San Clemente Times: Best of San Clemente

Best…Appetizers • 6Bagel • 4Bar • 8Billiards • 8Breakfast • 3Breakfast Burrito • 4Burger • 6Cup of Coffee or Tea • 4Donut • 4Happy Hour • 3International Eats • 3Lunch Spot • 4Margarita • 8Menu for Healthy Choices • 4Overall Restaurant • 3Pizza • 6Restaurant for a Date/Romantic Evening • 3Sandwich • 6Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth • 8Sushi • 6Taco • 6Venue for Live Music • 8

Eateries, Watering Holes & More

Services on the To-Do List

Best…Barber Shop • 14Car Repair • 17Customer Service • 14Dry Cleaner • 17 Pet Care & Grooming • 14Gym • 14Hair Salon • 14 Lodging • 17Manicure & Pedicure • 14Spa for Massages, Etc. • 17Surfboard Ding Repair • 17Yoga/Pilates Studio • 17

Best…Antiques • 12Arts and Craft Supplies • 10Clothing • 10Home Decor and Furnishings • 12Jewelry • 10Kids Apparel & Toys • 10Place to Buy Flowers • 12Place for Buying and Viewing Art • 10Store to Buy the Perfect Gift • 12Surfboard Shaper • 12Surf Shop • 12Wine Selection • 10

At the Shops

Best…Beach • 18Golf Course • 18Park to Take the Kids • 18Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 18Surf Break • 18

Getting Outside

C O N T E N T S

We can hardly believe fi ve years came and went so quickly at the SC Times. Yet here we are celebrating the fi fth anni-versary of the Best of San Clemente People’s Choice “Ole Awards.” A recurring theme of local and loyal rippled through these pages. We champion San Clemente for its unique ability to give residents and visitors so much choice. In this issue, we salute the businesses and the people who make them run. We welcome the newcomers to our annual edition and commend the long-standing companies who kept us happily fed, masterfully clothed and properly pampered.

The SC Times wanted to provide those businesses that don’t fall neatly into any one category an opportunity to shine. So new to our “Best of” pages this year is our customer service category. The restaurants, shops and companies in these pages deserve their honors, especially for continued service in lean times. Finally, we thank the customers and our readers — more than 3,000 of you — who shared your opinions on the best our seaside community has to offer.

Congratulations to newcomer Rider Club Cafe for taking gold in the “Best Burger” category. Photo by Jasmine Smith

THE FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT AND BAR 611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

Happy Hour doesn’t get much better than at Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. With the sunset as a backdrop and weekday drink specials, the restaurant on San Clemente’s Pier has earned Golden Ole honors for Best Happy Hour two years running. The eatery embraces a festive spirit, giving each day a title. Whether it’s Tropical Tuesday or Fisherman’s Friday, patrons are sure to leave happy. —SNG

BEACHFIRE BAR AND GRILL204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfi re.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bad to the Bone BBQ • Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Blue Danube Steak and Seafood • Board & Brew • Café Mimosa • Cassano’s Pizza • Duke’s • Fratello’s Italian Family • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Restaurant • The Next Door • Nick’s San Cle-mente • OC Tavern • Ole’s Tavern • OltreMare • Pizza Port • Rocco’s Restaurant • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Stillwater Cafe • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • Talega Golf Club • The Cellar • The Red Fox Lounge • The Riders Club Cafe • The Shore • Velvet Yogurt 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Gordon James

BEST HAPPY HOUREateries, Watering Holes and More...

BEST INTERNATIONAL EATS

THE FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT AND BAR611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

Stunning scenery, fi ne dining and a wine list that goes on for days, combine to make the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar an ideal place for a romantic evening. For the full effect, guests can choose the outdoor seating and listen to the waves roll onto the beach. The restaurant has long impressed couples on a fi rst date or those toasting years of wedded bliss. —SNG

VINE211 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.2079, www.vinesanclemente.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club • Board & Brew • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Chronic Tacos • Duke’s • Enne Cucina Italiana • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jacobi’s on the Alley • La Siesta Restaurant • Nick’s San Clemente • Ole’s Tavern • OltreMare • Pedro’s Tacos • Pier Shack & Grill • Rocco’s Restaurant • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Melting Pot • The Next Door • The Riders Club Cafe • Village Mediterranean Rim 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Vine

BEST RESTAURANT FOR ADATE/ROMANTIC EVENING

ANTOINE’S CAFÉ218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

For the love of breakfast, Antoine’s delivers. The breakfast spot has earned the Golden Ole for Best Breakfast four years straight. At the South El Camino restaurant, croissants, crepes and burritos meet up on the menu with breakfast staples of eggs, hash brown and breakfast meats like ham, bacon or sau-sage. Customers can try organic teas, specialty coffees or fresh squeezed orange juice, too. —SNG


NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • The Bagel Shack • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Beach Garden Cafe • Board & Brew • Café Calypso • Cafe Del Sol • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carrows • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins • Denny’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company Store • IHOP • Irons in the Fire • Jacobi’s on the Alley • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • La Gallette Creperie • La Tiendita • Los Golodrinas • Love Burger • McDonalds • Mr Pete Burgers • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Peet’s Coffee & Tea • Pier Shack & Grill • Pipes Cafe • Riders Club Cafe • Rose’s Donuts & Cafe • Rose’s Sugar Shack • SC Cafe • SC Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Starbucks • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffee House & Grill • Sunrise Cafe • The Next Door • The Signature Grille and Bar at Talega Golf Club • Tommy’s Family Restaurant & Coffee Shop 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Antoine’s; Silver: S.C. Cafe

BEST BREAKFAST

MONGKUT THAI RESTAURANT212 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3871, www.mongkutthaifoods.com

Nearly 25 years of experience translates into winning recipes at Mongkut Thai and top nods for international eats this year. A consistent favorite, Mongkut earned a Silver Ole in 2008. The restaurant offers popular curries and vegetarian dishes galore. Customers crave the chicken satay and jumbo scallops and shrimp. They return for favorites like mango and sticky rice des-sert and Thai spring rolls. —SNG

AVILA’S EL RANCHITO204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • A Taste of China • Antoine’s Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Blue Danube Steak and Seafood • Board & Brew • Buono Pizza and Pasta • Carbonara Trattoria • Café 207 • Café Del Sol • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Cassano’s Pizza • China Well Restaurant • Chronic Tacos • Del Agave • El Jefe Café • El Mariachi Restaurant • Enne Cucina Italiana • Frattello’s Italian Family • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Italian Cravings • Izza Pizzeria • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • La Gallette Creperie • Los Patios • La Siesta Restaurant • La Tiendita • Miyako Japanese Restaurant • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • Nobu Sushi • OltreMare • Pacifi c Taste Chinese Restaurant • Pedro’s Tacos • Pick Up Stix • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Selma’s Chicago Piz-zeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Super Bowl Express • Sushi Gallery Miki • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • Thai Paradise Restaurant • The Melting Pot • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Village Mediterranean Rim 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito

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Voted Best Overall Restaurant for the second consecutive year, Fisherman’s has earned its rightful spot as a local favorite by SC Times readers. There’s something for everyone — libations, good eats and spectacular views. The seafood restaurant on San Clemente’s Pier is a hot spot for guests coming for lunch during a beach visit, stopping for happy hour after work or celebrating a special occasion. —SNG

NICK’S SAN CLEMENTE213 Avenida Del Mar, 949.481.2200, www.scnicks.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Bella Collina Towne and Golf Club • Blue Danube Steak and Seafood • Board & Brew • Café 207 • Café Calypso • Cafe Rae • Café Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Chronic Tacos • Crispin’s • Del Agave • El Mariachi Restaurant • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fratello’s Italian Family • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company Store • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Izza Pizza • Jacobi’s On the Alley • La Gallette Creperie • La Siesta Restaurant • Mongkut Thai Restaurant • Mr Pete Burgers • New Mandarin Garden • OltreMare • Pier Shack & Grill • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • Rocco’s Restaurant • Romano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Next Door • The Riders Club • The Shore • The Signature Grille and Bar at Talega Golf Club • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Sundried Tomato Amreican Bistro • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • Village Mediterranean Rim • Velvet Yogurt • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Gordon James Grill

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT

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P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E O L E A W A R D S 2 0 1 0

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The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

Antoine’s Café. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Thai wrap appetizer at Mongkut Thai. Photo by Jasmine Smith

STARBUCKS300 S. El Camino Real, 949.369.9520; 1001 Avenida Pico, 949.369.5649; 638 Camino de los Mares, 949.496.5900; www.starbucks.com

A consistently good cup of joe makes Starbucks the favorite place for residents’ morning caffeine fi x. Every year, the Seattle-based coffee company has received a Golden Ole for Best Cup of Coffee. Its success is due in part to baristas’ ability to fi eld all manner of special orders or simply serve a piping hot cup of java. —SNG

ANTOINE’S CAFÉ218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

NOMINEES: 7-Eleven • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Aloha Coffee Hut • Beach Garden Cafe • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Board & Brew • Café Calypso • Cafe Expresso • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carrows • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Corky’s Family Restaurant • La Gallette Creperie • Crispins “Comfort Food” Restaurant • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Kaylani Coffee Co • Kelly’s Donuts • Lavender Lounge Tea Company • McDonald’s • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Peet’s Coffee & Tea • Pipes Cafe • Posh Peasant • Rose’s Donuts • San Clemente Yogurt, Tea, Coffee & Juice • S.C. Cafe • SC Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Stillwater Cafe • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffee House & Grill • Rose’s Sugar Shack • The Bagel Shack • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Starbucks; Silver: Antoine’s Café

BEST CUP OF COFFEE OR TEA

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SURFIN’ DONUTS1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

Surfi n’ Donuts Coffee House is riding a streak as Best Donut for the past four years. Customers crave the Tiger Tail, a donut twist with chocolate on one side and cinnamon on the other. In addition to twists, they serve up bars, fi lled donuts, raised donuts and cake donuts. Breakfast morsels also include straw-berry croissants, bear claws and even the breakfast burrito. —SNG

S.C. DONUTS806 E. Avenida Pico, Ste. G, 949.498.7837

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Board & Brew • The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf • Donut House • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Kelly’s Doughnuts • Rose’s Donuts • Starbucks • Rose’s Sugar Shack • Wendy’s 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Surfi n Donuts; Silver: S.C. Donuts

BEST DONUT

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Silver OleTHE BAGEL SHACK777 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0745

Bagel Shack’s menu explains the restaurant’s success: Baked daily on the premises. The shop earned a Golden Ole for Best Bagel for the fourth consecutive year. Bagel Shack offers 19 bagel varieties, from asiago cheese to sun dried tomato. The restaurant also features eight spreads like chive, maple and very berry. Their eight breakfast sandwiches — with names like San-O and T-Street — pay homage to San Clemente. —SNG

SURFIN DONUTS COFFEE HOUSE & GRILL1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • Board & Brew • Billy’s Meats, Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Bread Gallery • Café Calypso • Cafe Expresso • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Panera Bread • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Kay-lani Coffee Co • Pipes Cafe • Ralphs • Rose’s Donuts • S.C. Cafe • Starbucks • Still-water Cafe • Rose’s Sugar Shack • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Wendy’s 2009 WINNERS: Gold: The Bagel Shack; Silver: Captain Mauri’s Counterculture

BEST BAGEL

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PEDRO’S TACOS2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908; www.pedrostacos.com

For a taco joint, Pedro’s Tacos also produces the Best Breakfast Burrito around, so say the readers of the SC Times. Pedro’s Ta-cos brings 25 years of experience to the kitchen, and it shows. From 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily, the South El Camino spot serves up burritos with a combination of eggs, beans, steak and chorizo. Customers enjoy the fact that they can drive thru or eat in. —SNG

PIPES CAFE2017 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5002, www.pipescafe.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Board & Brew • Café Calypso • Cafe Del Sol • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins • Del Taco • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi Restaurant • La Tiendita • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffeehouse & Grill • Humphrey’s San-wich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Kelly’s Donuts • La Siesta Restaurant • Love Burger • McDonald’s • Mr Pete Burgers • Pier Shack & Grill • La Cocina de Ricardo Mexican Restaurant • Rose’s Donuts • S.C. Cafe • SC Donuts • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Still-water Cafe • Sunrise Cafe • Surfi n Donuts Coffeehouse & Grill • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • The Signature Grille and Bar at Talega Golf Club • The Shore • Tommy’s Family Restaurant & Coffee Shop 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Surfi n Donuts Coffee House & Grill

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

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CAPTAIN MAURI’S COUNTERCULTURE149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098

Captain Mauri’s offers a cornucopia of fresh fruit and vegeta-bles. The Avenida Del Mar dining spot features smoothies like the Hanalei Dream, a blend of pineapple banana and POG for passion fruit, orange and guava juice. Savory bites include the Bombay Melt, an open-faced sandwich of curry chicken salad, tomato, onions and melted jack cheese on a toasted English muffi n with their ginger-lime Bali sauce. —SNG


NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Baja Fresh • The BeachFire Bar and Grill • Beach Garden Cafe • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Billy’s Meats, Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Bread Gallery • Cafe Calypso • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Crispins • El Pollo Loco • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company Store • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restau-rant • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Jamba Juice • Juice it Up • Juice Stop • La Tiendita • McDonald’s • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Pipes Cafe • Ralphs Deli • Ro-mano’s Pasta & Pizzeria • Schleppys • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • stellaLucy Gluten Free Market • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Super Bowl Express • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Bagel Shack • The Cellar • The Flame Broiler • The Kultured Kitchen • The Next Door • The Riders Club Cafe • The Shore • Velvet Yogurt • Village Mediterranean Rim • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zpizza 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Captain Mauri’s Counterculture; Silver: Café Calypso

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Pretty much anytime on the water is an ideal time, but SC Times’ readers chose Fisherman’s as their preferred spot for lunchtime. Fresh seafood options abound on the lunch menu and other specialties like pasta dishes and sandwiches round out the noontime fare. With the outdoor seating and unrivaled ocean views, bring your sunglasses and an appetite. —SNG

BOARD & BREW979 Avenida Pico Unit C, 949.498.2739, www.boardnbrewsc.com

NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Baja Fresh • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Bread Gallery • Buono Pizza and Pastas • Burger Junk-ies • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Carl’s Jr. • Carrows • Cassano’s Pizza • Chronic Tacos • Costco • Crispins Comfort Food Restaurant • Daphne’s Greek Cafe • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Pollo Loco • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fratello’s Italian Family • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company store • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Kahuna’s Grill • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Rocco’s Pizzeria • La Siesta Restaurant • La Tiendita • Love Burger • Mr Pete Burger • Mulligan’s • New Mandarin Garden • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pacifi c Taste Chinese Restaurant • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Pier Shack and Grill • Pipes Cafe • Pizza Port • Posh Peasant’s Tea Room & Cafe • Quiznos • Rose’s Donuts & Cafe • Rubios • S.C. Cafe • Schleppy’s • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffee House & Grill • Surfside Pizza • The Cellar • The Kultured Kitchen • The Next Door • The Riders Club Cafe • The Shore • The Signature Grille and Bar at Talega Golf Club • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Village Mediterranean Rim • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zpizza 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Café Calypso

BEST LUNCH SPOT

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Captain Mauri’s veggie burger and fresh “Tsunami” juice. Photo by Jasmine Smith

BEST MENU FOR HEALTHY CHOICES

The Bagel Shack. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Best coffee: Starbucks. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar; Silver: Café Calypso



BILLY’S MEAT, SEAFOOD & DELI111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5924, www.downtownsanclemente/billysmeats

This past June, owner, Bill Bradley celebrated his 20th anniver-sary as the owner of San Clemente’s favorite spot for sand-wiches made with fresh, Boar’s Head meat, sliced-to-order, or chicken, tuna or egg salad. “Bill’s the best boss you could ever have,” said seven-year employee, Tina Logan, who any regular will recognize at the cashier. “He makes you feel like family.” —CS

BOARD & BREW979 Avenida Pico Unit C, 949.498.2739, www.boardnbrewsc.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s • A’s Burger • Bad to the Bone • Beach Garden Cafe • The BeachFire Bar and Grill • Biggie’s Burgers & More • Bread Gallery • Buonos Pizza & Pasta • Burger Junkies • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Cassano’s Pizza • Coffee Importers • Corky’s Family Restaurant • The Kultured Kitchen • Crispins Comfort Food Restaurant • Guicho’s Eatery • Hapa J’s • Hector’s Cake Shop and Bakery • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Humphry’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Italian Cravings • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Panera Bread • Piccadilly Delicatessen • Pier Shack & Grill • The Posh Peasant Tea Room & Cafe • Quiznos • La Rocco’s • Rose’s Donut Café • Sandwhich Buddies • S.C. Cafe • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Subway • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • The Cellar • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • The Next Door • The Rider’s Club • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Billy’s Meat, Seafood and Deli; Silver: Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli

BEST SANDWICH

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PEDRO’S TACOS2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908; www.pedrostacos.com

Pedro’s Tacos has been serving up their famous fi sh tacos, among other items made with fresh produce, high quality tortillas and meats, special seasonings and unique recipes since 1986, when they became Orange County’s fi rst fi sh taco stand. Their two family-owned San Clemente locations are favorites among surfers and the after-school crowd, but really, every-body loves Pedro’s. —CS


NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Baja Fresh • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Burger Stop • Café Del Sol • Chronic Tacos • Del Agave • Del Taco • Los Patios • El Jefe Cafe • El Mariachi Restaurant • El Patio Cafe • El Pollo Loco • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Hapa J’s • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta Restaurant • La Tiendita • Los Patios • Mr. Pete’s Burger • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Rubio’s Mexican Grill • Taco Bell • The Shore • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Avila’s El Ranchito

BEST TACO

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THE RIDERS CLUB CAFE1701 N. El Camino Real, 949.388.3758, www.ridersclubcafe.com

The Riders Club Cafe boasts “slow fast food.” They make their own pickles and kettle chips and even though they techni-cally only have three patties on their burger menu—natural beef, ground in house, house-made veggie patty, chicken or portabella—not to mention the varied cheese selection and im-pressive beer selection to boot (think Belgian beers for winter). In all, the ingredients are top-notch so don’t expect to ask for a regular ol’ burger, cheese and katsup. —CS

BIGGIES BURGERS & MORE1017 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.9182, www.biggiesburgers.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • A’s Burger • Bad to the Bone BBQ • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Billy’s Meats, Seafood & Deli • Burger Junkies • Burger Stop • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Carl’s Jr. • Chronic Tacos • Corky’s Family Restaurant • Crispins Comfort Food Restaurant • Daphne’s Greek Cafe • Denny’s • Dukes • El Mariachi Restaurant • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Irons in the Fire • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Kahuna Grill • La Siesta Restaurant • Love Burger • McDonald’s • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • The Next Door • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Pedro’s Tacos • Pier Shack and grill • Pipes Cafe • Rose’s Donuts and Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Shorecliffs Golf Course • The Signature Grille and Bar at Talega Golf Club • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffeehouse & Grill • Vine • Tommy’s Family Restaurant & Coffee Shop 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Fatburger; Silver: Mr. Pete’s Burger

BEST BURGER

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TAKA-O JAPANESE RESTAURANT425 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7111, www.taka-orestaurant.com

Taka-O celebrated its 30-year anniversary this year and it’s by far San Clemente’s most-visited sushi restaurant. With plenty of seating in the bar and in the restaurant, the wait for a table is never long even though the place is always packed. When Roger and Kelly Sugano opened Taka-O, they brought to Or-ange County its fi rst Japanese restaurant. Now they’re known for their “Oh No Roll” and hoppin’ karaoke in the bar. —CS

9 STYLE SUSHI102 Avenida Victoria, 949.366.3669

NOMINEES: Akioni’s Catering • BeachFire Bar and Grill • The Fisherman’s Res-taurant and Bar • Ichibiri Japanese Restaurant • Sushi Gallery Miki • Miyako Sushi • Nobu Sushi • Ralphs • Sushi Sono Inc 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Taka-O Japanese Restaurant; Silver: 9 Style Sushi

BEST SUSHI

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A lineup of 22 different starters sets Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar apart from the pack in this category. The San Clemente Pier eatery places heavy emphasis on seafood to kick off a meal. Patrons will be pleased with the variety of oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, ahi, crab and calarmari available. Others will enjoy staples like Fisherman’s mozzarella sticks, portions of hot wings and chicken strips. —SNG


NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Antoine’s Café • Avilas El Ranchito • The Cellar • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Cannons • Carbonara Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Crispins Comfort Food Restaurant • Duke’s • El Patio • Enne Cucina Italiana • Fratello’s Italian Family • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jacobi’s on the Alley • La Rocco’s • La Siesta Restaurant • Village Mediterranean Rim • Mongkut Thai • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • OltreMare • Pizza Port • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Sundried Tomato Cafe• The Melting Pot • The Next Door • Vine 2009 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar and Grill; Silver: Gordon James Grill

BEST APPETIZERS

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LA ROCCO’S122 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.8890, www.laroccospizzaonline.com

They may be the closest a West Coaster can get to real New York pies. Rumor has it that every LaRocco’s 18 inch pie is made with water that comes to them directly from New York and they make their homemade dough and sauce from scratch daily. Slices and made-to-order pies are both available. —CS

SELMA’S CHICAGO PIZZERIA218 Avenida Del Mar, 949.276.2828, www.selmaschicagopizzeria.com

NOMINEES: 2 for 1 Pizza Co • Antoine’s Café • Buonos Pizza & Pasta • Cassano’s Pizza • Cucina Pizzeria • Domino’s Pizza • The Cellar • First Class Pizza • Fratello’s Italian Family Restaurant • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Italian Cravings • Izza Pizzeria • Pizza Port • Romano’s Pasta and Pizzeria • Round Table Pizza • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Stuft Pizza & Brewing • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfside Pizza • The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Zpizza • Papa Murphy’s • Take N Bake Pizza • Pizza Hut 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta; Silver: Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria

BEST PIZZA

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Pedro’s popular fi sh taco. Photo by Jasmine Smith

La Rocco’s “Pauly’s Special.” Photo byJasmine Smith

Oh No Roll at Taka-O. Photo by Jasmine Smith

OC TAVERN GRILL & SPORTS BAR2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com

In 2010, OC Tavern was the place to be for live music. The South El Camino venue could pack in 200 music lovers for trib-ute bands or up-and-comers. Sadly, the pub’s string of wins in this category ends this year with the swap-out of the stage for off-track betting. Customers needn’t worry. The full-service bar, proliferation of fl at-screen TVs and wide-ranging menu offers plenty to do beyond the live tunes. —SNG


NOMINEES: Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Antoine’s Café • Blue Danube Steak and Seafood • Board & Brew • Café Mimosa • Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens • Carbonara Trattoria • Duke’s • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Fratello’s Italian Family • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant • Ole’s Tavern • Rib Trader • San Clemente Street Festivals • The Cellar • The Shore 2009 WINNERS: Gold: OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

BEST VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC

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VELVET YOGURT120 S. El Camino Real, 949.276.4625, www.velvetyogurt.com

For four years running, Velvet Yogurt has topped SC Times read-ers’ list in this category. The shop lets guests serve themselves frozen yogurt in palate-pleasing fl avors. Seasonal varieties complement perennial favorites like chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, peanut butter and Euro tart. The dessert can be topped with fresh fruit, candy, cookies and novelties like mochi, a delightful gummy Japanese confection. —SNG

SCHMID’S FINE CHOCOLATES99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052

NOMINEES: Baskin-Robbins • Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Best of Britain • Billy’s Meat, Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Café Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • Carrows • Cold Stone Creamery • Crispins • Dairy Queen • San Clemente Yogurt • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Golden Spoon Frozen Yogurt • Hapa J’s • Hector’s Cake Shop and Bakery • Hulaville Island Cafe and Res-taurant • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jamba Juice • Jumpin’ Jack • La Galette Creperie • The Melting Pot • Nick’s San Clemente • Panera Bread • Rite Aid • Omi Kookies • OltreMare • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Rose’s Sugar Shack • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Starbucks • stellaLucy Gluten Free Market • Stillwater Cafe • Sugar Blossom Bake Shop • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffeehouse & Grill • The Shore • Village Mediterranean Rim • Victoria Market & Liquor 2009 WIN-NERS: Gold: Velvet Yogurt; Silver: Schmid’s Fine Chocolates

BEST SPOT TO CURE A SWEET TOOTH

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With nearly 50 varieties of tequila, it’s no wonder why the voters pick Avila’s El Ranchito time and again for Best Mar-garita. “You name it. We got it,” says bartender Avanti Benson. A favorite at the Mexican eatery is Juan’s Margarita, a mix of Herradura Silver Tequila, cointreau, fresh lime juice and sweet and sour mix. Customers can also choose their tequila straight up or Cadillac style. —SNG

EL MARIACHI RESTAURANT1925 S. El Camino Real, 949.369.5111

NOMINEES: BeachFire Bar and Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Car-banara Trattoria • Café 207 • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Jefe Cafe • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • La Siesta Restaurant • Los Patios • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • The Red Fox Lounge • La Cocino De Ricardo • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • The Shore 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: El Mariachi Restaurant

BEST MARGARITA

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BEST BARTHE FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT AND BAR611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.thefi shermansrestaurant.com

Customers just seem to fl ock to Fisherman’s. In 2010, the Fisher-man’s sold 11,747 of their signature cocktail, the Cottons. Meyers Rum, triple sec, pineapple, orange juice and 151 Rum create “the perfect mix,” says director of operations Bob Novello. “The real drink of San Clemente is the Cottons.” If that’s not their pleasure, patrons have plenty to pick from at the seaside bar. —SNG


NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Avila El Ranchito • Big Heleyn’s • Blue Danube Steak and Seafood • Board & Brew • Carbonara Trattoria • Café 207 • Duke’s • Fratello’s Italian Family • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • La Siesta Restaurant • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • Nick’s San Clemente • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Ole’s Tavern • Pizza Port • The Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • The Riders Club Cafe • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Piz-zeria • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • The Cellar • The Elks Club • The Next Door • The Shore • Vine 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Gordon James Grill; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

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OLE’S TAVERN127 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.9400, www.olestavern.com

The back half of Ole’s Tavern is devoted to the two, blue felt pool tables. Since 1994, this South El Camino neighborhood pub has been a local favorite, and billiards tops the list of reasons customers keep coming back. For those unprepared to pick up a pool stick, there’s plenty of seating to watch pool sharks play. —SNG

DUKE’S204 S. El Camino Real, 949.481.2040

NOMINEES: BeachFire Bar and Grill • Big Helyn’s Saloon • Board & Brew • Goody’s Tavern • Knuckleheads Sports Bar • Molly Bloom’s Irish Bar and Restaurant • Mulligan’s Sports Bar • OC Tavern Grill & Sports Bar • Outrigger 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Duke’s; Silver: Ole’s Tavern

BEST BILLIARDS

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Best venue for live music: OC Tavern. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Natalie Singer, Associate Manager at Velvet Yogurt. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

Avila’s El Ranchito’s tasty margaritas. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

SAN CLEMENTE WINE COMPANY 212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

Barney Doyle had fallen in love with wine while living in the Bay area and visiting Napa, “back in the ’70s when it was fun and free-willing,” he said. His wife, Rachael shared in his passion for wine and they started the SC Wine Company as a $15 and un-der wine shop. Now they offer economical and high-end wines and beers, but most of their fi nds are kept under $20. —CS

THE CELLAR 156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com

NOMINEES: Albertsons • Antoine’s Café • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Bob’s Fine Wines • Bob’s Liquors • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara Trattoria • Dad’s Li-quor • Enne Cucina Italiana • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Larry’s Market & Deli • Nick’s San Clemente • Ralph’s • Sears • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • The Melting Pot • The Shore • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Trader Joe’s • Vine 2009 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Wine Company; Silver: The Cellar

BEST WINE SELECTIONAt the Shops...Golden Ole

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ANGEL WINGS204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.5258

This boutique on Del Mar defi nitely has a vintage, bohemian vibe to it—though they really do have something for every woman. The jewelry ranges from looking like your great-grand-mother’s coolest heirlooms to edgy or leather and hip. Pick out an entire ensemble for a cocktail party, crazy night out or lounging around the house. —CS

SALON ZINNIA AND LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE 641 Camino de los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

NOMINEES: 16 Underground • 20 Unda • Avenue Accents • BC Surf Shop • Bijou Boutique • Blazin Ride Shop • Bliss Boutique • Blue Eyed Girl • Cherry Shoes and Clothing • Coral Thrift Shop • Cycle Werks • Fits & Fashion • Fresh Produce • Habit • Heavenly Couture • Hobie Surf Shop • Lulu’s Boutique • Melrose in the O.C.• Minart’s Hair Fashion and Boutique • Pamela Li Boutique • Petit Bonhomme • Pos-sibilities Boutique • Rascal’s Ladies Over and Underwear • San Clemente Antiques • Sun Kiss’d Tan and Boutique • Swirl Boutique • T. Patterson Surfboards • Trestles Surf Outlet • Variant • Walmart • Wild at Heart 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Angel Wings; Silver: Hobie Surf Shop

BEST CLOTHING

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MAC & MADI203 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadi.com

The interior of Mac & Madi, the unique children’s boutique, is like the stuff of any kid’s dream. From toys, stuffed animals to books, shoes, clothes (newborn – 14 for girls and newborn – 7 for boys), they’ve got everything. And with free gift-wrapping, it’s no wonder locals opt out of the mall. “They’d rather be here. It’s a one-stop-shop,” said manager, Kim Sisneros. —CS

PETIT BONHOMME 147 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.3651, www.shoppetitbonhomme.com

NOMINEES: 20 Unda • Blazin Ride Shop • Fairytales Children’s Boutique • Hobie Surf Shop • OC Tykes • Plush Station • Russell Stationer’s • Surf City Comics • Walmart • Wee Peats • Wild At Heart 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme

BEST KIDS’ APPAREL & TOYS

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SAN CLEMENTE ART SUPPLY1531 N. El Camino Real, 949.369.6603, www.scartsupply.com

Patti Herdell approached local artist Rick Delante before she opened the San Clemente Art Supply, our town’s go-to for framing, high-end paper and every kind of art supply you should need. With his guidance, Herdell achieved candy-store status for artists. Their variety is likened to the largest box of Crayolas you’ve ever seen—the possibilities here are endless, with classes and workshops to boot. —CS

MICHAELS 937 Avenida Pico, 949.940.0465, www.michaels.com

NOMINEES: Drew Brophy Art Studio • Designs by Nature • The Humble Abode • Strands Knitting Studio • Russell Stationers • The Third Eye 2009 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Art Supply; Silver: Michaels

BEST ARTS & CRAFT SUPPLIES

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Walk into the BeachFire and it’s like a mosaic of paintings by local artists—quite literally, wall-to-wall beach art. BeachFire curator, Brian Frabasillo hand-picks every artist and rotates them constantly “because they sell so much,” said manager, Dawn Frey. So next time you feel like happy hour, remember to look around! —CS

SAN CLEMENTE ART GALLERY 100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

NOMINEES: A-Frame • Art N’ Frame • Captain Mauri’s Counterculture • Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • C’Siren Day Spa • Delanty Fine Art, Inc. • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Gallery 104 • The Humble Abode • Kona Gallery and Photojournalism Center • Merrill Paint and Decorating Center • Michaels • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques • Thump Gallery • Villa Cucina 2009 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire Bar and Grill; Silver: San Clemente Art Gallery

BEST PLACE FOR BUYING AND VIEWING ART

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BeachFire’s walls are covered with pieces by local artists. Photo by Jasmine Smith

San Clemente Wine Company. Courtesy photo

ERBA (TIE)114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

Though Erba sells bath, beauty and home products, their jew-elry is striking for its unique and artistic designs. From natural and metallic pieces, organic in style, to more luxurious looking items, Erba has a selection for all ages and any type of fl air, elegance and chic. —CS

PARADISE JEWELERS (TIE)808 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.4367, www.paradisejewelers.com

Rick Dunning moved his full-service jewelry business here fi ve years ago, but he’s been a jeweler for 31 years. “I saw a need for a good jewelry store here in town,” he said. Now Paradise, who offers appraisals, cleaning, custom designing and repairing, is one of the largest estate buyers in the area. —CS

VARIANT112 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6264

NOMINEES: 16 Underground • 20 Unda • Amazon Tan • Angel Wings • Bliss • Blue Eyed Girl • Bunny’s Secrets • C’Siren Day Spa • Charise Erickson Custom Jewelry • Cherry Shoes • Coin Store & Estate Jewelers • Designs By Nature • Fresh Produce • Gallery 104 • Gino’s Jewelers • Habit: Men and Women’s Clothing • Hobie Surf Shop • The Humble Abode • Jewelry Forever • Melrose in the O.C. • On the Rocks Jewelers • Paradise Jewelers II • Plum Precious Antiques • Rascals Ladies Under and Overwear • Re-Finds Jewelry • The Third Eye • Rocket Jewelry Box Inc • Salon Bleu • S & A Wholesale Fashion • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Sand & Sea Jewelry • Slavick’s Gold Creations • San Clemente Antiques • San Clemente Farm-ers Market • Villa Cucina 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelers; Silver: Erba

BEST PLACE TO BUY JEWELRY

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Paradise Jewelers. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

Clothing • Coral Thrift Shop • Cycle Werks • Fits & Fashion • Fresh Produce • Habit

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T. PATTERSON1409 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.2022; 907 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2022; www.tpattersonsurfboards.com

Timmy Patterson learned his craft fi rst from his father, Ronald, then later from surfboard shaping legends Dale Velzy and Terry Martin while working at the Hobie factory in Dana Point. After opening his fi rst surfboard shop in 2000, Timmy and his wife Vicki opened a new shop this past year with a more diverse line of products including wetsuits, apparel and surfboards. —NG

BILL STEWART/STEWART SURFBOARDS2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Andrew Loska • BC Surf Shop • Bill Stewart • Brad Howe • Matt Biolos/Mayhem • Cole Simler • Donald Brink • REVOLVERhydrocraft • The Factory • Garth Day • Hamish Graham Designs • Hobie Surfboards • Terry Martin • Terry Senate 2009 WINNERS: Gold: T. Patterson; Silver: Bill Stewart

BEST SURFBOARD SHAPER

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VILLA CUCINA124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com

Villa Cucina’s array of home décor offerings and furnishings is vast and many. From table settings, to wine glasses, to French countryside-styled cutting tables and storage—and everything in between—Villa Cucina is quite literally stocked to the walls.Never does Villa Cucina look better than around the holidays, when it comes alive with holiday items galore. —NG

CHRISTOPHER-LEE LTD. (TIE)158 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.0265

LUXE (TIE)107 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.4700, www.luxehomefurnishings.net

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Backstreet Home Décor • Bamboo and Beyond • Comfortable Sleep and Home • Concept Design Furniture • Cottage Bliss • C’Siren Day Spa • Denault’s True Value Hardware • The Humble Abode • La Casa Verde de Granada • Lowe’s Home Improvement • Pier 1 Imports • Re-Finds • San Clemente Antiques • South Coast Furniture Mattress and Secondhand Store • Stanford Court Antiques • Urban Renewal Décor 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Luxe

BEST HOME DÉCOR AND FURNISHINGS

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Villa Cucina has established itself as a “must-stop” for anyone looking for everything from Christmas ornaments to large pieces of furniture. The shop’s friendly staff is quick to help, and co-owner Christina Morgan (a San Clemente native) and her team do a great job adding new products to the store. Villa Cucina proudly stays open later than most stores on Del Mar, staying open until 9 p.m. every Tuesday-Saturday. —NG

ERBA LLC. (TIE)114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

THE HUMBLE ABODE (TIE)228 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.8018, www.thehumbleabode.net

NOMINEES: 20 Unda • Angel Wings • Arcade Camera • Bamboo and Beyond • Blazin Ride Shop • Bliss Boutique • C’Siren Day Spa • California Cove • Christopher-Lee Ltd. • Cottage Bliss • Denault’s True Value Hardware • Fired Up San Clemente • Gifts on Del Mar • Hobie Surf Shop • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Kelly’s Hallmark Shop • La Casa Verde de Granada • Luxe • Melrose in the O.C. • Oliver’s Olive Oil and Balsamic Tasting Gallery • Paradise Jewelers • Petit Bonhomme • Pier 1 Imports • Rainbow Sandals • Rascal’s Ladies Over and Underwear • Re-Finds • Trestles Surf Outlet • Russell Stationers • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • San Clemente Antiques • Swirl Boutique • The Cellar • The Collective: Boutique and Showroom • Three Dog Bakery • Tuesday Morning • Variant • Walmart 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Erba

BEST STORE TO BUY THE PERFECT GIFT

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SAN CLEMENTE ANTIQUES214 Avenida Del Mar #B, 949.498.2992

Owner Brenda Foster describes her antique shop as one that “tastefully blends the old with the new.” Foster’s store features 26 different vendors, each with a “mini-store within my store,” she said. Pet and kid-friendly (Foster admits to loving kids and pets—and gladly hands out treats to both), the vendors at SC Antiques offer everything from mid-Century items to vintage estate jewelry. “We have a really good mix, and I think that’s what makes us successful,” said Foster. “I have some wonder-ful people who are really talented, and we keep our prices low.” —NG

THE HUMBLE ABODE228 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.8018, www.thehumbleabode.net

NOMINEES: Backstreet Home Décor • Concept Design Furniture • Home Consign-ment Design Center • La Casa Verde de Granada • Pac-Rat • Re-Finds • South Coast Furniture Mattress & Secondhand • Stanford Court Antiques 2009 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Antiques; Silver: Stanford Court Antiques

BEST ANTIQUES

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HOBIE SURF SHOP100 El Camino Real, 949.542.3355; 151 Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400, www.hobie.com

It’s back-to-back Golden Ole’s for Hobie Surf Shop on the corner of El Camino Real and Avenida Del Mar. Featuring a vast array of the top surf apparel brands, the shop includes some of the hottest new brands including LRG and Olukai, according to assistant manager Shevon Franz. “We’re fashion forward and hip,” said Franz, “and feature a range of clothing for all ages. Make sure to check out Hobie’s “Green Room” just down Ave-nida Del Mar featuring organic products and Pantagonia. —NG

STEWART SURFBOARDS2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Bashams • BC Surf Shop • Blazin Ride Shop • Catalyst Surf Shop • Dewey Weber Surfboards • Exile Skimboards • Fluid Surf and Sport • Icons of Surf • OC Surf and Sport • Republik of Kalifornia • Rip Curl Surf Center • San Clemente Surfboards and Art • T. Patterson Surf Shop • Trestles Surf Outlet 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Hobie Surf Shop; Silver: BC Surf Shop

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DOWNTOWN FLOWERS111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.7062, www.downtownfl owersoc.com

Owner Krista Jon Levandofsky loves what she does, and it shows. After opening Downtown Flowers in 2004, Krista’s per-sonalized touch and diverse assortment of fl owers has helped her win her fourth straight Golden Ole as SC’s favorite fl ower shop. “For me it’s a place of escape, inspiration, fulfi llment, with peace and chaos in creativity all at once,” says Krista on her Web site. “I love the ambience of the downtown feeling, with the locals passing by and all the bright eyed tourists.” —NG

FLOWER & FRIENDS1844 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.9150, www.fl owersandfriendssanclemente.com

NOMINEES: Enchanted • English Garden • Farmers Market • Flower Company of San Clemente • The Humble Abode • Inga’s Blooms • San Clemente Florist • Karen’s • Kimberly’s • San Clemente Wildfl ower • Shore Gardens Nursery • The Beach Flower • Trader Joes 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Downtown Flowers; Silver: Flower & Friends

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS

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Hobie employee Cressita Bowman with manager Courtney Bucho. Photo by Jasmine Smith

BEST SURF SHOP

San Clemente Antiques. Photo by Heidi Mefferd

Villa Cucina’s Aimee Berberet. Photo by Jasmine Smith

V’S BARBERSHOP (TIE)802 Avenida Talega, 949.429.7770, www.vbarbershop.com

A throwback to earlier times, V’s Barbershop — with its old-school chairs and shoeshine service, makes the Talega shop a hit with customers. The business has steadily earned a local following since opening in 1999 and this year earned a Golden Ole. The barbershop has traditional cuts plus services like a hot lather shave, a facial and face massage and trims on beards and moustaches. —SNG

STUD CUTS (TIE)124 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.2456

Loyal fans propelled Stud Cuts to tie for a Golden Ole as Best Barber Shop this year. Their tagline: Sexy Military & Men’s Haircuts Since 1993. Not surprisingly, the South El Camino shop caters to the military but their services go beyond. They offer regulation cuts, full-scissor cuts and even a weekly buzz cut. The indulgent can choose a face shave for $30 and up, but remember to make an appointment. —SNG

SEÑOR BARBERS401 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.0762

NOMINEES: Alicia’s Barber Shop and Hair Styling Salon • Bladewerks • Changes Hair Salon • Downtown Barber Shop • Hair Cutters • Jerry’s Barber Shop • JP’s • Martina’s Beauty Salon • Popeye’s For Hair • Ray’s Barber Place • Salon 221• Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Salon Bleu • Shore Cliff Barber Shop • Studio B • The Haircutters 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Señor Barbers; Silver: V’s Barbershop

BEST BARBER SHOP

Services on the To-Do List...

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SALON ZINNIA AND LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE641 Camino de los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

What do you get when you bring together a salon, spa and bou-tique? Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique, of course. Patrons can pick a trendy top and jewelry at the boutique and then have their hair done, nails manicured and back massaged all under one roof. The Camino de los Mares salon has customers covered, and they responded by naming Salon Zinnia the fi rst recipient in this new category. —SNG


NOMINEES: 20 Unda • Adele’s at the San Clemente Inn • Albertsons • Amazon Tan • Ammcor • Angel Wings • Antoine’s Café • BC Surf Shop • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Big O Tires • Bijou Boutique • Billy’s Meats, Seafood & Deli • Blue Eyed Girl • Board & Brew • Bob’s Auto Repair • Bonded Cleaners • C’Siren Day Spa • Café 207 • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Carisma Mobile Car Wash • Cassano’s Pizza • Chronic Taco • Enterprise Rent-A-Car • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Cox Communications • Crispins Comfort Food Restaurant • Dave Wert Auto Repair • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Doug Echelberger Real Estate • Down-town Flowers • Douglas Printing • EZ Lube • El Camino Auto • Erba • Fatburger • Final Touch Nail & Spa • The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar • Friendly Computer Service • Go Natural Gas, Inc • Guillobel Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School • Hamilton Home Care • Hobie Surf Shop • Holley’s Tire Service • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • The Humble Abode • Humphrey’s Sandwich Shop • Irons in the Fire • Jacobi’s on the Alley • Jay’s Car Repair • Jimmy’s Tire Center • K & S Cleaners • La Siesta Restaurant • Lavender Lounge Tea Company • Los Patios • Lowe’s Home Improve-ment • Ma Jolie Salon • New Mandarin Garden • Metagenics • Mike’s Pet Care • Mr. Pete’s Burger • Mongkut Thai Restaurant • Nic’s Vacuum and Small Appliance • Nick’s San Clemente • Ole’s Tavern • The Pac-Rat • Paradise Jewelers • Paradise II Jewelers • Pet Treasures • Petite Bonhomme • San Clemente Police Services • Pier Shack & Grill • Radio Shack • Ralphs • Rascals Ladies Outer & Underwear • Re-fi nds • Rose’s Donuts & Cafe • Salon Incognito • San Clemente Art Supply • San Clemente Auto • San Clemente Plumbing • San Clemente Wine Company • S.C. Cafe • S.C. Donuts • SC Financial Service • Sears • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shadetree Automotive • Shorecliffs Golf Club • South County Maintenance Service • Sam’s Shoes & Shoe Repair • Stillwater Cafe • Stud Cuts • Sun Kiss’d Tan & Boutique • Sundried Tomato American Bistro • Surfi n’ Donuts Coffeehouse & Grill • Taka-O Japanese Restaurant • Talega Animal Hospital • Talega Day Spa • Tarbell Realtors • Doug Moore’s Muffl er • Bread Gallery • The Cellar • Three County Insur-ance • Three Dog Bakery • Tina & Vince’s Italian Deli • Trader Joes • Trestle’s Surf Outlet • Variant Clothing • Velvet Yogurt • Verizon Wireless • Vine • VIP Pet Spa • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Zpizza

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

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MINGEE’S NAILS & SPA132 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.0070; 164 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1818

With two locations on Avenida Del Mar, customers never have to wait to fi nd a seat Mingee’s Nails & Spa. The popular mani-cure and pedicure spot offers 55 different services for those in need of a little — or a lot — of pampering. —SNG


NOMINEES: Allure Nails & Spa • Beauty Nails • Bellagio Nail Spa • Fashion Nails • Final Touch Nails & Spa • Friendly Nails & Spa • Happy Nails & Spa • Kim’s Nail & Spa • Lee Lee’s Nail Salon and Purse Boutique • Lisa’s Nails • Ma Jolie Salon • Nails by Karen Dispenza • Organic Nail Spa • Passion Nails & Spa • The Perfect Ten • Professional Nail & Spa • Revol Nail Spa • Salon Bamboo • San Clemente Hair Com-pany • Sweet Escape Natural Nails & Pedicures • Talega Day Spa 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Mingee’s Nails & Spa; Silver: Talega Day Spa

BEST MANICURE & PEDICURE

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SC Times readers crowned Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique Best Hair Salon this year. The full-service salon features not only cuts for every age and gender but also fancies them up with up-dos, color, gloss treatments and perms. The Camino de los Mares business also carries an elite selection of hair product brands for color and care. —SNG

SALON INCOGNITO119 - 121 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.1218, www.salonincognito.com

NOMINEES: Hair Affair Salon • Alicia’s Barber Shop and Hair Styling Salon • Carlisle’s Hair Design • Changes Hair Salon • Clips Curls • Ermanno DeVito Hair Studio • Friends Hair • Great Clips • Hair Sculptors Beauty Salon • S.C. Happy Hair Salon • Head Games Salon • Hairtique • Kreative Hair Design • Ma Jolie Salon • Nancy’s Hair Salon • North Beach Hair Studio • Rafael’s Hair Salon • Rtistic Salon • Salon 221• Salon Eventides • Salon Bamboo • Salon Bleu • Salon Rendez-Vous • Salon Sauvage Day Spa and Boutique • Sanctuary Salon • Shake It Design • Stud Cuts • Supercuts • Studio B • Syrens Hair Parlor and Gallery • The Haircutters • Toba Salon • V’s Barber 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Bamboo; Silver: Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique

BEST HAIR SALON

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MIKE’S PET CARE949.246.3835, www.mikespetcare.com

For the second year in a row, Mike’s Pet Care took top honors in this category. A registered veterinary technician, Mike Russell offers his mobile service to pet owners in San Clemente and beyond. Testimonials on his website sing his praises for his technical knowledge and compassion. With this year’s Golden Ole, he has earned not only their trust but also their loyalty. —SNG

VIP PET SPA810 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.7473

NOMINEES: Aussie Pet Mobile • Avenida Animal Hospital • Camp Bow Wow • Critters Pet Grooming • Curbside Cuties Mobile Services • Dog Gone Dirty • Manicured Mutt Grooming Salon • Pacifi c Coast Veterinary • Paws Pet Resort • The Pet Palace • Pet Treasures • San Clemente Vet • Talega Animal Hospital • Three Dog Bakery • Veterinary House Calls 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Mike’s Pet Care; Silver: VIP Pet Spa

BEST PET GROOMING/PET CARE

Golden Ole

Silver Ole

SAN CLEMENTE GYM123 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.1007, www.sanclementegym.com

Truly a neighborhood gym, San Clemente Gym doesn’t weigh itself down with pretensions. That’s just one of the reason’s SC Gym consistently receives readers’ approval. Members mean business when they work out, but that doesn’t mean the atmosphere lacks friendliness. In fact, customers say they are treated like family. The facility also carries plenty of the latest equipment and recently opened a daycare center. —SNG

FITNESS 1993 Via Pico Plaza, 949.369.1999, www.fi tness19.com

NOMINEES: Asana Fit • Boogie Box Fitness • Curves • Fitness 19 • Fitness Elite for Women • Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu • Guillobel Brazilian Jiu Jitsu • Gymboree • Lean-Core Fitness • OC CrossFit • Ole Hanson Beach Club Swimming Pool • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Pacifi c Strength • San Clemente Beach Trail • Seacrest Apartments • The Beach • YMCA 2009 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Gym; Silver: (TIE) Fitness Elite, Cross Fit SC, OC Cross Fit

BEST GYM

Golden Ole

Silver Ole

The ladies of Salon Zinnia. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Services on the

Yukika Hayashi, aka Mingee. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Owner of SC Gym, Eric Lucy, with trainer Todd Hentsch. Photo by Jasmine Smith


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ASANAFIT204 Avenida Granada, 949.492.0110, www.asanafi t.com

A Silver winner last year, AsanaFit grabs the gold this year after adding a second studio. AsanaFit uses dance, yoga, fi tness and mediation to create not only a healthy body, but a “true health and deeper spiritual connection,” too. But ancient practices don’t mean there’s no modern touches: Look for AsanaFit on Facebook, where the studio advertises great specials. —JV

BELLA PILATES802 Avenida Talega, Ste. 104, 949.388.2747, www.bellapilatesstudio.com

NOMINEES: A Sacred Space Yoga & Meditation • Body Awareness Physical Therapy • City of San Clemente Yoga with Jessica Seabern • City of San Clemente Yoga with Nicole Bailey • Fitness Elite for Women • Ole Hanson Beach Club • San Clemente Boot Camp • San Clemente Senior Center • The Yoga Spot 2009 WIN-NERS: Gold: Bella Pilates; Silver: AsanaFIT

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

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Silver Ole

SHADETREE AUTOMOTIVE1635 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.6470, www.shadetreeautomotive.com

The old shady tree in back is gone, but the great service and trustworthy employees remain at Shadetree Automotive. Owner Paul Huffman, who bought the shop in 1975, credits his employees for the honors. The average employee has worked at Shadetree a decade, but they also continue to take classes and seminars to stay current on automotive issues. —JV

BOB’S AUTO REPAIR (TIE)219 Calle De Los Molinos, 949.492.4004

FRANK’S AUTO COLLISION (TIE)2101 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.4801, www.franksautocollision.com

NOMINEES: A & R Auto Body and Paint • Arnold’s Auto Repair • Auto Medic • Beach Cities Auto Collision • Big O Tires • Bill Brewster Automotive • Carlos Auto Repair • Christian Auto • Coastline Automotive • Dave Wert Auto Repair • Discount Tire Center • El Camino Automotive & Tire Center • Frank’s Foreign Car Service • Jay’s Car Repair • Jimenez Auto Center • Jimmy’s Tire Center • Klink’s Auto Repair • Littlepage Automotive • RJ’s • Roy’s Auto Repair and Detail • Ruben’s Imports Auto Repair • San Clemente Auto Center • San-O-Mechanic • Shorecliff’s Auto Services • Stanley’s Exhaust Tech • Star Auto Glass/Windshield Replacement • Victoria Auto Repair • West Coast Automotive 2009 WINNERS: Gold: El Camino Auto & Tire Center; Silver: Shadetree Automotive

BEST CAR REPAIR

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Silver Ole

Silver Ole

THE SAN CLEMENTE INN2600 Avenida Del Presidente, 949.492.6103, www.sanclementeinn.com

A great location and good prices push The San Clemente Inn to the gold medal in this year’s Oles. The Inn is a timeshare that rents rooms nightly as well. A past winner as “Best Breakfast,” the San Clemente Inn qualifi es as a best value—a special under way now has rooms at $75, $85 and $95 a night. And now that they’re on top, San Clemente Inn is working to stay there—one of the four buildings is undergoing renovation. —JV

HOLIDAY INN111 S. Ave. De La Estrella, 949.361.3000, www.holidayinn.com

NOMINEES: Always Inn San Clemente • Beachcomber Motel • Best Western Casablanca Inn • Casa Tropicana Inn at the Pier • Comfort Suites San Clemente • Hampton Inn & Suites • Holiday Inn Express • Patriots’ Motel • San Clemente Cove Resort • San Clemente Little Inn by the Beach Resort • Sea Horse Resort • Villa Del Mar Inn 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Casa Tropicana Boutique Beach Front Inn; Silver: Best Western Casablanca

BEST LODGING

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Silver Ole

TALEGA DAY SPA1161 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 110, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com

A back-to-back Gold Medal winner, Talega Day Spa mixes the atmosphere and appointments of Old Tuscany with modern massage techniques and equipment. The spa focuses on the “art of relaxation,” and the concept of “giving back to oneself” through massage, skin care, and body care. They offer every-thing from foot treatments to whole-body rejuvenation. And some Valentine’s Day specials, too. —JV

C’SIREN DAY SPA312 Avenida de la Estrella, 949.498.7700, www.csirendayspa.com

NOMINEES: 5th Elements Day Spa • A Beautiful You • AsanaFIT • Asia America Acupuncture & Herb Institute, Inc • Deina Deal • Kim Lee-Thorp: Massage, Nutri-tion & Doula Service • Massage Envy • Now and Zen Wellness Center • Rancho San Clemente Tennis & Fitness Center • Richard C. Roth, DC Chiropractic • Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia and Lifestyle Boutique • Seaside Skin Care Medi Spa • Simple Touch Skin Care • Waves Beyond Skin Care 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Talega Day Spa; Silver: C’Siren Day Spa

BEST SPA FOR MASSAGES, ETC.

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Silver Ole

BONDED CLEANERS1225 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.1183, www.bonded-cleaners.com

A fi ve-time winner, Bonded Cleaners has as many Ole Awards as we do spots on our shirt after a spaghetti dinner. But the cleaner’s ability to get those spots out is what keeps bringing home the gold for owner Scott English. “We’re consistent, very nice to the public and we keep costs down,” he says. —JV

K & S CLEANERS114 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5424, www.sanclementedrycleaners.com

NOMINEES: Celebrity Cleaner • Cleaners 2000 • El Camino Cleaners • Hillside Cleaners • Nelson’s Cleaners • Pico Cleaners • Presidio Cleaners • Seaside Cleaners • Silver Cleaners • Sunny Fresh Cleaners • Talega Cleaners • Thank You Cleaners 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Bonded Cleaners; Silver: K&S Cleaners

BEST DRY CLEANER

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Silver Ole

DING DR. SURFBOARD REPAIR 949.294.4741, www.dingdrx.com

As a shop, the Ding Dr. is a newcomer, but they can make your board look new again, too. We took a Craigslist longboard in looking like it’d been dropped out of the back of a moving truck and the guys at Ding Dr. rebuilt the nose, patched the rails, matched the color and returned a stick we’re proud to tote to Trails—they even left us enough money for parking. —JV

COOLBREAZE1307 Calle Valle, 949.369.5469, www.coolbreazesurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Aaron’s Ding Repair • Basham’s • BC Surf Shop • Bill Burns • Black Duck • Brad Howe • Catalyst • Chelu • CoolBreaze • Danny Brawner • Donald Brink • Jed Noll Surfboards • Paul Carter • Rip Curl Surf Center • Stewart Surfboards • T Patterson • Terry Senate • The Factory/Basham’s 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Cool-Breaze; Silver: Stewart’s Surfboards

BEST SURFBOARD DING REPAIR

Golden Ole

Silver Ole

The San Clemente Inn. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Shadetree Automotive’s (l-r) Will Curtis, Dan Shaw and owner Paul Huffman. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Nick Horobec and Randall Kramer own and operate Ding Dr Surfboard Repair. Courtesy photo

Getting Outside...P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E O L E A W A R D S 2 0 1 0



San Clemente is known for its beautiful beaches and the Pier is even part of the city’s offi cial seal. So what better place to take an out-of-towner than an award-winning restaurant on the picturesque Pier? And with the option of the full restaurant on the south side or bar on the north, The Fisherman’s offers the perfect place to enjoy a meal or drink while soaking in the San Clemente fl avor. —JV

SAN CLEMENTE PIERAvenida Victoria and Avenida Del Mar

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Café • Avenida Del Mar • Beach/San Clemente Beach Trail • BeachFire Bar and Grill • Billy’s Meats, Seafood & Deli • Board & Brew • Cabrillo Playhouse • Casa Romantica Cultural Center & Gardens • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Cafe Rae • Cassano’s Pizza • Chronic Tacos • C’Siren Day Spa • Gallery 104 • Hapa J’s • The Humble Abode • Hulaville Island Cafe and Company • Ichibiri Japa-nese Restaurant • Iva Lee’s Restaurant • Jacobi’s on the Alley • La Gallette Creperie • Park Semper Fi Marine Monument • Mr Pete Burger • Nick’s San Clemente • North Beach • Ole’s Tavern • Pedro’s Tacos • Pizza Port • The Riders Club • Rocco’s Restaurant • Russell Stationers • San Clemente Antiques • San Clemente Art Gal-lery • San Clemente Wine Company • San Onofre State Beach • Sandpiper Motel • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Shorecliffs Golf Course • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Stillwater Cafe • Stud Cuts • Surfi ng Heritage Foundation • Sushi Gallery Miki • T Street • Talega Golf Club • The Cellar • The Riders Club • The Shore • Three Dog Bakery • Top of the World • Trestles • Villa Cucina • Village Mediterranean Rim 2009 WINNERS: Gold: The Fishermans Restaurant and Bar; Silver: San Clemente Pier

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS

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TRESTLESThe famous cobblestone break known as

Trestles is a favorite among world-class professional and local surfers alike. The sight of the only mainland U.S. Association of Surfi ng Professionals (ASP) Prime event on the World Tour is known for producing some of the most consistent and qual-ity waves on the planet. Trestles’ situation within San Onofre State Beach, and its variety of surf spots—Lowers, Uppers and Middles—responds well to a variety of swell directions and the remote parking, long walk to the beach and lack of amenities keeps the lineup relatively clear of inexperienced surfers.—AS

T STREET

NOMINEES: 204 Beach • Calafi a (State Park) • Church Beach • Cotton’s Point • Lasuen/Lost Winds • Middles • Old Man’s • Riviera • The Pier • San Onofre State Beach/Lower Trestles • San Onofre State Beach/Upper Trestles 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Trestles; Silver: T Street

BEST SURF BREAK

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Silver Ole

LINDA LANE400 Linda Lane, www.san-clemente.org

So what if it doesn’t have a public restroom? Linda Lane Park is a repeat winner as our ‘Best Place to Take the Kids’ category—and $40,000 in new play equipment is on the way. Linda Lane offers beach access—with a ramp—a grassy area, picnic tables, and a drinking fountain. All that and an ocean view, too. —JV

SAN GORGONIO PARK2916 Via San Gorgonio, www.san-clemente.org

NOMINEES: Calafi a Park • Beach • Forster Ranch Park • Ralph’s Skate Park • La Pata/Vista Hermosa Sports Park • Leslie Park • Liberty Park • Lobo Elementary School • Marblehead Park • Max Berg Park • North Beach Playground • Old Man’s • Parque Del Mar • Rancho San Clemente • Richard T Steed Memorial Park • The San Clemente Beach Trail • Talega Park • Tierra Grande 2009 WINNERS: Gold: Linda Lane; Silver: San Gorgonio Park

BEST PARK TO TAKE THE KIDS

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Silver Ole

SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.8380, www.sanclementegc.com

Another perennial winner in the Ole Awards, it’s as hard for an-other course to knock SC Muni out of the top spot as it is for a weekend duffer to sink a hole-in-one. From the grounds crew to the guys in the starter shack to the city Golf Course Committee, everyone involved deserves one of those polite golf-claps for keeping the city’s 18-hole course in top shape. Oh, and about that hole-in-one; Golf Digest once put the odds for an amateur at 1-in-12,750 shots, while other sources upped them to one in 45,000 attempts. —JV

TALEGA GOLF CLUB990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.6226, www.talegagolfclub.com

NOMINEES: Bella Collina • Shorecliffs Golf Course 2009 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Municipal Golf Course; Silver: Talega Golf Club

BEST GOLF COURSE

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Silver Ole

T STREETFive years of asking residents for San Cle-

mente’s “Best Of,” and fi ve years of listing T Street as “Best Beach.” Great surf, convenient parking, bathrooms and a snack bar all combine to make T Street tops. And with the city rebuilding the iconic pedestrian bridge that gets you there, we expect T Street to remain top of the list, too. —JV

SAN CLEMENTE STATE BEACH/CALAFIA

NOMINEES: 204 Beach • The Pier • Cotton’s Point • Cyprus Shores • Dog Patch • Hole in the Fence • Lasuen/Lost Winds • Linda Lane • North Beach • North Gate • Old Man’s • Palizada • Poche • Riviera • San Onofre State Beach • Trestles 2009 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: San Clemente Pier

BEST BEACH

Golden Ole

Silver Ole

Lower Trestles. Photo by Jeremiah Klein

Linda Lane. Photo by Jasmine Smith

The driving range at Municipal Golf Course. Photo by Jasmine Smith

Documents

San Clemente Times: Best of San Clemente