New Year, New Travel Plans
Become a tourist at home, and abroad
BY ANN RONAN
With the New Year coming up, what new travel experiences do you crave? Local gems you’ve missed, family vacations not too far from home, or an adventure to an exotic destination you’ve never visited? The best trips are transformational experiences— you come back from them informed and changed.
Right in your backyard
Put on fresh eyes and be a tourist right in your own town. Take a walking tour and be surprised at the juicy bits of information you’ll pick up. Did you know there once was a jail in the basement of the El Adobe Restaurant in San Juan Capistrano? Take an Architectural Walking Tour any Saturday or a Historical Walking Tour on Sunday from the train station and be entertained by stories about the colorful characters who made San Juan Capistrano such a quirky town. Wander a bit further by creating a train adventure to San Diego—it’s a walkable city and there’s plenty of ride share options for tired feet. Hop on the Old Town Trolley to get an overview of the city while experiencing “transportainment,” a fun combination of transportation and entertainment. The New Children’s Museum in downtown connects kids to the arts and creativity. It’s filled with bubbles, blocks, clay, paints and interactive games that tempt kids to indulge their imagination.
Grownups (21+) can eat and drink their way through downtown San Diego with a “Bite Tour.” The tour starts in the historic Gaslamp Quarter and is sprinkled with local gossip about celebrities and politicians who lived here. Pizza, gourmet Indian, handmade desserts and a rooftop view will delight all of your senses.
Experience a new culture
Winter is the best time to visit Thailand with great weather, affordable, yet luxurious, accommodations and airfare under $1,000 from LAX. All this has made Thailand the number one international destination for the
second year in a row.
Good natured, friendly people give Thailand the nickname “Land of Smiles.” You’ll immediately find yourself relaxing and smiling along with them.
Pristine white beaches beckon you to dive in and snorkel or, for the more adventurous, Thailand has some of the most beautiful rock climbing routes. When you are ready to reluctantly climb out of the turquoise sea, fill up on the endless options of mouth-watering cuisine, including beautifully blended spices in curries, noodles and stir-fried meats.
Your trip will be filled with mind opening experiences of an exotic culture centered on Buddhism with magnificent temples and palaces, a long history and fascinating archaeological sites. You’ll come home with a new appreciation for cultures far different than ours.
Ann Ronan is a San Juan Capistrano travel consultant with a passion for making memorable travel simple. She offers her clients a unique combination of specialized knowledge, firsthand experience and strong personal contacts in the travel industry. She can be reached at ann@sjctravel.com or at 949.702.3977. Visit her website at www.sjctravel.com.
Find out more
San Juan Capistrano Architectural Walk-
ing tours: Saturday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. weekly. Donation $5. Group tours available by appointment at 949.489.0736.
San Juan Capistrano Historical Society
Walking tours: Sunday from 10:00-11:30 a.m. weekly. Donation $2. Group tours available by appointment. 949.483.8444.
The New Children’s Museum: 200 West Island Ave, San Diego. Monday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Sunday noon-4:00 p.m. Cost is $13 per person.
Bite Downtown San Diego Tour: Saturday and Sunday at noon. Lasts three hours over a two-mile route with visits to five or more restaurants. $47 per person. www.bitesandiego.com
Thailand: Travel agents can quickly put together the best priced packages for you and suggest activities depending on your interests. Visit www.tourismthailand.org.
Time to Wine Down
Local wineries bring a taste of wine country to OC
BY VICTOR CARNO
Orange County is not the first place that comes to mind when thinking of wineries and vineyards, but rest assured, a trip to Paso Robles or Temecula isn’t necessary to experience an aerated, full bodied wine with an oaky finish and heady legs. For those who don’t speak wine, that just means “good wine.” Cut the travel time and highfalutin terminology with wineries right here in our backyard.
Take a tour through these highly rated Orange County wineries as you venture up the coast this winter, or at any other time of the year.
Rancho Capistrano Winery
26755 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano, 949.481.6682, www.ranchocapistranowinery.com.
With a record of 10 “Best of San Juan Capistrano” People’s Choice Horseshoe Awards wins, Rancho Capistrano Winery in San Juan Capistrano is an ideal place to start your wine tour through Orange County. Head winemaker Kylie Huffman and Chef Adrian de La Torre combine to make a powerful one-two punch of both great wine and great food.
“We originally intended to have some food just to keep it weird, but our food menu kept growing and growing by popular demand,” Owner Kyle Franson said. “I’m partial to our truffle mushroom flatbread, paired with a smoky Tempranillo.”
Stop by any day of the week for a $15 wine tasting that includes a flight of five wines. With over 50 different wine selections and growing, it won’t be hard to find a wine suitable for any palate.
Laguna Canyon Winery
2133 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.715.9463, www.lagunacanyonwinerey.com.
Brothers Marlowe and Darren Huber brought 20 years of winemaking experience from British Columbia to Laguna Beach in 2003. Since they opened the winery in Laguna Beach 15 years ago, they
have continued to provide award-winning, artisan wine to Orange County locals and tourists alike. With five award-winning wines from the 2017 Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition, the Huber brothers offer a wine tasting experience that rivals any.
Fan favorites include their savory Sonoma Valley syrah and “Purple Paws,” a fruit-forward red blend that donates a portion of proceeds to a homeless animal shelter. Wine tastings are $2 per taste and are offered every day of the week except Mondays.
Orange Coast Winery
869 W. 16th Street, Newport Beach, 949.645.0400, www.orangecoastwinery.com.
As you make your way up the coast, you would be remiss to pass over Orange Coast Winery. With a graduate degree in food science, co-owner Doug Wiens knows exactly what goes into a superior wine.
“Superior wine starts with excellent vineyard management,” Wiens said when discussing his approach to providing his customers with wine connoisseur-grade vino.
Debbie Wiens, co-owner of Orange Coast Winery and wife to Doug, brings the ambiance and personality to the business. Together, they produce over 16 different wine selections ranging from dark cabernet sauvignons to tropical viogniers.
As the holiday season is upon us and winter approaches, Wine Club Administrator Courtney Marton recommends their Endless Summer Big Wave ($59 a bottle) red blend to accompany any holiday meal.
“The Big Wave is a blend of cabernet franc, merlot and cabernet sauvignon and really pairs well with any hearty meat and potatoes meal.”
Orange Coast Winery offers tastings for $20 and includes six wines. A variety of whites, reds and sparkling wines are available to try too.
Rancho Capistrano Winery head winemaker Kylie Huffman (right) and Chef Adrian de La Torre (left) combine to make a powerful one-two punch of both great wine and great food. Photo: Victor Carno
SOUTH COUNTY DINING
Soup’s On!
Try warming up with these three soups
BY ALLISON JARRELL
It’s no secret that Southern California doesn’t suffer from unbearably cold winters. But even the most warm-blooded of West Coasters can find themselves a bit chilly when the temperature dips below 50 degrees at night.
For those cool winter evenings, why not warm up with some soup? Below are three offerings from South Orange County restaurants that feature a fresh take on classic recipes.
Sundried Tomato SOUP
Sundried Tomato American Bistros & Catering, 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 821 Via Suerte, San Clemente, 949.661.1167, www.sundriedtomatobistro.com.
When Sundried Tomato restauranteur Rob Quest first opened what began as a catering company, he debuted a sundried tomato marinade with some of his dishes. Eventually, the popular marinade was tested as a soup and was such a big hit, that it inspired Quest to open a restaurant of the same name.
“The tomato soup has been embedded in the history of the restaurant since 1993,” said general manager Saul Cruz. “It’s kind of our trademark.”
Cruz said the marinade base of the soup needs 24 hours before being mixed in with an array of herbs, olive oil, garlic and balsamic vinegar. The marinade is then blended with a few other ingredients to create the creamy soup that local patrons know and love.
Sundried Tomato serves its namesake soup in cups or bowls, as part of a “half and half” meal accompanied by a salad or sandwich, and even as a sauce in some of their pasta dishes.
BEEF Pho
Pho Thanh Binh, 107 Via Pico Plaza, San Clemente,949.369.3879.
Paul Bui, owner and chef of Vietnamese restaurant Pho Thanh Binh, is a firm believer in understanding and appreciating the history and culture behind the food we eat.
Bui is passionate about sharing the history of traditional pho—a Vietnamese noodle soup—and explaining the differ-
ences between regional recipes and how the quality of the ingredients makes or breaks authentic, delicious soup.
“Traditional pho is made with beef or chicken,” Bui explained. “But I came here, and lots of clients wanted seafood and vegetable pho.”
Bui accommodated the new requests, while also staying true to his roots over the last few years. The type of pho he serves is from North Vietnam and usually consists of beef or chicken, rice noodles, some onion and cilantro, and beef broth. He also serves his generously-sized bowls of pho with toppings one would commonly find in South Vietnam—bean sprouts, basil, lime and jalapeños.
A bowl of Bui’s seemingly-bottomless pho is more than enough to satisfy even the most intense of hungers. But if you have room left, finish the experience with a sweet Vietnamese iced coffee.
Kabocha Pumpkin Soup
The Little Kitchen Asian Café, 24831 Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point, 949.276.7799, www.thelittlekitchenasiancafe.com
For over six years, The Little Kitchen Asian Café in Dana Point has been changing its patrons’ perceptions of what a Chinese restaurant can and can’t serve— one bowl of pumpkin soup at a time.
“Initially, we weren’t too confident, because typically you don’t find pumpkin soup in a Chinese restaurant,” Lian said. “But we wanted to bring something different to the table.”
The Kabocha Pumpkin Soup has been on the restaurant’s menu since day one, and the risk definitely paid off. Restaurant operations manager Chris Lian said the simplistic recipe has become a favorite among regulars, which is meticulously made every morning.
The signature pumpkin soup features California-grown Japanese pumpkins, some cream, a little butter and a dash of sugar. Even though the recipe is fairly simple, creating the soup is anything but. Lian said prepping the pumpkins takes quite a bit of time—from removing the outer skin and scraping out the insides, to steaming the firm pumpkins for a couple hours until they’re soft enough to blend.
The tedious process is the reason why the soup is only offered after 4 p.m.
The Little Kitchen also offers traditional Chinese soups—wonton soup, egg drop soup and a hot and sour soup.
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, in California?
Escape to these nearby hubs for a winter wonderland experience
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
Tis the season for savory feasts, family gatherings and reflecting on goals. Winter in Southern California is moderate and can often still equate to bathing suit weather, even with the strongest of prayers from four-season lovers. For those cursing the sun, sporting heavy-duty sweaters and sipping hot tea while dreaming of white flurries falling from the sky, there are several winter wonderland destinations to visit while staying within state lines. These cozy mountain towns offer romantic getaways, kid-friendly activities and adventurous outings for a Jack Frost-filled winter of fun.
Southern California
Idyllwild, Wrightwood, Lake Arrowhead
Travel Time: 1.5-2 hours by car
Length of Stay: Weekend
Southern California is home to a few snow-filled stops that are convenient for a weekend getaway. Idyllwild, a quaint community nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, is home to sweet cedars and a population of under 4,000. Locallyowned shops and restaurants fill the streets, making it the perfect stop for a hot cup of cocoa, building a snowman or taking photos of the scenery.
For those looking to downhill ski or snowboard, mountain communities like Wrightwood are preferred. Located only 15 miles off of Interstate 15 in the San Gabriel Mountains, visitors enjoy common activities such as camping, fishing, hiking and skiing. Wrightwood is home to access points such as Mt. Baden Powell, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Angeles National Forest, the latter offering plentiful opportunities for sledding and other snow play.
Lake Arrowhead is the largest unincorporated community of the three Southern California “hot spots” within the San Bernardino Mountains and offers several resort hotel accommodations for rest and relaxation. Rent a cabin from the trendy Saddleback Inn and Grill and enjoy rustic décor and a warm fireplace after a day of exploring.
Central &Northern California
Mammoth Lakes, Lake Tahoe, McCloud
Travel Time: 5.5, 8.5, 10.5 hours, respectively, by car
Length of Stay: Three or four days
The majestic Mammoth Lakes is a popular year-round hub, but fills up quickly for the winter months. Crosscountry skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, snowcat tours, snowmobiling and ice climbing are in abundance in this winter playground.
Northeast of San Francisco lies Lake Tahoe and surrounding Truckee and Squaw Valley villages. Conditions are ideal for skiing and swooshing through white powder while laid-back travelers might find comfort in the nearby casinos or with horse-drawn sleigh rides in South Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is also home to many artists and rejuvenation stations like Fifth Element Healing Center and Atelier for those looking to attend regular gallery showings or a wellness retreat.
McCloud is a small town accessible through the Mt. Shasta Cascade region of California, connecting visitors to nearby McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Much like many of the other winter destinations, this Northern California secret includes breathtaking views for snowboarding, skiing and even dog sledding, but offers a lot of reasonable prices and packages.
LAKE TAHOE
When the Weather Outside is Frightful
Stay inside, learn and explore OC museums
BY VICTOR CARNO
While it is a blessing to have surf and sun here in South Orange County yearround, there are days where the temperature drops below 72 degrees and the cardigan makes its annual debut. On such a day, a museum is a fun and educational way to spend a cold, rainy day. Not all museums are endless hallways of avantgarde pieces you have to pretend to understand; there are plenty of museums in the area where you can learn about aerospace engineering or our rich history in surfing and Native American artifacts. Here are a few must-see museums in the tri-city area and in the greater Orange County area to explore this winter.
• Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and Acjachemen Cultural Center
31806 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 949.751.7258, www.sanjuancapistrano.net
A work of art in and of itself, the Blas Aguilar Adobe Museum and Acjachemen Cultural Center is one of the last plaza adobes to house soldiers and local Native Americans who worked at the Mission San Juan Capistrano in the 18th century. Originally described as the “House of Hope,” the Blas Aguilar Adobe features a native plants garden along with artifacts that portray the interactions between European settlers and the village of Acjachema in the 1760s. After years of closure and renovations, the museum was reopened in 2017. Visit Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
• Crevier Classic Cars
365 Clinton St, Costa Mesa, 714.426.0238, www.crevierclassiccars.com.
Unlike most museums, Crevier Classic Cars is not a curated compilation of exhibits, but rather an active community of gearheads. The space acts as a storage facility for classic, ultra-rare and exotic cars. Almost every vehicle is privatelyowned by a member or is on sale.
“We are really a club. We have a pool table, a bar and members store their cars here,” General Manger Jeff Vitz said.
Besides being an active community, Crevier offers car enthusiasts a trip down automotive history lane, offering the public a place to host events amongst the engineering marvels. Visit any day of the week; admission is free.
• Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, 714.542.2823, www.discoverycube.org.
The Discovery Cube Orange County has been making science fun for over 35 years with hands-on science exhibits for children of all ages. The museum has over seven interactive exhibits including the shake-shack and the hurricane tube always on display for guests, but new exhibits are continually rolled out. Right now, guests can enjoy a new exhibit featuring a virtual helicopter tour over the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
The Discovery Cube is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and tickets are $17.95 for adults or $12.95 for children.
Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, 949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) is a nonprofit organization with three simple goals—to preserve, present and promote the sport of surfing. Home to four original Duke Kahanamoku boards, SHACC prides itself on preserving even the earliest surf artifacts and photographs. “We have everything from bins of surfing video games, to wet suits, to the complete The Endless Summer collection, including its artwork, posters and film cameras,” said Barry Haun, curator for SHACC. “We even have boards that belonged to Kelly Slater and Andy Irons.” If photography piques your interest, SHACC has over 100,000 images displayed throughout the museum. SHACC is closed on Sundays, and admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.
Heating Up
Sweat your way to total body wellness this winter with these exercises
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
The changing of the seasons and shorter days of winter often draw people inward, hiding from outside activities, problems, emotions and regular behaviors. People choose to stay in and watch movies rather than meet friends, or choose to indulge in comfort food rather than embrace the colder temperatures as an opportunity to head to the gym. Adding warmth back into routines during the dark months can make a dramatic impact on mood and energy. Exercise that cultivate heat such as yoga, cycling and high intensity interval training (HIIT) are a few examples that can invigorate oneself out of hibernation and back to wholeness, whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally.
Hot Yoga
Where to try it: Orange County Yoga Studio, Bikram Yoga San Clemente www.ocyogastudio.com, www.bikramsc.com
The well-known Bikram Choudhuryfounded yoga practice traditionally follows a sequence of 26 poses and breath work in a heated room. A mixture of strengthening and stretching specific muscles, ligaments and joints, the deep cleansing, total body exercise leaves the practitioner soaked in sweat by the end of the class.
The extensive heat in traditional Bikram or hot yoga classes—which can be tried out at Bikram Yoga San Clemente—may not be suitable for everyone, which is why some yoga businesses such as Orange County Yoga Studio focus on different disciplines that cultivate heat from within.
“Our flow and ashtanga classes—both focus on linking breath and movement—are energizing,” said John Manacmul, co-owner and instructor at Orange County Yoga Studio and former instructor at San Clemente’s Asana FIT studio. “Many yoga postures are effort-driven and physically demanding, including standing poses, inversions and backbends. Our teachers carefully sequence to warm up their students and prepare their bodies for more advanced postures. Even in our align class offerings— which emphasize the precision of asana alignment and use of props—students will
find themselves building a lot of internal heat by working and refining specific actions associated with a variety of poses.”
Cycling/Spin
Where to try it: CB CycleBarn, CTL Cycling Studio www.cbcyclebarn.com, www.ctlcyclingstudio.com
Cycling classes offer the ultimate cardio therapy, yielding massive heat-produced sweat puddles. Fast-paced and typically accompanied by music dripping in heavy bass, an hour-long cycling class can burn hundreds of calories, leaving the exerciser steaming and in need of an extra pair of clothes just to drive home.
High Intensity Interval Training
Where to try it: PedalBox Gym, Total Training www.pedalboxgym.com, www.totaltrainingfit.com
For those who find themselves restless from a routine-based program, high intensity interval training (HIIT) is the metaphorical box of chocolates—a variety of strength, cardio and circuit training that changes themes every day. This high calorie-burning technique alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity that are guaranteed to leave muscles on fire.
Photo: Meera Michelle Photography
