Broadway Exudes Manhattan Vibes In Laguna Beach

                                        by Glori Fickling

An unheralded mid-September opening of Broadway by Amar Santana, in the space of long defunct 5’ restaurant downtown, has irrefutably trumped lovely Laguna Beach, once again, as a serious dining destination. This warmly sophisticated accolade to the Big Apple, enhanced with stimulating culinary drama, graciously indulges guests via subtly varied beige tones complemented with stunning French provincial chairs and mysteriously textured tables.  High bistro seating separates the chic bar from a long stretch of benching bolstered with plump cushy pillows, all enhanced with romantic lighting. Vast photos of the New York skyline, a prominent  Statue of Liberty glimpse, impressively grace a wall opposite the bustling performance kitchen where creative chef Amar Santana, performs onstage producing phenomenal 7-course dinners exclusively geared to knowledgeable haute cuisine aficionados while diverse culinary adventures await at inviting supplementary settings.

Settle in as a dab of butter and pinch of sea salt arrive posed on a tiny rectangular slate alongside slender stalks of crunchy breadsticks.  While perusing menus, along comes a dutiful attendant proffering superlative house baked breads for irresistible munching, notably extraordinary sourdough rolls.  Next, the surprise of a chilled amuse bouche, enticingly creamy carrot soup with scatterings of tender pouched shrimp

Broadway by Amar Santana is the extraordinary culmination of three resourceful pros who frequently shared ideas where they met at renowned Charlie Parkers in Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza.  Their vision materialized after elite wine connoisseur and carefree gourmand, Richard Cadarette, was captivated by the creative genius of chef Amar Sanata and unrestrained energy of genial general manager, Amed Lebbate.  The triumvirates’ choice of Laguna Beach for this inspired dining venue, is readily observable in the sociable manner of earnestly welcoming servers who somewhat replicate the energetic friendliness they had long admired in the famed beach town..

Commencing with the ubiquitous small plates, you are certain to order several intriguing presentations  $5 to $10, along with appealing appetizers, $11 to $22, to divide on individual dishes accompanying the pristine white serving ware framing most orders.  Here, Santana’s steady clientele will appreciate finding his signature offerings of bacon-wrapped, bleu cheese stuffed dates, and his provocatively crunchy bone-stuffed roasted marrow crowned with oregano and marinated anchovies..  Charred sourdough bread escorting a huge serving of steamed mussels seasoned with spicy chorizo nuggets rested nearby for sopping up juices.  Crispy wisps of fried chive leaves crowned two pan roasted sea scallops though promised passion fruit and sea beans were absent.  Roasted garlic mayo and pickles gave zest to a trio of Kobe beef sliders, and pizza buffs relished a flat bread version anointed with truffle oil, caramelized onions and bacon, while french fry devotees took pleasure in chipotle aioli flavors.

Enticing entrees will vary at chef’s whim as will the entire menu   Presently, beef, poultry and seafood are showcased with appealing accoutrements, as with grilled prime NY strip loin bordelaise, crisply seared duck breast, butter poached Jidori Farm chicken and lightly smoked wild king salmon.

Cocktails are equally intriguing considering the mélanges of mesmerizing herb and juice enhancements stirred or shaken with flair into top label liquors  There are 30 wines by the glass ranging from a crisp Italian Kris pinot grigio at $8 to a smooth Sonoma Valley zinfandel for $25.  Such tantalizing dining readily tempts ones palate for dessert, as in Santana’s lusciously light panacotta, a dazzling contrast of flavor and texture floating refreshing strawberry sorbet atop velvety custard studded with a toothsome

crunch of scrumptious dark chocolate tidbits.  Clearly, this is the definitive missing link for lovely Laguna Beach

Broadway by Amar Santana, 327 Glenneyre St. Laguna Beach

949 715-8234  www.broadwaybyamarsantana.com