April 2012

Cover Story
Top 10 Restaurants
Dramatic debuts, chef shuffles, and invigorating remakes add up to memorable dining in O.C. in 2012—and difficult choices for our annual Top 10. We’ve included tempting extras to fill your calendar and satisfy your appetite. Registered Orange Coast Insiders can read our accompanying list of memorable lunch spots here. To order a digital copy of the April issue with the full feature, click here!
by Gretchen Kurz

Features 
My Imported Bride
He knows what you’re thinking: An older O.C. divorcé who finds a young Filipina on the Internet, brings her to the U.S., and makes her his wife? He doesn’t blame you for judging. But he also wants you to know you’re wrong. You can read it here. To order a print or digital copy of the April issue, click here!
by David Haldane

Perfect Harmony
A couple transform their 1959 Corona del Mar home into a restorative retreat. To see the full feature with photos, subscribe or order a digital copy of our April issue here!
by Barbara Thornburg / Photos by John Ellis

Second Act

With “Tickled Pink,” funny lady Rita Rudner has turned serious playwright. But can she put down artistic roots in O.C. after years of standup in Vegas? To see the full feature with its extraordinary photo of Rudner, subscribe or order a digital copy of the April issue here!
by Evan Henerson

Zoom! 
Chapman University’s American celebration gala
Society Editor Gloria Zigner’s monthly recap of the county’s charity events, including the university’s “Reflections: A Hundred and Fifty Years,” which netted $2.1 million and marked both the school’s founding in 1861 and the 20^th year of Jim Doti’s presidency. 

Guide
Bridal Boutiques INSIDERS ONLY!
Nine places at South Coast Collection that might save a lot of driving before you walk down the aisle.
>> Online Only Browse past Guides

Coast Lines
The Neighborhoods page explores the quiet charm of Los Alamitos. The O.C. Answer Man explains the Santa Ana Zoo’s monkey clause. In Books, we review “Detroit: A Biography” by Irvine resident and Orange Coast contributor Scott Martelle. Learn the Trade Secrets of Orange County’s longest-serving letter carrier, and, in Quotes, hear why champion Olympic swimmer Janet Evans of Laguna Beach is back in the pool at age 40. The Perfect Getaway travel story takes you to Prescott, Ariz., and we examine the unusual sibling rivalry between entrepreneurial hotties Casey and Doug Reinhardt. Our On the Market page features four local homes with orchards, and we highlight seven don’t-miss April happenings on our Events page.

O.C. Style
Muster some luster with iridescent pieces, including a twinkly red dress from BCBG, a watery sequin top from Dries Van Noten, and a lambskin leather skirt with metallic trim from Theyskens’ Theory. Plus, meet swimwear Tastemaker Amanda Chinchelli Greer of Seea, and find out how apparel retailer Mike Hill plans to share the proceeds from his AoSA Project store in Huntington Harbour Mall.

Departments

Drive Drive-In Theater: In a place where daily dramas unfold inside automobiles, why shouldn’t art imitate life?

Rituals Best Day at the Beach: Nothing says “Life!” to a challenged child like a cold wave to the face 

Columns
Land’s End An April uprising 20 years ago changed everything forever. And then it didn’t.

Editor’s Letter The Kitchen Royalty

Artist Spotlight “Eduardo,” by Santa Ana artist Antoine Saba, whose work is displayed in a Studio Gallery-curated show at Bistango restaurant in Irvine. To see previous Artist Spotlight features, click here.
>> Online Only Click here to see an online gallery of other Saba’s works, as well as our comprehensive events listings that will guide you to the month’s best in local arts and entertainment.

Dining
Main Course Tamarind of London in Newport Beach

Nibbles & Bits News and notes from the local foodie scene, including a Three’s a Trend feature about food truck chefs who have put down roots in O.C. Also, Lucky Habanero salsas from Linda Saenz of Yorba Linda, and a South Coast Plaza appearance by Giada De Laurentis.

>> Online Only Our authoritative, expanded, and searchable dining listings  

To purchase a digital copy of this issue click here.