Food + Beverage

Storytelling Through Fine Dining

Elevated Indian traditions meet coastal dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Article by Paige Candee | Photography by Noah McPherson   Perched along the scenic coastline at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Kahani is reshaping how guests experience elevated Indian gastronomy within California’s luxury dining space. Translating to "story" in Hindi, Kahani offers a contemporary interpretation of Indian fine dining—one that honors centuries of rich culinary heritage while seamlessly...

Food + Beverage

Baked to Perfection

How Tatiana Friderici is growing a Mission Viejo neighborhood staple into its next chapter Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Autumn Ricketts In a food culture increasingly shaped by speed and convenience, The Empanada Maker has chosen to do things differently. The appeal is in the detail: thoughtfully prepared food, familiar flavors and a commitment to getting it right. Since opening in Mission Viejo in 2013, the Southern California favorite has earned a devoted following for its...

Food + Beverage

Styled & Served

Stepping into Weeda Aman's world of catering experiences centered on genuine connection Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Autumn Ricketts There’s a moment before guests take their first bite when a table has already begun telling its story. For Weeda Aman, founder and creative director of Weeda’s Afghan Catering, that moment matters. A sweep of richly colored food. The glint of serving pieces against layered textiles. Florals, candlelight, texture, and detail. Then, at the center of...

Fitness

Strength and Nourishment for Life

Joe Bando’s personalized approach fuels complete physical health, vitality, and lasting everyday wellness Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson   In Laguna Niguel, Sacred Strength Sanctuary takes a different approach to what personal training can look like: private, highly individualized, and tailored to each client rather than the typical gym experience. Founded by Joe Bando, director of operations and master strength therapist, and Amanda Gale-Bando, Ph.D., clinical...

Life + Culture

MY TOWN: Justin Tarkeshian

Article by Toral Parmar | Photography by Justin Tarkeshian and Makenzie Romano For Justin Tarkeshian, South Orange County is much more than the place where he lives and works—it’s home in every sense of the word. Having spent his life here, Justin has watched the community grow while holding onto the places, traditions, and experiences that make it special. Today, he’s raising his own family here, running local businesses, and helping others find a place to call home through his work as a real...

Fitness

Wellness, With Style

At Renaissance ClubSport, members and visitors experience a seamless mix of fitness, recovery, and hospitality Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Isaac Maiselman It's more than a hotel. More than a health club. It's a place where wellness meets hospitality, and where every stay offers the opportunity to leave feeling better than when you arrived. Imagine starting your morning with a fitness class, spending the afternoon by a resort-style pool, enjoying a restorative recovery...

Style + Beauty

Dress Like Your Next Self

Style that grows with your story Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson     A woman’s wardrobe often changes at the same pace as life. A promotion, a new business, motherhood, or a renewed sense of self can all reshape the way she wants to present herself to the world. For Heather Chee, founder of Stylized Threads and its lead clothing stylist, those pivotal moments are when style becomes more than just clothing. Stylized Threads was created for women whose wardrobes no...

Beauty

Style in Full Bloom

How French Florist blends high-fashion design with artful blooms to craft custom arrangements that speak to the heart Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Noah McPherson Style is often associated with what we wear, but at French Florist in Mission Viejo, it arrives in the form of thoughtfully composed blooms. Owners Alan Fu and Annie Hong have cultivated a floral boutique where every arrangement is a work of art tailored to its recipient. With creative careers that preceded their...

Home Services

Timeless By Design

Designing homes that feel refined, functional, and enduring Article by Heather Whitsitt Homes with the most enduring style rarely demand attention. Instead, they draw people in through balanced proportions, natural materials, and thoughtfully designed spaces that are as functional as they are inviting. They reflect careful planning and gorgeous finishes, creating homes that remain beautiful and livable for years to come. For family-owned Timeless Remodeling Showroom in Laguna Hills, that...

Education

Local History Alive

A hands-on Laguna Hills museum makes regional history engaging, interactive, and family-friendly Article by Heather Whitsitt | Photography by Eric Stoner History may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family outing, but the Moulton Museum is changing that.  Housed in converted storefronts in Laguna Hills, the museum brings interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and engaging community programs, the museum invites visitors to discover what shaped South Orange County. ...