14 Days of Life in & Around Laguna Beach
I really want you to understand that life in Laguna Beach is WAY more than just its stunning beaches.
It’s been such a busy 10 days here in Laguna Beach that I’ve failed to even properly post on social @BestofLagunaBeach on Insta or Facebook, so I thought I’d drop a pile of photos in here that show you my life in and around Laguna Beach in just the last 10 days.
Taste of Laguna Beach - Oct 3rd
The “Taste” is an annual pile-on of more than 50 of our Laguna Beach restaurants, all offering “tastes” at our Festival of Arts grounds. For me it’s always my happy reunion with the beloved Laguna chefs I write about all year long - we don’t get to see much of each other in our busy summer months …
On Set of “The Morning Show” with Leading Hollywood Production Designer Nelson Coates
I have a dear friend Nelson Coates. Massive award-winning, Emmy-nominated Leading Hollywood Production Designer Nelson Coates. When he’s not creating the entire world of major films and streaming series, he spends his time here in Laguna as much as possible with his long-time partner and my other dear friend, Ruben Flores.
Last week, Nelson invited me and Ruben to Downtown L.A. (“DTLA”) to a “set” he had created “in my honor” - a restaurant - “The Armitage Café.” This is a really big deal because Nelson is responsible for creating the entire world of Apple TV’s “The Morning Show.”
Here’s more of the overwhelming magic and my recount of the day’s filming and surprises here, too:
Sapphire Dinner & Follow-Up Lunch
When accomplished Restaurateur Russ Bendel took over the iconic Sapphire property (first initiated by Chef Azmin), it happened just as COVID shut us all down. The Bendel team endured, however, and they came out shining like a crown diamond. I finally got in to taste Executive Chef Jared Cook’s rejuvenated menu and it was a wait worth waiting for. And I’ve got to tell you, GM Sal Hernandez always treats me and my buddies like … crown diamonds. Russ knows how to pick ’em.
Ruben Flores’ Garden Walk
Still my most favorite event in Laguna Beach, I finally had time to drop in on Ruben’s Every-Other-Saturday Garden Walk, which starts at his Laguna Nursery and proceeds in any direction.
I’ll be attending again this Saturday, Oct. 19th, at 10 a.m. at Laguna Nursery for another whimsical tour. The Nursery is at 481 N. Coast Highway - just look for the giant pumpkins on the ocean side of Coast Highway.
Here are a few great photos from where we wandered last Saturday …
A Recap of my Latest Monday Radio Shows
I am absolutely overwhelmed with the number of people who are tuning into my “Best of Laguna Beach™” radio show on KXFM 104.7, Laguna’s only real radio station! This last week was already my 5th show (and I STILL don’t know how to operate all the buttons). If you missed any of the shows, just check them out here . . .
Oct 14th - “What Makes Restaurants Fail?” with National Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo
Oct 7th - “Chef Maro Molteni Rambles On” - Laguna Fave Chef Maro tells us where he’s building his next restaurant.
Sept 30th - “National Taco Day + Laguna’s #1 Voted Taco” with Coyote Grill’s Desirée Gomez and Rasta Taco’s Mario Melendez
And there’s more … but not for today!
I have so many more photos to share from just these last two weeks, but I figure you’re filled to the brim at this point. Follow me @BestofLagunaBeach at Instagram and/or Facebook for ongoing highlights of our world here in Laguna Beach!