Surfing Soapbox: City serves every mood

On a warm summer’s night under a star-lit sky, I’m not sure that there is anything more amazing than being at the Irvine Bowl and watching the Pageant of the Masters.

I have gone for the last five years, and with each passing year I grow more amazed by it and what a true art form it is. I knew it was going to be a good night when, as I sat next to my mom, we saw the opening scene was from “Peter Pan” — a pet name she used to have for me.

When you take into consideration just how many moving parts are involved in making the Pageant what it is, it’s truly unbelievable.

The live cast stood in their spots without so much as a slight movement. The live orchestra and its conductor so seamlessly played music along with each scene that at times I almost had to remind myself to listen, and the narrator himself had an uncanny and unbelievable voice that just bellowed with each scene.

The Pageant of the Masters is a “must see” in Laguna.

It was a busy week as I also attended the opening of the new sushi hot spot in Laguna, Katsuya, on the corner of Thalia Street and South Coast Highway. It was a smashing success with an open bar and tables of food for everyone’s delight. Remodeled and rebuilt, the inside of Katsuya is as sleek as it gets and a must-try for anyone looking for a great dinner and night out.

One of my favorite aspects of Laguna Beach is how many different choices one has.

From the world the arts you can enjoy the Sawdust Festival, Art-A-Fair and Pageant of the Masters.

For good food you can visit smashing new restaurants like Katsuya and K’ya or one of my longtime favorites — Goko Café — where I go after teaching surfing in the morning to grab my favorite breakfast club sandwich. That place truly carries the original old school Laguna vibe.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can always find it in Laguna.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and John Kelly Environmental Award winner. He can be reached at Jamo@Aloha SchoolofSurfing.com.