Diane Armitage
21-year Laguna Beach resident &
absolute devotee of this amazing town.
Here our thousands of insider tips and
recommendations
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LAGUNA BEACH
Best Food & Drink
A Week of Eating With my Visiting Friend
Two weeks ago, my best friend from Denver (Diana) was in town. People are always asking me where I would send a tourist if they had just a few days here, and to that I always reply, "It depends on what the tourist wants to experience." Diana wanted to experience the...
It’s Official: San Shi Go is Staying in Laguna Beach
As of this past weekend, it's official: The longtime local favorite, San Shi Go, is taking up residence in the old Okura building at 858 S. Coast Highway. The San Shi Go "elves" have already been busy at work at the new location and Owner/Principal Koichi Sakamoto...
Upcoming Events & News
“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....
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
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...
Best Food & Drink
Rebel Omakase to Open in Former Central Restaurant
Since we're on the subject of sushi, this just in: A Japanese chef has leased the old Central location on Forest Avenue. The City has approved his conditional use permit (CUP) and he's submitted a building plan for minor tenant improvements. "Omakase" is actually a...
Beverly Hills Seabutter Swims into Old San Shi Go location
Beverly Hills' posh and popular Seabutter is expanding to Laguna Beach. They've recently signed a lease in the old San Shi Go location at the 1100 S. Coast Highway building. Touting "the freshest fish and Japanese culinary creations," Seabutter met with wide acclaim...
Harley’s Sunday Brunch is an Easy Sunday Morning
Weekend brunch has always been a special treat for me. Harley Laguna Beach's recently added Sunday brunch proved a fabulous destination last week. Bottomless mimosas are a great start, and Chef offers various juices to suit your favorite. The menu is hearty, offering...
Rumari Expanding with Neighborhood Italian Market
As we inch ever closer to expanded restaurant seating options, Laguna restaurateurs are expanding their options, period. Chef Craig Connole (formerly K'ya and Rooftop) has gained traction since taking over Ristorante Rumari's operation a year ago. With the City's...
Saigon Beach Vietnamese Eats Opens at Last!
It's been exactly two years and eleven months since the former Royal Thai went dark, waiting for a new breath of life. She finally got her wish when new owners Phong and Lan Vu opened the doors to Saigon Beach Vietnamese Eats last Thursday. "As you can probably guess,...
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...
Upcoming Events & News
Sawdust Will Open Smaller Outdoor Marketplace on July 17th
Clearly, the above photo will NOT be happening at the Sawdust Art Festival this year. But they DO have a different solution! While the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters and Art-A-Fair all cancelled their summer seasons this year, the Sawdust leadership worked...
Beaches in Laguna Beach – City vs. County Beaches in Laguna Beach
Thanks to all of its beautiful cove beaches, Laguna Beach has an extraordinary number of beaches in just an eight mile stretch. With all of the recent closures, many people have been confused on WHAT a CITY beach is and WHAT a COUNTY beach is as they're somewhat...
Update: Orange County Beach Closures Beginning May 1, 2020
As you probably know, Governor Newsom announced on Thursday a HARD CLOSE of all Orange County beaches. The Governor did not include other counties in California in his order. Beaches may be closed in OTHER counties and cities, based on the decision of their city and...
Who to Complain to About Beach and Traffic Chaos this Weekend in Laguna Beach
This week with warmer weather and impatient people who are tired of staying at home, South Laguna Beach (SoLag) was overrun with beach visitors. It's only going to get busier this weekend. Because the County has closed its parking lots but NOT its beaches, we have...
Laguna Beach Books Announces Virtual Best-Selling Author Events
Just when you thought our entire globe had relegated itself to Netflix binge watching and TikTok karaoke, I have refreshing news: People are ordering books. That's right – actual books that have covers and pages and smell like books! "I can't say that we're seeing as...
Phenom Musician Francois Dean Takes It Virtual
If you've followed me for any length of time, you know that I'm a giant fan of the great musician, Francois Dean. Here in town, he's primarily played at Skyloft and Mozambique, and also ran the "Laguna Voice" contest with me at Mozambique for over a year. This guy is...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Randy Gruspe – Duke’s – Huntington Beach
Meet Chef Randy Gruspe, new Chef of the renowned Duke's in Huntington Beach. Chef Randy Gruspe was born and raised a Hawaiian, which might make him the best possibly suited chef for the popular Duke's chain. Click to learn more about Chef Randy Gruspe and … The events...
Chef Jeff Moore – EATS Kitchen – Irvine
Meet Chef Jeff Moore, Owner and Chef of EATS in Irvine. Chef Moore started working in restaurants to stay alive in college and, after learning to make the best Philly Cheesesteak in the world, he was hooked on creating food that people love. Click to learn more about...