But that’s not all. Lonnie, a five-star chef, and Claire, hostess extraordinaire, are a big reason diners keep coming back.

With Claire greeting you at the door and Lonnie cooking up epicurean delights in an open kitchen, you feel as if you are dining in your own home.

The couple met at Dove Canyon Country Club where she was a banquet server and he was the chef. The union was made in gourmand heaven.

Prior to opening Infusion, they owned Pacific Blue Catering, and were the exclusive caterers for the Dana Point Yacht Club for seven years, where they ran the restaurant for the members and the private parties in the club’s banquet room.

"My biggest fear was I wasn’t going to make new friends like I did when I was planning weddings. Wow, was I silly . . . I make new friends everyday!" Claire told me as I was dining.

We love having our restaurant in Ladera Ranch where it feel like such a small town," Lonnie added.

Both are very active in the community. Claire is the Communications Director of the newly-formed Ladera Rancho Chamber, and Secretary of the Mercantile West Association.

"We really enjoy promoting businesses and non-profit organizations in Ladera Ranch. We’ve built such amazing relationships with fellow business owners in Ladera," she said.

"We’re also very supportive of our local nonprofit organizations, especially education," added Claire, who organized a CUSD Education Foundation drive last year to help save teachers’ jobs.

"Claire and I are passionate about the restaurant business . . . we both love what we do," Lonnie said.

One of the things regulars love is being welcomed into Infusion by familiar faces. Most of the staff has been with the restaurant since it opened and have the same passion as the owners.

Infusion has just launched a new rewards program to thank its regulars. For every $200 spent at Infusion, the customer receives a $20 Gift card for use at Infusion. Customers can register their credit card online and the service automatically tracks their purchases and sends out their gift cards.

And to help customers during this major economic downturn, Infusion has created Recession Wednesday. Every Wednesday night three Comfort Food specials are offered for $9.95 each.

Lonnie makes amazing meatloaf, chicken pot pies, fish ‘n chips and much, much more. "Its been a great way for us to allow people to still enjoy eating out in these tough times," Claire said.

Infusion has live entertainment Thursday thru Saturday nights, and Giggle Hour all day Fridays until 6:00 pm, offering $7 martinis, $5 House Wine, and $2 off appetizers. Diners love coming for a night cap and listening to some music.

If you see me the next time you’re at Infusion, stop and say "Hi." Oh, you don’t know who I am, because I’m the Phantom Diner.


Address:
25612 Crown Valley Pkwy
Mercantile West Shopping Plaza Ladera Ranch, CA 92694

Phone: (949) 364-1100

Website: www.infusionladera.com