Rebel Omakase Now Taking Reservations for Aug. 17th Open
At last, the Japanese-founded dining experience – Omakase – has arrived in Laguna Beach. New owners Jordan Nakasone (“Itamae” or Head Sushi Chef) and wife, Debrah Cha, will be opening Rebel Omakase on Tuesday, Aug. 17th at 5 p.m. Initially beginning with dinner...
For Chef Craig Strong, Terra is His Terra Firma
Folks, I just have to say for the record that it sure is great to see Chef Craig Strong’s smile again. Certainly, one of the most talented chefs to ever grace Laguna Beach, this Michelin-starred and Five-Diamond legend is fully back in play and loving life at Terra at...
Festival of Arts 2021: What I Love Most
The Festival of Arts & Pageant of the Masters is exactly that – two enormous productions that symbiotically co-exist next to each other on the same grounds. This year’s Pageant of the Masters is titled “Made in America, Trailblazing Artists &...
Seabutter is Melt-in-Your-Mouth Fresh Sushi
Last week, the popular Seabutter Beverly Hills sushi restaurant welcomed the arrival of its little sister, Seabutter Laguna Beach. Owners George and Angie Fratkin opted for a week of soft opening evenings but, as the Laguna Beach local coconut telegraph goes, it...
Rum Social Hoping to Open Late August
As of about a week ago, the City of Laguna gave Rum Social owners the greenlight to complete their interior renovations. Rum Social is the highly anticipated new concept moving into the old Watermarc location at 448 S. Coast Highway in “Restaurant Row.”...
Seabutter Sushi Opens This Week
This week, Seabutter Sushi began its soft open phase in the old San Shi Go location at 1100 S. Coast Highway. Essentially, they’re using this week to dial in the service and food before they expand to full operational hours. This Friday and Saturday (and moving...
Best Burgers in Laguna Beach, 2021
This week, July 11th – 17th, launches “Burger Week” across Orange County, Long Beach and L.A. County. All told, about 80 restaurants and chains are participating. In Laguna Beach, exactly ONE restaurant is participating. Sapphire. Cellar. Craft. Cook...
Laguna Beach Fireworks 2021
The Laguna Beach fireworks show is back in play and will begin at approximately 9 pm on Sunday, July 4th. As usual, the fireworks show will originate from Monument Point at Heisler Park. For this reason, the Monument Point area will be closed all day on the 4th of...
Chef Rainer Schwarz Debuts Flavor-Filled Menu at Hendrix
Last Friday, after my second day in a row at Cinepolis in Ocean Ranch to see In the Heights, I gathered fellow movie friends and walked 100 yards to Hendrix, the third restaurant in South OC from Chef Rainer Schwarz and his team. You may be more familiar with Chef...
Oliver’s Osteria New Spring Menu is Blooming with New Flavor
Last week, all diets were off with a visit to one of my favorites, Oliver’s Osteria in Laguna Canyon next to Sawdust. While Chef Erik is never one for loading in frothy, empty calories, his dishes are so rich and fabulous in flavor that you simply can’t...