Fresh Brothers Pizza

Pizza | Wings | Salads

by Claire Cote

Since 2008, Fresh Brothers has provided Southern California with delicious food and family-style charm. Lucky for Orange County, this LA-based pizza joint has opened a new location in Laguna Niguel, at the corner of La Paz and Aliso Creek Road near Whole Foods. This latest addition to the Fresh Brothers family — the 15th in California — is now delivering its fresh take on dining out to those of us in south Orange County.

Fresh Brothers is a family business that’s deeply involved in the communities it serves. The soft opening of its Laguna Niguel location doubled as a fundraiser for area schools. Giving back is an important part of the company’s philosophy and it welcomes opportunities to partner with local schools and organizations to further charitable causes.

Guided through the menu by Scott Goldberg, one of the eponymous brothers, I sampled some of the most popular appetizers, including the butter-bursting and garlicky Fresh Knots and tangy baked Buffalo Wings. As my taste buds rejoiced, I moved on to the meatball sliders, served on Hawaiian sweet bread and topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese…so sinful, but worth every calorie.

Fresh Brothers diners can select from one of eight pre-built pizzas or may opt to build their own skinny, thin, deep dish or new MegaGrain crust pie, from an assortment of toppings. I enjoyed Da Works deep dish pizza that offered a perfectly chewy, Chicago-style crust. The lighter Fresh Momma’s Favorite spinach and mushroom thin crust is created with a blend of pizza and pesto sauces and was packed with fresh flavor. For only $8.99, you can personalize a tossed or chopped salad with your choice of veggies, cheese, and goodies like egg, egg whites, sesame seeds and fried onions. Try the cinnamon Sweet Knots drizzled with icing and served warm for a decadent finale to a delicious meal. With beer on tap and wine by the glass, there’s just about something for to enjoy.

Those with special dietary preferences or needs will also feel right at home at Fresh Brothers with an array of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options. Gluten-free crusts, cheese, and wings, as well as Vegan Tenders and vegan versions of the Wisconsin cheese and Italian sausage make ordering easy, without compromising taste. The Fresh Kids Special Sauce adds a mix of finely ground veggies to the secret signature sauce for a healthier alternative. Fresh Brothers promises that your kids won’t be able to tell the difference and that adults will dig it, too!

Dine-in, take-out or have Fresh Brothers deliver today!

Fresh Brothers Pizza
24002 Aliso Creek Road, Ste. #16, Laguna Niguel
657.999.0800   |  NiguelFreshBrothers.com

Raya

by Claire Cote

A sunset dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is quite a treat, especially at a spot like Raya that offers delectable bites, sweeping ocean views of the Pacific and impeccable service. Chef Richard Sandoval’s creations showcase Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine utilizing sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meat and his signature Latin flavors. With its elegant decor and welcoming staff, diners will find Raya an ideal setting for a special occasion, yet casual enough for any day of the week.

I dove into Raya’s menu with a light and refreshing cucumber-lime Margarita that I selected from a handful of delicious-sounding craft cocktails. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, full bar and select beers, so you’ll find a wide array of drink options from which to pair your meal.

As we began to sample the tapas, our server explained that Raya’s rotating seasonal menu takes advantage of local seafood and fresh California produce to incorporate the best ingredients possible. Soups and seafood offerings change regularly, depending on ingredient quality and availability. Our first small plate was the Brazilian Cheese Bread with avocado-chili butter that delivered impossibly airy, savory puffs of gluten-free dough and delectable cheese. The flavorful mini Lobster Tacos, prepared with black bean purée and chile de árbol salsa, were also a hit at the table. Assistant Chef Chris Hart then served us a perfectly balanced Thai Salad. Mint and basil tossed in tangy citrus dressing and topped with rich duck confit was a delightful way to perk up our palates.

We then savored some of Raya’s most popular large plate items that continued to elevate our experience. The Achiote Salmon with a drizzle of achiote ponzu and chayote slaw and the buttery, wild-caught New Hampshire Pan Seared Scallops with char siu pork belly were simply off the chart. Following the surf with a bit of turf, the All Natural Prime New York steak with Dungeness crab potato purée, chipotle hollandaise, and truffle chimichurri was an exceptionally tender and rich creation that we gleefully devoured to the last bite.

Dessert was a dream. The sinful molten chocolate brownie filled with caramel sauce and a side of marshmallow ice cream was an incredibly gooey and indulgent way to cap off a perfect meal. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we shared a dramatic sunset over the horizon accentuated by dolphins jumping through the surf. Life truly is good!

RAYA | The Ritz-Carlton | Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point
949.240.2000 | RitzCarlton.com

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine

Small Plate, Big Flavor

by Claire Cote

I had the most decadent meal last night. I gorged on seared ahi, stuffed grape leaves, cheesy artichoke dip, and I regret nothing. This was my first visit to Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine, previously Zona’s Italian Restaurant, nestled in the far corner of the Krikorian Plaza in North San Clemente.

Owner/Operator Vince Bevany and Chef Nick Vahdati have created an eclectic menu, boasting influences from Spain, Greece, Morocco and more, with something for every palate to enjoy. Carnivores will love the lamb op-tions and Hungarian goulash, while vegetarians can choose from a variety of dishes including chickpea salad, tabouli and hummus.

Dinner began with the eggplant medallions. These breaded eggplant rounds topped with tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion and olive oil were light, tart and a perfect appetizer for two. Next came the perfectly seared ahi, crusted in sesame seeds on a bed of sliced beets. With a side of pickled ginger and ponzu for dipping, it was satisfying and absolutely delish.

Stuffed grape leaves dripping with olive oil and cheesy cilantro-artichoke dip came next. Warm pita slices and creamy tzatziki made each earthy mouthful a sumptuous delight. We finished with the curried lamb. Served with simple mashed potatoes and emitting hints of almond and vanilla, this distinctive meat, topped with creamy curry sauce, was a rich showcase of Mediterranean flavor.

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine is a welcome addition to the San Clemente food scene. Check out the weekly specials: Tapas Tuesday (tapas at happy hour prices all day) and Thirsty Thursday (happy hour prices on beer all day) for the perfect dinner-and-a-movie date night. With its diverse menu, extensive wine and drink list, and delicious fare, you’ll find any excuse to come back.

Bay Leaf Mediterranean Cuisine

Located at 647 Camino De Los Mares |  San Clemente

949.488.0120 |  BayLeafMediterraneanCuisine.com

Chronic Tacos

Mexican Grill

by Claire Cote

I’m always on the prowl for the perfect taco. Meat or fish marinated to tender perfection, melty cheese, crisp lettuce, fresh avocado, all wrapped inside a fragile tortilla. It’s somehow the perfect food. It’s quick and simple and always a good idea. Lucky for me, Chronic Tacos serves up a mean version. And the best part is… it’s DIY. Another best part? They don’t just have tacos.

A stone’s throw from Doheny State Beach and minutes from the Dana Point Harbor, this taco shop offers authentic-style Mexican food presented as a skeleton menu of tacos, burritos, salads and bowls. It’s the choose-your-own-adventure of food. Want a salad topped with grilled chicken, fresh lettuce and tomato? Go for it. Have a hankering for a burrito bursting with beans, rice and cheese? You got it.

On a recent visit I sampled Chronic Taco’s new meatless option, Carne Vegano, which is completely natural plant proteins seasoned and sautéed. Versatile enough to fill a burrito or top a salad, it’s light and tasty — the perfect option for a meatless diner and delicious enough for even meat-lovers. I also enjoyed the mahi-mahi taco, prepared with creamy Baja sauce, spicy pico de gallo and fresh cabbage. It’s a marvelous mouthful.

One of 25 locations in Southern California, the Dana Point joint also boasts a large patio (pet-friendly!) over-looking PCH, as well as a selection of beer on tap, from Lagunitas IPA to Bud Light. The restaurant’s produce is prepared fresh daily and the mahi-mahi is beer-battered or sautéed to order. With breakfast and lunch served all day, it’s an ideal stop before heading down for a day on the water.

Chronic Tacos dishes out weekday specials that are hard to beat. Monday Madness features a burrito, chips and a drink for a mere $7.99. Taco Tuesday delivers $1.99 tacos and Wednesday Unwrapped offers customers a choice of salad or tostada bowl and a drink for $7.99. They also serve hand-burritos, for smaller appetites, nacho french fries (exactly what it sounds like!) and flaky churro bites for dessert. Chronic Tacos is quick, delicious, and easy on the wallet. Fellow taco hunters, look no further.

El Adobe de Capistrano

El Adobe de Capistrano invites you to stay awhile.

Relax, let the attentive staff take care of you, and enjoy a break from the daily grind with a classic margarita, glass of wine, or your favorite beverage. Wood paneled ceilings, iron railings, and tall, airy windows create a warm, gracious ambience that captures the essence of old world hospitality.

Those familiar with the local area need no introduction to the restaurant’s rich history. El Adobe was a favorite spot of former President Richard Nixon during his administration. It’s said that the Mexican dishes prepared exclusively for him by the chef inspired the restaurant’s transition from continental to Mexican cuisine. Located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, one block from the Mission and Los Rios Historic District, El Adobe has been recognized as a California State Historical Landmark. The walls forming its cocktail lounge were once part of the original Miguel Yorba Adobe.

Chef Carlos Gutierrez sources only fresh, top quality ingredients, which is evident in his dishes. We started our lunch with light and crispy chips and El Adobe’s irresistible salsa and addictive guacamole. The house guacamole was prepared tableside with whole avocadoes spiced to our liking – mild, medium, or hot – then swirled with a fork and topped with queso fresco. We also sampled the Ceviche, beautifully seasoned to allow its natural ocean flavors to shine through. 

Main course portions are generous and come with tortillas, rice, and either pinto, black, or charro beans, a delicious vegetarian option made with fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. The Fajitas are a customer favorite, served sizzling on a cast iron skillet in a savory marinade that highlights the meat’s flavor and tenderness. The tasty Carne Asada, 8 ounces of mesquite grilled Top Sirloin, came drizzled with zesty Argentinian chimichurri sauce, a colorful assortment of crisp, steamed vegetables, and fluffy Mexican rice.

For dessert, the Sweet Plantains in bourbon caramel sauce was the height of decadence. The Caramel Churros, always a big hit with kids, were a sweet, crunchy treat filled with creamy caramel, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with a scoop of ice cream. 

Along with its extensive menu, El Adobe features catering and banquet options that can be customized to meet your individual needs. Multiple private dining rooms and an inviting covered courtyard make it a preferred venue for special events and weddings.

31891 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
(949) 493-1163 | ElAdobeDeCapistrano.com

Jade China Chinese Cuisine

by Roxanne Holland

What a delightful surprise to discover the recently opened Jade China Chinese Cuisine restaurant located in San Juan Capistrano’s Plaza Del Obispo.

You’ll feel as if you’ve entered an oasis of serenity at Jade. The restaurant is beautifully appointed with stacked rock walls, art-element mirrors and tastefully positioned chrome trim that meshes seamlessly to create a calm, cool vibe. The food is the best Chinese I’ve experienced outside of China and is comparable in flavor and presentation to a famous Beverly Hills destination (that shall go unmentioned) at a fraction of the price!

Once you’re seated, the table is served a generous portion of fried wonton noodles and sweet sauce. Jade China’s tasty variety was the perfect beginning to a pleasurable dining experience.

We started with the Minced Chicken in Lettuce, but elected to substitute tofu in place of the chicken. The beautifully seasoned tofu was topped with a delicious plum sauce which paired nicely with the cold, crisp lettuce. For the main course we sampled Twinkle Walnut Shrimp, which we were told by the restaurant’s manager, Jeff, is one of its most popular dishes. After biting into the lightly battered sensations, I wanted to have them 7 days a week. I’m not privy to what goes into the “Chef’s Special Sauce,” but it’s nothing short of spectacular. Next up was the Black Pepper Beef Tenderloin, presented tableside with crunchy-fresh green beans. The beef was melt-in-your-mouth tender with just the right amount of kick!

Jade China Chinese Cuisine has also made an effort to cater to guests with special dietary needs and those seeking healthier choices. All dishes can be made gluten free and the restaurant offers plenty of options for both vegetarians and vegans. For the health conscious set, a variety of menu items are made available without oil or sodium. Parents will also be happy to know that there’s a kids menu geared just toward the little ones.

Jade serves up a selection of sake, beer, wine, champagne, tea and fruit smoothies to complement your meal. The restaurant offers take-out, delivery and catering for parties of 10 or more. Stop by for a delicious dining experience anytime from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily and til 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Food&Drink

Broken Yolk Cafe

A fresh start to your day awaits at the Broken Yolk Cafe. As the Mission Viejo location celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, south Orange County folks have come to learn what San Diegans have known since 1979 — that  the Broken Yolk definitely has huevos! Having served more than 20,000 eggs each month and over 110,000 customers during the past year at the Mission Viejo location alone, the restaurant’s undeniable success can be attributed to its fresh fare, generous portions, reasonable prices, and family-friendly (and pet-friendly) atmosphere.

Owner German Fabregas explains that the Broken Yolk Cafe strives to provide guests with the best possible experience — from the moment they arrive at the front door until they’ve finished their last bites. Every detail has been considered, including complimentary coffee while you wait on weekends to a willingness to accommodate special dietary requests without hesitation. The restaurant’s cozy vibe feels more like a small town diner that welcomes its customers by name than a chain with 17 locations. The upbeat and attentive wait staff is genuinely happy to serve you and the menu caters to customers from toddlers to seniors.

The Broken Yolk’s commitment to fresh, flavorful food at a great value was apparent as my husband and I recently sampled several of the restaurant’s most popular breakfast dishes. Everything from juices to sauces and potatoes to gravy are squeezed, mixed, boiled and prepared from scratch daily. Each of the menu’s thirteen omelets is made with four eggs to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites and the homefries and hashbrowns are made on-site each morning.

As an eggs benedict fan, I’ve enjoyed some tasty renditions in my day and the Broken Yolk’s updated twists on this classic dish are no exception. For a sinfully decadent version of French toast, I’d highly recommend the restaurant’s Tiki Toast, boasting three mountain high slices of golden Hawaiian sweet bread topped with strawberries, blueberries, caramel drizzle and coconut. The Mom Omelete is a great choice for vegetarians and a hit with the ladies, packed full of avocado, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, alfalfa sprouts and finished with sour cream and housemade salsa.  For a light and healthy option that’s equally satisfying, the Wellness Wraps will not disappoint. These spinach tortillas filled with scrambled egg whites, sautéed spinach, roasted red bell peppers and feta cheese are a restaurant favorite for both breakfast and lunch.

The Broken Yolk Cafe serves breakfast and lunch from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., 7-days-a-week. Be sure to inquire about the loyalty program because once you’ve eaten there, you’ll certainly be coming back!

28621 Marguerite Pkwy.  | Mission Viejo  | 949.388.0292  | TheBrokenYolkCafe.com 

The Legendary Swallow’s Inn

TLD: How long have you been associated with Swallow’s Inn?
Grimes: I started out here as a doorman back in 1994. I love it here. I have poured my heart and soul into this place for more than 20 years and worked my way up to GM a few years back.

TLD: Congratulations on Swallow’s Inn being recognized as the “2015 Best Dive Bar in OC!” What sets you apart?
Grimes: It’s our atmosphere. Anyone who walks into Swallow’s can feel right at home. Our laid back bar appeals to such a wide variety of clientele, from cowboys to bikers, surfers to professionals. You never know who might walk in the door or be sitting on the next barstool. That keeps things interesting!

TLD: Live entertainment has always been a big draw for patrons of the Swallow’s Inn. How do you maintain a fresh and relevant lineup that appeals to varying musical tastes?
Grimes: We make sure our entertainment provides a bit of something for everyone. We feature a DJ and Country dancing on Mondays. On Tuesdays, we roll in an entirely different crowd with our Top 40 DJ. Wednesdays have been the Swallow’s Karaoke night for over 20 years now. Thursday and Friday nights we have Country bands playing live. Saturday afternoons from 2:30 – 6:30 p.m., we have live Rock and Roll bands and a Country Western band that hits the stage after 8:30 p.m.

TLD: Can you share a little about your food service options?
Grimes: Most people don’t know we offer Mexican fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. On Monday nights, we feature a delicious $12, 8 oz. Top Sirloin steak dinner. Tuesday nights are Taco Tuesdays with $1 street tacos and $2 Macho Tacos. Lisa’s Burgers are served Thursday nights and Saturday afternoons.

TLD: What does being part of the iconic Swallow’s Inn mean to you?
Grimes: I love the people. I am still amazed by locals, many of whom are middle-aged, who walk into Swallow’s for the first time. Their eyes get big and their smile gets wide as they take in their first view of Swallow’s Inn. They’ll say, “I’ve lived here all of my life, but have never been in.” They’ll say,“I don’t know why I’ve waited so long.” It’s satisfying to watch people have such a good time at our place. It makes me feel grateful!

Swallow’s Inn
31786 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano, CA
949.493.3188 | SwallowsInn.com

Los Patios Mexican Cocina
By Donia Moore

Escape south of the border without ever having to leave Orange County! Your ticket to authentic Mexican cuisine is just minutes away at Los Patios Mexican Cocina in the Historic Old City Plaza in San Clemente.

Carlos Frutos opened Los Patios in 2002. Born and raised in the restaurant industry in Mexico City, he’s honed a talent for matching the rich flavors of fresh ingredients with piquant spices. Carlos has traveled from Guadalajara to Ensenada and Cancun to Mazatlan to bring customers delightful and subtly sophisticated dishes that are representative of his native country.

Los Patios has received the honor of having been voted “Best Mexican Food” in San Clemente by local newspapers… and for good reason. During my recent visit, I enjoyed the traditional Aztecan Molcajete of grilled pork, steak, chicken, and shrimp served steaming hot on a lava rock plate. The dish was both delicious and satisfying. I also sampled the vegetarian Spinach Enchiladas which combined sautéed fresh spinach and tomatillos, garnished with poblano peppers in a creamy pesto sauce — divine.

I highly recommend trying Alida’s Favorite, named after Carlos’s lovely wife, and of the most popular dishes on the menu. This grilled chicken breast and shrimp entrée is sautéed in a flavorful garlic chipotle sauce. For a twist on the traditional, Los Patios offers Rellenos Del Mar, with two poblano chiles stuffed with crab, scallops, shrimp and cheese — a fantastic choice for seafood lovers.

The friendly, knowledgeable staff made my experience at Los Patios that much more enjoyable. Carlos encourages customer suggestions and feedback from diners and has even collaborated with them to create new dishes. The Queso Fundido with shrimp and scallops, for example, was born of a joint effort between servers and patrons and remains one of the most popular appetizers at the restaurant.

Los Patios features $1 street tacos on Taco Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and all-you-can-eat Endless Enchiladas for just $9.99 on Thursdays. Happy Hour food and drink specials are available from 2 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The kiddos can also get in on the action with full meals for only $5.95 on the Amiguitos menu. Los Patios also offers a completely customizable catering menu for your next gathering or special event.

The Point – Dana Point
By Shelley Hudson

Looking for a spot to meet for dinner and catch up? Well, a few weeks back, a girlfriend and I decided to do just that at The Point. Crowning Dana Point’s Blue Lantern-PCH hilltop for over three years now, this restaurant and bar is the perfect family-friendly, live music venue with fantastic food, reasonable prices and a coastal casual vibe.

My friend arrived first and scored a banquette on the patio surrounding a cozy fire pit where we could enjoy the music from Tuesday’s Open Mic Night. With the balmy evening and great company, skinny margaritas were in order. We were delighted that the cocktails arrived in icy pint glasses and were well-measured and citrus-heavy.

We took our friendly server’s recommendation and ordered the Endless Summer Vegetable Pizza along with the Lumpia, Seared Ahi and Sliders appetizers. The ahi dish was a meal unto itself with a generous portion of seared tuna rolled in Cajun spices served alongside a fresh cucumber and avocado salad. The pairing was the ideal combination of spicy and cool. The sliders were well-seasoned and tucked inside soft Hawaiian mini rolls with aged cheddar. Note: these are offered in pick-your-size portions—a fine choice for a large or small party to share.

The lumpia was a fun surprise. The Point’s Filipino chef, Ronald Canaveral, has this traditional Filipino eggroll-type food hand-rolled by his uncle, who supplies restaurants throughout Los Angeles. Made from shredded pork, shrimp, carrots, water chestnuts, green onion, and a little soy and sesame seed, these delights were crunchy, zesty and satisfying. Our brick oven-cooked pizza was piled high with fresh veggies; the menu describes this option as “the garden on a pizza,” and I have to concur with this assessment. The sooty flour on the crust’s edges from the brick oven gave the pie the street cred it deserves. My leftover slices were just as delish at lunch the following day.

The Point’s rock-solid commitment to patrons having an enjoyable experience is perhaps the most impressive part of the restaurant’s mission. Every day is a party—with daily happy hours, swing dancing and country nights, a sports fan’s dream game-watching venue, and extensive craft beer and local wine selections. The dedicated Kid Cave also offers maximum distraction for the little ones so that parents have the opportunity to dine with perhaps less interruption and a bit longer.

Check out ThePointRestaurantandBar.com for daily specials, theme nights, menus and more. Be sure to note the kids-eat-free times, too!

The Point
34085 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA
(949) 464-5700