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 First Taste at Rum Social (Now Open!)
Last night (Wednesday, March 16th), my friend Lisa and I ate at South of Nick's because I was sure that the newly opened Rum Social would be packed. At about 7:30 as we were leaving, I suggested we "poke our heads in" to see how it was going. Our intention to just...

Bianchi Tasting Room: A Tasteful Tease to Award-Winning Wines
It’s been four months since the popular Paso Robles winery, Bianchi opened its “bottle shop” in North Laguna. It was almost an afterthought, really, as the primary reason for the real estate was to situate a southerly home office back in Laguna Beach where family...
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
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Best Food & Drink

7 Laguna Restaurants Participate in Marriott Bonvoy “Eat” Campaign
Marriott Bonvoy has recently launched an "Eat Around Town" campaign that awards 4 points for every dollar you spend as a Marriott member, and 6 points for every dollar you spend if you're "elite" status (Ambassador, Titanium, Platinum, Gold or Silver). For the month...

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...
Upcoming Events & News

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...

2020 Festival of Whales Parade Changes Dana Point Route
While Laguna Beach has its Annual Patriot's Day Parade on the morning of Saturday, March 7th, neighboring Dana Point has its own parade - the 49th Annual Festival of Whales Parade - same day, same timeframe – which is just the beginning of a two-weekend festival of...

Laguna Playhouse’s “Barefoot in the Park” a Must
Laguna Playhouse is debuting one of my all-time favorites, Barefoot in the Park, with shows that begin on Sunday, March 1st and run through Sunday, March 22nd. No less than Paul Rodriguez and Rita Rudner are in two of the four starring roles. Rodriguez plays the part...

2020 Patriot’s Day Parade Promises Fun & LESS Traffic Snarls!
In Laguna Beach, the well-loved Annual Patriot's Day parade starts at 11 a.m., which means hundreds of happy citizens participating, thousands watching from the sidewalks, and traffic diversions beginning as early as 9:00 a.m. The parade starts at 11:00 a.m. by Laguna...

Beach Club at Main Beach has reopened behind Hotel Laguna
Hotel Laguna operators, Laguna Creative Ventures, has launched what it calls a "first stage" Beach Club, open Wednesday through Sunday and holidays (weather permitting) with limited beach service. Anytime between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can walk down or park in the...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
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