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
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 is featuring...
Upcoming Events & News
Citing COVID Cases, Sawdust Marketplace Closes
Initially scheduled through December 20th, the Sawdust Marketplace closed yesterday (Saturday) for the season and the year. Marketplace organizers noted that "Due to rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in our own area, and several confirmed cases among our Sawdust...
“Tuscany Beyond Expectations” Documentary Fills That Travel Yearning
Did you miss your trip to Tuscany this year? I have a solution for you. Three years ago, a friend introduced me to Brian Gendece. My friend was a giant foodie fan, and Brian had recently retired with the idea to expand his cooking hobby as "The Showbiz Chef." Brian...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Peter Lai – The Blind Rabbit Speakeasy – Anaheim
Meet Chef Peter Lai, new Chef of the award-winning Blind Rabbit speakeasy in Anaheim. Chef Peter Lai wasn't even looking for a new job when he was invited to take a look at The Blind Rabbit … and then he couldn't even find the door when he showed up for his...
Chef Rich Mead – Farmhouse – Newport Beach
Meet Chef Rich Mead the unassuming chef of Farmhouse in Newport Beach at Roger's Gardens. Chef Mead has been cooking for GIANT tables of guests for years, so he's looking forward to his return to OC Chef's Table where he simply tends to 10 guests during the...
Best Food & Drink
A Week of Eating With my Visiting Friend
Two weeks ago, my best friend from Denver (Diana) was in town. People are always asking me where I would send a tourist if they had just a few days here, and to that I always reply, "It depends on what the tourist wants to experience." Diana wanted to experience the...
It’s Official: San Shi Go is Staying in Laguna Beach
As of this past weekend, it's official: The longtime local favorite, San Shi Go, is taking up residence in the old Okura building at 858 S. Coast Highway. The San Shi Go "elves" have already been busy at work at the new location and Owner/Principal Koichi Sakamoto...
Order Your June Brussels Bistro Meals Now
You've probably heard me wax on and on about the amazing Brussels Bistro "Monthly 10 Meal Pack." I had to have been one of their first subscribers in December, and I just can't get enough of this decadent, gourmet treat. I mean, folks …let's get serious … it's $89 for...
Comedor Offers Spanish Style Flair
New concept, Comedor, began its "soft open" three weeks ago in the old K'ya location at the base of La Casa del Camino hotel. The word "comedor" is Spanish for dining room or dining room table, and this new entry certainly highlights tapas and entrées of Spanish...
Rebel Omakase to Open in Former Central Restaurant
Since we're on the subject of sushi, this just in: A Japanese chef has leased the old Central location on Forest Avenue. The City has approved his conditional use permit (CUP) and he's submitted a building plan for minor tenant improvements. "Omakase" is actually a...
Beverly Hills Seabutter Swims into Old San Shi Go location
Beverly Hills' posh and popular Seabutter is expanding to Laguna Beach. They've recently signed a lease in the old San Shi Go location at the 1100 S. Coast Highway building. Touting "the freshest fish and Japanese culinary creations," Seabutter met with wide acclaim...
Upcoming Events & News
Laguna Beach Books hosts best-selling mystery author T. Jefferson Parker
On Friday, August 14 at 5 p.m., Laguna Beach Books is pleased to present the latest virtual event in its new Signature Event Series. Enjoy a literary evening with author T. Jefferson Parker as he speaks about his new book, Then She Vanished. He will be in conversation...
Sawdust Will Open Smaller Outdoor Marketplace on July 17th
Clearly, the above photo will NOT be happening at the Sawdust Art Festival this year. But they DO have a different solution! While the Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters and Art-A-Fair all cancelled their summer seasons this year, the Sawdust leadership worked...
Beaches in Laguna Beach – City vs. County Beaches in Laguna Beach
Thanks to all of its beautiful cove beaches, Laguna Beach has an extraordinary number of beaches in just an eight mile stretch. With all of the recent closures, many people have been confused on WHAT a CITY beach is and WHAT a COUNTY beach is as they're somewhat...
Update: Orange County Beach Closures Beginning May 1, 2020
As you probably know, Governor Newsom announced on Thursday a HARD CLOSE of all Orange County beaches. The Governor did not include other counties in California in his order. Beaches may be closed in OTHER counties and cities, based on the decision of their city and...
Who to Complain to About Beach and Traffic Chaos this Weekend in Laguna Beach
This week with warmer weather and impatient people who are tired of staying at home, South Laguna Beach (SoLag) was overrun with beach visitors. It's only going to get busier this weekend. Because the County has closed its parking lots but NOT its beaches, we have...
Laguna Beach Books Announces Virtual Best-Selling Author Events
Just when you thought our entire globe had relegated itself to Netflix binge watching and TikTok karaoke, I have refreshing news: People are ordering books. That's right – actual books that have covers and pages and smell like books! "I can't say that we're seeing as...
Get to Know OC & LA Chefs
Chef Randy Gruspe – Duke’s – Huntington Beach
Meet Chef Randy Gruspe, new Chef of the renowned Duke's in Huntington Beach. Chef Randy Gruspe was born and raised a Hawaiian, which might make him the best possibly suited chef for the popular Duke's chain. Click to learn more about Chef Randy Gruspe and … The events...
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...