Diane Armitage
21-year Laguna Beach resident &
absolute devotee of this amazing town.
Here our thousands of insider tips and
recommendations
for all the best places
to dine, drink and play in
LAGUNA BEACH
Best Food & Drink
Superbowl Recipes – Personal Favorites from our Chefs – Cary Redfearn
I asked local chefs for EASY recipes they whip up themselves when they head out to Superbowl parties. Over the next few days, I'll be posting their go-to favorites that become everyone else's favorites at any party they attend. From Cary Redfearn, Lumberyard and Slice...
My Opinion: Address 2 Issues to Help Our Laguna Beach Restaurants
As most of you know, TheBestofLagunabeach.com® blog has been primarily devoted to my writing about Laguna beach restaurateurs and chefs since 2006. They don't pay me to do it. I simply find restaurateurs and chefs to be some of the most admirable, passionate people on...
Chef Craig Strong Closing Ocean at Main on Feb. 5th
One of the most talented chefs we’ve yet seen in Laguna Beach is calling it quits. Award-winning Chef Craig Strong of Ocean at Main at 222 Ocean Avenue has announced he’s closing on February 5th. The shuttered doors come just 16 months after his grand opening in...
Rumor Mill is Bunk: Alessa and Salerno’s Ristorante Not Going Anywhere (In Fact, They’re Partying)
Chef Alessandro Pirozzi has been in the spotlight this week, thanks to a rumor mill that announced the closings of both of his restaurants in Laguna Beach, Alessa and Salerno by Chef Pirozzi. And he wasn't happy about it. For the record, Chef Pirozzi has no intention...
Wild Taco’s Wild Year Results in Super Chill Opening
Bear Flag's popular taqueria concept, Wild Taco, opened on Thursday, Jan 16th in the old Johnny Rocket's space at the corner of Ocean and Coast Highway. Interestingly, the opening was 362 days from the day the City of Laguna Beach granted the company access to begin...
Laguna Beach Restaurateurs Chime in on Biggest Challenges
In the last two weeks, I've written about restaurant growth, changes and trends over the last decade in Laguna Beach. (If you missed them each Friday in StuNews, you can find them here: Restaurants in Review, part I Restaurants in Review, part 2 And this is my latest...
Upcoming Events & News
My (Own) 25th Year Anniversary Evening at the Surf & Sand Resort
When it comes to planning romantic getaways (read: Valentine's Day) or badly needed solo trips, most of us don't realize how lucky we are. While the rest of the world battles officious airport security lines, crowded planes and rental car hassles, we just saunter over...
45+ Top Orange County Chefs are Tackling OC Homelessness at OC Chef’s Table Grand Event
The biggest, swankiest chefs' dinner in the LA Basin, OC Chef's Table is back at the largest ballroom Disneyland® has to offer in the Disneyland Hotel's Grand Ballroom on Sunday, March 1st. Here's your chance to dine at your favorite chef's table and give to a worthy...
Pageant of the Masters – Casting Call, Jan 10-12
For more than 50 years, hundreds of volunteers have filled the Pageant of the Masters' stage each year. It doesn't necessarily require acting, dancing or vocal skills. In fact, your greatest talent lies in your ability to stand as still as a stone for 90 seconds. It's...
Last Minute Options for NYE Parties!
If your world has been anything like my world this last month, you just woke up yesterday and realized that you've got to get a plan in place for tonight. Don't ask me how we ended up on the last day of the year already. Fortunately, there are quite a few party...
Laguna Beach Pride Rockin’ around the Tiki Tree This Friday
The folks at Laguna Beach Pride decided it was time to do a Holiday Party in honor of the LGBTQ community before everyone heads to family Christmas functions. The party takes place in the Tiki Lounge at Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill this Friday, Dec. 20th. RSVPs are...
Montage Offers Something For Everyone on NYE
For years, the Montage Laguna Beach's Lobby has been known to gather up Laguna residents for a chummy sort of NYE celebration. Here's hoping the tradition continues! Here's what the Montage is offering in three locations this holiday. Seatings are still available in...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Jeff Moore – EATS Kitchen – Irvine
Meet Chef Jeff Moore, Owner and Chef of EATS in Irvine. Chef Moore started working in restaurants to stay alive in college and, after learning to make the best Philly Cheesesteak in the world, he was hooked on creating food that people love. Click to learn more about...
