SURFING SOAPBOX: Hunting for the best happy hour

Laguna Beach is unique in so many ways it’s almost difficult to remember them all, beginning with the beaches and secluded coves.

Then we have sprawling cliff tops overlooking and the reefs that adorn the shoreline from one end of Laguna to the other.

There are greenbelts and steep canyon faces that sit, literally, just across the street from these beautiful beaches.

My favorite view of our town is that from the ocean when you can see just how different Laguna really is from our neighbors to the north and south of us.

From the ocean you can see that along the coast of Laguna our canyons nearly come all way down to the beach, especially at Nyes Place, reminding one of a little European village near the ocean.

Yes, Laguna shows its uniqueness in many different ways: through its traditions of arts and crafts, and rallying around one another, and the circling of Laguna wagons during rough times after fires and floods.

Now it seems there is a new circling of wagons here in Laguna while continuing to find new ways, in adapting to the current economy climate that has no doubt seen better days.

Many of our local restaurants have revamped their menus to accommodate its loyal clientele base.

One of my favorite restaurants, Kya, has not only reinvented its menu with great prices and a new happy hour but also a brand new remodel.

It is now known as the Kya Bistro.

Some other happy hour specials that have also caught my eye are that of the Royal Hawaiian with its own membership club, GG’s Italian Mediterranean Bistro, Sorrento Grille and, on a slightly more expensive scale, Mozambique, which boasts an 8-ounce prime steak along with 7-ounce lobster tail for $19.99.

So the Surfing Soapbox is going investigating to find out exactly which restaurants here in Laguna just may have the best happy hour in town.

Peace.

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