BASKIN ROBBINS CONE Baskin Robbins, 22461 Antonio Parkway, Suite A145, Rancho Santa Margarita Pretend you’re a kid again and treat yourself to an ice cream cone this week. Baskin Robbins is known for its 31 flavors, including this month’s featured flavor, Golden Oreo Gold Rush. Lemon custard ice cream and Oreo icing ribbon, topped with nuggets of Golden Oreo cookie pieces make this dessert irresistible. Baskin Robbins claims “it’s a flavor worth its weight in gold,” but a single scoop cone will only set you back three bucks. ROCKY MOUNTAIN CARAMEL APPLE Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, 30622…

ISLAND CUPCAKES 30622 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite D103, Rancho Santa Margarita Who says cupcakes only come in three flavors? Not Island Cupcakes, a little gem of a store located near Trader Joes. Walk into this place and your tastebuds will never be the same. Island Cupcakes offers  the traditional fare of chocolate, vanilla and red velvet, but it’s the tropical cupcakes, like pina colada, guava and mango that have everyone talking. The chefs add real chopped mangos to the batter, resulting in a fresh, authentic  tropical flavor like none other. A couple more favorites? The chocolate …

TIJERAS CREEK GOLF CLUB BRUNCH Tijeras Creek Golf Club, 29082 Tijeras Creek, Rancho Santa Margarita Leave the carving knives at home this Easter Sunday and indulge in a fabulous brunch for the whole family. The brunch includes fresh seafood, a carving station with prime rib and ham, omelettes, waffles, a chilled bar of cheese, fruit and vegetables, salads and a wide selection of pastries. The best part of the deal? Unlimited champagne, Bloody Marys and mimosas. Adults are $39.95; kids 6-12 are $14.95 and kids under 6 are free. Seatings are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; reservations are required. THE…

UNCORKED WINE BAR 22342 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita Uncorked Wine Bar is starting to get a reputation around town, and that’s a good thing. Patrons don’t know where to start when describing this unique gem nestled in the heart of town. “Cozy and comfortable” are just a few words they use as they describe the beautifully decorated shop and wine bar, the soft lighting and the intimate atmosphere that’s both romantic and inviting. Many say that stepping inside Uncorked is like going on vacation; one can easily forget they’re in suburbia when they walk through the doors. And if forgetting …

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet in the midst of our whirlwind weeks, a nice sit-down meal often gets replaced with a granola bar on the go. The next time you're jonesing for one of Mom's old-fashioned breakfasts, try one of these spots. Latte Da Bagelry and Grill 21612 Plano Trabuco Rd., Suite 2H, Rancho Santa Margarita It’s hard to find a non-chain restaurant with a decent breakfast around South Orange County, but Latte Da Bagelry and Grill does not disappoint when it comes to service, atmosphere and food. Local patrons describe this place as “cozy and friendly…

They're called speed traps, and though in some cities the local police lie in wait for unsuspecting motorists ("You're doing 2 mph over the limit there, boy"), in Rancho Santa Margarita there's actually "a method to the madness," said Orange County sheriff's Lt. Stacey Taylor. "There's a science to how traffic officers target areas based on collision rates," Taylor said. "People don't give thought to how we do our jobs. When people receive a speeding ticket, they're not thanking us for saving a life. Most accidents are caused by speeding and inattention." With the rash of serious and fatal …

Starting today, Patch will run a new weekly feature called Patch Picks, highlighting editor and reader picks of great local businesses, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off, and more. You’ll find useful lists to help you, your family, friends, and significant others find the best places for everything from Sunday brunch to New Year’s Eve celebrations, pumpkin patches, date night destinations, florists, girlfriend nights out, kids party places, parks and more. Want to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box. As for this week . . . Super Bowl XLV (that's 45…