Taking a bite out of all the chocolates in the box

Chasing down the muse

Life is like a box of chocolates. Yes, Forrest, and people don’t

have the same tastes in chocolates any more than they do in anything

else.

Some of James Pribram’s choices in eateries from his column last

week were right on for me. Still, lest anyone think that I have

forgotten the wonders of Laguna as I rhapsodized about my trip down

the Grand Canyon, I have some additions to James’ tour of Laguna that

are my personal favorites.

For a quick morning bite and a cuppa after an exhilarating morning

walk on the beach there is the Coffee Pub tucked back in Forest

Avenue Mall across from the post office. The friendly faces at

Starbuck’s make up for the often long lines (and the soy chai tea is

heavenly). Mid-morning, take a break at Orange Inn for some juice and

wholesome baked goods. Remember when Orange Inn was way down the

highway north past El Morro?

For a ladies’ lunch (gents, too) Cedar Creek or Partner’s Bistro

are excellent choices. On the run? Try Taco Loco for the spicy,

Chapleau for juicy burgers, or The Stand for yummy vegetarian quick

service. Sopa Azteca at Olamendi’s is a good choice for

a homemade feeling. Lunch or

a sunset meal al fresco can be enjoyed at Kurt and Li-Nan

Ziegler’s Laguna Village Cafe.

What about afternoon

nachos to share at Laguna Hotel’s Terrace Cafe? Then a walk on

the boardwalk up to Las Brisas for

a glass of wine on the patio or over to Sorrento Grill for

martinis on Monday and a friendly chat with Nick, the bartender, and

others.

Dinnertime? There are so many choices-ranging from small and

crowded to larger and crowded at this time of year. To get away from

the crowds, try Canyon Lodge American Grill at Aliso Creek (formerly

Ben Brown’s). It is comparatively quiet, has good, friendly service

and well-prepared food. Say hello to Mrs. Brown, the owner. She is

usually there. Of course, Laguna is teeming with fine restaurants. If

you want to brave the summer crowds or just wait until after eight,

try Polina Salerno’s for Italian, Five Feet, Splashes at Surf and

Sand or 230 on Forest for starters. Small and casual, but well worth

trying, of course, is Thai Bros. on Laguna Avenue near the library.

I miss the old Tortilla Flats but anticipate something new at its

former home. And while I’m reminiscing, does anyone else remember

Moby Dick’s in what was then South Laguna? Dark and greasy, it was a

far cry from Ti Amo that is housed there now.

Well, now I’m real hungry. How about you? To eat is to walk. Food

is only fuel, right? Some of it is just a bit tastier to me.

And speaking of fuel, this upcoming week is the final training

before the Chronicle Marathon in San Francisco. It seems such a long

time since that blustery day in January when I committed to raising

funds for the American Stroke Association, educating others, and

myself and actually participating in the marathon itself. I could use

my good health and stamina to help others, to give back. Along the

way, I have been humbled. I have learned a lot. I have met

fascinating and quietly courageous people and enjoyed the wonderful

generosity of many others.

A quick recap: Training and fund-raising began in earnest on Jan.

25. Letters explaining the goals of fund-raising went out. An art

auction was planned. Weekend mileage with the training group began

with a three-mile walk. This wasn’t going to be too hard.

HA!

By the time we were up to 10 miles at a stretch, my rapid pace had

awakened an old hip injury. By 14 miles, I was crawling up the stairs

afterward. With some good physical therapy and learning to rest, I

think now I am close to ready. If Pat, a stroke survivor, could do

this, I could get past my obstacles. (Pat finished the half marathon

in Kona. Congratulations!) I guess I thought I would get all

chocolate-covered cherries out of the box. But like Forrest Gump’s

mother said, “you never know what you’re gonna get.”

You can know, however, that somewhere in the list of fine and/or

fun places to eat that James and I have outlined, there is something

for you to enjoy. And if not, keep looking. There are many more left

unmentioned. Bon appetite and good walking!

* CHERRIL DOTY is a creative living coach, writer, and artist who

lives and works in Laguna Beach. She can be contacted by e-mail at

emmagine8@aol.com or by phone at (949) 251-3883