Diane Armitage
21-year Laguna Beach resident &
absolute devotee of this amazing town.
Here our thousands of insider tips and
recommendations
for all the best places
to dine, drink and play in
LAGUNA BEACH
Best Food & Drink
Rum Social Asks Laguna Beach to Dance
As we emerge tattered and weary from our COVID year, we all just need a little time away at a balmy Caribbean island … with an infinity pool … sipping rum drinks while Bobby McFerrin croons, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Fortunately, our new restaurant, Rum Social, will be...
Poke Tiki: Make-Your-Own-Poke-Bowl Has Landed in Laguna
With memories of Kung Pao Calamari still dancing in my head, I next poked my head into the brand new Poke Tiki shop in the H.I.P. District. Perfectly situated in the old Project Juice location, it's just south of Gina's Pizza and Bonzai Bowl. Three weeks ago, Poke...
Upcoming Events & News
Sunglass Gallery’s Harry Bagga Shines
After properly grieving the loss of my 14-year Fendi sunglasses, I trooped back to the only man I trust - 31-year Sunglass Gallery Owner Harry (Harjit) Bagga. This is the guy who looks at you once and heads right to the perfect sunglasses. Fendi, apparently, has lost...
Citing COVID Cases, Sawdust Marketplace Closes
Initially scheduled through December 20th, the Sawdust Marketplace closed yesterday (Saturday) for the season and the year. Marketplace organizers noted that "Due to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in our own area, and several confirmed cases among our Sawdust...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Craig Connole finds new level of expression at Ristorante Rumari
Fourteen years ago, I decided I'd make a hobby out of covering all the "best of Laguna Beach." Initially, it was just a few lonely blogs that - just as the movie Julie & Julie reported - seemed to only attract my Mom's attention and comments. Fast-forward 14 years...
Chef Linda Johnsen – Filomena’s – Costa Mesa
Meet Chef Linda Johnsen, Owner and Chef of the ever-popular Filomena's in Costa Mesa. Chef Linda purchased the restaurant in 2009 when the real estate market tanked (her primary career at the time), and she's never looked back. Click to learn more about Chef Johnsen...
Best Food & Drink
Rum Social Asks Laguna Beach to Dance
As we emerge tattered and weary from our COVID year, we all just need a little time away at a balmy Caribbean island … with an infinity pool … sipping rum drinks while Bobby McFerrin croons, “Don’t worry, be happy.” Fortunately, our new restaurant, Rum Social, will be...
Poke Tiki: Make-Your-Own-Poke-Bowl Has Landed in Laguna
With memories of Kung Pao Calamari still dancing in my head, I next poked my head into the brand new Poke Tiki shop in the H.I.P. District. Perfectly situated in the old Project Juice location, it's just south of Gina's Pizza and Bonzai Bowl. Three weeks ago, Poke...
230 Forest – 26 Years and Still Going Strong
Chef Marc Cohen established his "California Cuisine" restaurant, 230 Forest in 1995 when very few people even knew what that kind of cuisine was. Chef Marc proved a trailblazer in the field and - 26 years later with a world of chefs scrabbling after his lead - he's...
Last Chance for Restaurant Reservations on Easter Sunday
Several additional restaurants have submitted their plans for Easter, so I’ve expanded my column from last week to help you make your Easter dinner decisions. Orange Tier: No Change For Restaurants Although we’ve recently graduated to Orange Tier, our restaurants are...
Cocktails, Anyone?
With the announcement of their new spring cocktail roll out, Oak Laguna Beach (photo above) reminded me this morning that next Wednesday is (drum roll please) National Cocktail Day. If you're willing to play, I'm here to take your votes! I'll be writing in next...
Brussels Bistro Subscription is Best “Food Blues” Prescription
Have you ever felt absolutely smug about discovering something ahead of everyone else? I have to admit feeling that way every time I dig into yet another great meal from Brussels Bistro's monthly meal subscription plan. Brussels first rolled out its "10 meals for $89...
Upcoming Events & News
Sunglass Gallery’s Harry Bagga Shines
After properly grieving the loss of my 14-year Fendi sunglasses, I trooped back to the only man I trust - 31-year Sunglass Gallery Owner Harry (Harjit) Bagga. This is the guy who looks at you once and heads right to the perfect sunglasses. Fendi, apparently, has lost...
Citing COVID Cases, Sawdust Marketplace Closes
Initially scheduled through December 20th, the Sawdust Marketplace closed yesterday (Saturday) for the season and the year. Marketplace organizers noted that "Due to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in our own area, and several confirmed cases among our Sawdust...
“Tuscany Beyond Expectations” Documentary Fills That Travel Yearning
Did you miss your trip to Tuscany this year? I have a solution for you. Three years ago, a friend introduced me to Brian Gendece. My friend was a giant foodie fan, and Brian had recently retired with the idea to expand his cooking hobby as "The Showbiz Chef." Brian...
Sawdust Festival – Plenty of Shop Opps Thru Dec. 20th
After a thwarted attempt to open at the end of July this year, our famed Sawdust Festival chose to wait it out a few more weeks They finally opened on Sept. 19th to a scaled back "Outdoor Marketplace" on weekends only. And so far, it's moving along just beautifully....
The Drake Nears First Anniversary With Enthusiasm
Exactly one year ago, I interviewed the founders of The Drake Laguna Beach who, after three long years, were putting the finishing touches on the city's new posh jazz supper club. They finally opened the last week of September, just when the City of Laguna Beach...
Laguna Beach Books hosts best-selling mystery author T. Jefferson Parker
On Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m., Laguna Beach Books is pleased to present the latest virtual event in its new Signature Event Series. Enjoy a literary evening with author T. Jefferson Parker as he speaks about his new book, Then She Vanished. He will be in conversation...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Craig Connole finds new level of expression at Ristorante Rumari
Fourteen years ago, I decided I'd make a hobby out of covering all the "best of Laguna Beach." Initially, it was just a few lonely blogs that - just as the movie Julie & Julie reported - seemed to only attract my Mom's attention and comments. Fast-forward 14 years...
Chef Linda Johnsen – Filomena’s – Costa Mesa
Meet Chef Linda Johnsen, Owner and Chef of the ever-popular Filomena's in Costa Mesa. Chef Linda purchased the restaurant in 2009 when the real estate market tanked (her primary career at the time), and she's never looked back. Click to learn more about Chef Johnsen...
Chef Peter Lai – The Blind Rabbit Speakeasy – Anaheim
Meet Chef Peter Lai, new Chef of the award-winning Blind Rabbit speakeasy in Anaheim. Chef Peter Lai wasn't even looking for a new job when he was invited to take a look at The Blind Rabbit … and then he couldn't even find the door when he showed up for his...
Chef Rich Mead – Farmhouse – Newport Beach
Meet Chef Rich Mead the unassuming chef of Farmhouse in Newport Beach at Roger's Gardens. Chef Mead has been cooking for GIANT tables of guests for years, so he's looking forward to his return to OC Chef's Table where he simply tends to 10 guests during the...
Chef Jet Tila – Food Network’s Iron Chef
Meet the Food Network’s Celebrity Chef Jet Tila, the likable and uber-talented chef on a number of shows, including Iron Chef America. Chef Jet Tila is returning for his second year to OC Chef’s Table as the spotlight celebrity chef. Click to learn more about Chef...
Chef Jason Neroni – Rose Cafe – Santa Monica
Meet Chef Jason Neroni, the renowned L.A. based chef of Rose Cafe in Santa Monica. Chef Neroni has heard about the OC Chef's Table, and was so affected by the homelessness in his own neighborhood, that he contacted Illumination Foundation, the non-profit entity...