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Review votes:
17 Useful, 4 Funny, and 9 Cool
Location
Laguna Beach, CA
Yelping SinceApril 2009
Find Me InLaguna Beach, paddling the ocean, running hills, beach stairs
My HometownColumbine outside of Denver, Co
My Blog Or Website When I'm Not Yelping...I'm fixing lame web sites and launching Internet campaigns
Why You Should Read My ReviewsI love this spectacular town! I want YOU to enjoy LB just as we "insiders" do!
My Second Favorite Website The Last Great Book I ReadThink & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
My First ConcertEarth, Wind & Fire - ha!
My Favorite MovieThe Matrix. Of course.
Most Recent DiscoveryThe bird of prey who's adopted me is an Osprey! See my bad boy: http://PhotosLaguna.com
Date
31621 Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 499-4033
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 499-4033
Coyote Grill
Categories: Mexican, Breakfast & Brunch
Sometimes, a Laguna Beach restaurant is so surprising in its flavors and flair that even I have a difficult time writing about it. Take for example, K'ya, a restaurant that never, ever has a bad night (and I'm there plenty of nights). What Chef Craig whips up over there is nothing less than brilliant.
And then there's Picayo Restaurant, an unassuming little bistro tucked away in Boat Canyon in North Laguna Beach. I've driven past the place a thousand times and never imagined it served up one of the most sumptuous menus in all of Orange County. One of my more sophisticated girlfriends on the Picayo jaunt couldn't have said it better when she noted, "I'm finishing the sauces with my fingers, for heaven's sake ... I can't possibly attempt to cook again."
Fair warning - "sumptuous" doesn't come close to the word "diet" in any dictionary, least of all Picayo's. This is complex, imaginative food whose menu first started with French master chef Laurent Brazier 14 years ago, and only got better as it has expanded in the hands of Chef Francois this last year. It's a phenomenal mix of French recipes with Mediterranean touches.
Case in point - the longstanding breast of duck seared in a peach demi-glace amicably shares menu space with recent newcomers such as grilled lamb chops on a bed of ratatouille, the fragrant French onion soup, or the "Picayo Purse" with grilled prawns, artichoke hearts and mushrooms in a pastry shell. And, I can't say that I've ever had Julia Childs whip up her Boeuf Bourguignon for me personally, but Francois' rendition of this renowned dish is beyond memorable.
Long rumored as one of Laguna Beach's expensive French restaurants, Picayo's owners simply roll their eyes at the suggestion. Picayo offers a sizable lounge menu of full entrees under $7, and the dining menu offers hearty "petite plates" priced between $5 and $11. Happy hour features $5 glasses of wine from an extensive menu.
It's not just the food at Picayo, though. This place is a whispered favorite among North Laguna locals because its owners, S.K. Paul, Hamid and Francois, treat you as if you're at the kitchen tables of their own homes. (It took me several minutes to realize that our amiable server was the decorated chef of the place.) The patio and bar fill nightly with local chatter - people become friends here and loners find family in this place.
What Insiders Know About Laguna Beach's Picayo Restaurant
1. "Picayo" is a mountain range in Spain that shelters a town renowned for a cooking school that focuses on shellfish and seafood preparations. For most European chefs, it's a required leg in their schooling.
2. Picayo is licensed to re-sell wine, and many Laguna Beach locals happily sort through an extensive list (with tastings, of course) to order bottles and cases of unique wines from around the world.
3. Picayo also offers a $12 "take home" bottle of wine, offering a bounty of unknown and undiscovered gems that you'll never go wrong on.
4. Sorry, but one more item of food that must be discussed. When Chef Brazier retired, he agreed to hand over all his recipes except for ONE ... his flourless chocolate truffle cake. To this day, he still crafts this sinful treat and delivers it to Picayo (under heavily armored guard, I'm sure). This is something you've just got to try.
How to find Café Picayo in Laguna Beach
Picayo is on the north side of Laguna, so from Laguna's Main Beach at Broadway and PCH, it's just over a half mile north at Boat Canyon Drive. Picayo shares the complex with (among others) Gina's Pizza, Pavilion's grocery store, and a Coldwell Banker office.
Be sure to subscribe to my column up by my photo (it's a free subscription) to receive regular updates about all that's worth seeing and experiencing in Laguna Beach! Go to http://www.HotSpotsInl...
And then there's Picayo Restaurant, an unassuming little bistro tucked away in Boat Canyon in North Laguna Beach. I've driven past the place a thousand times and never imagined it served up one of the most sumptuous menus in all of Orange County. One of my more sophisticated girlfriends on the Picayo jaunt couldn't have said it better when she noted, "I'm finishing the sauces with my fingers, for heaven's sake ... I can't possibly attempt to cook again."
Fair warning - "sumptuous" doesn't come close to the word "diet" in any dictionary, least of all Picayo's. This is complex, imaginative food whose menu first started with French master chef Laurent Brazier 14 years ago, and only got better as it has expanded in the hands of Chef Francois this last year. It's a phenomenal mix of French recipes with Mediterranean touches.
Case in point - the longstanding breast of duck seared in a peach demi-glace amicably shares menu space with recent newcomers such as grilled lamb chops on a bed of ratatouille, the fragrant French onion soup, or the "Picayo Purse" with grilled prawns, artichoke hearts and mushrooms in a pastry shell. And, I can't say that I've ever had Julia Childs whip up her Boeuf Bourguignon for me personally, but Francois' rendition of this renowned dish is beyond memorable.
Long rumored as one of Laguna Beach's expensive French restaurants, Picayo's owners simply roll their eyes at the suggestion. Picayo offers a sizable lounge menu of full entrees under $7, and the dining menu offers hearty "petite plates" priced between $5 and $11. Happy hour features $5 glasses of wine from an extensive menu.
It's not just the food at Picayo, though. This place is a whispered favorite among North Laguna locals because its owners, S.K. Paul, Hamid and Francois, treat you as if you're at the kitchen tables of their own homes. (It took me several minutes to realize that our amiable server was the decorated chef of the place.) The patio and bar fill nightly with local chatter - people become friends here and loners find family in this place.
What Insiders Know About Laguna Beach's Picayo Restaurant
1. "Picayo" is a mountain range in Spain that shelters a town renowned for a cooking school that focuses on shellfish and seafood preparations. For most European chefs, it's a required leg in their schooling.
2. Picayo is licensed to re-sell wine, and many Laguna Beach locals happily sort through an extensive list (with tastings, of course) to order bottles and cases of unique wines from around the world.
3. Picayo also offers a $12 "take home" bottle of wine, offering a bounty of unknown and undiscovered gems that you'll never go wrong on.
4. Sorry, but one more item of food that must be discussed. When Chef Brazier retired, he agreed to hand over all his recipes except for ONE ... his flourless chocolate truffle cake. To this day, he still crafts this sinful treat and delivers it to Picayo (under heavily armored guard, I'm sure). This is something you've just got to try.
How to find Café Picayo in Laguna Beach
Picayo is on the north side of Laguna, so from Laguna's Main Beach at Broadway and PCH, it's just over a half mile north at Boat Canyon Drive. Picayo shares the complex with (among others) Gina's Pizza, Pavilion's grocery store, and a Coldwell Banker office.
Be sure to subscribe to my column up by my photo (it's a free subscription) to receive regular updates about all that's worth seeing and experiencing in Laguna Beach! Go to http://www.HotSpotsInl...
From my column, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
Granted, there are a number of great restaurant bars in Laguna Beach (i.e., Rooftop, K'ya, Lumberyard, The White House, Nick's, 230 Forest, etc.) but there are only three REAL bars in Laguna Beach, all with personalities of their own.
Together, these three long-standing Laguna Beach bars are a veritable triumvirate in our little town, having dominated and outlasted hundreds of other tries over the decades. They are, The Marine Room Tavern (Ocean Ave.), the Saloon (PCH right in the middle of town), and The Sandpiper Lounge (PCH toward the south end of Central Laguna).
Today, we discuss the Saloon, the only standup European pub in the entirety of Orange County. (To be sure you don't miss out on our other two "personalities," and insider tips and secrets to each of these renowned bars, be sure to subscribe, above).
Established in 1978, Laguna Beach's Saloon has been owned these last five years by Bobby Doerr and Mike Byrne. Step in the place and you feel you've been immediately transported to some pub in Central London or Dublin.
Aside from a couple of small benches and one teensy table in the corner, this is a stand-up bar. Don't be asking for one of those foo-foo blender drinks - they don't own a blender. DO feel free to peruse one of the finest single Scotch menus in town, and enjoy 100% juice in any mixed juice drink you try - they refuse to go the way of "juice from a gun."
While the Saloon certainly offers above-average wines by the glass, this is primarily a mixed drinks, straight shots, and mighty beer kind of bar.
The Saloon opens its doors at noon on weekends and at 2:00 on weekdays, but the real action begins after 9:00 p.m. Packed with both locals, nearby town regulars and people who come from all cities and countries to this renowned bar, just take a deep breath and worm your way through. (Come on, that's half the fun.)
Local, Insider Tips to the Saloon
The Saloon is famous for two drinks:
1. The Pine-O Cranikazi. See that big ol jug of fresh cut pineapple rings soaking in vodka there on the Saloon's back bar? That's the foundation to this drink. A pineapple-infused top-shelf vodka Cosmopolitan served up or on the rocks, it goes down extremely easy.
2. The No Name shot. Primarily a coffee liqueurs shot, this gizmo was first invented by a Filipino bartender at the Saloon years ago and was initially named after him. When he eventually retired, the shot became the "NO Name" shot. This either occurred because of some kind of strange politics OR a reverence for retiring the name, much like they do a Michael Jordan jersey number. (I prefer the latter story.) Whatever the case, this is a no-nonsense shot made up of 5 liquors (yes, I said FIVE) and mixed on a weekly basis by just one, long-time bartender at the Saloon. If you know the actual name of the shot, the Saloon treats you like a V.I.P. You'll see the clear, unnamed, unlabeled bottle there on the back bar, too.
How to Find Laguna Beach's Saloon
Remember the cobblestone path I told you about in the Gelato Paradiso article? Well the Saloon stands right on PCH at the front of that cobblestone. From Main Beach (Broadway and PCH), travel south just 3 blocks past Park Ave. About halfway up the block, you'll stumble across the Saloon. (If you hit Watermarc, you've gone too far.)
Hours of Operation for the Saloon
Weekdays, 2:00 p.m. to last call (usually around midnight on week nights)
Weekends, noon to last call (usually 1:30 a.m. All drinks are out of hands and off the bar at 2:00 here.)
Granted, there are a number of great restaurant bars in Laguna Beach (i.e., Rooftop, K'ya, Lumberyard, The White House, Nick's, 230 Forest, etc.) but there are only three REAL bars in Laguna Beach, all with personalities of their own.
Together, these three long-standing Laguna Beach bars are a veritable triumvirate in our little town, having dominated and outlasted hundreds of other tries over the decades. They are, The Marine Room Tavern (Ocean Ave.), the Saloon (PCH right in the middle of town), and The Sandpiper Lounge (PCH toward the south end of Central Laguna).
Today, we discuss the Saloon, the only standup European pub in the entirety of Orange County. (To be sure you don't miss out on our other two "personalities," and insider tips and secrets to each of these renowned bars, be sure to subscribe, above).
Established in 1978, Laguna Beach's Saloon has been owned these last five years by Bobby Doerr and Mike Byrne. Step in the place and you feel you've been immediately transported to some pub in Central London or Dublin.
Aside from a couple of small benches and one teensy table in the corner, this is a stand-up bar. Don't be asking for one of those foo-foo blender drinks - they don't own a blender. DO feel free to peruse one of the finest single Scotch menus in town, and enjoy 100% juice in any mixed juice drink you try - they refuse to go the way of "juice from a gun."
While the Saloon certainly offers above-average wines by the glass, this is primarily a mixed drinks, straight shots, and mighty beer kind of bar.
The Saloon opens its doors at noon on weekends and at 2:00 on weekdays, but the real action begins after 9:00 p.m. Packed with both locals, nearby town regulars and people who come from all cities and countries to this renowned bar, just take a deep breath and worm your way through. (Come on, that's half the fun.)
Local, Insider Tips to the Saloon
The Saloon is famous for two drinks:
1. The Pine-O Cranikazi. See that big ol jug of fresh cut pineapple rings soaking in vodka there on the Saloon's back bar? That's the foundation to this drink. A pineapple-infused top-shelf vodka Cosmopolitan served up or on the rocks, it goes down extremely easy.
2. The No Name shot. Primarily a coffee liqueurs shot, this gizmo was first invented by a Filipino bartender at the Saloon years ago and was initially named after him. When he eventually retired, the shot became the "NO Name" shot. This either occurred because of some kind of strange politics OR a reverence for retiring the name, much like they do a Michael Jordan jersey number. (I prefer the latter story.) Whatever the case, this is a no-nonsense shot made up of 5 liquors (yes, I said FIVE) and mixed on a weekly basis by just one, long-time bartender at the Saloon. If you know the actual name of the shot, the Saloon treats you like a V.I.P. You'll see the clear, unnamed, unlabeled bottle there on the back bar, too.
How to Find Laguna Beach's Saloon
Remember the cobblestone path I told you about in the Gelato Paradiso article? Well the Saloon stands right on PCH at the front of that cobblestone. From Main Beach (Broadway and PCH), travel south just 3 blocks past Park Ave. About halfway up the block, you'll stumble across the Saloon. (If you hit Watermarc, you've gone too far.)
Hours of Operation for the Saloon
Weekdays, 2:00 p.m. to last call (usually around midnight on week nights)
Weekends, noon to last call (usually 1:30 a.m. All drinks are out of hands and off the bar at 2:00 here.)
448 South Coast Highway, Suite A
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 464-9255
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 464-9255
Gelato Paradiso
Category: Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt
From my blog: http://www.HotSpotsInL...
Ahh . . . summer in Laguna Beach. Blue skies 75-degree weather and a scant number of tourists.
That's right - in Laguna Beach, our summer is September and October. No more June Gloom muck (that can often linger through August), no more long lines everywhere, clean, sandy beaches that stretch for hundreds of yards with nary a soul on them, and traffic almost reaching a point of normalcy again.
No better time, then, to hit our favorite gelato shop, Gelato Paradiso, tucked away right smack in the center of town. A fairly recent newcomer to town, Gelato Paradiso arrived about 5 years ago, setting up its 4th store in a small chain that extends from Newport's Fashion Island to Dana Point.
The quaint store carries 13 puckery sorbets and 18 rich and creamy gelato flavors. Of course you're allowed to sample from the bounty, but keep in mind that the double chocolate and sweet crème and caramel gelatos outsell their peers.
Manned with an always cheerful and efficient staff - including Jessica, who drives several miles each day to greet you with a smile and a plastic cup filled to the brim with this heavenly concoction - you'll find Gelato Paradiso a super-clean, super-tasty, gotta-have-it alternative to the American ice cream.
How to find Gelato Paradiso:
From Laguna's Main Beach (PCH and Broadway), proceed south on PCH just 3 blocks past Park Ave. About halfway up the block just past the Saloon, you'll find a cobbled pathway of shops. You'll find Gelato Paradiso on the end.
Ahh . . . summer in Laguna Beach. Blue skies 75-degree weather and a scant number of tourists.
That's right - in Laguna Beach, our summer is September and October. No more June Gloom muck (that can often linger through August), no more long lines everywhere, clean, sandy beaches that stretch for hundreds of yards with nary a soul on them, and traffic almost reaching a point of normalcy again.
No better time, then, to hit our favorite gelato shop, Gelato Paradiso, tucked away right smack in the center of town. A fairly recent newcomer to town, Gelato Paradiso arrived about 5 years ago, setting up its 4th store in a small chain that extends from Newport's Fashion Island to Dana Point.
The quaint store carries 13 puckery sorbets and 18 rich and creamy gelato flavors. Of course you're allowed to sample from the bounty, but keep in mind that the double chocolate and sweet crème and caramel gelatos outsell their peers.
Manned with an always cheerful and efficient staff - including Jessica, who drives several miles each day to greet you with a smile and a plastic cup filled to the brim with this heavenly concoction - you'll find Gelato Paradiso a super-clean, super-tasty, gotta-have-it alternative to the American ice cream.
How to find Gelato Paradiso:
From Laguna's Main Beach (PCH and Broadway), proceed south on PCH just 3 blocks past Park Ave. About halfway up the block just past the Saloon, you'll find a cobbled pathway of shops. You'll find Gelato Paradiso on the end.
From my http://HotSpotsInLagun... blog:
Laguna Beach's new Lumberyard Restaurant is within weeks of celebrating its 1-year anniversary. Happily, despite opening its doors at about the same time the world markets decided to freefall, the Restaurant has enjoyed a profitable first year with locals and tourists alike.
In early 2008, many Laguna Beach longtimers felt some trepidation when their beloved Cedar Creek Restaurant closed shop at this prime location at 384 Forest Avenue. We tiptoed close and craned to look through the shrouded windows to see what all the hammering and racket was about, and wondered aloud what local architect Gregg Abel was up to in there.
When the Lumberyard threw its doors open in October 2008, we were all in for a surprise - it wasn't even close to the same place. Even the bathrooms had been moved! Some folks think it's a bit too dark for their taste but, frankly, I think it looks like a sleek take on ... well ... the inside of a lumberyard. It was, after all, THE lumberyard when construction began to take off in this seaside community in 1916. The historical place offers plenty of table seating, but the Lumberyard's got to have one of the biggest saloon bars in town, rivaling the mammoth bar at The Marine Room, and even possibly surpassing the infamous Laguna Beach Saloon itself (to be reviewed here shortly).
Enough on the character and atmosphere. Let's get to the food.
The Lumberyard serves up a hearty, affordable menu of salads, sandwiches and burgers, pastas, sleek seafood and, of course, its famous Hog Heaven Pie. (I don't know if they made up that "famous" part but I've tasted this deadly chocolate ganache/peanut butter mousse creation and, yes, it deserves to be famous.)
This is Laguna Beach, of course, so it can never be Plain Jane sandwiches and fish, you know. The Lumberyard serves up a number of signature dishes, including its Lumberyard Planks (flash-fried zuchini planks with lemon aioli dipping sauce), a memorable Ahi Tartare stack, Cedar Planked Mahogany Salmon, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup dip, and Chicken Pot Pie in a flaming hot dish.
The service is spot-on and friendly. Not an ounce of snobbery here. The pours of wine are a full one-third glass (250 ml!), which we think is darn right nice of them, and the draft beer options are extensive.
Insider Tips for Laguna Beach's Lumberyard Restaurant
1. Despite their constant busy-ness, the Lumberyard offers a number of inventive foodie specials:
o Lunches are just $10 Monday through Friday.
o If you choose to wine and dine Monday evenings and order food over $40 in value, you get your choice of wine from their selected list for just a dollar.
o Happy Hour on Monday through Friday lasts 3:30 - 6:30 (now that's some happy hours) with $6 appetizers and wine and $4 draft beers.
o And, during Monday Night Football season, happy hour lasts the whole danged Monday evening till the last whistle is blown.
2. When you're traipsing through this place, take a good look down. It's the only floor in town (well, likely in the next few towns in the next few states, too) with 3,000 individually hand-laid squares of mesquite.
3. The Lumberyard decided to offer its own private label of Chardonnay and Syrah and commissioned local artist and surfer Ryan Gourley to complete the Laguna Beach-based scenic labels. They've made very nice work of their "house wine" - it's worth a 1/3-bottle pour!
4. Though the bar gets to hopping after 8:30 p.m., this is no kids' joint. Finally, 35-55 year olds (on the average) are finding a great seat at a great bar.
How to Find The Lumberyard Restaurant
Out-of-towners never quite understand this, but The Lumberyard is at the corner of Forest and, ehrm, Forest. From Laguna's Main Beach at Ocean and PCH, go half a block south to Forest and travel its two blocks until it dead ends at Forest. The Lumberyard is in the lovely French Normandy building on your left. Metered street parking is available as well as parking behind the restaurant on Ocean.
For reservations, call: 949.715.3900. See http://www.lblumberyar.../ for more details.
Laguna Beach's new Lumberyard Restaurant is within weeks of celebrating its 1-year anniversary. Happily, despite opening its doors at about the same time the world markets decided to freefall, the Restaurant has enjoyed a profitable first year with locals and tourists alike.
In early 2008, many Laguna Beach longtimers felt some trepidation when their beloved Cedar Creek Restaurant closed shop at this prime location at 384 Forest Avenue. We tiptoed close and craned to look through the shrouded windows to see what all the hammering and racket was about, and wondered aloud what local architect Gregg Abel was up to in there.
When the Lumberyard threw its doors open in October 2008, we were all in for a surprise - it wasn't even close to the same place. Even the bathrooms had been moved! Some folks think it's a bit too dark for their taste but, frankly, I think it looks like a sleek take on ... well ... the inside of a lumberyard. It was, after all, THE lumberyard when construction began to take off in this seaside community in 1916. The historical place offers plenty of table seating, but the Lumberyard's got to have one of the biggest saloon bars in town, rivaling the mammoth bar at The Marine Room, and even possibly surpassing the infamous Laguna Beach Saloon itself (to be reviewed here shortly).
Enough on the character and atmosphere. Let's get to the food.
The Lumberyard serves up a hearty, affordable menu of salads, sandwiches and burgers, pastas, sleek seafood and, of course, its famous Hog Heaven Pie. (I don't know if they made up that "famous" part but I've tasted this deadly chocolate ganache/peanut butter mousse creation and, yes, it deserves to be famous.)
This is Laguna Beach, of course, so it can never be Plain Jane sandwiches and fish, you know. The Lumberyard serves up a number of signature dishes, including its Lumberyard Planks (flash-fried zuchini planks with lemon aioli dipping sauce), a memorable Ahi Tartare stack, Cedar Planked Mahogany Salmon, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup dip, and Chicken Pot Pie in a flaming hot dish.
The service is spot-on and friendly. Not an ounce of snobbery here. The pours of wine are a full one-third glass (250 ml!), which we think is darn right nice of them, and the draft beer options are extensive.
Insider Tips for Laguna Beach's Lumberyard Restaurant
1. Despite their constant busy-ness, the Lumberyard offers a number of inventive foodie specials:
o Lunches are just $10 Monday through Friday.
o If you choose to wine and dine Monday evenings and order food over $40 in value, you get your choice of wine from their selected list for just a dollar.
o Happy Hour on Monday through Friday lasts 3:30 - 6:30 (now that's some happy hours) with $6 appetizers and wine and $4 draft beers.
o And, during Monday Night Football season, happy hour lasts the whole danged Monday evening till the last whistle is blown.
2. When you're traipsing through this place, take a good look down. It's the only floor in town (well, likely in the next few towns in the next few states, too) with 3,000 individually hand-laid squares of mesquite.
3. The Lumberyard decided to offer its own private label of Chardonnay and Syrah and commissioned local artist and surfer Ryan Gourley to complete the Laguna Beach-based scenic labels. They've made very nice work of their "house wine" - it's worth a 1/3-bottle pour!
4. Though the bar gets to hopping after 8:30 p.m., this is no kids' joint. Finally, 35-55 year olds (on the average) are finding a great seat at a great bar.
How to Find The Lumberyard Restaurant
Out-of-towners never quite understand this, but The Lumberyard is at the corner of Forest and, ehrm, Forest. From Laguna's Main Beach at Ocean and PCH, go half a block south to Forest and travel its two blocks until it dead ends at Forest. The Lumberyard is in the lovely French Normandy building on your left. Metered street parking is available as well as parking behind the restaurant on Ocean.
For reservations, call: 949.715.3900. See http://www.lblumberyar.../ for more details.
Crystal Cove State Park's El Moro Canyon is SERIOUS hiking in Laguna Beach!
Most folks don't realize that Laguna and Crystal Cove State Park have elevations that rapidly climb from sea level to about 1,000 feet. Granted, you're never going to snowboard here, but you can get a heck of a workout walking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding in El Moro Canyon.
El Moro lies just a quarter mile north of the Laguna Beach welcome sign. Our town's only elementary school resides at the base of this monstrous hill and both sit across from the Crystal Cove State Park - a flat, beachy mecca that attracts thousands of tourists.
To the untrained eye, El Moro looks like a friendly set of rolling hills ... and there are many great trails that accommodate beginner hikers and children, to be sure.
But don't let El Moro fool you. Many of her super-wide "fire trails" accommodate professional football and basketball players in training; cross-country teams; and marathon and triathalon greats. The "park" is a mass of long, steep inclines and rollercoaster hills with names such as "Elevator" (one you definitely want to struggle up instead of down), and "Poles" (a 400-foot vertical hill that some people take to crawling up with absolutely no fear of recrimination).
El Moro also throws down single-track careening challenges to professional BMXers and the internationally known "Radicals" (aka: RADS), a super-competitive mountain bike racing fraternity based in Laguna Beach.
Regular sitings if you were to go 4 weekends in a row for a month:
Other people on the hills (usually panting but all friendly): Every 3 minutes
Bunnies: Every 3 minutes
Slow-moving mountain bikers struggling up a steep hill: Every 10 minutes
Hurtling (but ever-polite) mountain bikers coming down a steep hill: 1 small group every half-hour.
Rattlesnakes: There are warnings posted, but I've only seen a few random track slithers. Rattlesnakes prefer to avoid humans, especially panting ones.
Red fox: 1 a month
Mule deer: 1 a month
Coyotes: 1 every season. They scramble in the opposite direction from humans.
Mountain lions: Never. (Though you can never say "never," most state parks representatives will tell you that there's simply not enough food on the hills for these buggers.)
Insider Tips:
* There are no bathroom or drinking water facilities on El Moro. Go prepared.
* Absolutely no dogs are allowed anywhere on this hill. Sorry. Leave the pooch at home. Horses are allowed on the trails.
* Campsites are available and can be arranged in advance by calling 949-494-3539
* If you park at the PCH side, you're usually charged $10 to park UNLESS you arrive before or after the Visitor Center's official hours ...then it's free! Plan your schedule accordingly
(El Moro) Park Hours:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat, Sun - 6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
How to Find El Moro:
There are many entries to El Moro from the top of Newport Coast Drive by the 73 toll road, from Laguna Canyon (the 133) and from PCH just north of the city limits. The Visitor Welcome Center (with park guides, bathrooms and maps) is on the PCH side, so I'll direct you here first:
From the Laguna Beach Welcome sign on the north side of town, travel just mile to the El Moro School and Park exit to your right (a stoplight). Drive straight through the school lot to the park's inland-bound road and follow the signs to the parking lot.
From my blog, http://HotSpotsInLagun...
Most folks don't realize that Laguna and Crystal Cove State Park have elevations that rapidly climb from sea level to about 1,000 feet. Granted, you're never going to snowboard here, but you can get a heck of a workout walking, trail running, mountain biking and horseback riding in El Moro Canyon.
El Moro lies just a quarter mile north of the Laguna Beach welcome sign. Our town's only elementary school resides at the base of this monstrous hill and both sit across from the Crystal Cove State Park - a flat, beachy mecca that attracts thousands of tourists.
To the untrained eye, El Moro looks like a friendly set of rolling hills ... and there are many great trails that accommodate beginner hikers and children, to be sure.
But don't let El Moro fool you. Many of her super-wide "fire trails" accommodate professional football and basketball players in training; cross-country teams; and marathon and triathalon greats. The "park" is a mass of long, steep inclines and rollercoaster hills with names such as "Elevator" (one you definitely want to struggle up instead of down), and "Poles" (a 400-foot vertical hill that some people take to crawling up with absolutely no fear of recrimination).
El Moro also throws down single-track careening challenges to professional BMXers and the internationally known "Radicals" (aka: RADS), a super-competitive mountain bike racing fraternity based in Laguna Beach.
Regular sitings if you were to go 4 weekends in a row for a month:
Other people on the hills (usually panting but all friendly): Every 3 minutes
Bunnies: Every 3 minutes
Slow-moving mountain bikers struggling up a steep hill: Every 10 minutes
Hurtling (but ever-polite) mountain bikers coming down a steep hill: 1 small group every half-hour.
Rattlesnakes: There are warnings posted, but I've only seen a few random track slithers. Rattlesnakes prefer to avoid humans, especially panting ones.
Red fox: 1 a month
Mule deer: 1 a month
Coyotes: 1 every season. They scramble in the opposite direction from humans.
Mountain lions: Never. (Though you can never say "never," most state parks representatives will tell you that there's simply not enough food on the hills for these buggers.)
Insider Tips:
* There are no bathroom or drinking water facilities on El Moro. Go prepared.
* Absolutely no dogs are allowed anywhere on this hill. Sorry. Leave the pooch at home. Horses are allowed on the trails.
* Campsites are available and can be arranged in advance by calling 949-494-3539
* If you park at the PCH side, you're usually charged $10 to park UNLESS you arrive before or after the Visitor Center's official hours ...then it's free! Plan your schedule accordingly
(El Moro) Park Hours:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Sat, Sun - 6 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
How to Find El Moro:
There are many entries to El Moro from the top of Newport Coast Drive by the 73 toll road, from Laguna Canyon (the 133) and from PCH just north of the city limits. The Visitor Welcome Center (with park guides, bathrooms and maps) is on the PCH side, so I'll direct you here first:
From the Laguna Beach Welcome sign on the north side of town, travel just mile to the El Moro School and Park exit to your right (a stoplight). Drive straight through the school lot to the park's inland-bound road and follow the signs to the parking lot.
From my blog, http://HotSpotsInLagun...
Tuesdays at Laguna Beach Marine Room - undiscovered (and quite phenomenal) singers, songwriters
For more than 4 years now, the renowned Marine Room Tavern in Laguna Beach has been serving up budding songwriters and undiscovered crooners in its Tuesday Night Songwriter's Showcase.
In contrast to the Marine Room's standard fare of fun and rowdy live bands and fans, the Songwriter's Showcase tends to be a mellower event with acoustic or single-instrument play ... all the better to hear some of the most tremendous singing and songwriting talent in the area.
When you've finished your Taco Tuesday evening at the White House, wander two blocks down to the Marine Room on Ocean Avenue between 8 and 11 to listen in on an ever-rotating bill of great talent.
Not just anyone can take over the stage. The event is organized by Beth Fitchet Wood, the well-loved singer and guitarist of the early '70s "Honk" band and the now-popular "The Girls" band. A singer since the age of 3, Beth thought it would be a great idea to give bracing new talent a turn in the spotlight. Singers and songwriters must possess at least a self-produced CD of their work and need to "apply" through Beth at her web site, www. http://BethFitchetWood...
Each Tuesday begins with a 30-45 minute set from Beth, herself, and the stage then opens to feature 3-4 scheduled acts. Crowd sizes vary but you'll usually be able to find yourself a chair or a seat at the elbow-worn bar. What the event lacks in American Idol hoopla it makes up for in sheer, unbridled talent.
How to find the Songwriter's Showcase at the Marine Room Tavern:
From Laguna's Main Beach (the first big beach at Broadway and PCH), travel a block south on PCH to Ocean Avenue. You'll see the Tavern's green awning right there on the left side of the street.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
For more than 4 years now, the renowned Marine Room Tavern in Laguna Beach has been serving up budding songwriters and undiscovered crooners in its Tuesday Night Songwriter's Showcase.
In contrast to the Marine Room's standard fare of fun and rowdy live bands and fans, the Songwriter's Showcase tends to be a mellower event with acoustic or single-instrument play ... all the better to hear some of the most tremendous singing and songwriting talent in the area.
When you've finished your Taco Tuesday evening at the White House, wander two blocks down to the Marine Room on Ocean Avenue between 8 and 11 to listen in on an ever-rotating bill of great talent.
Not just anyone can take over the stage. The event is organized by Beth Fitchet Wood, the well-loved singer and guitarist of the early '70s "Honk" band and the now-popular "The Girls" band. A singer since the age of 3, Beth thought it would be a great idea to give bracing new talent a turn in the spotlight. Singers and songwriters must possess at least a self-produced CD of their work and need to "apply" through Beth at her web site, www. http://BethFitchetWood...
Each Tuesday begins with a 30-45 minute set from Beth, herself, and the stage then opens to feature 3-4 scheduled acts. Crowd sizes vary but you'll usually be able to find yourself a chair or a seat at the elbow-worn bar. What the event lacks in American Idol hoopla it makes up for in sheer, unbridled talent.
How to find the Songwriter's Showcase at the Marine Room Tavern:
From Laguna's Main Beach (the first big beach at Broadway and PCH), travel a block south on PCH to Ocean Avenue. You'll see the Tavern's green awning right there on the left side of the street.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
2405 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-9525
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-9525
Auster Ken
Categories: Art Galleries, Art Schools
Renowned Laguna Beach artist Ken Auster now creating next big trend in women's boots
Recognized as one of the most accomplished plein air artists in the world, Laguna Beach's own Ken Auster is as amiable and droll as they come ... until you ask him about his new foray into the women's boot business. Then, his eyes light up, he sits straight up, and he becomes extremely animated - not his usual M.O., I can assure you.
As the story goes, Auster was with his wife, Paulette, in Carmel and saw these boots in a retail window. He initially thought they were art sculptures and made a beeline for the store with every intention of buying one such sculpture for his home. Upon closer inspection, the pair discovered these works of art were actually boots - the Artemis Collection direct from Instanbul. Immediately enamored, Ken didn't just buy the boots - he and Paulette decided to become the Collection's first major distributor and cleared space in his studio in Laguna Canyon for "serious retail space."
Intricately embroidered boots from Instanbul make up the Artemis Collection at
Ken Auster's Laguna canyon studio. Photo by Diane Armitage
The Artemis Collection features the iconic cowboy boot as the "canvas," but it's the rich embroidered patterns on these boots that create the masterpiece. Done in tribal designs indigenous to Turkey and its' centuries-old neighbors, the boots come in a wide-ranging, personality-pleasing palette - some are done in muted silvers, bronzes and plums while others look like a snapshot from the Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
Even tucked back in the Canyon as he is, and even the dead of summer when no one is really thinking about boots, Ken is selling a number of pairs each week.
As an artist, Ken Auster has never gone wrong. It looks like he's acted on the right hunch here, too
Plein air artist Ken Auster created his own signage for
the new boot business he houses in his Laguna
Canyon art studio. Come on down for a uniquely
artistic afternoon all around! Photo by Diane Armitage
Insider tip:
As an aside, if you haven't seen Ken's work, take a look at this new, great video he recently produced: http://dustinohara.com...
How to find Ken boots:
Ken Auster's studio is half way between El Toro Road and Laguna's Main Beach (the first big beach at Broadway and PCH). If you're coming from the beach, it's exactly 1.5 miles up Laguna Canyon (Broadway/the 133). Ken's studio is on the right - look for the big boot out front.
from my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
Recognized as one of the most accomplished plein air artists in the world, Laguna Beach's own Ken Auster is as amiable and droll as they come ... until you ask him about his new foray into the women's boot business. Then, his eyes light up, he sits straight up, and he becomes extremely animated - not his usual M.O., I can assure you.
As the story goes, Auster was with his wife, Paulette, in Carmel and saw these boots in a retail window. He initially thought they were art sculptures and made a beeline for the store with every intention of buying one such sculpture for his home. Upon closer inspection, the pair discovered these works of art were actually boots - the Artemis Collection direct from Instanbul. Immediately enamored, Ken didn't just buy the boots - he and Paulette decided to become the Collection's first major distributor and cleared space in his studio in Laguna Canyon for "serious retail space."
Intricately embroidered boots from Instanbul make up the Artemis Collection at
Ken Auster's Laguna canyon studio. Photo by Diane Armitage
The Artemis Collection features the iconic cowboy boot as the "canvas," but it's the rich embroidered patterns on these boots that create the masterpiece. Done in tribal designs indigenous to Turkey and its' centuries-old neighbors, the boots come in a wide-ranging, personality-pleasing palette - some are done in muted silvers, bronzes and plums while others look like a snapshot from the Flower Fields in Carlsbad.
Even tucked back in the Canyon as he is, and even the dead of summer when no one is really thinking about boots, Ken is selling a number of pairs each week.
As an artist, Ken Auster has never gone wrong. It looks like he's acted on the right hunch here, too
Plein air artist Ken Auster created his own signage for
the new boot business he houses in his Laguna
Canyon art studio. Come on down for a uniquely
artistic afternoon all around! Photo by Diane Armitage
Insider tip:
As an aside, if you haven't seen Ken's work, take a look at this new, great video he recently produced: http://dustinohara.com...
How to find Ken boots:
Ken Auster's studio is half way between El Toro Road and Laguna's Main Beach (the first big beach at Broadway and PCH). If you're coming from the beach, it's exactly 1.5 miles up Laguna Canyon (Broadway/the 133). Ken's studio is on the right - look for the big boot out front.
from my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
$10 plates at Mozambique feature best steak in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach's Mozambique restaurant just announced its return of the $10 dinner plate special. This is in addition to their-already fabulous Taco Tuesday (which is so good, it deserves its own esteemed entry in this column shortly). This $10 plate special is something you want to run (not walk) to and take full advantage of.
Mozambique is in a monstrous building at the corner of PCH (inland side) and Agate. It's owned by two guys, both of whom traveled with their families as kids through SE Africa. When they by chance met as adults, they discovered that their best memories of said travels were oddly the same - feasting on many a Mozambique meal featuring Peri-Peri, a spice known only to that small corner of the world.
A few years ago, they filled the empty space left by the venerable restaurant, Tortilla Flats, and - frankly - none of the locals thought they'd make it very long. It was, after all, an enormous space to fill. But, rumor soon circled that they possessed the best steak in town.
The rumor was true.
We have a lot of great restaurants in town that serve up great cuts of beef, but there's nothing like a Mozambique steak. Fortunately, the newly returned $10 plate special includes a chop house sirloin steak - you're in luck! Other menu items in the summer-long special (good through Aug 31, 2009) include:
1. Wood grilled giant prawns,
2. Peri-Peri rotisserie chicken,
3. Their signature penne pasta dish and
4. Blackened Mahi Mahi.
(They've also brought their popular steak and lobster menu item down to $19.99)
Insider Tip
1. The downstairs dining room is a sophisticated, woody, leathery arrangement. Very comfortable. But since it's summer, you might want to venture upstairs to the enormous "Coastal Lounge" with an open-air verandah and live music. It always reminds me of walking into a shi-shi Vegas night club (without all those people spilling cocktails on you). The bar itself caters to Laguna's hottest bands Wednesday - Sunday. The attached, open-air verandah offers full-menu dining seating.
2. While there's never a bad band in the house, if you're a Reggae fanatic, Mozambique is where you want to be Sunday night. More on this later.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
Laguna Beach's Mozambique restaurant just announced its return of the $10 dinner plate special. This is in addition to their-already fabulous Taco Tuesday (which is so good, it deserves its own esteemed entry in this column shortly). This $10 plate special is something you want to run (not walk) to and take full advantage of.
Mozambique is in a monstrous building at the corner of PCH (inland side) and Agate. It's owned by two guys, both of whom traveled with their families as kids through SE Africa. When they by chance met as adults, they discovered that their best memories of said travels were oddly the same - feasting on many a Mozambique meal featuring Peri-Peri, a spice known only to that small corner of the world.
A few years ago, they filled the empty space left by the venerable restaurant, Tortilla Flats, and - frankly - none of the locals thought they'd make it very long. It was, after all, an enormous space to fill. But, rumor soon circled that they possessed the best steak in town.
The rumor was true.
We have a lot of great restaurants in town that serve up great cuts of beef, but there's nothing like a Mozambique steak. Fortunately, the newly returned $10 plate special includes a chop house sirloin steak - you're in luck! Other menu items in the summer-long special (good through Aug 31, 2009) include:
1. Wood grilled giant prawns,
2. Peri-Peri rotisserie chicken,
3. Their signature penne pasta dish and
4. Blackened Mahi Mahi.
(They've also brought their popular steak and lobster menu item down to $19.99)
Insider Tip
1. The downstairs dining room is a sophisticated, woody, leathery arrangement. Very comfortable. But since it's summer, you might want to venture upstairs to the enormous "Coastal Lounge" with an open-air verandah and live music. It always reminds me of walking into a shi-shi Vegas night club (without all those people spilling cocktails on you). The bar itself caters to Laguna's hottest bands Wednesday - Sunday. The attached, open-air verandah offers full-menu dining seating.
2. While there's never a bad band in the house, if you're a Reggae fanatic, Mozambique is where you want to be Sunday night. More on this later.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
K'ya small plates between $5 - $10 are tremendous gourmet treat
Mention K'ya Restaurant to locals and "foreigners" and the response is the same: "What's it called?"
It's K'ya. Pronounced: "Hi ya!"
It's in the La Casa del Camino Hotel at Cress Street and PCH.
Five years ago, Chef Craig Connole took over Savoury's here, introducing a menu he describes as "Pacific Asian with some Nebraska thrown in." He then opened The Rooftop upstairs (big O.C. singles scene) and renamed Savoury's to K'ya, altering the menu again to offer 80 "small plates" that average $5 - $10.
The Rooftop, with her ocean views and dress-to-impress singles, gets the flashy attention and press. But don't let this sway you. It's K'ya - the quieter sister - that proves the true beauty.
Insider Tips:
The small plate issue: Food arrives on a small plate, yes. The servings, however, are far from small. Most can be easily shared.
The overwhelm issue: Don't let the large menu frustrate you. Just close your eyes and point. Whatever shows up will be some of the best tasting food you've ever had.
Still second-guessing yourself? Here are Chef Craig's Top 5 Favorites:
* Calamari in Thai Glaze - flash fried then served with peanuts, carrots, cilantro and bean sprouts to mix in as you please.
* Crispy Opakapaka - mild fish that's flash fried with delectable lemon salsa
* Blackened Catfish in Lobster Creole sauce - one of the most memorable eats, hands down, this catfish is flown in from Thailand, sautéed and mounded high with big morsels of lobster
* Lobster Mac & Cheese - for the record, this version has officially replaced one of the world's 7 "deadliest sins."
* White Bean Cassoulet - heavenly fragranced broth, rich in perfectly-cooked beans, rounds of sausage, planks of duck and chunks of beef filet.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
Mention K'ya Restaurant to locals and "foreigners" and the response is the same: "What's it called?"
It's K'ya. Pronounced: "Hi ya!"
It's in the La Casa del Camino Hotel at Cress Street and PCH.
Five years ago, Chef Craig Connole took over Savoury's here, introducing a menu he describes as "Pacific Asian with some Nebraska thrown in." He then opened The Rooftop upstairs (big O.C. singles scene) and renamed Savoury's to K'ya, altering the menu again to offer 80 "small plates" that average $5 - $10.
The Rooftop, with her ocean views and dress-to-impress singles, gets the flashy attention and press. But don't let this sway you. It's K'ya - the quieter sister - that proves the true beauty.
Insider Tips:
The small plate issue: Food arrives on a small plate, yes. The servings, however, are far from small. Most can be easily shared.
The overwhelm issue: Don't let the large menu frustrate you. Just close your eyes and point. Whatever shows up will be some of the best tasting food you've ever had.
Still second-guessing yourself? Here are Chef Craig's Top 5 Favorites:
* Calamari in Thai Glaze - flash fried then served with peanuts, carrots, cilantro and bean sprouts to mix in as you please.
* Crispy Opakapaka - mild fish that's flash fried with delectable lemon salsa
* Blackened Catfish in Lobster Creole sauce - one of the most memorable eats, hands down, this catfish is flown in from Thailand, sautéed and mounded high with big morsels of lobster
* Lobster Mac & Cheese - for the record, this version has officially replaced one of the world's 7 "deadliest sins."
* White Bean Cassoulet - heavenly fragranced broth, rich in perfectly-cooked beans, rounds of sausage, planks of duck and chunks of beef filet.
From my blog, http://www.HotSpotsInL...
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What's a beach without a…
OK, well, maybe we're not THAT anxious, but I've got to tell you - when the first local lobster dinner at Coyote Grill is served up, it's a red-letter day for all of us here in Laguna Beach.
First, forget what you've been told about "puny" local lobster. Lobsters love our Laguna waters and they're happily hefty in size.
Second, don't go in expecting one of those boiled lobster dinners. These babies are done "Baja Grilled" style and you'll be hard pressed to find anything along the entire coastal Baja region that tastes better than this Coyote Grill specialty.
Get in while the getting's good. When the banner goes down (usually in December), it's a long, sad wait for that month of October.
How to Find Coyote Grill:
South Laguna Beach is, well, south of Laguna's Main Beach by about 4 miles. As you head South on PCH, you'll pass the Montage Resort (with Albertson's directly opposite) and Aliso Creek Beach before arriving in what we consider the southern confines of the city. Pass West Street and drive another block where you'll see the Coyote Grill on your left, just past a small street, Table Rock Dr. (If you reach another favorite, Ti Amo's Restaurant, you've gone too far). Valet parking is available, or there's a new, small parking lot about a block farther south on your left. Street parking is also available - just be sure to feed those meters any day of the week.
Be sure to subscribe to my column (it's free) at http://www.HotSpotsInL... to receive regular updates about all that's worth seeing and experiencing in Laguna Beach!