The Sawdust Festival features great local talents and this year the pottery is exceptional. I bought several pieces which are inspired by the whimsy, the light and the colors that only Laguna Beach could afford. Admittedly, I have been attending this event for over twenty years and each year I discover new artists whose works are evocative and well worth the time to explore and appreciate.
After that we walked several blocks south on PCH to the Aegean Cafe. Under new ownership (which made me a little nervous) we entered the same beautiful surroundings with a more extensive menu. A must is the Loukaniko, arriving at your table sizzling (not on menu, but if you ask they have it!). The entrees are just as enticing with gyros and soulavki exceptional. For me, I was happy with several appetizers, starting with the kalamarakia (squid), then dolmandes (stuffed grape leaves) and finishing with their very delicate spankapopita (fresh spinach and feta baked in phyllo dough).
After such a feast we happily enjoyed the walk back to enjoy the Pageant of the Masters. A premiere event each summer, I have to say this year's presentation was truly great. For the past twenty years I have not missed it and although some years stand out as better than others, this year was a watershed. The costumes, the staging, the choices of works to exemplify made it a truly enchanting evening.
Yes, it was a Southern California day - filled with art, creativity, great food and a starlit sky. But the one drawback was the horrible traffic and lack of adequate parking. Yes, I should have arranged transportation (not too difficult, I am part of Classique Limousines). But I did not and we spent at least 30 minutes trying to find somewhere to park. It probably would have been longer but I have been hanging out in Laguna Beach since I was 16 years old.
So if you have plans to attend The Sawdust Festival or Pageant of the Masters please give me a call. It's summer - our slow season- and I will work with you – offering reasonable rates, great chauffeurs and immaculate vehicles. And if you are in Laguna Beach I definitely recommend the Aegean Cafe. Offering great views, incredible food and a relaxed atmosphere with live music, I could not think of a better way to enjoy Laguna Beach. For more details please call me at Classique Limousines -714.288.8853. OOMPAH!
