JULY

2009

At Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente, you’ll find quality emergency care with minimum wait times. In fact,

the average wait to see a physician is less than 30 minutes, well below the national average. You’ll also find leading-edge equipment, private treatment rooms, and experienced nurses and board certified physicians

specially trained in emergency medicine. Best of all, we’re right in your area so there is no long drive. We pursue excellence and the highest standards of care, each and every day, with every patient. Next time you need immediate medical care, remember your hometown hospital, conveniently located just one block off the I-5 Camino de Estrella exit. For more information, visit www.memorialcare.org.

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente

Saddleback Memorial Medical Center San Clemente

60 min

45 min

30 min

15 min

SMMC San ClementeNationalAverage

Average ER Wait Times

SHORT WAIT TIMES

San Clemente’s local ERbeats the national average for

Source: Emergency Physicians Medical Group Annual Report

4 THELOCALDISH.NET

5THELOCALDISH.NET

6 THELOCALDISH.NET

JULY 2009 • VOL. 3 • ISSUE 7

1001 Avenida Pico, Ste C-434San Clemente, CA 92673

TheLocalDISH.net

Telephone: 949.337.3875Fax: 949.218.0645

PUbLISHEr:Matthew Vicelja

ArT DIrECTOr:Kim Cuffe

CONTrIbUTINg WrITErS:Alexa K. Apallas

Amanda RuizDebbie L. SklarBonnie SmallBarrett Tester

ADVErTISINg INqUIrIES:

949.337.3875matt@thelocaldish.net

The Local DISH® Magazine is a community publication that welcomes local finds, unique stories and cool snapshots. Submit your dish to: dish@thelocaldish.net

The Local DISH® Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by The Local Dish, Inc. The Local DISH® Magazine has a circulation of 46,000 per issue, with direct mail distribution to single family homes in San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Cap-istrano, Capistrano Beach and Laguna Niguel. Distribution is verified by the Unit-ed States Postal Service.

The Local DISH® Magazine may not be copied or reproduced without written per-mission from the publisher. The Local DISH® Magazine does not guarantee reli-ability of information or photography provided herein. The Local DISH® Maga-zine is not responsible for the accuracy or ownership of information or photography provided by our advertisers.

ON THE COVEr:Marbella Golf and Country Club

San Juan Capistrano

COVEr PHOTOgrAPHY:D2 Productions

M A g A Z I N E

“Summer, summer, summertime,” go the lyrics from a 1991 song by rapper, The Fresh Prince (better known today as actor Will Smith). As the chorus runs through my mind, I’m excited by what summer brings. If Memorial Day marks the “unofficial” start of the season, then the 4th of July signifies that it’s truly underway. After way too many days of May gray and June gloom, it’s about time!

Last year, I celebrated Independence Day in the Dana Point Harbor. What a scene! Arma-das bearing every conceivable water-shooting apparatus provided fantastic entertainment. The icing on the 4th of July cupcake was viewing fireworks from a boat anchored precari-ously near the barge where they’re detonated. An experience I highly recommend - at least once!

July also marks Opening Day at Del Mar and a great party! Take the train down to this dress to impress scene and perhaps check out a race or two while you’re at it.

Summer also brings local outdoor concerts in the park, under the stars, and at the beach. Pack a picnic and take the family to one of these popular events. Check out The Local DISH’s calendar on page 18 for times and places.

This month’s cover features Marbella Golf and Country Club in San Juan Capistrano. Marbella is offering a “stay-cation” opportunity for families this summer. Enjoy 4-star amenities right in your own backyard!

Have a great July and thanks for reading this month’s edition of The Local DISH!

JULY 2009: MATT VICELJA, Publisher

Full Service Salonfor Men & Women

Specializing in Thin Fine HairCorrective Color

WeddingsSpecial Event Styling

& Make-upWaxing

Rejuvenating Facial (NLite)MicrodermabrasionsPermanent Makeup

949 / 489-1955

34161 Pacific Coast Hwy.Dana Point

7THELOCALDISH.NET

8 THELOCALDISH.NET

9THELOCALDISH.NET

www.pet-treasures.com

10 THELOCALDISH.NET

COVERSTORY

Junior Olympic Size Pool

Six Lighted Tennis Courts

First Class Food & Drinks

by Debbie L. SkLar

AMENITIES gALOrEIt is easy to see why this landmark club continues to be a well-known, but hidden secret in Orange County. Members enjoy amenities such as an aerobics studio, men’s and women’s locker rooms with Jacuzzis, six lighted tennis courts, pro shop for tennis and golf, five PGA golf professionals, a formal dining room, two cocktail lounges, men’s grill, heated junior Olympic size pool, a toddler pool, and even a junior swim team for Marbella’s youngest members.

Of course, the centerpiece of Marbella is the breathtaking 18-hole championship golf course designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf. Members also have the opportunity to practice their swing at the driving range and to join either the ladies’ or men’s golf league.

Marbella Golf & Country Club is also an ideal venue for special occasions including weddings, receptions, bridal showers and anniversaries, as well as, charity and golf events. Whether you’re planning an outdoor garden wedding, a soiree in the inviting Pacific Room or a black-tie affair beneath the stars on the club’s Valencia Terrace, Marbella Golf & Country Club creates the perfect backdrop for your special moments.

To enjoy this local stay-cation spot, contact Marbella’s membership sales office at 949.248.3700 x310 for more information or to schedule a tour.

MarbellaG o l f a n d C o u n t r y C l u b

YOuRSTaY-CaTiOn DeSTinaTiOn

STAY LOCAL…but feel like you’re a million miles away! Arriving at Marbella Golf & Country Club will have you believing you’ve traveled to a five-star resort without the hassle of packing a bag or booking a flight. Rest, relax and make lasting memories this summer at the perfect stay-cation destination.

No longer is living the country club lifestyle just for the rich and famous. Marbella Golf & Country Club in San Juan Capistrano has opened its doors as a vacation hot spot. If you’ve ever dreamed of belonging to a country club, here’s your opportunity to enjoy the experience first-hand, without needing to raid the kids’ college funds.

A SLICE OF PArADISEAt first sight, Marbella Golf & Country Club quick-ly evokes feelings of an elegant, yet welcoming Mediterranean estate. With luxuriously-appointed ballrooms offering spectacular views of its 18-hole championship golf course, lush rolling hills, tran-quil lakes, waterfalls and long list of club ameni-ties, Marbella Golf & Country Club promises to be the place to be in Orange County this summer.

“A lot of people make the mistake of thinking that you have to live in the community of Marbella to belong to the club,” says Marbella Golf & Country Club General Manager Rick Adams. “Not true. You don’t have to live behind the gates, so to speak, to enjoy the lifestyle. Our Summer Sport Member-ship is the perfect ‘stay-cation’ for families. It is the first time we are offering such a promotion, so we expect to have more families join us.”

From the beginning of June through September 30th, Marbella Golf & Country Club opens its lav-ish doors and invites families to spend their sum-mer vacations closer to home. Thanks to the spe-cial Summer Sport Membership, the entire gang can enjoy a summer getaway – each and every day of the week. The membership includes use of the aquatics areas, tennis courts, fitness center, restaurants and participation in social events. If you are a golfer, the club also provides a variety of separate golf and social membership plans start-ing at $1,500, according to Adams.

“We offer a variety of memberships to meet your needs including golf, tennis and social member-ships, as well as, a corporate golf membership ideal to share with colleagues and entertain clients,” Ad-ams says. “The bottom line is that we really do have a membership for every lifestyle.”

Adams adds that the Marbella Golf & Country Club, which opened in 1989 and is owned by American Golf Corporation, boasts a diversified membership base ranging from “those who have been with the club since its inception 20 years ago to new families who have recently discovered all that Marbella Golf & Country Club has to offer.”

“Our members come from all over the county… Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach and San Clemente…” Adams says. “What we offer is a unique country club lifestyle while promoting a slice of paradise. For families, we have lifeguards at the pool and summer camps and clinics for the kids; while at the same time, there are golf clinics and tennis lessons for adults. We also provide a full calendar of member events for all ages from the popular Margaritaville, to Wine Tasting Dinners, Comedy Nights, Barbecues, Family Day, Sunday Brunch, Movie Nights and much more.”

PHOTOS bY D2 PrODUCTIONS

THELOCALDISH.NET 11

THELOCALDISH.NET12

20% OFF**WITH THIS COUPON ONLY. SOME RESTRICTIONS

VALID AT PICO LOCATION ONLY

MAY APPLY. NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. EXPIRES 7/31/09

• StriVectin-SD • G

HD

• RevitaLash • LipFusion • Rilastil • Pureology • Yon-Ka • HA

I • L’Occitane • C

ity Lips • Mustela • A

lterna • Peter Thomas Roth • and m

any more •

DDF • Dermalogica • Enjoy • Hylexin • Celex-C • T3 • Voluspa • Archipelago • Kai • Jane Iredale • H

aute Couture • D

DF • D

ermalogica • Enjoy • H

ylexin • Celex-C

• T3 • I.C.O

.N. • StriVectin-SD

• GH

D • RevitaLash •Jane Iredale • Haute Couture • DDF • Dermalogica • Enjoy

*WE ACCEPT COMPETITORS COUPONS. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 7/31/09. Excluding Dermalogica, Murad, Pureology, Era Makeup, Freeze Products, StriVectin-SD, Napoleon Perdis, L’Occitane, DDF, KAI, HAI, Enjoy, T3, Ojon, Hylexin, Yonka, RevitaLash, Lip Fusion, Rilastil, GHD, AMATOKIN, Peter Thomas Roth, Jane Iredale, MOROCCANOIL, Celex-C and all brands of hair color and any other brand that has a no discount sign posted by the product. No discounts on deals or monthly promotions. Other exclusions may apply. For details inquire in the store.

In the Albertson’s Shopping Center, at the corner of Pico and La Pata

Mon - Fri: 10am - 8pm • Sat: 10am - 7pm • Sun: 11am - 6pm

FREEEXPIRES 7/31/09

($8.50 Value)Not valid with any other offers.

Done Hairspray, Buy One10oz., Get One 1.5oz.

20% OffSpecialized Stylist

Call Yulianna for appt.949.690.6107

New Clients Only

GreatGift Ideas!

979 Avenida Pico, Suite H • San Clemente

949.498.9491

THELOCALDISH.NET 13

1 MONTHUNLIMITED TANS

CUSTOM HOLLYWOODAIRBRUSH TAN... $35

1 FREE TAN

949.661.1599638 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. H-150

San Clemente * Located in Ralph's Ocean View Plaza

New Clients Only

Only $29Level 1 Beds

Beautifully bronzed in minutes.Lasts 7-10 days! (Reg. $45)

Guaranteed Tan or its Free!

THELOCALDISH.NET14

GOODTiMeS

San ClEMEntE dana PoInt

San Juan CaPIStrano laGuna nIGuEl

This free fireworks show blasts off the Pier at 9:00 p.m. on the 4th. For prime Pier Bowl viewing, your best bet is to arrive early…really early. The entire Pier Bowl area closes to traffic in the afternoon.

If you’re not prepared to spend a full day at the Pier, you may opt to park in one of the public lots surrounding Avenida Del Mar and walk down to the beach; shuttle service will not be offered. For a less crowded option, consider heading away from the Pier to North Beach or T-Street where both spots should offer great views of the fireworks. Call the City of San Clemente’s Parks and Recreation Department at 949.361.8264 for more information.

The Dana Point Harbor is a prime fireworks viewing location because the payload is detonated from a barge outside the har-bor. The extravaganza starts at 9:00 p.m., but plan to make your way to the harbor early as parking access will be closed from 7:30 p.m. until after the fireworks show is over. Avoid the hassle by leaving your car at Dana Hills High School (33333 Golden Lantern) and take advantage of the free shuttle service down to the harbor. Shut-tles start at 10:00 a.m. and the last one leaves the harbor at 11:00 p.m.

Doheny State Beach and the bluffs of Capistrano Beach also offer excellent views of the fireworks. No matter where you watch the show, don’t forget to bring your portable radio. Dana Point’s display is synchronized to music, which will be broadcast over KSBR 88.5 FM.

The San Juan Capistrano Sports Park (25925 Camino del Avion) will be the site of a fun party this 4th of July. Although the event has been scaled back from last year—the free concert and fireworks are sure to be a hit.

Popular classic rock band, The Trip, takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks start at 9:00 p.m., synchronized to music that will be broadcast throughout the park. Food will be available for purchase at the event. Please leave personal barbecues and pets at home. Call the City of San Juan Capistrano at 949.493.5991 to learn more.

Music and fireworks are a classic 4th of July combination. In Laguna Niguel, the tunes start at 6:00 p.m. with a free concert by Kid and Nic at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater (29751 Crown Valley Parkway).

Laguna Niguel Regional Park (28241 La Paz Road) will host a fireworks display starting at 9:00 p.m. Parking at the regional park is limited, however, so locals are encouraged to leave their cars at the amphitheater and join in a community walk to view the fireworks. The walk starts at 8:15 p.m. and is approximately three-quarters of a mile each way. Walkers should bring a flashlight and a chair, cushion, or blanket to sit on. For more information, call 949.425.5100.

Neighborhood parades, flying flags, patriotic music, block parties and nine o’clock fireworks displays are surefire signs that Independence Day is here. Since the “Safe and Sane” variety like sparklers, snakes, rainbows and piccolo petes have now been limited to just a few cities in our county, we’ll have to entertain ourselves by trickin’ out our kid’s bike with streamers or mixing up our best batch of BBQ sauce, leaving the truly explosive entertainment to the professionals.

South Orange County offers several fireworks options for your holiday celebration. From many vantage points, you’ll even have the opportunity to view several shows at once. Here’s the dish on 4th of July festivities in San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Niguel.

by aLexa k. apaLLaSYour 4th of JulY fireworks Guide

Fire it Up!

NO MATTEr WHErE YOU ArE IN SOUTH OrANgE COUNTY: The LocaL DISh magazIne wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!

THELOCALDISH.NET 15

THELOCALDISH.NET16

THELOCALDISH.NET 17

1200 S. Coast Hwy, #106Laguna Beach * 949.715.4646

802 Avenida Talega, Ste 103, San Clemente * 949.429.8180

31103 Rancho Viejo Rd, Ste D4, SJCSan Juan Capistrano * 949.429.1361

Any One Item20% OFF

Must present ad to redeem offer. Excludes jewelry & accessories.

THELOCALDISH.NET 19

a comfortable & innovative salon

32382 Del Obispo, #C4San Juan Capistrano

(Between Armstrong GardenCenter & Farm to Market)

949.495.4947

...and more

precisionhair cutting

coloringweaving

wedding hair/makeup

ANY Coloror Weave$25 OFF ANY Coloror Weave$25 OFFANYHaircut$10 OFF ANYHaircut$10 OFF

Special offer good for new clients with Jay Clark

only. Expires 7/31/09. Please call 949.495.4947

Euphora and Enjoyhair products available

Vidal Sassoon trained

THELOCALDISH.NET

FAMILY FUN

IN THE SUN

20

GOODTiMeS

dive inGrab a towel, slather on the sunscreen and head to the beach for “The Greatest Show on Surf.” Check out

the nation’s top ocean athletes and surf lifesavers as they converge at the San Clemente Pier to strut their

stuff at the 2009 San Clemente Ocean Festival. The event takes place on Saturday, July 18th and Sunday,

July 19th and features the California Waterman & Waterwoman Championships, the 2nd Annual Stand-Up

Paddleboard Surfing Championships and a multitude of events and activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Saturday’s events highlight California’s top life-savers and Watermen and Waterwomen. The competition includes stand-up paddleboard-ing (SUP), 1.5K sprint paddleboarding, surf ski championship, ocean ironman races and the dory competition. The top athletes to watch are former United States Olympian Mitch Kahn (San Clemente), United States Lifesaving Team mem-bers Blaine Morgan (Huntington Beach) and Rob Pelky (San Clemente) and top distance SUP racer Kyle Mochizuki (San Juan Capistrano).

The San Clemente Ocean Festival has added new events to this year’s lineup. One such event is the Stand-up Paddleboard (SUP) Surf Relay, sched-uled to make its debut on Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The three person SUP Surf Relay teams must have one or more female members to qualify. From the beach, teams will

race through the surf zone, around a buoy and then return to the beach. Also new to the festival is the Dolphin Dash kid’s beach run on Saturday morning. The run varies in distance from a ½ mile to 1 mile depending on the age group. Children aged 4 through 12 are invited to participate.

On Sunday, the Waterman & Waterwoman events offer exciting swims, beach runs and run-swim-run races. Many local and out-of-town master swimmers and multi-sport athletes will compete. One of the premiere events to see is the One Mile Ocean Swim. Over 250 swimmers participated in the event last summer.

The Beach Flags event is making a return to the Ocean Festival. It is an exciting event akin to

musical chairs, only beach-style. For the third consecutive year,

the Ocean Festival will offer a 5K Beach Run/Walk which is the only one of its kind in Southern California. Participants will have the opportunity to run or walk at the water’s edge along San Clemente’s golden shores.

Other activities at this year’s event include the Groms Rule Surf Contest, Southern California Bodysurfing Championships, Ocean Art Show, 17th Annual Woody Car Exhibit, Fishing Derby, City Lifeguard Pancake Breakfast, Children’s Pavilion, Sand Sculpting Competition and Beach Party and free concert showcasing the group Instant Replay. The weekend will wrap up with the popular Great Rubber Duck Race.

San Clemente ocean festival by barrett teSter

DOrYCOMPETITION

WOODY FrOM THE CAr SHOW EVENT

JULY 18th and 19thEVENTS ArE OPEN TO EVErYONE

In addition to cash prizes and medals, special awards from event sponsors will be given to top age group finishers. Participants will receive a competitor’s kit including an Ocean Festival commemorative T-shirt.

Complimentary shuttle service will be avail-able both Saturday and Sunday. Shuttles will run to and from San Clemente High School (700 Avenida Pico) and the Pier. FrEE park-ing is available at the high school.

The San Clemente Ocean Festival is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of San Clemente to bring you the festival. Each year, a portion of the proceeds provide funds for worthy local organizations and scholarships for students.

To register for this year’s events and for a complete festival schedule, visit

oceanfestival.org or call 949. 440.6141

THELOCALDISH.NET 21

THELOCALDISH.NET22

Clean, Polish & Seal

10% Senior Discount with Ad

• Make your Floors and Countertops Shine Again

• Travertine, Limestone, Marble and Granite

• Expert Refinishing and Scratch Removal

DP Services 949.489.2823

THELOCALDISH.NET 23

(949) 388-6314

(949) 240-8771

We’ll put the Living in your Outdoors.

THELOCALDISH.NET

delmarscene.com: DeL Mar’s LifestYLe website. CheCk it!fOr tiCkets, visit www.DMtC.COM Or CaLL 858.755.1141

24

DAYTRiPPin’

it’s time to place your bets and break out the big hats! The Del Mar horse racing season kicks off with Opening Day on Wednesday, July 22nd. See and be seen among the 40,000 that flock to this fun, fabulous and fashionable party “Where the Surf Meets the Turf.”

Del Mar celebrates an historic 70th year of racing entertainment this summer from Opening Day to the Closing Day Party in the Paddock on September 9th. The 1937 brainchild of Bing Crosby continues to set industry trends by mixing the excitement of world-class horse racing with great entertainment. The influx of pop culture into this sport keeps Del Mar a mainstay in west coast summer excitement and one of the top tracks in the country. Racing is held Wednesday through Sunday; post

times for the first race are 2 p.m. with the exception of Fridays at 3 p.m.

Once again this year, Opening Day features the One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest. Partici-pants are sure to make this event, and their hats, bigger and bet-ter than ever. From the elegant to the whimsical, it’s a sight to see as women pull out all the stops and create wearable works of art. Hats will be judged in four categories including Most Glamorous, Most Outrageous or Funny, Best Racing Theme and Best Flowers. Sign-ups for the event take place between 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the Plaza de Mexico located just inside the Stretch Run entrance gates.

From South OC, getting to the track can be an easy and interesting part of the Opening Day experience.

One of the most stress-free and often enjoyable ways to Del Mar is the Amtrak from either San Juan Capistrano or San Clemente. While on board, drink in the views (and a cocktail – or three) as you mingle with other party-goers on your way to the races. The train drops you off at the Solana Beach station where a complimentary shuttle service takes you directly to the Del Mar entrance. The trip is a great people-watching opportunity and provides a built-in designated driver on the way home after you’ve sipped a few Del Martinis at the track. Visit Amtrak.com for train schedules.

This season, Del Mar adjusts its popular Friday late-card theme from Four O’clock Fridays to Three O’clock Fridays. Top music acts will continue to share center stage with thrilling horseracing.

...and

thEY’RE OFFOpening Day at DeL Mar

THE 2009 DEL MAr SUMMEr CONCErT SErIES LINE-UP:

JUlY 24: g-Love & Special Sauce

JUlY 31: The Wailers

JUlY 7: Airborne Toxic Event

aUGUsT 14: Common Sense

aUGUsT 15:{ Saturday Infield Concert }Flaming Lips

aUGUsT 21:Pinback

aUGUsT 22:{ Saturday Infield Concert }Steel Pulse

aUGUsT 28:Super Diamond

sePTemBer 4:Pete Yorn

sePTemBer 6:reggae Festival

sePTemBer 9:CLOSINg DAY Party in the Paddock

THE PADDOCkSTArTINg gATE OPENINg DAY FASHIONISTASDELIgHTFUL DEL MArTINIS

ladies and GenTlemen...

25THELOCALDISH.NET

COMPLIMENTARY2nd OPINIONSDIGITAL X-RAYSMOST PPOINSURANCE ACCEPTED

Here’s something to smile about...

Teeth Whitening • Wisdom Teeth Removal Root Canals • Crown & Cosmetic Veneers

Implant Placements & Implant Crowns

San Clemente • 949.248.5555

JON DRAPER, D.D.S.629 Camino De Los Mares, Ste. 102 {Across from Trader Joe’s}

LOOKING FORA GREAT

LOCAL DENTIST?The most caring

attitude you’ll find ina dental o∞ce...

THELOCALDISH.NET26

American Horse ProductsCapistrano Home Center31896 Plaza Dr., Suite C4

San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675(949) 248-5300

See you at the store!

Discount Pricing

$10 OFFon any clothing

purchase of $50 or moreexp 7/31/09

* Month to Month Memberships* Personal Training Available* Kids Club

STUDENT SPECIAL:3 MONTHS for $79.00STUDENT SPECIAL:

3 MONTHS for $79.00Must show student IDMust show student ID

THELOCALDISH.NET 27

THELOCALDISH.NET28

GOODTiPS

You’ve called your internet provider, your computer’s manufacturer and you’ve jumped through hoops talking to computer geeks - some more than half a world away. You’re frustrated and can’t bear to hear another “let me transfer you” or pre-recorded menu. Now ask yourself…why call a geek when you can call a friend?

comPUTeTHis

by aManDa ruiz

COUNT ONFrieNdly COMPUTerS

sTress-reliefFriendly Computers opened for business in San Clemente in June, 2006. As part of a company that operates over 150 locations across the country, they’re committed to building lasting relationships by focusing on the specific needs of each and every client. They

provide key services including PC and Mac repair, spyware and virus removal, system upgrades, wired and wireless networking, remote support and a tech center that is available to take your calls 24/7. All services can be performed in the comfort of your own home or office.

Creating custom-built computers is another service Friendly Computers provides. Regardless of complexity or budget, they’ll build a system tailored specifically to you, your child, your home office or your business. All of their computers are made using the highest quality parts at the lowest prices. “We have been building custom computers as long as we have been in business and have never had any warranty claims,” says Ben Medina, owner of Friendly Computers.

YoUr one-sToP-laPToP-sHoPFriendly Computers not only sells laptops well under retail prices, but also repairs them. From cracked screens to broken keyboards to hard drive replacements and new batteries… they’ll provide fast, friendly service for any laptop issue.

BUsiness solUTions“In this economy, a lot of businesses are cutting their in-house IT staff and we’re an excellent alternative for outsourcing that ser-vice” says Medina. Friendly Computers’ service contracts provide businesses with first-priority attention at discounted rates. On-site

assessments determine businesses present and future needs. Custom-built systems and servers, network design, security and back-up solutions are just some of the services offered.

discover THe difference“We invite you to discover the Friendly Computers difference. Our call center and mobile technicians are readily available and equipped with the knowledge and certification to tackle any problem that arises.” says Medina. For an appointment, call

949.586.0070 or visit www.friendlycomputers.com.

GreatFood, Fun& Service!

HOURS:Mon.-Fri.11am-2amSat.-Sun.8am-2am

Happy Hour3pm-7pmWeekdays

SUPERHappy Hour4pm-5pm

204 S. El Camino Real949.481.2040

SAN CLEMENTE, CASAN CLEMENTE, CASAN CLEMENTE, CA

THELOCALDISH.NET 29

THELOCALDISH.NET30

LOCALFOOD&DRinKOur meal began with a traditional cheese fondue made with garlic, beer and a blend of cheddar, Swiss and Emmenthaler cheeses, expertly combined tableside in retro fondue pots. As the flavors swirled to-gether, a second pot of pesto-laced Quat-tro Formaggio bubbled away. Armed with long, slender fondue forks, we dipped ba-guette chunks and fresh veggies into the steaming and delectable melted cheese.

With the cheese pots dispatched, out came two more – one containing a tasty court bouillon, and in the other, a wonderfully flavorful Caribbean-style Mojo broth. We chose the Fondue Fusion meal, which in-cludes tasty chunks of filet, shrimp, lobster, and chicken. We also selected The French Quarter - Andouille sausage chunks and a selection of Cajun spiced meats - delicious for the dipping.

For me, no fondue meal would be com-plete without a molten pot of chocolate and the essential dippers like bananas, strawberries and pound cake. My favorite is The Melting Pot’s signature milk choco-late swirled with peanut butter. A square of rice crispy treat dipped in this sweet sensa-tion is dessert perfection.

Cash in right now on some hot specials at The Melting Pot. Try their “Fondue & a Flick” promotion which includes salad, cheese and chocolate fondues plus a

Krikorian movie pass, for $27 per per-son. Consider reserving a table on July 5th for their “Friends on the 5th” event, where the Fondue Feast for two is of-fered at menu price and each addition-al guest can enjoy the same for only $33 each. On Wednesdays, bottles of wine under $100 are half off. In The Melting Pot’s bar on Thursday nights, enjoy 50% off cheese fondues, salads, chocolate fondues and drink specials from 5 p.m. – close.

by bOnnie SMaLL

The MelTing POT647 Camino de Los Mares San Clemente » 949.661.1966meltingpot.com

Mix things up with a unique way to dine out. The Melting Pot in San Clemente is attracting a new generation of fondue lovers with a contemporary approach to a trend that started over four decades ago. More than a meal, fondue is an interactive and fun experience where you and the kids are actually encouraged to play with your food.

Take a Stab AT T H E M E LT I N G P O T

THELOCALDISH.NET 31

“ We never knew you guys were so much fun! ”

“ We never knew we were so much fun either! ”

Locals’ Night OutGrab your neighbors and spend

an evening at The Melting Pot to experience fondue, fun and friends.

Enjoy our locals discount on Tuesdays in Irvine and Brea or Sundays in

San Clemente with valid ID. See store for further details.

2646 Dupont Drive, Irvine 949-955-3242

647 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente 949-661-1966

375 W. Birch Street, Brea 714-671-6000

Reservations recommended. Fondue coast to coast • Locally owned and operated

meltingpot.com

DAILY HAPPY HOUR 4:30pm - 6:30pmAll-You-Can-Eat Sushi at Sushi Bar

Open for lunch: Friday - Sunday at 11:30amLive Music Thursday - Saturday

949.240.MAHE (6243)

24961 Dana Point Harbor Dr.DANA POINT, CA 92629

eatatmahe.com

Pacific Coast Hwy.

5 FWYDel Prado

Golden Lantern St.

Dana Point Harb

or Dr.

THELOCALDISH.NET32

Happy Hour – 5pmMonday – Friday

$5 Martinis and Cocktails

THELOCALDISH.NET 33

THELOCALDISH.NET34

LOCALFOOD&DRinK

DININGguiDeThe beach House restaurant25001 Dana Drive949.496.7310thebeachhouse.com

brio Tuscany grille24050 Camino Del Avion949.443.1476briorestaurant.com

CasanOva ristOrante33585 Del Obispo949.496.0992casanovaristorante.com { See page 35 }

Chronic Tacos34255 Pacific Coast Highway949.481.3720eatchronictacos.com

Dana kai24050 Camino Del Avion949.489.8169 { See page 32 }

GeMMeLL’s34471 golden Lantern949.234.0063gremmellsrestaurant.com { See page 30 }

Hennessey’s Tavern34111 La Plaza949.488.0121hennesseystavern.com

Mahé24961 Dana Point Harbor Drive949.240.1800eatatmahe.com { See page 31 }

Mario’s by The Sea32545 Golden Lantern949.240.1967mariosbythesea.com

PrOUD MarY’s34689 golden Lantern949.338.7581proudmarysrestaurant.com { See page 31 }

Purple Feet24582 Del Prado949.388.3338purplefeetwines.com

Salt Creek grille32802 Pacific Coast Highway949.661.7799saltcreekgrille.com

bad to the bone bbq31738 Rancho Viejo Road949.218.0227badtothebone-bbq.com

Cedar Creek Inn26860 Ortega Highway949.240.2229cedarcreekinn.com

El Adobe de Capistrano31891 Camino Capistrano949.493.1163eladobedecapistrano.com

L’hirOnDeLLe31631 Camino Capistrano949.661.0425lhirondellesjc.com { See page 33 }

ramos House Café31752 Las Rios Street949.443.1342ramoshouse.com

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot26701 Verdugo Street949.493.9593capistranodepot.com

Simply Fondue31761 Camino Capistrano949.240.0300simplyfondueorangecounty.com

sOUth31105 rancho Viejo road949.542.8889souththerestaurant.com { See page 33 }

sUnDrieD tOMatO31781 Camino Capistrano949.661.1167thesundriedtomatocafe.com { See page 32 }

Tannins Wine bar & restaurant27211 Ortega Highway949.661.8466tanninsrestaurant.com

Thai Juan On31878 Del Obispo Street, #109949.234.0332

the vintaGe steakhOUse27601-b Verdugo Street949.661.3400thevintagesteakhouse.com { See page 30 }

Antoine’s Café218 S. El Camino real949.492.1763antoinescafe.com

bad to the bone bbq107 Via Pico Plaza949.361.9132badtothebone-bbq.com

beaChfire GriLL204 Avenida Del Mar949.366.3232beachfire.com { See page 33 }

CarbOnara trattOria111 Avenida Del Mar949.366.1040 carbonara.com { See page 32 }

DUke’s204 S. El Camino real949.481.2040 { See page 28 }

Hapa J’s kitchen, bar & Lounge2016 S. El Camino Real949.276.6657hapajs.com

Iva Lee’s555 N. El Camino Real, Ste. E949.361.2855ivalees.com

irOns in the fire150 Avenida Magdalena949.542.3900ironsinthefire.biz { See page 33 }

the MeLtinG POt647 Camino De Los Mares, #126949.661.1966themeltingpot.com { See page 31 }

sUnDrieD tOMatO821 Via Suerte949.388.5757sundriedtomatocafe.biz { See page 32 }

Vine211 N. El Camino Real949.361.2079vinesanclemente.com

dana POInt/CaPO BEaCh San JUan CaPIStRanO San CLEMEntE

35THELOCALDISH.NET

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S.POSTAGE PAID

Santa Ana, CAPermit No. 5311001 Avenida Pico, Suite C-434

San Clemente, CA 92673