Wine, Food and Fun at Laguna Beach Uncorked! March 10, 2012

Three things we love: wine, food and fun!

You’ll get all three in abundance when you attend Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest, that takes place on Saturday, March 10, from 1-4 p.m. on the Festival of Arts grounds.

More than two dozen wineries will be pouring samples of their varietals, along with a local brewery and sake producers. You can also enjoy cuisine from 25 top Laguna Beach restaurants.

Participating wineries include Axel, Beacon Hill, Belasco de Baquedano, Bernardus, Boekenhoutskloof, Chateau Montelena, Domaine Serene, Fairview, Famille Perrin, Frank Family Vineyards, Fuedo Maccari, Hedges Family Estate, La Playa, Louis Michel & Fils, Marqués de Murrieta, Michele Chiarlo, Neil Ellis, Pazo de Barrantes, Penfolds, Retour, Tenute di Nozzole, Thompkin Cellars, Tres Sabores, and Vincent Delaporte. Beer tastings provided by Cismontane Brewing Company. Sake tastings provided by Ty Ku Sake.

   

Laguna Beach restaurant samplings will be provided by 230 Forest Avenue, The Beach House, Broadway by Amar Santana, Claes Ovation, The Deck, Dizz’s As Is, Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, Katsuya,  K’ya Bistro Bar, Laguna Culinary Arts, Las Brisas, Mosaic Bar & Grille at Montage, Mozambique Steakhouse, Nirvana Grille, Royal Hawaiian, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes Restaurant, Starfish Laguna, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink, Tommy Bahama, and Watermarc Restaurant.

Angelika Wilson, an acoustic guitar rock/country/pop singer, will perform live from noon to 2 p.m., while instrumental Latin jazz and Nouveau Flamenco musician Miguel De Alonso will perform from 2 to 4 p.m.

General admission tickets are $75 pre-sale and $95 at the door. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $125, which includes a 10 a.m. wine seminar with Master Sommelier Peter Neptune, and an early 12 p.m. entrance to the Laguna Beach Uncorked tasting event. Both tickets include a commemorative wine glass and access to all restaurant and winery tastings. The VIP ticket holders will also receive a Laguna Beach tote bag.

Complimentary parking will be available for general admission ticket holders at Act V parking lot, located at 1900 Laguna Canyon Road (based on availability), with free shuttle service from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. between Act V and Festival of Arts. Complimentary VIP parking will be available in the Laguna Beach Uncorked lot just west of Art-A-Fair (based on availability).

For tickets, visit http://lagunabeachfoodies.tix.com or call (800) 595-4849 (4TIX). For event questions or inquiries, call the Laguna Beach Visitors Bureau at (949) 497-9229.

A portion of the proceeds benefit CHOC Children’s Hospital.

Laguna Beach Uncorked! is also a Green event, thanks to Waste Management of Orange County, an event sponsor that will be bringing its Zero Waste component to the event.

“Waste Management is thrilled to be an environmental partner of Laguna Beach a la Carte and excited to keep the signature event, Laguna Beach Uncorked, in line with Laguna Beach’s green initiatives and provide a solution that lightens their environmental footprint,” says Michelle Clark, community relations manager for Waste Management of Orange County. “This Zero Waste goal calls for food waste recycling, in addition to traditional recycling of paper, plastic and glass. Food waste will be collected, processed and turned into a sustainable product. Let’s toast to an exciting and green event!”

Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest is part of Laguna Beacha la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience, a four-day celebration of food and wine taking place in Laguna Beach, March 8-11, 2012. Attendees will enjoy special offers from various restaurants, prix fixe menus, daily events, chef demonstrations and more.

2012 Official Sponsors include: HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty, Union Bank, Verterra, Laguna Beach Independent, Laguna Beach Magazine, Waste Management, Fiji Water, Rohl, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot and DiningOut.

Special hotel rates are available for Laguna Beach a la Carte attendees at the following lodging properties:

Aliso Creek Inn / 31106 S. Coast Hwy. / (949) 499-2271 / www.alisocreekinn.com

Attend Laguna Beach a la Carte and receive a 20% rate discount. Valid 3/8-3/11/12.

Casa Laguna Inn and Spa / 2510 S. Coast Hwy. / (949) 494-2996  www.casalaguna.com

Laguna Beacha la Carte attendees will receive 20% off any room type. This offer is good on new reservations only and cannot be retroactive to existing reservations. Valid 3/8-3/11/12.

Hotel Laguna / 425 S. Coast Hwy. / (949) 494-1151 / www.hotellaguna.com

For the true Laguna Beach experience, stay at the newly renovated historic Hotel Laguna. Mention Laguna Beach a la Carte for 10% off regular room rates from March 8-12, 2012, subject to availability.

Inn at Laguna Beach / 211 N. Coast Hwy. / (949) 497-9722  www.innatlagunabeach.com

Rates starting at $149 night plus complimentary parking. Be sure to mention Laguna Beacha la Carte.

La Casa del Camino / 1289 S. Coast Hwy. / (949) 497-2446 /   www.lacasadelcamino.com

Book any room and receive two complimentary Mojitos and one appetizer from The Rooftop Lounge or K’ya Bistro Bar. Valid March 8-11, 2012. No cash value not valid with any other special offer.

Surf & Sand Resort / 1555 S. Coast Hwy. / (949) 497-4477 / www.surfandsandresort.com

Stay in a Sea View Room for $425 on Thursday or Sunday; $499 Friday or Saturday. Book by mid February; based on availability. Some restrictions apply; Savings up to $50 off rack rate.

Pacific Edge Hotel / 647 S. Coast Hwy.  / (949) 281-5704 / www.pacificedgehotel.com

Pacific Edge a La Carte VIP Package: Four-night stay in a waterfront room (check-in 3/8, check-out 3/12), Free Entry into Sunday’s Snack, Sip, and Surf event, Free Prix Fixe Dinner at The Deck or Beach House, Surf Cabana for 10 guests (on 3/8 or 3/9), Massage in Spa Cabana, for $1,199. Restrictions Apply. Based on availability.

A la Carte Long Weekender’s Package: Three-night stay in a waterfront room (check-in 3/9, check-out 3/12), Free Entry into Sunday’s Snack, Sip, and Surf event, Free Prix Fixe Dinner at The Deck or Beach House, for $799. Restrictions Apply. Based on availability.

A la Carte Package: Two-night stay in a waterfront room (check-in 3/10, check-out 3/12), Free Entry into Sunday’s Snack, Sip, and Surf event or Free Prix Fixe Dinner at The Deck, Free appetizer or cocktail at The Deck, for $599. Restrictions Apply. Based on availability.

Snack, Sip, and Stay Sunday Package: One-night stay in a waterfront room (check-in 3/11, check-out 3/12), Free Entry into Sunday’s Snack, Sip, and Surf event, Free Cabana on 3/12, for $350. Restrictions Apply. Based on availability.

Locals Discounts: 10% off of your stay if you live in OrangeCounty; 10% discount on room if you purchase a ticket to Sunday’s Snack, Sip, and Surf Event; 10% off regular menu with room at Pacific Edge Hotel. Call (949) 281-5704 for reservations. Restrictions Apply. Based on availability.

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher Trela & Stasha Surdyke

Laguna Restaurants Show the Love on Valentine’s Day

What could be more romantic than a delicious gourmet dinner near the ocean on Valentine’s Day? Add decadent desserts, luscious libations and fabulous flowers (preferably roses), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a festive and blissful occasion bursting with love.

You’re on your own when it comes to flowers, but we’ve got a handful of restaurants guaranteed to help provide the perfect gastronomic evening for you and your sweetheart on February 14.

Sapphire Laguna

5 pm – 10 pm

1200 S. Coast HighwayLaguna Beach
Price: $49-$69
Reservations: 949.715.9888

Chef Azmin Ghahreman’s three-course menu offers plenty of options. Appetizers include Lobster Bisque or Moroccan Style Poached Jumbo Shrimp with Cracked Tabbouleh. Entrées range from Pan-seared Barramundi to Black Trumpet Crusted Beef Tenderloin. The creative ‘His and Hers’ desserts are sure to be a hit: for her, “Roses are Red,” and for Him, “Violets are Blue.” The complimentary dessert duo features flavors that go very well together- just like you and your loved one.

If you prefer a romantic night in, you can bring the gourmandise of Sapphire into your own Valentine’s Day kitchen with Sapphire Pantry’s Take-Home Menu. The three-course menu features several selections, and includes the His and Hers desserts.  Prices range from $42 to $58 per person, depending on your choice of Entrée.

View the Menu

French 75

1464 S. Pacific Coast HighwayLaguna Beach

Price: $95 per person

Reservations: 949-494-8444

Voted Most Romantic Restaurant in OC by Open Table, French 75 is the perfect Valentine’s Day date. Chef Gregory Moro has prepared a four course menu for $95 per person, which includes an amuse bouche, choice of salad or soup, a foie gras or seafood appetizer, and a choice of entrées including Filet Mignon or a Stuffed Lobster Tail. End with your choice of Crème Brulee or Raspberry Soufflé for dessert.

View the Menu

K’ya Bistro – Laguna Beach

6 pm – 10 pm

1289 S. Coast HighwayLaguna Beach

Price: $99 per couple

Reservations: 949-497-2446

Enjoy sunset, and special cocktails at the Rooftop Lounge at Casa Del Camino hotel, where all the ladies will receive a red rose, and then head downstairs to Kýa Bistro, which is serving a four-course Valentine’s dinner for $99 per couple.  Enjoy live entertainment in the lobby of Casa Del Camino from 6-10 p.m.

Laguna Canyon Winery

7 pm – 10 pm

2133   Laguna Canyon Road,Laguna Beach

Price:  $125.00 per person (Members – 10% discount)

Reservations: (949)715-9463

Chef Mark Kentera of Pelican Hill Resort has prepared a four-course menu, each course paired with wine chosen by Laguna Canyon Winery winemaker Marlowe Joseph Huber. The menu features Risotto paired with Chardonnay, Salad with an ’08 Pinot Noir, Filet Mignon with Malbec, and Canneles with Pink Moscato, coupled with the sounds of live classical pianist Laura Fuller.

View the Menu

Claes Ovation

5 pm – 9 pm

425 S Coast HighwayLaguna Beach

Price: $55 per person

Reservations: 949-494-1151

Claes Ovation is featuring a four-course menu with items such as Cocoa-dusted Scallops, an eight ounce Angus Filet, and Fricassee of Oysters. Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean at sunset, all accompanied by live acoustic Guitar by fiZ.

House of BIG FISH and Ice Cold Beer

8 pm – 10 pm

540 South Coast Highway #200

Price: Regular menu prices- complimentary dessert bar

Reservations: (949) 715-4500

For a more casual Valentine’s Day experience with a loved one or some friends, enjoy drink specials, and a complimentary dessert bar and live entertainment from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer. They’ll be serving their regular menu all day until 10:30 p.m.

View the Menu

Montage Resort

30801 Coast HwyLaguna   Beach

Price: $300 (Studio) / $95 per couple (The Loft)

Reservations: 949-715-6420

Studio restaurant at Montage is celebrating its “February is for Lovers” tasting menu all month, including Valentines day. The six-course tasting menu features modern French cuisine withCaliforniainfluences from Executive Chef Craig Strong. Menu starts at $300 per couple.

View Studio’s Menu

The Loft oceanfront restaurant at Montage is offering a four-course prix –fixe meal from Chef Casey Overton. Start with your choice of Sylvetta Arugula Salad, Sweet Pea Risotto, or Chilled Luna Oysters, and follow with your choice of entrée featuring Veal, Scallops or Beef Strip Loin. Enjoy an Artisanal Cheese Plate, and a collection of petites desserts to share from Pastry Chef Lee Smith.

View the Loft’s Menu

ROCK’N FISH

422 South Coast HighwayLaguna Beach

Price: $85 per couple

Reservations: (949) 497-3113

Rock’N Fish will be featuring its “Ultimate Surf and Turf for Two” menu on Valentine’s Day, which includes choice of Soup or Salad, Tournedos of Beef with Shrimp Scampi, and a White Chocolate Soufflé with Raspberry Grand Marnier Sauce for dessert.

View the Menu

Special thanks to Stephanie Leavell, our fabulous editorial assistant, for her research on this Valentine’s Day list!

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher Trela & Stasha Surdyke

Events Announced for 2nd annual Laguna Beach A La Carte – A Food and Wine Experience March 8-11

Prepare to experience world-class cuisine, fabulous prix-fixe menus, perfect food & wine pairings, noted chef demonstrations, daily culinary events and special offers by local restaurateurs when the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau presents the 2nd  annual Laguna Beach a la Carte – A Food & Wine Experience, March 8-11, 2012.

“Laguna Beach has been recognized as a culinary destination for many years,” said Karyn Philippsen, event Committee Chairman for the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau. “Now we can showcase this with a four-day celebration, by bringing people together to enjoy inventive cuisine paired with superb wine offerings.” 

Schedule of Major Daily Events:

 Thursday, March 8, 2012

 Opening Night: Winemaker & Chef’s Table Dinners

To kick off the celebration, restaurateurs will be holding Winemaker & Chef’s Table Dinners. Participating restaurants include 230 Forest Avenue, The Beach House, Claes Ovation, The Cliff Restaurant, The Deck, Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, K’ya Bistro Bar, Las Brisas, Nirvana Grille, Rock’N Fish, Royal Hawaiian, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes Restaurant, Starfish, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Three Seventy Common Kitchen + Drink, Tommy Bahama and Watermarc.

Friday, March 9, 2012

A Taste of K’ya Bistro at The Rooftop Lounge & Hotel La Casa Del Camino

Come experience award-winning chef Craig Connole’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the historic Hotel La Casa del Camino. Chef Connole will create stations to showcase his top 10 tastes from K’ya Bistro Bar in three of the boutique hotel’s unique settings. Savor gourmet bites and ocean views at The Rooftop Lounge, enjoy the romantic Spanish courtyard of the Wine Bar, or live music and libations in the Lobby Lounge. Event times: 5:00-10:00 p.m. $30 per person for signature tastes; no host bar. Call 949.497.2446 to reserve.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Laguna Beach Uncorked! An International Wine & Food Fest*

Enjoy tastings from 22 Laguna Beach restaurants and 30 wineries from around the world. Event takes place on the Festival of Arts grounds from 1:00-4:00 p.m. A portion of the ticket sales benefits CHOC Children’s Hospital.

Participating Laguna Beach restaurants include: 230 Forest Avenue, Broadway by Amar Santana, Claes Ovation, The Deck, Dizz’s As Is, Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen, French 75, House of Big Fish & Ice Cold Beer, Katsuya, K’ya Bistro Bar, Laguna Culinary Arts, Las Brisas, The Mosaic at Montage Laguna Beach, Nirvana Grille, Royal Hawaiian, Sapphire Restaurant & Pantry, Splashes, Starfish, Sundried Tomato, Tabu Grill, Tommy Bahama, Watermarc and more.

General admission: $75 if purchased by 2/15/12; $95 after 2/15/12; VIP: $125 (limited to 150 tickets); includes a 10am wine seminar with Peter Neptune, Master Sommelier, presented by Rohl, and an early 12noon entrance to Laguna Beach Uncorked! Visit http://lagunabeachfoodies.tix.com/ to purchase tickets. For event information, call 949.497.9229.

*All event attendees must be at least 21 years of age. ID will be checked at the door.

Sunset & Savor at Surf & Sand Resort’s Pool Deck

Enjoy live music, a selection of savory bites prepared by Executive Chef Jeff Armstrong and specialty cocktails and sweet treats prepared by Mixologist/Pastry Chef Ryan Velilla. Also, sample select beer and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines. The event is $75 per person and runs from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Limited availability (100 guests maximum). Must RSVP to 949.376.2761 or klawrence@jcresorts.com

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Snack, Sip, and Surf at The Deck at Pacific Edge Hotel 

Join in for an afternoon of food, fun and friendly competition. Enjoy a cocktail competition with some of Orange County’s hottest mixologists. Nosh on beach fare with a neighborhood chef challenge and passed appetizers from The Deck. All of this while feasting your eyes on their friendly pro-am surfing competition. Proceeds go to Mauli Ola, benefitting children with Cystic Fibrosis. $45 per person. Event time: 2:00-5:00 p.m. Space is limited. Call 949.281.5704 to reserve your spot today.

Garden to Table: A Culinary Experience at Studio at Montage

Start the evening with a champagne reception, complete with the chef’s signature garden-inspired hors d’oeuvres. Next, you will enjoy a four-course tasting menu complete with wine pairings from a local California winery. Don’t miss this intimate oceanfront dining experience with Studio’s Executive Chef Craig Strong. Takes place 6:00-9:00 p.m.; $175 per person. Call 949.715.4100 for tickets.

Gospel & Champagne Brunch at Tivoli Too!

Featuring Yve Evans & Co., brunch begins at 11am and is $40pp (includes gospel show). Champagne tastings by Domaine Ste. Michelle. To purchase tickets, visit http://lagunabeachlive.org/concerts/2011/12/28/gospel-brunch/.

Chef Demonstration and Cooking Class at Nirvana Grille

This three-hour session will focus on local and seasonal produce from 11:00 a.m.-2:00p.m. $75 per person; 30 person class limit. Call 949.497.0027 for reservations.

For details on Laguna Beach a la Carte events, restaurant offers and hotel packages, visit www.lagunabeachfoodies.com.

In its second year, Laguna Beach a la Carte has significantly expanded its offerings and several new sponsors have stepped up in support of this year’s culinary happening.

“Events such as Laguna Beach a la Carte would not be possible without the partnership of companies like HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty, Verterra, Union Bank, Waste Management, Fiji Water and Rohl,” said Judith Bijlani, President & CEO of the Laguna Beach Visitors & Conference Bureau.

Media sponsors include Laguna Beach Independent, Laguna Beach Magazine, Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot and Dining Out. The Festival of Arts, the host site, brings the opportunity to welcome more than a thousand new guests to the signature event, Laguna Beach Uncorked!

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher Trela & Stasha Surdyke

 

New Year’s Eve Dining in Laguna Beach

What are you doing New Year’s Eve? If you’re like us,you’ve waited until the last minute to select a dining spot to usher in the New Year.

Fortunately, Laguna Beach has plenty of restaurants with decadent culinary celebrations on tap for NY Eve. Here’s a list of what some of our favorites are serving:

MONTAGE RESORT

Options abound at Montage this New Year’s Eve.

The Loft

First seating from 5:00-7:00 pm features a four-course, holiday tasting menu with a choice of appetizer, entree, cheese and dessert. Cost is $95/adults and $35/children (4-12 years old).

Second seating from 8:00-10:00 pm features a five-course holiday tasting menue and complimentary midnight toast and party favors. Cost is $150/adults and $55/children (4-12 years old)

Studio

Cocktail reception begins at 8:00 pm with a caviar bar, chilled seafood station and tray passed hors d’oeuvres. That’s followed by a Delectable five-course Chef’s tasting menu, starting at 9:00 pm. The menu includes scallop carpaccio, sunchoke lasagna, butter poached main lobster, veal prime rib, dessert, and a midnight toast. Live music, dancing, party favors and champagne toast at midnight are included in the price ($300 peradults, includes cocktails and reception; $100 additional with wine pairings (tax and gratuity not included).

Grand Ballroom Masterpiece Celebration

Reception at 8:00 pm, followed by a four course dinner menu served 9:00 pm – 1:00 am. The evening includes live music, dancing, party favors and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Cost is $300 per person and includes beverages, wine pairings, tax and gratuity.

For Montage dining reservations, call 949.715.6420.

FRENCH 75

Celebrate in style with a four course menu plus live music and free flowing champagne. Selections include an amuse bouche, grilled prawn salad or baked brie salad, stuffed truffle quail or roasted scallops au Champagne, foie gras filet mignon, striped bass or lobster Thermidor, and dessert (including a Grand Marnier Souffle). First seasting is 5 – 7 pm for $80, second seating is 8 pm – close for $100 per person. Add $35 for free-flowing Perrier Jouet Champagne.

KATSUYA

Dinner reservations are available starting at 6 with the regular menu. Then stick around for the “Winter Wonderland” New Year’s Eve party, featuring a DJ, premium hosted bar, tray-passed appetizers and buffet of Katsuya signature dishes, plus a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door. VIP table packages are also available.

MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique offers a three course prix fixe menu that includes appetizers such as heirloom tomato salad, Mozambique crab cakes, and zucchini saffron soup; entrees such as Signature Chilean seabass, prime filet steak, main lobster tails, steak and lobster, and prawn scampi with peri peri sauce.Champagneby the glass and bottle is available, including Crystal (bottle only) and Veuve Cliquot. There’s also a live band. First seating is 4:30 – 6:30 ($55), Second seating is 8 pm – close ($85). There’s also a $10 children’s menu.

BROADWAY BY AMAR

Chef Amar Santana has concocted a creative culinary feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Three seatings are available. The first is at 5 pm ($75) and features a four course menu that includes Big Eye Tuna Tataki, Pan Roasted Sea Scallop with sunchoke puree and truffle jus, herb basted lamb strip loin with goat cheese gnocchi, and peanut butter praline mousse. The 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm seatings include two additional entrees ($120): Butter Poached Main Lobster with Caviar, and slow braised short rib with foie gras ravioli.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN

“Hau’ oli Makahiki Hou” (Happy New Year) celebration is $45 per person and features a three course menu that includes choice of appetizers (such as the famous Ahi Poke), choice of entrees (ala moana ribs, grilled salmon, or filet mignon and shrimp), and a dessert trio. Live band plays all night. Party favors at midnight

TABU GRILL

Nancy Wilhelm’s noted restaurant has two seatings. The first, 5 to 7 pm, features a four course menu for $75 per person (add $45 for wine pairings). The second seating is 9 pm to close anf features a five course menu for $110 per person (add $60 per person for wine pairings). Includes a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight.

TI AMO

In place of the regular menu, Ti Amo offers a special New Year’s Eve three course menu for $45 per person. Choice of soup or salad, choice of entrees (Osso Bucco, Opah, flat iron steak, lobster ravioli or linguini fiorentina), and dessert (including Ti Amo’s signature bread pudding with whiskey sauce.

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher & Stasha

Luscious Lunchtime Dining at Starfish Laguna Wed thru Sun

Looking for a new lunch spot that serves something besides tacos and burgers?

Due to many requests from patrons, Starfish Laguna on Coast Highway– normally open only for dinner – recently started serving lunch from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm Wednesday through Saturday.

This means midday diners can now enjoy Chef Jarvis Yuan’s unique “AmerAsian” cuisine, which is highlighted by American renditions of classic Asian dishes. Yuan uses an assortment of ingredients from places such as Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Korea to create entrees that are both familiar and exotic.

The lunch menu includes such dishes as…

Broiled Shiro Miso Salmon

Japanese white miso marinated Atlantic salmon, organic baby mixed greens, baby organic heirloom tomato, ponzu soy vinaigrette

Cambodian Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad of heirloom tomato, mint, Thai basil, chili lime vinaigrette

Peppercorn Crusted Ahi Tuna Tataki

Pan seared rare ahi tuna, organic baby mix, yellow chives, daikon, cucumber, carrot, wasabi soy reduction, daikon soy vinaigrette

Wok Thai Chicken

Steamed chicken breast, Thai panang curried potatoes, edamame, tomato, Thai basil

 Wild Mushroom Garlic Noodle

Shiitake, shimeji, enoki, king mushrooms, vine ripened tomato,

scallions, sweet basil, pea sprouts

Saigon Summer Roll

Tiger prawns, vermicelli rice noodles, grilled asparagus, mint, Thai basil, cilantro, carrot, cucumber, bean sprouts, roasted peanut hoisin dipping sauce

In addition to being ideal lunchtime fare enjoyable on their own, these food items also make perfect accompaniments to Starfish’s unique drink menu, which includes business friendly non-alcoholic beverages.

Located directly across from the legendary Montage Resort, Starfish was created by revered Laguna Beach restaurateur Nancy Wilhelm, whose Tabu Grill has become a coastal classic. Starfish is also becoming a bonifide star on the local dining scene.

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher & Stasha

New Late Night Happy Hour at Hotel Laguna’s Oceanview Bar

It seems as though most restaurants in Laguna Beach have some sort of early evening happy hour, but few offer a later happy hour to entice the late night crowd. Fewer still enhance their happy hour with live music.

Fortunately, there’s a new late night dining spot that offers fun food, delicious drinks and a rockin’ band: Oceanview Bar at Hotel Laguna.

Every Friday and Saturday night from 10 to midnight, Oceanview Bar rolls out a special menu featuring healthy – and not so healthy – dishes ranging in price from $6 to $8 and guaranteed to satisfy late night culinary cravings.

They also have drink specials and a decadent dessert menu. And then there’s fiZ. No, that’s not a drink, it’s a singer/guitarist (aka Tony d’Mattia) who along with his band plays a variety of hits from the 60s to present day (they do a killer cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance”).

We sampled the Late Night menu recently and found the offerings to be not only tasty, but larger portions than we expected.

The Chicken Wings offered some nice heat, while the Rolled Tacos (actually taquitos) were a deep fried delight and came with a mound of guacamole and cheddar cheese.

  

The Carne Asada Fries are loaded with cheddar cheese, guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos.

The Western Bacon Sliders (three per order) were everything a good mini-burger should be, while the Surf & Turf Tacos (carne asada and citrus-marinated shrimp) were packed with flavor.

  

Diners can also create their own flatbreads by selecting up to three toppings. The flatbreads (which are a meal in themselves) arrived piping hot and were devoured in moments.

Cocktail specials include a sweet Leslie’s Lemon Drop, a 1993 (gin, ginger, grapefruit juice and cranberry juice), and a concoction that is essentially a warm dessert in a glass:Black Forest(Stoli Chocolat Razberi vodka, hot chocolate, and whipped cream). A variety of other drink specials are available.

   

The sinful desserts include Raspberry White Chocolate Cheesecake, Mudd Pie (oh, so good!)…

 

…classic Crème Brulee, and a Chocolate Lover’s Cake.

  

Oceanview Bar’s Late Night Happy Hour will indeed leave your palate – and your stomach – very happy.

Oh—one more thing that will make locals happy: Stefan Anderson, son of the late Claes Anderson (long-time owner of Hotel Laguna) is the new Restaurant Manager (shown here with Hotel Laguna’s Marketing Director, Sarah Lawson).

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher & Stasha

Casey’s Cupcakes of Laguna Beach voted “Best Cupcake in OC”

Who’s got the best cupcakes in OC? Casey’s Cupcakes of Laguna Beach!

Casey’s Cupcakes was voted “Best Cupcake” in OC Weekly’s 2012 “Reader’s Choice Awards,” a tasty distinction that follows Casey’s triumph earlier this year on The Food
Network’s “Cupcake Wars” battle.

  

So what makes Casey’s Cupcakes so special? Laguna Beach Foodies host Stasha Surdyke sat down recently with owner Casey Reinhardt to learn more about the background of Casey’s Cupcakes and what goes in to creating an award winning cupcake.

Stasha: Congratulations on being voted “Best Cupcakes.” I know that Casey’s Cupcakes has been a labor of love for you. When did this all begin?

Casey: In December of 2009 I opened my first location in the historic Mission Inn Hotel and Spa in Riverside, which my parents own. We opened our Laguna Beach location last December. It’s exceeded my expectations. It’s been a lot of fun, and a lot of work.

Stasha: I understand your interest in baking started long before Casey’s Cupcakes.

Casey: My great grandma taught me how to bake when I was three years old. We would always bake for holidays and family events. She has taught me so much. These are recipes that we have come up with together and I’m here sharing them with my customers.

Stasha: So you turned your passion into a business.

Casey: Yes. Every weekend I would bake, bake, bake with my friends, with my family,
and I would just bake a million different things and I would feed them to my family. And my step dad, who is actually a co-owner with me, is a sweets lover so he would test them and say “I think you need a little bit more of this or that,” so we would come up with different things together.

 

Stasha: Your Laguna Beach location is downtown in the heart of the shopping area. What’s that been like for you?

Casey: It’s been great because it’s my hometown. I’m so delighted to be here sharing it with all of the locals. It’s been such a great experience and the locals have been so supportive, which I’m very thankful for.

Stasha: This led to very big opportunity for you on the Food Network. You were on Cupcake Wars.

Casey: My episode aired in February. It was such an incredible experience that I’ll never forget it.

Stasha: You won the competition. How has that been for you with regards to your
relationships, and your peers and the media?

Casey: We have had so many opportunities come our way. It’s brought an enormous amount of attention to our shops so it’s been great.

Stasha: So what fun things are in store for Casey’s Cupcakes?

Casey: We have some really fun projects we are working on right now. I have a cupcake
champagne line we are developing, we have our cupcake lollipop line, and our dazzling doggie pup-cakes for dogs and cats. Another really exciting thing is we just signed our third lease, at Woodberry in Irvine. We are under construction and we are going forward with that location. We’re planning a lot of expanding.

Stasha: So where did the concept for you pink décor come from?

Casey: My whole life, I have had pink rooms, so this is like my room when I was growing up. I love pink, I love flirty, but it’s elegant at the same time. It’s Hollywood, but it has a Parisian twist.

Stasha: Tell me a little bit about some of these crazy flavors you have come up with. There are some crazy concepts like the chili chocolate.

Casey: Yes, it’s a dark chocolate cake with a ganache frosting, and we add some chili pepper and cayenne pepper, which gives it a kick at the end. We also have our vivacious vanilla, which is a Tahitian bean vanilla, which makes all the difference. All of our cupcakes have the highest quality ingredients, the freshest ingredients possible. We don’t cut any corners. Everything is baked with a lot of love, and a lot of care. Everything is hand frosted and hand decorated.

Stasha: Since you have become so successful with this endeavor, you’re giving back to the community with your Casey’s Foundation.

Casey: Yes, it’s Children’s Alliances for the Success and Education of Youth in need. We promote the importance of education and staying in school. We work with Olive Crest foundation for abused children. We also have done a breast cancer cupcake, and donated part of the proceeds to cancer research.

Stasha: Before I forget, I need to mention that you were featured in the TV series Laguna Beach: The Real O.C. Do you see any Laguna Beach fans coming to the store?

Casey: I do! A lot of tourists come in here and they tell me “we watched you in Laguna
Beach, we’re so excited that you’re here.” And so it’s actually really fun that I get to meet a lot of the fans.

Visit LagunaBeachFoodies.com for more info on foodie events and news in Laguna Beach, and read our blog for frequent updates on what’s happening at Laguna Beach Restaurants.

Thanks for reading–we’ll see you next time!

Christopher & Stasha