With Glori Fickling
GHoneyWest
Featuring world class global cuisine with accent on fresh California
ingredients, master chef Azmin Ghahreman's long awaited Sapphire became an
immediate sensation since its February opening at the Old Pottery Place as
locals made the inviting bar their "in place" for cocktails. The oceanfront
patio adjoining boasts bright orange parasols and an oblong fire pit; the
sophisticated interior, a 900 bottle walk-in wine locker fronted with dark
basket-weave walls, an open kitchen, customized furnishings and, for a romantic
evening glow, hand-blown chandeliers and lamps designed by renowned on-site
artist John Barber.
The culmination of his long time dream, Chef Azmin understandably enjoys sharing
the ambiance with guests as they dine at lunch, dinner or weekend brunch.
Equally hospitable G.M. Gary Murray shares his considerable expertise with menu
suggestions and graciously offers wine tastes if one requests ideas pertaining
to the extensive selection of international and California vintages.
Surprisingly, many of these are available in half carafes as well as by the
glass. Upon seating guests are served an oven fresh cheese roll and a tiny
triangle of sweet butter. Salt & pepper, upon request, come in pretty little
lucite boxes.
With a dozen innovative dinner offerings and as many enticing appetizers,
knowledgeable servers will readily explain menu options. These picturesquely
plated presentations include such starters as duck sate skewered atop a hibachi
grill to wrap in lettuce leaves with green mango salad and sweet/sour chile, and
a tantalizing trio of sashimi, tender scallop and tuna lollipop. The capacious
bowl of creamy wild mushroom cappuccino is a real delicacy, and entrees of black
cod with jasmine rice, and pan-seared baramundi white fish, further attest to
the kitchen's creativity. Desserts are equally inventive echoing Azmin's moto,
"When dining at my restaurants you are traveling through the world's markets
with your palate". His provocative Pantry next door reflects a similar astute
mentality.
SAPPHIRE LAGUNA, 1200 So. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. CA 92651 949
715-9888