July 2008
Best of Orange County
The region already is nationally known for having the best of everything, from white-tablecloth dining to white-knuckle roller coasters; from beaches to bars. Think of Orange Coast’s list as your guide to the best of the best, and make time to check out our official stamp on seven people who qualify as “Certified O.C. Originals.”
Nixon: The Comeback
He’s baaack, but how will the former president’s image change in the hands of others at his library?
By Patrick J. Kiger
OC Fair Deep-Fried Guide
Our step-by-step guide to a smorgasbord of fried foods available only once a year.
Bby Chris Christensen
La Casa Pacifica in Bloom
Gavin Herbert Sr. reigns over San Clemente’s Western White House. Check out what he’s done with the place.
Bby Emily Young
Last Days of the Minivan
A moment of silence, please, for the desperately uncool ride we loved and loathed.
Bby Preston Lerner
Coast Lines
Find out what it takes to put on the 4th of July fireworks show over the Huntington Beach Pier. Ever thought about what you’d try to save if the Big One hit? UCI’s Erwin Chemerinsky certainly knows. Check out his picks in My Earthquake Kit. Been jonesin’ for a fancy, million-dollar pink rock? Splurge! tells you where to go. Plus, meet actor Jason Lee, the man behind the mustache. He tells all in Ex-Pat.
O.C. Style
Set your bohemian goddess free with riotous color this summer. The season’s fashion trend plays on the ’60s, whether with fringe and beading, tie-dye, or flower prints. Start with a bag by Emilio Pucci, shop vintage, and hit the pavement in Christian Louboutin flats. But first, take some style tips from Diane McDonald, owner of Diane M. in San Juan Capistrano.
Zoom!
Partying for the county’s good causes.
By Gloria Zigner
Legends
Bruce FaBrizio pushed Simple Green long before “green” was the new black.
By Mark Mika
Rituals
Racing to sunset at 5 mph, in a uniquely O.C. way.
By Laura Saari
Drive
Seat time in smaller portions, brought to you by two O.C. timeshare car companies.
By Preston Lerner
My O.C.
Transitioning from “here” to “home, sweet home.”
By Colette Labouff Atkinson
Guide
Where to hang cool beneath the hot summer sun.
By Anastacia Grenda
The View From Here
Huntington Beach from 1,000 feet.
By Nick Harvey
Restaurants
A sweet tale of boy meets-girl plays out at the extraordinary Marché Moderne, while Belgium comes alive at Brussels Bistro in downtown Laguna Beach. Turn the pages until you reach our authoritative new guide to the county’s dining scene, which celebrates the region’s finest dining, recent food finds, and fabulous places to try new pastries, saffron sugar cubes, and keylime martinis.
Events
Check our comprehensive calendar, then grab tickets to see the legendary B.B. King, pick a fireworks show for the Fourth of July, or plan on relaxing to the sounds of The Beach Boys at Mission San Juan Capistrano. If the fine arts are more your style, visit Laguna Beach’s famed Festival of Arts. And for beachy types, the U.S. Open of Surfing lasts through July 27 in Huntington Beach.