Spring 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 Photography