Speakeasy Does It

Sip wine under canyon oaks, catch classical strings in the park and wrap the night with moody cocktails behind a speakeasy hidden door. AND... South OC's most popular donut shops!

AuthorAuthor

Jason Ladd & Lorna Ladd
May 28, 2025

Welcome to The Scene… your weekly round-up of what’s actually worth doing in South Orange County. Think hidden gardens, live music, rooftop bars, and great happy hours worth changing out of your sweatpants for. (Was this email forwarded to you? You can get your own weekly copy by subscribing here.)

🗓️ This Weekend’s Picks…

»» FRIDAY
Wine & Beer Tasting

🍻Grapes & Grains is an evening wine and beer tasting event with live music on the terrace at Norman Murray Center in Mission Viejo.

🗓️ Fri May 30, 5:30pm | $25 for 8 tastings | Register

~OR~

🎻Symphony in the Park… Bring a blanket and unwind under the trees at Pavion Park in Mission Viejo as a string quartet led by Carolyn Riley fills the air with classical charm.

🗓️ Fri May 30, 6:30pm | Free

»» SATURDAY
Collaborative Painting

🧑‍🎨 Collaborative Painting in Ladera Unleash your creativity by painting on your own canvas—then swap with a neighbor to create one-of-a-kind shared art! All ages welcome.

🗓️Sat May 31 at 2pm (Call to register: Ladera Ranch Library, 949-234-5940).

~OR~

🍷 Sip wine, cocktails, and spirits at Giracci Vineyard in Silverado Canyon while enjoying live music —all in support of mental health programs through the ONELOVE Foundation.

🗓️ Sat May 31, 2–6pm | Giracci Vineyard, Silverado | Details

»» SUNDAY
Yoga & Music

🧘‍♀️ Yoga in the Park – Start your Sunday grounded with a Dana Point outdoor yoga class at Lantern Bay Park. Ocean views included.

🗓️ Sun June 1, 8:30 & 10am | $15 Drop-in | Dana Point | Book in advance

~OR~

🎶 Live Music at the Museum – Hear flute and guitar like you’ve never heard them at this intimate concert at the Laguna Art Museum; a fresh mix of classical, jazz, and world music in a stunning setting.

🗓️ Sun June 1, 1–2pm | Reserve your spot or call the Museum 949-494-8971

🤔 Trivia

What was the Casino in San Clemente originally designed for?

A) Gambling
B) Weddings
C) Dancing
D) Concerts

(Scroll to bottom for answer)

🍸 Classy Cocktails

San Clemente’s Roost374

Speakeasy Does It!

Last night, we walked through a hidden door, rang a mysterious bell, and got sized up through a peephole - and suddenly, we were transported to the 1920’s.

Inside? Low lighting, velvet booths, jazz playing, and a strict no-cellphone policy that keeps the energy analog. It's moody and intimate.

The cocktails are the main event. I had an original Trader Vic Mai Tai that put every resort version to shame.

Jason’s smoky bourbon creation tasted like it should come with a black-and-white detective monologue.

The bartenders know what they’re doing, and the service is warm without trying too hard. It’s grown-up, well-crafted fun.

Bottom line: This place feels like a secret you want to keep but can’t help sharing. Thoughtful, stylish, and just under the radar enough to make you feel like you’re in the know. Get a sneak peek.

Roost374, Camino de Estrella, San Clemente Learn how to find the hidden door

🍩 Best Donuts

JD Flannel’s Maple & Bacon Donut was topped with so much bacon it was basically brunch.

These Donut Shops Glazed the Competition

We asked every city in South OC to weigh in on the best donut shop - and wow, did you have opinions.

After tallying votes and taste-testing our way into a sugar coma, three clear favorites emerged. Here’s who rose to the top:

1st Place 
🥇JD Flannel Donuts, San Juan Capistrano

Voters from all over South OC sang praises for these small-batch beauties made with Valrhona chocolate, Maldon sea salt, and actual vanilla bean.

Every donut is rolled and cut by hand throughout the day, so you’re getting them warm, fresh, and worth the splurge.

My favorite? The Brown Butter Sea Salt: sweet, buttery, and just salty enough. Jason’s pick was the Maple Bacon, topped with so much real bacon it was basically brunch.

Bonus points for how friendly the staff were - we didn’t want to leave! Donuts start at $4.75 each. Learn more.

2nd Place 
🥈 Surfin' Donuts – Mission Viejo

Old-school vibes, generous portions, and budget-friendly pricing. I got three donuts for $6.75 and the blueberry fritter was excellent. If you want flavor without the frills, this is your stop. Learn more.

3rd Place
🥉 Royal Donuts – Mission Viejo

A classic in all the best ways. No fancy toppings, no exotic ingredients - just donuts that taste exactly like your childhood. The Old Fashioned was our standout. Four donuts for $8.50? That’s a win. Learn More

🍪 Best Chocolate Chip Cookie

Did you see our article on the Best chocolate chip cookie in South OC? Check out the top 3

✏️ Plan Ahead…

🐶 Harbor Walk & Wine – Bring your pup for a group stroll along Dana Point Harbor, then $5 off a glass of wine on Frisby Cellars’ dog-friendly patio. Tuesday June 3, 5:30pm | Free | Meet at Frisby Cellars

🖼️ Laguna Craft Guild Art Show Stroll Main Beach and discover handmade treasures from local artisans like hand-thrown pottery, coastal-inspired paintings, silverwork and more. Sunday June 8, 9am–5pm | Free | Laguna Beach

🌕 Strawberry Moon Walk Take a twilight stroll through the oak and sycamore-lined trails of the O’Neill Conservancy in Rancho Mission Viejo. June’s full “Strawberry Moon” will light the way - just 20 spots available. Wednesday June 11, 8:30pm | Book early

🦇 Bats! Heroes of the Night
As the sun sets, head into Limestone Canyon to watch bats launch into the evening sky. Hear their high-frequency calls and learn cool bat lore. Short walk, big wow factor. This books up fast! June 14, 7–9pm | Free | Details

🎭 Shakespeare under the stars? Yes, please. Catch As You like it in Mission Viejo. Pack a blanket and enjoy a free night of classic comedy. Friday July 11, 7pm | Free | Mission Viejo

🎪 Cirque du Soleil ECHO, Laguna Hills | May 21 - June 29

🎨 The Sawdust Art Festival  Laguna Beach June 27 - Aug 31

🎤 Summer Concert Season Is Here…

Friday May 30 Mission Viejo at Pavion Park, Pacific Symphony
Friday May 30 Laguna Beach at Heisler Park, Gypsy Beatles (Gypsy Jazz)
Thursday June 5 Laguna Woods at The Clubhouse1; Tom Jones tribute
Friday June 6 Laguna Beach at Heisler Park, Twanguero (Latin rockabilly)
Friday June 6 Laguna Niguel at Crown Valley Park, James Kelly Band
Saturday June 7 Irvine at Great Park Live, Swift Nation
Sunday June 8 Aliso Viejo at Grane Park, Tijuana Dogs

See the full listing of summer concerts here.

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7 Referrals - Cookies On Us! (a $10 gift card to Milk & Cookies)

35 Referrals - Picnic For 2 in a Secret Garden

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🎶🎶 Live Music in South OC

Check out the full listing on The Scene website.

Here’s our favorites to check out this week…

1️⃣ Lauren Black Her music is a fun upbeat pop-country and the hidden venue of the patio at the Renaissance ClubSport is super cool. Grab a drink and sit outside or enjoy some great food indoors.

🗓️ Friday May 30, 6-9pm | Renaissance ClubSport Aliso Viejo

2️⃣ Safety Orange This SoCal band fuses reggae, rock, and pop with a beachy vibe. Their laid-back yet upbeat energy is perfect for a summer night. Enjoy some coastal grooves as you chow down on one of the best pizzas in San Clemente.

🗓️ Saturday May 31, 7-10pm | Gibroni’s Pizza San Clemente

Violins of Hope

3️⃣ Free Family Concert presented by Philharmonic Society’s Violins of Hope, it’s music that celebrates resilience and joy.

🗓️ Sunday June 1st 11am Free Soka Performing Arts Center, Aliso Viejo

Full list of live music…

About Us: Lorna’s an OC native who loves historical fiction—especially Kristin Hannah—and has met some of her favorite people through her South OC book club. Jason’s a Brit who doesn’t read novels but does love gardening; most weekends, you’ll find him outside, talking to his tomato plants.

We started The Scene because there’s so much to see, do, and savor. Thanks for letting us be a small part of your weekend.

🧐 Trivia Answer:  C) Dancing
The Casino was designed as a dancing casino, not for gambling. When it was completed in 1937, it attracted over 5,000 people on opening night. The Casino soon became a popular social and cultural destination, frequented by celebrities including Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Cesar Romeo and Dorothy Lamour.

Only about 4% of U.S. pet owners have pet insurance

Pet care costs are rising, yet not enough people are doing something about it. Pet insurance can significantly offset rising costs – all for as low as $10 a month. Want to join the 4% club?

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