Pinafini Joining Laguna’s Restaurant Row
At last a “coming soon” banner has appeared at the former Javier’s/Asada/Tortilla Republic/Fishbone building at 480 S. Coast Highway. YAY! The Pinafini Restaurant & Bar plans to open in early November, Owner Vasken Haitayan told me. Pinafini will...
Red Dragon Flying High
For oh … maybe about 8 years … the ownership of the Red Dragon enterprise on Coast Highway has kept their cards close to the chest. But I’d say it’s about time NOW to get the word out about this fabulous restaurant. Way back in June 2015, I first reported...
San Shi Go Closing Sept. 17th, 2023
The go-to sushi favorite for three decades, San Shi Go Laguna Beach, is permanently closing on Saturday, Sept. 16th. Laguna Beach residents are, to say the least, bummed. San ShiGo has had a rough go of it for a couple years now. For 32 years, the popular restaurant...
Pageant of the Monsters Returns – Oct 2023
Just when you thought the backstage at Pageant of the Masters had gone dark for the winter season, there seems to be some creepy rustling going on. Beginning October 27th through 31st, 2023, the Monsters rise while the Masters sleep. Step into the haunted house behind...
Three Big Announcements for This Weekend (Aug. 18th-20th, 2023)
Three big announcements this weekend, Aug. 18-20, 2023): Potential Tropical Storm This Weekend Laguna Beach is anticipating the possibility of heavy rains and surf this weekend and into early next week as Hurricane Hilary moves up from the Baja peninsula to the...
Laguna’s “The Stand Natural Foods Restaurant” Closing?
The next three week’s might be The Stand’s last stand. Alizabeth “Alisa” Arciniaga, owner of The (venerable) Stand Natural Foods Restaurant since 2015, says she simply can’t afford its upkeep nor the prospect of surviving another long Laguna Beach winter. “It...
Chefs Leo Bongarra and Maro Molteni Shake Up Terra
Folks, please allow me an editor’s note here on the front end. I’m called “BEST of Laguna Beach” because I only focus on the best there is in our magical town. As a rule, I don’t talk about or promulgate issues or disputes in town. In this case, however, I feel the...
Renowned Rumari Gets a Reboot
The long-adored Ristorante Rumari in Laguna Beach has re-emerged with a fresh face and brand; she now calls herself simply “Rumari” with a focus on Mediterranean fare that meanders Italy’s Riviera and introduces even more bright, fresh flavors from...
Ruben Flores’ Garden Walks 2023
Every other Saturday, award-winning Landscape Architect Ruben Flores offers one of the most informative “field trips” around with his Laguna Nursery Garden Walks. Garden Walkers are asked to meet at the Laguna Nursery by 10 a.m. to purchase their day...
Laguna Beach 4th of July Fireworks Show 2023
For 2023, the Laguna Beach 4th of July Fireworks show is once again originating from Monument Point at Heisler Park. Here’s the official scoop: Closures & Fireworks Schedule The Point itself will be closed the entire 4th of July day. And, at 5:00 p.m., the area of...