Sit down to diner-style fare

BEST BUYS

The Penguin Cafe could be Laguna’s oldest business. Since 1948, the

cafe has served diner-style breakfasts and lunches in this tiny

coffee shop. Despite the destructive fire in the 1970s -- a display

of the burned menu sign serves as a reminder of the damage -- the

Penguin Cafe still thrives. It has been family owned for 26 years.

Regulars come in for their famous spinach omelets on the weekdays and

eggs Benedict on the weekends. The carne asada and the

self-proclaimed “best burgers in town” are also popular. Open from

6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday; and from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday at 981 S. Coast Highway. Information: (949)

768-8276.

AWARD-WINNING SHOE REPAIR

Next door to The Penguin Cafe is Luggage and Shoe Repair. With 30

years experience, it offers award-winning shoe and boot repairs,

custom leatherwork, orthopedic work and stretching. For convenience,

there’s a 24-hour drop off box. Open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday

to Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at 985 S. Coast

Highway.

SPECIALIZING IN THE UNUSUAL

Owner Kent Kelley has had Blind Faith for the past nine years, but

he’s no stranger to Laguna. Kelley’s owned a shop here since 1968 --

Cherry Moon, Lime Bread and Mystic Arts World. This emporium boutique

specializes in art, hemp and vintage and handmade clothing for men

and women. Black and white rock ‘n’ roll portraits are by Paul Bryan

Jr., Bali-inspired surf paintings are by Marcel Mead and Woodys are

painted by Ryan Gourley. Blind Faith is also a resource across the

country for 1960s-style decor. Kelley collects Tibetan clothing and

art; he does installations for restaurants and provides props for

parties. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at 761 S. Coast Highway.

TRENDY SWIMWEAR

Merrilee’s Swimwear carries the latest trends in swimwear,

sportswear and accessories. Merrilee makes her own swimwear and

sportswear here in Laguna. Other lines are from Diesel, Betsey

Johnson, Mavi, French Connection and Project e tees. David Aubrey, a

SoHo New York-based jewelry designer, has pieces here. Straw hats,

print bags from Nicolita and inexpensive trendy glasses too. Open

from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 6

p.m. Sunday at 790 S. Coast Highway. (949) 497-6743.

SHOPPING FOR GOOD

The Turnabout Shop is a thrift store that receives donations of

clothing, art works, household items, antiques and more. It has some

of the best bargains in town. All proceeds go toward various projects

helping children in the community. Open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at

526 Glenneyre St. Information: (949) 494-5977.

IMPORTED ACCESSORIES

Owner Vibeke Tummler of the Vibs Collection fills this tiny store

with imported home accessories from Denmark and French provincial

style furniture from Indonesia. Tummler has discounted all of the

large furniture pieces to make room for more antiques, lamps and

accessories. Tummler will also be designing clothing soon. Each

month, the store changes, and there are always good buys.

Contemporary dishware, candles, glasses, iron pieces and more are

available. Furniture can be ordered from catalogs. Open from 11 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday; from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday. Closed Tuesdays. Panno Plaza at 490 S. Coast

Highway, No. 6. Information: (949) 494-7860.

AFFORDABLE PEARLS

Patti Jo Designs Mother of Pearls sells affordable fresh water

pearl jewelry. Owner Patti Jo Kiraly designs most everything. She

also travels throughout Asia on buying trips for pearls and unusual

pieces. For nearly 19 years, Kiraly has had a booth at the Sawdust

Festival. Her signature design, copyrighted this summer, is the pearl

bangle bracelet in sterling silver or gold fill. Unusual shaped

pearls -- rice, dime, square and potato -- in a variety of colors are

used. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thursday. Panno

Plaza at 490 S. Coast Highway, No. 4. Information: (949) 497-9791.

WINTER ART SALE AND AUCTION

Miranda International is having a winter art sale and auction

through Sunday. Featured artists include Orlando, A.B., Royo, Chaba

Markus, Tomaz Rut, Willie Kissmer, R. Cook and M. Liepke. Selected

art is selling below wholesale prices. The auction reception is from

3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. Final bids will be accepted at 5 p.m. at 357 S.

Coast Highway. Information: (949) 497-4491.

* BEST BUYS is a weekly feature of the Coastline Pilot. Send

information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 248

Laguna Beach, CA 92652, or by fax at 494-8979.