By Jody Robinson There’s a particular kind of evening that lingers long after the last bite – when service feels intuitive, the room hums just enough, and each course seems to arrive with purpose. That was my experience dining at ILYA, San Clemente’s newest Mediterranean destination from acclaimed chef and
A Toast to Timeless Charm and Culinary Creativity By Jody Robinson Stroll down Old Mission Road on a golden SoCal afternoon and there it is: a place where historic allure dances with modern flair, where oak-shaded patios beckon and the mission bells faintly echo in the distance. Nestled directly across
When a family-owned restaurant earns a top spot on the Orange County Register’s list of “Best Mexican Restaurants,” it’s more than just recognition—it’s a reflection of years of passion, consistency, and community connection. Recently named third best Mexican restaurant in Orange County, Ricardo’s Place in San Juan Capistrano continues to
The Ideal Family End-of-Summer Staycation As the final weeks of summer was approaching and the new school year drawing near, I began searching for one last family getaway – an opportunity to savor sunshine, adventure, and togetherness before our son heads off to college and our daughter starts her sophomore
Pokeworks Laguna Niguel Debuts Signature Drinks and Fan-Favorite Bowls All it takes for me to earn “super cool mom” cred is to offer to take my teens to Pokeworks in Laguna Niguel. My 18-year-old son fancies himself a health-conscious foodie and flavor seeker and always leans toward seafood when given
Creative Cuisine Highlighting the Bounty of the Pacific Coast My husband and I fancy ourselves fledgling foodies and oenophiles. A favored pastime? Enjoying inventive cuisine and a great glass of wine with good friends – sharing diverse dishes and exchanging tasting notes adds a layer of fun and discovery that
An Elevated, Modern Approach to Italian Cuisine Italian tops our family’s list of favored cuisine in part because there is generally something to appeal to each member’s diverse palate. My husband, Tim, is our resident meat eater and our daughter often opts for vegetarian dishes while our teenage son and
The Crack Shack and Pepper Lunch put a fresh spin on casual dining in the OC Quick, quality cuisine. Inventive dishes and experiential dining in an informal, welcoming setting. What’s not to love? Two of my recent favorite finds are a pair of diverse – but equally delicious – fast
Premium Luxury Bar and Casual Restaurant Date nights and family outings often include two of my favorite past times – dining out and going to the movies. With the opening of Scripted Bar & Kitchen (located inside the MetroLux Theatres in the Outlets at San Clemente), combining both for a
A Tropical Paradise in Mexico’s Riviera Maya There is an unknown canyon that yawns wide for parents when it comes to booking a family vacation. You either get a family-fun plan, replete with bright colors, cartoons on repeat, and too many chicken nuggets to count. Or you get an adult
