Best of San Clemente

Eateries, Watering Holes & MoreAppetizers • 9Bagel • 4Bar • 9Billiards • 10Breakfast • 3Breakfast Burrito • 4Burger • 6Cup of Coffee or Tea • 4Donut • 4Happy Hour • 3International Eats • 3Lunch Spot • 3Margarita • 9Menu for Healthy Choices • 4Overall Restaurant • 3Pizza • 9Restaurant for a Date/Romantic Evening • 3Sandwich • 6Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth • 9Sushi • 6Taco • 6Venue for Live Music • 10

At the ShopsAntiques • 16Arts and Craft Supplies • 15Clothing • 15Home Decor and Furnishings • 15Jewelry • 10Kids Apparel & Toys • 10Place to Buy Flowers • 16Place for Buying and Viewing Art • 15Store to Buy the Perfect Gift • 15Surfboard Shaper • 16Surf Shop • 16Wine Selection • 10

Services on the To-Do ListBarber Shop • 18Car Repair • 20Customer Service • 16Dry Cleaner • 20 Pet Care & Grooming • 18Gym • 18Hair Salon • 18Jeweler • 20 Lodging • 22Manicure & Pedicure • 18Spa for Massages, Etc. • 20Tire Shop • 20Yoga/Pilates Studio • 20

Getting OutsideBeach • 22Golf Course • 22Park to Take the Kids • 22Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 22Surf Break • 22

hearty congratulations to this year’s winners of the SC Times’ 6th Annual Ole Awards. In 2011, it was the best of times and the worst of times for the small, medium and large businesses that keep this not-so-small village by the

sea moving. While the economy continued to recover, companies and their employees hunkered down and some, sadly, didn’t make it. This just gives us all the more reason to salute — and patronize — the ones who survived not by taking shortcuts but by streamlining their business and continuing to impress us.

With our hectic schedules fi lled with school, work and play, we often take for granted the folks who ease our lives. They groom Fido. They clean our work shirts and make us look spiffy. They help us keep our fi tness routines. They keep our bel-lies fi lled and put smiles on our faces. So cheers to all the winners and the hundreds of nominees. — Stacie N. Galang

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Pedro’s Tacos has regularly been a Golden Ole winner for its tacos and other good eats since the SC Times started its annual Best of San Clemente awards. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

cades of consistently good fare. For 25 years, locals have enjoyed Mongkut’s daily-made curries, stir-fry sauce, peanut sauce, spicy options and expansive menu of 124 items. Seemingly all things Thai are available for ordering — from chicken satay to Thai adora-tion silk, an egg noodle dish. The restaurant is owned and operated by chef Ning Laitipaya and her husband Donny Laitipaya. —SNG

Taka-O Japanese Restaurant

425 North El Camino Real, 949.498.7111www.taka-orestaurant.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Cafe • A Taste of China • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bamboo Bamboo’s Chinese • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Blue Danube • Board & Brew • Buono Pizza & Pas-tas • Cafe 207 • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • China Well • Chipotle • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Agave • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Res-taurant and Bar • Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • IHOP • Ichibiri’s San Clemente • Inka Mama’s • Italian Cravings Restaurant • Iva Lee’s • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • La Galette Creperie • La Rocco’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Los Golondrinas • Los Patios • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • Pacifi c Taste • Panda Express • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pick Up Stix • Rocco’s Restau-rant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sushi Gallery Miki • Taka-O Japanese Res-taurant • Thai Palace • Thai Paradise Restaurant • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Mong-kut Thai; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito

Best Restaurant for a Date/

Romantic Evening

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

Fisherman’s can deliver the romantics’ dream: the orange sun setting into a purple-blue sky, vistas of water all around, amazing seafood dinners and a bottle of Dom Peri-gnon. Well, the restaurant can’t exactly force

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Best Happy Hour



At Fisherman’s, every weekday has a theme for Happy Hour, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. And who doesn’t love a theme? There’s Monday Night Live, Tropical Tuesdays, Mid-week Mix-ers, South of the Border Thursdays and Fish-erman’s Fridays. The cocktails and apps are made to match. On Thursdays, for example, get $3.50 Coronas or Pacifi cos and $3 steak tacos, rice and beans. —SNG

Beach� re Bar & Grill 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232,www.beachfi re.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Blue Danube • Board & Brew • Buds Famous Hot Dogs • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food • Duke’s • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisher-man’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern Tavern • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Los Patios • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Pizza Port • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizza • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sunsets at the Pier • The Cellar • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • The Riders Club Cafe • The Shore • Velvet Yogurt • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

Best International Eats

� e: Village Mediterranean Rim

123 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.8970, www.villagemedrim.com

Good things come in small packages and that’s true for this year’s winners. At Village Mediterranean Rim, the restaurant prepares the staples of the region — hummus, lamb, Moroccan pesto and vegetable moussaka — and seasonal options based on the freshness and availability of local products. The eatery provides all this in an intimate setting with indoor seating and al fresco dining. — SNG

� e: Mongkut Thai Restaurant

212 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3871, www.mongkutthaifoods.com

Downtown treasure Mongkut Thai brings de-

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Mother Nature to comply, but it is sunny California and the restaurant on the Pier has dibs on some of the nicest views. And if bub-bly doesn’t make the heart go afl utter, Fisher-man’s extensive wine list will. — SNG

St. Roy at VINE 211 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.2079, www.vinesanclemente.com

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Blue Danube • Board & Brew • Cafe 207 • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food • Del Agave • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri’s San Clemente • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Ital-ian Cravings Restaurant • Iva Lee’s • Izza Neopolitan Pizzeria • La Rocco’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Vine

Best Overall Restaurant

Nick’s San Clemente 213 Avenida Del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

Sumptuous food: check. Fireplace: check. Ambience: check. Chic wait staff: check. Cool bar: check. After two years downtown, Nick’s San Clemente has checked off all the boxes for locals and earned its place as best overall restaurant. The eatery’s menu features everything from burgers and sandwiches, to seafood, to chicken and ribs to prime cuts of steak. Nick’s also offers unique cocktails and a wide assortment of beer and vino. —SNG



NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Board & Brew • Cafe 207 • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cas-sano’s Pizza • Chipotle • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins

Comfort Food • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Ichibiri’s San Clemente • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Italian Cravings Restaurant • Iva Lee’s • Juice It Up • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Los Patios • Mongkhut Thai • New Mandarin Garden • Nobu Sushi • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pho Thanh Binh • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • S.C. Cafe • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surferosa Cafe • Sushi Gallery Miki • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • Thai Paradise Restaurant • The Cellar • The Rider’s Club Café • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine • Z Pizza 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Nick’s San Clemente

Best Breakfast

Antoine’s Cafe 218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

Time and again, San Clemente locals choose a delicious morning meal at Antoine’s Cafe to start their day. The El Camino Real restau-rant’s menu covers the gamut: sweet and savory crepes, egg plates aplenty such as benedict and Florentine and bagels like the Greek, the French and the tuna. Customers can pair breakfast with options such as coffee from a variety of exotic roasts, organic teas and espresso bar drinks. — Megan Bianco

S.C. Cafe1820 El Camino Real, 949.366-0626

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Cafe • Buds Famous Hot Dogs • Café Calypso • Cafe Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins Comfort Food • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Jamba Juice • Juice It Up • La Gallete Creperie • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Las Golindrinas • Lavender Lounge • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipe’s Cafe • Red Fox Lounge • S.C. Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria •Signature Grill at Talega Golf Club • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Subway • Rose’s Sugar Shack Cafe • Sunrise Cafe • Sunsets at the Pier • Surferosa Cafe • The Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Cafe • Bread Gallery • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Next Door • The Shore • Rose’s Sugar Shack Cafe • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Antoine’s Café; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

Eateries, Watering Holes and More...

After two years downtown, Nick’s San Clemente has earned a reputation for fi ne dining in a hip atmosphere. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Small on space but giant on taste, Village Medi-terranean Rim has become a haven for foodies on Avenida Del Mar. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Antoine’s server Gloria Hicks shows off one of the restaurant’s most popular items, eggs benedict. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

After two years downtown, Nick’s San Clemente


Best Cup of Coffee or Tea

Starbucks 300 S. El Camino Real, 949.369.9520; 1001 Avenida Pico, 949.369.5649; 638

Camino de los Mares, 949.496.5900; www.starbucks.com

America’s favorite coffee shop is No. 1 in San Clemente again. Starbucks not only offers a nice environment for customers to enjoy their choice of coffee, tea or confection, but also provides friendly, speedy service and much-desired WiFi. The chain of coffee shops also sells the popular cinnamon morning bun, blueberry scones and a host of additional menu items to pair with a hot cup of java or any other of the dozens of drinks. —MB

Antoine’s Cafe218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Café Calypso • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Kelly’s Doughnuts • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Lavender Lounge • Le Gallette Creperie • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Peet’s Coffee & Tea • Pipes Cafe • The Posh Peasant • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Inn • S.C. Cafe • S.C. Donuts • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Rose’s Sugar Shack Cafe • Sunrise Cafe • Surfi n’ Donuts • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Bagel Shack • The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Starbucks; Silver: Antoine’s Cafe

Best Donut

Sur� n’ Donuts 1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

If bigger is better, then Surfi n’ Donuts is best.

The El Camino Real shop features ginormous versions of the doughy confection and plenty of variety to boot. The donut shop has earned a reputation for consistently good sweet eats. Among the top sellers is Surfi n’s tiger tail, a glazed twist donut with chocolate and cinna-mon, but don’t forget perennial favorites like the old fashioneds and plump fi lled donuts. — SNG

S.C. Donuts 806 E. Avenida Pico, Ste. G, 949.498.7837

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • Cafe Mimosa • Kelly’s Dough-nuts • Pacifi c Coast Church Donuts • Panera Bread • Rose Donuts & Cafe 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Surfi n’ Donuts; Silver: S.C. Donuts

Best Bagel

The Bagel Shack 777 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0745,www.thebagelshack.com

If customers are in a hurry, but would like

something tasty on the run, the Bagel Shack is just the place. The shack features a large selection of freshly made bagels including sesame, blueberry, onion, cinnamon raisin, cheddar, everything and plenty more. Caesar and garden salads, fruit cups and sandwiches are also available for breakfast and lunch for locals interested in more variety to quell their hunger. — MB

Sur� n’ Donuts1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Cafe • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Café Calypso • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Crispins Comfort Food • Fisher-man’s Restaurant and Bar • Gourmet Bagel • Kaylani Coffee Co. • Kelly’s Doughnuts • Pacifi c Coast Church Bagels • Panera Bread • Ralphs • Rose Donuts & Cafe • S.C. Donuts • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: The Bagel Shack; Silver: Surfi n’ Donuts

Best Breakfast Burrito

Pedro’s Tacos 2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908;

www.pedrostacos.com

From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., Pedro’s Tacos churns out its beloved breakfast burritos. Whether choosing just eggs or combining them with steak, beans or chorizo, Pedro’s is all about savory options. Customers can add sides like cheese, potato, salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Every day, Pedro’s makes its own guacamole and pico de gallo — with tomato, onion and cilantro. Locals have two San Cle-mente locations to get their burrito fi x. — MB

The Grill at Sur� n’ Donuts1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

NOMINEES: Beach Garden Cafe • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Buds Famous Hot Dogs • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Cafe Del Sol • Cafe Rae • Café Calyps • Captain Mauri’s • Carl’s Jr. • Chipotle • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s

Family Restaurant • Crispins Comfort Food • Del Taco • El Jefe Cafe • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Jack in the Box • Kelly’s Doughnuts • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Los Golondrinas • Los Patios • Love Burgers • McDonald’s • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pipes Cafe • Ralph’s • Rose Donuts & Cafe • S.C. Cafe • S.C. Donuts • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Sunrise Cafe • Sunsets at the Pier • Surferosa Cafe • Taco Bell • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Pipes Cafe

Best Menu for Healthy Choices

Captain Mauri’s 149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098

Captain Mauri’s offers an eclectic variety of sandwiches from the avocado n’ jack to the Bombay melt to the Shelton turkey. The downtown eatery also serves up veggie burgers, salads and oodles of fruit smoothies and honey vanilla shakes. Healthy food lovers – or food lovers in general – will appreciate unusual options like the tofu burger, squaw bread and bowls of granola with acai and other fruits. — MB



NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Blue Danube • Board & Brew • Bread Gallery • Café Calypso • Cafe Del Sol • Cafe Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Chipotle • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • El Pollo Loco • Enne Cucina Italiana • Flame Broiler • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hanson’s Market • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Jack in the Box • Jamba Juice • Juice It Up • Kultured Kitchen • La Siesta Mexican Res-taurant • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Pacifi c Taste • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pick Up Stix • Rocco’s Restaurant • Rubio’s • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Soul Kitchen • Starbucks • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • Thai Paradise • The Cellar • Stella Lucy • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Posh Peasant • The Shore • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Village Mediteranean Rim • Velvet Yogurt • Wahoo’s Fish Taco • Zebra House Coffee • Z Pizza 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Captain Mauri’s; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

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Bagel Shack prepares egg sandwiches with local fl air like this Lowers with bacon on an everything bagel. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Surfi n’ Donuts’ tiger tail, a twist with chocolate and cinnamon, is among its most popular donuts. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

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Best Lunch Spot

The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar


Fisherman’s packs a noontime punch with its unparalleled views of the ocean and surfers below, a menu with something for everyone and fresh, quality food. Lunch entrees serve up hearty main dishes, including a calamari steak, teriyaki chicken or seafood cioppino with a choice of chowder or tossed salad, steak fries or rice pilaf plus a sourdough loaf. And there’s more — with pastas and other specialties. — SNG

Board & Brew 979 Avenida Pico Unit C, 949.498.2739, www.boardnbrewsc.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Baja Fresh • Bamboo Bamboo’s Chinese • Beach Garden Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Bravo Burger • Bread Gallery • Buds Famous Hot Dogs • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Cafe Del Sol • Cafe Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Chipotle • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins Comfort Food • Daphne’s California Greek • Del Agave • Del Taco • Duke’s • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Flame Broiler • Guicho’s Eatery • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Inka Mama’s • Irons In the Fire • Kultured Kitchen • LaRocco’s Pizzeria • La Siesta Mexican

Restaurant • La Tiendita • Los Golondrinas • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pho Thanh Binh • Pipes Cafe • Pizza Port • The Posh Peasant • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • Riders Club Cafe • Rocco’s Restaurant • Rose Donuts & Cafe • Saddleback Memorial Medical Center • S.C. Cafe • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Signature Grill at Talega Golf Club • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • St. Roy at the Vine • Subway • Sugar Shack • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunrise Cafe • Super Bowl Express • Surferosa Cafe • The Surfi n’ Chicken • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Tommy’s Family Restaurant • Velvet Yogurt • Village Mediter-ranean Rim • Wahoo’s Fish Taco • Z Pizza • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Board & Brew

Best Sandwich

Board & Brew 979 Avenida Pico Unit C, 949.498.2739, www.boardnbrewsc.com

It took less than two years for Board & Brew to establish itself as San Clemente’s best spot for a sandwich—whether you’re looking for something cool and cold like the Turkado (turkey and avocado) or something with a little bite, such as the baja chicken (get it with sweet and sour on the side). The secret: Bread delivered daily, no freezers, no micro-waves. All served in a great atmosphere with great service. — Jonathan Volzke

Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli

111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5924, www.downtownsanclemente/billysmeats

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • Bagel Shack • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Bread Gallery • Buds Famous Hot Dogs • Buono Pizza & Pastas • Café Calypso • Cafe Mi-mosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food • Duke’s • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Guicho’s Eatery • Hanson’s Market • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • IHOP • Inka Mama’s • Irons In the Fire • Italian Cravings Restaurant • Kelly’s Doughnuts • Kultured Kitchen • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Pipes Cafe • The Posh Peasant • Ralphs • The Riders Club Cafe • Rose Donuts & Cafe • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shorecliffs Golf Club • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roys at Vine • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surferosa Cafe • Beach Garden Cafe • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Riders Club Cafe • The Shore • The Village • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Togo’s • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli; Silver: Board & Brew

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Best Taco

Pedro’s Tacos 2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904;

550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908; www.pedrostacos.com

After 25 years, Pedro’s understands taco perfection. Just swap out the word shrimp for taco and Pedro’s menu reads kind of like the script from Forrest Gump: famous fi sh taco, shrimp taco, potato taco, rolled tacos, carne asada taco, grilled chicken taco or fried chicken taco. Customers can make their tacos the main dish of a combo meal that comes with beans and rice. — MB

Avila’s El Ranchito 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.com

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Cafe Del Sol • Cafe Rae • Chipotle • Chronic Tacos • Crispins Comfort Food • Del Agave • Del Taco • Duke’s • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Hapa J’s • Jack in the Box • King Taco • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • La Tiendita • Las Golandrias • Los Patios • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Nick’s San Clemente • Pedro’s Tacos • Rubio’s • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Taco Bell • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • The Surfi n’ Chicken • Wahoo’s Fish Taco • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito

Best Burger

The Riders Club Cafe1701 N. El Camino Real, 949.388.3758, www.ridersclubcafe.com

If you’re in the mood for a good, old-fash-ioned burger, the Riders Club Cafe is the place to go. The restaurant boasts of the highest quality of fresh meat and a unique combination of condiments, including homemade ketchup and garlic aioli to go with a burger. The genius of the burger joint’s success is in the details: house-made pickles,

Challah buns, sides of homemade pickled beets and kettle chips. — MB

Biggie’s Burgers & More1017 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.9182

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • Antoine’s Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Beach Garden Cafe • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Buds Fa-mous Hot Dogs • Burger Junkies • Burger Stop • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carl’s Jr. • Crispins Comfort Food • Denny’s • Duke’s • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Humphry’s Sand-wich Shop • Inka Mama’s • Jacobi’s In the Alley • Kahuna’s Grill at North Beach • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Love Burger • McDonald’s • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pipes Cafe • Rose Donuts & Cafe • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shorecliffs Golf Club • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surferosa Cafe • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: The Riders Club Cafe; Silver: Biggie’s Burgers & More

Best Sushi

Taka-O Japanese Restaurant

425 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7111, www.taka-orestaurant.com

For some great, traditional Japanese food and top-notch sushi, Taka-O is the place for San Clemente locals. The restaurant serves freshly prepared sushi plates accompanied with tataki sauce and ono rolls on the side. And if customers are in the mood for another dish, Taka-O comes with a large variety of other Japanese meals as well, along with a karaoke bar for those seeking an evening of fun in between chow. — MB

9 Style Sushi 102 Avenida Victoria, 949.366.3669

NOMINEES: Beachfi re Bar & Grill • Fisherman’s Restaurantand Bar • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri’s San Clemente • La Siesta Mexi-can Restaurant • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Pick Up Stix • Ralphs • Nobu Sushi • Sushi Gallery • Sunsets at the Pier • Sushi Sono • Trader Joe’s 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant; Silver: 9 Style Sushi

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Board & Brew’s unique sandwiches, including the Baja Beef on a French baguette has made it a popular spot by locals. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

The Riders Club Cafe has become a hit for its tasty burgers. Photo by Alyssa Garrett


Best Pizza

La Rocco’s 122 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.8890, www.laroccospizzaonline.com

La Rocco’s continues to be a popular choice for fresh pizza any day of the week, whether it’s for the small or large pies of restaurant’s delicious yet traditional, cheese or pepperoni or variety of other choices. Kids — and their parents — enjoy the garlic knots to munch on on the side and customers can also order a small salad if they want to complement the Italian goodness with greens. — MB

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta429. N. El Camino Real, 949.498.2540, www.sonnys.com

NOMINEES: 2 for 1 Pizza Co. • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Buono Pizza & Pastas • Café Calypso • Cassano’s Pizza • Cucina Piz-zeria • Domino’s Pizza • Enne Cucina Italiana • First Class Pizza • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Fratello’s Italian Family Res-taurant • Italian Cravings Restaurant • Izza Neopolitan Pizzeria • Krikorian Premier Theatres • Papa Johns • Papa Murphy’s • Pizza Hut • Pizza Port • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Rossi’s Pizza • Round Table Pizza • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Stuft Pizza & Brewing • Surf-side Pizza • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Z Pizza 2010 WINNERS: Gold: La Rocco’s; Silver: Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria

Best Appetizers

Nick’s San Clemente213 Avenida Del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

It’s a simple, elegant menu of a “lucky seven” appetizers that earned Nick’s a reputation as the favorite. Under the menu’s “Bar Snacks,” the restaurant features its fi re roasted artichoke, halibut fi sh tacos, spinach and ar-tichoke dip, ahi tartare, steamed mussels and clams, asparagus fries in a crispy parmesan crust and short rib sliders served with fi res-tick onions and horseradish cream. —SNG



NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bad To The Bone BBQ • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Cafe 207 • Cafe Mimosa • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Cas-sano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Del Agave • China Well • Crispins Comfort Food • Denny’s • Duke’s • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Irons In the Fire • Iva Lee’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Mongkut Thai • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pho Thanh Binh • Pier • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Cle-mente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Res-taurant • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • The Grill at Surfi n’

Donuts • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

Best Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth

Velvet Yogurt120 S. El Camino Real, 949.276.4625, www.velvetyogurt.com

Locals who have a hankering for sweets, but don’t want to over indulge have made Velvet Yogurt their go-to spot. The shop grabs lo-cals’ cravings with their tasty self-served yo-gurt. Family owned and with a friendly staff, the frozen yogurt shop gives customers their choice of portion as well as a large variety of toppings, including the ever popular Reese’s Pieces, strawberries and so-called super fruit acai. — MB

Baskin Robbins104 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.2440,www.baskinrobbins.com

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • Baskin Robbins • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Cafe 207 • Café Calypso • Cafe Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • The Cellar • Cold Stone Creamery • Crispins Comfort Food • Croissant French Bakery • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt • Hector’s Cake Shop & Bakery • Inka Mama’s • Juice It Up • Juice Stop • Jumpin’ Jacks • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Lavender Lounge • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Rite Aid Phar-macy • Rocket Fizz Soda Pop & Candy Shops • San Clemente Yogurt • S.C. Donuts • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Spoon Deep • St. Roy at Vine • Starbucks • Sugar Blossom Bake Shop • Rose’s Sugar Shack Cafe • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfi n’ Donuts • Swirl frozen yogurt • The Bakeshop • The Cellar • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Shore • Three Dog Bakery • Velvet Yogurt • Zebra House Coffee • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Velvet Yogurt; Silver: Schmid’s Fine Chocolate

Best Margarita

Avila’s El Ranchito204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.com

Customers of Avila’s El Ranchito can’t get enough of the eatery’s margaritas. Though made with the standard ingredients of tequila, cointreau and fruit juice, the Mexican

restaurant’s mixologists serve the drinks fresh and with love daily, says their very own bartender Avanti Benson. Margarita lovers will also appreciate the options of skinny, blended, on ice or martini style. — MB

La Siesta Mexican Restaurant

920 N El Camino Real, 949.498.3094, www.lasiestasanclemente.com

NOMINEES: BeachFire Bar & Grill • Cafe 207 • Café Calypso • Cafe Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • Crispins Comfort Food • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Mariachi • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • La Tiendita • Los Patios • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • The Shore 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: El Mariachi

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With unparalleled views and friendly waitstaff Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar takes gold for Best Bar. Photo by Jasmine Smith

La Rocco’s offers many New York-style pies with thin crust, including the Whitestone and Brooklyn pizzas. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Best Bar



The always popular and consistently voted the best in San Clemente whether for service, location or food, the Fisherman’s is this year’s choice bar. The restaurant and bar boast of beautiful ocean views and plenty of drinks for customers to enjoy. Favorite orders include Cotton’s drink as well as margaritas, Bloody Marys and shrimp cocktails to snack on for appetizers. — MB

Red Fox Lounge220 South El Camino, 949.492.3403

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Carbonara Trat-toria • Crispins Comfort Food • Duke’s • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Inka Mama’s • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Izza Neopoli-tan Pizzeria • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Outrigger • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • The Riders Club • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • St. Roy at Vine • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Beachfi re Bar & Grill

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Best Billiards

Ole’s Tavern 127 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.9400, www.olestavern.com

Two blue tables at the back of Ole’s Tavern beckon amateur pool lovers and pros alike. The bar’s house professional Michael Hurst said the tightly woven tournament-quality cloth and top-notch rubber around the rim make the tables “more true” or more like those used in professional tournaments. Soon, Ole’s hopes to offer lessons and tour-nament play, Hurst said. — SNG

Duke’s 204 S. El Camino Real, 949.481.2040

NOMINEES: BeachFire Bar & Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Duke’s • Goody’s Tavern • Inka Mama’s • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligans Sports Bunker • Ole’s Tavern • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Outrigger • Red Fox Lounge • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sunsets at the Pier • The Cellar • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Ole’s Tavern; Silver: Duke’s

At the Shops...

Best Jewelry

Paradise Jewelers808 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.4367, www.paradisejewelers.com

If you’re planning on buying that special someone of yours a sparkly present, Paradise

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Best Venue for Live Music

BeachFire Bar & Grill 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfi re.com

Nearly every night of the week, BeachFire brings in live performers to belt out the tunes and keep customers tapping their toes. Patrons pack the eatery and bar for music, beverages and camaraderie. BeachFire has a packed calendar of entertainment and never has a cover charge, its website says. For those who want to get into the action, Beachfi re of-fers its Smokey Karaoke on Mondays. — SNG

The Cellar156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663,www.thecellarsite.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s Cafe • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Blue Danube • Casa Romantica • Casino San Clemente •Catalyst Surf Shop • Duke’s • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern • Inka Mama’s • Irons In the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Summer Beach concerts at the Pier • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cabrillo Playhouse • The Cellar • The Kona Gallery • The Shore • Zona’s Italian American Cuisine 2010 WINNERS: Gold: OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar; Silver: Beachfi re Bar & Grill

Jewelers delivers. It’s the jeweler’s selection that gives shoppers options. For rings, that means a variety of sizes, cuts and quality of diamonds, plus metals, settings, stones and styles. The jeweler also sells bracelets, earrings, necklaces and watches for many occasions. — MB

Erba114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Antiques and Unique • Fifi Lala • Gifts on Del Mar • Gino’s Jewelers • Heavenly Couture • Hobie Sports • Jewelry Forever • Luxe Home Furnishings • On The Rocks Jewelers • Paradise Jewelers • Project Habit • Plum Precious Antiques • Rascal’s Ladies • Revival Salon • Ritual of San Clemente • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • Sanctuary Salon & Spa • Stella & Dot sold by Katrina Crane • Target • The Third Eye • Twigs • Variant • Villa Cucina 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Erba and Paradise Jewelers; Silver: Variant

Best Wine Selection

San Clemente Wine Company

212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

If party hosts are looking for a delicious bottle of wine to serve, stop by the San Clemente Wine Company. The shop on Avenida Del Mar features a wide selection of white, red, sparkling and rosé wines. New arrivals sure to please include Altanuta Pinot Grigio 2010 and favorite orders like an Eponymous Ma-cAllister Vineyard Red Wine 2008 and a Fritz

Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2007. — MB

The Cellar 156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • Beach Front Liquor Store • Bob’s Liquor • Cafe 207 • Cafe Mimosa • Clubhouse Li-quor • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Ralphs • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Trader Joe’s 2010 WINNER: Gold: San Clemente Wine Company; Silver: The Cellar

Best Kid’s Apparel & Toys

Mac & Madi 203 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadi.com

New mothers looking for a spot to brighten up their sons’ or daughters’ rooms love San Clemente’s choice for Best Kids Toys and Apparel, Mac & Madi. The store features a wide selection of decorations, clothes for children from infants to age 12 and picture books to spoil babies and children all over town. Beyond clothing, Mac & Madi also sells strollers, handbooks, diaper bags and slings and carriers. — MB

Petit Bonhomme 147 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.3651,

www.downtownsanclemente.com/petitbonhomme

NOMINEES: Blue Eyed Girl • Born Platinum • Dewey Weber • Fairytales • Hobie Sports • Mac & Madi • Sears • Target • Wal-mart • Wee Peats 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme

Smoothie Jones and Redx Reggae performs at BeachFire on a recent Friday night. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Ole’s Tavern has earned a reputation for having some of the best pool tables in the area. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Luxe Home Furnishings210 N. El Camino Real, 949.218.4700

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Backstreet Home Decor • Bamboo and Beyond • Big Lots • California Cove • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • Consignment Design Concepts • DeNaults TrueValue • Erba • La Casa Verde de Granada • Cottage Bliss • Lowe’s • Pier 1 Im-ports • Re-Finds • Salvation Army Thrift Store • Antiques and Uniques • Stanford Court Antiques • Target • Urban Renewal Decor 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Christopher-Lee Ltd. and Luxe Home Furnishings

Best Store To Buy The Perfect Gift

Villa Cucina 124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com

Besides winning Best Décor and Furnishings, Villa Cucina is also this year’s Best Store to Buy the Perfect Gift. Villa Cucina comes with an impressive book selection, too, plus jour-nals, hand-gilded and linen photo albums and guest books. For special occasions, shoppers can pick up the special “glitter collection” of photo albums with linen glitter. — MB

Erba114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Antiques and Uniques • Antoine’s Cafe • Arcade Camera • Artwistic Creations • Bamboo and Beyond • Bliss Boutique • Boutique Del Mar • Bunny’s Secrets • C’ Siren Day Spa • California Cove • La Casa Verde de Granada • ConRev • Cottage Bliss • DeNaults TrueValue • Gifts on Del Mar • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • Hobie Sports • The Humble Abode • Irish Eyes • Joy’s Christian Bookstore • The Kona Gallery • Look Hair & Makeup Studio • Luxe Home Furnishings • Mac & Madi • The Mole Hole • Oliver’s • Paradise II Jewelry Boutique • Paradise Jewelers • Petit Bonhomme • Pier 1 Imports • Plum Precious Antiques • Republik of Kalifornia • Revival Salon • Russell Stationers • Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • South Coast Furniture & Mattress • Stanford Court Antiques • Stewart Surfboards • Target • The Cellar • The Pac-Rat • The Perfect Ten Nail Salon • The Third Eye • Village Mediterranean Rim • Three Dog Bakery • Variant • Treasures of Heart 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Erba and The Humble Abode

Best Clothing

Angel Wings 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.5258,

www.downtownsanclemente.com/angel_wings_san_clemente

Women and young girls who love to shop, or even just browse, will gravitate to Angel Wings. The spacious store space of Angel Wings is chock full of clothing staples like dresses and sweaters, plenty of accesso-ries and extras like make-up, perfume and lip-gloss. The store rounds out its offerings with shoes and boots, scarves and handbags. — MB

Bliss Boutique167 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.0084,www.shopblissboutique.com

Hobie Sports151 Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400www.hobie.com

NOMINEES: $15 Store • $20 & Unda • 5 for $10 • Artwistic Creations • Asana FIT • BC Surf Shop • Bijou • Blue Eyed Girl • Bunny’s Secrets • Cherry Shoes • Fits & Fashion •Fresh Produce • Project Habit • Heavenly Couture • K’s Temptation Boutique • LuLu’s Boutique • Mac & Madi • Minarets • Paradise Jewelers • Petit Bonhomme • Rascal’s Ladies • Republik of Kalifornia • Rip Curl Surf Center • Ritual of San Clemente • Roulette Clothing • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Salvation Army Thrift Store • Sam’s Shoes & Shoe Repair • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • Sears • Shadow Lounge • Swirl Boutique • The Greater O.C. Woman • T-Shirt Factory Outlet • Target • The Pac-Rat • Trestles Surf Outlet • Variant • Wild at Heart 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Angel Wings; Silver: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique

and also would like to enjoy some entertain-ment or art. With happy hour and lounges available daily, BeachFire also features some of the city’s best paintings by Dave and Mark Donaldson and music by groups Better Chemistry, Element Zero and Back Porch Blues to name a few. — MB

The Kona Gallery412 North El Camino Real, 949.481.3747,www.thekonagallery.com

NOMINEES: Artwistic Creations • Bamboo and Beyond • Gallery 104 • Luxe Home Furnishings • Ink Gallery • Delanty Studio & Gallery • Villa Cucina • Farmer’s Market • C’ Siren Day Spa • Casa Romantica • La Casa Verde de Granada • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques & De-cor • San Clemente Art Gallery • Village Art Fair • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar & Grill; Silver: San Clemente Art Gallery

Best Home Décor and Furnishings

Villa Cucina 124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512,

www.villacucina.com

Whether new to San Clemente or long-timers, the search for new décor starts with Villa Cucina. The downtown shop has a large selection of furniture, desks, bowls, candles, clocks and more. Shoppers even have the choice of art and fl oral arrangements to decorate until their hearts’ content. — MB

Best Arts & Craft Supplies

Michaels 937 Avenida Pico, 949.940.0465, www.michaels.com

As popular as ever, Michaels offers rather large options for framing, fl orals, beads, scrapbooking and yarn and needle crafts. Possible projects include cupcake holders, beaded necklaces and banners to share. Even fun classes such as Wilton cake decorating, Bead Corner design academy classes and Grumbacher art classes are available. — MB

San Clemente Art Supply 1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com

NOMINEES: Russell Stationers • Strands Knitting Studio • The Third Eye • Village Art Fair 2010 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Art Supply; Silver: Michaels

Best Place for Buying or Viewing Art

BeachFire Bar & Grill 204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfi re.com

San Clemente’s BeachFire is the place to be if locals or visitors are in the mood for a drink

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With a wide selection of art supplies, Michaels is a popular spot for artists, crafters and creative types. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

A perennial favorite by shoppers, Villa Cucina earns high marks for its selection of fashionable home goods and variety of novelties. Photo by Stacie N. Galang


Best Antiques

San Clemente Antiques & Decor

214 Avenida Del Mar #B, 949.498.2992

Vintage fanatics all across town enjoy stop-ping by San Clemente Antiques. With an eclectic variety of both classic and useful items, the store covers all the antique basics: jewelry, books, furniture, clothing, art and China. Unique items also include a Busch telescope and Skoocum Indian dolls.—MB

Antiques and Uniques103 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.6777,

downtownsanclemente.com/antiquesanduniquessanclemente

Stanford Court Antiques106 Del Mar San Clemente, 949.366.6290, .downtownsanclemente.com/stanford-

courtantiquessanclemente

NOMINEES: La Casa Verde de Granada • Treasures of Heart • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • Luxe Home Furnishings • Consignment Design Concepts • The Pac-Rat • Paradise Jewelers • Re-Finds • Russell Stationers 2010 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Antiques; Silver: The Humble Abode

Best Surf Shop

Hobie Surf Shop 100 El Camino Real, 949.542.3355; 151

Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400, www.hobie.com

Long known for a combination of selection and service, Hobie has once again earned the distinction of San Clemente’s favorite surf shop. “Our formula has worked since 1954 because we understand that the most important thing in any retail environment is customer service,” said General Manager Jake Schwaner. “We have deep roots in the community and work hard to respond to the needs of our customers.” —AS

Stewart Surfboards 2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Basham’s Factory • BC Surf Shop • Catalyst • Dewey Weber • Hobie Green Room • Icons of Surf • Imagine Surf • Noll Surfboards & Gallery • RWorld Surfboards • Republik of Kalifornia • Rip Curl Surf Center • San Clemente Surfboards and Art • T. Patterson Surfboards • Terry Senate Surfboards • Trestles Surf Outlet 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Hobie Sports; Silver: Stewart Surfboards

Best Surfboard Shaper

Bill Stewart/Stewart Surfboards

2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

Bill Stewart has been at the forefront of surf-board art and innovation for more than four decades. Advances in board technology like the 2+1 fi n confi guration and his Hydro Hull beveled rail performance longboards, along with breathtaking airbrush art, has earned him a dedicated worldwide following. If there are waves being ridden, chances are you’ll see a Stewart board in the lineup. —AS

T. Patterson Surfboards 1409 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.2022; 907 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2022;

www.tpattersonsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Album Surfboards • Avelino Bastos of Tropical Brazil • Cole Simler • Coolbreaze Surfboards • Dewey Weber • Ding Drx • Donald Brink of Brink Surfboards • Ellis Surfboards • Garth Day of G.Day Surfboards • Ghetto House Glassing • Hamish Graham Designs of Superstix • Hobie Sports • Jed Noll of Noll Surfboards • Jerry O’Keefe of Soul Stix • Kaysen Surf Designs • Mark Reynolds of BK • Matt Biolos of Lost Enterprises and Mayhem • Maurice Agnello • Tim Marshall of Midget Smith • Milton Whilar • Paul Carter • Ron House • RWorld Surfboards • Ryan Engle of Nation Surfboards • Sea-ward Vessel • Terry Martin • Terry Senate Surfboards • Tuttle Surfboards • Tyler Warren 2010 WINNERS: Gold: T. Patterson Surfboards; Silver: Bill Stewart

Best Flowers

Flower & Friends 1844 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.9150, www.fl owersandfriendssanclemente.com

For 21 years, Flowers and Friends has been peddling a rainbow of buds at North Beach. Owner Keith Jones said he buys from his friends and sells to his friends. Jones pur-chases both the imports at the fl ower market and from his local connections in North San

Diego County and Baja California, which al-lows him to bring back the freshest and best fl owers at a better price to locals, his friends. — SNG

Downtown Flowers 111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.7062, www.downtownfl owersoc.com

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Aloha Flowers • Beach City Florist • Enchanted Fine Florals • Farmer’s Market • Flower Company of San Clemente • Inga’s Blooms • Kimberly’s Flowers • McKenna Floral • San Clemente Florist • Shore Gardens • The Humble Abode • Trader Joe’s • Wildfl ower Floral 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Downtown Flowers; Silver: Flower & Friends

Services on the To-Do-List...

Best Overall Customer Service

Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique

641 Camino de los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

At Salon Zinnia, it doesn’t take just employ-ees but a team to run this bustling salon and boutique off Camino de los Mares. And what a team they are — nearly 20 stylists, a pair of estheticians, a duo of nail artists and a handful of salon coordinators. Clients have clamored after the salon’s service. The team’s care with customers has earned the Salon Zinnia top nods from San Clemente. —SNG


611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390,www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

NOMINEES: $20 & Unda • 5 Elements Day Spa • Adele’s Cafe • Albertsons • Angel Wings • Antiques and Uniques • Antoine’s Cafe • Anytime Fitness • Artwistic Creations • Asana FIT • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bamboo and Beyond • BeachFire Bar & Grill • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Bliss Boutique • Board & Brew • Bonded Cleaners • Bonnie’s Skin Care • Born Platinum • The Brow Boutique •C’ Siren Day Spa • Cafe Mimosa • Café Calypso • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara Trattoria • Chase Bank • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • ConRev • Coolbreaze Surfboards • Courtesy Automotive Services • Cox Communications • Crispins Comfort Food • Cycle Werks • Dealer Socket CRM • Del Agave • Del Mar Beauty Supply •Del Mar Watch & Clock Shoppe • DeNaults TrueValue • Dewey’s TV & Home Appli-ances • DGIII & Associates Real Estate • Downtown Flowers • Dr. Eric Johnson, DDS • Duke’s • Eco Friendly Lawns • El Camino Auto • Enchanted Fine Florals • Erba • Finish Line Tires & Automotive • Fits & Fashion • Flowers & Friends • Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant • Garrison Property Services, Inc. • Griffi n Optometric Group • Hanson’s Market • Hapa J’s • Hobie Surf Shop • Holley’s Tires • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s • Izza Neopolitan Pizzeria • Juice It Up • K&S Cleaners • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Casa Verde de Granada • La Galette Creperie • Link Web Services • Look Hair & Makeup Studio • Los Patios • Lowe’s • Luxe Home Furnish-ings • Mac & Madi • Mathnasium • Modest Spot Salon • Molly Blooms • Nails by Karen Dispenza • Nic’s Vacuum and Small Appliance • OC Tykes • Ocean Physical Therapy • OceanaFit Yoga • Ole’s Tavern • OCFS 60 • Paradise II Jewelry Boutique • Paradise Jewelers • The Perfect Ten Nail Salon • Pet Treasures • Petit Bonhomme • Pets Plus • Pipes Cafe • ProfessioNail & Spa • Rocco’s Restaurant • Ralphs • Rascal’s Ladies • Republik of Kalifornia • Revival Salon • ReVol Nail Spa • The Riders Club Cafe • Robert Dantel Plumbing • Roulette Clothing • Sally Beauty Supply • Salon Bamboo • Salon Bleu • Salon Incognito • Sam’s Shoes & Shoe Repair • San Clemente Antiques & Decor • San Clemente Gym • San Clemente Veterinary Hospital • San Clemente Villas by the Sea • San Clemente Wine Company • Sanctuary Salon & Spa • S.C. Donuts • Schmid’s Fine Choco-lates • Seaside Skin Care • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shore Gardens • Skullcandy • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • South Coast Furniture & Mattress • St. Roy at Vine • Starbucks • Stater Bros. • Stud Cuts • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Sunsets at the Pier • Talega Animal Hospital • Talega Day Spa • Talega Golf Club •The Brow Boutique • The Cellar • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts • The Inn at Calafi a • The Mole Hole • The Perfect Ten Nail Salon • The Shore • Three Dog Bakery • Tina & Vince’s Italian Delicatessen • Trader Joe’s • V’s Barbershop • Variant • Velvet Yogurt • VIP Pet Spa • Waves Beyond Skin Care • Wells Fargo Bank • Wildfl ower Floral • Z Pizza • Zebra House Coffee 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Villa Cucina

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Flower and Friends has been in business at North Beach since 1991. Photo by Alyssa Garrett

Surfboard shaper Billy Stewart meets with customers. Photo by Andrea Swayne


Best Manicure & Pedicure



Salon Zinnia’s dynamic nail artists have fi led their way to a Golden Ole this year. The manicure and pedicure specialists bring years of experience to nails, offering standard and special treatments, including silk wraps and gel French and gel lacquer manicures. “Let our experienced staff give you the VIP treat-ment and introduce you to the real mean-ing of the phrase ‘buffer zone,’” the salon’s website says. — SNG

Mingee’s Nails & Spa 132 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.0070; 164 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1818

NOMINEES: Allure Nails & Spa • Beauty Nails • Bellagio Nail Spa • Bonnie’s Skin Care • Changes Hair Salon • Fashion Nails • Final Touch Nails & Spa • Hair Country • Happy Nails & Spa • Nails by Karen Dispenza • Kim’s Nail & Spa • LeeLee’s Salon & Boutique • Ma Jolie All Organic Salon • Minart’s • Modest Spot Salon • Natural Nails by Edith • Ocean View Nails • ProfessioNail & Spa • ReVol Nail Spa • Salon Bamboo • Salon Real • Seaside Skin Care • Sweet Escape • Talega Day Spa • The Perfect Ten Nail Salon • V Nails Boutique 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Mingee’s Nails & Spa; Silver: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique

Best Hair Salon



A veritable beehive of activity, Salon Zinnia offers the gamut of services: haircuts, up-dos for special events, hair treatments, coloring, highlights and more. With about 20 stylists, the salon is bound to match a client to the right personality and expertise to ensure your tresses turn out the way you like them. The salon also features special hair product lines, including Enjoy and Morrocan Oil. — SNG

Salon Bamboo150 Avenida Del Mar Ste. A, 949.361.3348www.salonbamboo.com

NOMINEES: Ageless Generation Day Spa • Alicia’s Barber Shop • Ardra Hair Salon • Bella Tu Salon • Bonnie’s Skin Care • Carlisles Hair Design • Changes Hair Salon • Cindy Moore’s • Clips ‘n Curls • Ermanno DeVito Hair Studio • Fantastic Sams • Hair Affair • Hair Country • Hair Sculptors Beauty Salon • Hairtique • Hairwaves Beauty Salon • The Haircutters • Head Games Salon • Jerry’s Barber Shop • Jimenez Beauty Salon • Kreative Hair Design • Look Hair & Makeup Studio • Ma Jolie All Organic Salon • Martina’s Beauty Salon • Meno Michael Salon & Spa • Modest Spot Salon • North Beach Hair Studio

•Ray’s Barber Place • Revival Salon • Rtistic • Salon 221 • Salon Bleu • Salon Incognito • Sanctuary Salon & Spa • S.C. Happy Hair • Shake It Design • Salon Rendez-Vous • Stud Cuts • Studio B • Supercuts • Syrens Hair Parlor • Toba Salon 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Zinnia And Lifestyle Boutique; Silver: Salon Incognito

Best Barbershop

V’s Barbershop 802 Avenida Talega, 949.429.7770, www.vbarbershop.com

Forget technology. At V’s Barbershop, you get a good ole’ fashioned haircut. If you’re a man, that is. V’s caters to men and boys, providing the long-lost details, such as a straight-razor shave and hot-towel neck, shoulder and head massage. “We’re a premium, high quality, high service barber shop,” said owner John Renaud. Men’s haircuts are $25, but there’s a senior discount during the week and boys are $16. — JV

The Señor Barbers 401 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.0762

NOMINEES: A Cut Above • Alicia’s Barber Shop • Bladewerks • Downtown Barber Shop • The Haircutters • Jerry’s Barber Shop • JP’s • Modest Spot Salon • Popeye’s for Hair • Ray’s Barber Place • Salon Bamboo • Salon Incognito • Salon Real • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Shore Cliff Barber Shop • Sports Clips • Stud Cuts • Supercuts 2010 WINNERS: Gold: V’s Barbershop and Stud Cuts; Silver: The Señor Barbers

Best Grooming/Pet Care

VIP Pet Spa 810 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.7473www.vippetspa.com

It got to the point where Kristin Hrenkevich couldn’t stand to sit behind a desk. She’d always loved pets, and found a grooming business for sale. That was seven years ago, and VIP Pet Spa has been a customer favorite ever since. “Everybody works here loves dogs and cats and we’re happy to be here at work,” Hrenkevich said. “Customers see that and understand that.” — JV

San Clemente Veterinary Hospital

1833 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5777,www.sanclementeveterinaryhospital.com

NOMINEES: Alicia Pet Care • Aussie Pet Mobile • Avenida Animal Hospital • Beach Dawg • Camp Bow Wow • Critters Pet Grooming • Mike’s Pet Care • Mobile Dog Wash • OC Parrott Nanny • Pacifi c Coast Veterinary Hospital • Paws Pet Resorts • Pet Spa • Pet Treasures • Pete’s Pet Palace • Pets Plus • Retropolis • Talega Animal Hospital • The Pet Palace • Three Dog Bakery 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Mike’s Pet Care; Silver: VIP Pet Spa

Best Gym

San Clemente Gym 123 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.1007, www.sanclementegym.com

Time was that San Clemente Gym was a place to throw around some serious iron. But that was before Eric Lucy took over. Now, the 33-year-old gym is family-friendly—they even added childcare last year—and caters to what Lucy calls a perfect microcosm of San Clem-ente. “We’ve got real estate lawyers working out with high school kids,” Lucy said. “It’s not corporate-owned, we still have guys who have a key so they can come in early.” — SNG

Fitness 19 93 Via Pico Plaza, 949.369.1999, www.fi tness19.com

NOMINEES: Anytime Fitness • Asana FIT • Beachfi t SC • BT Fitness • Crossfi t Orange County • Curves • Eric Lucy • Fitness Elite • North Beach Kettlebell • OceanaFit Yoga • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • San Clemente Boot Camp • Sunset Fitness • Xtreme Fitness 2010 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Gym; Silver: Fitness 19

VIP Pet Care owner Kristen Hrenkevich grooms a Portuguese water dog. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

A group of the staff and stylists of Salon Zinnia have won over customers with their hair services, manicures and pedicures. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

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John Renaud has owned of V’s Barbershop in Talega Village Center. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Todd Hentsch and Chelsea Cruz are two of SC Gym’s many trainers. Photo by Stacie N. Galang


Best Yoga/Pilates Studio

asanaFIT 204 Avenida Granada, 949.492.0110, www.asanafi t.com

The staff at asanaFIT continue to center San Clemente’s chi, and in addition to maintaining one of the hippest yoga and Pilates studio, they offer a variety of classes every day of the week. Hot yoga sessions are held in the moon room, a studio with a sauna-feel to give a more authentic yoga experience. Or maybe its a muscle-stretching Pilate’s course you’re looking for? Whatever the body and mind are looking for, asanaFIT has it all. —EG

OceanaFit Yoga929 Calle Negocio, 949.388.6700, www.oceanafi t.com

NOMINEES: Bella Pilates Studio • Beyond Hot Yoga • Body Awareness • BodyMovin’ Yoga • BT Fitness • Curves • Fitness 19 • Fitness Elite for Women • Hot Yoga Boot Camp • Jes-sica Seaburn of San Clemente Recreation • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • The Practice Yoga Studio • San Clemente Self Defense 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Asana FIT; Silver: Bella Pilates

Best Spa & Massage

Talega Day Spa 1161 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 110, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com

Talega Day Spa is an oasis in a less likely

location: a business park. Spa Coordinator Minh Luong said the spa makes its customers the “utmost priority.” With its Tuscan theme, soothing music and welcoming decor, the spa on Puerta Del Sol lets clients shed the out-side world and embrace a new, calming world where relaxing massages, body treatments and cosmetic applications reign. —SNG

Salon Bamboo 150 Avenida Del Mar, Ste. A, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

NOMINEES: 5 Elements Day Spa • Ageless Generation Day Spa • Bellagio Nail Spa • Bonnie’s Skin Care • C’ Siren Day Spa • Hair Sculptors Beauty Salon • Richard C. Roth Chiropractic • Kim’s Nail & Spa • Massage Envy • Mingee’s Nails & Spa • Ocean Foot Spa • ReVol Nail Spa • Ritual of San Clemente • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Sanctuary Salon & Spa • Seaside Skin Care • Simple Touch Skincare • Sun Kiss’d Tan & Boutique • The Brow Boutique • The Green Room • Waves Beyond Skin Care 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Talega Day Spa; Silver: C’ Siren Day Spa

Best Car Repair

Shadetree Automotive1635 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.6470, www.shadetreeautomotive.com

It’s gotten so you can just about count on Shadetree winning “Best Care Repair” as much as you can depend on your vehicle if it’s serviced by Shadetree. Owner Paul Huff-man and his crew not only keep your car on the road—whether it’s American-made or an import—they keep their customers’ confi -dence, and keep them coming back. — JV

Coastline Automotive174 Avenida Navarro, 949.492.8572

NOMINEES: Arnold’s Auto Repair • Auto Medic • B&M Auto Body • Beach Cities Auto Collision • Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Bob’s Auto Repair • Certifi ed Rebuilders • Cour-tesy Automotive Services • Dave Wert Auto Repair • Discount Tire Centers • El Camino Auto • Frank’s Auto Collision • Frank’s Foreign Car Service • Holley’s Tires • Jay’s Car Repair • Jimenez Auto Center • Klink’s Auto Repair • Littlepage Automotive • Midas • Nicoll Racing • RJ’s • San Clemente Auto Care • San Clemente Auto Collision • San-O-Mechanic • Shorecliff’s Auto Service • Top Tune Auto Care • Victoria Auto Repair • West Coast Automotive 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Shadetree Automo-tive; Silver: Bob’s Auto Repair and Frank’s Auto Collision

Best Tire Shop

Jimmy’s Tires911 Avenida Pico, 949.492.4500, www.jimmystirecenters.com

Jimmy’s Tire Center has been a successful family business for 35 years. First as Jim’s Tires and for the last 10 years as Jimmy’s Tire Center, the shop features a welcoming environment and friendly staff as well as great prices and easy accessibility. Wheel alignments, wheel balance and tire and wheel service are also available. — MB

Holley’s Tire Service1225 North El Camino Real, 949.492.4733

NOMINEES: Big O Tires • Bob’s Auto Repair • Discount Tire Centers • El Camino Auto • San Clemente Auto Care • San-O-Mechanic • Wal-mart

Best Jeweler

Paradise Jewelers808 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.4367,www.paradisejewelers.com

Three solid decades of experience and a vast selection have given Paradise Jewelers the edge. The jewelers on El Camino Real have 1,000 engagement rings and in the desired metal whether it’s white gold, yellow gold, palladium or platinum. In addition, the jew-eler has a craftsman on staff with more than 30 years experience and specialized training. Paradise provides engraving, ring resizing, stone settings and pearl restringing. —SNG

Gino’s Jewelers139 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.5055www.downtownsanclemente.com/ginos

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Del Mar Watch & Clock Shoppe • Erba • Fifi Lala• Jewelry Forever • On the Rocks Jewelers • Paradise II Jewelry Boutique • Plum Precious Antiques • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Sand & Sea Jewelry • Slavick’s Gold Creations • Variant

Dry Cleaners

Bonded Cleaners1225 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.1183,www.bonded-cleaners.com

Bonded Cleaners has been spiffi ng up San Clementeans for three decades. With outstanding and quick service to please, the business has won over its customers year after year. The cleaners provide same-day service, alterations, spot removal and hem-ming along with their dry cleaning. And if girls and women need a prom dress or special bridal gown boxed, Bonded is the place to go. — MB

K&S Cleaners114 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5424,www.sanclementedrycleaners.com

NOMINEES: Baroni Cleaners, Tailoring & Tuxedos • El Camino Cleaners • Luckys Dry Cleaners • Nelson’s Cleaners • Pico Cleaners • Premiere Cleaners • Presidio Cleaners • San Clem-ente Shine Cleaners • Seaside Cleaners • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Talega Cleaners • Thank You Cleaners 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Bonded Cleaners; Silver: K & S Cleaners

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Members take part in a Hot Yin Yoga class on one of asanaFIT’s studios. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Minh Luong, spa coordinator at Talega Day Spa, shows the Vichy shower room. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Gaby Hernandez, owners Greg Suding and Scott English and Schyler Kaminski are all a part of Bonded Cleaners’ success. Photo by Stacie N. Galang


Best Lodging

Beachcomber Motel533 Avenida Victoria, 949.492-5457,www.beachcombermotel.com

With beach views, close proximity to all the necessities and cozy rooms, the Beachcomb-er Motel is as accommodating as it gets, especially for those in search of California vibes. An outdoor fi re pit and grills are avail-able as well. Add great customer service and a well-maintained and clean establishment and it’s no surprise that Beachcomber is top choice. — EG

Casa Tropicana610 Avenida Victoria, 949.492.1234,www.casatropicana.com

NOMINEES: Always Inn Bed & Breakfast • Best Western Casa-blanca • Budget Lodge • The Inn at Calafi a • Garden Cottage Inn • Hampton Inn & Suites • Holiday Inn • Holiday Inn Express • Little Inn by the Beach Hotel • San Clemente Cove Resort • The San Clemente Inn Resort • Seahorse Resort 2010 WIN-NERS: Gold: The San Clemente Inn; Silver: Holiday Inn

Getting Outside...

Best Beach

T StreetIt’s no wonder that San Clem-

ente voted T Street the best beach in town. Trafalgar Street Beach gains points because it’s easy to access and a bit off the tourist radar, meaning it’s less crowded especially in summer months. T Street also has public restrooms and food facilities, key features for families. The city also recently spiffed up the overpass down to the sand, making the trek that much more pleasant. — MB

Pier AreaNOMINEES: 204 Beach • Calafi a • Cotton’s Point • Pier • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Linda Lane • Mariposa • North Beach • Old Man’s • Poche • Riviera • San Clemente State Park • Trestles 2010 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: San Clemente State Beach/Calafi a

Best Place to Take Out of

Towners


611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390,www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

Fisherman’s, along with earning Best Bar, is also the best place to take a new visitor to San Clemente. With a great view any time of the day and fresh fi sh, including lobster, shrimp and salmon served as an essential menu order, customers are guaranteed to return to the seafood restaurant on the Pier the next time they head to the beach. —MB

San Clemente PierAvenida Victoria and Avenida Del Mar

NOMINEES: 204s • Antoine’s Cafe • Avenida Del Mar • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach • Beach Trail • Beachcomber Motel • Beach

Garden Cafe • Board & Brew • Cafe Mimosa • Calafi a State Beach • Casa Romantica • C’ Siren Day Spa • Enne Cuncina Italiana • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri’s San Clemente • Inka Mama’s • Iva Lee’s • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Mexican Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Park Semper Fi • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipes Cafe • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • Riviera Beach • San Clemente State Beach • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Fine Chocolates • Seaside Skin Care • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Cellar • The Inn at Calafi a • The Rider’s Club Cafe • Village Mediterranean Rim • Three Dog Bakery • T Street 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: San Clemente Pier

Best Surf Break

T StreetAt T Street, surfi ng is made

easy. The area above has street and metered parking. For wave riders looking for a quick surfi ng fi x, T Street just works. “A large sand bar makes the water shallow almost out to the break,” the city website says. So any time of year and virtually all day light hours, surf-ers can be spotted with their boards walking the overpass down to the sand. — SNG

TrestlesNOMINEES: Calafi a • Churches • Cotton’s Point • Dog Patch • Lasuens/Lost Winds • Lowers • North Beach • Old Man’s • Pier • Riviera • San Clemente • The Hole • Uppers 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Trestles; Silver: T Street

Best Park

San Gorgonio Park2916 Via San Gorgonio

For those who love to enjoy a nice, sunny day in San Clemente, but would prefer to stay dry and sand free, San Gorgonio Park is the place

to go. The park has plenty of green space to lounge on and enjoy a picnic with friends. the park also has baseball fi elds, tennis courts and a playground for kids who love to play outdoors. —MB

Max Berg Plaza Park1100 Calle Puente

NOMINEES: Calafi a Park • Forster Ranch Community Park • Leslie Park • Liberty Park • Linda Lane Park • Marblehead Park • San Clemente State Park • Richard T. Steed Memorial Park • Tierra Grande/Red Barn Park 2010 WINNERS: Gold: Linda Lane Park; Silver: San Gorgonio Park

Best Golf

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course

150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.8380, www.sanclementegc.com

San Clemente Municipal Golf Course – The greens have never been greener and the views never better than at the one and only San Clemente Municipal Golf Course. The grounds are impeccable, the pro shop is top shelf and the driving range is beautiful. The course rounds out its offerings with Irons in the Fire, the restaurant and bar where players can unwind after swinging away at 18 holes. — EG

Talega Golf Club 990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.6226, www.talegagolfclub.com

NOMINEES: Bella Collina • SC Golf Club • Shorecliffs Golf Club 2010 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Municipal Golf Course; Silver: Talega Golf Club

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Reilly Gardner and Nick Podley walk the beach after surfi ng at T-Street. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Innkeepers John and Karen Gabay have operated the Beachcomber for 31 years. Photo by Stacie N. Galang

Documents

Best of San Clemente