Crystal Cove Community News & Events
Due to the overwhelming response of parents for summer activities, the following activities will be offered:
The camps/clinics will be organized by Blueray Management and Soccer Shots with fees paid directly to them. Registration and payment in full prior to camps/clinics will allow proper planning and staffing for the best possible program. Please email danb@blueraymgmt.com for additional information.
First read the book of the month and then meet for insightful discussions about the piece. Meetings are usually held once a month at a member’s home. For more information email Janet Hadley at janethadley@mac.com or Sepi Farsai at sepidehfarsai@yahoo.com.
April 23, 2011
Ages 4 and under at 2:00 p.m.
Ages 5 and up at 2:15 p.m.
Puppet Show at 2:30 p.m.
Bring your camera!!!
Reef Point Park from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Crystal Cove Residents: Get your Easter baskets ready of the Great Egg Hunt at Reef Pont Park. Featuring catered treats and sweets, DJ music, facepainter, puppet show and photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Please RSVP with the Activities Office by April 15, 2011.
Crystal Cove offers residents two classes at the Canyon Club. Piloga is on Tuesday and Yoga class is on Thursday at 9 a.m. Fees are payable to the instructor. Classes are held by the pool if weather permits, otherwise they are held in either the El Moro or Abalone Room. For additional information about the Yoga classes, please contact the instructor, Christine Taylor, at 949-338-3139 or send her an email at ctaylormail@cox.net.
South of Newport Beach and Corona del Mar, at the tip of the renowned Crystal Cove State Park, this location offers easy access to coastal walks, back country hiking and an easy day at the beach, Southern California style.
If you can only see one place, that should be Crystal Cove State Park, located about halfway between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
Historic Cottages at Crystal Cove
There are 3.2 miles of completely unspoiled beaches along with shrub-covered bluffs that provide spectacular views of the coastline.
The hike down to the beach is well worth it and there are tide pools, great bodyboarding waves, rocky reefs for snorkeling and scuba, and tons of mostly empty sand.
While exploring Crystal Cove, grab a snack or a meal at Ruby’s Shake Shack on Pacific Coast Highway—locals have been going there for milkshakes and sandwiches for decades.
For more nature adventures, the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park has lots of hikes and mountain biking trails heading up from El Moro and Emerald Canyon. Only a couple of miles further down the coast away from Newport is Laguna Canyon Road, which heads inland and passes three trailheads offering access to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, which is operated by OC Parks.
Within Crystal Cove State Park is the Crystal Cove Historic District, a 12.3-acre coastal section with 46 historic beach cottages. An insider’s tour of Crystal Cove takes place the first Saturday of every month, from10 a.m. to noon, led by yours truly. Among other local tales, you’ll learn the story behind the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages and how our local efforts saved them from being turned into a luxury resort.
Today, 21 of these cottages have been restored and are open to the public (you can even book an overnight stay) and another 24 are slated for restoration when enough funds are raised.
Follow it up with a leisurely 3.2-mile walk along the pristine beach. Once you’ve built up an appetite, head to The Beachcomber Café which is right on the water.
If it’s breakfast time, grab some hot beignets and a latte; later in the day, order some ahi tacos and a specialty cocktail and watch the sun set. (Tip: Put your name on the list before you take your walk!)
The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week and has a wide variety of hikes ranging from easy family walks to strenuous uphill climbs. The reward is spectacular ocean views (many days, Catalina Island is visible 22 miles offshore). Sunsets from the ridges are some of the best in California.
In conjunction with the Laguna Beach Food & Wine Experience in March 2011, Laguna Culinary Academy is pleased to host the opening event – a California Wine Tasting, featuring our favorite California wine producers from all over California, on Thursday, March 10 at 6-8:30pm.
A Taste of California
85 Sidra Cove, Crystal Cove
$1,999,999
REDUCED AND PRICED TO SELL!!! Crystal cove spectacular ocean view 4 bedroom/3 bathroom home on a quiet culdesac. Private driveway with parking. Upgrades include-new hardwood floors in living room and 4th bedroom/office, travertine throughout, carpet in bedrooms, custom paint and window treatments, granite in kitchen, Viking and subzero appliances, audio/video system with surround sound in master, living room and breakfast dining area, tub with jets in master, epoxy floors in garage with built in cabinets. Professionally landscaped patio with fountain, gas fire pit and built in lounge area. Private balcony with lounge/sitting area to enjoy sunsets. Immaculate!!! May also be leased completely furnished.
Listing Agent: Jaclynn Jacober
The Philharmonic Society of Orange County has announced that the 2011 Philharmonic House of Design, Maison de la Mer, benefiting The Philharmonic Society Youth Music Education Programs and sponsored by CALIFORNIA HOMES magazine will open March l, 2011. 
Located in Newport Coast, this 10,820 square foot French inspired estate overlooks Newport Harbor and the beaches below. Reminiscent of an historic Provencal mansion, but with modern amenities, the home has a sweeping three story floating staircase, six bedrooms, including a separate guest casita, seven bathrooms, three powder rooms, a theatre, a chilled wine cellar with separate tasting room, pool, a 3,200 square foot subterranean ten car garage and more. Built by Haigh Builders, Inc. and designed by the architectural firm of C.R. Carney Architects, Inc., the home will be transformed by interior designers from Orange County and Los Angeles and will open to the public on March 1, 2011.
An impressive list of designers includes David Phoenix, Hal Swanson and Dan Ollis, Melinda Ritz, Randy Boyd, John Wooden, Gayle Lee, Bunny Sutherland, Frank Pitman, Eve Lowey, Joyce Byrd, Deirdre Eagles and Jeanine Veldhuis.
Bookings for corporate and other sponsored parties are being taken now.
For more information please call the Philharmonic Society of Orange County at 714.840.7542 or CALIFORNIA HOMES at 949.640.1484
Enjoy a guided winter 3-5 mile backcountry hike on Saturday March 5th and March 12th and March 13th and 26th at 9:00 am. Meet at El Moro Visitor Center (PCH at stoplight (School State Park). $15 day use parking fee.
Join Crystal Cove State Park for a Gray Whale Twalk to learn about the magnificent migration of this California marine mammal. Meet at Pelican Point #4 (PCH to Newport Coast, left at kiosk to the end) at the amphitheater on Saturday, March 5 at 9:00 am.
$15 day use parking fee.
Crystal Cove State Park is hosting a geology tour along the coastal section of the park on Sunday, March 6 at 9:00 am. Visit several diverse and geologically outstanding sites which all display a story from a different geologic time. Meet at Los Trancos at the trailer (PCH turns inland at the Los Trancos light). $15 day use parking fee.
Take a walk through the renovated 12 acre Historic District at Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, March 12 at 10:00 am. Learn about the colorful past of the cove and hear about different uses for each cottage. Meet at Los Trancos at the trailer (PCH turns inland at the Los Trancos light). $15 day use parking fee.
Crystal Cove State Park and Crystal Cove Alliance are hosting an OPEN HOUSE in the park and marine research facility in the Historic District on Saturday, March 19 from 1pm to 3pm. Guests will learn about science and the research that is being conducted in the park and participate in fun and simple activities. At 3:00 pm a volunteer will lead a tidepool walk at the Rocky Bight tidepool area. Park in the Los Trancos lot (PCH at Los TRancos; then walk across the street or take the shuttle) and meet at cottage #22.
$15 day use parking fee.
Learn how to take beautiful photos of wildflowers on a docent led photography walk at Crystal Cove State Park on Sunday, March 20 at 3:30 pm. Meet at Pelican lot #2 at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot (PCH turn coastward at the Newport Coast stoplight, right at the kiosk and left into the first lot.)
$15 day parking fee applies.
Join Crystal Cove State Park volunteer on a guided tidepool walk to Pelican Point on Saturday, March 26 at 11 am when the tide will fall to a low 0.1. A volunteer will help identify animals and describe some awesome adaptations. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot. (PCH turn coastward at Newport Coast light, right at the kiosk and left into the first lot.)
$15 day parking fee applies.
2/22/2011
Irvine Company has announced that a highly acclaimed restaurant from London will open its first U.S. location this summer at Crystal Cove Promenade in Newport Coast. Tamarind of London, a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Tamarind in London’s Mayfair, will serve Indian favorites as well as innovative and modern seasonal dishes in an upscale casual atmosphere.
Tamarind’s dishes are derived from traditional Moghul cuisine where bread, fish, meat and game are cooked in the authentic tandoor oven style of North West India. Executive Chef Alfred Prasad, the youngest Indian chef to ever receive a Michelin star, applies a creative twist to these dishes. Prasad notes about his cuisine, “I treat original Indian dishes with only the most delicate touches, adding a zing but largely retaining their originality. I balance creativity with authenticity as much as possible to give our patrons the feel of great Indian food that hasn’t been spoiled by modern versions of it.”
“Tamarind’s food is a world of flavor. It is a new enlightenment for those who thought they knew Indian food,” said Randall Hiatt, President of Fessel International, a Costa Mesa-based restaurant consulting firm.
Tamarind’s menu will include small plates such as Stuffed Grilled Potato Pancakes (spiced potato cakes with a filling of spinach with garlic and dried fenugreek leaves, drizzled with tamarind chutney) and Pan Seared Atlantic Scallops (delicately seasoned Diver scallops flavored with mixed peppercorns, fennel and star-anise, topped with oven roasted peppers.)
An assortment of kababs will include Ginger and Green Chile Chicken (supreme of chicken marinated with ginger, green chili, cream cheese, coriander stem and cardamom) and Spicy Papaya Lamb (tender lamb cutlets marinated with malt vinegar, garlic, papaya, paprika, ground spices and cream.)
Among the curries will be Wok Fired Prawns (tiger prawns tossed with onions, tomatoes and mixed peppers finished with red chile flakes and toasted coriander), and Kashmiri Style Lamb Shank (slow-cooked lamb shank with whole spices, yoghurt, saffron and Kashmiri chiles.) Lunch specials will include a curry sampler and sandwiches such as the Grilled Portobello Mushroom Naan-Burger (marinated portobello mushroom topped with sundried tomato, leeks and fresh oregano, goat cheese, grilled zucchini and oven roasted tomato) and interesting salads.
Tamarind will also offer a wide array of vegetables, rice dishes, tandoor oven baked Naan (breads), and will feature 8-10 creative curries daily. The restaurant will have a full bar with an impressive wine list from around the world, as well as a selection of traditional Indian beverages.
As noted Chef Gordon Ramsay said: “The food (Tamarind) turns out is a million miles from standard chicken tikka masala fare. There aren’t many Indian restaurants where you’ll see sea bass, scallops or squid on the menu, and the spicing is so delicate that the individual flavors really come through.”
The 144-seat restaurant will boast a beautiful contemporary Indian interior design and patio. It will feature a blend of India’s rich design legacy and the resort feeling of Crystal Cove Promenade.
“For more than 15 years, Tamarind has been an exceptional restaurant in London and has helped change perceptions of Indian cuisine,” said Keith Eyrich, President of Irvine Company Retail Properties. “Newport Beach has a proven track record for launching new and exclusive concepts to the local diner and we feel this is an ideal addition to Crystal Cove Promenade.”
Tamarind of London’s sister restaurant in London has been recognized with several top honors over the years, including Michelin stars from 2001 – 2011, and the 2005 Best of Britain award for Restaurant Achievement of the Year.
Tamarind of London will be open for lunch and dinner daily and will offer convenient valet parking. For more information, please visit www.tamarindrestaurant.com.
Crystal Cove Promenade, owned and managed by Irvine Company, is located at East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive in Newport Coast. For a complete listing of stores, restaurants and services, please visit www.ShopTheIrvineCompany.com.
Irvine Company is a privately-held company based in Newport Beach, California. The company’s retail portfolio includes Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center and The Market Place, as well as neighborhood and community centers in Newport Beach and Irvine.