Laguna Beach Magazine: September 2019
Wyland in front of his original whaling wall | Photo by Mitch Ridder
Around Town
Wyland’s Whaling Wall
Nearly 40 years after it was painted in downtown Laguna Beach, renowned artist and conservationist Robert Wyland has recreated his first Whaling Wall mural on canvas. Currently located on the wall adjacent to his eponymous, flagship art gallery and across from the historic Hotel Laguna, this 4,000-square-foot piece kicked off Wyland’s famous series of 100 marine life murals painted around the world, which took him 27 years to complete. The original piece was painted over by a former owner of the building, so Wyland first recreated it as a smaller, tile version on the side of his home studio here in town. After being given the opportunity to bring back the large-scale version, Wyland went to work in early July and put the final touches on his refreshed piece by the end of August. The finished mural incorporates new elements like three gray whales as well as other details that represent local marine life, including animals and reefs. A public dedication ceremony will be held Sept. 19 and the mural will remain as long as weather permits; it will later be put on display at the forthcoming Wyland museum, which does not yet have a planned location or opening date. (949-376-8000; wyland.com)
Photo by Luke Isley
Get in the Groove
In addition to hosting exemplary performances that feature renowned dancers and touring companies from across the globe, Laguna Dance Festival—which takes place again this fall—also offers an educational component. This comprises summer intensives, workshops and master classes for young dancers, scholarships for those pursuing a career in dance (including an annual scholarship for a graduating Laguna Beach High School senior and five $1,000 scholarships for dancers ages 15-19) plus pre-performance lectures for all. Though this year’s summer intensive, which included a week of all-day dance classes, occurred in June, master classes and other workshops are held throughout the year.
Upcoming events include two master classes with choreographers and dancers from Parsons Dance Co. on Sept. 28 at the Laguna Beach High School dance studio as well as Rubberband dance group on Sept. 29 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. For those who prefer to watch and learn about the performances, the festival offers preshow discussions with Jodie Gates, the organization’s founder and artistic director, alongside other company directors. David Parsons of Parsons Dance Co. will join Gates for one of these talks prior to his company’s performance Sept. 27, followed by another discussion with choreographer Victor Quijada before Rubberband dance group’s show Sept. 29. Both performances will be held at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which is the festival’s new main venue, though many of the educational aspects are still held in Laguna. (949-715-5578; lagunadancefestival.org)
Holle Morrell | Photo courtesy of Amazon Prime
A Heartfelt Program
A new reality TV series called “The Social Movement” will feature Holly Morrell, a Laguna Beach resident and founder of Heartfelt Cardiac Projects. This nonprofit organization is focused on heart health, specifically sudden cardiac arrest, and provides education as well as early-detection screenings at schools, gyms and community centers throughout Southern California. The show will allow Morrell to not only share her mission on an international platform, but also develop a business strategy that is meant to solve a major socioeconomic issue: access to affordable health care. She will be part of a 10-person team—which will also consist of entrepreneurs, CEOs and investors from around the world—that will be judged on challenges like trials and pitching. But Morrell’s team won’t be the only one vying for the judges’ approval, as three other teams will be working to solve entirely different (but just as important) issues, including global warming, wage inequality, and hunger and homelessness. The winning team will receive funding and an opportunity to return for the show’s second season. Filming of Morrell’s segment started in July, but “The Social Movement” will premiere on Amazon Prime in summer 2020. (949-494-6575; heartfeltcardiacprojects.org)
Simon Naylor (left) tending to a rhino in the wild | Photo by Peter Chadwick
Rescuing Rhinos
Laguna Beach-based Cause Conservation, a nonprofit founded by local resident Linda Schmidt, will be hosting the inaugural Rhino Awareness Week from Sept. 15-21, all leading up to World Rhino Day on Sept. 22. A plethora of events will be held in town to support the organization’s efforts to save these animals from poaching, or illegal hunting of wildlife, specifically to acquire the rhinos’ horns for profit. The week will kick off with a screening of the award-winning documentary “Breaking Their Silence” at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theatre on Sept. 15. The film takes an inside look at the poaching crisis and will be followed by a Q&A with director Kerry David. Later that evening, gather at Mozambique to enjoy reggae night with David as well as the Laguna Beach Anti-Poaching Unit, Simon Naylor, a wildlife conservationist based in South Africa. Naylor will also facilitate a talk at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theatre on Sept. 17 as well as another at Thurston Middle School on Sept. 19, and will share his firsthand experiences working to save the rhinos as well as other endangered species. He will also join Schmidt on Sept. 19 for an interview with Billy Fried that will be broadcasted on KX 93.5, Laguna Beach’s only FM radio station. Other events will include a spin class at RhythmRide spin studio Sept. 18 as well as a surf contest and the Wild African Sensation fundraiser Sept. 21. The latter will be an African safari-themed evening complete with drumming, dancing, drinks, African-inspired fare and a live auction. Proceeds from the week will go toward three other nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to this cause. (causeconservation.org)
Anne Earhart | Photo by Ralph Palumbo
In Honor of Philanthropy
Nine philanthropists who are making strides in their respective fields or communities were honored with the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in August, including Laguna Beach resident and founder of the Marisla Foundation, Anne G. Earhart. This charitable institution was established in 1986 and awards quarterly grants in three categories: human services, which benefits nonprofits that help women with their physical, emotional and mental health as well as financial stability after facing hardships like homelessness or abuse; the environment, which hones in on conserving marine resources and working toward solutions to the adverse effects of toxic chemicals; and special interests, which entails invited proposals by the foundation’s board of directors. The foundation has funded more than 600 nonprofits since its inception, while also partnering with other organizations as they launched to create additional philanthropic initiatives, including Oceana, the Plastic Solutions Fund, Partners for a New Economy and more. Earhart herself is also known for her political donations to candidates whose platforms are centered on environmental protection and solving climate change, as well as her personal work as a leader in marine conservation. (Marisla Foundation: 800-839-5316) (Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy: medalofphilanthropy.org)
Photo courtesy of The Mermaid Store
A Whimsical Storefront
One new business that recently opened in town brought a bit of magic with it. In north Laguna, The Mermaid Store is a specialty shop that caters to all of your under-the-sea needs. Stop in and peruse a selection of mermaid-themed apparel, including colorful clothing for dry land that is designed by the owners, like men’s shorts with merman scales, as well as tails for children and adults to slip into before diving into the water. Plenty of the products are handmade in California, such as seashell bras and crowns, jewelry, candles, soaps and more. The family-owned storefront also plays host to performers from HB Mermaids, who entertain and interact with shoppers, as well as an ocean conservation initiative, which entails the use of biodegradable glitter in its cosmetics as well as the sale of reusable straws and products made from recycled materials like plush toys and 4 Ocean bracelets. The latter also helps fund the removal of waste from the sea (1 pound per bracelet). A grand opening celebration will take place Sept. 28 from 2-6 p.m. (949-371-0444; the-mermaid-store.com)
Photo by Sebastian Cosentino Jr.
Community
LagunaPalooza Concert for Charity
The inaugural LagunaPalooza Concert for Charity on May 25 raised funds for Waymakers’ Laguna Beach Youth Shelter and the Newport Beach-based National 9-99 Police and Sheriff Foundation. The total amount raised was not available as of press time. Both organizations benefit those suffering from trauma, with the former focusing on family conflict as well as emotional trauma, and the latter homing in on law enforcement officers who have experienced debilitating injuries, death in the line of duty and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. More than 150 community members attended the fundraising event held at Seven4one hotel, during which they enjoyed live musical performances by reggae artists Errol Bonnick and Di Lionz as well as Andrew Bloom of “American Idol” fame, plus a silent auction, cocktails and gourmet fare. Some off-beat entertainment included a fortune teller and a magician, plus a scotch and cigar bar. The evening also included a speech by Drew Howitt, founder of the 9-99 Foundation, and David Snowden, a retired police chief, who spoke about his own experience with PTSD and how important it is to direct those who are suffering toward help. (lagunapalooza.org)
Photo by HILLEMAN
Waterman’s
Over the past three decades, surf industry powerhouses and other ocean stewards have contributed to Waterman’s, raising more than $8 million to benefit organizations that are working to protect the world’s oceans. This year, about 400 guests arrived at The Ranch at Laguna Beach on Aug. 3 to enjoy a spectacular evening of celebration that started on the first fairway with cocktails and a silent auction featuring more than 180 items, such as surfboards, artwork and vacations. Guests then moved to the ninth fairway for a farm-to-table dinner consisting of a golden beet and watermelon salad, surf-and-turf with short rib and Alaskan halibut, then butter cake and chocolate cheesecake as a sweet ending. After the meal, fundraising kicked off, which included direct donations to the SIMA Environmental Fund as well as a live auction with prizes like a 2019 Audi e-tron, a day at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch, trips to exotic locations and more—equaling at least $142,000. An award ceremony followed, highlighting the night’s honorees: surfer and surfboard shaper Mark Richards with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Dianna Cohen, co-founder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, who challenged the audience to refuse all single-use plastics, for Environmentalist of the Year; and big-wave surfer Kai Lenny for Waterman of the Year. Though the total amount raised was still being calculated as of press time, proceeds will be distributed among 15 international organizations that are focused on ocean conservation, including the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and Surfrider Foundation in San Clemente. (sima.com)
A wine wall at the event | Photo by Pixel That! Photography
Don’t Stop Believin’ Gala
Guests at The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding’s Don’t Stop Believin’ gala took a trip back to the 1980s during this annual fundraiser for the San Juan Capistrano-based nonprofit, which provides therapy for people with disabilities through its equestrian programs. This year’s event was held at Montage Laguna Beach on June 1, when 450 attendees arrived donning the decade’s signature fashion trends (think big hair, colorful pieces and punk rock styles). The evening started on the Pacific Lawn with appetizers, cocktails and a wall through which servers handed guests glasses of wine. During the reception, nearly 200 silent auction items were spread out on the lawn and an opportunity drawing sent one lucky winner home with a David Yurman necklace, and another with $2,000 to spend at Ralph Lauren at South Coast Plaza. Dinner was served in the Grand Ballroom, as prepared by the resort’s senior chef Jackson Tiano. The three-course meal started with a chickpea salad followed by an entree of herb-roasted filet and prawns in a lemon-garlic cream, and lemon-pistachio cheesecake for dessert. The rest of the evening included the presentation of the Michael Lewis Friends of the Disabled Award, which was given to Laguna Beach resident and The Shea Center board member Jeff Cunningham, plus a live auction of incredible travel and dining experiences. The Fosheim Rider Support Fund was also introduced at the event, helping to garner $409,000 of the $1 million raised throughout the night. All proceeds will go toward the nonprofit’s program needs as well as financial aid for its riders. (sheacenter.org)
A nurse model in the fashion show | Photo by Lisa Renee Photography
Valiant Women Fashion Show & Luncheon
For 25 years, the Valiant Women of Mission Hospital have raised funds for the hospital and provided support for those who previously had limited access to health care. The organization has raised more than $3.6 million since its inception and intends to further increase the number of people who are able to benefit from its efforts. On May 30, nearly 400 supporters gathered at Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point for the group’s annual fashion show and luncheon. The amount raised was still being tallied as of press time. The evening honored four strong women: Arianna Barnes, a registered nurse who is exceptionally dedicated to serving her patients; Michelle Kaiser-Lether for persevering through difficult medical circumstances; Barbara Massrey for her philanthropic support; and Mary Miyamoto for her volunteer work. Other local heroes like firefighters, physicians and nurses took to the runway to model pieces from Tommy Bahama, White House Black Market, Swiss Watch Gallery and more. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness, which is slated to open at Mission Hospital Mission Viejo in October. (mission4health.com)
Travel
Hawaiian-Style Sustainability
Aloha and eco-tourism go hand-in-hand when learning how to respect native lands.
Warm ocean breezes. Vibrant, multicolored sunsets. Tropical wildlife. Gorgeous landscapes, from rugged lava rock fields to lush forests and pristine beaches. Farm-fresh cuisine made using techniques that date back thousands of years. These are just a few of the elements that make Hawaii the epitome of paradise—and why it’s more important than ever to adopt sustainable practices in order to preserve that natural beauty. The Hawaiian culture is a rare gem that emphasizes the significance of connecting with nature, including both the land and other humans.
Just boarding the plane on Hawaiian Airlines, passengers are met with a sense of “ohana” (the Hawaiian word for family), allowing visitors to soak in the “aloha” vibes even before takeoff. Flight attendants greet strangers, old friends and family members all the same, making everyone feel welcome onboard and on the islands. The airline is also a proud environmental steward, which includes supporting research projects that are measuring climate change and air quality, reducing carbon emissions through efficient flying practices that burn less fuel, airing in-flight public service announcements about reef-safe sunscreen and more.
The latter is part of a statewide initiative, after Hawaii became the first state in the U.S. to ban the sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, both of which are reportedly toxic to coral reefs and, in turn, the marine life that rely on those ecosystems. The law doesn’t officially go into effect until 2021, but it’s imperative to remain conscious about the products you’re using on a daily basis in order to maintain your own health as well as the world around you. And you’ll certainly need to utilize sun protection—especially on the Big Island of Hawaii, where outdoor activities abound, just waiting to be experienced.
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Orchid
A Sense of Adventure
An ideal place to connect with natural Hawaiian landscapes, and learn about how to effectively care for them, is the Kohala Coast. This region is lined with vast fields of lava rock that speak to the power of the island’s five volcanoes (there are both active and dormant ones while another is considered extinct) as well as an array of oceanfront properties where you can rest your head.
One resort that stands out among the rest is the Fairmont Orchid. This luxury, AAA Four Diamond hotel boasts a Sustainability Partnership Program that prioritizes reducing the property’s environmental impact by implementing strategic practices regarding the use of energy and water as well as the omission of carbon dioxide equivalent and waste. Stretched across 32 acres, the resort grounds provide a picturesque, environmentally friendly escape complete with gorgeous gardens, flowing waterfalls as well as its own lagoon for quintessential aquatic activities.
Start your vacation off by taking to the sea for the resort’s Sunrise Canoe Voyage. Those who embark on this journey will get to experience a breathtaking view of the coastline while the sun rises over the island’s many mountains, set to the sounds of an “oli” (ancient Hawaiian chant) and the blowing of a conch shell—all with the intention to welcome the day. Other adventures offered through the resort include hiking, fishing, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding and surfing. Opt for a Fun N’ Sun activity pass to cover all rental equipment during your stay and take out the likes of boogie boards, snorkels, paddleboards and kayaks on your own time.
If land activities are more your style, take a trip with Hawaii Forest & Trail, which provides adventures from bird-watching and zip lining to tours of farms, waterfalls or volcanoes, including Mauna Kea and Hualalai. The latter includes a hike through a private reserve in a cloud forest with views of the Kona Coast and the Haleakala volcano on the adjacent island of Maui, plus a detour through a lava tube, all while scaling one of the island’s active volcanoes and learning about native species as well as the Hawaiian culture.
For every guest that goes on a tour, the company gives $1 to the Iiwi Fund and encourages guests to match that donation. All proceeds go toward conserving the Hawaiian culture as well as the islands’ ecosystems, plants and animals.
Cultural Exchange
Another local institution that’s dedicated to providing education about Hawaiian culture and eco-friendly practices is the Kohala Institute in Kapaau. This nonprofit organization works to cultivate the relationship between humans and nature as well as teach sustainable farming techniques out of respect for, and a responsibility to nurture, the land.
Various cabins scattered across the property play host to students on overnight field trips, providing hands-on education and teaching them the importance of collaboration, in addition to peaceful meditative retreats for all ages. Groups of 10 or more are welcome to schedule a tour of the grounds and participate in cultural activities like picking and replanting “kalo” (the Hawaiian word for taro, a root vegetable used to make a traditional food called “poi”) and making cords out of bark from hau trees. Tours can also include a walk through the largest organic macadamia nut orchard in the state as well as educational seminars about Polynesian agroforestry and permaculture, plus general Hawaiian history.
Connection is key when exploring this sustainable, 5-acre “ahupuaa,” a system for land division put into place by the ancient Hawaiians. More than just a farm, this ahupuaa is a swath of property that encompasses ecosystems all the way from the ocean up into the mountains. Both the ahupuaa system and the Kohala Institute’s farm follow the sustainable practice of utilizing all of the land available and treating it with care—the core sentiment behind growing food on the islands. The institute is also developing a microgrid system, which will use renewable resources to generate electricity and power its facilities.
Fairmont Orchid also offers an array of cultural activities, with summer offerings available through Sept. 1. These include the likes of a hula class, with both historical and dance lessons, plus an opportunity to perform for an audience; a lei-making workshop, during which participants will create a “haku” (essentially a Hawaiian flower crown); a traditional Hawaiian chant experience; a viewing of the “Kilauea: Hawaii on Fire” film followed by a talk with one of the resort’s cultural experts; or choose from a variety of private, guided adventures like ukulele lessons, coconut frond weaving, cultural hikes and more. Guided hikes include stops at fishponds that were previously only accessible to royalty, ancient lava cave dwellings, sacred shrines and more, all along an oceanfront trail. However, an official tour isn’t needed to discover the nearby petroglyph field: The largest of its kind in all of the Pacific, this preserve contains more than 3,000 lava etchings that date back thousands of years.
Traditional Tastes
Food is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, with unique offerings found throughout the island. And though you may feel obligated to attend a luau for kalua pork that’s slow-smoked underground, freshly pounded poi and other delicacies, there are plenty of other ways to please the palate while on an island excursion—with locally sourced ingredients as the focal point.
For breakfast, head to Island Lava Java in downtown Kona for 100 percent Kona coffee and organic espresso, all grown on the company’s own farm. Morning libations also grace this menu, including a lilikoi (passion fruit) mimosa, house-made hibiscus lemonade mixed with gin, and POG (juice made from passion fruit, orange and guava). From grass-fed beef, organic goat cheese and locally grown produce, the kitchen is always incorporating island-sourced ingredients to make its food from scratch every day. And the oceanfront view doesn’t hurt, either.
Visitors are likely to recognize the Kona Brewing Co. brand, as this beer is available internationally, with popular varieties being the Big Wave golden ale and Longboard lager. After recently revamping its conservation efforts, this brewpub applies eco-friendly practices like using spent grain from the brewery to make its pizza crust and watering its on-site gardens with air conditioner runoff. The Kona Pub & Brewery has daily tours of the facility and a full food menu with pairing suggestions, plus a selection of small-batch beers that use local ingredients or give back to Hawaii-based charities. Current offerings include a hibiscus brut IPA, Cucumba Kolsch ale and Purple Grain, which incorporates grains of paradise and French lavender as well as hints of chai tea.
Photo courtesy of Fairmont Orchid
For a fine dining experience, reserve a table at Brown’s Beach House, the AAA Four Diamond seafood restaurant at Fairmont Orchid. From locally grown produce and freshly caught fish to spectacular views of the Pacific, have a seat around sunset for a remarkable meal. Taste appetizers like ahi poke or kimchi-maple pork belly with blackberry gastrique, which are sure to impress. Entrees include a king crab-crusted kampachi with local Hamakua mushrooms and sweet potato, Kona lobster served on a bed of Parmesan risotto, a Kau coffee venison and more. And, for dessert, diners will find an abundance of tropical elements, from the coconut-guava chiffon cake and traditional Kona coffee mud pie to the pineapple creme brulee with a “li hing mui” (plum powder) gelee, tropical compote and coconut sorbet.
Another sweet treat available at the resort comes from the Rare Hawaiian Honey Co., which sources its raw, organic honey from on-property flow hives—the home base for approximately 80,000 bees that pollinate local trees like kiawe, macadamia and ohia (with its lehua blossoms) to create unique flavors, most of which can be purchased at the resort. To see these bees in action, the resort invites guests to go on the Botanical & Bee Tour, which takes groups through the property’s lush botanical gardens with a stop at the flow hives, held every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Trying a taste of this sweet, sustainable treat is the perfect way to end the tour, so be sure to put in a special request for a honey tasting at the oceanfront Turtle Pointe gazebo.
From dining on locally sourced cuisine to exploring the natural beauty of the Big Island and partaking in traditional activities, there are seemingly endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture and learn from the native people, who have continuously worked to refine and maintain their relationship with the earth and all that it provides for us—the true aloha spirit.
Short rib cigars | Photo by Outshine PR
Taste of the Town
Bar Bites
As Ocean at Main approaches its first anniversary in early October, the eatery has released a new bar menu with small plates that are perfect for snacking. These intriguing dishes include pork belly lettuce wraps with carrot kimchi and Asian soy sauce, Fuerte Wings with house-made blue cheese as well as warm artichoke and parsley dip with rosemary-Parmesan focaccia bread. Another standout item is the taste of short rib “cigars” that are rolled up like taquitos and served in an actual ashtray with a dollop of horseradish creme fraiche and black pepper “ash” for a truly unique presentation. Pair any of these bites with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, such as the bourbon-based Plein Air, which incorporates house-made apricot puree, sage syrup and lemon, or the Lover’s Beach Retreat with jalapeno-infused tequila, passion fruit, lime, agave and a hibiscus-basil foam to top it all off. (949-715-3870; oceanatmain.com)
Montage Laguna Beach Executive Chef David Serus | Photo courtesy of Montage Laguna Beach
Culinary Creatives
Montage Laguna Beach is known for exemplary cuisine, and that’s about to be taken to a whole new level with three chefs recently joining the resort’s culinary team. Born and raised in France, and with a Master Chef of France accolade, Executive Resort Chef David Serus has been presenting luxurious dining experiences for more than 25 years. His portfolio includes working for the likes of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts followed by The Ritz-Carlton, and he plans to apply all that he’s learned to Montage Laguna Beach’s on-property restaurants. Over at The Loft, chef Joosung Lee is taking a multicultural approach by fusing his Korean background with California cuisine to present revamped menus that include an arugula pesto wrap or shrimp chitarra for lunch as well as cantaloupe-cucumber gazpacho or lamb chops with sorrel pesto, vanilla-braised treviso and aged balsamic for dinner. Finally, Sous-Chef Robert Rando began his culinary journey on the East Coast before making his way into Chef de Cuisine Benjamin Martinek’s kitchen at Studio, where he will help create a la carte and tasting menus as well as the restaurant’s acclaimed wine dinners and Chef’s Table events.
Monarch Beach Resort Executive Chef Jason Adams | Photo by Monarch Beach Resort
Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point also recently announced Jason Adams as its executive chef, which will entail overseeing the resort’s entire culinary program, including its seven on-property dining establishments—such as the renowned Bourbon Steak Orange County presented by celebrity chef Michael Mina—as well as banquets and catering. Adams, too, has more than 25 years of experience, working as an executive chef for various high-end hotel brands, with The St. Regis Aspen Resort in Colorado; The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands; Four Seasons Resort Nevis in the Caribbean; and Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., all gracing his professional portfolio. (Montage Laguna Beach: 949-715-6000; montagehotels.com) (Monarch Beach Resort: 949-234-3900; monarchbeachresort.com)
Photo by Modern Pop
A Pop of Avocado
Modern Pop has added avocado as a base ingredient in its lineup of frozen, fruit-based desserts. Made right here in Laguna Beach, these popsicles are crafted with all-natural ingredients and include no added sugar or animal byproducts, allowing for a guilt-free way to cool off, especially in the summer heat. The nondairy, avocado-based bars have a creamy texture that’s almost identical to ice cream and come in three flavors: Cookies n’ Dream, Chocolate Oh Fudge and Mint-Trip. “We’re extremely proud and excited to be solving a problem [for people] who are vegan, or … [those] switching over to a vegan lifestyle,” says Laguna Beach resident Julie Podolec, who co-founded Modern Pop with her husband, Brad. “Those people still love ice cream, and they finally have a vegan, nondairy option that tastes just like the real thing.” These sweet treats became available in July and can be found at the Ralph’s grocery store in Laguna. (themodernpop.com)
Photo by Pacific Dream Photography
Dining Destination
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel has rolled out with a plethora of culinary offerings, including summer menus at both enoSteak and Raya as well as this year’s Culinary Cookout Series.
The latter includes two oceanfront dining experiences, with the first being the Pacific Northwest Seafood Celebration on Sept. 13. This family-style, seafood-centric dinner will be prepared in an alfresco kitchen with views of the Pacific to match. Dishes will include the likes of pastrami-rubbed trout, lobster and summer truffle peas cavatelli, halibut cheek, a raw bar, plus some options from the land as well as desserts and wine pairings.
The second event is Coastal Brews & Bites on Oct. 20, which will be the first beer-focused event hosted by the resort. Sip on craft brews from Laguna Beach Beer Co. and other Southern California breweries while savoring barbecued items and global bites from a satay station and a bratwurst and pretzel bar, plus live music and lawn games.
If you’re simply looking to enjoy a nice meal out, the on-property restaurants’ seasonal menus incorporate the freshest ingredients available and, through the end of the summer, some must-try dishes include a strawberry tomato salad, garlic noodles or grilled prime filet with crab mashed potatoes and truffle chimichurri sauce at Raya as well as a stone fruit salad, tuna carpaccio nicoise or butter-basted scallops at enoSteak. (949-240-2000; ritzcarlton.com)
Photo courtesy of Ahba
New Noshes
South Laguna is home to one of the newest eateries in town: Ahba, which has taken over the building that formerly housed Eva’s Caribbean Kitchen. The eclectic space offers various experiences from alfresco dining on the quaint patio and traditional indoor seating to a communal table and chef’s counter that are both ideal for groups. The kitchen is creating delicious Mediterranean fare that has a strong Israeli influence, which the restaurant currently serves during breakfast and lunch hours with plans to open for dinner service in September.
Morning meals include the likes of shakshuka, eggs poached in a seasoned tomato sauce, or labneh, a soft scramble using creamy and slightly tangy cheese similar to Greek yogurt, as well as a cheese omelet, cinnamon-banana French toast, herbed hash browns and more. For lunch, try a taste of the hummus with lamb or American bites like a burger and fries, a selection of salads or sweet potato. (949-549-4556)
