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Undercover with Dan Lauriano owner of Riptide Sushi and The Derby

Taste of Ladera’s own Michelle Patterson goes under cover to reveal some juicy tidbits about one of Ladera’s local residence with great epicurean taste, Rip Tide’s Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grill’s owner Dan Lauriano.

Why the interest? Simple… Michelle was intrigued at how in this economy, when other business are down sizing or closing their doors altogether, Dan is able to open up, not just one successful restaurant, but soon to be a third, The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar. Michelle noted personally and with great success that, “The key to running a business is providing personalized attention to your customers. Someone, who in my opinion, goes out of his way to make this happen every day is Dan Lauriano.”

So, back by popular demand and to the great delight to all who’ve attended the Taste of Ladera in the past, Dan and his Rip Tide’s Rockin’ Sushi, along with a sneak peak of his upcoming venture, which is bound to be the new “it” place to go, The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar, will celebrate their second year as Platinum sponsors. The throngs of spectators are sure to go wild for Dan’s mouth watering cuisine and be mesmerized by the dueling keyboards and sushi chefs set to be featured on May 2nd at the Taste of Ladera.

But let’s get back to the best part of this article, a look at one of the Real Entrepreneurs of Orange County, in a behind the scenes interview and a behind his back expose. So where do you go when you want the dish on the driving force of a successful restaurant? Michelle was able to snag a moment with Dan’s beautiful wife Dawn. Michelle explains, “After almost ten years of marriage and getting ready to open yet another restaurant, she gave me great insight into what makes this man so accomplished and more importantly so beloved by his friends, family, and community.”

“Very few people in this world are lucky enough to find the career that is the perfect match.” Dawn explains. Dan is one of those lucky individuals; he was born to do what he does. Not only does he feel so passionate about what he does; it comes naturally, every aspect. He has amazing chefs, but he jumps in and comes up with recipes. He created the menu front to back; [he] did all the graphics on his own. He doesn’t miss a detail. He can walk into the restaurant and see a light bulb out and fix it. He’s very hands on. He’s always looking for the next project; he wants to one up himself.”

“Employees and customers love him. There isn’t a thing that guy won’t do. He goes way beyond the call of duty. If an employee has car problems, he’ll lone them the money [they need for repairs). “His employees feel good going to him and talking to him. He comes across as this rough and tough guy, [but] deep down he has a huge heart and is always helping, wanting to give everyone that extra special treatment.”

Michelle next, set her sights on Tony Ying, who helps Dan build out all the construction, Patrick Reilly the General Manager for the Derby and Adrian Guerrero, Dan’s District Manager for all three restaurants. Patrick remarks, “Anyone who looks at the margins will tell you; you don’t start a restaurant to make money. You must love the creative process of starting a new venture and seeing it through.” Patrick describes Dan as a high functioning and highly creative individual. “His canvas is the restaurant business.”

Patrick sheds some light on how Dan got into the business. “He went to USC and after graduating, he went crusin’ around and toured with his band. He was on tour [as] a drummer for years and used that experience to create something special. He combined entertainment and great food all in one. That was his concept. His first business was Rockin’ Taco, as the original owner.”

“When I asked them what they thought about his customer service, they both agreed.” Michelle notes. “He’s honest. He puts his heart out there, he won’t tell you what you want. I’ve worked for a lot of people; he’s not about posturing. He thinks about everything. This is a guy who knows what he’s doing. I’ve never worked for anybody like that.” A smile crosses Patrick’s face, as if he’s recalling an inside joke. “Plus, he’s funny.” “He prepares. [When] we play a flag football game, he’ll be quarterbacking even though it’s just a game of flag football, he’ll come in with twenty to thirty plays on index cards.” I’m staring to get the picture that Dan Lauriano is just genuinely a great guy!

The managers continue, “His philosophy on customer service is using everyone’s strength; he wants an opinion from everyone at the table. Working for him, he demands that you’re on top of your game and you’d better have an opinion. If you don’t have one, you’d better get one.” While out and about through Ladera’s community, Michelle found several Ladera Resident’s who were more than happy to share their opinions on Riptide. “It was overwhelming; we love the food and the atmosphere is always a party.” Dan Ambrose, a regular patron, says. “Sit at the teppan grill or have sushi, it’s something for the entire family.” Fran Falino and Dan MacMillin, from the Fran and Dan Show, shared, “Ken Cruz was named ‘Best Sushi Chef in Southern California’ by the Japanese Restaurant Association.”

Ladera residents are fortunate to have such a great guy with a strong sense of integrity in our community, who continually is seeking ways to make Ladera an even better place to enjoy! Notably, each year Dan is a sponsor of the Taste of Ladera; but, he also donates all his proceeds, as well.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m waiting with baited anticipation to check out The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar.

The Derby will be a New York style deli with Dan’s signature high energy atmosphere. No menu item is over $14.95. Everything is done in house from the seasoned pastrami to the homemade mustard and freshly baked breads. Dan’s goal is to be as good, as the best New York Deli - Carnegie Deli. No element to quality will be spared. Dan and his chefs have been traveling to New York to bring back the very best. The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar will most definitely be high end as far as the look, compared to a typical deli. It will also offer some specialty cocktails and champagne.

The dueling piano bar show puts it over the top; Dan’s personal touch, where the best food and great entertainment collide. Now being spoiled by his trademark sensory explosion of culinary expertise and party-like atmosphere, I can’t say which is more important, great food or great entertainment. They seem to be the two legs Dan stands on. At The Derby, every employee gets involved in making the experience enjoyable; the entire staff is part of the show! “Your waitress name is Melissa,” The pianist croons. Then, Melissa gets up and sings. No one is safe from getting up and entertaining.

TASTE OF LADERA BRINGS TOGETHER CELEBRITIES, TOP CUISINE AND ENTERTAINMENT TO HELP LOCAL CHARITIES

Ladera Ranch, Calif. - (April 20, 2010) - On Saturday, May 1st and Sunday, May 2nd, the Taste of Ladera will feature more than a menu of fine local eateries, it’s also upgraded the entertainment line up with major players such as Lit, The Motels, The English Beat, When In Rome, Annabella Lwin of Bow Wow Wow and more! This year, there will even be a celebrity chef challenge, a talent show and more activities for the entire family to enjoy. The celebration takes place Saturday from 11am-8pm and Sunday from 11am-6pm at Founders Park (28243 Sellas Rd. North Ladera Ranch, CA, 92694). Tickets are $12 (general admission) to $77 (VIP) and can be purchased here.

“Taste of Ladera is unique because we are one of the few daytime festivals that focuses on family and supporting the community,” said Michelle Patterson, founder and CEO of Event Complete. “Each year, the event takes on a new piece and it’s been exciting to see its evolution. From here, we hope to launch other events that will bring Orange County together - we are working on one now called the Giant Orange at The Great Park in Irvine on July 17th.”

A number of celebrities are also donating their time and effort to the cause. Musicians Lit have teamed up with organizers to giveaway a chance to dine with the multi platinum-selling artist. One lucky guest will have the opportunity to dine with the group by registering at www.tasteofladera.com . Lit is also featured in a commercial that is airing on Cox Communications.

Other celebrity appearances include top chefs from around the county such as Bruno Serato from the Anaheim White House, Richard Sweeney from Bravo’s Top Chef and Craig Strong from the Montage in Laguna Beach.

Saturday’s line up will feature a more rock and pop format with entertainers on the main stage. This year there is a second stage that will feature local acts and artists from Saddleback College’s OC Rock Radio and KSBR radio stations. Also new to the event is a wine garden where you can sip on award-winning wines while listening to jazz and light rock entertainers.

Sunday’s line up features major acts from the ‘80s with a flashback party emceed by radio icon Richard Blade. The second stage will host “Mamapalooza” featuring the “OC Talent Show.” Join radio personality Janeane Bernstein and special guests who will help pick the most talented youth in the county.

Click here for the complete entertainment line up for the weekend.

TASTE OF LADERA ROCKS THE PARK WITH MAJOR LINE UP

The Annual Taste of Ladera: May 1st and 2nd at Founder’s Park

Ladera Ranch, Calif. - (February 23, 2010) - Producers for the Taste of Ladera have announced some major entertainment coming to Founders Park. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature local food vendors and entertainment, all for a good cause.

Orange County’s most legendary rock group Lit will be headlining the weekend with their modern rock hits that include “My Own Worst Enemy” and “Miserable.” Also joining the line up is the English Beat whose influential pop/ska sound topped charts with songs like “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Tears of a Clown.” The weekend will include a number of local bands and a special performance by “OC Talent Show: Bet You Can’t Do That!” formally known as Ladera’s Got Talent, a competition highlighting up and coming local talent. Auditions for the talent show will be held April 1st and April 18th at The Ranch Sports Grill in Ladera. The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar will be making an appearance that will fire up the stage and get the crowd going. Stay tuned for more talent announcements and for complete line up details.

This year’s Taste of Ladera is being presented by Riptide Rockin’ Sushi & Teppan Grills and The Derby Deli & Dueling Piano Bar. A portion of the proceeds will go to help schools and charities in the community. Taste of Ladera is produced by Event Complete. For more information, sponsorship or booth space, please contact Event Complete at 949-218-0866 or email info@eventcomplete.com or www.tasteofladera.com.

Taste of Ladera Festival Returns to "Rock The Park"

The annual Taste of Ladera returns for a two-day fête featuring a celebration of finest local eateries, specialty vendors, live performances and celebrity guest appearances. The festivities take place Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Founder's Park: 28243 Sellas Road North, Ladera Ranch. Be sure to check the entertainment with a multi-platinum artist to be announced. There are also rides, slides and activities for the entire family, not to mention it benefits more than 20 local charities. General admission pre-sale tickets start at $12. A limited number of VIP tickets and suites are available online–– includes access to party pit at main stage, private VIP pavilion with bars, seating and bathrooms, plus drink tickets. Taste of Ladera is being produced by Event Complete.

Legendary Local: Mastermind Behind Taste of Ladera

Posted January 18, 2010 Written by: Debbie L. Sklar, http://www.news-n-views.com If it wasn’t for Ladera Ranch resident, Michelle Patterson, there might not be the annual Taste of Ladera. Patterson, co-owner of an outsourcing company that works closely with Ladera Ranch business owners in need of support for their accounting, finance and human resources needs, is also founder of Taste, which has raised close to $100,000 for the local schools and hospital. “After 11 years of working as a VP in Corporate America, I was ready to build something from scratch and work to help the organizations within my community. They always say do what you love – which is exactly what I did when I started Taste of Ladera in 2004. It has truly been a labor of love for the last 6 years,” Patterson says. Taste of Ladera has become one of the largest events in Southern California with 35,000 in attendance. Nonprofits can sign up for a booth and generate funding for their organization through their booth activity. They are given a booth and a venue to create awareness about their cause, increase volunteerism and raise money. “The people involved also make it special, like the businesses and restaurants who are our heroes for coming out and working for days to prepare for the event,” she says. On May 1 and 2, 2010 Taste of Ladera celebrates its 6th year and in that 2-day period held in Founder’s Park, Ladera Ranch. “The first year, we supported two charities – today we support 22,” she says. “Last May, headlined Sugar Ray and more than 125 booths representing local businesses and restaurants participated bringing 25,000 attendees. We even had a family fun zone which had everything from a Ferris wheel to a dunking machine.” To her knowledge she adds that there are only two “Taste” events that are structured as a 5013c in the Western United States: Taste of Ladera and Taste of Vail, Colorado. In addition to heading up Taste, she is the CEO of Event Complete, which produces many well known events within Southern California and is a full service event management company. To name just a few – Taste of Ladera, The Giant Orange Festival, Muscle Car 1000 and many more all of which are charity events. Event Complete supports local and international events ranging from Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation KTQ at their annual function, to Muscle Car 1000, an event where the most luxurious collector cars are brought together for once in a life-time experiences all benefiting Hero, the hunger relief organization to the Giant Orange Festival held at the Great Park in Irvine in July. “Taste of Ladera has been wonderful for the community and branded Ladera Ranch – Feedback has been tremendous for what Event Complete has been able to achieve for the community – attendees have shared that they didn’t even know the community existed until they heard about Taste of Ladera,” Patterson says. “One resident bought her home after attending the event and visiting the community.” Taste of Ladera as a nonprofit supports local charities such as Laura’s House, which launched their stop national domestic violence campaign recognizing May as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “They have made Taste of Ladera their official venue for the West coast,” Patterson says. Another example is the community Talent Show – Ladera’s Got Talent – auditions happens several months prior to the event. Last year’s winner went on to perform at America’s Got Talent. “It’s a great way to pull the local schools into the program plus all proceeds go to the Unforgettables Foundation, an organization benefiting families who cannot afford to bury their child,” Patterson says. When she busy with these events and businesses, Patterson likes to spend time with her husband, Eric Patterson of 10 years and their two children, Jaclyn and Chase.

Michelle Patterson

Posted January 15, 2010 Event Complete Founder and CEO Michelle Patterson, has been the visionary behind the Taste of Ladera for the past five years. And since the inception of Event Complete, Michelle has created many other successful events. The company’s mission statement: to mobilize and ignite your audience, whether your goal is to educate, inspire, persuade, motivate or recognize. Michelle’s passion for helping others led her to create the Taste of Ladera where local restaurants and businesses combine efforts to fundraise for non-profit organizations. Over a few neighborhood BBQs, Michelle and her neighbors brainstormed on how to connect local businesses, restaurants and other residents, to build forth a family friendly festival everyone could enjoy. The Taste of Ladera held every May, has spun into South Orange County’s biggest party, celebrating the finest local cuisine and music, attracting well over 25,000 attendees. The Taste of Ladera has also raised more than $200,000 for charity and has been featured in news outlets such as THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, THE LADERA TIMES, COAST MAGAZINE and OC METRO. From her days as student body president organizing the University Speaker series hosting the President of the United States to creating a southern California music and food festival for 25,000 people, events have been Michelle’s passion. As they say, do what you love…