Chronic Tacos Yum

  

Chronic Tacos 34255 Pacific Coast Highway Dana Point, CA 92629-3809 (949) 481-3726

Owners Daniel A. Biello and Randall L. Wyner

I love Chronic Tacos. The ingredients are fresh. I like to watch them cook right in front of me. Their burritos are so fat you can’t hold them without five napkins. They ought to change the name of the burrito to the football, because it’s just about that size. Most Mexican food can’t be considered healthy but if you pick the right items Chronic offers a menu that is even good on a diet. Just avoid the chimicanga, fried items and chips and you can go home guilt free.

The line moves quickly and you tell them just how you want it and they will even offer free advice on their grilled mahi mahi.I don’t eat beef and pork but my son swears by their carne asada as grilled tender cuts of beef with plenty of flavor. IF you are watching your weight – get a tostada without the shell, go light on rice and beans (not refried) and pile on the veggies (light on the avocado – I believe avocado makes just about everything in the universe right. —you need a little good fats in your diet so just a little guacamole). The pico de gallo (tomatoes, onions, garlic and lime is made in batches during the day

The prices are reasonable. A burrito ranges from $ 4.75- $ 6.79 depending on the meat or fish you choose, just right for your budget.

Their menu says they have 27 locations but the best is in Dana Point, but the Corona Del Mar one is just as friendly. They also have a location in Newport, Huntington Beach, and Two in Mission Viejo and surely somewhere near you. If you are in a splurge mood go crazy and get pork tamale and a beer and sit outside on the casual tables and chat with the locals. They say they are franchising everywhere. I hope they keep a tight reign on franchisees because the secret is consistency.

 There used to be a wine bar next door but it a sign states a pancake place is coming. P. C. H. seems like a funny location for breakfast place to survive

Why won't Tony go live on TV with President Obama?

Sandy Rosenthal thank you for the image. Sometimes a picture tells it all.

To do this Memorial Day

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND Come on Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Dana Point fly your flag


RED WHITE AND BLUE FOREVER

Memorial Day was established on May 30, 1868 to honor the nation’s war dead, the holiday was originally called “Decoration Day” because people laid flowers on the graves of the fallen. No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, today’s military heroes deserve respect and our help. They don’t make big money and are away from family to protect our safety and honor.

• Let those colors fly get out your American Flag

• Honor the living, it’s a day for a lemonade stand to raise money for disabled American Veterans. Make a paper sign and donate. I learned volunteerism, fundraising and service from example of great people- be great we are Americans who share. Give to Disabled American Veterans. (www.dav.org) Or your family could volunteer together at your local Veterans’ Affairs Hospital. Find it at www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp

• Make a connection. Memorial Day may be about remembering those who have given their service and their lives for our country, but there are soldiers in the field under fire right now. Thousands of American soldiers are serving in danger zones abroad. Many are lonely, afraid, crave for magazines about home, snacks, personal hygiene products, paper and pens, and cheery letters and pictures. To send a letter or care package to a soldier, try www.anysoldier.com

Camp Pendeton is so close to us in South Orange County, I could hear their exercises last weekend. They have a site for volunteers:

http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/OD?FROM=6239

Shea why take away something so good?

   I love getting up early and after my run going to I Love Bagels. I purchase six hot bagels and the full fat cream cheese then sit outside on the tables with my coffee black. I am certain to see parents from Laguna Niguel Little League with cheerful faces. I chat with sleepy Dana Hills teenage girls still in their jammies in line hustling in to pick up a toasted everything bagel or neighbors with their dogs tied to the chairs of the outdoor dining patio. It’s not a luxury patio with an ocean view; it is a homey community location.

   I Love Bagels was told when their lease was expiring that Shea Properties would not negotiate a new lease. It doesn’t make sense. Retail space is very available in the Village, Town Center, the Plaza, the Clubhouse and other similar locations in Laguna Niguel for $22- $33 a foot. Our economy is not booming to turn away a paying tenant.  I Love Bagels is an excellent compliment to the center because it is used in the mornings when the other restaurants and theater are closed. I Love Bagels is not a ‘major” or publicly traded brand like Bed Bath and Beyond, Pier One, Trader Joe’s or 24 Hour Fitness which also occupy the center; but I always window shop at Pier One on my Saturday morning I Love Bagels run.

   The only conflict might be that Peet’s coffee (highly upgraded inside tenant improvements compared to the spare plastic benches of I Love Bagels) sells coffee and baked goods. Peets’ coffee might be superior but it attracts an older crowd. I would rather support an independent and local owner. So why is I Love Bagels Ocean Ranch Center is being forced to close its Golden Lantern location by Shea Properties?

    Shea, a privately owned company, you would think is seeing down turn in their own business. John Shea who lives in Pasadena was named the 37^th wealthiest person in Los Angeles County last year. He owns 10 million square feet of office space, golf resorts, Reed Construction, a home building division, and apartment and retail space valued at $870,000,000.  Shea properties response was that I Love Bagels closes  at 3:00 and they want a tenant who will be open evenings/ mall hours.  I Love Bagels is moving across the street, they will have some down time. The other store on Crown Valley will remain open. I will miss the community of the patio. I know many other neighbors will feel the same. John Shea, I wish you had been more caring in your decision because I won’t go frequent your other tenants now.