Hubbuzz's Orange County, CA Blogs

The Best Food of Any Orange County Jail

Ken Clark — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:37:27 -0500

Okay, it’s not really a jail, but Smokey’s BBQ on the corner of Crown Valley and PCH has a couple of tables set up inside real jail cells. While that might not interest the adults in your party, your kids are guaranteed to love it. My four-year old simply refers to Smokey’s as the “jail restaurant.”

Opened in the early part of 2008, Smokey’s may officially give Bad to the Bone a run for their money as the best rib joint in all of Orange County. In fact, it is the only rib spot to my knowledge where you can get authentic “dry rub” ribs.

The ribs themselves come lightly sauced and rubbed, but copious amounts of all their sauces and dry rubs sit ready for you on the table to doctor up your order. Be sure to try the mustard-based sauce and the sweet apple BBQ sauce. If you’ve got a designated driver, you’ll want to wash that BBQ down with one of their 34-ounce mug beers.

Be forewarned though, five star ribs come at five star prices. With the half rack costing $18.50, you might as well get the whole rack for $22. Don’t fret too much about the price though - Smokey’s offers the biggest baby back ribs I’ve ever seen.
On the cheaper side, they offer some incredible Po’ Boy sandwiches for $8-10. They also have a great (and affordable) kids’ menu, which includes some southern-style breaded chicken strips or catfish. My young guns also think the macaroni and cheese is to die for.

For dessert, be sure to take a walk next door to Smokey’s. There’s a great new gelato store that serves the real deal. With Starbucks also a stone’s throw away, you can grab some coffee to help stave off your food coma.

Smokey's takes all major credit cards and is located at 32860 Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point.

Hubbuzz.com Orange County Blog on BlogFlux.com

JenniferH — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:40:59 -0500

See this Hubbuzz.com Orange County blog on the Directory of Local Blogs on Blogflux.com.

Destination Rejuvenation

Nae — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 23:51:49 -0500

Creating a positive environment and instilling a feeling of empowerment, two passionate and inspirational leaders – Mary Wilson, Founder of Rejuvenation Mind, Body and Spirit, and Ann Mincey, Vice President of Global Communications REDKEN 5th Avenue NYC – will teach guests how to successfully handle the endless personal and professional demands that can take a toll on their physical and mental health.

Focusing on mind, body and spirit, the three day program features various exercises and activities including stretching, silent reflection, journaling, meditation, breathing exercises, guided walks on the beach, strength training, laughter yoga, and more. Guests will also receive Mincy’s book GET GLOWING! You Are a Star Right Where You Are, which will serve as a textbook at the retreat and also an accessible reminder of everything they've learned long after the retreat is over.

Destination Rejuvenation is all-inclusive and includes luxury ocean front accommodations at the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach, California, along with daily breakfast, lunch, and all program materials and activities. Reservations are now being accepted for the October 26-28 retreat. Please visit rejuvenationgifts.com or call (888) 598.2514 to sign up. Please note that space is limited to 25 guests per retreat, this is to ensure an intimate and relaxing experience for all.

Ribs from the Golden Age of Dining

Ken Clark — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:36:25 -0500

On a recent jaunt up to north Orange County, I stumbled across a childhood favorite of mine, Chris' & Pitt's BBQ. Until recently, I had thought that all the Chris' & Pitt's had gone out of business; dinosaurs from a homier day of dining.

To some, Chris' & Pitt's may look dingy and run down after all these years. From my memory though, nothing has changed. The restaurant was dimly lit. The booths were always made out of a red naugahyde, which presumably allows for easier clean up of BBQ sauce. And the waitresses, still my favorite part, have always looked like something from Mel’s Diner on that TV show “Alice.” Almost sure as shootin’, a visit to a Chris' & Pitt's will yield a waitress named Flo or Betty, who’s sporting a beehive hairdo and thinks your name is “Honey.”

For lunch or dinner, I’d recommend either the full “melt in your mouth” rack of ribs or the rib and chicken combo. Both will run you just under $20, but easily come with enough food for two people to split. In addition to the meat, each entrée comes with an incredible salad drenched in dressing, some garlic toast, and a couple of sides.

All the Chris' & Pitt's have a dining counter in addition to the booths, which is a great way to circumvent the loyal dinnertime crowd. The restaurant also offers a full bar including a pretty mean Bloody Mary.

If you are feeling like BBQ but want to gorge yourself in private, Chris' & Pitt's is more than happy to pack it to go. In fact, that’s how I first discovered Chris' & Pitt's – it was our family’s choice for Christmas dinner all throughout my childhood!

Chris' & Pitt's accepts all major credit cards and is located at 601 North Euclid in Anaheim. There are also three additional locations just over the border into LA county (Downy, Bellflower, and Whittier).

Heat Ultra Lounge Event

jennmitzkus — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:27:23 -0500

Heat Ultra Lounge is soon to become Orange County’s premiere nightclub and special event venue. This ultra lounge will bring first-class Las Vegas-style to Orange County.

Located conveniently at the Anaheim Gardenwalk in the world famous Resort District (adjacent to Disneyland and the convention center); Heat Ultra Lounge offers over 10,000 sq ft. with 2 distinctively different and luxurious areas for entertaining that can be combined to accommodate up to 900 guests. Heat Ultra Lounge is a high profile facility that will feature the finest Dj's and performers from around the globe. With multi-million dollar state of the art lighting and sound system, 2 rooms, exclusive VIP sections, and a luxurious indoor smoking patio, Heat Ultra Lounge is destined to become the ultimate nighttime destination in Southern California.

Website: www.heatultraloungeoc.com
Location: 321 W. Katella Ave, Suite 214, Anaheim, CA 92802
VIP/Bottle Service: 877-655-HEAT

Hours of Operation: Lounge opens at 7PM - 7 nights a week.
Nightclub opens at 9PM - Thursday thru Saturday.

Media Contact: aLine media
Jennifer Mitzkus
jennifer@alinemedia.com
310.576.1808

STANDUP FOR KIDS- Dancing with Our Stars

STANDUP FOR KIDS — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:32:25 -0500

Our event features couples raising money for their favorite charity all by tapping their toes, shaking their hips and swirling across the dance floor to the delight of 400 guests.

Each "Star Dancer" is paired with a professional dancer and performs to earn dollar-value votes for their favorite non-profit.

Your votes help Eric & Yanina support
STANDUP FOR KIDS
Tax ID #33-0414855

AND in their goal to win first place in this innovative fundraiser.

Support your “Stars” by submitting your vote(s) priced at
$20 each – no maximum!
The “stars” with the most votes win 1st place

If you would like to attend the competition on July 26 at 6:00 PM at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center, tickets are $100; includes dinner & one vote. Please note: the dinner event itself is not a fundraising event, only the voting donations are tax deductible & $20 of the dinner ticket.

Both dinner tickets & votes may also be purchased via Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover online at http://www.oc.dancingwithourstars.net/dinner.html. Don’t forget to indicate STANDUP FOR KIDS as your Charity!

To pay by check
Please make checks for Votes payable to
STANDUP FOR KIDS, PO BOX 14398 Irvine, CA 92623
Checks for Dinner Tickets payable to: DWOS

Every donation helps. We look forward to seeing you on July 26, 2008 at The Neighborhood Community Center, Costa Mesa.

STANDUP FOR KIDS http://www.standupforkids.org/local/california/Orange%20County/
For more information contact: justines@standupforkids.org or call (949)357-4298

Guide to Orange County Farmers Markets

elizabeth — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 18:50:37 -0500

A visit to a Farmers Market is more than just an opportunity to pick up the best in local and fresh produce and specialty foods. It’s an opportunity to take a walk, catch some rays, listen to music and learn about your community, or even a community across town. Check out this list of Farmers Markets in Orange County where you will certainly find a Farmers Market near you on a day of the week that works for you. (Remember these markets usually run rain or shine too – so no excuses!) Also, be sure to download this Southern California crop calendar so you know when your favorite produce is in its prime.

Tuesdays…
…in Irvine
If you haven’t been to Historic Ranch at Irvine you’ll want to stop by this Tuesday affair at least once - on-site, the ranch harvests organic lemons, oranges and avocado in their organic orchards.
[Where: Historic Park at the Irvine Ranch, 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602]
When: 9am – 1pm

…in Brea
Make your Tuesdays a very green day by getting around town on Brea’s trolly system (which is free during lunch!) and buying fresh and local at Brea’s downtown market.
[Where: Birch St & Madrona Ave, Brea, CA 92821]
When: 4pm – 8pm

…in Dana Point
About 20 farmers rally together on Tuesdays to bring the community fresh produce in a very quaint setting.
[Where: Pacific Coast Hwy & Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92692]
When: 9am - 1pm

Wednesdays…
…in Tustin
For whatever reason, there seems to be a plethora of breweries (Tustin Brewing Co, Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co, Pal's Brewing Co, BJs, Deans Brothers Brewing Co) in close proximity to the Tustin Farmers Market. You know what that means…you can top off a day strolling the market on a sunny OC morning with a cold one for lunch.
[where: El Camino Real & 3rd Street, Tustin, CA 92780]
When: 9am - 1pm

…in Fullerton
Not only is the Fullerton Farmers Market large, but it’s also old – which would make it a wise choice for a Wednesday visit to the market. And attention students: do yourself a favor and make mom proud, by grabbing some fresh greens for dinner tonight – we’re sure you are lacking your vitamins.
[Where: 450 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832]
When: 8:30am - 1:30pm

…in San Juan Capistrano
The vendors at this market make sure to bring unique foods – if you are looking for something special, makes sure you stop by.
[Where: Yorba St & Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675]
When: 3pm - 7pm

Thursdays…
…in Costa Mesa
As if you're not already in this 'hood shopping at South Coast Plaza!
Where: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626]
When: 9am - 1pm

…in Orange
Peruse the vendors at the market then peruse the shops in Village at Orange – where you’ll conveniently be able to check off a few more items on your ‘to do’ list.
[Where: The Village at Orange, 1500 E Village Way, Orange, CA 92865]
When: 9am – 1pm

…in Anaheim
Add a little music to a Farmers Market and you got a party, right? Well, maybe not a party – but definitely an occasion. The Downtown Anaheim Farmers Market is the perfect lunch spot for those looking to escape the office – grab a piece of fruit and some prepared food and settle down to some tunes.
[Where: 205 W Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805]
When: 9am - 1:30pm

…in Fullerton (again)
Students, seriously, take note – this is your last chance this week to get your greens in Fullerton.
[Where: Wilshire Ave & Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832]
When: 4pm - - 8:30pm

Fridays…
…in Laguna Hills
You can bring your horse!
[Where: Laguna Hills Mall parking lot, 24155 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, CA 92653]
When: 9am – 1pm

…in Huntington Beach
Surf, sun and sweet produce!
[Where: Pier Plaza, Main St & Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648]
When: 1pm - 5pm

Saturdays …
…in Laguna Beach
Step 1 - Bring your swimsuit, Step 2 - buy a picnic lunch at the market, Step 3 – Hunker down on the beach. Step 4 – relax, now this is the real OC!
[Where: 384 Forest Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651]
When: 8am – 12pm

…in Yorba Linda
Never fear north Orange County residents, Yorba Linda hosts a wonderful Farmers Market every Saturday. No need to head to the coast (unless of course you want to).
[Where: Main St & Imperial Highway, Yorba Linda, CA 92866]
When: 9am - 1pm

…in Corona del Mar
What could be better than a Saturday stroll through the market in idyllic Corona del Mar? Be careful what you wish for though: One glance down Inspiration Point and you may never want to leave, but you may not be able to afford to stay either!
[Where: Pacific Coast Highway & Marguerite Ave, Corona del Mar, CA 92625]
When: 9am – 1pm

…in Irvine (again)
Located near UCI Take a tour of the campus and the shops then grab some home-grown grub at the Farmers Market.
[Where: Campus Dr & Bridge Rd, Irvine, CA 92612]
When: 8am – 12pm

Sundays…
…in Laguna Niguel
The Laguna Niguel Farmers Market takes place at Plaza da la Paz shopping center – so you can take a cue from Old School and plan a nice little Sunday with a visit to the market followed by a visit to Home Depot for some wallpaper.
[Where: Plaza de la Paz, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677]
When: 9am - 1pm

…in San Clemente
The San Clemente Farmers Market is the perfect market for those looking for a lazy Sunday activity – you could lose yourself for hours browsing the vendors of this large and diverse market.
[Where: 200 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672]
When: 9am – 1pm

Secret Seafood Spot in San Clemente

Ken Clark — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:38:30 -0500

When it comes to food, I probably have two true loves. For my money, it’s tough to beat fresh seafood and savory Mexican food. When you can find both at the same place, you’ve found a rare dining jewel.

La Cocina de Ricardo #2 (I’m not sure if there is a #1 or a #3) in San Clemente is as good as it gets for fresh and fast Mexican seafood. While it is not the cheapest in town (try Pedro’s Tacos for cheap and delicious Mexican food), most entrees are still very reasonable at $6-10.

In fact, La Cocina de Ricardo has turned me on to a shrimp dish I’d never tried before. It’s called “campechana” and it’s similar to a giant shrimp cocktail with a bunch of diced octopus thrown in. It’s fresh, light, and so delicious! Even though it’s $13.50, it’s a deal considering the amount of seafood you get.

If shrimp and octopus aren’t your style, you should give their soups a try. In fact, that is all I ate for the first six months I visited. Their soups are large, stocked full of fresh vegetables, and come with a side of chips, salsa, and tortillas for $6-8.

La Cocina de Ricardo, located at 401 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente, takes all major credit cards and can package any of their items to go. It’s also located right across the street from both Starbuck’s and the Coffee Bean, so you can grab an iced coffee drink to cool your mouth off after you stuff yourself.

La Cocina de Ricardo
[where: 401 South El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672]
949-498-7808

Two Great Santa Ana Restaurants - Right Next to Each Other!

Ken Clark — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:45:57 -0500

Downtown Santa Ana continually amazes those with preconceived notions. Besides being home to many county offices and the Ronald Reagan Federal building, it contains a unique mix of old and new restaurants and shops. Two of my new dining favorites in all of Orange County are literally located steps from the courthouse and from each other.

El Curtido is a large and casual Salvadoran restaurant that serves up a Central American version of many Mexican favorites. On my most recent visit there I enjoyed one of my favorite soups, the Sopa de Siete Mares, or Soup of the Seven Seas. Chocked full of mussels, clams, huge shrimp, crab legs, and a variety of vegetables, it is a deal for just over ten dollars.

Just down the street from El Curtido is a tiny restaurant called Mil Jugos. Mil Jugos, which means “one thousand juices” serves up some fierce fruit smoothies that are perfect for the hot Santa Ana days. On the recommendation of a friend, I also tried the Venezuelan arepas (pronounced a-ray-paws).

These good size sandwiches, priced under $4 each, are actually made from something similar to a sweet corn bread pancake. The pancake is filled with one of a number of meats, folded over, and served to you piping hot. You can top it of with the creamy avocado sauce that stands ready at your table. In a word… unbelievable!

After you’ve had your fill, you can stroll down to the Starbuck’s at the end of the block, grab some overpriced iced coffee, and stroll the eclectic mix of shops in the neighborhood.

El Curtido and Mil Jugos are both located near the corner of Broadway and 5th in Santa Ana, and both accept credit cards.

El Curtido
[where: 300 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701]

Mil Jugos
[where: 318 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92701]

Taking the Train to Old Town Orange

Ken Clark — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:32:35 -0500

One of my big gripes about living in southern California is that we have to drive ourselves everywhere. Many of the other large metropolitan areas have an ample supply of trains, taxis, and buses that criss-cross their cities. Going out to dinner becomes slightly less relaxing after 40 minutes of traffic!

That’s why I love the “circle” in Old Town Orange. This great little hub of restaurants, culture, and eclectic shopping is a couple of blocks away from the Metrolink train station. It’s perfect for a night out with my wife, or a daytime excursion with my sons.

We usually start by catching the train in San Juan Capistrano. The station there is old and historic, and there are some great sights to see right there (the old town jail cell, historic homes, a petting zoo, etc.). Parking is free in the main lot behind Sarducci’s Restaurant.

The train ride itself is about 20-30 minutes, which isn’t much longer than the drive, but a whole lot more relaxing. The tickets run just under $10 a piece for the adults (children under 5 ride free). When you get to the Orange station, be sure to check the returning train’s time before you leave. Missing your train makes for a long walk home!

Once off the train, head east on the Atchison St., until you hit the “turn-about” in the center of the town. Down any street from this hub, you can find all kinds of great restaurants and shops. If you are looking for a cheap trip with the kids, I would definitely recommend the old hamburger joint on the north side of Atchison, just before you reach the circle.

Old Town Orange has a great farmer’s market every Thursday, from 2-7 pm as well. You can ride the train up, load up on fresh produce, and ride back home. There’s also an antique swap meet twice a month. Just don’t try bringing a dining room table home on the train!

Old Town Orange is located at the corner of Glassell and Chapman. You can find info on daily Metrolink trains at www.MetrolinkTrains.com.

Opah in OC

livinlaguna — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:54:52 -0500

Opah is a great neighborhood restaurant. And with three locations in OC you can’t help but to find one in your ‘hood. The seafood is their specialty and their namesake but don’t forget to try some appies. My favs are the tower of sweet potato chips (not fries) with chipotle ranch (I love a condiment) and the shitake chicken lettuce wraps. What can I say I love finger foods.

Every seafood dish that I’ve tried has been mouth-watering…the salmon, the scallops and the sea bass are divine. The dishes arrive dressed to impress but they don’t skimp on the good stuff. No one wants to buy another meal after din din. If you don’t get the garlic mashed potatoes with your meal, order it as a side and make sure you have a curiously strong mint.

I haven’t tried the deserts (I prefer a second glass of wine) but most of them are made with alcohol so it sounds like you can’t go wrong!

Opah

Irvine
[where: 13122 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602]
714-508-8055

Aliso Viejo
[where: 26854 Aliso Creek Rd, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656]
949-360-8822

Rancho Santa Margarita
[where: 22332 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688]
949-766-9988

Blog Catalog link

elizabeth — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 11:51:13 -0500

http://www.blogcatalog.com/directory/blogging

Kicking Back at the Dana Point Harbor

Ken Clark — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:59:13 -0500

The far north end of the Dana Point Harbor is one of the best keep secrets in all of Orange County. For anyone looking for a relaxing day by themselves or with the kids, this is the place.

The best part, in my opinion, is the free parking less than one hundred yards from a great little beach. With kids in tow, the parking lot at the Ocean Institute makes child’s play out of getting from the car to sand. If that parking lot happens to be full (which I’ve never encountered), there is plenty of additional parking in the lot adjacent to the Pilgrim sailing ship.

The beach itself has great tide pools, which are just as much fun for adults as they are for kids. On our last visit, we found starfish, hermit crabs, sea anemones, and more barnacles than you could shake a stick at. Further down the beach, outside of the marine preserve boundaries, you can waste a whole day collecting rocks, shells, and sea glass.

When you need to stretch your legs, you can take a walk on top of the large rock jetty that shelters the harbor. The end of the jetty is a great place to curl up with your coffee and a book as you watch the yachts cruise in and out. Just make sure you stay on the top of the jetty though, as strong waves can wash pretty high up the side.

When our family is feeling really ambitious and outdoorsy, we’ll grab a couple of fishing poles and fish from the small pier next to the Pilgrim. Since you’re fishing from the pier, state laws says you don’t need to spend money on a fishing license. But, you will still need to be mindful of the possession limits on different types of fish.

To finish off a perfect lazy day, you can fire up the BBQ at one of the many picnic shelters along the road that leads to the Ocean Institute. If lighter fluid and matches are outside your comfort zone, there are some amazing restaurants overlooking the harbor including Canon’s and the Chart House.

To get to the north end of the Dana Point Harbor, take Golden Lantern to the main harbor entrance and turn right. Follow the signs for the Ocean Institute. If you are planning on going to the beach, walk along the dirt access road to the right of the Ocean Institute, right up against the hillside.

Best Parks in Laguna Niguel

Ken Clark — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:50:23 -0500

What makes for a great park? In my book, it’s got to have a lot of room for the kids to roam, fun amenities, and a close proximity to quality takeout food. The combination of these factors makes for the perfect “lazy parent” picnic with their kids. Here are a couple of parks that fit that bill in Laguna Niguel.

The YMCA / Laguna Niguel Regional Park:
The Laguna Niguel Regional Park, which backs up to the South Coast YMCA, is the granddaddy of parks in Laguna Niguel. Not only is the park absolutely huge with a wide variety of activities, it’s got great food on both sides of it.

There are two ways into the park, and your choice of parking lots will dictate which amenities you’ll get to enjoy without much walking. If you park in the YMCA parking lot off of Crown Valley, you can enjoy the YMCA’s giant playground as well as a great “self-guided” nature walk. If you park in the Regional Park’s official parking lot off of La Paz (it costs under $10), you’ll have easy access to the 44-acre lake, picnic shelters, and another ample playground.

If you’re a cheapskate like me, you’ll actually park in the YMCA parking lot, and walk the half-mile paved biking path that connects the backside of these two adjoining parks. You can then spend your money on renting a small electric powerboat for $10 per hour, buy a couple microwave burritos in the tackle shop, and go cruise the lake with your kids.

Other food options include Ted’s (breakfast burritos, burgers, etc.) and The Pho Bowl (Vietnamese) on the corner of La Paz and Aliso Creek, and Flamin’ Chicken and Ribs on Crown Valley and Niguel.

Chapparossa Park:
This park is more commonly recognized as the little league and pee-wee soccer mecca for Laguna Niguel, with its gorgeous and manicured fields. But it’s also a great park to enjoy during the off-season, when you can have it all to yourself.

There’s a great playground for kids right near the front entrance of the park, as well as a public basketball court that draws some pretty good pick-up games. If you are going to use the playground on a busy day, you may want to consider parking in the cul-de-sac right before the park entrance, since you can spend hours circling the parking lot.

One of my favorite things about the park is the trail that leads from the back end of the park, all the way down to Salt Creek Beach. It’s a good couple of miles, but is a gorgeous walk or ride.

For picnicking, there’s a great variety of close-by food including Good Choice Sushi, Chapparossa Grill, McDonald’s, all located on the corner of Golden Lantern and Marina Hills.

Chapparossa Park

Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Westminster - Garden Grove- Asian Garden Mall

Ken Clark — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:01:57 -0500

One of the greatest mistakes many Orange County residents make, is not taking advantage of the rich cultural experiences that are available within a few minutes drive. Despite the portrayal of the O.C. on television as the land of gate-guarded communities and wealthy soccer mom’s, Orange County remains a diverse, cultural melting pot.

One of the best places to experience the wonderful diversity of Orange County is Little Saigon in the Westminster and Garden Grove area. Little Saigon, home to one of the largest concentrations of Vietnamese immigrants in the United States, is a feast of sights, sounds, smells, and tastes.

The heart of Little Saigon, and probably the best place to jump feet- first into Vietnamese culture, is the Asian Garden Mall on Bolsa Ave. The 165,000 square-foot Asia Garden Mall is home to over 300 unique shops and restaurants, and makes for a great afternoon of exploration. In fact, over 200,000 tourists visit the mall every year!

For me personally, it’s all about the food. Just inside the front entrance is a large food court that features everything from sit-down service to assembly line fast food. My personal favorite is “Hien Vuong” which has a full menu of chicken, beef, fish and veggie dishes. For the money though, it is hard to pass up a bowl of their classic chicken “Pho” soup.

For my wife, it’s all about the shopping. The Asian Garden Mall has one of the greatest assortments of shops around, with everything from unique Asian products to classic fashions. The thing that makes it more fun than your average trip to South Coast Plaza is that many of the shop owners are willing to bargain on larger purchases!

The Asian Garden Mall also houses one of the largest groupings of independent jewelry manufacturers and dealers in Orange County. If you are looking for a good deal on some great jewelry, this is the place to go.

One of the coolest parts of the mall though, is its “center stage”. The center of the Asian Garden Mall is set up to host everything from concerts to fashion shows. There’s ample room for seating in the adjacent food court, allowing you to simultaneously take in some great entertainment and food. Additionally, there’s “box seating” around the rim of the mall’s second story, looking down on the stage area.

The Asian Garden Mall is located in the heart of Little Saigon on Bolsa Ave., between Brookhurst and Magnolia. The Asian Garden Mall is open 10 AM – 7 PM daily. Parking can be a little tight in the front parking lot, so be sure to check around the back of the building.

The Asian Garden Mall
[where: 9200 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, CA]

The Glory of Easter at The Crystal Cathedral

livinlaguna — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:40:33 -0500

The Crystal Cathedral is known for a lot of things, a place of worship – sure, a televised “Hour of Power” – certainly, a highly entertaining Good Friday service – absolutely!

The dramatic reenactment can be witnessed nightly through Saturday at 6:30pm and 8:30pm.

Tickets range from $35-$45 or $20 on discount nights (actually tonight is the last discount night so log-on). Only at the CC can you purchase your tickets for this popular Christian event online.

If you want to save your hard earned money for gas you can attend one of the seven Easter service’s on Sunday – they’re all free.

Peace be with you.

The Crystal Cathedral
[where: 13280 Chapman Avenue, Garden Grove, CA]
714-971-4000

Anaheim Apartments By Angel Stadium

hubbuzz — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:45:15 -0500

Downtown Anaheim is hip, happening and just keeps getting better as time goes on. With the Platinum Triangle redevelopment project going on that will bring more shopping, dining, living space and business space to the area and of course the already fabulous Downtown Disney, The Grove of Anaheim, the Convention Center and Anaheim Indoor Marketplace all in the area, who wouldn’t want to rent one of the Anaheim apartments by Angel Stadium.

Click here to learn more about the neighborhood that surround the Anaheim apartments by Angel Stadium.

Where to live in Garden Grove

Murphy Applegate — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:43:47 -0500

Want to reside in a do-gooder agriculture community? Garden Grove is the spot. With a plethora of religious places of worship, top-notch schools and agricultural products that Garden Grove provides, it's no wonder people are flocking here to settle down.

Garden Grove has plenty of apartments to choose from. Lamplighter Village Apartments is a quiet community with lush, tropical landscaping. You can walk or jog to nearby Garden Grove Park in just minutes so it is ideal for pet owners. The Garden Grove Freeway is only blocks away for quick and easy access all over Orange County.

If you are into resort-style living, check out Emerald Ridge Apartments. The entire community (inside and out!) underwent renovations recently and it now boasts sleek, modern kitchen appliances and fresh landscaping. Location is everything, and this community is located near everything! Disneyland, popular restaurants, shopping areas and the Angels baseball stadium are just around the corner. What more could you need?

If you still aren't convinced you should live in "The city of youth and ambition", read about its famous Memorial Day celebration and its do-good attitude on the Garden Grove neighborhood profile page.

California Cigar Factory – Where Everyone Knows Your Name

Ken Clark — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:37:13 -0500

The California Cigar Company in San Clemente is a throwback to easier days, when people actually talked to each other without the assistance of a Bluetooth device. Its comfy chairs, game table, and amply stocked humidor serve as a solid reminder that “social networking” existed long before MySpace or FaceBook.

The lounge itself looks a lot like the clubhouse I always wished I had as a kid. It’s an eclectic assortment of trophy fish, personal pictures from the misadventures of the staff and regulars, a large television with cable, and plenty of cigar regalia. Without a doubt though, my favorite fixture is the Bassett Hound named “Miss Betsy”, who loafs around the shop.

Weekend nights are especially rowdy around the California Cigar Company. There are usually a couple games of poker, cribbage, or backgammon taking place, along with a heated debate about something semi-irrelevant. It’s not just limited to the boys, either. Shannon Marie, one of the shop’s managers, has done a good job taming the crowd and bringing a little refinement to the lounge.

The California Cigar Company is a “brown bag” establishment that encourages its patrons to bring a meal and hangout long enough to enjoy it. If you’re too lazy to pack your own snack, there are some great “hole in the wall” restaurants offering take-out within walking distance. My personal favorite is Super Bowl Express, which offers a great chicken bowl for about five bucks. You should also check out Dave’s Mexican Restaurant and Ichibiri’s.

If you need an excuse to visit the California Cigar Lounge, do as I do. Shannon Marie offers a great haircut right there in the shop’s old-fashioned barber chair. At $20, it’s as cheap as anything you’ll find at a Super Cuts, but with a whole lot more character.

The California Cigar Company is located just south of El Camino Real and Avenida Pico in San Clemente. There is plenty of parking on the street and around back. All major credit cards are accepted.

California Cigar Factory
[where: 1640 N El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA, 92672]
www.californiacigarco.com

Photo Credit: From California Cigar Factory website

Sushi and Shiatsu at the Mission Viejo Kaleidoscope

Ken Clark — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:21:31 -0500

Sometimes, you just need to escape for a few hours. Luckily, the Mission Viejo Kaleidoscope is fully equipped to receive refugees from life, parenting, and responsibility. Whether you are looking to “zone out” by yourself or connect with old friends, its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants is made to order.

After a recent week of deadlines and screaming kids I decided to head over for a little replenishment. My day started with a Swedish deep tissue massage at the Burke Williams Day Spa. After the massage, I spent a good hour lingering in the expansive men’s lounge with its hot tub, steam room, and all-you-can eat fruit.

Still hungry, I wandered up to one of south Orange County’s best sushi bars for a quiet lunch with a book. For just $12, I had a huge roll called the “Sexy Mutha” and a lobster-tempura hand-roll. If you get there before 2 PM, the food is even cheaper!

Afterwards, I stuck my head inside the Kaleidoscope Art Gallery next door and wandered through the stacks of paintings that I will likely never be able to afford. One of my favorite things about the Kaleidoscope Gallery is its relationship with the artists it carries. They frequently host “meet and greets” with their painters including my favorite, Aldo Luongo.

To finish off the day, I grabbed some hand-mixed ice cream at Marble Slab, and wandered around the rest of the Kaleidoscope. As thankful as I was for my day off, the unique variety of family fun made me miss my kids.

For an afternoon of family fun, be sure to check out the gigantic indoor playground at Jump and Jammin’, the hundreds of computers and XBOX’s at Howie’s Game Shack, and the indoor skateboarding ramp at NineStar Surf and Skate. You can finish the day off with dinner at Island’s followed by a movie at Edward’s Cinemas.

The Kaleidoscope is located just east of the 5 freeway and Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, directly across from the Mission Viejo Mall. There is plenty of parking, but the place tends to fill up quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. Be sure to bring a jacket for cool weather.

Kaleidoscope Courtyards
[where: 27741Crown Valley Pkwy, Mission Viejo, CA 92691]
www.kaleidoscopecourtyards.com