2009 best of san clemente people's choice ole awards

Best…Appetizers • 3Bagel • 3Bar • 4Billiards • 8Breakfast • 3Breakfast Burrito • 3Burger • 6Cup of Coffee or Tea • 4Donut • 4Happy Hour • 4International Eats • 4Lunch Spot • 4Margarita • 6Menu for Healthy Choices • 4Overall Restaurant • 6Pizza • 3Restaurant for a Date/Romantic Evening • 6Sandwich • 6Spot to Cure a Sweet Tooth • 6Sushi • 6Taco • 3Venue for Live Music • 3

P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E O L E A W A R D S

2009 BEST OFSAN CLEMENTE

Eateries, Watering Holes and More

Services on the To-Do List

Best…Barber Shop • 10Car Repair • 12Dry Cleaner • 12 Pet Care & Grooming • 12Gym • 12Hair Salon • 12 Lodging • 12Manicure & Pedicure • 12Spa for Massages, Etc. • 14Surfboard Ding Repair • 12Yoga/Pilates Studio • 14

Best…Antiques • 8Arts and Craft Supplies • 8Clothing • 8Home Decor and Furnishings • 10Jewelry • 10Kids Apparel & Toys • 10Place to Buy Flowers • 10Place for Buying and Viewing Art • 10Store to Buy the Perfect Gift • 10Surfboard Shaper • 8Surf Shop • 8Wine Selection • 8

At the Shops

Best…Beach • 14Golf Course • 14Park to Take the Kids • 14Place to Take Out-of-Towners • 14Surf Break • 14

Getting Outside

C O N T E N T S

Welcome to the fourth annual SC Times Best of San Clemente People’s Choice “Ole Awards,” our annual celebration of San Clemente’s favorite businesses, services and places. The only “Best of” awards of its kind in San Clemente and Orange County, the SC Times “Ole Awards” are 100 percent selected by you, the readers, through online polls and mailed ballots. It is our way of helping all of our local businesses by helping promote the notion of shopping locally and taking advantage of all of the great businesses and services available to us here in San Clemente. It’s our own little stimulus package, if you will, and you, the reader, helped make it happen!

This year we had the biggest response yet—almost 3,000 ballots were fi lled out and sent in over the last month. After carefully counting all the votes, we have packaged them up in this handy pullout section that you can keep next to your phone or computer to help you when you’re looking for a place to try for dinner, or a dry cleaner, or home furnishings. Make sure to look for the distinctive Gold and Silver Ole Award stickers in the windows of all of our winners and tell them you read about them (or maybe even voted for them) in the SC Times. We’ll also post this entire pullout section available online at www.sanclementetimes.com for the entire year.

So, without further ado, the SC Times proudly presents your People’s Choice “Ole Awards” for 2009:

Four-time winner Surfi n’ Donuts. Photo by Sara Borman

BEST BREAKFAST BURRITO

PEDRO’S TACOS2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908; www.pedrostacos.com

Piping hot, delicious and inexpensive, Pedro’s has been serv-ing up your favorite breakfast burritos since 1986. Two loca-tions in town—one north and one south on El Camino Real—of-fer early morning crawlers fi ve different breakfast burrito options. Pedro’s isn’t fl ashy—if you’ve never been, don’t expect cloth linens. It’s simply great food, quick, cheap and tasty. Both locations have drive-throughs for those on the move.

THE GRILL AT SURFIN’ DONUTS202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire • Billy’s Deli • Burger King • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café Del Sol• San Onofre • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carl’s Jr. • Chronic Taco • Corky’s • Dave’s Mexican • Del Taco • Kelly’s Donuts • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Los Golandrinas • McDonalds • Mr. Pete’s • Olamendi’s • Pipe’s Café • Rose’s Donuts • Rubios • San Clemente Café • Sandwich Buddies • Stillwater Café • Sugar Shack • Sunrise Café • Surfi n Donuts • Taco Bell • Tommy’s Diner 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: The Grill at Surfi n Donuts

BEST TACO

PEDRO’S TACOS2313 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.5904; 550 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.5908; www.pedrostacos.com

Whether it’s the legendary Pedro’s fi sh taco or tasty favor-ites such as the carne asada or shrimp tacos, Pedro’s has a stranglehold on the Golden Ole for “Best Taco” in San Clem-ente. For the fourth straight year, readers have picked Pedro’s as their favorite spot for a taco—no small feat given the number of competitors in town.

AVILA’S EL RANCHITO204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5000, www.avilaselranchito.net

NOMINEES: Baja Fresh • Café del Sol • Charo Chicken • Chato’s • Chronic Tacos • Dave’s Mexican • Del Agave • Del Taco • Duke’s • El Jefe • El Mariachi • El Patio • El Pollo Loco • Fisherman’s • Island Style Tacos • Jack in the Box • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Las Golandrinas • Olamendi’s • Pacifi c Seafood Grill • Romance • Rubios • Taco Bell • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Pedro’s Tacos; Silver: Chronic Tacos

BEST PIZZA

SONNY’S PIZZA & PASTA429 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.2540; www.sonnys.com

As it enters its 30th year serving San Clemente, Sonny’s grabs back the Golden Ole for “Best Pizza” having won it in 2006, then surrendering it to Selma’s for the past two years. Known for its handmade thin crust pizza specialties such as the “Roman Orgy” and “Sonny’s White Pizza,” Sonny’s pizza can be enjoyed at the restaurant or take out.

SELMA’S CHICAGO PIZZERIA218 Avenida Del Mar, 949.276.2828, www.selmaschicagopizzeria.com

NOMINEES: First Class • 2 for 1 • Albertson’s • Ball Park • Cassano’s • Cucina Piz-zeria • Domino’s • Fratello’s • Guichos • Italian Cravings • Izza Pizza • La Rocco’s • New York Pizza • Papa Murphy’s • Pizza Hut • Pizza Port • Romano’s • Round Table • San Clemente Pizza • Stuft Pizza • Z Pizza 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria; Silver: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta

BEST BREAKFAST

ANTOINE’S CAFE218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

It’s a third-straight Golden Ole for Antoine’s and owners An-toine and Veronique Price. The cozy, wood-paneled Cheers-like spot featuring a variety of seating options—bar, table, booth and patio—offers weekday specials such as Eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy and California melts. Expect a wait on week-ends—yes, it’s that good.

SC CAFÉ1810 S. El Camino Real, Ste. A, 949.366.0626

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • BeachFire • Burger Stop • Café Mimosa • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carrows • Corky’s • Crispins • Denny’s • Eli Mariachi • Fisherman’s • Gordon James • IHOP • Irons by the Fire • Jack in the Box • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Love Burger • McDonalds • Peet’s • Olamendi’s • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipe’s Café • Rose’s Donuts • Sandwich Buddies • Starbucks • Sugar Shack • Sunshine Café • Surfi n Donuts • Talega Golf Club • Tommy’s Diner 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Antoine’s; Silver: SC Café

BEST VENUE FOR LIVE MUSIC

OC TAVERN2369 S. El Camino Real, 949.542.8877, www.octavern.com

For years, San Clemente music lovers complained about the lack of a real concert venue for live music in town. Clearly that concern is no longer, as OC Tavern has fi lled the void and earned the Golden Ole for three straight years. Featuring a special concert hall along with a full bar and restaurant area, OC Tavern has become an important stop for national acts as well as local bands.

BEACHFIRE BAR & GRILL204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.3232, www.beachfi re.com

NOMINEES: Beach Hut • Blue Danube • Casa Romantica • Duke’s • Fisherman’s • Goody’s Tavern • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Iva Lee’s • Knucklehead’s • Molly Bloom’s • Sunsets • Taka-O • The Cellar 2008 WINNERS: Gold: OC Tavern; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

BEST APPETIZER


The Coconut Shrimp. Vegetable Bali Rolls. Ahi tuna stack. Fried calamari with special chili dipping sauce. Yup, it’s no won-der BeachFire continues to dominate the Best Appetizer cat-egory of the Golden Ole Awards with a lineup like that. Owners Dave and Allison Donaldson have created a fun, inviting setting for great dining, drinking and entertainment.

GORDON JAMES110 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.9100, www.gordonjamesgrill.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bad to the Bone • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Cucina Pizzeria • Daphne’s Greek • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Mariachi • Fisherman’s • Hapa J’s • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Melting Pot • Molly Bloom’s • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Pacifi c Seafood Grill • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • Romance • Romano’s • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sundried Tomato • Sunsets • Taka-O • Village Mediterranean • Vine 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Gordon James, BeachFire; Silver: Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria

BEST BAGEL

BAGEL SHACK777 S. El Camino Real, 949.388.0745

With a huge variety of bagels made on premises, Bagel Shack is San Clemente’s favorite bagel place for three years running. Mix and match your selections from the self-serve ba-gel bins or order a bagel sandwich with names such as Lowers and Cottons. A variety of cream cheeses are also available.

CAPTAIN MAURI’S COUNTER CULTURE149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Albertson’s • Antoine’s Café • Bagel Shack • Café Calypso • Café Expresso • Coffee Bean & Tea • Corky’s • Fisherman’s • Frugurt • Juice Stop • Kelly’s Donuts • Pipe’s Café • Ralph’s • Rose’s Donuts • Sandwich Buddies • Starbucks • Sunrise Cafe • Surfi n Donuts 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Bagel Shack; Silver: Gourmet Bagel Company



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Breakfast hotspots: Antoine’s Cafe and Pedro’s Tacos. Photos by Sara Borman

EATERIES, WATERING HOLES and MORE

The Bagel Shack. Photo by Sara Borman

BEST BAR

GORDON JAMES GRILL110 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.9100, www.gordonjamesgrill.com

The bar at Gordon James Grill is warm and welcoming, offer-ing customers not only a full-range of beverages, but also the full restaurant menu. The weekends mean live music, while the weekdays offer up a variety of happy hour specials.

FISHERMAN’S RESTAURANT AND BAR611 Avenida Victoria, 949.498.6390, www.fi shermansrestaurant.com

NOMINEES: Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire • Beach Hut • Big Helyn’s • Café 207 • Crispin’s • Duke’s • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Iron’s in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Izza Pizza • Knuckleheads • La Siesta • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligan’s • OC Tavern • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • Romance • San Clemente Wine Company • The Shore • Sundried Tomato • Sunsets • Taka-O • The Cellar • Vine 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Gordon James; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

BEST COFFEE/TEA

STARBUCKS300 S. El Camino Real, 949.369.9520; 1001 Avenida Pico, 949.369.5649; 638 Camino de los Mares, 949.496.5900; www.starbucks.com

San Clemente voters once again selected Starbucks as their favorite coffee shop, and with three locations to choose from (not counting the ones inside the two Albertson’s grocery stores on Avenida Pico), Starbucks certainly has the city covered. Now you can get hot breakfast sandwiches and wraps to go with that hot cup of Joe.

ANTOINE’S CAFÉ 218 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1763, www.antoinescafe.com

NOMINEES: 7-11 • Adele’s • Aloha Coffee Hut • Bagel Shack • Beach Garden Café • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Café Expresso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Coffee Bean & Tea • Crispin’s • Fisherman’s • Irons in the Fire • Jack in the Box • Kaylani Coffee • La Galette Creperie • Lavender Lounge • McDonald’s • Mobil • Olamendi’s • Peet’s Coffee • Pipe’s Café • Posh Pheasant • Romance • Rose’s Donuts • Salon Zinnia • San Clemente Café • Surfi n Donuts • Tommy’s Diner 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Starbucks; Silver: Coffee Bean& Tea

BEST DONUT

SURFIN’ DONUTS1822 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1249; 202 N. El Camino Real, 949.492.8450

Donut lovers know Surfi n’ Donuts has a huge selection of donuts, muffi ns and other baked goods, but true afi cionados also know that the coffee selection is equally impressive. A second location (albeit with a slightly different name—The Grill at Surfi n’ Donuts) further north on El Camino Real has a more expansive menu.

S.C. DONUTS806 E. Avenida Pico, Ste. G, 949.498.7837

NOMINEES: 7-11 • Burgers and Donuts • Hector’s Bakery • Kelly’s Donuts • Rose’s Donuts • Starbucks • Stella Lucy 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Surfi n’s Donuts; Silver: S.C. Donuts

BEST HAPPY HOUR


Happy Hour at Fisherman’s truly is a San Clemente tradi-tion. Located on the San Clemente Pier, Fisherman’s offers its clients a one-of-a-kind experience off its open-air deck with sunset-facing views over the Pacifi c Ocean. Their Sunset Hour Happy Hour (4 p.m. to 7 p.m. weeknights) features a different special every weekday (except holidays). The favorites: Rib night (Tuesday) and Steak Taco (Thursday) nights along with special drinks each day.


NOMINEES: Adele’s • Agostino’s • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire • Big Helyn’s • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Del Agave • Dukes • Goody’s Tavern • Hapa J’s • Iron’s in the Fire • Iva Lee • Melting Pot • Molly Bloom’s • Mulligan’s • OC Tavern • Ole’s Tavern • Pizza Port • Red Fox Lounge • Rib Trader • Romance • San Clemente Wine Company • Sea Smoke • Sundried Tomato • Sunsets • Swirls Yogurt • Talega Golf Club • The Cellar • The Shore • Velvet Yogurt • Vine 2008 WINNERS: Gold: BeachFire; Silver: Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

BEST INTERNATIONAL EATS

SONNY’S PIZZA & PASTA429 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.2540; www.sonnys.com

The lines in front of San Clemente’s famous Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta tell the story—people just love Sonny’s. From fresh, home-made pastas to unique salads and their Golden Ole Award-win-ning pizza, Sonny’s is a San Clemente institution. Started by Sonny Genovese 30 years ago, the family recipes are still among the favorite dishes (try the stuffed shells).


NOMINEES: 9 Style Sushi • Adele’s • Agostino’s • Antoine’s Café • Baja Fresh • Bamboo Bamboo • BeachFire • Blue Danube • Café 207 • Café del Sol • Café Mi-mosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Cassano’s • China Well • Chronic Taco • Dave’s Mexican Food • Del Agave • Dos Patio • El Jefe • El Mariachi • Fisherman’s • Fratello’s • Gordon James • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s • Izza Pizza • Sushi Kiyo • Kabob Hut • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Fiesta • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta • La Tiendita • La Rocco’s • Las Golondrinas • Los Patios • Mandarin Garden • Mediterranean Village • Miyako Sushi • Molly Bloom’s • Monghut Thai • Mr. Pete Burgers • Olamendis • Pacifi c Taste • Pedro’s Tacos • Pick Up Stix • Romanos • Romance • Sea Smoke • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sundried Tomato • Super Bowl Express • Sushi Gallery Miki • Sushi Sono • Taka-O Japanese • Thai Paradise • Tina and Vince’s Deli • Tommy’s Diner • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Z Pizza 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta; Silver: Mongkut Thai

BEST LUNCH SPOT


There’s nothing like taking a break from work and grab-bing a tasty sandwich and beverage at Fisherman’s for lunch. Watching surfers ply the waves just below you while enjoying San Clemente’s beautiful weather and dining at Fisherman’s is a reader-favorite for the second time in four years.

CAFÉ CALYPSO114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.9386

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • Baja Fresh • BeachFire • Beach Garden Cafe • Billy’s Deli • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café del Sol • Café Mezzaluna • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Captain Mauri’s • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Cassano’s Pizza • Charo Chicken • Chronic Tacos • Crispin’s • Daphne’s Greek • Duke’s • El Jefe • El Mariachi • Fatburger • Frugurt • Gordon James • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Iron’s in the Fire • Island Style Tacos • Jack in the Box • Kultured Kitchen • La Cocina de Ricardo • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta • La Tiendita • La Rocco’s • Los Patios • Love Burger • Mandarin Garden • Miyako Sushi • Molly Bloom’s • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Pacifi c Seafood Grill • Pedro’s Tacos • Pick Up Stix • Pipe’s Café • Pizza Port • Posh Peasant • Ralph’s in Talega • Romano’s • Romance • Rose’s Donuts • Rubios • Sandwich Buddies • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s • Stillwa-ter Café • Sundried Tomato • Surfi n Donuts • Taka-O • Thai Paradise • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Deli • Tommy’s Diner • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos • Z Pizza 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Café Calypso; Silver: Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria

BEST MENU FOR HEALTHY CHOICES

CAPTAIN MAURI’S COUNTER CULTURE149 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.8098

Make it four straight for Captain Mauri’s in this category, as SC Times readers again salute their favorite healthy choice spot. Featuring tasty, made-fresh sandwiches, soups and salads, Captain Mauri’s has an extensive menu offering something for everyone. A small patio offers diners an opportunity to eat outdoors while people watching on Avendia Del Mar. Try their smoothies, too.

CAFÉ CALYPSO114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.9386

NOMINEES: 7-11 • Adele’s • Antoine’s Cafe • Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • Baja Fresh • BeachFire • Billy’s Deli • Bread Gallery • Café Calypso • Café Del Sol • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carrow’s • Chronic Taco • Dave’s Mexican • Del Taco • Denny’s • El Pollo Loco • Fisherman’s • Flame Broiler • Frugurt • Gordon James • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • IHOP • Irons in the Fire • Jamba Juice • Juice It Up • Juice Stop • Kultured Kitchen • La Siesta • Mandarin Garden • Olamendi’s • Pedro’s Tacos • Pipe’s Café • Posh Peasant • Romance • Rubio’s • San Clemente Café • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Starbucks • Stillwater Café • Subway • Sundried Tomato • Taka-O • The Shore • Tina and Vince’s Italian Deli • Trader Joe’s • Velvet Yogurt • Wahoo’s Fish Taco • Z Pizza 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Captain Mauri’s; Silver: Café Calypso



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Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar. Photo by Sara Borman

Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta. Photo by Sara Borman

BEST OVERALL RESTAURANT


SC Times readers have voted Fisherman’s to the top spot in the increasingly competitive Best Overall Restaurant category this year, ending Gordon James’ two-year run at the top of the list. With separate dining spots to choose from on either side of San Clemente Pier, diners can opt for the more formal sit down experience or the more casual bar/restaurant setting on the north side. Either way, Fisherman’s offers a diverse menu featur-ing fresh fi sh, salads and meats at affordable prices, something voters obviously didn’t overlook.


NOMINEES: Café Rae • Adele’s • Agostino’s • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • BeachFire • Blue Danube • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Café 207 • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Carrow’s • Cassano’s Pizza • China Well • Crispins • Del Agave • Denny’s • Dukes • El Mariachi • Hapa J’s • Iron’s in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Izza Pizza • La Gallete Creperie • La Siesta • Los Patios • Mandarin Garden • Melting Pot • Miyako Sushi • Molly Bloom’s • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s Burgers • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Guicho’s • Romano’s • Romance • Schleppy’s • Selma’s Chicago Piz-zeria • Sonny’s • Sundried Tomato • The Grill at Surfi ng Donuts • Taka-O Japanese • Thai Paradise • The Shore • Bagel Shack • The Cellar • Village Mediterranean • Vine • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

2008 WINNERS: Gold: Gordon James; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A DATE OR ROMANTIC EVENING


The gentle, warm southerly breeze sweeps over the deck overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean while waves lap against the beach just underneath the pier deck at Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar at the San Clemente Pier. As the candlelight fl ickers off your date’s face, you raise your wine glass to toast to a beautiful life as the moonlight and stars above provide the perfect backdrop for a perfect evening. Ok, you get the idea.

VINE211 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.2079, www.vinesanclemente.com

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Avila’s El Ranchito • Beach Fire • Blue Danube • Carbonara’s Trattoria • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Cassano’s Pizza • The Cellar • Crispins • Del Agave • Denny’s • Fisherman’s • Fratellos • Las Golodrinas • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Irons in the Fire • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s • Izza • Mandarin Garden • Village Mediterranean • Melting Pot • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Pedro’s Tacos • Romance • Romano’s • San Clemente Wine • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • The Shore • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sundried Tomato • Taka-O Japanese 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Gordon James; Silver: Vine

BEST SUSHI

TAKA-O JAPANESE RESTAURANT425 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.7111, www.taka-orestaurant.com

Owners Roger and Kelly Sugano know something about sushi—which explains why after 28 years, Taka-O continues to hold sway on San Clemente’s sushi scene. Taka-O has a large sushi bar as well as sit-down dining—and offers a variety of custom sushi treats.

9-STYLE SUSHI102 Avenida Victoria, 949.366.3669

NOMINEES: BeachFire • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Ichibiri • Miyako Sushi • Nobu Sushi • Sea Smoke • Super Bowl Express • Sushi Gallery Miki • Sushi Kiyo • Sushi Sono 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Taka-O; Silver: Del Mar Sushi

BEST SANDWICH

BILLY’S MEAT, SEAFOOD AND DELI111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5924

It’s a three-peat for Billy’s Meat, Seafood and Deli, as voters have again selected this downtown favorite as the best maker of the almighty sandwich. The sandwiches are huge, and you can get practically anything from this old-style deli. Check out the unreal selection of meats, cheeses and delicious sides like macaroni and potato salads. Try the specials—they always seem to live up to their billing.

TINA & VINCE’S ITALIAN DELI221 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.5156

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Bad to the Bone • Bagel Shack • BeachFire • Bread Gallery • Burger Stop • Café Calypso • Café Mezzaluna • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Cassano’s Pizza • Corky’s • Denny’s • Dukes • Fat Burger • Fisherman’s • Gordon James • Guicho’s • Hapa J’s • Iron’s in the Fire • Italian Cravings • Iva Lee’s • Kultured Kitchen • McDonald’s • Molly Bloom’s • Mr. Pete’s • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Pacifi c Seafood Grill • Pipe’s Cafe • Posh Pheas-ant • Quizno’s • Ralph’s Deli • Rib Trader • Romance • Romano’s • Rose’s Donuts • Sandwich Buddies • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Subway • Sundried Tomato • Surfi n Donuts • The Shore • Togo’s • Tommy’s Diner • Z Pizza 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Billy’s Meat, Seafood and Deli; Silver: Tina & Vince’s

BEST SPOT TO CURE A SWEET TOOTH

VELVET YOGURT120 S. El Camino Real, 949.276.4625, www.velvetyogurt.com

There’s something about pouring your own self-serve yogurt, adding your own toppings and creating your own, personalized yogurt dessert—something so special that SC Times readers have again picked Velvet Yogurt as their favorite dessert spot. Try the different fl avors—from Irish Mint to Cake Batter to plain old (but delicious) chocolate.

SCHMID’S FINE CHOCOLATES99 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1052

NOMINEES: 7-11 • Bagel Shack • Baskin-Robbins • BeachFire • Best of Britain • Bil-ly’s • Café Calypso • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Cold Stone • Edible Arrangements • Fisherman’s • Frugurt • Golden Spoon • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Hector’s Bakery • Iva Lee’s • Juice it Up • Juice Stop • Kelly’s Donuts • La Galette Creperie • Medi-terranean Sweet Spot • Melting Pot • Mr. Pete’s • Ralph’s Deli • Rite Aid • Rose’s Donuts • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Starbucks • Sugar Shack • Sundried Tomato • Surfi n Donuts • Swirls Yogurt • The Cellar • The Vine • Tommy’s Diner • Trader Joe’s 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Velvet Yogurt; Silver: Baskin-Robbins

BEST BURGER

FATBURGER1017 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.9182, www.fatburger.com

There are plenty of places to grab a burger in San Clemente, but Fatburger has clearly established itself as your favorite. For the third straight year, you’ve picked Fatburger as the No.1 burger in town. Made-to-order burgers, freshly cut onion rings, thick and tasty milkshakes and a dining area offering both bar-style service or table seating, help separate Fatburger from the rest.

MR. PETE’S BURGER420 S. El Camino Real, 949.366.8323

NOMINEES: Antoine’s Cafe • Bad to the Bone • BeachFire • Burger Stop • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carl’s Jr. • Crispin’s • Del Taco • Denny’s • Duke’s • Fisherman’s • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Irons on the Fire • Kahuna’s Grill • Love Burger • McDonalds • Molly Bloom’s • OC Tavern • Pipe’s Café • Rib Trader • Romance • Rose’s Donuts • San Clemente Inn • The Shore • Sundried Tomato • Surfi n Donuts • T-Street Snack bar • Vine • Tommy’s Diner 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Fatburger; Silver: Mr. Pete



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Taka-O Japanese Restaurant. Photo by Sara Borman

Kelly Bradley of Billy’s Meat, Seafood and Deli. Photo by Sara Borman

BEST MARGARITA


Four years of Ole Awards competition, and four Golden Ole’s for Avila’s El Ranchito’s margaritas. Now that’s what you call a clean sweep. What makes the margarita at Avila’s so special? Well, start with fresh, hand-squeezed lime juice. Add a varied and diverse menu of margaritas with a large selection of tequi-las, and you start getting the picture. Among the most popular margaritas are the Cadillac Margarita (featuring Jose Cuervo and Grand Marnier) and Juan’s Margarita (Herradurra Silver and Cointreau).

EL MARIACHI 1925 S. El Camino Real, 949.369.5111

NOMINEES: BeachFire • Café 207 • Chato’s • Del Agave • Duke’s • El Jefe • Fisherman’s • Goody’s Tavern • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Iron’s in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • La Siesta • La Tiendita • Los Patios • OC Tavern • Olamendi’s • Red Fox Lounge • Sundried Tomato • Talega Golf Club 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Avila’s El Ranchito; Silver: El Mariachi

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Josh McCuistion serves up an award-winning margarita at El Ranchito. Photo by Sara Borman

NOMINEES: Mimosa • Café Rae • Captain Mauri’s • Carl’s Jr. • Crispin’s • Del Taco • Denny’s •

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BEST BILLIARDS

DUKE’S204 S. El Camino Real, 949.481.2040

Two well-lit Valley pool tables anchor the back section of this popular dining and drinking establishment. The action ranges from informal to league play, and pool is free during weekday Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., according to co-owner Jim Stropko.

OLE’S TAVERN127 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.9400, www.olestavern.com

NOMINEES: Big Helen’s • Goody’s Tavern • Knuckleheads • Mulligan’s • OC Tavern • Pizza Port • Sunsets 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Ole’s Tavern; Silver: Goody’s Tavern

BEST WINE SELECTION

SAN CLEMENTE WINE COMPANY212 1/2 Avenida Del Mar, 949.429.7067, www.scwinecompany.com

Great wines, great deals, great selection and a great wine tasting bar are among the reasons readers have selected the San Clemente Wine Company as the shop that offers the best wine selection in town for three straight years. Owners Barney and Rachel Rapier Doyle travel the world in search of new vineyards and wines to feature in their downtown store, and weekly wine tastings offer locals a chance to sample new wines inexpensively.

THE CELLAR156 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.3663, www.thecellarsite.com

NOMINEES: Albertson’s • BeachFire • Billy’s Deli • Bob’s Liquor Store • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Carbonara’s • Fisherman’s • Fratellos • Gordon James • Hapa J’s • Irons in the Fire • Izza Pizza • Ole’s Tavern • Ralph’s • Romance • Sonny’s Pizza and Pasta • Sundried Tomato • The Melting Pot • Vine • Trader Joe’s 2008 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Wine Company; Silver: Trader Joe’s

BEST SURF SHOP

HOBIE SURF & SPORT100 El Camino Real, 949.542.3355; 151 Avenida Del Mar, 949.542.3400, www.hobie.com

Located on the corner of two of San Clemente’s primary downtown shopping boulevards, Hobie Surf & Sport has grabbed the Golden Ole for Best Surf Shop just three years after coming to town. Featuring its own branded apparel, surf boards and other gear, Hobie also offers a diverse selection of top-name surf brands. Hobie has a second shop in town, too, called Hobie A*sec Green Room, offering an all-green approach.

BC SURF SHOP222 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.9085, www.bluecoastsurf.com

NOMINEES: Catalyst • Cole • DBC Board Shop • Dewey Weber • Fluid Surf • Icons of Surf • Killer Dana • Old Honolulu • Rip Curl • San Clemente Surfboards • Stewart’s • T. Patterson • Terry Senate • The Factory • The Green Room • Trestles Surf Outlet 2008 WINNERS: Gold: BC Surf Shop; Silver: Hobie Surf & Sport

BEST SURFBOARD SHAPER

TIMMY PATTERSON1409 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.2022, www.tpattersonsurfboards.com

The boards he shapes are inscribed with his trademark T. Patterson logo, and surfers from all over the world have come to love Timmy Patterson’s boards. Known for his creative shortboard designs, Timmy Patterson stocks his hand-shaped boards at his shop on North El Camino Real.

BILL STEWARTStewart’s, 2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Steve Baimbridge • BC Surf Shop • Paul Berton • Matt Biolos • Donald Brink • Mark Brizzi • Daryl Butkso • Paul Carter • Catalyst • Phil Edwards • Noah Freeland • Michael Gee • Ron House • Mark Johnson • Chris Kaysen • Lost Surfboards • Terry Martin • Jed Noll • Rick Rock • Terry Senate • Cole Simler • John Tuttle 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Timmy Patterson; Silver: Bill Stewart

BEST ANTIQUES

SAN CLEMENTE ANTIQUES214 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.2992

You’ll fi nd something for everyone at San Clemente An-tiques, located in the 200 block of downtown Avenida Del Mar. With items ranging from antique clocks to vintage toys, clothing and furniture, San Clemente Antiques is a regular in the annual Ole Awards.

STANFORD COURT106 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6290

NOMINEES: Backstreet Home Décor • Christopher Lee • Erba • Hidden Terrace • Icons of Surf • Lu Lu’s Boutique • Nice and Easy Antiques • Pac-Rat • Plum Precious • Re-Finds Consignments • Salvation Army Thrift Store • South Coast Furniture & Mattress • Surfi ng Heritage Foundation • Toby’s Thrift • Villa Cucina 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Stanford Court; Silver: San Clemente Antiques

BEST ARTS/CRAFTS SUPPLIES

SAN CLEMENTE ART SUPPLY1531 N. El Camino Real, 949369.6603, www.scartsupply.com

One of San Clemente’s coolest shops located in an original 1928 Ole Hanson home, SC Art Supply stocks all sorts of arts and crafts needs for hobbyists, painters, artists and all sorts of other creative mediums. Owners Richard and Patti Herdell opened their store seven years ago and continue to grow the business through great customer service, classes and seminars for children and adults.

MICHAEL’S937 Avenida Pico, 949.940.0465, www.michaels.com

NOMINEES: Aaron Brothers • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Design By Nature • Erba • Fire it Up • Gallery 104 • Offi ce Depot • Russell Stationer’s • Sidestreet Gallery • Staples • Third Eye • Wal-Mart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Art Supply; Silver: Michael’s

BEST CLOTHING

ANGEL WINGS204 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.5258

From unique clothing styles for women, to jewelry and acces-sories, Angel Wings is the clear-cut favorite for Best Clothing for the fourth straight year. Owner Laurie Wodiske aims to make Angel Wings accessible to shoppers of all price ranges, offering a range of unique products for women and girls.

HOBIE SURF & SPORT100 El Camino Real, 949.542.3355, www.hobie.com

NOMINEES: Avenue Accents • BC Surf Shop • Bliss • Blue Eyed Girl • Bodacious • Café Rae • Catalyst • Cherry’s Shoes • DBC Ride Shop • Fashion Plate • Field 4 Dreams • Fits n Fashion • Fluid Surf • Fresh Produce • Greater OC Women • Habit • Killer Dana • Lu Lu’s Boutique • Mac and Madi • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Petit Bonhomme • Rascal’s Ladies • Rip Curl • Roulette Clothing • Salon Zinnia • Salvation Army Thrift Store • Stewarts Surfboards • Sun Kiss’d Tan Boutique • T-Shirt Factory • Re-Finds Consignment • The Habit • The Pac-Rat • Trestles Surf Outlet • Variant • Vintage Inspired • Wal-Mart • Wild at Heart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Angel Wings; Silver: Hobie Surf & Sport




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Laurie Wodiske, owner of Angel Wings. Photo by Sara Borman

San Clemente Art Supply’s Patti Herdell. Photo by Sara Borman

AT THE SHOPS

BEST HOME DÉCOR

VILLA CUCINA124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com

Villa Cucina makes it three Golden Ole Awards in four years in the Best Home Décor category. Jam-packed with home fur-nishings from large furniture pieces to the smallest of decorative items, Villa Cucina aims to please by staying open later than most stores on Avenida Del Mar (until 9 p.m. every Tuesday-Saturday) and hosting numerous special events inside the store.

LUXE HOME FURNISHINGS107 Avenida Del Mar, 949.218.4700, www.luxehomefurnishings.net

NOMINEES: Avenue Accents • Back Street Home Décor • Bali Style • Bamboo and Beyond • California Cove • Christopher Lee • Coastal Home Living • Concept Design • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Erba • Hidden Terrace • Hobie Surf & Sport • Hula Beach • La Casa Verde de Granada • Lowe’s • Nice and Easy Antiques • Pier 1 Imports • Re-Finds Consignment • San Clemente Antiques • Sears • South Coast Furniture & Mattress • Stanford Court • Toby’s • Urban Renewal Décor • Vintage Inspired • Wal-Mart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Christopher Lee

BEST JEWELRY

PARADISE JEWELERS808 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.4367, www.paradisejewelers.com

Owners Rick and Debbie Dunning have certainly found paradise in San Clemente. Since opening in 2006, Paradise Jewelers has quickly risen to become the favorite jewelry spot in San Clemente, this year winning their second Golden Ole to go with a Silver Ole in 2007. From fi ne jewelry, loose diamonds, watches, engagement rings and more, Paradise has it all.

ERBA114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

NOMINEES: 13th Hub • Angel Wings • Bamboo and Beyond • Bliss • Designs By Nature • Field 4 Dreams • Fifi La La • Gallery 104 • Gino’s Jewelry • Habit • Heaven, Earth and Sea • Hobie Surf & Sport • Hula Beach • Jewelry Forever • On the Rocks • Plum Precious • Rascal’s Ladies • Salon Zinnia • Sand & Sea Jewelry • Slavick’s Gold Creations • The Vintage Inspired • Twigs • Variant • Villa Cucina • Wal-Mart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Paradise Jewelers; Silver: Erba

BEST PLACE FOR BUYING, VIEWING ART


Owner Dave Donaldson loves art—he himself is an artist along with his brother Mark. All of which explains why local artists appreciate BeachFire for becoming the Best Place to Buy or View Art in San Clemente according to SC Times readers. Whether enjoying a delicious meal or hanging out at the bar, make sure to check out the variety of local artists featured on the walls at BeachFire. All of the art is for sale.

SAN CLEMENTE ART GALLERY100 N. Calle Seville, 949.492.7175, www.scartgallery.com

NOMINEES: A-Frame • Avenue Accents • Bamboo and Beyond • C’Siren Day Spa • Casa Romantica • Christopher Lee • Delanty Studio and Gallery • Fisherman’s • Gallery 104 • Hula Beach • Michael’s • Re-Finds Consignment • San Clemente Art Walk • The Cellar • Villa Cucina • Wal-Mart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: BeachFire Bar & Grill

BEST KID’S APPAREL & TOYS

MAC & MADI203 Avenida Del Mar, 949.366.6226, www.macandmadi.com

Four years, four Golden Ole’s for Corey Bauman’s Mac & Madi, a store offering a full range of products and apparel for babies and kids. From fully decorated room ideas and furniture, to children’s products and books by local artisans and writers, Mac & Madi is a San Clemente institution.

PETIT BONHOMME147 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.3651, www.shoppetitbonhomme.com

NOMINEES: 99 Cent Store • BC Surf Shop • Fairytales • Hobie Surf & Sport • Killer Dana • Little Peeps • OC Travel Tykes • Wal-Mart • Waraku • Wee-Peats • Wild at Heart 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme

BEST PLACE TO BUY FLOWERS

DOWNTOWN FLOWERS111 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.7062, www.downtownfl owersoc.com

Used to be the only folks that knew about Downtown Flow-ers were those who frequented Billy’s and Carbonara’s for lunch or dinner. No longer. Voted Best Flowers for the third straight year, Krista Levandofsky’s fl ower shop offers unique combi-nations and a variety of fl owers priced for any budget. And yes, husbands and boyfriends, they’re fully expecting you on Valentine’s Day…

FLOWERS & FRIENDS1844 N. El Camino Real, 949.366.9150, www.fl owersandfriendssanclemente.com

NOMINEES: Albertson’s • Aloha Flowers • Backstreet Home Decor • Flower Company of San Clemente • Kimberly’s Flowers • Ralph’s • San Clemente Flower Company • San Clemente Florist • Sunday Farmer’s Market • The Vine’s Leaf • Trader Joe’s • Wildfl ower Florist 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Downtown Flowers; Silver: Flowers & Friends

BEST STORE TO BUY THE PERFECT GIFT

VILLA CUCINA124 Avenida Del Mar, 949.388.7512, www.villacucina.com

Owner Christina Morgan aims to please—which is why Villa Cucina has perhaps the widest selection of gift ideas in the city. From old-school surf-styled signs to hard-to-fi nd cooking accessories, household decorations and unique furniture items, Villa Cucina is a one-stop shop for those in need of gift inspira-tion. Don’t miss their amazing holiday decorations, too.

ERBA114 Avenida Del Mar, 949.492.2355, www.shoperba.com

NOMINEES: Angel Wings • Avenue Accents • Bamboo and Beyond • Bliss • C’Siren Day Spa • California Cove • Christopher Lee • Coastal Home Living • Combat Ready • Dave Cook’s Pro Shop • DeNault’s True Value Hardware • Downtown Flowers • Edible Arrangements • Game Stop • Gino’s Jewelers • Hidden Terrace • Hobie’s Surf & Sport • Hula Beach • Kelly’s Hallmark • Killer Dana • La Casa Verde de Granada • Luxe • Mac and Madi • OC Tyke’s • Oliver’s • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Paradise Jewelers • Pet Treasures • Petit Bonhomme • Pier 1 • Plum Precious • Rascal’s Ladies • Rip Curl • Russell’s Stationary • Salon Zinnia • San Clemente Antiques • San Clemente Art Gallery • San Clemente Car Wash • San Clemente Wine Company • Schmid’s Chocolate • Stanford Court Antiques • Stewart’s Surfboards • The Cellar • Third Eye Blind • Three Dog Bakery • Trader Joe’s • Urban Renewal Décor • Variant • Vintage Inspired • Wal-Mart • Waraku 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Villa Cucina; Silver: Erba

BEST BARBER SHOP

THE SEÑOR BARBER SHOP401 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.0762

Al Oliman opened The Señor Barber Shop 12 years ago and ever since then has been packing in regulars. SC Times readers have selected The Señor Barber Shop each of the past three years, stating that the fair pricing and great haircuts are what puts Señor Barber, ahem, a cut above the rest.

V’S BARBERSHOP802 Avenida Talega, 949.429.7770, www.vbarbershop.com

NOMINEES: Alicia’s Barber Shop and Styling Salon • Bladewerks • Downtown Barber • Head Games Salon • Jerry’s Barbershop • JP’s Barber Shop • Popeye’s For Hair • Ray the Barber • Salon Bamboo • Salon Bleu • Salon Eventides • Salon Zinnia • Shorecliffs Barber Shop • Stud Cuts • Supercuts • Syren’s Beauty Parlor 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Senor Barber; Silver: Alicia’s Barber Shop and Styling Salon



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Mac & Madi’s Dana Keiter. Photo by Sara Borman

Downtown Flowers. Photo by Jasmine Smith

SERVICES ON THE TO-DO LIST

Gold: Mac & Madi; Silver: Petit Bonhomme

BEST CAR REPAIR

EL CAMINO AUTO & TIRE 512 S. El Camino Real, 949.498.3288

It’s the fi rst Golden Ole for El Camino Auto Center, owned by the same family that has owned the San Clemente 76 station for the past 24 years. A full-service auto repair center, El Camino offers work on tires, safety checks, cooling systems, batteries, tune-ups, alignment, lubrication, brakes and air conditioning.

SHADETREE1635 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.6470, www.shadetreeautomotive.com

NOMINEES: Arco • Arnold’s Auto Repair • Auto Medic • Big O Tires • Bill Brewster’s Automotive • Bob’s Auto Repair • Christian Auto Repair • Coastline Automotive • Dave Wert Auto Repair • EZ Lube • Frank’s Foreign Car Service • Holley’s Tire Ser-vice • Jack Staggs Auto Repair • Jay’s Car Repair • Jimenez Auto Center • Jimmy’s Tire Center • Klink’s Auto Repair • Littlepage Automotive • Rick’s Trailer Supplies • San O Mechanic • San Clemente Auto Collision • San Clemente Transmission & Complete Auto Repair • Shorecliff’s Auto Service • Top Tune Auto Care • Victoria Auto Repair • Wal-Mart • West Coast Automotive 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Shadetree; Silver: El Camino Auto & Tire

BEST DRY CLEANER

BONDED CLEANERS AND LAUNDRY1225 N. El Camino Real, 949.498.1183

Reliability and pricing are two critical ingredients to success in the dry cleaning business, and Bonded seems to have the market cornered as this is the fourth straight year SC Times readers have awarded it with the Golden Ole.

K&S CLEANERS114 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.5424

NOMINEES: Celebrity Cleaners • Cleaners 2000 • El Camino Cleaners • Hillside Cleaners • Lucky’s • Nelson’s Cleaners • Pico Cleaners • Presidio Cleaners • San Cle-mente Dry Cleaners • Seaside Cleaners • Silver Cleaners • Style Cleaners • Sunny Fresh • Talega Cleaners 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Bonded Cleaners; Silver: K&S Cleaners

BEST SURFBOARD DING REPAIR

COOLBREAZE1307 Calle Valle, 949.369.5469

Mark Brizzi’s shop is packed with surfboards in need of a little “TLC” – Tender Loving Craftsmanship. For four straight years now, surfers have given CoolBreaze their vote of confi dence as the best surfboard ding repair business. Reliable, quick and inexpensive, CoolBreaze is a San Clemente favorite.

STEWART’S SURFBOARDS2102 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.1085, www.stewartsurfboards.com

NOMINEES: Steve Baimbridge • Jeff Bartlett • Bashems • DBC Ride Shop • Dewey Weber • Ding Doctor • Donald Brink • The Factory • Michael Gee • Ghetto House • Hobie’s Surf & Sport • Brad Howe • Icons of Surf • Chris Kaysen • Killer Dana • Terry Martin • T. Patterson • Rip Curl • Terry Senate • Cole Simler 2008 WINNERS: Gold: CoolBreaze; Silver: Terry Senate

BEST PET CARE/GROOMING

MIKE’S PET CARE949.246.3835, www.mikespetcare.com

Founder/owner Mike Russell is a registered vet tech (RVT) who provides personalized pet sitting and pet care services. “I am committed, through integrity and experience, to help my clients achieve a happier and healthier pet in the comfort of their own home,” said Russell, who recently was called in to help a client in Talega who had to move out of his house but needed his two dogs taken care of.

VIP PET SPA810 S. El Camino Real, 949.492.7473

NOMINEES: 3 Dog Bakery • Aussie Pet Mobile • Avenida Animal Hospital • Critter’s Mobile Pet Grooming • Dog Gone Dirty • Estrella Grooming • Home Town • Pacifi c Coast Veterinary Hospital • Paw’s Pet Resort • Pet Treasures • The Pet Palace • San Clemente Grooming • Talega Animal Hospital • Wild’s Animal Supplies 2008 WINNERS: Gold: VIP Pet Spa; Silver: San Clemente Veterinary Hospital

BEST WESTERN CASABLANCA1601 N. El Camino Real, 949.361.1644, www.bwcasablanca.com

NOMINEES: Always Inn San Clemente Bed & Breakfast • Beachcomber Motel • Budget Lodge • Carmello Motel • Comfort Inn Suites • Hampton Inn • Holiday Inn Express • San Clemente Inn • San Clemente Cove • The Little Inn • Travel Lodge 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Casa Tropicana; Silver: Best Western Casablanca

BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE

MINGEE’S NAILS132 Avenida Del Mar, 949.498.0070; 164 Avenida Del Mar, 949.369.1818; 1041 Avenida Pico, 949.361.0288

Owner Mingee Hayashi certainly knows nails…which is why she’s won three of four Golden Ole’s for Best Manicure/Pedi-cure in San Clemente. With three locations each offering a full range of services as well as specials for birthday parties, wedding groups and more, Mingee’s Nails has San Clemente covered.

TALEGA DAY SPA1161 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 110, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com

NOMINEES: Happy Nails and Spa • Beauty Nails and Spa • Bellagio Nail Spa • Fashion Nails • Final Touch Nails and Spa • Foxfi re • Friendly Nails and Spa • Nails by Karen Dispenza • Kim’s Nail and Spa • Lee Lee’s Nails Salon and Boutique • Pas-sion Nails and Spa • Perfect 10 • Professional Nail & Spa • Revol Nails • Salon Zin-nia • Salon Eventides • Salon Real • Syren’s Hair Parlor and Gallery • Sweet Escape 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Kim’s Nail and Spa; Silver: Mingee’s Nails

BEST GYM

SAN CLEMENTE GYM123 S. El Camino Real, 949.361.1007, www.sanclementegym.com

It’s a hat trick for San Clemente Gym as voters have selected it for the third straight year. With a tagline of “Making San Clemente Healthy One Body at a Time,” San Clemente Gym offers fi rst-timers a free workout to meet the staff, check out the equipment and get a feel for their training programs. “From our state-of-the-art Power Plate, Cybex machines and StarTrac equipment, to our personal trainers, and nutritional counselors, the team at the San Clemente Gym is here to help you reach your fi tness goals and manage your overall health,” their Web site reads.

FITNESS ELITE (TIE)638 Camino de los Mares, 949.661.6060, www.fi tnesselite4women.com

CROSS FIT SC (TIE)79 Pico Plaza, 949.361.9111, www.crossfi tsanclemente.com

OC CROSS FIT (TIE)929 Calle Negocio, Ste C, 949.246.4118, www.occrossfi t.com

NOMINEES: Asana Fit • Bella Pilates • Curves • Exclusive Fitness • Fitness 19 • Guillobel • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Pacifi c Strength • Rancho San Clem-ente Tennis & Fitness Club • The Little Gym 2008 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Gym; Silver: Fitness Elite



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Mike Russell of Mike’s Pet Care. Photo by Sara Borman

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BEST HAIR SALON

SALON BAMBOO150 Avenida Del Mar, 949.361.3348, www.salonbamboo.com

A hair salon, spa and store, Salon Bamboo captures its third Golden Ole in four years (was silver last year). Offering a full line of services such as hair styling, facials, waxing and much, much more. Salon Bamboo features Aveda, Kerastase and i.d. bare minerals products and also offers those products for sale.

SALON ZINNIA641 Camino de los Mares, 949.429.2020, www.salonzinnia.com

NOMINEES: Alicia’s Barbershop & Hair Styling Salon • Carlisle’s Hair Design • Chez Hair and Nails • Cobalt Beauty Studio • Hair Country • Hair Sculptors Beauty Salon • Head Games Salon • Jimenez Beauty Salon • Kreative Hair Design • Lupe’s • Ma Jolie Salon • North Beach Hair Studio • R tistic • Salon Bleu • Salon Eventides • Salon Incognito • Salon Real • Salon Rendezvous • Salon 221 • San Clemente Hair Company • Sanctuary Salon • Shake It • Syren’s Beauty Parlor • Stud Cuts • Studio B • Supercuts • The Hair Waves • Toba Salon 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Salon Bleu; Silver: Salon Bamboo

BEST LODGING

CASA TROPICANA BOUTIQUE BEACH FRONT INN

610 Avenida Victoria, 949.492.1234, www.casatropicana.com

Celebrating his 20th year, owner Rick Anderson and wife Susan have recently completed renovations at the 8-room boutique hotel with ocean front views of San Clemente Pier. Each room has its own fl at-screen TV and in-room Jacuzzi. The penthouse suite, Casa del Rey Penthouse suite, has its own private deck overlooking the Pacifi c Ocean.

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Golden Ole winner Salon Bamboo. Photo by Sara Borman

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BEST SPA FOR MASSAGES, ETC.

TALEGA DAY SPA1161 Puerta del Sol, Ste. 110, 949.429.5757, www.talegadayspa.com

Step back into the time of ancient Rome and imagine a visit to Tuscany. Ok, now fast-forward 2,500 years and you’ll have stepped into Talega Day Spa, with rich appointments and luxu-rious surroundings harkening to old world Europe. “Our goal at Talega Day Spa is to remove you from the modern world, trans-port you to another, and relieve you of some, if not all, of those modern stresses that infi ltrate our minds and bodies day in and day out,” reads the Spa’s Web site. From massage therapy to skin care and even nails, Talega Day Spa is a full-service spa.

C’SIREN DAY SPA312 Avenida de la Estrella, 949.498.7700, www.csirendayspa.com

NOMINEES: 5 Elements Day Spa • Ageless Generation Day Spa • Bonnie’s Skin Salon • O2 Wellness • Oceanside Spa • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Salon 221 • Salon Bamboo • Salon Zinnia • Sanctuary Salon and Spa • Serene Qi Acu-puncture • Simple Touch Skin Care • Smooth Waxing Salon 2008 WINNERS: Gold: C’Siren Day Spa; Silver: Talega Day Spa

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

BELLA PILATES802 Avenida Talega, Ste. 104, 949.388.2747, www.bellapilatesstudio.com

Owner Lauren Katz opened Bella Pilates in March 2008 to offer San Clemente a full-service studio for those seeking a different form of exercise. “Pilates focuses on strengthening the body while increasing your fl exibility,” Katz said. “People of all walks of life will see improvements.” Katz also noted that pilates is an excellent resource for those in need of physical therapy. Try it for free—get a 30-minute private session to see if pilates is for you.

ASANA FIT204 Avenida Granada, 949.492.0110, www.asanafi t.com

NOMINEES: Aha Yoga • Body Awareness • Exclusive Fitness • Fitness Elite • Ocean Physical Therapy • Ole Hanson Beach Club • Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club • Pacifi c Coast Academy of Dance • San Clemente Community Center • Yoga Spot 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Aha Yoga; Silver: Bella Pilates

BEST BEACH

T STREETThe hands-down winner for four straight

years, families love T Street for its many amenities; bathrooms, snack bar, convenient parking and the nearby pier, while surf-ers, bodyboarders and bodysurfers love the consistent break afforded by the reef off T Street beach. The beach at T Street is one of the city’s fl attest, offering a sandy, rock-free entry into the water, also a favorite for skimboarders.

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NOMINEES: 204s • Church’s • Cotton’s Point • Cyprus Shore • El Portal • Lasuen • Linda Lane • Mariposa • North Beach • Old Man’s • Poche • Riviera • San Onofre • State Beach • Trestles 2008 WINNERS: Gold: T Street; Silver: San Onofre

BEST SURF BREAK

TRESTLESAh, surfi ng nirvana right here in San Clem-

ente’s back yard. Whether it’s legendary Lowers—arguably the best performance wave on the mainland United States—or oft-uncrowded Uppers or Middles, Trestles not only is your favorite surf spot by far but also is a destination for surfers the

beach access (including a ramp). The only downside—no public bathroom (nearest is a short walk to the San Clemente Pier).

SAN GORGONIO PARK2916 Via San Gorgonio, www.san-clemente.org

NOMINEES: 204s • Calafi a Park • Casa Romantica • Forster Ranch • Leslie Park • Liberty Park • Lobo School • Marblehead • Max Berg Park • Mira Costa Park • Park Semper Fi Marine Monument • Pirate Park • Ralph’s Skate Park • Red Barn Park • Riviera Beach • San Clemente Pier • San Onofre • Steed Park • Sunset Park • T Street • Talega Parks • Tierra Grande • Truman Benedict • Verde Park 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Linda Lane; Silver: San Gorgonio

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS


Apparently nothing says “San Clemente” better than a visit to Fisherman’s, as for the third straight year SC Times readers have selected Fisherman’s as the top spot to take out-of-towners. Whether it’s the oceanfront dining, uninterrupted views of the sunset, watching the surfers or simply enjoying a beverage on the deck, Fisherman’s is the perfect way to introduce visitors to San Clemente.

SAN CLEMENTE PIERAvenida Victoria and Avenida Del Mar

NOMINEES: Adele’s • Antoine’s Café • Avenida Del Mar • Avila’s El Ranchito • Bagel Shack • Baskin-Robbins • BeachFire • Beach Trail walk • Big Helen’s • C’Siren Day Spa • Café 207 • Café Mimosa • Café Rae • Calafi a Beach • Captain Mauri’s • Casa Romantica • Cassano’s Pizza • Erba • Gordon James • Guichos • Hapa J’s • Irons in the Fire • Iva Lee’s • Kaylani Coffee • La Galette Creperie • La Siesta • Mimosa Café • Mongkut Thai • Mr. Pete’s • Ole’s Tavern • Park Semper Fi Marine Monument • Pedro’s • Pizza Port • Rib Trader • Riveria Beach • Romance • Salon Zinnia • San Clemente Wine Company • Selma’s Chicago Pizzeria • Sonny’s Pizza & Pasta • Sun Dried Tomato • Taka-O Japanese • The Cellar • Trestles • Velvet Yogurt • Wahoo’s Fish Tacos 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar; Silver: San Clemente Pier

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world over. The walk down to Lowers from the nearest parking spots helps keep the rif-raff out of the lineup, and on any given day you’ll fi nd top pros carving the legendary wave along with the top locals.

T STREET

NOMINEES: 204s • Church’s • Cotton’s Point • Lasuen • Old Man’s • Pier • Poche Beach • Riviera • San Onofre • State Beach • Trail 1 • Trail 6 2008 WINNERS: Gold: Trestles; Silver: T Street

BEST GOLF COURSE

SAN CLEMENTE MUNICIPAL150 E. Avenida Magdalena, 949.361.8380, www.sanclementegc.com

San Clemente’s oldest golf course remains its most loved—SC Times readers have selected Muni once again their favorite course for the fourth straight year. A new clubhouse, pro shop and the Irons in the Fire bar/restaurant has given the 18-hole course a much-needed facelift, making it not only a beautiful course with ocean views but also the best deal in around.

TALEGA GOLF CLUB990 Avenida Talega, 949.369.6226, www.talegagolfclub.com

NOMINEES: Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club • Shorecliffs Golf Club 2008 WINNERS: Gold: San Clemente Municipal; Silver: Talega Golf Club

BEST PARK FOR THE KIDS

LINDA LANE PARK400 Linda Lane, www.san-clemente.org

One of the city’s most popular parks, Linda Lane offers beautiful ocean views, children’s gym apparatus, picnic tables and large, grassy play areas. The park also has ample parking (paid) and

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Four-time winner for Best Beach: T Street. File photo

GETTING OUTSIDE

2009 best of san clemente people's choice ole awards

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