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
Ring in NYE with Laguna Restaurants “To Go”
We've finally made it. Well, sort of. Normally, this town is rocking on New Year's Eve with plenty of restaurants open, live music playing and parties rambling from north to south. This year …not so much, for obvious reason. The good news? Most of our restaurants are...
Holiday Feasts for Take Out from Laguna Beach Restaurants
Can you believe Christmas Eve is just 10 days away? Fortunately, a number of Laguna Beach restaurants are ahead of the curve with a variety of take out/delivery options for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This article lists seven participating restaurants, but more...
Upcoming Events & News
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...
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
Thanksgiving Options in Laguna Beach: Outdoors & Take Out
This is an updated article from the one I first published a couple weeks ago on Thanksgiving dining options in Laguna Beach. Last week's announcement of the dreaded return of "COVID's purple tier" created its share of chaos in restaurants everywhere. Fortunately, the...
Everything’s Coming Up Pumpkin
As we all scream around the curve that is October and head for the straightaway of November, it has suddenly occurred to me that this is high-season pumpkin time. This week's gentle reminder of Wednesday's "National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day" prompted me into fast...
A Tale of Two Breakfasts
Dining out for breakfast on the weekends is one of my favorite treats. Recently, I finally ventured out to Harvest at The Ranch Laguna Beach and GG's Bistro for the first sit-down experience I've had in many months. A Peaceful Sojourn at Harvest Prior to COVID and...
My Birthday Month’s Spectacular Foodie Finds
Last month was my birthday month, and it seems my friends know only one thing to do with me - take me to a restaurant. It proved a delightful, busy and caloric month, as those of you who follow my social media can attest. For today's column, I just had to share a few...
Wine Gallery’s Hidden Gem Menu
For years now, I've been extolling the cooking virtues of Chef Josh at our locals' favorite Wine Gallery. While most folks are more than happy to partake in his wings or various creatives pizzas, I always like to try something from the "real" menu of entrées every...
Beachcomber Cafe Raises the Flag for Fun Dining
Last week, I decided it was time for a field trip. Never one to stray far from home, however, I chose a restaurant less than a mile out of Laguna Beach's northernmost city limits - The Beachcomber Cafe. A very popular restaurant with visitors, the Beachcomber is...
Upcoming Events & News
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...
Laguna Beach Unified closes school and cancels student-related activities effective March 16 to April 3, 2020
The Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), after careful deliberation and in an abundance of caution, announced today that it is closing its schools, effective Monday, March 16, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The District’s Spring Break is the...
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...