GETTING OUTDP Times Restaurant SpotlightL’Hirondelle RestaurantPhoto by Angela Smith31631 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.661.0425By Angela SmithMOST POPULAR ITEM: Rack <strong>of</strong> Lamb in a rosemary sauce with potatoes and sautéed vegetablesBEST KNOWN FOR: French/Belgium cuisineSan Juan residents Ali and Lisa Golesorkhi have owned and operated L’Hirondelle for six years, but <strong>the</strong>restaurant has been bringing old world style to <strong>the</strong> neighborhood since 1982. The restaurant, which is Frenchwith a Belgium infusion, greets guests with a bonjour sign at <strong>the</strong> entrance. The décor consists <strong>of</strong> simple whitelinen and red roses on each table with classic Jazz tunes like “You Don’t Know Me” mesmerizing diners. Thecharming patio is brought to life with red umbrellas, flowering red bougainvillea and a fountain adorning <strong>the</strong>delightful ambiance. The insouciant vibe from <strong>the</strong> wait staff is a welcoming and refreshing change from o<strong>the</strong>rstuffy French restaurants. The menu covers classic French dishes, like onion soup, Escargot de Bourgogneor Beef Bourguignon and dessert favorites such as crème brulee or a crepe du jour. The majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> winelist is American and French wine with an occasional gem like a South African Chenin Blanc. Their best deal is<strong>the</strong> Sunday champagne brunch which is $26.95 and includes a salad or soup with choice <strong>of</strong> entrée. To look at acomplete menu or wine list online visit www.lhirondellesjc.com.PRICE RANGE: $4.50-$35.95 PAYMENT: All major credit cards/cash RESERVATIONS: RecommendedHOURS: Monday-Saturday Lunch 11 a.m. -2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Every day Dinner 5 p.m.-closeRATE IT!Have you eatenat this restaurant?Go to www.danapointtimes.comand rate your overall experience.We’ll post <strong>the</strong> results in nextweek’s issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DP Times.Last week online voters gaveRomance Latin Restaurant¼<strong>20</strong>3 North El Camino Real,San Clemente, 949.388.7766(Rated on a scale <strong>of</strong> 1–5 stars)ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: In each issue we’ll highlight universally critical points including “Most Popular Dish,” “Best Known For” and “Price Range.” But most importantly, we’re inviting you to participate eachweek and rate <strong>the</strong> restaurant based on your experiences. Go to www.danapointtimes.com and under “Restaurant Guide” rate it from 1 to 5.monday17tuesday18(Cont. from page 15)forecast: partly cloudy • high: 76° low: 60°MOMMY MOVIE MONDAY10 a.m. Special screening <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> movie “The Time Traveler’sWife” for parents <strong>of</strong> infants at <strong>the</strong> Krikorian, tickets $7.50.641 Camino de los Mares, San Clemente, 949.661.7469,www.kptmovies.com.COMEDY & KARAOKE9 p.m.–1 a.m. The night starts with live comedy and continueswith karaoke at 11 p.m. at Hennessey’s Tavern. No cover.34111 La Plaza, Dana Point, 949.488.0121,www.hennesseystavern.com.POUL PEDERSEN7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Eclectic rock at Renaissance. 24701 DelPrado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003, www.renaissance-danapoint.com.VILLAS & VERANDAS EXHIBIT10 a.m.–5 p.m. The 5th annual “Our Land, Our People, Our Mission”art exhibit is on display in Mission SJC’s Soldiers BarracksGallery. Free with paid admission, $5–$9. 26801 Ortega Hwy.,San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.forecast: sunny • high: 78° low: 61°MIKE DE BELLIS6:30 p.m.–10 p.m. Open Jam Session every Tuesday at BlueDanube. All vocalists and instrumentalists welcome. 111 AvenidaPalizada, San Clemente, 949.218.5186, www..mikedebellis.com,www.bluedanubeoc.com.CRAFT DAY10 a.m.–12 p.m. Mission San Juan Capistrano presents <strong>the</strong> CraftDay for kids. Free with paid admission, $5–$9. 26801 OrtegaHwy., San Juan Capistrano, 949.234.1300, www.missionsjc.com.Page 16 • Dana Point Times • <strong>August</strong> <strong>14</strong>–<strong>20</strong>, <strong>20</strong>09COUNTRY MUSIC & DANCIN’AT OC TAVERN8 p.m. The evening kicks <strong>of</strong>f with country dance lessons with<strong>the</strong> Kelly Boyz; at 9 p.m. live country bands play. Doors open at7:30 p.m., tickets $7. Every Tuesday. 2369 S. El Camino Real,San Clemente, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com.DUSTIN FRANKS8 p.m. Live music at BeachFire. No cover. <strong>20</strong>4 Avenida Del Mar,San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.TRIVIA TUESDAYS6 p.m.–8 p.m. Taylor Lampert Real Estate Services and IronsIn The Fire host Trivia Tuesdays with prizes and an extendedHappy Hour at Irons; open to public. 150 Avenida Magdalena,San Clemente, 949.218.1915, www.ironsin<strong>the</strong>fire.biz.wednesday19forecast: sunny • high: 79° low: 63°DAN LEFLER7:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m. Eclectic rock at Renaissance.24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003,www.renaissance-danapoint.com.BRANDI SMITH & JASON FOSTER6 p.m.–9 p.m. The duo performs tonight and tomorrow nightat Salt Creek Grille. 32802 Pacific Coast Hwy., Dana Point,949.661.7799, www.saltcreekgrille.com.KIDS STORYTIME AT THE CASA10 a.m. Every Wednesday, Casa Romantica holds storytime withinteractive reading for youngsters ages 3 to 5. Free. 415 AvenidaGranada, San Clemente, 949.498.2139, www.casaromantica.org.SAWDUST FESTIVAL10 a.m. The annual summer art festival in Laguna Beach featuresfine arts and crafts from nearly <strong>20</strong>0 local artists, hands-onactivities for children and adults, classes, tours and muchmore. Runs through <strong>August</strong> 30. 935 Laguna Canyon Road,Laguna Beach, 949.494.3030, www.sawdustartfestival..org.ROB ELLER8 p.m. Live at BeachFire, featuring all-night locals happy hourand Well Wednesday drink specials. No cover. <strong>20</strong>4 Avenida DelMar, San Clemente, 949.366.3232, www.beachfire.com.COMEDY NIGHT9:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. Live comedy at Molly Bloom’s Irish Barevery Wednesday night. 2391 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente,949.218.01<strong>20</strong>, www.mollybloomsirishbar.com.LUX WITH DJ BRIAN NOYES9 p.m. Iva Lee’s now features house music Wednesday nights.555 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente, 949.361.2855,www.ivalees.com.thursday<strong>20</strong>forecast: sunny • high: 78° low: 62°CLASSICAL FILM THURSDAYS7:30 p.m. Regency Rancho Niguel Cinemas presents a showing<strong>of</strong> “A Clockwork Orange” as part <strong>of</strong> its classic film summerseries. Every Thursday. Tickets $7. 25471 Rancho Niguel Road,Laguna Niguel, 949.831.0446, www.regencymovies.com.HOT AUGUST NIGHTS8 p.m.–11 p.m. A tribute to Neil Diamond at Renaissance.24701 Del Prado, Dana Point, 949.661.6003,www.renaissance-danapoint.com.ALL-STAR JAM NIGHT8:30 p.m.–12 a.m. Hennessey’s Tavern presents host MartinGerschwitz with guests Keston Barker, Tom Croucier, BryanRosem and “Lou Gramm.” Every Thursday. 34111 La Plaza,Dana Point, 949.488.0121, www.hennesseystavern.com.LADIES NIGHT8 p.m.–12 a.m. Dance <strong>the</strong> night away to current top-40 hits, Latinand R&B music at Brio Tuscany Grille. 24050 Camino del Avion,Suite B, Dana Point, 949.443.<strong>14</strong>76, www.briorestaurant.comUpcoming: Friday, <strong>August</strong> 21SURFING HERITAGE FILM SERIESRainbow Sandals presents <strong>the</strong> surf film “Dear & Yonder” at <strong>the</strong>Surfing Heritage Foundation. Event includes special guests,concessions for purchase, drawings and a VIP option. Generaladmission $10. RSVP necessary. 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente,949.388.0313, www.surfingheritage.org.Upcoming: Friday, <strong>August</strong> 21DP MOVIES IN THE PARK7:30 p.m. The city <strong>of</strong> Dana Point presents a free showing <strong>of</strong> WaltDisney’s “Enchanted” at Lantern Bay Park. Free admissionand popcorn. Refreshments available for purchase. 25111 ParkLantern Road, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.Upcoming: Sunday, <strong>August</strong> 23KARAOKE & THE HIGH C’S5 p.m.–7 p.m. RSVP now for <strong>the</strong> karaoke coastal cruise aboard<strong>the</strong> Dana Pride ship; event features entertainment, wine, lightfare, raffle and live auction. Benefits “Toast to <strong>the</strong> Casa.” Tickets$40; kids free. RSVP by Aug. <strong>14</strong> at 949.498.2139, ext. 10.For our full calendar, visit <strong>the</strong> “Event Calendar”at www.danapointtimes.com.Have an event?Send your listing to events@danapointtimes.comwww.danapointtimes.com
GETTING OUTThe Great OutdoorsNew Outdoor Education Center <strong>of</strong>fers youth a look at Orange County history and heritageMBy Chris BashawDana Point Timesineshafts and ranch land mightbe a thing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> past in OrangeCounty, but a new center openingnext week will give <strong>the</strong> area’s youth ataste <strong>of</strong> what once was in <strong>the</strong> rolling hills <strong>of</strong>Sou<strong>the</strong>rn California.The Irvine Outdoor Education Center,located in <strong>the</strong> City <strong>of</strong> Orange, presents newopportunities for Orange County youth toreconnect with <strong>the</strong>ir community’s historyand heritage. By providing kids with a vastarea to explore and learn about nature andhistory, <strong>the</strong> center also provides a realitycheck that Orange County wasn’t always<strong>the</strong> concrete jungle <strong>the</strong>y see today.The center is located two miles north<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Oak and Sycamore grove within <strong>the</strong>Irvine Regional Park. Surrounded by hillsfull <strong>of</strong> wild grasses, plants and trees, <strong>the</strong>Center is surprisingly very quiet and peacefulcompared to <strong>the</strong> hustle and bustle we’vebecome accustomed to in Orange County.Youngsters from organizations including<strong>the</strong> Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> America and from <strong>the</strong>public at large in organized camps haveenjoyed <strong>the</strong> center this summer. It will <strong>of</strong>ficiallyopen to <strong>the</strong> public on <strong>August</strong> 22.In his welcoming address for <strong>the</strong> July 28dedication ceremony, Nathan Rosenberg,Chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors for <strong>the</strong>Orange County Council, drew attention tothis aspect.“It is unthinkable that this site is in <strong>the</strong>middle <strong>of</strong> Orange County and not out in <strong>the</strong>wild,” he said.But don’t be fooled into thinking <strong>the</strong>Center is a craftily feigned wilderness createdby <strong>the</strong> likes <strong>of</strong> Disney’s Imagineers.The area is teeming with native wildlifelike Mule deer, Cooper’s hawks, bobcats,mountain lions, and various varieties <strong>of</strong>insects and reptiles.“<strong>As</strong> a girl from Illinois, <strong>the</strong> thought <strong>of</strong>seeing a mountain lion or any o<strong>the</strong>r big catexcites me,” director <strong>of</strong> outdoor educationChristine Kirk said. She reassured that<strong>the</strong>re are methods to ensure that studentswill always be safe and hopefully “gain anappreciation for native wildlife.”With a cost <strong>of</strong> $33 million and an area<strong>of</strong> 210 acres, <strong>the</strong> center serves to teachurban and suburban youth about OrangeCounty’s history and wildlife, and howto conserve <strong>the</strong>ir communities’ natural,aes<strong>the</strong>tic appeals.Each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> eight districts in <strong>the</strong> OrangeCounty Council Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> America wasencouraged to raise $100,000 to help fund<strong>the</strong> facility. The El Camino Real District,which includes <strong>the</strong> cities <strong>of</strong> San Juan Capistrano,Dana Point and San Clemente, was<strong>the</strong> first district to meet <strong>the</strong> goal.In recognition <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> district’s efforts,a trail leading to a hilltop flying a “Don’tTread On Me” flag was named “El CaminoReal.”The center’s educational programs aretaught by individuals with college backgroundsin science, social science, history,and language arts. Everything taught at<strong>the</strong> Center is in agreement with California’seducation requirements and criteria, butby being virtually secluded from urbanhubs, it <strong>of</strong>fers a perspective unchallengedby <strong>the</strong> conventional classroom. In addition,Photo by Chris Bashawa hands-on technique is employed to boostkids’ learning and understanding.“Hands-on education is absolutely <strong>the</strong>best. You can see pictures in a textbook,but if you do what you learn, you willremember it,” said Joyce Easton, a Scouterfor 26 years with <strong>the</strong> Boy Scouts <strong>of</strong> Americain <strong>the</strong> El Camino Real District. She is alsoa retired teacher who developed and rana hands-on science program for a CUSDelementary“Hands-oneducation isabsolutely<strong>the</strong> best.You can seepictures ina textbook,but if youdo what youlearn, you willremember it.”—Joyce Eastonschool in <strong>the</strong>early 80’s.Scout leaderfrom Troop 787and Dana Pointresident JerroldBuggert saidhis troop hasused <strong>the</strong> facilityto train adultsin outdoor skillslike cookingand settingup tents, butdescribes <strong>the</strong>center’s youthprograms as “across between<strong>the</strong> traditionalclassroom and <strong>the</strong> outdoors.”Three main areas, which focus onastronomy, ranching and mining, providekids with knowledge about OrangeCounty’s history and culture.The astronomy camp covers basicastronomy and Orange County’s involvementin <strong>the</strong> aerospace industry. Telescopesaimed at heavenly bodies like Jupiter and<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> lasers contribute to a more fullunderstanding <strong>of</strong> our solar system.The ranch camp discusses OrangeCounty’s long history with agriculture and<strong>the</strong> obstacles that Native Americans, SpanishSettlers, and ranchers had to overcometo cultivate <strong>the</strong> land. Kids will be able tosee rows <strong>of</strong> orange and o<strong>the</strong>r citrus trees,which aren’t as much <strong>of</strong> a prevalent sightas in <strong>the</strong> past, despite being <strong>the</strong> County’snamesake.The <strong>As</strong>tronomy Camp• Features high-powered telescopes thatallow kids to view <strong>the</strong> night sky.• Teaches kids how to interpret <strong>the</strong>irastronomical observations.• Teaches kids about <strong>the</strong> solar system,space travel, and wea<strong>the</strong>r.The Ranch Camp• Features a grove with more than 30varieties <strong>of</strong> citrus-bearing trees.• Agricultural practices and <strong>the</strong> cultures<strong>of</strong> Native Americans, Spanish Settlers, andWestern Ranchers are discussed.• Kids will learn about <strong>the</strong> interactionsbetween humans and <strong>the</strong>ir environment.The Mining Camp• Features a working replica <strong>of</strong> an 1800’smineshaft where kids can safely excavateminerals and geodes.• Kids will learn about geology, platetectonics, and general Earth Science.• The complex interactions <strong>of</strong> living andnon-living things underground, and how <strong>the</strong>yaffect humans are discussed.A simulated 1800’s mine, which has beenawarded <strong>the</strong> <strong>20</strong>09 Tilt-Up Achievementaward by <strong>the</strong> Tilt-Up Concrete <strong>As</strong>sociation,is <strong>the</strong> mining camp’s main feature. Inside,students will learn about geology and miningby being able to crack open geodes andexcavate minerals.O<strong>the</strong>r contributing elements to <strong>the</strong>center’s appeal include archery and BB gunranges, a Challenging Outdoor PersonalExperience (COPE) course, aquatics center,nature center and an amphi<strong>the</strong>atre. Ofcourse, it wouldn’t be run by <strong>the</strong> Boy Scouts<strong>of</strong> America if it didn’t have miles <strong>of</strong> hikingtrails and camping areas.Campmaster Corps volunteer Teresa Tanner,who is also <strong>the</strong> advancement chair forSan Juan Capistrano’s Troop 724, acknowledged<strong>the</strong>re are various Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Californiavenues that provide amusement for children,but said “Only <strong>the</strong> Outdoor Education Centeris able to bring California’s history to life.”She emphasized that kids can experiencewhat it was like to be a miner or go to anobservatory without having to travel <strong>the</strong>whole state.Her son was thrilled with <strong>the</strong> center andat one time asked, “Mom, who are <strong>the</strong> goodpeople who built this place?” She said hegot his answer when <strong>the</strong> sponsors wererecognized.Although some donors wish to remainanonymous, o<strong>the</strong>rs like <strong>the</strong> San ClementebasedSouth Orange County Gem andMineral Society publically contributed to <strong>the</strong>cause.The society donated 500 lbs. <strong>of</strong> minerals,fossils, and rocks to <strong>the</strong> center’s miningcamp, which teaches kids about geology andmining. “We’ve been around since 1962 andour purpose is to stimulate interest in Earthscience,” said director Kirk Kegel, who isalso a fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two boys involved with DanaPoint’s Sea Scouts.The Outdoor Education Center is open toall youth groups and organizations like <strong>the</strong>YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Big Bro<strong>the</strong>rsand Big Sisters, but invites schools andchurch groups to visit as well.“Our staff saw <strong>the</strong> facility and was veryimpressed with it,” said James Littlejohn,executive director for <strong>the</strong> Boys and GirlsClub <strong>of</strong> San Juan Capistrano, “we plan onvisiting it soon.”The area that is now <strong>the</strong> Irvine RegionalPark and Outdoor Education Center was primarilypopulated by Native Americans until<strong>the</strong> Spanish arrived in 1769. Later, <strong>the</strong> YorbaLinda family took possession and used <strong>the</strong>vicinity for two separate ranches, which werebought by James Irvine in 1866.In 1897, James Irvine II donated 160 acres<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> property to <strong>the</strong> County <strong>of</strong> Orange tocreate <strong>the</strong> first County Regional Park. Thedonation was <strong>of</strong>ficially renamed “IrvinePark” in 1929.When <strong>the</strong> Spanish-American War brokeout in <strong>the</strong> summer <strong>of</strong> 1898, <strong>the</strong> NationalGuard used <strong>the</strong> land for training exercisesand did so again in 1917 when <strong>the</strong> UnitedStates joined <strong>the</strong> Allies during World War I.In 1935 James Irvine II leased 30 acres to<strong>the</strong> Orange County Council for a Boy Scoutcamp. “Camp Irvine” was used for camporees,training, Courts <strong>of</strong> Honor and o<strong>the</strong>revents. However, this was short lived as <strong>the</strong>Army took over <strong>the</strong> entire area during WorldWar II. It was renamed “Camp Rathke” afteran Orange County soldier who lost his lifeduring a training exercise. After <strong>the</strong> war, <strong>the</strong>Boy Scouts renewed <strong>the</strong>ir lease and hosted asummer camp for a few years before finallyreturning <strong>the</strong> land to <strong>the</strong> Irvine Company.Today <strong>the</strong> area has again been set aside,but this time to create a facility that is opento all youth groups and schools, to help kidsexperience and gain appreciation for OrangeCounty’s rich heritage and wildlife. DPON THE WEB: www.outdooreducationcenter.org.www.danapointtimes.com <strong>August</strong> <strong>14</strong>–<strong>20</strong>, <strong>20</strong>09 • Dana Point Times • Page 17
Change language