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Kean Coffee: It’s Peachy Keen

February 13, 2013 by

Guatemala-born coffee impresario Martin Diedrich has java in his blood—his family owned a small coffee farm, and he grew up watching beans planted and harvested. After exploring a career in archaeology, he moved to America to help his family with their roaster business. From there, it was a short step to opening his own café, and in 2005 he opened Kéan with his wife in a spot not far from Coventry Court Apartments.

Dedicated to providing a cutting-edge, comfortable café experience for coffee aficionados, Kéan craft roasts a variety of sustainably sourced beans from around the world and serves up unique, delicious beverages. The flavored lattes get a big thumbs up from locals, who also rave about the atmosphere and the incredible attention to detail provided by the baristas—especially their gorgeous latte art. The company is also proud of their dedication to environmental responsibility and community engagement. Kéan is everything a local coffeehouse should aspire to be.

Kéan Coffee
13681 Newport Avenue # 14
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 838-5326
www.keancoffee.com

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Bistro Bleu: Enjoy French Fare

January 29, 2013 by

With fine French cuisine in a relaxed-but-refined setting, Bistro Bleu is a breath of fresh air.

Just moments from Coventry Court Apartments, this is a charming, cozy spot with friendly service and great food. For starters, you'll find everything from elegant dishes of escargot and duck liver terrines to lobster bisque and an excellent wedge salad. The list of entrees is a similar all-star roster, with steak frites and coq au vin as well as a ridiculously tasty bleu cheese burger. If you're coming in for lunch you can take advantage of one of the great prixe fixe options, or dig into a decadent croque monsieur. Whenever you come, it is absolutely worth your while to order up a chocolate souffle to finish off your meal. Reservations are essential.

Bistro Bleu
918 S. Magnolia Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 826-3590
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bistro-bleu-anaheim-2

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Five Women Who Changed History

January 23, 2013 by
With the celebration of Women’s History Month, public awareness of women’s accomplishments over the ages will be at an all-time high. Highlighted below are five women who made their mark on the world and continue to provide inspiration for all people to this day: 
 
Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1811 – 1896
Harriet Beecher Stowe impacted the world through her work as an advocate for a slavery-free society. Her novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin became a major work of literature in the anti-slavery movement, helping to popularize and define the movement’s central beliefs. 
 
Mary Wollstonecraft, 1759 – 1797
Mary Wollstonecraft is famous for having written A Vindication of the Rights of Women, a touchstone work in the early feminist movement. The tract made a powerful and compelling argument for increasing the human and political rights of women. Her efforts to improve women’s lives made her a pioneer in the battle for female suffrage.
 
Rosa Parks, 1913 – 2005
Rosa Parks is a woman who proved how a single brave action can reverberate through the world with positive effects. She was an African-American civil rights activist who rose to fame when she refused to give up her bus seat for a white passenger. Her courage and conviction sparked the history-making Montgomery Bus Boycott, and she became an iconic figure in the struggle against racial segregation.
 
Harriet Tubman, 1820 – 1913
Harriet Tubman started out as a slave and ended up as a celebrated figure in the abolitionist movement. Working with the Underground Railroad, a network of antislavery activists, she rescued a large number of slaves. She also participated as a Union spy during the American Civil War and was the first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war (which freed over 700 slaves). Later in her life she also became a major activist in the women’s suffrage movement.
 
Amelia Earhart, 1897-1937
Amelia Earhart was a renowned pioneer in the field of aviation. She became the first woman to be awarded the coveted U.S Distinguished Flying Cross, which she received for having flown solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She also set numerous flight records, wrote best-selling books, championed women’s rights, and provided a positive and highly public role model for girls and women everywhere.

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Napa Rose: Treat Yourself

January 16, 2013 by

With an incomparable selection of wines and exciting contemporary cuisine just minutes from Coventry Court Apartments, Napa Rose is a gem. Located in Disney's Grand Californian Hotel, you'll be charmed by the beautiful Arts and Crafts decor. The menu changes with the seasons, using only the freshest ingredients and unique flavor combinations that will drive your taste buds wild. There is also a 4-course prix-fixe tasting menu that changes each week, offering a great value. Expert sommeliers can help you find the perfect wine to go with whatever you order, with many award-winning California vintages to choose from. In the ten years that Napa Rose has been open, it's turned a lot of heads. With highly acclaimed food and wine in an elegant setting, it's a restaurant that every foodie should know.

Napa Rose
1600 S Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 956-6755
http://www.yelp.com/biz/napa-rose-at-grand-californian-anaheim


 

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Azteca: Delicious Mexican Cuisine with a Side of . . . Elvis?

December 24, 2012 by

There are plenty of places to get good Mexican food in Southern California. But how many of them are accompanied by the largest collection of Elvis memorabilia West of the Mississippi? Enter Azteca, a Garden Grove landmark that couples delicious, spicy tacos with more Presley than you can shake a stick at. Owner JJ Jaregui hung the first piece of Elvis art over a booth in the restaurant in 1993, and it was all downhill from there. But what about the food? Thankfully, Azteca has it on lock in the kitchen, with regulars praising their spectacular garlic tacos and albondigas. Step back into the Crooner’s Lounge for a more intimate bar vibe—this one-of-a-kind hangout is like a time machine to the glory days of the Rat Pack, staffed by some of the nicest bartenders in town. Regular live music and karaoke gives locals just one more reason to stop in—not like they need it.

Azteca
12911 Main Street
Garden Grove, CA 92840
(714) 638-3790
www.aztecamexicanrestaurant.org

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Mimi’s Cafe: A Local Favorite

December 18, 2012 by

Known for dependable meals at great prices, Mimi’s Café is the place to go for your everyday comfort food—soups, salads, sandwiches, hearty entrees (meatloaf, pot roast, etc.) and more. Founded in 1978, this local chain is known by their custom-constructed buildings, which resemble French country cottages, as well as their excellent hospitality. Starting out in Anaheim, California, there are now Mimi’s in 28 states. Regulars all rave about the carrot raisin bread, served in the free breadbasket that starts your meal. You can ask for nothing but that in the basket and they’ll gladly give it to you. The food is competent if not extraordinary, with the usual mix of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. The service is also polite and respectful, making Mimi’s one of the few restaurants in town that doesn’t seem like they’re trying to rush you through your meal.

Mimi’s Café
7955 Garden Grove Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92841
(714) 898-5042
www.mimiscafe.com

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Easy Ways to Relieve Back Pain

December 11, 2012 by

If your back is giving you issues, you don’t need to just live with it. Even if you’ve suffered from chronic back pain most of your life, there are simple, easy ways to help alleviate your aching spine.

Sleep Well – Sound sleep helps to repair overworked muscles and ease inflammation. For an improved night's rest, it’s essential to have a good mattress and also test out various sleeping postures to see what works best for your body. Sleeping on your side is generally recommended for back pain sufferers, and many people like to place a pillow between their knees for additional support.

Move Your Body – When you suffer from back pain, moving often seems like a bad (or at least painful) idea, but gentle exercise is essential to heal and strengthen your muscles. Start with gentle stretches, and then try going for a slow, steady walk. As you stretch and strengthen your muscles, you may very well notice your back pain disappearing!

Pain Killers – For short term relief, over-the-counter pain killers can work wonders.  Look for a NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen. This combined with gentle movement, like a walk, are often thought of as the very best remedies for low back pain.

Heat & Cold – Cold therapy, like an ice pack, works well for inflammation and also reduces swelling. Heat, such as a hot water bottle or heating pad, is best for alleviating muscle spasms and cramping. Experiment with what feels best for your back pain.

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Interesting Books for Seniors

November 27, 2012 by

If you’re looking for your next book to read, we’ve compiled an array of interesting suggestions that will get you informed and entertained in no-time! Check out the list below:

The New Retirement: The Ultimate Guide to the Rest of Your Life by Jan Cullinane and Cathy Fitzgerald — This fascinating and informative read presents all your options for retirement, from exotic travel to close-to-home volunteerism. In addition, you'll also learn how to Assess Your Estate, Make Money Last, Gauge Your Biological (not chronological) Age. This book truly teaches you how to retire right and enjoy the rest of your years.

American Nightingale: The Story of Frances Slanger, Forgotten Heroine of Normandy by Bob Welch – If you’re a history buff, this book is for you. This outstanding biography tells that tale of Frances Slanger, a battlefield nurse during WWII. Slanger, despite facing anti-Semitism and the objections of her own family, rose to her true potential. This inspiring book is a must-read.

Overdosed America: The Broken Promise of American Medicine by John Abramson, M.D – For anyone who’s interested in their health and wellness, this book will captivate you. Written by an award winning doctor on the faculty at Harvard Medical School, this book uncovers the truth about the American medical system. In clear, easy to understand language, Abramson explains how the corporate takeover of clinical research and medical practice is negatively affecting the health of  Americans.

Moving On: A Practical Guide to Downsizing the Family Home by Paul and Sarah Edwards – This entertaining, witty guidebook will teach you how to Get Rid of Stuff, Keep The Memories, Maintain the Family Peace, and finally Get On With Your Life. By offering practical suggestions, this book will serve to keep you sane as you move toward a simpler, downsized home environment.

 

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Tan Cang Newport Seafood: As Fresh and Plentiful as the Sea

November 13, 2012 by

Tan Cang Newport Seafood has rightfully earned its title as a great place to enjoy fresh seafood near Coventry Court Apartments. Open for over 22 years, the restaurant has had time to cultivate a high level of quality. Every guest has their own favorite dish, but Tan Cang is particularly renowned for their Newport Style Gigantic Lobster, seasoned with a secret recipe. Other hearty dinner options include family style dinners that vary in size, priced from $22 to $188. More adventurous types can try sea cucumber, sizzling pate, and frog dishes, while those seeking familiarity may stick with crab, shrimp, clams, and traditional Chinese dishes. While the Tan Cang can get loud, you’ll be too distracted by your food to notice.

Tan Cang Newport Seafood
4411 W. 1st Street
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 531-5146

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Five Must-See Parades Around The Country

October 31, 2012 by

Everybody loves a parade! No matter what the occasion, it’s always fun to see a community’s best get up on floats, march in bands and put on a show for the crowd. These five parades around the country are some of the most compelling parades you'll find:

The Rose Parade, Pasadena, California
This parade has been staged since 1890, making it one of the longest-running productions in the United States. What started as a small-scale celebration of the new year has grown, in conjunction with the Rose Bowl college football game, into a spectacular celebration watched by millions.

Mardi Gras, New Orleans, Louisiana
You haven’t lived until you’ve watched the Big Easy’s legendary Mardi Gras parade. Groups of dancers and musicians from all over the city called “krewes” take to the streets in flamboyant costumes to get crazy, and it’s an indescribable experience.

US Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven, Michigan
This tribute to the men and women who make America’s shorelines safe is a three-day event that closes with one of the country’s most impressive fireworks displays.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City
Probably the most famous parade in the country, this stroll down the Big Apple’s Broadway is famous for its enormous balloons in the shape of famous cartoon characters.

Nevada Day, Carson City, Nevada
Celebrating the day that Nevada was inducted into the United States, this Southwestern spectacle draws huge crowds to pay tribute to what makes Nevada special.

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