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
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LAGUNA BEACH
Best Food & 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...
Upcoming Events & News
Festival of Arts 2021: What I Love Most
The Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters is exactly that - two enormous productions that symbiotically co-exist next to each other on the same grounds. This year's Pageant of the Masters is titled "Made in America, Trailblazing Artists & Their Stories,"...
Laguna Beach Fireworks 2021
The Laguna Beach fireworks show is back in play and will begin at approximately 9 pm on Sunday, July 4th. As usual, the fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park. For this reason, the Monument Point area will be closed all day on the 4th of...
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
Hotel Laguna Readies for October Restaurant Diners
This past weekend, Hotel Laguna opened her doors for a few private-invite "sneak peeks." It was met with such enthusiasm and wonder that it reminded me of the original Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory movie when the fabled factory allowed a handful of people in...
Finney’s Stepping into Iconic White House Next Summer
“The day I heard the White House in Laguna Beach became available, I dropped everything I was doing and drove to Laguna,” said Brad Finefrock, the Business Development guy behind the growing Finney’s Crafthouse & Kitchen brand. “Are you kidding me? The White...
The Drake
The Drake of Laguna Beach has just sailed past its second anniversary and is only increasing its velocity as it continues its graceful cruise. Last Sunday night, I opted for The Drake for a post-birthday dinner with one of my best friends. Aside from ordering a couple...
Rebel Omakase Now Taking Reservations for Aug. 17th Open
At last, the Japanese-founded dining experience – Omakase – has arrived in Laguna Beach. New owners Jordan Nakasone (“Itamae” or Head Sushi Chef) and wife, Debrah Cha, will be opening Rebel Omakase on Tuesday, Aug. 17th at 5 p.m. Initially beginning with dinner...
For Chef Craig Strong, Terra is His Terra Firma
Folks, I just have to say for the record that it sure is great to see Chef Craig Strong’s smile again. Certainly, one of the most talented chefs to ever grace Laguna Beach, this Michelin-starred and Five-Diamond legend is fully back in play and loving life at Terra at...
Seabutter is Melt-in-Your-Mouth Fresh Sushi
Last week, the popular Seabutter Beverly Hills sushi restaurant welcomed the arrival of its little sister, Seabutter Laguna Beach. Owners George and Angie Fratkin opted for a week of soft opening evenings but, as the Laguna Beach local coconut telegraph goes, it...
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....
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...
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...
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...