Editor ’ s Letter /
A Season to Savor
As summer gives way to fall and busy school and work schedules resume , a hot cup of coffee often feels necessary to get through the early mornings and deadlines . Luckily , a slew of new cafes have popped up around town in the past year , offering all manner of caffeine-filled espresso , lattes , tea drinks and more . They join several longtime Laguna coffee shops , making it easy to grab a cup of joe on just about every corner .
As part of this issue ’ s Eat & Drink special section , read all about Laguna ’ s coffee culture on page 38 . Another drink is also showcased in a story about Laguna Canyon Winery marking its 20th anniversary . Although the grapes are grown in Northern California vineyards , every other step of producing the label ’ s vino takes place in the winery ’ s Laguna Canyon space . For more on the brand , plus its wine pairing dinners and wine blending classes , turn to page 42 . In this edition , we also highlight a few local chefs who honor their families ’ recipes — passed down through the generations — at their Laguna restaurants ( page 46 ).
Elsewhere in the magazine , we talk with local band The Great North Special , which released its first full-length record this summer and debuted its music during performances at Bluebird Park and Rivian South Coast Theater . Performing everything from country-funk to soul-blues , psych-rock and jazz , this band knows how to jam ( page 34 ). We also pay tribute to award-winning jeweler Adam Neeley , who recently wrapped up a retrospective exhibit and the first decorative arts display at Laguna Art Museum . The talented gemologist and goldsmith also has started a nonprofit , Gorgeous Little Things , to encourage the next generation to learn about the industry and perhaps find a passion for making jewelry ( page 26 ).
And , lastly , we preview the inaugural Laguna Bicycle Festival , which descends on the Festival of Arts grounds in late October . The three-day event brings together an exhibit on the evolution of bikes through history as well as BMX stunt shows , live music , guest speakers , group rides and bike clinics for all ages and riding levels . With Laguna ’ s biking history , top-rated trails and famous local riders , it seems like a perfect fit . Gear up for the event by reading “ A Cycling Celebration ” on page 32 .
With so much happening this season , no doubt it will rush by in a blur . In between the hustle and bustle , make sure to hit pause and savor a few moments this fall , whether that ’ s sipping a cup of coffee while reading this magazine or listening to new music by The Great North Special or checking out a new event like the bike festival .
COURTESY OF ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI
Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon @ firebrandmediainc . com
Food takes center stage in this issue , from local chefs sharing family recipes at their restaurants ( page 46 ), like Alessa by Chef Pirozzi ( pictured ), to the abundance of coffee shops popping up in town ( page 38 ) to Laguna Canyon Winery ’ s 20th anniversary ( page 42 ).
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 15