[singlepic id=428 w=320 h=240 mode=watermark float=right]Just as the Laguna Beach Labor Day Weekend fell into play, I had the privilege of poking my head into the new Broadway by Amar Santana restaurant to see the progress they’ve made.

And what progress! Lighting is in. Original art and mirrors are hung on the walls. The cool bar stools are lined up like sentries, and the top shelf liquors (some from thousands of miles away) are crowded into the shelves, awaiting proper organization. Even the little purse hooks are hung on the bar with care. That’s right. It’s feeling a bit like Christmas in here.

Chef Amar is still unwrapping various pots, pans and lids for his pampered kitchen, and if that’s not Christmas, I don’t know what is. General Manager Ahmed Labbate is trotting new staffers through the restaurant on their first tour, and Bar Manager Steve Garcia is positively giddy about the bar he’s setting up here: No soda guns. No shee-shee martinis. This is the Land of Serious Martinis (and a wine list to boot).

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This is a fresh take on an old school Manhattan supper club, from the freshly carved logo in the sidewalk, to Sinatra black-and-white movies rolling on the big screen in the bar. Laguna Beach, I think we have some serious fun ahead for us.

Give them another week or so, and it will be all systems go.

Reservations will soon be taken for Broadway by Amar Santana at 949 715 8234. Private parties interested in full or partial buyouts can contact GM Ahmed Labbate directly at (702) 823-6927. And don’t forget about giving yourself a holiday present of your own – be sure to register for the exclusive Broadway by Amar Santana $150 Dinner Giveaway with LagunaBeachBest.com – they’re drawing a winner on Oct. 1st!