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John F. Kennedy documentary screening in San Juan Capistrano to mark 100th anniversary of his birth

May 19, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Sen. John F. Kennedy makes his way through a crowd of supporters and journalists as he arrives in Los Angeles, July 9, 1960 for the Democratic National Convention. (File photo by the Associated Press)
Sen. John F. Kennedy debates Vice President Richard Nixon on live TV during the 1960 presidential campaign. (File photo by the Associated Press)
President John F. Kennedy sits at his desk in the White House, January 18, 1962. (File photo by the Associated Press)
Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.) is shown with wife, Jacqueline, who reads to their daughter Caroline, at Hyannis Port, Mass., July 25, 1960. (File photo by the Associated Press)
Sen. John F. Kennedy (D-Mass.) the Senator from Massachusetts, in his Washington, D.C. office, February 27, 1959. (File photo by the Associated Press)

This Memorial Day will be special to Army veteran Robert Kline for two reasons: it marks the federal holiday that honors those who served in the armed forces and it will celebrate the 100th birthday of the late President John F. Kennedy.

In 1960, Kennedy was the first president Kline ever voted for and he said he was instantly mesmerized by the war veteran’s accomplishments as a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, his elegant speechmaking and his sense of humor. In the summer of 1962, Kline had the opportunity to meet Kennedy face-to-face at Hyannis Port, Mass., and received a special gift that he has carried in his pocket ever since:

“He gave me a picture of himself on a golf cart with Caroline and John John and some of his nephews. I’ve carried that everywhere in my life, everywhere I’ve gone. From California to Vietnam to Africa,” said Kline.

The San Juan Capistrano resident has a résumé that expands in many directions, including being a former 20th Century Fox executive, founder of the West Coast Film Festival, co-founder of the Lifetime Network and a professor at USC for 30 years and counting. Kline is also an avid filmmaker, co-producing and directing “Heaven & Earth” with Oliver Stone, and directing and producing documentaries about American history, including presidents and their families.

One of the documentaries, his 2013 “JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later,” will be screened at the Regency Theatre in San Juan Capistrano on Thursday, May 25, which revisits the 1,000-day Kennedy presidency with his inaugural speech, commentary on the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile crisis, and rare footage from the JFK Presidential library.

Hosted by Kline, the screening will feature a raffle with prizes from Warner Bros. Studios. Kline and his wife, producer and filmmaker Stephanie Heredia, created the 90-minute documentary with what Kline described as “pure passion and dedication to a president we both admire.”

To this day, Kline grieves over the day that Kennedy was assassinated and remembers his feelings like it was yesterday:

“The day he died in Dallas was and remains one of the saddest moments in my life. He had an impact then and he continues to now.”

To create the documentary, the couple spent hundreds of hours gathering archival film and video at the JFK Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The film also features an interview with President Ronald Reagan that was obtained from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.

Kline’s dedication to the Kennedy family has included working media for Robert Kennedy when he ran for president. Kline said he left California on a red eye to Washington D.C. on June 5, 1968 in hopes of working for the candidate, if not as a press secretary, then as a director of media.

When he arrived in D.C., he said he got off the airplane and saw newspapers on the seats with the headline “RFK Slain.”

“I went from the airport to the Plaza Hotel and told Darryl F. Zanuck, my boss, the chairman of Fox, that I would become executive vice president and head of production,” said Kline, “I wanted to get as far away from the pain of politics, because I lost too many Kennedys.”

In 2008, Kline and Heredia also produced the Warner Bros. documentary “The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings,” based on a best-selling book by Thomas Maier. The film focuses on five generations of the family, including Kennedy and the life and careers of his brothers, Robert and Edward M. (Ted) Kennedy.

Kline’s mission goes beyond research and honoring Kennedy. He said that he hopes that his documentaries will inspire future generations to learn more about the late president.

“He was young, he was intelligent, and when he made a mistake, like the Bay of Pigs, one of the biggest disasters in history, he took blame and said he will do better next time,” said Kline, “He defined my generation and I hope he will continue to influence others with these morals.”

‘JFK Remembered: 50 Years Later’

Where: Regency Theatres, 26762 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano

When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 25

Call: 949-661-3456

Online: regencymovies.com

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Irvine, Movies + TV, Orange, UCI

Who makes the best craft cocktail in Orange County?

May 18, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Tell us your choice by voting for the Best Cocktail Bar/Mixologist in the Food & Drink category of the Best of Orange County.Read more about Who makes the best craft cocktail in Orange County? This post was shared via Orange County Register’s RSS Feed. Irvine Shredding Service

Drinks, Irvine, Orange, Top Stories OCR, UCI

Millionaire Marcus Lemonis of The Profit to reopen Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in mid-June

May 18, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour: in Buena Park remains temporarily closed. “The Profit” millionaire Marcus Lemonis took over the location near Knott’s Berry Farm in late January. After a remodel, the restaurant was expected to reopen in March. However, marketing director Shauna Parisi said delays have pushed back the reopening until at least late April.
Marcus Lemonis, host of The Profit, center, gives tips to Travis Lee, Director of Operations. Lee remains at the company, but other executives have left including Marketing Director Shauna Parisi.
Farrell’s temporary closure in Buena Park comes after the company was featured in Lemonis’ business rescue show last summer. In the episode, Lemonis invested $750,000 in Farrell’s, which had accumulated debt of nearly $2 million. Since then, he told the Register he’s spent more capital on the business to keep it afloat. In late January, Farrell’s laid off workers and closed the restaurant for a remodel. Parisi said The Profit plans to air a follow-up segment on Farrell’s. The air date has not been released.
Jan Avadilla tidies up Farrell’s in Buena Park’s new candy shop. Several employees are featured in “The Profit” airing on Aug. 23 on CNBC. The episode chronicles the transformation of Farrell’s in Buena Park with a revamped store with a candy store, new menu items. The restaurant was the target of a remodel. ///ADDITIONAL INFO: Biz.Farrells.0819- shot date- 8/17/16 -ANA VENEGAS, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER Farrell’s in Buena Park is revamping its menu and ice cream after closing two underperforming restaurants. The nostalgic brand is also being featured The Profit on Aug. 23 on CNBC In that episode, the Buena Park restaurant was the target of a major remodel and will show case a new menu and a showcase candy shop which has already increased sales.

The Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Buena Park, now owned by self-made millionaire Marcus Lemonis of the “The Profit” on CNBC, is slated to reopen next month after a major remodel.

“It’s going to be a full-scale revision,” said Travis Lee, director of operations.

Lee said the redo includes a higher quality menu of scratch-made foods, a new dining room with an ice cream shop for to-go orders, revised employee uniforms and a new line of ice cream.

He declined to reveal specific details about the decor.but promised fans that Farrell’s is “100 percent holding on to the nostalgia” the brand is known for.

As such, specialty ice cream sundae desserts such as The Zoo and Pig Trough will remain on the revamped menu.

“The history is important,” he said.

The remodel at the 2-year-old Buena Park restaurant near Knott’s Berry Farm comes months after a management shake-up at the company.

The Buena Park location previously was owned and operated by Lake Forest-based Parlour Enterprises. After Farrell’s ran into financial troubles last year, Parlour Enterprises executives appeared on Lemonis’ business rescue show “The Profit.”

During the show, it was revealed Farrell’s stores were in debt nearly $2 million. Lemonis, who has invested more than $35 million in companies featured on his reality show, said he believed in the brand. He invested $750,000 in Farrell’s and suggested major fixes like scrapping the use of Thrifty Ice Cream and revamping the menu.

He also discouraged the loud celebratory sirens, drums, and singing. He advised then-CEO Mike Fleming and President Paul Kramer to close the Rancho Cucamonga restaurant.

In late January, Lemonis was summoned to rescue the brand again as Parlour Enterprises continued to spiral financially. Lemonis told the Register that Farrell’s owed its Buena Park landlord nine months rent equalling about $200,000. Vendors also had gone unpaid.

“On several occasions, I had to loan them money to pay employees,” Lemonis said.

His company ML Foods now owns the Farrell’s trademark. Fleming and Kramer, who resurrected the nostalgic ice cream brand in 2009 with the opening of Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour at The Shops at Mission Viejo, have exited the company.

Marketing Director Shauna Parisi, whose fresh ideas were favored by Lemonis, also recently left.

Lee said the restaurant is holding a job fair next week as the June 15 reopening date draws closer.

When the restaurant closed earlier this year, some ex-employees expressed concern about the Profit’s impact on the kid-friendly brand. After the show aired last summer, the restaurant stopped using drums and sirens for special celebrations because it was too noisy, employees said.

On Wednesday, Lee said drums will stick around but the celebratory atmosphere will be “toned down.”

On Aug. 1, The Profit is slated to air a follow-up show on Farrell’s.

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Business, Irvine, News, Orange, Restaurant Reviews + Food, Restaurants, Retail, UCI

Chris Cornell of Audioslave and Soundgarden has died at age 52

May 18, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Chris Cornell and Stone Gossard of Temple of the Dog perform at the Forum on Nov. 14, 2016. (File photo by Kelly A. Swift, Contributing Photographer)
Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell wails at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine. (File photo by Orange County Register/SCNG)
From left, Tim Commeford, Brad Wilk, Chris Cornell and Tom Morello, members of rock group “Audioslave” of the US, meet with reporters at the National Hotel in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, May 5, 2005. (File photo by Jorge Rey, AP)
On Aug. 8, 2010, file photo, musician Chris Cornell of Soundgarden performs during the Lollapalooza music festival in Grant Park in Chicago. According to his representative, rocker Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden and later Audioslave, has died Wednesday night in Detroit at age 52. (File photo by Nam Y. Huh, AP)
On Feb. 6, 2009, file photo, musician Chris Cornell speaks to the media as he arrives at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Neil Diamond in Los Angeles. According to his representative, rocker Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of Soundgarden and later Audioslave, has died Wednesday night in Detroit at age 52. (File photo by Chris Pizzello, AP
Chris Cornell performs during night two of KROQ 106.7 FM’s 26th Annual Almost Acoustic Christmas at the Forum in Inglewood on Sunday night. ///ADDITIONAL INFO: acousticchristmas_review.1214.dak 12/13/15 – Photo by DREW A. KELLEY, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

DETROIT — The musician Chris Cornell, who gained fame as the lead singer of the bands Soundgarden and, later, Audioslave, died on Wednesday night. He was at 52.

Cornell’s death was reported by The Associated Press, citing a statement from his representative, Brian Bumbery.

The death was “sudden and unexpected,” Mr. Bumbery said, adding that Mr. Cornell’s wife and other family members were shocked. The statement said the family would work closely with the medical examiner to determine the cause of death.

Cornell was scheduled to appear at a concert on Friday, May 19, in Columbus, Ohio. He posted a message on Twitter just a few hours before his death was reported, writing, “#Detroit finally back to Rock City!!!”

#Detroit finally back to Rock City!!!! @soundgarden #nomorebullshit pic.twitter.com/BqXx9veFoD
— Chris Cornell (@chriscornell) May 18, 2017

With his powerful voice and nearly four-octave vocal range, Cornell was one of the leading voices of the 1990s grunge movement as the frontman of Soundgarden, one of the most popular and successful bands to emerge from the Seattle music scene, joining the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains.

Soundgarden was formed in 1984 by Cornell, the guitarist Kim Thayil and the bassist Hiro Yamamoto. The group’s third studio album, “Badmotorfinger,” in 1991 spawned the singles “Jesus Christ Pose,” “Rusty Cage” and “Outshined,” which received regular play on alternative rock radio stations.

Cornell also collaborated with members of what would become Pearl Jam to form Temple of the Dog, which produced a self-titled album in 1991 in tribute to a friend, Andrew Wood, the former frontman for Mother Love Bone.

Three years later, Soundgarden broke through on mainstream radio with the album “Superunknown,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Record in 1995. It included the hit singles “Spoonman,” “Fell on Black Days,” “Black Hole Sun,” “My Wave” and “The Day I Tried to Live.”

Soundgarden broke up in 1997 after tensions in the band, and Mr. Cornell pursued a solo career. In 2001, he joined Audioslave, which included former members of Rage Against the Machine.

Audioslave disbanded in 2007, but Cornell and Soundgarden reunited in 2012 and released a sixth studio album, “King Animal,” in 2012.

Cornell became involved in philanthropy and started the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation to support children facing homelessness, poverty, abuse and neglect.

Business, Entertainment, Faith and Values, Laguna Niguel, Music, Music + Concerts, Obituaries, OCR Newsletter, Top Stories OCR

15 things to do this weekend in Orange County (May 19-21)

May 17, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Summer’s not officially here yet, but the outdoor fun and festivals that happen in the summer are beginning to arrive. Here are our 15 picks for this weekend:

ALL WEEKEND

CAR FESTIVAL: The Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival, the oldest and grandest car show in North Orange County hosts Hot Rods and a Concours d’Elegance, with the true classics of the automotive industry spread out over eight acres of lawns this weekend. The event raises money for charity. Hot rods are Saturday, May 20, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. $5 and kids under 12 are free. Music will feature live jazz, blues and rock by The Pleasure Tones. The Concours d’Elegance is Sunday, May 21, 2017, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $10 and kids under 12 free. That event features early Jazz, Tin Pan Alley & Vaudeville tunes of the 1920s and 30s by Janet Klein & Her Parlor Boys. There will also be vendor booths. 1201. W Malvern Ave., Fullerton. Information: muckcarshow.org.

OC NIGHT MARKET: OC Night Market is back at the fairgrounds for its 4th season and it offers hundreds of food, merchandise, arts, crafts and entertainment options at one of the biggest food festivals of the year. Welcome back old favorites and a lineup of new vendors to satisfy your palate, browse our merchandise, art and crafts vendors, and enjoy live entertainment with friends and family. It runs from Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21. Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. to midnight; Sunday 4 to 11 p.m. Admission $5 cash at the door only. $3 admission Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Parking $8. Most vendors are cash only. 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Check #OCNMDeals for more specials and discounts. If you miss it this weekend, the market returns June16-18. Information: ocnightmarket.com

MOZART & DON QUIXOTE: Pacific Symphony, featuring pianist Orli Shaham, will perform the overlooked work Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major this week at the Segerstrom Center for the Performing Arts. 8 p.m. Thursday, May 18-Saturday, May 20. The program also includes Maurice Ravel’s “Alborada del gracioso” and Richard Strauss’s “Don Quixote.” 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets $25-$195. Information: 714-755-5799, scfta.org or pacificsymphony.org. (Read more about the show.)

‘HANA’S SUITCASE’: This true story begins in March 2000, when a suitcase arrives at the children’s Holocaust education center in Tokyo. On the outside, in white paint, are the words: “Hana Brady, May 16, 1931, Waisenkind” (the German word for orphan). The center’s curator, Fumiko Ishioka, searches to find the answers. 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at Laguna Playhouse. $15-$25. 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-497-2787, ext. 1, or lagunaplayhouse.com.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL: Travel to Greece without leaving Orange County at the 2017 Greek Food Festival. Experience authentic Greek foods and homemade Greek pastries; traditional dancing and music; an outdoor marketplace and expansive “Kidz Zone” with carnival rides & games and other children’s activities and more. 3-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, 405 N. Dale St., Anaheim. Admission is free-$3. Information: ocgreekfest.com.

PUBLIC SAFETY OPEN HOUSES: OCFA, Newport Beach Police, Santa Ana Police, Buena Park Police … are all having open houses

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

ORANGE COMIC-CON: The Orange Public Library is hosting its first-ever Comic-Con this weekend. Comic, fantasy and science-fiction aficionados of all ages are invited to attend the free event, featuring contests, giveaways, crafts and much more. Comic artists and authors will be on hand to showcase their works. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Orange Public Library, 407 E Chapman Ave.

TUSTIN LOBSTER FEST: Love lobster? Tustin Lobsterfest is on Saturday, May 20, from 4 to 8 p.m. Lobsterfest serves up unlimited whole lobster, tri-tip beef and all the sides and desserts you can handle. There will also be live music from Then Again Band, a ’60s ’70s and ’80s music cover band. A ball drop opportunity draw gives cash prizes of up to $1,000. Tickets are $85 in advance (online until 5 p.m. May 19) and $100 at the gate. The event is hosted by the Tustin/Santa AN Rotary and benefits local scholarships, awards and events. Pepper Tree Park, 230 W. First St., Tustin. Information: tustinlobsterfest.com.

‘THE PAINTED GARDEN’: Interactive dance and multimedia show, performed in the round, in which children are invited to accompany dancers in the world on stage, a world filled with sensors that respond to movement and sound. 1 p.m. Saturday, 1 & 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Samueli Theater. Tickets start at $20. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Information: 714-556-2787 or scfta.org.

TASTE OF SANTA ANA: Come down to the Assistance League of Santa Ana’s 2017 Best Taste of Santa Ana food festival featuring tasty samples from restaurants, cafes, caterers and bakeries, wine and beer, entertainment and a silent auction. 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Third and Sycamore in Santa Ana. $30 at the door. Information: assistanceleagueofsantaana.org or 714-664-0547.

FREE DANCE PERFORMANCE: Backhausdance is presenting an engaging, athletic and entertaining outdoor performance for the community to enjoy on the Newport Beach Civic Center green on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m. In addition to two repertory works, this critically-acclaimed Orange County contemporary dance company will introduce a new dance specifically created for the Civic Center venue by Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus. Dance lovers from around Orange County are invited to dress comfortably and enjoy this free, unique interactive dance experience. It’s a family afternoon of dance suitable for audiences of all ages. Bring a picnic and beach chairs to enjoy the performance outdoors in front of the Central Library.

SUNDAY

BALBOA ISLAND ART WALK: The 23rd annual Balboa Island Artwalk, featuring more than a mile of art and live music, is the premier showcase for talented local artists and marks the start of the area;s summer season. The event is Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the South Bayfront Promenade of Balboa Island. Admission is free. This fine art show features 100 artists exhibiting paintings, fine jewelry, blown glass, sculpture, and photography. Performing musicians include Gary Gould, Grant Peacock, The Retros, Jim Roberts, Don Ross & Rose, and the Rick Sherman Duo. Limited-edition artwalk posters and T-shirts are available for purchase at Diamond & South Bayfront.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET: The Santa Ana Zoo is hosting Party for the Planet on Sunday, May 21, from noon to 3 p.m. The event features games, demonstrations, crafts and more, all focused on conservation. It’s included in the price of admission ($9-$12) or free to zoo members. 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana. Information: santaanazoo.org.

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Events, Irvine, Orange, UCI, Uncategorized

Consider leaving the stroller at home when you visit Disneyland

May 17, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

How many times have you left a stroller unattended while you went on a ride or into a show at Disneyland?

How many times was the stroller – and everything you left in it – waiting for you when you got back?

Maybe a park employee moved the stroller while you were away, but I’d wager that few theme park fans have found their stuff missing entirely after a ride. And in the unusual situations when that does happen, it’s often a case of mistaken stroller identity, when a family pushes away a stroller they thought was theirs.

The rows of strollers in Tomorrowland at Disneyland parked between the Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear attractions stretch nearly as far as can be seen, and block off some of the walking area in the land, frequently making it very congested. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)

That’s why so many Disney fans have been freaking out over a recent story from Walt Disney World about the theft of an $1,800 stroller and its contents from a family at the Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. A Florida woman was charged after the person who later bought the stolen stroller online identified the seller to police. But the big reason the suspect was caught was that Disney’s ubiquitous surveillance cameras caught her in the act, and the images went viral online.

Let’s forget for a moment the issue of just how much Big Brother Mickey is watching in the parks to consider why so many people are bringing heavily loaded and expensive strollers into the parks in the first place.

This is a designated stroller parking area in Tomorrowland at Disneyland near the Star Tours attraction. While it sits empty, most visitors with strollers prefer to park them underneath the old Peoplemover track. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Look, I get it. My kids were toddlers once, too. I remember schlepping our diaper bag into Disneyland back in the day, complete with multiple diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, a couple of blankies, a baggie of Cheerios, juice boxes, and a sippy cup or two.

But with so little available space on pathways at Disneyland on even moderately crowded days anymore, I appreciate when other fans around me in the park decide to travel lightly and leave the bulky bags and strollers at home. And you can’t break, lose or have stolen stuff you don’t bring to the park.

Here’s the question: Do you want the convenience of having everything you might need close at hand in backpack or bag, or the convenience of getting around the park without being loaded down like a Sherpa ascending Everest?

It’s easier to bring a bulky backpack to Disney than to many other theme parks, which often require stowing packs in lockers while you ride. But I can tell you from personal experience that hauling those bags and an SUV-sized stroller around the park changes your experience versus going around the park with a slimmer pack and a child who’s happy in a fold-up or a Disney rental stroller. With less stuff to haul, your focus moves from the burden of your load to the park around you that you paid to enjoy.

A cast member in Tomorrowland at Disneyland has the task of keeping the parked strollers organized in neat rows as they take up much of the walking space beneath the old, unused, Peoplemover tracks near the entrances to the Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear attractions. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Some people need to carry special medical supplies and equipment when they visit the park. But if that’s not the case for your family, maybe consider breaking the pack-rat habit? Knowledge and experience can free you to leave some of that load at home.

Don’t want to carry around the stuff you buy in the park? You don’t need a big stroller to use as a shopping cart. Disneyland and most theme parks have free bag check services for in-park purchases. They’ll store your stuff until you are ready to leave for the day.

A sea of parked strollers beneath the old Peoplemover and Rocket Rods tracks in Tomorrowland at Disneyland. (Photo by Mark Eades, Orange County Register/SCNG)

All major theme parks have baby care centers. Get to know what they offer, so you will know what you can get from them should you opt to travel more lightly, yet get caught in a pinch – same for first aid centers. My family has gotten plastic bandages, over-the-counter painkillers and even feminine supplies from various parks, often at no charge, over the years. Theme parks don’t have to be wilderness back country, where you need to pack in everything you might possibly need.

And just as soon as the kids are old enough to walk instead of ride their way around the park, let them. Don’t worry about making time or whether they’ll get crushed in the crowd. They won’t. Just stick with them and let them lead for a change. They’ll remember more of their trip that way, and you might just discover something new by seeing the park at a child’s pace.

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Amusement Parks, Disneyland, Irvine, Orange, UCI

A Big Mac at your doorstep? McDonald’s partners with UberEats for McDelivery in Southern California

May 17, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

The Big Mac burger is now available through delivery. (AP Photo/McDonald’s Corp.)
UberEats and McDonald’s are partnering for delivery.
Now you can order a Big Mac and fries and have it delivered to your home or office using UberEats. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
A large order of McDonald’s french fries from McDonald’s (AP Photo/Rich Kareckas

Starting Wednesday, Southern California Big Mac fans can satisfy their craving without leaving their driveway.

McDonald’s has launched doorstep delivery through UberEats at 375 restaurants in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties. With the exception of soft-serve ice cream orders and promotional items, the full McDonald’s menu is available through the fast-growing delivery division of Uber.

Third-generation McDonald’s operator Todd Horner, whose family runs 34 Southern California restaurants, said McDelivery allows the chain to get “our meals into people’s hands that may not be able to make it into the restaurant.”

McDonald’s restaurants in Southern California are among the first in the nation to launch delivery. The world’s largest burger chain is expected to expand the service over the coming months in other regions.

Meeting consumer demand for delivery comes as McDonald’s tries to stay one step ahead of its biggest fast food rivals: Burger King, Wendy’s and Jack in the Box.

San Diego-based Jack in the Box launched delivery of its entire menu in late March through a partnership with San Francisco-based DoorDash. Of the 856 restaurants testing delivery, 273 are in Southern California – a key market for Jack in the Box, the company said.

Wendy’s and DoorDash are piloting a delivery program at 135 restaurants in Dallas and Columbus, Ohio. Some parts of Orange County also offer delivery. Irvine-based Taco Bell has offered delivery through DoorDash for nearly two years.

McDonald’s is joining a number of popular restaurants going with UberEats, one of the industry’s fastest-growing food delivery companies.

Since debuting in 2014 in Los Angeles, UberEats has added thousands of restaurants to its roster including The Halal Guys, Panda Express, The Flame Broiler, Umami Burger, Slater’s 50/50, Lemonade, Ruby’s Diner and Johnny Rockets.

On the app, pizza, Mexican food and burgers are the most popular search categories.

“People in Southern California search for McDonald’s in the UberEats app almost daily, so we’re excited to expand our reach and deliver what they’ve been craving,” UberEats spokesman Allen Narcisse said in a statement.

Postmates, an on-demand delivery service, said the Big Mac is the No. 1 fast-food item craved by its users. (Note: Postmates acts more like a personal courier service by allowing users to create custom shopping orders).

Many of those searching for food delivery are the industry’s next generation of diners: millennials.

The nation’s 75 million millennials, roughly defined as ages 18-34 in 2015, outnumber Baby Boomers. Mobile ordering is among their biggest pastimes.

Market research firm NPD Group reports 1.7 billion deliveries in foodservice visits annually. Young adults are the heaviest users, representing 56 percent of delivery orders.

Compared to other generations, Gen Z and Gen Y are also the most satisfied users of food delivery services, according to NPD.

“If delivery fits a foodservice operator’s business model and it’s operationally feasible, they definitely need to add it on as an option in order to stay competitive,” said Warren Solochek, president of NPD’s Foodservice Practice division.Delivering meals is one of

Delivering meals is one of several strategies McDonald’s has employed to lure today’s experiential-focused consumer. In recent years, McDonald’s has modernized restaurants, made breakfast available all day and added a line of Signature Crafted burgers made with upscale ingredients.

Many of those programs were first tested in Southern California.

Horton, whose family runs 12 McDonald’s stores in Orange County, said the company has evolved to be more accessible and customer-focused. Testing new ideas is necessary to stay relevant.

“Not everything is going to work perfectly, but a lot of good things come out of trial and error,” said the 34-year-old operator. “If we don’t try it, we’ ll never know.”

Of his 34 restaurants, 23 restaurants are participating in UberEats program. Normal UberEats “booking fees” apply. Locally, fees are about $4.99 per delivery.

However, McDelivery customers can get $5 off their first two UberEATS orders by using the following promotional code valid through July 1: FRIES4U. No minimum order. The promotion is only valid for new users.

Business, Entertainment, Faith and Values, Fast Food, Laguna Niguel, News, Restaurant Reviews + Food, Restaurants

Homegrown brewery adds to San Juan Capistrano’s culture

May 16, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

Joe Wilshire, left, co-owner of Docent Brewing, serves a customer in the brewery’s “public house.”
San Juan Capistrano Mayor Kerry Ferguson, right, presides over a Docent Brewing ribbon-cutting with brewery co-owners, from left, Scott Cortellessa, Joe Wilshire and Brian Hendon.
Docent Brewing’s public house serves food and brews in a social setting.
The chalk board reminds patrons, among other things, that beers are available to go in quart-sized cans.
Victor Geesink, left, and Alex Dehesa play foosball against a backdrop of Docent Brewing kegs.
The San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce hosted a business mixer at Docent Brewing that doubled as a ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the business on May 11.
Brewer Bryan Giesen, foreground, is flanked by Docent Brewing co-owners, from left, Joe Wilshire, Scott Cortellessa and Brian Hendon

San Juan Capistrano is known for its historic Spanish mission, for its migratory birds called swallows, for its indigenous people the Acjachemen, for its equestrian heritage and maybe, now, for its beers?

Joe Wilshire, Brian Hendon and Scott Cortellessa, owners of the town’s first brewery, say they are encouraged by the reception they’ve received since they opened for business on March 27 at 33049 Calle Aviador, in an industrial district bordering San Juan Creek.

Docent Brewing creates craft beers on site and operates “San Juan Capistrano’s Public House,” serving food and a variety of brews in a social setting. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 Fridays and Saturdays and noon to 7 Sundays.

We asked Wilshire about the enterprise:

How did you come up with the name?

Over the last five years we attempted to get clearance on many different names with no success. Once we connected with our brewer, Bryan Giesen, he had a beer named Docent. As we developed our business philosophy and mission, we realized that Docent was a perfect match for what we wanted to do in the beer industry – guide people through the process of discovering new locally crafted beer.

Why San Juan Capistrano?

We are local guys. Brian Hendon and myself live right across the creek from the brewery. Scott lives in Laguna Beach, right down the road. San Juan Capistrano is a city full of great history and charm. It was always our goal to be San Juan’s first brewery and we made it!

How are things going?

Things have gone as we had hoped. People are embracing the “Public House” vibe we are going for, and we are meeting our neighbors and making new friends every day.

What kind of beers do you do?

Everything except sours. At least for now. We really want to have something for everyone that is willing to explore our beers. That means we hopefully will get people that are making Docent their first brewery experience. For those guests, we offer our “Canteen,” “Self Titled” and maybe our delicious pale ale “Peel Top.” But we also want to have offerings for the seasoned beer connoisseur. Our brewer along with the rest of us Docents are ready to take on that challenge.

How many beers do you plan to do?

We will have a lineup of about 8-10 beers that will remain regulars on our wall, But the great thing about being a small craft brewery is the ability to experiment with different recipes and styles and give our guests the opportunity to explore those tasty creations alongside us. We currently have the equipment necessary to do about 2,500 barrels per year. That may take a little time to hit our max production.

Are your beers available outside the brewery?

Currently our beers are available at several local restaurants and tap rooms that focus on local crafted beer.

What in the founders’ backgrounds led you all to start a brewery?

Brian Hendon has been exploring the craft beer scene since the mid 90s. Brian and Scott are brother in laws, married to sisters. Scott and I have kids the same age that have grown up together. All of our experiences hanging out together, traveling together and enjoying each other’s company always revolved around craft beer. We thought we had some good ideas about creating a local brewery that the community would embrace as a public house — a place to meet your friends and make new ones. So far, so good.

In brief, list five things the community should know about Docent Brewing.

1. Our brewer, Bryan Giesen, is a local. Born and raised in Dana Point. He developed all of his recipes home brewing over the last 10 years.

2. Brian, Scott and myself worked on this project for about five years before we actually got the doors opened.

3. We have a kitchen. Check out our menu online at Docentbrewing.com

4. Kids and dogs are welcome.

5. If you are stopping in for the first time or the 100th time, say hello. We look forward to meeting all of our guests. Cheers!

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We’re back from Cuba, but not entirely

May 16, 2017 Written by Paper Shredding

HavanaSelfie — Marla Jo Fisher, selfie, on the balcony of her guesthouse in Havana, Cuba

This morning, my teenage daughter tried to lecture me about my behavior.

“Mom, we aren’t in Cuba anymore,” she said, pursing her lips and frowning. “You’re still drinking Cuban coffee and forcing us to listen to Cuban music all the time. Every time I come into the kitchen, it’s playing on the stereo. We are back in the United States now. It’s time to get over it. Let’s move on.”

I had one word for her. “No.”

She had a great time in Cuba, as did we all, so I’m not sure why she thinks we have to come back to real life. In my opinion, reality is highly overrated, anyway.

If I have to listen to hour upon hour of their migraine-inducing hip-hop and auto-tuned pop music on a daily basis, I’m pretty sure they can live through a little rumba, timba and son, which some experts consider the best music in the world.

To catch you up, my son, Cheetah Boy, daughter Curly Girl and four friends went to Cuba recently for eight days. We flew JetBlue out of the Long Beach airport and changed planes in Ft. Lauderdale, into Havana.

It was easy and affordable. It was cheaper than flying to New York. You should go. I’m writing a travel story about our trip, so I won’t get into details, but let’s just say it exceeded my expectations.

I’m not sure I really knew what to expect, to tell the truth, since Cuba remains such a mystery to most Americans. I only knew that I wanted to get there before the American trade embargo is lifted, and the entire island is overtaken with McDonald’s restaurants, Subway shops, Costco stores and Walmart.

Think I’m joking? What’s at the bottom of the Spanish steps in Rome? A McDonald’s. Across the street from Windsor Castle? McDonald’s. At the Museum of Communism in Prague? McDonald’s.

Like cockroaches, they’re everywhere.

Apparently, there actually already is a McDonald’s in Cuba, but it’s only on the American base at Guantanamo Bay. Probably part of the torture terrorists endure at the notorious prison there.

Just kidding, it’s there to serve the Naval service members, who apparently don’t have enough punishment being forced to live on a military base in a paradise they can’t visit.

But, forget about McDonald’s. I want to talk about Cuba, where there are no other McDonald’s restaurants, nor a single Holiday Inn, Burger King or Starbucks.

Just the absence of Starbucks alone would make it a worthwhile destination in my book, but there are also beautiful beaches, fascinating crumbling architecture, revolutionary rhetoric, great music and cheap rum.

You don’t miss the Starbucks, by the way, because Cuban coffee is everywhere and delicious, especially if you like your java thick enough for the spoon to stand up by itself.

I was glad I’d brought my son along, because we needed someone young and buff enough to haul seven suitcases up and down the endless staircases of our ancient guesthouses in Havana and the town of Trinidad.

Cheetah Boy was also useful when we took a hike in the Cienaga de Zapata natural park, which consisted of walking on ancient limestone formations and looking for birds and wildlife in a forest, until we were dripping with sweat and dehydrated.

He lent me a hand and helped me haul my keister up and down the limestone rocks that everyone else seemed to leap over like mountain goats. Ironically, I didn’t fall until the end, when a low-lying branch did me in and I landed flat on my back with a whomp. Luckily, it was embarrassing but not painful.

Speaking of the endless staircases, I bitterly resent the implication that I was drunk just because it took me 10 minutes to get down from the rooftop terrace of the La Concordia restaurant in Havana. Yes, I was swaying, but only because I had to hold my long dress in one hand while I navigated three floors of narrow stairs.

Admittedly, I drank two mojitos, a pina colada and a glass of wine during dinner, but the grilled lobster and vegetables soaked all that up. So stop the slander and stop it now.

As some of you know, I’ve been on a health kick this year and lost the equivalent of Brittany Spears in body weight by laying off junk food, booze and most animal products.

Well, that didn’t happen in Cuba. I not only ate everything I wanted – which mostly consisted of fish fresh from the ocean—but I also drank just a tiny bit of rum.

You know I like to save money, and it was very cheap. Also, healthy, when you consider I mixed in fresh mint in the mojitos, freshly juiced coconut and pineapple in the pina coladas, and tomato juice in the Cubanitos.

It was really a health food. So, maybe the Presidente beer wasn’t a health food, but I’m sure if I spent some time on the Internet, I could find health benefits for beer.

Speaking of the Internet, there isn’t any in Cuba. Well, that’s not true, but it’s very limited. Most people don’t have Internet in their homes, and if you want to get online, you have to go to a public park and buy a wi-fi card for a couple bucks that will get you on for an hour.

It’s easy to find these parks, because it’s the only place where people are sitting and staring at their phones, unlike at home, of course, where they do it 24 hours a day.

It was delightful being unplugged, and especially having actual conversations with my children that didn’t involve them turning away to watch a cat video in the middle of our talk. At first, the teens had painful withdrawal symptoms, but by the end of the trip, they weren’t even bothering to buy wi-fi cards or sneak out to the park.

One of my friends said on our return that she was worried about us, because none of us were posting anything on social media, so there was general concern that we might have been arrested by the Cuban government.

But, instead we were arrested by the stunning Caribbean beaches, the kind and funny people, the irresistible music, the dancing, the glory of crumbling cities, the step backward into the past, the life without televisions or junk food, swaying palm trees and humid, tropical air.

So, no, my beautiful daughter. I won’t get over Cuba. Though I might have to get over the five pounds I gained while I was there.

Let me just have a few more mojitos, first.

FamilyPuntaPerdiz — Frumpy Middle-age Mom family at the Bay of Pigs, Cuba

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