with even more accessories and pieces for the fashionable Laguna man to pursue. (949-376-4000; thevaultmen.com)
Diz and the Seagrave at the Patriot’s Day Parade | Photo by Douglas Miller
Honorable Mentions
The 53rd annual Patriot’s Day Parade, which is scheduled to wind its way through downtown Laguna Beach on March 2, will once again feature fantastic floats, marching band performances and more, all under an Everyday Heroes theme. The parade committee honored local heroes at the Honoree Brunch on Feb. 2 at seven7seven (formerly Tivoli Too). This year’s honorees include Barbara Diamond, a seasoned journalist, as grand marshal; Arnold Silverman, who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was once the commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5868, as the honored patriot; Sande St. John, a prominent community volunteer, as citizen of the year; Laguna Beach High School students Alexis Yang and Cal Nielson as junior citizens of the year; Roxanna Ward, choral music director at the high school as well as the former director of LagunaTunes, as artist of the year; teen stand-up paddleboarder Jade Howson as athlete of the year; essay contest winner Cleo Washer and cover artist Diego Lapayese-Calderon. The parade itself will begin in the late morning on Park Avenue at Laguna Beach High School. (949-494-6016; lagunabeachparade.org)
Photo by Danny Kim
Historic Acquisition
After being on the market for years, listed at more than $20 million, the estate at 40 N. La Senda in the Three Arch Bay community was auctioned off for just over $10 million and officially sold Dec. 14. This historic property has been preserved since the late 1920s as an homage to its original owners: director, producer and architect Edward H. Griffith and his wife, America Chedister. The home comprises two bedrooms, two bathrooms as well as two guest cottages with an additional bedroom and bathroom in each, and a nautical theme throughout, featuring decor like porthole windows, exposed wood beam ceilings, a fairytale-esque lighthouse and, of course, incredible ocean views as well as a private cove with a pool that is naturally filled with seawater at high tide. The estate was purchased by a buyer from the East Coast who was looking for a second home in Southern California, with help from Meital Taub of Christie’s International Real Estate, a Laguna Beach resident who specializes in local properties.
Photo by Xun Chi and Carol Covarrubias/LCAD
Up Front: Community
Collector’s Choice Gala
More than 300 supporters attended the Collector’s Choice Gala and helped to garner more than $300,000 to benefit the Laguna College of Art & Design’s various art programs. LCAD’s annual fundraiser, held Nov. 16 at Montage Laguna Beach, also served as a platform for the college to announce a generous $1 million gift from The Moulton Co. this year. The gala included a juried art auction with works from alumni, faculty and local artists who are featured in galleries like saltfineart and Sue Greenwood Fine Art. Other auction items included a magnum of fine wine donated by Laguna Beach resident and master sommelier Peter Neptune as well as a dinner at the chef’s table at Studio. There was also a brief speech prepared by alumnus-turned-faculty member Miguel Gonzalez, who thanked donors for the financial aid he received as a student, emphasizing the importance of programs that allow for merit-based scholarships. (lcad.edu)
Photo by John Watkins Photography
CASA Holiday Luncheon
A record-breaking $452,000 was raised at the Friends of CASA’s annual Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 13 at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point to benefit the mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates to bring in community volunteers to mentor and protect children in the foster care system. The 530 guests were welcomed with a Champagne reception while they perused 200 auction items, followed by an opportunity drawing later in the event with a chance to win a gorgeous bangle by Lugano Diamonds. Attendees were also able to fulfill a foster child’s wish by picking one from a tree covered in ornaments, each adorned with a request, including things like dance classes and a laptop for a college-bound student.
Once everyone was seated in the ballroom at Tory Burch-designed tables, the high-end lifestyle brand presented a fashion show in partnership with South Coast Plaza. Keynote speaker Dimon Sanders, who was in the foster care system and went on to become 2017-2018 Miss Arizona Outstanding Teen, shared her touching story about how CASA helped her find a loving adoptive home. Guests were also served a three-course lunch, including a salad, choice of ginger- and lemongrass-glazed chicken breast or a roasted vegetable strudel and a brownie with caramel sauce for dessert. (casaoc.org)
Photo by Kevin Warn/Hoag Hospital Foundation
Christmas Carol Ball
Hoag Hospital Foundation raised more than $1 million to support its medical programs during the 52nd annual Christmas Carol Ball, which took place Dec. 8 at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point. Collin Thornton, executive chef for the coastal resort, prepared a dinner for more than 600 guests, which included supporters, volunteers and friends of Hoag. There was also a silent auction as well as a live performance by 1980s rock band NRG. The foundation is nearing its goal of raising $627 million by the end of 2020 as part of its Hoag Promise campaign, with 90 percent of those funds raised so far, for a current total of approximately $562 million. These monetary donations will go toward improving various health care programs, including the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, the Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center and the Pickup Family Neurosciences Institute. (hoaghospitalfoundation.org)
Photo by Tony Florez
KXMas
Laguna Beach’s only FM radio station, KX 93.5, held its annual KXMas concert Dec. 8 at the Festival of Arts grounds. This year’s event hosted 1,700 guests, who helped raised $100,000 to benefit what is known as Orange County’s multigenerational alternative rock station. Spectacular entertainment featured the musical stylings of guitarist and singer-songwriter Nancy Wilson of Heart (known for her hand in co-writing rock classics like “Barracuda” and “Magic Man”) with her new rock and rhythm and blues band, Roadcase Royale, as well as indie rock band La Sera and vocalist Gothic Tropic. Concertgoers also had access to an online silent auction and VIP guests were treated to a pre-show reception by Terra Laguna Beach and seven-degrees. The concert itself took place at the Irvine Bowl while the festival grounds were decked out for the holidays in a winter wonderland theme, complete with food and drink stations as well as indie-style carolers and a visit from Santa Claus. (kx935.com)
Travel: Mexico
Vino and Vistas
Escape to Valle de Guadalupe for an international excursion in the heart of Mexico’s wine country.
When most people think of wine country, they conjure up images of Napa Valley and other Northern California locales, but it’s time for those who have that mindset to start looking south—at Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, to be precise. This picturesque village in Baja California is the largest wine-producing region in all of Mexico, boasting more than 70 wineries all within a short, three- or four-hour drive from Laguna Beach. After crossing the border in Tijuana, stick to the coast for stunning views of the Pacific as well as quaint, seaside towns for a glimpse of the Mexican culture and lifestyle.
Upon arrival in Valle de Guadalupe, travelers will find vineyards and wineries at virtually every turn. Located in the idyllic environment for growing European grapes with its Mediterranean-like climate and soil, this region produces vines of classic red Bordeaux varietals like cabernet sauvignon, malbec and merlot as well as some whites such as chardonnay and semillon, plus oft-overlooked red varieties including barbera, tempranillo and nebbiolo (the latter of which is originally from Italy, but also the varietal for which Mexico is known). So take a sip of vino while also drinking in the gorgeous Mexican vistas that surround you in this secluded oasis.
Photo courtesy of El Cielo Winery & Resort
Countryside Chateaus
If you’re driving in from the coast, one of the first vineyards you will come across is El Cielo Winery & Resort, a Karisma Hotels & Resorts property that is an incredible destination for any wine lover. What originally began as a retirement project for the owners, who intended to open a quaint bed and breakfast consisting of just 12 rooms, quickly grew into the ultraluxe winery and boutique resort that it is today. Now in its fifth year of operation as a winery, El Cielo has finally opened its breathtaking villas with more guest rooms and another restaurant to come this spring.
Combining magnificent accommodations with a gorgeous, natural setting plus a range of varietals grown and fermented on-site, this property features nearly 80 acres of vineyards. Other notable aspects are the gorgeous mountain views, gardens with fresh produce and flowers, orchards lined with olive trees (for oil that is also made on-property) and two lakes filled with water that is used to nourish all of the plants as well as in the 56 exquisite guest suites.
The resort offers two presidential villas to accommodate groups of up to eight people, plus additional chateaus that each include one master suite and two junior suites, which can be booked separately or as a package. The rooms flow seamlessly with the natural surrounds just beyond the balconies, as they feature an earthy color palette, exposed wood-beam ceilings, rain showers and plush queen- or king-sized beds.
Lay out by the pool, walk or cycle through the grounds and enjoy local cuisine (with wine pairings, of course) at two gourmet restaurants, Polaris or Latitud32. And there are plenty of options for those with an adventurous spirit: Spend the day exploring the nearby, seaside city of Ensenada for a glimpse at the region’s rich history, get your heart pumping with an ATV ride through the valley or, for a more relaxed activity, try your hand (or, in this case, foot) at traditional grape stomping before embarking on a guided trolley tour of the vineyard—affectionately dubbed a wine safari—followed by a sophisticated evening spent in the tasting room.
Photo courtesy of El Cielo Winery & Resort
Verdant Vineyards
El Cielo produces 15 grape varietals, including the aforementioned classics as well as modern reds like malbec, syrah, sangiovese and, naturally, nebbiolo. These are used to create four lines of exquisite pours: Astros, Astrónomos, Constelaciones and a reserve collection called Estrellas. This is the first Mexican winery to use solar panels, which has garnered recognition by the Ensenada government as the region’s first eco-responsible company. It also uses hawks and dogs as an alternative to pesticides in a conscious effort to avoid poisoning the land. Even the harvesting is all-natural, as this is all done by hand throughout the country. And you can truly taste the difference when you know that the fruit is being respected every step of the way, from planting the seed to pouring the finished product.
The same can be said for other vineyards in the region, as well, such as Finca la Carrodilla, which is located right next to El Cielo and also prides itself on its sustainability. As the first certified organic vineyard in the country, this vineyard uses biodynamic farming (which is similar to growing produce organically) and incorporates a similar practice of utilizing animals’ innate hunting skills as pest-control. This winery is helmed by Gustavo Gonzalez, a renowned winemaker with more than 20 years of experience, who helps produce four varietals: chenin blanc, shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and tempranillo, as well as other grapes for well-balanced blends.
Reducing environmental impact seems to be a trend in Valle de Guadalupe, with Alximia Vino Elemental being another vineyard that operates with a green business model focused on using organic fertilization and controlled development of its seven varietals, including petit verdot, barbera, sangiovese and more. The impeccable architecture reflects the professional past of the father-son co-owners, who previously worked as an astronomer and mathematician, respectively. The main building resembles a spaceship, which is aesthetically pleasing but also allows for a more practical application as it collects scarce water for reuse.
And that is just grazing the surface of all that this incredible wine-centric respite has to offer. Whether you drive down of your own accord or book a day trip from San Diego through one of the many tour companies available, it’s time to wind down and relax with a glass of Mexican vino while enjoying a south-of-the-border wine country vibe.
Photo by Dondee Quincena
Taste of the Town
Dine Feature: In Honor of Harley
Orange County chef and restaurateur Greg Daniels launches his newest culinary venture in downtown Laguna Beach.
In the heart of downtown Laguna Beach, in the building that formerly housed Three Seventy Common Kitchen & Drink, stands a not-so-hidden treasure and one of the newest additions to the local culinary scene: Harley Laguna Beach. Named after the grandfather of executive chef and owner Greg Daniels, this restaurant offers internationally inspired California cuisine served in a modern, eclectic atmosphere. Like many of the creative dishes on its menu, the ambiance at this fine dining establishment creates a feeling of nostalgia, but with a twist—as if you’ve arrived at your childhood home to find that your parents’ cooking and decor have been elevated to new heights, without sacrificing any of the familiar elements you grew to love.
Take a seat by the fireplace, at a table against the expansive windows or at the chef’s counter to watch the magic unfold as Daniels and his team prepare your selections from what he refers to as a “hyper-seasonal menu,” with dishes being swapped out as soon as seasonal produce passes its peak. Fresh ingredients are sourced from local farms and pantries with which Daniels established relationships during his time helming Haven Gastropub and Provisions Market, both in Orange.
Ceviche and hash fries with a cocktail | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Also of note is the built-in, wood-burning grill that utilizes citrus and pecan woods as well as charcoal to cook various dishes, such as the grilled avocado, steaks and chops, and even the pineapple that tops one of the signature desserts.
Other outstanding dishes are the fried halloumi cheese, which comes out engulfed in flames for a bit of a show; the jammy eggs in a garlic-herb marinade; and the chunky-cut hash fries—a perfect marriage between two American staples, french fries and hash browns—which are served with chive aioli (add the caviar option for a decadent yet comforting bite).
Other standout appetizers include the Peruvian ceviche, grass-fed beef tartare as well as Korean-style fried chicken that’s coated in a spicy garlic glaze and quite literally falls off the bone. The ceviche comprises plantain, lime, Fresno chile and the fresh catch from Harbor Fish Co. in Dana Point, which makes for a classic citrus-dominated dish but with a surprising contrast of flavors and textures. A personal favorite is the beef tartare with mustard yolk, miso mayo, pickled shimeji mushrooms, black vinegar and shiso leaves that are used as miniature taco shells. This impressive mixture of earthy tastes and creamy consistency, plus a slight sweetness from the leaves, creates a perfectly balanced palate pleaser to start off an exquisite meal.
Moving on to the mains, one of the most recent menu additions is a curried chicken pot pie made of Riverside-based GoneStraw Farms chicken, pearl onions, celery root and heirloom carrots all encased in a fluffy yet crisp puff pastry and served in a hot skillet. This hearty comfort food offers just a hint of curry—most prominent in the aftertaste, an unexpected pop of flavor that tantalizes taste buds—and makes for a perfect meal on a cold winter’s day. Another fantastic item is the wild boar loan encrusted in a rub sourced from Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. The tender, juicy meat is given a delightful flavor from the crust, which also provides a bit of crunch, while a grilled grapefruit garnish adds a tart citrus layer that perfectly complements the rich coffee taste and the herbaceous tones from oregano to round out the dish.
Pineapple upside-down cake and a chocolate sandwich | Photo by Dondee Quincena
Speaking of complements, the cocktails pair well with all of the food, such as the signature Ultima Palabra Slushie with mezcal, Chartreuse and Luxardo liqueurs as well as lime. This creates an interesting contrast of smoky flavors that cut through the frozen composition, making for a fire-and-ice effect.
Be sure to save room for a sweet finale such as the French cruller topped with foie gras glaze, warm maple syrup and fresh berries; a decadent chocolate sandwich or a roasted pineapple upside-down cake. An idyllic mixture of flavors, the latter comes with a slight tinge of smokiness from cooking over the wood-burning oven and is served with dark rum caramel sauce and black pepper ice cream. The cake itself is caramelized on the outside and opens up to a soft, fluffy interior while also having a hint of spice from the ice cream.
With so many unique flavor combinations and a constantly evolving menu, there is always something incredible to taste at Harley Laguna Beach—the epitome of California cuisine.
Photo by Justin Goldstein
Dine Sides
Tea at Tippy’s
Boba Me Baby in the downtown area recently underwent a name change to become Tippy’s Tea & Coffee & Things, in conjunction with a move away from artificial ingredients traditionally used in boba drinks—typically, milk teas poured over tapioca balls. This unique space serves handcrafted, international loose-leaf teas and local, micro-roasted coffee using organic milk products (and dairy-free alternatives) and simple syrups all made in-house as well as small-batch boba. Intriguing tea flavors include a Moroccan mint latte and peach-turmeric tisane as well as milk teas like lavender-Assam, honey-purple jasmine and rose petal. Also enjoy light bites including fruit smoothies and bowls, plus preservative-free baked goods. The shop also has an affinity for animals, with free dog treats available in addition to Tippy’s Corner, which displays flyers with details about and photos of adoptable pups available from local rescue groups, as a way to honor the owners’ beloved family dog who recently passed away. And yes, you guessed it, the pup’s name was none other than Tippy. (949-715-1625)
Photo by Baldemar Fierro
Brunch by the Beach
Ocean at Main, a new fine dining establishment presented by chef-owner Craig Strong, has expanded its menu to include a weekend brunch. With an emphasis on California cuisine served in a coastal locale, this restaurant is an ideal spot for enjoying a delicious brunch by the beach. Some popular items from the lunch menu that can also be ordered for brunch are the baby spinach Caesar salad with crispy calamari; a house-made turkey bolognese sausage pizza that goes through a traditional, on-site brick oven; the spicy ahi tuna tartare tartine and Craig’s Spice Cake for dessert. New items include chipotle chicken chilaquiles, rib-eye steak with eggs and breakfast potatoes, Scarlet’s Favorite Five Spice Pancakes, green chile quiche, a citrus yogurt parfait, and oven-baked brioche with dulce de leche. Stop in between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the weekends to try this stellar lineup of refreshed dishes. Notably, the restaurant is also now offering draft kombucha made by Orange County-based brewery Fermensch. (949-715-3870; oceanatmain.com)
Photo by Dondee Quincena
New Place, Same Space
The restaurant space next to Urth Caffe, formerly called Madison Square & Garden Cafe and then Old House Garden Cafe, has changed ownership once again and has been rebranded as Mediterrania Gardens, a fast-casual eatery with counter service and authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Stop in for traditional tastes including hummus served with the restaurant’s signature pita chips, falafel, dolmas (grape leaves stuffed with rice, onions, mint and a blend of spices), beef or chicken shawarma as a wrap or a bowl, kebabs and more. American favorites such as burgers and guacamole also grace this menu alongside other Mediterranean fare like Greek and tabbouleh salads with plenty of side dishes to pair with them. Sit inside or on the refreshed patio surrounded by the iconic garden elements for which this space is known. (949-494-0137; mediterraniagardens.com)
Photo courtesy of McClain Cellars
Canyon Cellars
McClain Cellars has launched a luxurious new tasting lounge at The Hive in Laguna Canyon, with a soft opening Jan. 26. Founded by Jason and Sofia McClain, this California winery grows, harvests, ferments and bottles all of its varietals in the Santa Ynez Valley before bringing them down to Orange County for release to the public. The Laguna Beach tasting lounge offers a rotating selection of wine flights, so guests can sample the entire collection, which includes more than a dozen wines such as Purpose Road, a merlot and sangiovese blend; Sacred Love, a cabernet sauvignon; and Kiss of Life, a refreshing white blend.
Guests can also taste the winery’s line of olive oils, balsamic vinegar, table olives and artisanal popcorn, with wine and cheese pairings as well as charcuterie and other light snacks. Enjoy occasional live music and be sure to peruse the retail section for accessories like decanters, glassware and more to bring home along with a bottle or two. (949-590-9980; mcclaincellars.com)
