Kitchen in the Canyon presents Mother’s Day “Brunch and Blooms in the Canyon”

Mother’s Day is on Sunday and Kitchen in the Canyon is hosting a very special “Brunch and Blooms in the Canyon.” The Flower Stand will be on hand with dried flower bouquets for the moms to cherish for a lifetime. 

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Photo by Grant Puckett

Treat mom to some tasty French toast at Kitchen in the Canyon 

As for brunch, for those moms with a sweet tooth, the French toast topped with a homemade strawberry sauce is a top choice. For those craving a more savory plate, the avocado toast garnished with micro greens and pickled red onions is highly recommended. Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or grab a mimosa and celebrate. 

Kitchen in the Canyon is open everyday from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 845 Laguna Canyon Rd.

“Changes in Latitude Happy Hour” kicks off at Royal Hawaiian next week

It’s been one month since the newest rendition of The Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill opened with Chef Owner/Operators Maro Molteni and Martin Molteni. 

“My brother and I have opened many restaurants around the world, but we’ve never experienced an opening like this one,” said Chef Maro Molteni. “Everything started off with a giant bang and it hasn’t slowed much since. 

“It’s been great to see so many of my former patrons from my previous restaurant show up, and we’ve really enjoyed getting to know the North Laguna contingency of locals and their friends,” he said. 

“Changes in Latitude Happy Hour” kicks off next week

In celebration of its one-month anniversary, and in thanks to all the many loyal patrons who have supported the restaurant’s opening, the Molteni brothers are announcing their newest addition, the “Changes in Latitude Royal Hawaiian Happy Hour.” 

The “Changes in Latitude Happy Hour” begins Tuesday, May 7, from 4 to 6 p.m. The happy hour will continue six days a week, Tuesdays through Sundays (the restaurant is dark on Mondays). It will not be available on Mother’s Day but will otherwise stay in play year-round.

“If you’re going to name your happy hour ‘Changes in Latitude,’ you have to provide that attitude-shifting experience all year long for your locals and incoming visitors. We really want this to be the place where everyone goes to celebrate all the good in our lives,” said Chef Maro. 

A revolving, evolving Happy Hour Menu

With summer approaching, the initial “Changes in Latitude” menu focuses on signature, frosty RoHi cocktails, select summery wines, craft beers, and well drinks at special pricing.

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The infamous Lapu Lapu cocktail is still the restaurant’s #1 best-selling cocktail

The restaurant has reintroduced the original recipe for the infamous Lapu Lapu cocktail. Still the restaurant’s #1 best-selling cocktail, it is also available on the new “Changes in Latitude Happy Hour Menu” at special pricing.

The popular Blue Hawaiian cocktail is also making an appearance on the new “Changes in Latitude Happy Hour Menu” at special pricing. 

Much like the ever-changing dinner menu of entrées, the chef brothers have created a Happy Hour menu that will also change and evolve through the seasons. 

Pair your drink with an innovative appetizer menu with all items priced between $5 and $10. Try authentic Hawaiian Ahi Poke served with house-made sweet potato chips, Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Wood-Grilled Shishito Peppers and Edamame, Provoleta Flash-Fried Cheese Bites, steaming Empanadas with a variety of delicious fillings, and more. 

“Everything is finger food for a reason,” said Chef Maro. “We’re the Royal Hawaiian. Everything is casual and fun. And this is your vacation time now…even if you’ve worked all day.”

The Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill is located at 331 N. Coast Highway, a half block north of the Laguna Art Museum.

Culinary and visionary talents combine to take Las Brisas to new levels of distinction during 40th year

By DIANNE RUSSELL

It’s impossible to walk by Las Brisas’ crowded patio and not salivate over the food and the unparalleled view of Main Beach and the coast beyond. Yet, as Las Brisas celebrates its 40th year in business, new General Manager Howard Gardner and new Executive General Manager Michael Gaines visualized a culinary revamp that would take the legendary restaurant up a notch – or after tasting some of the innovative dishes, I’d say quite a few notches. 

A significant Southern California landmark perched above the scenic Laguna Beach coastline, Las Brisas is a premier dining destination. A strong sense of history stretches back to the Victor Hugo Inn, a world-class eatery and celebrity getaway that debuted in 1938. The breezy retreat overlooking the Pacific transformed to Las Brisas in 1979, yet still retained the beauty and charm of a romantic, bygone era.

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Courtesy of Las Brisas

Unparalleled view

Although the restaurant underwent modifications in 2017, the new changes will bring it more in tune with its magnificent surroundings. 

Gardner, who brings more than 25 years of experience from revered establishments such as Water Grill, says, “The menus were fragmented. There was a separate one for the patio and the dining area. Our goal was to unify and elevate the dining to a new level, with the intention that the inside and outside spaces and the culinary experience match the extraordinary views. We wanted the food to equal the ambience.” (To this end, the former Sunday buffet is now full service as well.)

With this goal in mind, Gaines, an Orange County native whose diverse background includes posts in Michelin-starred kitchens in northern California, and being a restaurant owner himself, collaborates with Las Brisas’ esteemed culinary team to redefine modern coastal cuisine.

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Courtesy of Las Brisas

Conramar Fish 

They’ve already opened up the area next to the patio and plan to put booths in along the windows. Additionally, within the next six months, they will reupholster the dining room booths, update the bar and replace the outdoor awnings. “We’re taking it step by step,” says Gardner. “We also retrained the crew and introduced new uniforms.” 

The cuisine is described as seafood focused with a Mexican touch. Gaines’ touches are subtle and sublime; the parsley herb finish on the Conramar fish, the cauliflower puree with the scallops, and the unexpected crisp smoked salmon tostada. It’s certainly not your everyday smoked salmon on a bagel, no one would imagine the flavor of smoked salmon, crema, capers, and pickled red onion could pair so well with a tiny crisp tortilla. 

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Photo by Dianne Russell

Smoked Salmon Tostada

The Contramar fish (snapper) for two, served with rice, beans, and homemade tortillas, begged to be assembled into fish tacos, which many at the table took to heart. Inspired by a restaurant in Mexico, only a certain number of these dishes are prepared each day. The fish is mild and perfect with the accompaniments, and the homemade tortillas are dense enough to handle them. 

Gaines says that they use 200 lbs of masa every day for the tortillas (and 12-15 cases of avocados). The tortilla chips, the salsas, and the guacamole are all made on-site.

I didn’t taste the Pork Spareribs with Chipotle Glaze, but my tablemates remarked on their tenderness and the “not too heavy” sauce, which they said, “Starts off sweet with a great spicy afterbite from the chipotles.”

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Courtesy of Las Brisas

Seared Sea Scallops

The sea scallops were a favorite. Seared, they are served on a cauliflower puree with tomatillos, green olives, and wine beurre blanc. The puree and salt of the olives accent the silkiness of the scallops.

The white shrimp and crab ceviche is fresh and light with a surprise crunch of jicama. Not heavy-handed with seasonings as so many ceviches are, this one lets the individual flavors soar.

In refining the menu, Gaines decided to limit the dessert options to three: Traditional flan, which is the right texture (not too custardy) and flavor, and not overpowered with caramel. It’s served with seasonal fruit, in our case tangerines. 

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Photo by Dianne Russell

Traditional Flan

The chocolate flourless cake, when eaten with a small dollop of the whipped cream, is a combination made in heaven. The third dessert option is a trio of sorbets – coconut, mango, and pineapple, which I will give a try next time.

“Our number one priority is ensuring that our longstanding community and visitors have an exquisite experience from the moment they step on the Las Brisas property. The views are, as always, stunning, and our goal was to create a culinary program that is just as memorable,” Gaines said.

And they have succeeded. Mine was a blissful experience, one shared by those around the table who all commented on the superb and inventive fare. Gaines’ culinary talents and the management expertise of Gardner have combined to make their vision come to fruition.

Las Brisas is located at 361 Cliff Dr.

For more information, go to www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com or call (949) 497-5434.

Guest Chefs at Friendship Shelter

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The Visit Laguna Beach team served dinner at the Friendship Shelter on April 24 to give back to the local community. Each night, volunteer “Guest Chefs” provide dinner to the clients in both shelter programs. The emergency shelter in Laguna Canyon is always looking for volunteers and groups to drop off an already prepared meal. Not only is this a truly meaningful way for volunteers to directly connect with the people they’re helping, but it provides significant budget relief for the organization.

Barbara’s Column

A tasteful night in Laguna 

By BARBARA DIAMOND

Photos by Doug Miller

The Laguna Board of REALTORS® and its Charitable Assistance Fund hosted a tasty party Wednesday night at Seven7Seven.

“A Taste for Charity” is one of the Realtors’ two biggest and most enjoyable fundraisers, 

“It was a fantastic event,” said Realtor Marcus Skenderian, whose company COMPASS was a sponsor. “There was a great cross section of people, not just Realtors. And it raised a lot of money.”

Founded in 2004, the Laguna Board of REALTORS® and Affiliates Charitable Assistance Fund is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization which exists to the benefit the local community, Realtors and Affiliates. 

The founding Board of Directors envisioned a nonprofit organization that would raise funds to donate to the local nonprofit organizations in need.

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Tracy Brown, Anne Belyea, and Dr. Korey Jorgensen

In keeping with that goal, local organizations, which do not have other consistent means of support, are prioritized. 

This year’s event raised funds to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Laguna Food Pantry, Laguna Beach Seniors, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, No Square Theatre, First Thursdays Art Walk, Sally’s Fund, the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Fund and the Charitable Assistance Fund, used for the needs of REALTORS® and Affiliate members in times of medical, financial and local disaster hardship.

Anne Belyea was on hand to represent the Laguna Food Pantry, Celeste Gillis represented LPAPA and Angela Shipp attended on behalf of LBHSSF. Past Laguna Seniors President Chris Quilter and John Fay, who Quilter said is leading the charge on behalf of Lifelong Laguna, were in the crowd.

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Zack Krone, auctioneer, and his spotters

The event has increased in popularity since it began when mostly only Realtors attended. 

Skenderian opined that the crowd on Wednesday may have been the biggest ever. 

Proceeds had not been counted by the deadline for this column, but Community Events Chair Brendy Michael projected $70,000 would go to charities. Michael was assisted by Chairs Robin Thomas and Andrew Graff, in charge of the donated art; Dianna Redman, silent auction; Rick Graves, video production; Candice Henderson, restaurants; Ron Pickett, sponsors; and Denise Campanelli and Tracy Brown, theme decor and entertainment. 

Their combined efforts was rewarded in the money raised for these designated charities, but also because everyone at the event was having a good time. 

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(L-R) Heather and Rick Graves, Pam McCurry, and guest

“We have only lived in Laguna for three years and we don’t go to many events,” said Sandy Jauregui, who attended with her husband, Rick. “But we will come back to this.”

“This” featured booths offering tastes of signature foods, ranging from barbecued ribs to gelato – hence the name. Participants included Skyloft and Tommy Bahama, both located in the Heisler Building on South Coast Highway, the oceanfront Cliff, K’ya Bistro in the Casa del Camino, and downtown eateries – Carmelita’s Kitchen de Mexico, Thai Brothers, Gelato Paradiso and Nirvana Grille, which also has dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

As usual, there was a silent auction. Among the donors: Victoria Skimboard, Fawn Memories, Areo, Lisa Vanderbeck, C’est La Vie, Hennessey’s Tavern, Spa Josephine, the Coffee Bean, Gina’s, Sock Harbor, the Laguna Playhouse and the Pageant of the Masters.

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Bidders battle for items

Temporary walls were covered with donated art. Donors included Tom Swimm, Dennis Zervos, San Caglayum, Michael Hallinan, Charles Pabst, Rick J. Delanty, William Crawley, Tom Lamb, Laura Cunningham, Anthony Salva and Lindsey Duffer. Marc Chagall and Lu Hung seriographs were also donated. 

And since the event was billed as a celebration of Laguna’s past, it should be noted that the Laguna Board of REALTORS® is an integral part of Laguna’s past. It was chartered by the National Association of REALTORS® as a local Board in 1924, even before Laguna Beach became a city. It has grown from a handful of real estate agents sharing information to a full service Board of REALTORS® providing all of the services and products its members require.

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(L-R) Kurt Kress, Kristen Mullen-Kress, Loraine Mullen-Kress, Reuben Gulledge, Courtney Shepard and Rick Trevers

Also a blast from the past: KX 93.5’s early morning DJ Ed Steinfeld provided a feast of music from the Swing Era – Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, etc. For those who rise early, Steinfeld features in-studio performances, audience-inclusive games, the latest local news and community information.

Among the throng enjoying the evening: Stephany Skenderian, Tammy Skenderian, Dr. Korey Jorgensen, Brad Arnold and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold, Wendy Potter and longtime friend Susan Arrendondo. The children of each of them went all through Laguna Beach schools together, then on to UCLA together and now are interning together at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center. 

But wait – there’s more. You will find advance notice of all the fun and interesting stuff for visitors or residents to do in Laguna by reading StuNewsLaguna.com. Contributions are welcomed.