MOZAMBIQUE A PROVACATIVE LAGUNA DEBUT
With Glori Fickling GHoneyWest
Inspired by the exotic spices of the Far East, motivated by the energy
and dedication of South African founder Tony Shill, long-awaited
Mozambique debuted in all its sophisticated splendor on July 31, 2005.
Interestingly' the following day, August 1st, was exactly a year from
this enterprising restaurateur's initial arrival in Laguna Beach to
begin work on his life-long dream, construction of a seaside
restaurant specializing in adventurous cuisine served in a unique setting.
The sprawling site, located on property of long vacated Tortilla
Flats, was designed by versatile local artist Dale Terbush, famed for
designing some of Orange County's most distinguished dining
attractions. No exception, this splendiferous center
specializes in wood-fire grilled steaks and chops plus crustaceans and
poultry seared with the fiery, signature Portuguese spice Peri-Peri,
all enticingly dished up in 5 separate areas on 3 diversified levels.
The dining adventure here commences steps past the capacious parking
lot where you are greeted at the grandiose entry by a cluster of
imposing palms and tropical birds proudly perched in two enormous
cages. Veer left to the plant laden dining patio or head
straight inside where diners relax at the bar facing an open
kitchen, blazing fire pit and cooks energetically at work. In
contrast, the formal dining room is steps below where graciously
set tables are romantically illuminated with a crackling
fireplace and soft lighting. Then wander past the hostess
station and discover stately booths and comfy
banquettes upholstered in richly textured burgundy leather.
Chef Alfononso Contriciani has devised a menu featuring succulent
steaks, roasted double cut pork chops, a mixed grill and Portuguese
marinated bone-in lamb steak. His Mozambique specialties run a gamut
from spicy wood-grilled Peri Peri prawns and chicken, to lamb
curry and braised short ribs enhanced with root vegetables and
apples. Prices range from $19 to $42 with grilled lobster tail and
fresh fish du jour at market price. Pasta treats at $16, $18, $23,
include shrimp/crabmeat raviolis and sweet potato gnocchi with or sans
chicken. Tiny pots of pecan/maple butter accompany kitchen baked
rolls and ala carte sides of asparagus, cauliflower au gratin,
mushroom saute, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and crisp shoestrings are
$5.50.
A stellar attraction upstairs is Shebeen, a modern day speakeasy
approachable by several outside and interior stairwells. Here,
from 11 am until 10 pm every day, until 11 pm weekends, awaits the
sophisticated cocktail lounge and entertainment center. The
double-sided bar is flanked with an L-shaped alfresco deck,
retractable striped awning strips overhead providing protection
during inclement weather. Stately palms fringe the blue Pacific
beyond and there are two cozy fire pits and TV's adding to the
overall experience.
Order a libation stirred with such premium house labels as
Ketel One vodka for martinis presented at your table in frosty
cocktail shakers, and your server will hasten a cup of assorted Peri
Peri spiced nuts to your table. Great for lunch or appetizers are the
dozen Shebeen plates priced from $8 to $18 for such as chicken wings,
prawns and chicken livers seasoned with Peri Peri spice, wok
charred ahi, chilled crab plates, salads and 8-ounce Black Angus
burgers. With advance reservations, a private dining room
accommodating up to 16 persons is available for dinner at minimum
charge of $1,000, $500 additional on weekends exclusive
of alcoholic beverages and gratuity.
Weekend entertainment was recently introduced starring the syncopated
rhythms of the Jamie Browning Band promised to return September
13. An awesome highlight that evening was the surprise
performance of the Righteous Brothers' renowned Bill Medley,
Browning's long time friend and associate, who provoked a
standing ovation from the SRO crowd and will appear with the band
on future occasions.
