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Read MoreNew Vegetarian Tasting Menu at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach
Known for presenting extraordinary seasonal tasting menus, Executive Chef Craig Strong has introduced a new vegetarian Tasting Menu at Studio at Montage Laguna Beach. The new tasting menu, now offered at the Laguna Beach waterfront restaurant, highlights the restaurant’s 1,000-square-foot raised bed garden with dishes that play on classic French specialties made vegetarian. Studio’s Vegetarian Tasting Menu currently includes the following dishes: CRIMSON BEET TARTARE – golden beet “yolk,” horseradish crème fraîche Roasted red beets are chopped to create this tartare, and topped with a golden beet “yolk.” The tartare is dressed with a ring of horseradish crème fraiche and garnished with micro herbs and edible viola flowers. Contains: Dairy CRISPY RICE PAELLA – bouquet tiny vegetables, romesco sauce Crispy risotto rice is cooked in vegetable stock with sofrito and saffron, finished with grated cheese, then sautéed until golden brown and served with a bouquet of tiny vegetables atop romesco sauce. The dish is garnished with tiny sorrel. Contains: Nuts, Dairy, and Gluten CELERINI ALFREDO – celery root noodles, garlic cream, brown butter crumble, black truffles Fettuccini ribbons are created with celery root and served in celery cream sauce. The dish is topped with brown butter crumble and is garnished with black truffles, snowflake celery, and borage flowers. Contains: Dairy POT“ATO”-AU-FEU – potato variation, brussels sprouts leaves, mushrooms, roasted vegetable broth Pot“ato”-au-Feu is made up of potato croquette, potato cup, potato mousseline, and potato gaufrette. The potato variation is served with leeks and finished with roasted vegetable broth poured tableside. Contains: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, and Alcohol FLEUR DU MAQUIS – ratatouille, arugula Fleur de Maquis strikes a delicate balance with ratatouille and arugula arranged artistically on plate. Contains: Dairy DECONSTRUCTED PISTACHIO PAVLOVA A decadent ending to the meal with pure pistachio ice cream, pistachio whipped ganache, dried French meringue, candied pistachios rolled in chocolate, lightly set crème Chantilly, pure pistachio paste and lemon marmalade. Contains: Dairy, Nuts and Eggs Studio is located at Montage Laguna Beach (30801 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651). Dining reservations can be made by calling (949) 715-6420. For more information, please visit...
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Read MoreMimi’s Introduces a Tasty Honey Lavender Pork Chop
We dined as a guest of the venue Mimi’s is one of our favorite family dining destinations in OC, and during the summer, they tested 175 guest-submitted recipes to find the newest addition to Mimi’s menu. With the help from Ellise Pierce, aka Cowgirl Chef, Mimi’s discovered the winning dish – a honey lavender pork chop. When I heard the news of this newest menu addition, I couldn’t wait to bring the family to our local Mimi’s to try the new dish. Mimi’s is my younger son’s favorite restaurant, and I was excited to surprise him with news that we were having dinner at his favorite restaurant. I waited to surprise him with the news until we arrived at Mimi’s, and he squealed with delight when he realized where we were eating. Our family was seated at a comfortable table in the dining room, and our server immediately came over to our table to take our drink orders. The server was quick to notice that our children were extra hungry, and brought out a basket of fresh warm rolls and butter to help curb our kid’s appetite. We started dinner with our favorite appetizer, the spinach and artichoke dip. The dish is the ultimate comfort food, and our children devoured every last bite. When it came to ordering our main dish, my husband and I both wanted to order the new honey lavender pork chop, but I let him enjoy it for the evening. The new dish is unlike anything that Mimi’s has put on their menu before. The pork chop was cooked to perfection and boasted fresh flavors. He enjoyed every bite of the new dish and was sweet enough to let me sneak in a couple of bites too. While he enjoyed the pork chop, I savored every bite of the simmered meat french pasta dish. The dish featured ripe tomatoes and beef that was simmered with carrots, celery, onions, and red wine. It tasted just as authentic as my husband’s Italian Grandma’s sauce recipe. Everything we ate at Mimi’s Cafe was delicious, and while we wished there was room for dessert, we just couldn’t eat another delicious bite. Don’t miss experiencing the all-new honey lavender pork chop at your closest Mimi’s Cafe. I guarantee that it will become one of your newest favorite dishes to enjoy while dining...
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Read MoreTemecula’s So-Cal Chef Open: Chefs Compete, You Eat, Kids Win
An invitation to the media preview of the 9th Annual So-Cal Chef Open set the stage for a gorgeous summer afternoon recently at Avensole Vineyard in Temecula where my favorite foodie in crime sister, Shan, and I sipped wine and enjoyed a variety of beautifully prepared bites. Sprinkled in were appearances by Celebrity Chef, Penny Davidi, as well as an award winning crew of Southern California chefs, all to benefit at risk youth and raise funds for Oak Grove Center For Education & The Arts. Oak Grove Center for Education & The Arts is a nonprofit residential, educational, and treatment center that serves at risk youth and their families struggling with a variety of challenges with facilities in Murietta, Perris and Bermuda Dunes. Speaking at the event was CEO, Tammy Wilson, who shared an overview of the center and its goals and outlined the range of problems the children they work with face as well as the types of programs they offer kids and their families, such as sports, arts, recovery and rehabilitation, and more. Emphasizing their expanding reach, Wilson highlighted their new culinary program which offers kids a foundation and possible inspiration to pursue further education and careers in the culinary world. While we sipped, tasted, and soaked in the beautiful surroundings of Avensole Winery in Temecula, we were introduced to the panel of Award Winning Judges carefully assembled by Executive Chef Daragh Matheson from Temecula Valley Winery Management. This esteemed panel of judges will taste and select this year’s winner of the So-Cal Chef Open’s Pinnacle Award from among 25 of the area’s best chefs Monday, October 24 in the Grand Ballroom at Pachenga. Attendees will also be able to sample these talented chef’s creations and vote for their own favorite. In addition to our pictured chefs, competitors will include Chef Kelly Kingman, Chef Josh Diamond from Meritage at Callaway Vineyard & Winery, as well as chefs from Devilicious Eatery, 1909, Bluewater Grill, Farzeli Cellars Winery, Fresco, 8 Bit Brewing Company, and more. While judges will decide the winner 0f The Pinnacle Award, you can vote for The People’s Choice Award by purchasing your ticket and attending the open. This year’s So-Cal Chef Open will be hosted by Penny Davidi. Davidi was a contestant on Season 7 of Food Network Star, Chopped All-Stars, Cutthroat Kitchen and is owner of Pizza Rustica in Beverly Hills. She has worked as Menu Curator with PUMP (Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurant for you...
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Read MoreOcean Breezes and Delicious Bites at Las Brisas
We dined as a guest of the venue We were recently invited to Las Brisas in Laguna Beach to sample some new items from their Patio Menu. Hmm, summertime evening, taking in the coastline and enjoying the iconic restaurant? Absolutely! Upon our arrival we were thrilled to discover a favorite local chef of ours, Johannes Bernau, he is overseeing their menu, sampling new items with the guests and introducing dishes that are more seasonal. We love his creativity with food! In addition, you’ll find he is very down to earth and kind. While taking in the ocean breeze and views; we each sipped on a Spicy Mango Margarita. It was so delicious and quenched our thirst; not too spicy and not too sweet, it was just right. Soon after Chef Bernau, brought over a perfectly Charred Artichoke with Cotija Cheese, Garlic Butter and Cilantro Creme. Yes, it’s a vegetable and so delicious! We couldn’t get enough. A Classic Ceviche full of Seabass and Shrimp was well enjoyed by us. We love trying ceviche; always exploring new versions of this favorite dish, we found the addition of orange, onion, cucumber, cilantro and chile a wonderful choice. Next up up were tacos and you probably know by now, we’re very fond of them. If you are a lover of seafood, we highly suggest the Ahi Tacos with Sriracha in a Rice Paper Shell. It’s gorgeous and generously filled with ahi; make sure to note the cilantro leaf pressed between the outside shell. Chef Bernau is known for surprising us with unexpected flavors and subtle, yet beautiful touches in his presentation of food. We certainly enjoyed the Filet Mignon and Bacon Tacos; an explosion of Maple Chile Bacon with the Filet will surprise your taste buds. It also comes with Jalepeno Tater Tots. Yum! Are you in the car yet? On your way to Las Brisas? If you’re in the mood for a heartier meal, we loved the Shrimp Torta with its herb-marinated shrimp, pickled red onion and manchego cheese. We will enjoy this one in the cooler months as well; it’s served with a fabulous chile tomato soup. Full, relaxed, happy and taking in the live acoustic music, continuing to enjoy the summer evening we thought it couldn’t get any better. We were in for another surprise and we’ve been dreaming of them ever since; Warm Deep Fried Oreo Cookies! Yes, sprinkled with powder sugar and a small bowl of Vanilla...
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Read MoreSquare One Pizza in Irvine
We dined as a guest of the venue There is something special about a restaurant that is run by a mom and a dad with small children. I feel that when a family opens a restaurant during one of their busiest (and hardest) parenting phases that their entire family pours their heart and soul into the restaurant. I found this to be true when meeting the owners of a new local pizza place in Irvine called Square One Pizza. I brought our family to Square One for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I not only fell in love with the owners, but also the delicious cuisine they were creating. The restaurant has a fun hipster ambiance, and a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for parties and special events. Since there was a graduation party happening while we dined at Square One, we enjoyed dinner inside at one of the comfortable semi-private booths. The moment that we took a seat, we were greeted by our friendly server who was eager to take our drink order and help us with any questions we had about the menu. Everything on the menu looked so delicious that I had trouble deciding what I was going to order. The pizzas are not traditional pizza combinations and feature unique gourmet toppings. The fried ravioli’s on the menu was tempting my tastebuds, but it was the fresh bruschetta that I couldn’t resist ordering to start our meal. When the bruschetta arrived, we could smell the fresh basil floating in the air around our table. The minute that I tasted the goat cheese with fresh Roma tomatoes, I was in pure heaven. It was the freshest and most flavorful bruschetta that I have had the pleasure of enjoying. We also paired the bruschetta with a fresh salad topped with grilled shrimp and tossed with a sweet vinaigrette dressing. Then it was time for the best part – the pizza! Since, my boys, are meat lovers I ordered them “The McTernan” pizza named after one of their favorite customers that frequented a restaurant they owned back east. The pizza featured tomato puree, sweet fennel sausage, pepperoni, basil, and mozzarella cheese. The pizza was a thin crust, square shaped pizza that was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. While the boys were enjoying their meat lovers pizza, my daughter and I savored the delicious flavors of the charred steak pizza. The pizza was unlike anything I...
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Read MoreLuna Grill Fresh Spring Menu
We dined as a guest of the venue I was recently introduced to Luna Grill, and it has become my go-to place for eating out on Tuesday evenings because of their kids eat free night. Our family of five can get more than enough food (often with leftovers) for less than $20 on Tuesday nights. The modern family dining destination just keeps getting better as they recently introduced some fresh and delicious spring menu items. When dining at Luna Grill last week, we were eager to try the new spring menu items. When looking at the menu, it was the spring arugula salad that caught my eye. It was larger than I had expected and featured Ancient grain superstar quinoa, tabouleh with chickpeas, celery, tomato, feta and roasted pumpkin seeds; all tossed with Luna’s signature house vinaigrette. The salad was light, fresh and yet very filling. I always know that I have found a delicious salad when my kids ask to switch their meal with me after having a bite. While the kids and I were devouring the salad, it was the spring market wrap that was a favorite for my husband. Inside of a multi-grain flatbread was all-natural chicken kabob, quinoa tabouleh, arugula, feta, tomatoes, and their signature house vinaigrette. He paired the wrap with a fresh salad and pieces of pita bread. Since we were dining on a Tuesday evening and had both purchased an adult meal, we received two complimentary kids meals. The kids meals are large enough for two smaller children to share. Between the four plates of food, our family was full, and yet we had a significant amount of food to bring home for leftovers. Luna Grill isn’t just affordable, but also uses high-quality ingredients so parents can know that their children are getting a nutritious meal. There are Luna Grill locations across Southern California, and their seasonal spring menu items are only available until May 21st. Find your closest location online at...
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Read MoreThe Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar Introduces Sunday Brunch
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar will introduce a new Sunday Brunch at its waterfront location in Newport Beach (3131 W. Coast Highway), beginning Sunday, April 17th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Executive Chef Yvon Goetz will present a brunch menu that will change weekly and consist of dishes such as Zinfandel Braised Beef Shortrib Hash & Fried Eggs with duck fat-roasted fingerling potatoes and roasted cauliflower; and Almond Croissant Crème Brulee French Toast with fresh berries, applewood smoked bacon and a berry-zinfandel syrup. The menu will feature Chef Goetz’s Pacific Rim flavorings, such as fresh line-caught Opah, Mong Chong, Ono & Mahi Mahi flown in daily from Hawaii, and will also tie in to the expansive wine list with numerous wine-infused ingredients. The Winery Newport Beach Sunday Brunch intends to transport guests to a relaxing Napa or Sonoma getaway, with the added bonus of one of the most incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Newport Marina in Orange County. The Winery Restaurant Newport Beach will be open for dinner service seven days a week, and brunch service from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call 949-999-6622 or visit...
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Read MoreSpring Menu Makes Splash at Laguna Beach’s Driftwood Kitchen
Driftwood Kitchen has received national recognition for its breathtaking ocean views and an exquisite menu of seasonal California cuisine, which is overseen by Executive Chef Rainer Schwarz. His acclaimed menu of ocean-inspired offerings now sees the addition of dishes featuring fresh & vibrant Spring ingredients, including squash blossoms, heirloom tomatoes, cauliflower, Yukon gold potatoes, green and red papaya, yellow corn, spring peas, and morel mushrooms. Chef Rainer’s new menu features the following dishes: Soup & Salads CARAMELIZED ONION & LEEK SOUP gruyere cheese | oxtail broth | grilled bread CHILLED CORN SOUP mexican style grilled baby corn | tomato chutney | cilantro Small Plates CRISPY THAI CALAMARI STEAK green & red papaya salad | spicy ginger cilantro dressing | curry aioli SUMMER SQUASH BLOSSOMS bellwether farm ricotta | lemon | mint | shallots | chunky heirloom tomato sauce ESCARGOT GRATINS butter | shallots | parsley | house made caramelized onion | dill bread WHOLE SANTA BARBARA “SEA STEPHANIE FISH UNI” sea urchin vinaigrette | sweet kelp Large Plates GRILLED COLOSSAL TIGER PRAWNS & DATES potato puree | roasted peppers | baby algeria farms whole roasted cauliflower | salsa verde | crispy shallots VENUS CLAMS & MEATBALLS orzo | heirloom tomatoes | butter & chicken broth | fresh herbs | focaccia bread MARY’S FARM CHICKEN foie gras | yukon gold whipped potatoes | spring peas | morel mushrooms | chicken au jus sauce BAY OF MAINE MONKFISH castroville baby artichokes | sautéed tuscan kale 7 OZ DOUBLE R RANCH FILET MIGNON sautéed broccolini | sweet garlic cloves | whole roasted bone marrow | herb butter | ciabatta toast Chef Rainer’s menu still includes Driftwood Kitchen’s signature Yellowfin Tuna Tartare Tacos, and Whole Fried Texas Redfish, which can feed up to 4 guests and must be ordered in advance. Driftwood Kitchen is located at 619 Sleepy Hollow Lane in Laguna Beach and is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. For more information, visit www.driftwoodkitchen.com. Photos courtesy of Anne Watson...
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Bistango Introduces a New Menu
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Saturday Brunching at Spear Steak and Seafood House
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GNO at Holiday in Costa Mesa
We dined as a guest of the venue As a so-called “foodie”, for me, a girls’ night out usually means dinner and cocktails in a nice restaurant with friends. I am pretty clueless when it comes to lounges and clubs in OC, so when I was invited to the soft opening for Holiday in Costa Mesa this past week, I really didn’t know quite what to expect. I grabbed my sister, which I guess makes it more of a...
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Back-to-School Kids Eat Free at IHOP Event
Kids Eat Free* at IHOP® Restaurants is back! Known for being the originator of serving freshly made breakfast at any time of day, every day, IHOP invites families to savor the last weeks of summer by spending time together at dinner — all while stretching back-to-school dollars since kids 12 and under eat free with the purchase of adult entrées from August 1 to September 25, 4-10 p.m. every day at participating restaurants. The Kids Eat Free deal...
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Family-Friendly Sushi at Wokcano in Santa Ana
We dined as a guest of the venue Wokcano opened up in Santa Ana a little over a month ago. It is an Asian restaurant that has an excellent bar and serves Sushi and other Asian favorites. My husband and I along with our toddler were invited to have a lunch date here. We went around 1:00 PM and it was not overly crowded. We were quickly seated and left to look over the menu. We decided to start...
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