Laguna Coffee pulls tastes from around the world

BEST BUYS

The Laguna Coffee Company, in town for 10 years, had a major

transformation in the past year through its new owner Sylvain Tovati.

The ambience improved with new European decor, plants and flowers

inside and out, tables covered in bright tablecloths in the charming

courtyard. Tovati roasts highest quality coffee beans, fresh daily in

the center of the shop. The aromatic beans bring customers in from

blocks away. Fifteen to 20 varieties come from all over the world.

Taste range from medium “Laguna Blend,” a blend of Ethiopian and

Tanzania beans, to dark, rich “Italian Roast,” “Espresso Roast” or

the popular “Black and Tan,” a blend of French Roast and Indonesian

Malabar. The shop also offers wonderful coffee drinks and fresh

breakfast pastries. Even cards, games and travel books. Open 6 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday at 1050 Coast Highway. (949) 494-6901.

NEW LOCATION, SAME QUALITY

Ropage Beauty Supply and Salon moved to its new location on Ocean

Avenue. There’s a small selection of merchandise, from the moving

sale, marked down 30% to 70%. Ropage has the best customer service.

Most of the staff has beautician’s licenses and they know products.

Only the latest and greatest supplies are available, and they special

order too. First-rate shampoos like Alterna, Phytotherathrie and

Pureology are sold here, as well as quality skin care lines from

Murad and MD Formulations. Plus nail polishes, hair accessories,

cosmetics and hair color treatments. There’s an in-store salon for

hair and skin care. Sales are in February and March, October and

early November. Hours fluctuate with the season, open late in the

summer and during holidays. Winter hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Now at 435 Ocean

Ave. Information: (949) 494-8411 or www.ropagebeautysupply.com.

ART DECO BY APPOINTMENT

Jackie Lee Interiors, an interior design resource specialist,

shows art deco objects available for purchase through mid-June.

Jackie Lee always offers upholstery, draperies, shutters, carpets,

Roman blinds, art and more. Open by appointment at 1745 S. Coast

Highway. Information: (949) 376-4150.

CUSTOM KNITWEAR

Meredith Artley Gratz, of Laguna, co-owns Lilimere, a beautiful

knitwear studio in north Laguna.

“We handloom and hand finish our goods [with imported Italian

yarns], and ship anywhere,” says Gratz.

Customers range in all sizes and shapes. High quality and

excellent service are standards at Lilimere. Sleeves and finish

length are always tailored specifically for customers. Casual wear is

also available to compliment all knit tops. Open by appointment only

on Monday to Wednesday and Saturday. Information: (949) 212-1221.

EIGHT YEARS OF FRESH

Don’t miss the Laguna Beach Certified Farmers’ Market on Saturdays

from 8 a.m. to noon. You’ll find some great fresh market items:

breads, orchids, organic produce, honey, olives, cheese, fish,

plants, hummus, cookies, oranges, strawberries and more. On Saturday,

June 14 it’s celebrating its eighth year anniversary! At the

lumberyard parking lot, next to City Hall. Information: (714)

573-0374.

JAPANESE FOOD AND HIP ENTERTAINMENT

Mosun, for sushi, sake and Pacific Rim cuisine, offers Monday,

Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday night specials. On Mondays, all you

can eat sushi for $19.95; on Wednesdays locals receive 50% off on

food in the sushi bar and dining room; and on Thursdays live music, a

$5 martini special, and no cover charge from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The

Derek Bordeaux Group performs Thursdays. The five- to seven-member

band is well known for its Motown classics, jazz and blues. A.D.D.,

featuring Nick Hernandez of Common Sense, and John and Tracy of

Undermind, performs Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m. Sushi roll and beer

specials offered. 680 S. Coast Highway. Information: (949) 497-5646.

mosunclubm.com.

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

information to Greer Wylder at [email protected]; at P.O. Box

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