As a whole, Southern California has a notorious reputation for embracing the destruction of our past.  But while we should occasionally acknowledge and accept the scorn that oftentimes accompanies such demolition – the fact that the original Brown Derby in Los Angeles is now the home of a mundane strip mall…

Continue

By Rich Manning



Whenever I have driven southbound on I-5 and found the need to exit in San Clemente, I always knew to tur n right. This instinct was derived solely from my preconception that all commerce and fun occurred within walking distance of the coastline. This thought process was so thoroughly ingrained in my bean that I had grown suspect of any street going east lasting longer than a half-mile it traversed beneath the interstate. So imagine my surprise when our GPS…

Continue

by Rich Manning



The Balboa Peninsula has long satiated on a reputation for being laid back and casual. The presence of row upon row of tightly packed bungalows that practically rub walls with each other, the nostalgic boardwalk feel of its Fun Zone, and the requisite hang loose attitude permeated by surfers en route to The Wedge certainly renews that calling card practically every weekend. And to be sure, local business by and large responds in kind to the… Continue

by Rich Manning

When one typically thinks of Laguna Beach cuisine, one’s mind immediately starts associating it with adjectives associated…

Continue

By Rich Manning

What’s in a name?

Ever since William Shakespeare thrust that phrase into common vernacular through the lips of his character Juliet…

Continue