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A restaurant resource for dining out in Laguna Beach.
NEWCOMERS
Nick’s Laguna Beach
Dine. Drink. Escape at Nick’s Laguna Beach. This new indoor/outdoor venue in Laguna Beach features Classic American Favorites; including crave-able bar snacks, unique cocktails & an extensive wine list. The décor highlights several artistic touches, from inlaid abalone and oyster-shell accents to artistic mosaic tile floors. Nick’s Laguna Beach is positioned to become one of the areas hot new destinations for dining, cocktails and people-watching. Open for B/L/D.
440 S. Coast Hwy
949.376.8595
nickslaguna.com
Crab Zone Fusion
The Crab Zone, centrally located on Broadway, is completely new and unique, featuring a Vietnamese, Cajun and Chinese fusion menu. The Crab Zone’s Jimmy Nguyen says Chef Mindy’s specialties include a flavorful dungeness crab with garlic and pepper butter or sweet-and-sour tamarind sauce and her already famous crab cakes.
Crab Zone, 217 Broadway, (949) 376-7035
Dining at Sawdust
The dining options at the Sawdust Festival vary just as widely as the selection of original art. The Festival, a great place to take the family or friends, is a place where visitors can get a feel for the real Laguna--and that includes the food. “Eat Greek, live longer!” claims The Whole Pita: Greek Island Grille. This eatery concentrates on fresh and lean cuisine. “We definitely recommend the Beefteki,” says a rep from The Whole Pita. This spicy dish is made from homemade seasoned ground beef sausage, onions, garlic, mint, parsley, lemon juice and olive oil.
If you’re a fan of live performances, check out The Saloon’s “Tropical Tuesday,” where the band Trinidadio rocks the Tavern Stage every other, you guessed it, Tuesday. Island beers and frozen margaritas are also offered at half the regular price. Next door you’ll find the all-American Deb’s Deli, which offers dishes ranging from hotdogs, sandwiches and salads, to huge, delicious wraps. Check out the citrus chicken wrap with mandarin oranges, pineapple, cashews and sesame dressing. And fresh and easy Mexican dishes can be found at Laguna Taco Bowl. The savory fish tacos are well seasoned and go down great with a cerveza. If you’re in the mood just to stroll and snack, head to Fran’s Popcorn Booth for some kettle corn or to Espresso on the Go for a latte.
Sawdust Festival, 935 Laguna Canyon Road; (949) 494-3030, www.sawdustfestival.org
Summer Drink from The Loft, Montage
“When I was looking to create the ideal summer cocktail, I wanted to spice things up,” says bartender Gibbie Whelehan from Montage Resort. And she certainly has with a zesty signature summer drink, the Watermelon Popper. By combining the subtle sweetness of watermelon with the tasty heat of jalapenos, Gibbie is able to bring a little of her home state’s Texas pride to the West Coast. “I was born in Dallas, and the jalapenos reminded me of the outdoor barbeques from home,” she explains. Check out Gibbie’s recipe below if you want to try to create this for your own backyard party.
The Loft at the Montage Resort & Spa, 30801 Coast Hwy; (949) 715-6000, www.montagelagunabeach.com
Watermelon Popper
Muddled watermelon (4 ounces)
2 ounces of jalapeño infused vodka
½ ounce of simple syrup
Splash of cranberry
A fresh lime squeeze
Garnished with a thinly sliced, fresh Jalapeno
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