180blũ

180blũ – Decked Out
By Shelley Hudson

Perched above Salt Creek Beach at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is an oceanfront paradise that’s difficult to beat in South Orange County. Named for the 180° view of the Pacific, 180blũ is the summer spot for locals, jetsetters, families, and tourists alike. Although you may come across the occasional begowned bride traipsing through the hotel lobby, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion to visit. 180blu is an any-day-of-the-week destination for business meetings, leisurely lunches, relaxing happy hours or romantic dinners. As you drink in the multi-million dollar view and a beverage or two, it’s evident that life rarely gets much better.

180blu’s creative slate of craft cocktails, extensive wine list and mouth-watering menu options add to the lounge’s already near-perfect vibe and spectacular views. It’s easy to get swept away by the surf and sun while casually chatting with friends on a comfy sofa or as you gaze out at the coastline with that special someone. Before you know it, you’re clearing your calendar for the rest of the day and watching a breathtaking sunset while listening to live music.

I met a girlfriend at 180blũ to enjoy a long-overdue chatfest over cocktails and crashing waves. We sipped a fresh Peach Bellini and an Ultimate Margarita (served iced-cold and straight up) while we decided on a few small plates to sample. We took our delightful server Niki’s recommendation and went with Lobster Tacos, Spicy Tuna and Wild Mushroom Huarache.

The tacos were as adorable as they were delicious. Served in little tortilla envelopes secured with tiny clothespins and generously stuffed with fresh lobster, black bean purée, chile salsa, avocado and cilantro, the serving of four was easily shareable and hearty. The Spicy Tuna was also a hit. The ahi was drizzled with wasabi-pea aioli and eel sauce and served atop a crispy sushi rice round. The result was crunchy, spicy and salty goodness.

My hands-down favorite was the Wild Mushroom Huarache, which took the form of a decadent flatbread. The cornmeal crust was layered with a variety of nutty, earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, black beans, creamy goat cheese and truffle oil. The combination blended seamlessly, but each flavor was distinct. This one is sized for sharing, too, if you can stand it.

180blũ is the perfect place to be on Friday and Saturday evenings, with high-quality, rolled-to-order sushi on the deck with acoustic guitar to sweeten the scene. Taco Tuesday is just plain better here, too. Chef Steve Wan elevates the classic street taco to a gourmet level—think tequila chicken, cojita cheese and pumpkin seed pesto. Add Partida tequila flights to the mix, and what could go wrong?

180blũ even caters to your canines! A monthly Yappy Hour cocktail party for dogs and their best friends on the Dana Lawn benefits theWounded Veterans Initiative of Canine Companions. Be sure to watch The Local Dish calendar for doggie-friendly holiday events at 180blũ also.

One Ritz-Carlton Drive, Dana Point
949.240.2000
RitzCarlton.com/Laguna180blu