Driftwood Kitchen Opens in Laguna Beach

Oysters Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

Driftwood Kitchen has just opened in Laguna Beach bringing ultimate beachfront dining to guests in Orange County. The restaurant features the freshest seafood, steaks and handcrafted cocktails to enjoy while basking in the beautiful panoramic ocean views.

Oysters Rockefeller Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

“Driftwood Kitchen focuses on California cuisine that’s inspired, yet prepared simply, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and the ocean that’s right in our backyard,” commented Chef Rainer Schwarz, Partner in Sentinel’s restaurants, which include The Deck on Laguna Beach and Fireside Tavern in Costa Mesa. “I draw inspiration from many places for this menu and I have partnered with some of the best purveyors around, but the primary focus will be on the diversity and freshness that the ocean provides us with.”

Chef Rainer’s menu will feature innovative, yet approachable dishes including the following:

Octopus a la Plancha Taco Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

Octopus “a la Plancha” Taco
Mexican wild shrimp, jicama-cilantro, avocado mousse, and tomato-pineapple chutney

Soft-Shell Crab
Buttermilk fried, green papaya slaw, and spicy papaya seed dipping sauce

Whole Texas Redfish. Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

Whole Fried Branzino (serves 1) or Texas Redfish (serves 2-4)
mochiko rice flour, julienne vegetable, roasted shishito peppers, and ponzu sauce

Surf & Turf. Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

“Surf & Turf” Maine Lobster Tail and Petite Tenderloin
R&R Ranch Washington USDA Prime, Yukan Gold mashed, Zuckerman Farms jumbo asparagus, and sauce béarnaise

Maine Lobster. Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

2 ½ Pound Maine Lobster Entrée
Yukan Gold mashed, Zuckerman Farms jumbo asparagus, and drawn butter

Angel Hair Pasta. Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

Angel Hair Pasta “Rustichella d’Abruzzo”
Mexican sweet shrimp, stewed tomatoes, EVOO, Thai basil, uni, and salmon caviar

New York Steak. Photo courtesy of Anne Watson Photography

New York Steak
Greater Omaha, peppercorn sauce, and home-made French fries

The restaurant features a 20-seat Stateroom bar and 36-seat outdoor dining patio with fire pits during evening dining.

Driftwood Kitchen is located at 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane in Laguna Beach and will open on June 17, 2014 for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. For more information, visit www.driftwoodkitchen.com