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Sundried Tomato American Bistro Success now Tripled
Conveniently located within walking distance of Main Beach, Laguna Playhouse, three art festivals and famed Pageant of the Masters, cozy little Sundried Tomato was originally launched in a Forest Avenue courtyard almost 9 years ago, replete with a bubbling fountain to complement its appealing alfresco entryway. Reasonably priced California cuisine was the focus of progressive principal, Rob Quest, who immediately realized the importance of creatively healthful recipes, basically utilizing organic ingredients. Currently in concert with executive chef, Robert Opella in operated San Juan Capo & San Clemente venues, his menu is periodically updated with imaginative new ideas to embellish the extensive selection of 17 starters, 5 pastas, 10 entrees 7 sandwiches and as many side dishes and desserts. In addition to nightly specials, there are daily soup choices to diversify the popular ½ salad with soup or sandwich repast ringing in at $13. Among inspired newsy dishes come teriyaki glazed aioli mahi mahi, a romaine wedge salad lavished with prosciutto/gorgonzola/candied pecans/tomato and, the entree I found an intriguing throwback to the fifties, scampi style shrimp: four big, plump butterflied denizens teamed with angel hair pasta in a heady basting of white wine/olive oil tomato and capers. Fantastico at a mere $17, especially with our attentive waiter Jeff’s lavish dousing of freshly grated parmigiano. Gorgonzola cheese aioli provided culinary interest on a lamb burger layered with Bermuda onion/tomato lettuce, this at $13 with a huge heap of pommes frites. Not to overlook among appetizers is the king size artichoke dripping with cheese and side of tarragon aioli, a $10 bargain to savor with assorted breads and sundried tomato butter presented upon arrival. As is frequently happening in this era of intense budget concerns, Sundried Tomato offers a range of enticing bargains to keep the economy rolling. Arrive any Monday for irresistible 2-course dinners at only $15 and choose from three 1st courses and a quintet of entrees. Cilantro vinaigrette baby greens for starters, then chipotle BBQ seasoned pork tenderloin or ½ roast chicken with veggies and mashed potatoes. Tuesday brings a 50% reduction on select bottled wines; Wednesday highlights martinis and specialty drinks at half-price; Happy Hour bar specials are every day continuing from 4 to 7 p.m. for appetizers at $6 to $8, wines and cocktail $6 and draft beers $4. When it comes to dessert, tastes get no more decadent than the enormous wedge of fudge inundated chocolate layer cake, more that enough for two. Next time we’ll request half an order with a dollop of whipped cream or gelato for refreshing contrast. 361Forest Ave. Laguna Beach 949 494-3312www.sundriedtomatocafe.com for San Juan Capo & San Clemente venues
Chateaux Restaurant Lounge
with Glori Fickling Spectacular Grand Opening Long time foodies in the know well recall delightful Chanteclair, the superlative Irvine restaurant which closed disappointingly several years ago after decades great success. While it may have seemed nothing could surpass the invitingly warm appeal of that popular dining respite, all that changed in January with the phenomenal grand opening of Chateaux Restaurant Lounge when the red carpet was rolled out attracting a massive entourage of savvy guests totally at the ready to celebrate the sophisticated venue’s spectacular extravaganza. Superlative tastes from the dinner/appetizer menu were graciously served throughout the evening augmented with a scattering of buffets among a mélange of welcoming rooms enhanced with blazing hearths, cushy lounges and beautiful orchid-adorned tables. Cocktails of choice were poured non-stop and the ambiance was, at once, all warmth and frivolity. And then the big blast came with the tantalizingly spirited music from what Chateau terms, “ Lectro rhythms from across the globe”. And dance we did, and did, and did, and did again some more. In short, Chateaux welcomed this new decade with a major Bang. Check it out asap and have a blast. Then stand by for more news of this sexy, stylish attraction as viewed by Glori for www.lagunajournal.com. 18912 MacArthur Blvd. Irvine 949 833-1900; www.chateauxlounge.com
Orange County Restaurant Week Feb. 28 -
Mar. 6, 2010 Plus Free Golden Foodies Card for year-round savings
Orange County
Restaurant Association has
announced the preliminary list of more than
100 restaurants confirmed to unite
for the region’s fastest growing and most
anticipated culinary event, Orange County
Restaurant Week, to be held February
28 to March 6, 2010. The resort at Pelican Hill
with Glori Fickling
The gracious amenity of traditional English high tea, elegantly presented in the magnificent Great Room of The Resort at Pelican Hill, recently became the charming occasion for introducing Andrea Ristorante’s new chef de cuisine, Stefano Chiarugi. With an impressive background encompassing twenty years experience with award winning hotels and restaurants from his native Italy to Las Vegas, the warmly passionate professional’s expertise on the art of classic Tuscan cuisine deems him the definitive choice for the luxurious site. Celebrating a highly successful first anniversary on November 27, The Resort has already implemented exciting plans for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and day. For openers, the elegant tea ceremony, precisely poured against the magnificent bronze, green and gold ambiance of the Great Room accompanied by soothing holiday piano melodies, is being served daily throughout the holidays from 2 to 4 p.m. Settle down on a cushy settee and pamper yourself with superlative selections from a variety of beverages with all the trimmings and dine on the enticing menu of sweet and savory indulgences. With all its amazingly expansive vista, superlative appointments and luxurious amenities, one would imagine this distinguished resort to be exclusively for the wealthy. It comes as a delightful surprise to the uninitiated, however, to discover some rather astonishing revelations. Recently inaugurated was a weekly wine tasting presented along the Great Room’s expansive balcony overlooking one of two sprawling 18 hole golf greens inviting guests to bask before magnificent sunsets. Would you believe there is no cost to participate in these exceptional blind tastings which showcase both imported an domestic vintages escorted with an assortment of deluxe cheeses, fresh and dried fruits. Further, can you imagine any posh destination of this luxurious caliber offering complimentary parking upon arrival? Incredible is this sounds, it is entirely true.
227i01 Pelican Hill Road So. Newport Coast. 949 467-6833
Baci
A Weekend of Dazzling Entertainment,
Delicious Dining
Thanks to an invitation to a unique Bethany Owen dinner show,
a fascinating Italian restaurant in Huntington Beach came to light.
Beautiful, multi-talented Bethany, whose vocal range surpasses many famed contemporaries, is primarily known for her phenomenal interpretation of world famous personalities from
Marilyn and Judy to Liza and Cher. She gained her title,
“woman of 1,001 voices” after devastating audiences early on
with her initial attempt at voice mimicry, an incredible
interpretation of Edith Bunker from the dominant seventies
sitcom, “All in the Family”. Similarly, Baci is unique for the
Romanesque ambiance of its cocktail lounge/showroom, a
network of carved pillars, graceful arches and cloud strewn blue
ceiling which sets an entrancing pace for dining and entertainment.
This attractive showplace was constructed sometime after
enterprising owner/chef Angelo Julliano launched his popular
restaurant twenty years ago.
A well paced 4-course repast in concert with the entertainment
commenced with platters of delicious antipasti and crisp salads prefacing a dynamic opening act. Totally enchanting diners, a
sultry-voiced Marilyn slithered forth in glittery, head to toe gold,
magically engulfed in twinkling lights.
Following “Diamonds Are A Girl‘s Best Friend“, Marilyn
enticed our awestruck host on stage where he was seductively
mesmerized as the surprised audience applauded. After
tugging off the blonde tresses, this highly gifted virtuoso
introduced herself, quickly proceeding to emulate a variety of
famous personalities replete with wigs and wardrobe in full
audience view, adding charismatic nuances to render
incredible accuracy to individual impersonations.
Discriminately served between acts, including a titillating bit
of audience participation, were choices of grilled to
perfection filet mignon and delicately champagne seasoned
salmon, both sided with fresh vegetables and Baci pasta.
As an extra dividend, enhancing each course were some
exquisite Italian vintages from the impressive inventory of
judicious wine aficianado, Matteo Silvestri.
Among the numerous multi-faceted guises of the evening,
Bethany’s awesome interpretation of Judy Garland is always so consistently on target people have erroneously thought
she was lip-syncing the late, renowned vocalist. This is
forever obvious in her tattered, face-smudged, tuxedo clad,
“Over the Rainbow” finale. The sentimental wrap-up, in fact,
was a fitting conclusion to a lusciously creamy tiramisu dessert.
Do not miss this tantalizing and affordable weekend package
teaming amazing entertainment with delectable cuisine
concluding 10/23-24/09. Hopefully, Baci will be repeating
this program in the near future.
Meantime, Baci’s surprisingly affordably priced menu and
wine list are another temptation, urging me to return for a
major Laguna Journal Restaurant feature.
18748 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach 714 965-1194
Taz Asian Fusion CuisineTasty Dining Too Affordable To Miss Says Glori Fickling
Watermarc - Hot New Laguna Foodie Find
Chalk up a quartet of hits for award winning chef/owner Marc Cohen who threw open the door on his latest venture with nary a word nor hint to anyone. But it was virtually no time at all before locals caught the fire and Watermarc was immediately in full swing starting with the unobtrusive May 11 debut. On site of the long vacated Partners Bistro and Terrace, the totally reconstructed restaurant sports a busy bar set back from entry tables and more intimate dining awaits upstairs. Peruse the menu briefly and it is the Grazing Plates which immediately set taste buds in motion, no less than 26 tempters on tap. Except for a $12 artisan cheese plate, $7 to $11 will garner such imaginations as clams casino, lobster cognac bisque, filet mignon pot pie, crab filled tomatoes, crab louie salad. Opting for black mussels anointed with saffron lemon cream scented with shallots/leeks, and seafood sausage with spicy white beans and mustard, my guest and I shared a tasty experience with a side of the garlic infused house flatbread smeared with fontina, cipolini onion, roasted pepper and kalamata olives, a flavorful alternative to the once ubiquitous bread basket some restaurants have recently precluded economically. There are a quartet of burgers, $12-$15; half a dozen seafood entrees and as many meat and poultry dishes $18 - $34, all available at lunch and dinner. A la carte accompaniments are $6 each. Among Cohen’s innovations come smoked paprika bay boat scallops & shrimp nestled atop saffron orange couscous, the delicately scented grains soothing the pepper’s sharp pungency. Among provocative sweet endings, tempura banana caramel crème brulee tops the list of $8 delectable enhancements. 448 So. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach 949 376-6272
210Dance Restaurant & Bar
A longtime wish for many a dance enthusiast is finding an early location for kicking up their heels, as opposed to starting an evening out at a late 9 or 10 p.m. But who would ever expect the concept created by enterprising Diana Roberts who has created a dining/entertainment mecca where a diversified range of music emerges for dancing from an early 2:30 in the afternoon until 10:30 every evening. Enter 210 Dance Restaurant & Bar which this innovative restaurateur quietly launched in late April to the delight of her many friends and invited guests. Located in Sycamore Plaza adjacent to the San Juan Capistrano Post Office, the charming venue additionally affords ample parking. Refreshingly punctuated with capacious beach umbrellas atop round and square tables in soft beige tones, the spacious room exudes a casual alfresco appeal. Curving gracefully across the area is a sprawling granite cocktail bar dramatically backed with floor-to-ceiling glass for a view of the polished parquet dance floor where disco music prevails constantly and a few corner tables await for enjoying a drink between melodies--swing, country, rock’n roll, upbeat tunes & more. Roberts’ menu is simple, tasty and to-the-point with the popular option of small plates--steak, chicken, salmon-- at substantially reduced prices. Under caring attention of our witty mixologist, James, I relished his Las Vegas award winning vodka martini as my guest imbibed a frosted mountain high margarita. We happily shared lusciously plump crab cakes sided with hot chile aioli and crisp greens/ Next came the generous house salad, easily enough for two, and graciously divided in the kitchen before serving. Crisp green beans and a mound of Yukon mashed potatoes accompanied both (would you believe?) $13 entrees. Spicy herb butter gave my medium rare 6 oz. NY steak an unforgettable flavor burst; a tangy pepper crust provoked equal accolades from my contented companion who could not get enough of the savory pesto/olive oil accompaniment for crunchy bread fresh from a distinguished adjoining bakery. 32124 Paseo Adelanto, San Juan Capistrano 949 661-9800
Current
Celebrations
With Glori Fickling GHoneyWest
ANASTASIA ANNOUNCES DINNER To celebrate their annual summer dinner series, Anastasia Boutique's charming Cafe adjoining this fascinating fashion Mecca, recently invited guests to enjoy a delectable reception with complimentary dinner, wine and dessert delicacies. The tantalizing temptations were coupled with a showing of designer Brett Austin Westfall's internationally recognized "unholy matrimony" collection of men's and women's wear. The seasonal dinner menu is currently being served on Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings, and will continue through the summer season starting at 5 p.m. Fans of chef Jerry Baker will be happy to learn he is once again on board featuring a tasty selection of pastas. paninis, salads and desserts for another Bon Appetito time. 460 Ocean Ave. Laguna Beach. 949 497-1212
Grand opening celebration of Mark's Nothing short of phenomenal was the excited entourage who jammed the grand opening celebration of principal Mark DePalma’s newest culinary venture, MARK’S. And the April 1 date was no April Fool’s day judging from the many guests enthusiastically sipping and supping under an elegant white canopy that shielded luxurious ebony carpeting upon which rested two bars, tables heaped with delicious sweets and savories and a beautiful tiered white wedding cake. The restaurant, longtime site of recently vacated Chapleau on Laguna Canyon Road, now boasts an open kitchen and opposing bar flanked by two seating areas. This is DePalma’s second venue locally. His initial Art Colony dining establishment, vacated five years ago, became the currently popular hush on PCH. 949 715-4200. www.markslaguna.com . Interestingly, it was only weeks ago that esteemed restaurateur Nancy Wilhelm celebrated the fifth anniversary of her award-winning Tabu Grille in South Laguna Beach. Because her restaurant is so intimately small, festivities were booked at nearby Mozambique’s spacious Shebeen Lounge to accommodate her many avid devotees who partook of the tasty cuisine, drinks and generous hospitality created for the occasion in collaboration with chef Kevin Jerrold-Jones. Continued success, dear Nancy on this and your soon-to-happen expansion! 949 494-7743 Tabu Grill
Spice Plates add a new dimension Just when you think you've experienced every culinary taste on the planet, along come some totally unusual palate ticklers. Enter executive chef Azmin Ghahreman, who celebrated a 2-year anniversary at his classy Sapphire a few weeks ago. Recently returned from a research-motivated junket to the Orient, this adventuresome chef extraordinaire brought home a mélange of spices from each and every port of call. The result is a dozen ingenious "Spice Plate" creations designed to wow the most jaded tonsils. Priced from a wallet pleasing $7.50 to $9.50, these small
plates utilize a phenomenal assortment of international spic
Tender pork & tofu cubes tossed in a bowl with 5-spice seasoning and ribbons of egg noodles are delectable as is a lusciously delicate wrap of African red mango curried swordfish bites. Among other exceptional presentations, served from 4 to 8 p.m. daily, come meltingly tender duck quesadillas striped with spicy chocolate mole...savory ground beef/lamb kebabs...perfectly aldente and provocatively hot shrimp coriander...saucy flash-fried Indonesian chicken martabak. Each is a bite of culinary ..exotica, promising a provocative culinary kick. 949 715-9888 (learn more via www.sapphirelaguna.com .Chef Azmin Ghahreman Laguna Journal's restaurant editor, Glori Fickling, has been writing industry news and reviews for a wide variety of newspapers and magazines since the mid-sixties, most recently on line ocnow.com (terminated temporarily last month by Cox Communications) and along the way, our own popular Laguna Journal for which she has contributed features over the past ten years. Early on she was a West Coast fashion editor for internationally renowned Women's Wear Daily, fashion stylist for a major department store, introduced fashion shows along the South Coast, and designed her own line of maternity clothes based on the A-line concept prior to its exploitation by fashion icon, Yves St. Laurent. Her claim to fame, however she says, was co-authoring with her late-great husband, Forrest Ellison "Skip' Fickling, the eleven world famous Honey West mystery novels which became an ABC TV series in 1965 continuing on to garner a coveted Golden Globe, an Academy nomination and a Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allen Poe award. Restaurant information for Laguna Journal may be expedited by reaching Glori at wibcom@aol.com or by phoning 949 494-4710. www.lagunajournal.com |
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WHEN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
VISIT PRIMITIVES AT THE VILLAGE IN LAGUNA BEACH ON THE GOLD
COAST. OVER LOOKING THE PACIFIC OCEAN.
TURQUOISE SILVER JEWELRY, KOKOPELLI, ZUNI, HOPI, NAVAJO, DREAM CATCHERS, KACHINA DOLLS, SILVER JEWELRY, BRACELETS, RINGS, NECKLACES, EARRINGS AND ARTIFACTS 577 S. COAST HWY, LAGUNA BEACH, CA (949) 376-7632 or go to: NATIVE TRIBE-PRIMITIVES LTD We now have Color Diamonds
Will the new ERA HONEY WEST PLEASE STEP FORWARD!
OFF CENTER PRODUCTIONS IS CASTING FOR A COMEDY
CENTRAL GAME SHOW PILOT NOW!
Moving to DC? Casting young and fabulous adults
for a new docu-series!
NEW GAME SHOW GIVING AWAY BIG MONEY IS CASTING
NOW
SEINFELD AND NBC CASTING NEW COMEDY SERIES Now Casting EX DANCERS
NBC CASTING FOR COUPLES WHO ARGUE Now Casting Men/Women with REAL LIFE FEAR/PHOBIAS Send headshots and resumes to: wibcom@aol.com Michael Webster Talent Manager
Get Advice from a professional Introducing MICHAEL WEBSTER, a professional Hollywood Talent Manager now available to manage and guide your career Click here to provide your: TALENT INFORMATION
237 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach, CA 92651-2106 Phone: (949) 497-3381. Where Laguna Night life Lives ************************************** Lush Forest
230 Forest Avenue
With the opening of Chef Marc Cohen's newest venture,
Watermarc, just down Coast Highway from local favorite 230 Forest
Avenue, perhaps Lagunans will be pleased to re-discover this fine dining
haunt while all the other Cohen-ites rush to try the new digs. There's a
reason the chef is on every corner, because each plate serves as a blank
canvas, as exquisite to look at as to savor. With artful dishes like
Proscuitto Wrapped Shrimp with tomato, mozzarella, herb pesto and young
basil, followed by the Pacific Northwest Cioppino, a Shellfish and
seafood broth simmered with Maine lobster, shrimp, scallops, Manila
clams, New Zealand greenlip mussels, calamari and fish, and concluding
with Pistachio Profiteroles w/hot fudge, Cohen's narrative is complete.
Now the executive chef/co-owner of 230 Forest ,Opah Restaurant & Bar in
Aliso Viejo and Irvine, and his newest venture, Watermarc, a bistro
featuring grazing plates and offering more then 30 wines by the glass,
Cohen is on top of the culinary world. **************************************
Zimzala Restaurant &
Bar offers coastal
Mediterranean
cuisine and
handcrafted
cocktails in a hip
and stylish setting.
Conveniently located
adjacent to
Shorebreak Hotel, be
sure to experience
this Huntington
Beach hotspot. Welcome to Legends Sports Bar
Voted "Best
Sports Bar" by
L.A. Magazine
and City Search
People's Choice Award Winner, "Best Sports Bar" www.lagunacanyonspa.com
Come visit Stevenswood’s new wine tasting bar. Taste our Mendocino vintage, estate wines and other varietals from around the world. Treat yourself to the finest virgin and flavored olive oils. Our tasting wines are paired with our gourmet small plates of delectable cheese with an array of tasty finger foods prepared by our world renowned chef Rocco and served tapas-style.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz-Carlton Drive, ************** SYNERGY TRANSPORTATION SERVICE WELCOME TO SYNERGY WE PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM SURROUNDING HOTELS 7 DAYS PER WEEK
(949) 376-7632 (949) 697-5676 Specializing In: South Coast Plaza shopping Tours Laguna Beach shopping Tours Moon Light Dinner Tours Shopping Lunch/Dinner Tours Local Evening Clubbing Tours Dana Point Harbor Tours San Juan Mission Tours Disneyland, Knottsberry farm - Business use - Parties - Sporting events. Airport transfers LAX & John Wayne (Orange County)
Celebrity, Executive and VIP protection
and security services Available. Courier jewelry
and other valuables escorted -Delivery -
Messenger - 24/7.
We also offer fully insured & certified
private chauffeurs serve you at home or
when you travel. ************************************** The Cliff Laguna Beach restaurant! At Laguna Village
Oceanfront, open-air dining and cocktails return to the spectacularly-situated Laguna Village in Laguna Beach! After a complete overhaul and updating of the premises, The Cliff Laguna Beach is poised and ready to greet you with a delightful selection of California cuisine: lunch, dinner& shopping. Where Great People, Art, Shops and Food all converge over looking the Gold Coast. Where at sunset you may be lucky and see the Green Flash.
Laguna Village 577 South Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA (949)494-1956**************************************
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31106
South Coast Highway ***********************************
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including his own tantalizing blend of curry. 
