The Capistrano Dispatch-Best of 2011

A hearty congratulations to this year’s winners of The Capistrano Dispatch’s 5th Annual Golden Horseshoe Awards. In 2011, it was the best of times and the worst of times for businesses that keep our historic town moving along. While the economy continued to recover, companies and their employees hunkered down and some, sadly, didn’t make it. This just gives us all the more reason to salute — and patronize — the ones who survived, not by taking shortcuts but by streamlining their business and continuing to earn our business with everything from good prices to great attitudes. With our hectic schedules fi lled with school, work and play, we often take for granted the folks who make our lives a little easier. They groom our dogs and care for our horses. They clean our work shirts and help us keep our fi tness routines. They keep our bellies—and our glasses—fi lled and put smiles on our faces. So cheers to all the winners and the hundreds of nominees. — Jonathan Volzke

Family Classic Cars Service Manager Glen McDorman says good listening skills are just as important as good mechanics. The shop took gold in the “Best Customer Service” category. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

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BEST DESSERT

Cedar Creek Inn26860 Ortega Hwy., 949.240.2229

Cedar Creek Inn takes the gold in this cat-egory every year. The restaurant’s dessert menu offers unique fl air on traditional fa-vorites such as a Lemon Tart with Raspberry Sauce, Warm Toll House Pie and Warm Bread Pudding. Dinner’s great a Cedar Creek Inn but save room for dessert, always.

Marie Callenders31791 Del Obispo St., 949.661.5977

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Baskin Robbins • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • The Dutch Bakery • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Frio • Golden Spoon • Hidden House Café • L’Hirondelle • • Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen • Panera Bread • Rite Aid ice cream • Ruby’s • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Sim-ply Fondue • Sundried Tomato Café • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

BEST AMBIANCE


Whether a warm evening or a cold night, Cedar Creek Inn’s the place to go. Inside


NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers • Ciao Pasta • Denny’s • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Maguey • Jack in the Box • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • NYC Café • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatre • Ruby’s • Sar-ducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Simply Fondue • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Sundried Tomato Café

BEST DINNER

Sundried Tomato Café 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

Rob Quest and his crew at Sundried knocked Cedar Creek Inn out of the top spot this year, earning the gold with a combination of great food backed up with great service. Sundried Tomato expanded in recent months, adding more tables for al fresco dining and now can even handle large parties on the lower patio.


NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Ballpark Pizza • Barth’s • Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Maguey • KFC • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • NYC Café • Oeeshi Japanese Grill • Ricardo’s Place • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

and Al Shan says the secret to his restau-rant is making everything fresh. We like the Italian sausage sandwich, but you won’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

The Bagel Shack31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Arby’s • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bistro 311 • Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • The Dutch Bakery • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Campeon • El Maguey • El Molino del Oro • Hidden House Coffee • Hot Lunch Lady • Humingbird House Café • L’Hirondelle • Marie Callenders • Mollies Famous Café • Oeeshi Japanese Grill • Panera Bread • Pedro’s Tacos • Ra-mos House Café • Rick’s Café at Regency Theatre • Ricardo’s Place • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • Sundried Tomato Café • Thai One Juan • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hot Lunch Lady

BEST APPETIZERS

Sundried Tomato Café 31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

The Sundried Tomato soup has been a signature appetizer for the Franciscan Plaza restaurant since it opened, and is a repeat Golden Horseshoe winner. It’s so good you’ll be tempted to ignore the other offerings on the menu, but then you’d be missing the Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls and the Panko Crusted Crispy Asparagus—all in the coolest bar in town.

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BEST BREAKFAST

Mollies Famous Café32033 Camino Capistrano, 949.240.9261

Georgia Kelley and her crew make Mollies a perennial winner in this category. Mollies captures Capistrano’s small-town feel with a diner that serves big portions with low prices—all in a no-frills setting where you can fi nd anyone from your neighbor to the Mayor enjoying a meal. Our favorite: The homemade scramble, a special on Fridays.

Bagel Shack 31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Bravo Burgers • Cedar Creek Inn • Del Taco • Denny’s • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • Las Golondrinas • NewStart Nutrition • Panera Bread • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot Capistrano Depot • The The Vintage Steakhouse • Walnut Grove LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mollies

BEST LUNCH

NYC Café31888 Plaza Drive, 949.234.0071

NYC Café is an unassuming little spot tucked in a strip mall that offers a menu boasting everything from pizza to gyros. The restau-rant has been family owned for a decade,

Dining

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Comfort food: Tomato soup and grilled-cheese sandwich at Sundried Tomato Café. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Owner Al Shan behind the counter at NYC Café, which took gold in best lunch and best pizza this year. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

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offers a fi re-toasted lounge and dining room that fi ts a rustic inn style – complete with a tree growing through it – while the patio of-fers a view of the old Mission and oversized fi replace.

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Coffee • L’Hirondelle • Marbella Country Club • NYC Café • Ramos House • Simply Fondue • Sundried Tomato Café • Swallow’s Inn • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hummingbird House Café

BEST OUTDOOR PATIO

Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot

26701 Verdugo St., 949.493.9593

Long our favorite spot on a summer morning or warm evening, the Sarducci’s patio is the perfect Capistrano spot: In the heart of the downtown and alongside the railroad tracks that helped the town thrive throughout his-tory. The Sarducci’s patio is a place where you’re sure to see a friend, and can just sit back and watch people stroll through down-town and the trains rumble by.

Ciao Pasta31661 Camino Capistrano, 949.496.5002

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • El Adobe de Capistrano • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • L’Hriondelle • Ramos House Café • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatres • Ruby’s • Sundried Tomato Café LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Cedar Creek Inn

BEST CUP OF COFFEE

Starbucks32341 Camino Capist-rano, 949.248.1598; 27211

Ortega Hwy., 949.661.5801; 32022 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.4809

Each of the three Starbucks in town—across from the Mission, at Ortega and Rancho Viejo Road and in the carwash plaza—has its own vibe and crowd of loyal regulars, but they all have the same great coffee and service.

The Bagel Shack31876 Del Obispo St., #1, 949.488.8023

NOMINEES: Bravo Burgers • Café Mozart • Ciao Pasta • Denny’s • Hidden House Coffee • Hummingbird House Café • Marbella Farmer’s Market • Marie Callenders • McDonalds • Mollies Famous Cafe • Panera Bread • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Course • The Dutch Bakery LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Hidden House Coffee

BEST TACO

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.403.4941.

Ricardo Beas started his career bussing tables in the building that now houses his signature restaurant, and taking the Golden Horseshoe in the “Best Taco” category in San Juan Capistrano is something to be proud of. Winning it multiple times is something to brag about.

Pedro’s Tacos31721 Camino Capistrano, 949.489.7752.

NOMINEES: Agustin Mexican Food • Del Taco • El Adobe de Capistrano • El Molino del Oro • El Campeon • El Maguey • Los Golondrinas • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Swallow’s Inn LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST SALSA

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.403.4941.

Whether it’s the salsa brava with a bit of bite or the cool and chunky combination that servers slide onto your table with a warm basket of chips, Ricardo’s Place continues to take top honors with its salsa. It doesn’t hurt that Ricardo and Rosa Beas are great people active in the community, either.

El Adobe de Capistrano31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

NOMINEES: Agustin Mexican Food • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burger • Del Taco • El Campeon • El Maguey • El Molino • Las Golondrinas Marbella Farmer’s Market • Pedro’s Tacos • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn LAST YEAR’S WIN-NER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST PIZZA

NYC Café31888 Plaza Drive, 949.234.0071

If you’re surprised a place that also serves Greek food is winning best pizza, you haven’t tried it. NYC Café offers the traditional build-your-own selection, but also has more than a dozen specialty pies ranging from the New York Special to a Banana Pizza. And yes, there’s a Greek pie, too.

Z Pizza3241 Camino Capistrano, 949.429.8888

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • The Bagel Shack • Ballpark Pizza • Ciao Pasta • Costco • Dominos • Mr. B’s Pizza Kitchen • Papa John’s • Pizza Hut • Roundtable Pizza • Sundried Tomato Café • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Z Pizza

BEST NIGHTSPOT

Swallows Inn31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188

As long as there’s a Golden Horseshoe Award, you can bet on Swallows Inn taking the Golden Horseshoe for Best Nightspot. A little bit biker, a little bit country, Swallows brings us all together for a beer and a good time. Owner Steve Nordeck and manager Cheryl Krupps have pulled together a great crew to serve that beer, too.

Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

27211 Ortega Highway #C, 949.661.8466

NOMINEES: El Adobe de Capistrano • Bad to the Bone • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • City Hall • The Coach House • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatre • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallow’s Inn

BEST MARGARITA

El Adobe de Capist-rano

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4914

Quality tequila and just the right amount of sweet and sour helped El Adobe wrestle the gold away from Ricardo’s this year. But El Adobe has an advantage, too: You can almost taste the rich history of the place in each drink.

Ricardo’s Place32082 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1163

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • Cedar Creek Inn • El Maguey • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ricardo’s Place

BEST BARTENDER

Fernando at El Adobe de Capistrano

31891 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.4914

Fernando Campuzano is the sort of bartender who not only remembers your name, but what you like to drink, too. And he knows just how to mix it, and ensure your glass doesn’t sit empty. And even when the El Adobe bar is hopping, he always seems to have a mo-ment to see how you’re doing.

Hillary at Bad to the Bone

31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227

NOMINEES: Carmen at Swallows • Joel at Swallows • Mike at Cedar Creek Inn • Molly at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Sam at The Vintage Steakhouse • Trevor at Sundried Tomato Café LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallows Inn

OUR LOCAL CHEERS

Swallow’s Inn31786 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.3188

When Capistrano wants to celebrate, it heads to Swallows. When Capistrano needs to mourn, it heads to Swallows. The people watching is great, and so is exploring the signs and memorabilia on the walls. You can fi nd cowboys, business leaders, bikers,

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Fernando Portillo Campuzano mixing it up at El Adobe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

The Sarducci’s patio in the heart of downtown is a Capistrano favorite. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

regulars and fi rst-timers there, and always a friend.

Bad to the Bone31738 Rancho Viejo Rd, 949.218.0227

NOMINEES: The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • The Coach House • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Coffee • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Sundried Tomato Café • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallow’s Inn

BEST SPOT FOR A GLASS OF WINE


27211 Ortega Highway, #C, 949.661.8466

Tannins has a small bar, with about a dozen

stools, but even as you’re enjoying your fi rst sip of a nice merlot, you’ve made 11 new friends. There’s a regular crowd at Tan-nins, but they’re always open to new faces. The bartenders know their wines, and the restaurant is known for high pours. A good glass of wine with good company makes for a Golden Horseshoe.

Sundried Tomato Café31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Bad to the Bone • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capist-rano • L’Hirondelle • NYC Café • Ruby’s Sky Ranch • Ramos House Café • Rick’s Café at The Regency Theatres • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

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BEST WINE SELECTION


27211 Ortega Highway, #C, 949.661.8466

If you’re going to run a wine bar, you’d better like wine. And Tannins owners Gabriel San-chez and Bryan McKay are “wine people,” Sanchez says. Going to other wine spots, they found shops just wanted to sell high-priced bottles. Tannins offers something for everybody, by the glass, at reasonable prices.

Sundried Tomato Café31781 Camino Capistrano, 949.661.1167

NOMINEES: Aldo’s Sidewalk Caffe • Café Mozart • Cedar Creek Inn • Churchhills • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • L’Hirondelle • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar

BEST SHOPPING PLAZA

Plaza Del Obispo/Marshalls Plaza

31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

Anchored by Marshall’s, Del Obispo Plaza offers a bit of everything from the depart-ment store to Thai Juan On to Mission Jew-elers. Owner Gretchen Stroscher Thomson, a member of a longtime Capistrano family, didn’t have to go far when she added a new favorite: her daughter, Melissa, opened The Ceramics Studio there, where you can paint ceramics or play with clay.

Marbella Plaza31115 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.859.6012

NOMINEES: Costco • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Downtown • El Adobe de Capistrano • Big Lots/Ross • Fran-ciscan • Los Rios Street • Ralphs • Vermuelen’s Plaza • Rancho Ortega Plaza LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plaza Del Obispo

BEST HAIR SALON

Charisma Beauty32301 Camino Capistrano #F, 949.240.1200

Another repeat winner in a tough category, Charisma Beauty offers the traditional haircuts and coloring, as well as an adjacent shop with hair products and supplies. After 15 years in the community, owner Sherry Behzadi also knows customers like a friendly, chatty staff, too.

Curtis Michael Salon31882 Del Obispo St. #150, 949.240.9240

NOMINEES: Bella Moda Salon • Brush Salon • Daniel Michael Salon • Resurrected/London Hair Studio • San Juan Hair Station • Sage • Southwest Barbers • Silver Shears • Vincent Michael Salon • W Salon LAS T YEAR’S WINNER: Charisma Beauty

NOMINEES:Creek Inn • Churchhills • Ciao Pasta • El Adobe de Capistrano • L’Hirondelle • San Juan Hills Golf Course • Swallow’s Inn • Thai Juan On • The Vintage Steakhouse • Vito’s Pizza YEAR’S WINNER:

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Jespah Clanton and Ursula Cassinelli in the wine cellar at Tannins. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Plaza Del Obispo added Panera Bread this year and brought home another Golden Horseshoe. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

BEST FITNESS SPA

24 Hour Fitness27131 Calle Arroyo, 949.489.9000

We were in the Laguna Niguel 24 Hour Fit-ness once when we overheard two women talking on the treadmill. One told the other she liked the Capistrano gym better, because Niguel’s had “too much silicone.” San Juan Capistrano’s gym is nothing fl ashy, just a good workout in a clean facility.

Seafi t Studio31654 Rancho Viejo Rd., 949.388.0002

NOMINEES: Curves • Massage Associates • SJC Pilates LAST YEAR’S WINNER: 24 Hour Fitness

BEST MANICURE

Happy Nails & Spa32301 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.6888

Happy Nails is a new gold fi nisher in this category, and good service at good prices seems to the be winning combination. Manager Tracy Huynh says the key is making sure manicurists know what the customer wants, then delivering. The shop has been in its Camino Capistrano location for more than 15 years, which doesn’t hurt either.

Color Nails and Spa31876 Del Obispo St. #4, 949.443.0125

NOMINEES: Bella Moda Salon • Curtis Michael • Debra’s Nails • Lily Nails • Lovely Nails • Merlin Skin Care • Natural Nail Clinic LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Color Nails and Spa

BEST CAR REPAIR

Star Motors32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946

Chris and Knuth and Emma Silvera know it’s a cliché to say they provide Nordstrom-style service, so they just let their good work, day in and day out, do the talking for them. The engaged couple purchased Star Motors more than three years ago, and the upgrades continue: They’ve expanded the shop and require every employee—from the ever-friendly receptionist to the service technicians—to complete continuing educa-tion every year. All that and the shop, which donates to charities when people “like” them on Facebook, services all makes and models, with a European specialty.

Family Classic Cars33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777

NOMINEES: Avery Automotive • British 4x4 • Brother’s Auto • CAARS • Camino Auto Imports • Capistrano Ford • Goodyear/Capistrano Tire • Capistrano Toyota • Capistrano Transmis-sion • Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano Chevron • Franks Auto and Transmission • German Imports • Weseloh Honda LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Family Classic Cars

BEST DRY CLEANER

Polo Cleaners31105 Rancho Viejo Rd. Ste. C11, 949.496.7354

Dan Newell has the Golden Horseshoe in this category locked up. Providing quality service with an on-site tailor, Polo is open every day and even offers pick up and drop off, too.

Ortega Cleaners27184 Ortega Hwy., 949.3405

NOMINEES: Express Cleaners • Mission Village Cleaners • San Juan Cleaners • Shine Cleaners • Town & Country • Village Cleaners LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Polo Cleaners

BEST JEWELRY STORE

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo St. #C3, 949.493.3632

Abby Khan was born in South Africa and learned his craft from fi ne jewelers around the world before settling into Capistrano about seven years ago. Visitors to his his Vermuelen’s Plaza shop fi nd him at the work bench in the shop, designing pieces that have been worn by everybody from Rick Dees to Cher—and your neighbors.

Zia Jewelry31761 Camino Capistrano, 949.493.1322

NOMINEES: Chico’s • Mission Jewelers • Monaco Jewelers • Ortega Trading Post LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

BEST CLOTHING

Marshalls31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

If you’re surprised Marshall’s can win the Golden Horseshoe for ‘Best Clothing,” you haven’t been in there. The commercials promise designer goods for less, and the store delivers. You might have to browse around to fi nd what you’re looking for it, but the prices are worth it.

Blue Eyed Girl31103 Rancho Viejo Rd. #D4, 949.420.1361

NOMINEES: American Horse Products • Blue Echo • Chico’s • Children’s Orchard • Inspiration Boutique • Milie • Ortega Tack and Feed • Oh La La • Ross Dress for Less • The Antique Barn • The Black Cat Gallery • The Carved Horse LAST YEAR’S WIN-NER: The Carved Horse

BEST HOME DÉCOR

Whim31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600

Whim owners Eric Guenther and Daviell Maldonado search near and far for the products in their Camino Capistrano store, and wandering through each of the rooms feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of a design magazine. From large furniture to that perfect fi nishing touch, Whim has it all.

Marshalls31878 Del Obispo St., 949.240.2711

NOMINEES: The Antique Barn • Big Lots • Costco • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • A Touch of Elegance • Plant Depot • Renaissance • The Ceramics Studio • Two Doors Down LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Whim

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NOMINEES: CAARS • Camino Auto Imports • Capistrano Ford • Goodyear/Capistrano Tire • Capistrano Toyota • Capistrano Transmis-sion • Del Obispo/Camino Capistrano Chevron • Franks Auto and Transmission • German Imports • Weseloh HondaYEAR’S WINNER:

Marshalls in Del Obispo Plaza not only won gold for best clothing, but silver for best home décor, too. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Chris Knuth and Emma Silvera in the award-winning shop at Star Motors. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

BEST ART OR FRAMING SHOP

Plaza Art Gallery32382 Del Obispo St., #C1, 949.493.1950

Ted Rosenfeldt complains we keep writing the same thing about his shop, but in our defense, his Plaza Art Gallery in Vermuelen’s Plaza wins every year. A great selection and his attention to detail make Rosenfeldt the Golden Horseshoe winner again this year…wonder if he’ll frame it?

The Ceramics Studio31878 Del Obispo St., 949.412.9241.

NOMINEES: Black Cat Gallery • Mission Art • San Juan Photo & Digital • Villas and Verandas • Whim LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plaza Art Gallery

BEST NURSERY

Plant Depot33413 San Juan Creek Rd., 949.240.2107

It says something that a town as small as Capistrano has four nurseries, and they’re all good. So it says even more that Plant

• Buy My Bikes • Camino Import Auto Service • Carved Horse • Charisma Salon • Chico’s • Children’s Orchard • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Color Nail and Spa • Costco • F&M Bank • Hidden House Café • Independence Bank • Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge • L’Hirondelle • Marbella Farmers Market • San Juan Photo & Digital • NYC Café • Plant Depot • Polo Cleaners • Regency Theatre • Ricardo’s • Ruby’s • San Juan Hills Golf Club • The Bagel Shack • The Antique Barn • The Ceramics Studio • The Hot Lunch Lady • Mission San Juan Capistrano • Two Doors Down • Vons LAST YEAR’S WINNER: DeNault’s True Value Hardware

BEST FLOWERS

Mother Earth32158 Camino Capistrano #105, 949.493.4400

Amir Zagar and business partner Masoud Badie emphasize customer service and sup-porting local charities in their business plan for Mother Earth Flowers. Support the com-munity, Zagar says, and the community will support you. In this case, it’s with another Golden Horseshoe. Twenty-fi ve years’ expe-rience doesn’t hurt either.

Panage31876 Del Obispo, 949.661.1858

NOMINEES: Costco • Farmer’s Market • Flowers by Lisa • Vons • Lilacs and Lace • Mission Flowers LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mother Earth

BEST SPOT FOR THAT ‘PERFECT GIFT’

Whim31831 Camino Capistrano, 949.388.9600

Two things you know when you shop at Whim for that perfect gift: You’ll fi nd some-thing the recipient doesn’t have, and you’ll fi nd something the recipient will be proud to own. Whim wins this category regularly, and one trip through the store tells you why. From glassware to the perfect accent, it’s nice when fi nding the perfect gift really means picking from among the options.

Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design

32382 Del Obispo St. #C3, 949.493.3632

NOMINEES: The Antique Barn • Big Lots • Capo Smoke Shop • Cottage Home and Garden • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Family Classic Cars • Marshall’s • Millie • Ortega Tack and Feed • Plant Depot • Paper Annex • Ross Dress for Less • The Ceramic Studio • The Cottage • The Gift Goddess • Two Doors Down • Villas and Verandas LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Whim

BEST VET

Ortega Animal Care27341 Ortega Highway, 949.487.7600

Ortega Animal Care hasn’t been all that long, especially by Capistrano standards, but Dr. Deborah Adams and the staff have set a new gold standard with a second consecutive Golden Horseshoe. Ortega offers veterinar-ian care, grooming, boarding and even doggie play groups.

San Juan Animal Hospital/Dr. Mannix

32391 San Juan Creek Rd., 949.493.1147

NOMINEES: Banfi eld • Pet Hospital • Dr. Secor • Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ortega Animal Care

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE

Family Classic Cars33033 Camino Capistrano, 949.276.7777

Family Classic Cars Service Manager Glen McDorman knows that people can be upset when they bring their vehicle in for service, especially if it’s a classic. So McDorman and his crew fi nd their inspiration for customer service in the business name: They treat them like family. Being sympathetic and accommodating, while also providing great repair service at a great price, is the key, McDorman says.

Star Motors32959 Calle Perfecto, 949.443.1946

NOMINEES: Abby’s Fine Jewelry Design • American Horse Products • Bad to the Bone • The Bagel Shack • Bravo Burgers

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Amir Zagar of Mother Earth Flowers. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

Dr. Deborah Adams opened the Ortega Animal Care just over three years ago, and it’s quickly become a local favorite. Photo by Jonathan Volzke

lunch. We also suspect it took gold this year because it’s home to the Camino Real Play-house’s summer Shakespeare Festival, where playgoers picnic.

Los Rios Park

NOMINEES: Casper’s Regional Park • Descanso Park • Mission grounds • Staging Area in Northwest Open Space • Shakespeare Festival LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Casper’s Regional Park

BEST HISTORICAL SPOT

Mission San Juan Capistrano

26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

Whether you go there for one of the great Music Under the Stars Concerts or to pray in Serra Chapel—the last building standing where Father Serra said Mass—the Mission fi nds a way to showcase Capistrano’s rich history for everyone.

Los Rios DistrictLos Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street

NOMINEES: Hidden House Coffee • Little Hollywood Old Train Station • Los Rios District • Mission Parish Church • Montanez Adobe • O’Neill Museum LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST CAPISTRANO TRADITION

Swallows Day Paradewww.swallowsparade.com

The swallows put Capistrano on the map, but these days we see more visitors for the Swal-lows Day Parade than we do birds. That’s

Capistrano’s favorite park. A runner up for Best Picnic Spot, Los Rios Park offers a quiet spot for lunch, a place for the kids to play and a walk through Capistrano’s history.

Cook Park28202 Calle Arroyo

NOMINEES: Four Oaks Park • Casper’s Regional Park • His-toric Town Center Park • Mission Bell Park • Sports Park LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Los Rios Park

BEST STABLE

Ortega Equestrian Center

27252 Calle Arroyo, 949.661.3130

Kathy Holman and her crew continue to do more than their part to hold onto Capist-rano’s equestrian tradition. While many of the stables in town are English-riding spots, Ortega remains western. That, and Holman’s ties to the community, are the reasons OEC riders open the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo every year.

Sycamore Trails Stables26282 Oso Road, 949.661.1755

NOMINEES: Mission Trails • Rancho Sierra Vista • J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center • Tar Farms LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Ortega Equestrian Center

BEST PICNIC SPOT

Historic Town Center Park

Probably best known as the spot where Capistrano gathers for Summer Nites Con-certs or the Annual Tree Lighting, Historic Town Center Park also offers a couple of tree-shaded tables perfect for an outdoor

Depot is a perennial winner of this category. Plant Depot just has it all: a large selection of everything from trees to herbs, ground covering and pottery, gardening supplies and a friendly staff that knows its stuff.

Armstrong Garden Centers

32382 Del Obispo St., 949.661.6666

NOMINEES: Ito Nursery • Tree of Life Nursery LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Plant Depot

BEST TRAIL

Patriot’s (Flag on the Hill) Trail

Created by the community, supported by Eagle Scouts Ryan and Kyle Pickell, the Flag on the Hill Trail is a good family hike that offers a bit of a challenge but rewards those who reach the fl agpole with incredible views of the Dana Point shoreline and Capistrano.

San Juan Creek Trail

NOMINEES: Creek Trail To The Beach • Las Ramblas • Pep-pertree • Whispering Hills Trail LAST YEAR’S WINNER: San Juan Creek Trail

BEST PARK

Los Rios ParkPaseo Adelanto north of Del Obispo Street

The city’s newest park, a stone’s throw from Capistrano’s downtown, proves again to be

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OK, though, El Presidente Steve Weekes and his volunteer Fiesta Associate put on a great show. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use a little help, though. Check out the website for volunteer opportunities.


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

NOMINEES: Christmas at the Mission • Holiday Tree Lighting • Mission Bells on Sunday • Playhouse Melodrama • Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Swallows Day Parade

BEST PLACE TO SPOT THE SWALLOWS


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

There’s no doubt the number of swallows returning to the Mission has declined over the years—other tall buildings in the area at-tract the birds now—but the Mission honors the tradition well and even brings out a renown swallows expert to let us get to know our winged visitors a bit better. Besides, the students who dress up as swallows for the Mission’s St. Joseph’s Day Celebration are cute enough for us.

San Juan Creek

NOMINEES: Bridge at San Juan Creek • Camino Capistrano and Del Obispo • Downtown • La Novia Bridge • Little Hol-lywood • Marbella Golf Course • Near the Train Depot • Zo-omars LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST EXAMPLE OF ‘PRESERVING THE PAST

TO ENHANCE THE FUTURE’


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

At more than 235 years old, Mission San Juan Capistrano keeps getting better. Execu-tive Director Mechelle Adams, her staff and

History &Heritage

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The fountain of the interior courtyard at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Not just one of our favorite spots, but one of Capistrano’s too. Staff photo

Mission supporters keep a focus on history with changing museum-quality exhibits. The new gatehouse, under construction now, promises to add to the legacy.

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society31831 Los Rios St., 949.493.8444

NOMINEES: Adobes • Blas Aguilar Adobe • Family Classic Cars • Swallow’s Inn • Train Depot • Open Space LAST YEAR’S WINNER: Mission San Juan Capistrano

BEST REASON TO LIVE IN SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The People

If you looked at a list of the 400-plus cities in California, Capistrano’s population would actually rank it near the middle. But it never feels like it. When we set aside the argu-ments over growth and politics, we all know Capistrano’s a special place that attracts special people.

Small Town Atmosphere

NOMINEES: Beauty • Climate • Downtown • Equestrian Life-style • History • Mission SJC • Old Town Feel/Ambiance LAST YEAR’S WINNER: The People

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT OF TOWNERS


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

Beautiful grounds, Capistrano’s history show-cased and that self-guided audio tour make the Mission the natural choice.

Los Rios DistrictLos Rios Street, north of Del Obispo Street

NOMINEES: Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • Los Rios Street • Café Mozart • Camino Real Playhouse • Cedar Creek Inn • Christmas Tree Lighting • El Adobe de Capistrano • Family Classic Cars • Hidden House Café • Ortega Equestrian Center • Ramos House Café • Ricardo’s Place • Regency Theatre • Ruby’s • Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot • Shea Therapeutic Rid-ing Center • Swallow’s Inn • Tannins Restaurant and Wine Bar • The Antique Barn • The Black Cat Gallery • The Oaks • Depot Area • The Vintage Steakhouse

BEST PLACE TO TAKE CHILDREN

ZOOMARS Petting Zoo

31791 Los Rios St., 949.831.6550

Carolyn Franks runs a western wonderland for kids at the edge of the Historic Los Rios District: Pony rides, the bunny pen, parties and now even panning for gold. A great place to let kids be kids, for about the same price as a cup of java.


26802 Ortega Hwy., 949.234.1300

NOMINEES: Ballpark Pizza • Bagel Shack • Family Classic Cars • Los Rios Park • Mission San Juan Capistrano • Ortega Equestrian Center • Pond at Plant Depot • Ruby’s • The Ce-ramics Studio • The Hot Lunch Lady LAST YEAR’S WINNER: ZOOMARS Petting Zoo


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Mission supporters keep a focus on history with changing museum-quality exhibits. The

Showing Off Carolyn Franks, with one of the star attractions at ZOOMARS Petting Zoo in the Los Rios District. Courtesy Photo

Documents

The Capistrano Dispatch-Best of 2011