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
Laguna Beach Foodie Fare
In case you aren’t privy to my social media platforms @bestoflaguabeach, I thought I’d use this column to share some of my favorite single items that you definitely want to follow up on. Before I explain all these beautiful food and drink items, let me answer those...
Larsen is Friendly Hospitality at its Finest
With the new Larsen restaurant open in Hotel Laguna, everyone and his neighbor can be seen at the new swank digs. I was one of those people last week, meeting my two dear friends, both chef concierges at Montage Laguna Beach and The Resort at Pelican Hill. These lead...
Upcoming Events & News
SCP Hotels Acquires Second Hotel in Laguna Beach
Soul Community Planet (SCP), a wellness centered group focused on "Holistic Hospitality," announced at the end of October that they have acquired their second hotel property in Laguna Beach. Hotel Seven4one, a boutique hotel on the same block as The Orange Inn marks...
Surfing Santa 2021 Gets Spirits Soaring: Nov 20 & 21
One of the coolest non-profit ideas around, Surfers Healing is designed for children with autism. The greatest surfers in the world jump in to help these kids experience surfing in multiple surf camps throughout the United States Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. One...
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
Pumpkin Jumps Into Menus
As we all scream toward Halloween and the surprising arrival of November, this week's gentle reminder of Thursday’s (Oct. 21st) "National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day" and Tuesday’s (Oct. 26th) “National Pumpkin Day” prompted me into fast action. We have some ripe pumpkins...
Everything’s Coming Up Halloween
As we all scream toward Halloween and the surprising arrival of November (already??!), it's heartening to see that four of our restaurants have announced the return of their popular Halloween parties. McClain Cellars is hosting its first 1920s Speakeasy party on...
“We Got the Beat” at Harley’s Party – Nov. 5th
On Friday, Nov. 5th, Go-Go’s drummer, Gina Schock, will be hosting a “meet & Greet” at Harley Laguna Beach. Tickets are $125 per person and include a signed copy of Gina’s new book, Made in Hollywood: All Access with the Go-Go’s, as well as two premium drink...
San Shi Go Coming Soon … I Promise
Posted Oct. 13, 2021 - Local favorite San Shi Go looks to be rounding the final bend for their re-opening at the former Okura Sushi restaurant at Thalia and Coast Highway. San Shi Go closed in its old location on March 1st. A devastated fan base moped for months...
Where’s My Rum?
You may recall that months and months ago – April 13th, to be exact – I announced that Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails would be taking over the old Watermarc space. Termed by the longtime restaurateurs as “an upscale Hemingway speakeasy,” the team planned to open...
Wine Gallery’s Tasting Tuesdays Return
The “Locals’ Season” is in full swing with restaurants all over town offering creative events. Wine Gallery’s popular “Tasting Tuesday” has returned. Owner Chris Olsen initiated the every-other-week event prior to COVID and started them up again in September. “I...
Upcoming Events & News
Ruben Flores’ Visionscape Takes State Honors for Landscape
Congratulations to Ruben Flores (owner of Laguna Nursery and Visionscape Landscapes) for two giant wins on Nov. 5th in the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) annual “Awards of Excellence.” The CLCA annually awards “the best of the best” with an annual...
Oct. 30th Garden Walk Explores 2 Iconic Laguna Properties
This coming Saturday, Oct. 30th, Ruben Flores is pulling out all the stops on his Garden Walk with a special “field trip” to two of the most iconic properties in Laguna Beach. These properties are rarely opened to the public, let alone a gaggle of nature-loving,...
Ruben Flores’ Garden Walks 2021
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 “pass” for $10....
Local Artist Steve Adam Has an Elephant Now
You might say that local Laguna Beach artist Steve Adam has had an elephant-sized year. Several months ago, he was chosen by none other than L.A. Rams owner Stanley Kroenke as the “branding artist” for the spectacular SoFi stadium. Steve has since splashed his...
Oil Spill Closes Laguna City & County Beaches, DP Harbor and Newport Harbors Closed
A major oil spill out of Huntington Beach on Saturday night has required the closing of all City and County beaches, including Laguna Beach and Dana Point. OC Parks has also closed Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor. Both Newport Harbor, Bayside Beach in Newport...
Cook with Chef Amar
Chef Amar Santana is teaming up with Lung Cancer Foundation of America for a "Cook with Chef Amar" virtual cooking class on Saturday, Oct. 2nd from noon to 1 p.m. Chef started his first restaurant here in Laguna Beach, Broadway by Amar Santana. He later opened Vaca by...
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...