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San Clemente Shores & Fisherman’s Resturant {31}

November 7, 2012 - Leave a Comment

San Clemente Shores & Fisherman’s Resturant {31}
San Clemente at Sunset. 
31 Days of OC Favs. 
Woot! Woot! Were here!
Day 31. 

I had to save the best for last. 
My favorite. 
The shores I spent {and still do!} dreaming & dancing in the waves. 
San Clemente. 
The beach of my childhood.

I long to run these sandy paths, play in these white-washed waves, and swing Samantha along the Sweet Seaside. 
It’s my home away from home.

Its her home away from home too. 
When I woke up this Monday morning, I knew I had to go visit before I wrote.
I just had to feel the ocean in my bones.
The salt water hit my face, the sand in my toes, and the cold, freezing water on my legs.

I looked at Samantha and said, “What should we do this morning?”
Her response: “Beach mama!”.

Planning on a run, and realizing we had a flat tire on the stroller once we arrived quickly turned
“Plan a” to” Plan b”.
 I remembered that a little store across the street sold sand toys, so I bought ten dollars worth of her Digging Heart’s Desires.

She spent almost two hours chasing the baby birdies, “jumping like a bunny” down the sand hills, making “strawberry pies” and “drip castles”.
Mama participated, but really I was just found myself in awe of the Glory of God.
The Vastness of the Open Ocean, the Crashing of the Waves, they all just point Heavenward.

Who else gets to frolic in the sand in November.
Us in OC are just so darn lucky!
Not a Bad “view” from my “office” this past Monday Morning!

Our families favorite is Fisherman’s.
{Right on the base of the Pier!}

Ending a day at Fisherman’s and dining above the waves & surfers and watching the sun roll into the water is a piece of pure heaven. 
Voted Best Seafood in San Clemente, and in my opinion, the best view in San Clemente too.  
With a gigantic menu packed with clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, salmon, fish tacos, and the yummiest sourdough bread, you can’t help but fall in love with the food.
Oh, and the daily happy hours {$3 plates & Drink Specials} are pretty terrific too!
Delicious Food and a Divine View?!
A Day Spent on the San Clemente Shores?
Yes & Thank You.
What better way to end the day and this series with than a forever favorite,
San Clemente Beach & Fisherman’s Restaurant. 
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Date Night, dining out, Drinking Out, Family Time, happy hours, Orange County, san clemente

Cafe Rio {28}

October 31, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Cafe Rio {28}

Happy Halloween, its here!
Between getting “Miss Minnie” ready for her big debut tonight, I don’t have much time to talk, but I wanted to bring you not a Trick but a Tantalizing Treat!
To Give You Something REALLY Good To Eat!
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill. 
Located in Lake Forest, close to the freeway sits a Festive-Foody-Favorite. 
Bright colors abound in this “South of the Border” flavored restaurant. 
Incredibly Terrific Tasting Mex will have you longing for a visit back. 
With menu items ranging from tacos, quesadilla’s, burrito’s, salad’s, soups, enchilada’s and tostado’s, the  whole family will be satisfied. My personal fav, the Pork Barbacoa Salad is amazing. AND I don’t even  really like Pork…
Something about their Pork is Pure Perfection!
Hubby loves their Pork Barbacoa Burrito and Samantha always gets their {free!} kids quesadilla. 
I may or may not munch on her cheesy-yummy-quesadilla too. 
Their homemade salsa’s, fresh veggies, rice and black beans add to the incredible authentic Mexican appeal. 
Being able to customize your food selection at their “food bar” makes it that much better. 
Extra salsa and sour cream please!
Rio is requested quite a bit around these parts. 
It’s a True Goodmama Fav, and Treat to add to your Dining Out Basket!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Cafe Rio, dining out, Family Time, Lake Forest, Orange County

Sushi Laguna {25}

October 28, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Sushi Laguna {25}

I love to cook.
And while that is super hard to imagine with all the “eating-out” we do around here…It’s true!
So, when were not chasing down happy hour destinations, or local restaurants, {or new hot-spots},
 I am usually meal planning and prepping for the week.
I’m in love new recipes,  the quest for a crock-pot winning save-the-day dinner, or grilling out some fresh veggies, filet’s, and baked sweet potatoes.

Something about longing for the end of the day.
Hubby gets home, Samantha is ecstatic to see him {and so am I!}….
We get to pour a cool beverage, chat about the day, J & S get to have a dance party or tickle-fest while I get to throw my apron on and cook.
It’s soothing to my soul!

One thing that I don’t love to make however, is sushi.
Hubby and I once took a “sushi-making” course at Sur La Table in Corona Del Mar.
It was a ball, but I quickly determined, it was not my way of rolling!

Yet, Going Out to Sushi is a whole other story.

Sushi.
Sushi.
Sushi.

If there ever was a favorite meal to “dine-out” for, this would win the prize. 
And there is no other sushi place that has stolen our hearts the way Sushi Laguna has. 

Every roll is custom, the fish is melt-in-your-mouth magical, and the food fresh, fresh, fresh.
My favorite is their Lemon Salmon Roll. 
It has more lemon on it than most can handle, but if you dine out with me ever, you know that I pour lemons over just about everything. 
The more lemons the lovelier!
If your looking for a new sushi-spot, here is where to head!
For unbelievable tasting sushi, and in our personal favorite Laguna Beach, for something off your beaten path, Sushi Laguna is it.
Valentine’s Day 2012
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Date Night, dining out, Family Time, Laguna Beach, Orange County, Sushi Laguna

Regency Theaters SJC {23}

October 25, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Regency Theaters SJC {23}

When Hubby and I get a chance to go see a “flick” outside of our couch, our “treat” is heading down to San Juan Capistrano to the Regency Theaters. 
Let me lay it out for you. The reason I label it a “treat” is threefold. 
A. A Movie OUT {Mama’s and Dada’s…Enough Said?!}
B. The VIP Theater {I am kinda a snob, and only want to see a movie in here} Because of…
C. Drinks & Dinner Served In VIP Theater!
Talk about a Date Night!
Regency San Juan Capistrano boasts more theaters than the VIP Theater… 
But this VIP haven is a sanctuary for the souls in need of comfy seats, food & drink service, and and all around fabulous atmosphere. 
Sign me up Sally!
With limited number of movies shown at this smaller theater,
Heading over to the website for the current listings is a must!
And, the VIP theater only shows ONE movie. 
So, timing the movie you want to see, and it playing in the VIP is key!
If the VIP happens to not be playing your movie of choice, you can head upstairs to Rick’s Cafe for a drink or a bite before (or after) your show. 
They will even deliver your food {not drink} to your theater if your running behind.
{Not like its ever happened to me…}


Regency San Juan Capistrano is a Goodmama Date Night Destination!
Dinner, Drinks, My Darling & A Fab Flick?!
Yes, Please. 
xoxo
OCGoodmama


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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Date Night, dining out, Drinking Out, Movies, Orange County, Regency Movie Theaters, San Juan Capistrano

Scandia Bakery {22}

October 24, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Scandia Bakery {22}
Its that “sweet” time of the year. 
Fall is here, and we begin rolling into the hustle and bustle of the Holiday’s.
Halloween is upon us, and my mind is in chocolate mode. 
It could be the writing about cannoli’s yesterday, or all the “early” trick-or-treat candy I purchased calling my name in the guest room. 
Either way, gosh darn-it, all I can think about is sweet’s. 
Speaking of sweet’s, let me let you in on my favorite little sweet-spot-OC-bakery.  
Located on “Forest” {yes, were back in Laguna Beach folks}, sits Scandia Bakery. 
Around for over thirty years, these people know how to bake!
Growing up close to the beach, and with Laguna loving folks, whenever we went “down” to downtown, this would always be a stopping spot. 
In high school, and during college, Laguna was always a hot spot. 
And introducing friends to Scandia would always impress. 
When I was pregnant with Samantha, I would leave work 10 minutes early on the way to my check-up appointments. 
Being that my OBGYN’s office is in Laguna, Scandia would be a stop on the way. 
{I promise, I didn’t choose my OB based on dining preferences}
I would get a diet coke, and a cookie, or three, for me and one for hubby meeting me at the appointment. 
I woud sip the D.C. on the way, and save the cookie for after my “weigh-in”.
Swear. So embarrassing. 
{Honesty is the best policy, right?!}
Scandia Bakery is packed full of pastries, cakes, cookies, and cannoli’s too. 
I heart their little pink boxes and stickers that they pack the goodies-to-go in. 
Being on the main-street of Laguna, you would think that it would be a bit more pretentious. 
Its more of a laid-back hole-in the wall.
With happy people all around. 
I mean, who wouldn’t be happy staring at this?!
Some of my favorites….
Sugar Cookie. 
Chocolate Dipped Macaroon. 
Mini-Raspberry Cake. 
Cannoli. 
{I think I have determined I am crazy for Cannoli’s!}

Next time you in Laguna, be sure to stop on in. 
Get sweet treats to go, treats to bring along to a party, or why not indulge on the spot?!
Maybe a little treat post House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer?!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, bakery, cookies, dining out, Laguna Beach, Orange County, Scandia Bakery

Tutto Fresco {21}

October 23, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Tutto Fresco {21}

Tutto Fresco. 
Or “Tutto’s” as we call it around these parts.
“Tutto’s” holds such a warm place in my heart.
It could be all the bread and wine I have consumed over the years?!

Located in Rancho Santa Margarita in the Traders Joes & Target center, nestled beside the movie theaters {under remodel!} is our outdoor and indoor dining family favorite.

Its my mama and dad’s dining-go-to-spot.
And were the lucky {little family} who gets to join along all the time!
If you happen to be there on a Friday or Saturday evening, you are bound to see my folks!
Just look for a mom that looks identical to me. 
I am SO a combo of my folks, but at the same time constantly told that my mom and I look like sisters.
{Go Gram!} 
I love this time of the year for dining at Tutto’s. 
Something about the fall weather makes a glass {or two!} of their house Red Cab, House Salad,  Tortilla Soup, and Boundless Bread Basket just sound delic!
Some of our families favorites:
Appetizers:
Caprese!
Calamari Fritti. 
Salad:
My whole family including my hubby always orders their caesar. 
I love their house salad with their homemade vinaigrette.
Oh, and their harvest berry salad is pretty killer!
Soups:
Tortilla or Tomato.
Dinner Items:
Where do I begin?
Farfalle Pesto With Chicken for hubby. 
Gorgonzola Manicotti, Chicken Risotto, or Pollo al Marsala for me. 
Oh, and their specials, incredible. 
I usually switch up my order with those many times. 
All their ingredients are so fresh, so in season, and so flavorful.
Their prices?
Unbeatable. 
Were talking fresh Italian food at such reasonable fare.
 Oh, and I forgot dessert. 
Be. Still. My. Heart. 
Their Chocolate Covered Cannoli is the best. 
It truly gives Little Italy in New York a run for its money. 
No Joke.
Looking for a new place to dine out locally?
A fun date night location, girls night out, or family dinner night spot?
Look no further than “Tutto’s”!
You must just be lucky enough to catch the three of us little ladies there!
xoxo
OCGoodmama

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, dining out, Family Time, Orange County, Rancho Santa Margarita, Tutto Fresco

House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer {18}

October 18, 2012 - Leave a Comment

House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer {18}

In the middle of Laguna Beach, Close to Forest {Downtown}, 
is the House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer. 
Hidden above restaurants below {Tommy Bahama’s & The White House} sits the home to great
food, iced cold beer, and a family friendly atmosphere. 
Owned by the same group as Casa De Camino, {The Hotel that houses the Roof Top Bar},
 House of Big Fish is another hit out of the park. 
Earlier this summer hubby and I made a stop for a late lunch here on our Laguna Getaway Weekend. 
Being in Laguna many times means a stop into this Goodmama Fav. I don’t need to twist hubby’s arm too much, as he loves this place as much as I do. 
With a fab-filled-fishy menu, endless draft beers, and a kids menu too,
the House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer always pleases my people. 
Some of The Goodmama Gang Favorite Dishes…

Apps:

Hawaiian Ahi Poke Appetizer.
Lobster Fondue…. {Yes, You Read that Correctly-its heavenly!}.
Meals:
Shrimp Scampi Pasta.
Hobo Fish Plate 
{Can’t beat a $6.95 for those two Plate Price’s Either!}
Small Plates:
$2.95 Fish Taco’s.
Dessert:
OH, and why not add a Smore’s Sundae for Dessert too?
Catch their menu here!
Oh, and they have a happy hour too.
Yup, your welcome.
Their happy hour is an “hourly happy hour” with prices changing each hour. 
Going from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m., items start at $2.30 at 2:30 going up to $5.30 at 5:30.
It doesn’t take a math genius like me to realize this is one happy deal! 
Check it out here!
House of Big Fish is low-key, laid-back, and a Laguna Love. 
From their beachy decor, casual seating, and helpful staff that haven’t once got annoyed with a toddler running around, coloring on the table, and tossing noodles overboard. 
I heart sitting out on the patio {last booth in the back, please!}, and catching sights of the sea. 
Afternoon or Evening, the view is unreal. 
{Behind this table is my favorite booth, at the end of the patio!}
Catch Big Fish at sunset, and you might just be lucky enough to catch this view. 
Their corner location gives diners a side-shot of the ocean with breathtaking sunset views. 
xoxox
As Always, 
A Laguna Loving Mama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, dining out, fish, House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer, Laguna Beach, Orange County, Restaurant

Begging For Board and Brew {14}

October 15, 2012 - Leave a Comment

Begging For Board and Brew {14}
Board & Brew. 
I was first introduced to this sandwich shop by a dear friend and San Clemente dweller. 
She showed up at the beach one day with this sandwich that literally blew my socks off. 
I had to know…WHAT was this yumminess?!
It reminded me of one my favorite sandwich’s from a deli I used to frequent in college. 
Squaw bread, Sprouts, Avocado, Cheese, Tomato, Cucumber, Onion.
Yes, it was soooo much like it!
I quickly learned that I was enjoying their “veggie” masterpiece. 
Menu
Pretty much everything on their menu looks yummy-in-your-tummy as Samantha would say. 
Located in Talega, Board and Brew is a now must stop for the Goodmama Gang when coming home from San Clemente’s Shores. 
Take Last Sunday for example, remember that Stand Up Paddle Boarding Morning?
{When We Skipped Church and Played Hookie?!}
We followed that fun adventure with Board and Brew for lunch. 
I mean, talk about a Sabbath!
Super relaxed, with football playing in the corner, a post-beach visit wouldn’t be the same without 
an iced-cold-brewskie. 
Lucky for us, Board and Brew has us taken care of!
With over six taps, and lots of local brew’s, hubby and I couldn’t turn down a taste of a local San Diego IPA. 
Beer and A Full Belly?!
Yes, Please. 
To make it “my way” I now add “turkey” to my “veggie supreme”. A little protein, please ๐Ÿ™‚ 
Add a cold IPA, salt and vinegar chips, and their secret sauce?
Oh Happy Day!
Veggie Supreme, Add Turkey!
They also feature a “Grom Menu” {Kids Menu} that will delight your littles!
Even though Samantha’s favorite thing is salt and vinegar chips {she is so her mama’s daughter!}, she also enjoys ordering off this menu too!
With two Southern California locations {Carlsbad and San Clemente} and possibly some others in the works… { Please consider…Ladera, Ladera, Ladera!}. 
Board and Brew is this OCGoodmama’s
 Go-To-Gourment Sandwich Sanctuary.
Stop on in, once you start the sandwich, you won’t be able to stop. 
And, I promise, you will begin begging for Board & Brew!
xoxo
OCGoodmama 

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Filed Under: 31 Days of OC Favs, Board and Brew, dining out, foodie, IPA, Orange County, sandwich

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