Food & Drink

Board & Brew – Ocean Ranch in Laguna Niguel
By Shelley Hudson

Board & Brew’s newest location is off and running in Laguna Niguel’s Ocean Ranch Village Center, and not a minute too soon. The eighth restaurant in the growing San Diego-OC chain started shredding and slicing in late March for a built-in following—namely, the overflow from the line-out-the-door at its San Clemente shop.

Founder Tom Powers started Board & Brew in 1979 in Del Mar with a simple idea—to provide the freshest, highest-quality food at the best value. Staying true to Tom’s formula of never cutting corners has paid off. The low-key vibe and menu of classics-with-a-twist entices customers looking for good food fast. The open-air patio, curated slate of local artisanal beers and the Baja-reggae-surf setting encourages diners to hang out for a while. The restaurant is outfitted with skateboard decks, surfboards of all shapes, coastal art and a sweet fiberglass-topped bar that faces the open kitchen. The atmosphere is busy, but laid-back and fun.

I stopped in for a quick lunch and to get The Local Dish from Zen, one of Board & Brew’s owners. “We have a full-service kitchen that only prepares sandwiches,” he explains, “We’re ‘prepping’ all day because everything is fresh. Our bread is delivered every morning—in fact, we sometimes sell out of a bread option late in the day. Our roast beef is certified, grass-fed angus; we even rotate vendors throughout the year to ensure absolute freshness.” He said Board & Brew’s typical customer is difficult to identify. “We have families grabbing dinner before seeing a movie next door, businesspeople coming in for weekday lunches, kids meeting up after school, and everyone in between.”

Zen recommended I try B&B’s most popular sandwich, the Turkado. This creation was piled high with smoked turkey and topped with sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, sweet red onion, jack cheese and creamy avocado. It was served with a side of “secret sauce,” which beautifully enhanced the flavors of the whole stack. Zen said the sauce recipe was adapted from Tom’s mother’s macaroni salad dressing recipe—a sauce with a story! The sandwich was hearty and delicious. I washed it down with passionberry iced tea from the self-serve station, but next time I’ll go for an ice cold Artifex Honey Blonde. I’m also eager to try one of the daily soup specials like the lentil-vegetable or fire-roasted tomato.

Take a ride through the menu at BoardAndBrew.com and be sure to check out Board & Brew’s daily happy hour specials!

Board & Brew – Ocean Ranch
32371 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel
949.207.1007
BoardAndBrew.com

El Mariachi in San Clemente
By Shelley Hudson

As the farm-to-table renaissance changes the local restaurant scene, patrons at El Mariachi in San Clemente have discovered the difference that pasture-raised meats, organic vegetables, sustainable seafood and a thoughtful presentation can make.

Tucked away near the south end of town on El Camino Real, El Mariachi has been a local favorite since the Jimenez family opened the doors in 1996. The beach-close, family-friendly restaurant features a large outdoor patio, hand-carved chairs and elaborately painted Mexican murals. Although the setting is classic-Mexican-restaurant, the food is anything but. In an effort to bring “new” Mexican-style cooking to the kitchen, owner Rafael Jimenez recruited locally-famous chef Jose Colin (pronounced “ko-leen”) to reimagine the entire menu.

Chef Colin’s philosophy is simple, “My cooking is ‘comtemporano.’ Better, fresher ingredients, flavorful sauces, and the highest quality meats are the foundations of this menu. I use Jidori chicken, Kurobuta pork and skirt steak and complement them with market-fresh vegetables and seasonings.” Voted “Top Ten Chef” in 2014 by Orange Coast Magazine, Chef Colin has created an opportunity at El Mariachi for guests to enjoy a true culinary experience close to home.

My friend and I started our leisurely Saturday lunch with skinny margaritas as Javier, the General Manager, gave us the lowdown on the menu’s evolution under Chef Colin. The La Tampiquena is El Mariachi’s most popular dish. This selection is portioned for two and has all the hallmarks of Colin’s contemporano style. The flavorful and tender marinated and pan-seared skirt steak is presented on two enchiladas and topped with chunky guacamole, tri-colored tortilla ribbons and queso fresco. The enchilada sauce is light and zesty, and it doesn’t overpower the steak. The savory combination is a hearty, delicious indulgence. It’s evident why this is a hit with diners.

The outstanding Pollo a la Chipotle features Jidori chicken sautéed with Portobello mushrooms and onions, served over rice and drizzled with creamy, earthy chipotle mushroom sauce. The chicken’s robust flavor worked beautifully with the subtle, layered flavors of the sauce. This was perhaps my favorite.

Next we sampled another Jidori chicken dish—the Pollo en Mole Poblano. Since I’m a lover of all things chocolate, I was especially interested in tasting Chef Colin’s version that’s created from over 100 ingredients. The rich and smoky sauce is the ideal combination of spicy-sweet. Fresh sautéed vegetables, including wilted spinach, zucchini, squash and onion provide balance to this well-portioned dish.

Carne Asada fans rejoice—you no longer have to travel south of the border for your favorite Mexican specialty! El Mariachi’s secret is the marinade that’s soaked into the thinly-sliced skirt steak. Ingredients including dry mustard, pineapple juice and olive oil combine to enhance the meat’s flavor as it is char-grilled. The carne is topped with fresh pico de gallo and grilled bell peppers—mi gusta, and you will, too.

Raya – A Feast For The Senses
By Kristin Vicelja

Craving a five-star dining experience with breathtaking views of the Pacific? Raya at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is just the place to deliver this and more. The restaurant offers one of the most sought after ocean and coastline views in Orange County, flavorful Pan-Latin Coastal Cuisine, and a sleek, contemporary atmosphere to satisfy your appetite and engage your senses on all levels.

Conceptualized by renowned Chef Richard Sandoval, Raya serves up masterful creations using local, organic and sustainable ingredients. At the restaurant’s helm is Chef Steve Wan who recently steered us through a truly memorable culinary feast.

While you peruse the mouthwatering menu and drink in the expansive views, I’d suggest sipping on a refreshing Passion Fruit Mojito or the Yuzu Fresa, prepared with housemade fruit purées, as are all of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. On our journey through Chef Wan’s most popular small and large plates, we were guided by server extraordinaire Kristi. Her expert knowledge of the menu, spot-on recommendations, and helpful demeanor allowed us to sit back, relax and want for nothing more than our next bite.

Our small plate tasting included the flavorful Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Ceviche with plantain chips, a fabulous Grilled Octopus prepared with aji panca, potato purée, unagi sauce, chile toreado, pickled onion and jalepeños, and a Wild Mushroom Huarache featuring caramelized onions, black beans, goat cheese and truffle oil. My personal favorite, the uber delicious Lobster Tacos with chile de árbol salsa, delivered the slightest touch of heat and were whimsically presented in flour tortillas pinched together at the top with miniature clothespins.

The adventure continued with a delightful sampling of large plate offerings from both land and sea. Steak aficionados will be wowed by the outstanding, All Natural Prime New York cut served with a Dungeness crab potato purée, grilled pickled onions, a chipotle hollandaise and truffle chimichurri. The heavenly Piloncillo Prawns and the melt-in-your-mouth Pan Seared Sea Scallops will equally delight seafood lovers. If you can’t decide, take Kristi’s recommendation and select the can’t-miss New York steak with the addition of a few Piloncillo Prawns to create the perfect surf and turf.

Please do save room for desert so that you don’t miss out on the unique interpretation of the deconstructed Carrot Cake with cream cheese ice cream or the sinfully decadent Chocolate Soufflé Tart. If not, you can always delight in the scrumptious view.

Las Golondrinas in San Clemente
By Beth Fhaner

Las Golondrinas has long been known as the place to indulge in mouthwatering Mexican food in South Orange County. The family-owned and operated establishment has proudly been serving-up fresh, savory Mexican fare for over 30 years. With locations in San Juan Capistrano, Capistrano Beach, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo, it has recently added a convenient, new location for its customers down south at the Talega Village Center in San Clemente.

Established in 1984 by Arturo and Maria Galindo, the business has grown to include six locations with dine-in, take-out, and catering services. Whether you’re dropping in to pick up a to-go order for your family or a large party, or are in need of a buffet-style catering service for your next special occasion, Las Golondrinas has you covered.

With its casual ambience, the Mexican eatery features an extensive menu of authentic dishes made fresh daily, including such customer favorites as the chicken enchiladas served with rice and beans, chili relleno, and a variety of tacos and tamales—all made in the traditional way with vegetarian options. For dessert, diners can get a sweet fix with pineapple coconut and cinnamon raisin tamales. Starting at 7 a.m. and served all day long, breakfast burritos and tacos are available for those with a hankering for morning fare.

Of course, regular customers can’t get enough of Las Golondrinas’ famous and extremely addictive tortilla chips, which are made fresh daily and can be enjoyed with delicious guacamole and salsa fresca. Be sure not to miss Taco Tuesdays, when all tacos on the menu are offered at 1/2 off the regular price.

As for Los Golondrinas’ long-running popularity, General Manager Liz Galindo-Priest says, “We’ve been in the community for over 30 years and people know us and the quality of our food. We’re thankful to be able to open new locations and look forward to serving our customers at the Talega location.”

Las Golondrinas
Talega Village Center
821 Via Suerte, #103, San Clemente
949.276.7464
LasGolondrinas.biz

enoSTEAK – Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
By Beth Fhaner

For steak and wine lovers, there’s no better way to kick off 2015 than with a visit to enoSTEAK, a chic steakhouse located at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The intimate space features a floor-to-ceiling glass tower in the center of the restaurant, showcasing approximately 375 bottles of wine, along with several hundred others lining the back wall.

Executive Chef Pedro Contreras’s modern steakhouse menu focuses on seasonal fare and locally sourced ingredients, including prime beef from local farms committed to raising the highest quality breeds. Appetizers such as a fresh crab and avocado salad, or the asparagusIberico salad with poached egg, Iberico ham, and caviar crème fraîche make outstanding starters to your meal.

As for an entrée, you’ll have a difficult time selecting from one of the many mouthwatering, handcrafted meats and seafood dishes that will certainly tempt your taste buds. All of enoSTEAK’s beef is served with house-made signature compound butters to put the proverbial cherry on top. I favored the black truffle butter to complement my outstanding 9-ounce grass-fed beef tenderloin, while my dining companion raved about the Point Reyes blue cheese butter. Sustainable seafood options include a 9-ounce pan-seared sea bass and a butter-poached lobster. To accompany your entrée, enoSTEAK offers several “enhancements,” including the Toma White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese, American wagyu fat steak fries, and sautéed organic mushrooms in a sherry cream, among others.

Diners seeking a sweet ending to their meal will be pleased to learn that the restaurant’s decadent desserts change every few weeks. The ultra-popular chocolate bread pudding—with a warm molten center—is a highly recommended offering that will properly cap off your main course.

Service at enoSTEAK is top-notch—friendly and attentive, without being intrusive. The overall dining experience is worthy of the five-star resort, although you don’t need to be a hotel guest to indulge. For epicureans seeking superb food and wine in a contemporary, elegant setting, enoSTEAK delivers on all levels. Bon Appetit!

enoSteaK located at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz Carlton Drive,
Dana Point
949.240.2000
enoSTEAK.com

Hanson’s Market – San Juan Capistrano
By Beth Fhaner

Natural and organic food lovers have much to celebrate with the recent opening of Hanson’s Market in San Juan Capistrano. Located on Del Obispo Street in the former location of Farm to Market (next to Armstrong’s Nursery), Hanson’s second store features 17,500 square feet of healthy food options, which is nearly four times larger than its original San Clemente store. With a vibrant, reformatted interior, the new location includes an integrated pharmacy, a large deli, coffee bar, and an indoor/outdoor seating area, among other amenities.

San Clemente resident and owner Ron Castruita has been working in the food and drug industry for more than three decades. His vision is for the store to evolve around the family community, noting the area’s growing elderly population. Hanson’s Market plans to connect with schools and churches, extending discounts to teachers, coaches, and administrators in town. With his strong focus on the local community, Castruita encourages customers to share their preferences with him on what brands and items they would like Hanson’s to carry. “We’re flexible and nimble, and we’re willing to build the assortment around the customer,” he says.

A highlight of the new San Juan Capistrano store is the expanded deli area, which features delicious Boar’s Head products, grab-and-go items such as rotisserie chicken and ribs, a soup and salad bar, freshly prepared sushi, a sandwich bar that offers organic and gluten-free options, and a coffee bar providing Kombucha on tap along with other teas, juices, and smoothies. Breakfast items will also be available in the near future.

With its two locations and a third store set to open soon in San Diego’s Little Italy, Hanson’s Market continues to provide customers with an exceptional retail experience when it comes to buying natural foods. As Castruita aptly states, “It’s really a family market at the end of the day.”

Hanson’s Market
32382 Del Obispo Street
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 388-9327
HansonsMarket.com

Zakura Dining & Bar
By Carina Calhoun

Nestled in the rolling hills of Laguna Niguel (at the former location of Hunter Steakhouse), Zakura Dining & Bar delivers Japanese cuisine with a French flare to tempt your taste buds.

The recently opened restaurant offers fare to seduce your senses. Whether it’s the succulent arugula salad with candied walnuts and fried goat cheese or grilled salmon served with mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables, the colorful presentation is a treat for your eyes as much as it is for your mouth.

Executive Chef Lassine Sylla creates fresh, contemporary takes on the classics—like steak au poivre (filet mignon served with sansho pepper sauce) or bincho maguro tataki (seared albacore topped with caviar and yuzu onions). You can almost taste the thoughtfulness that goes into every plate. Perhaps it’s the hint of citrus that hits you after every nosh or that “just enough” crunch you get after biting into the steamed vegetables.

Alongside a full fusion entrée menu, Zakura offers a wide variety of sushi rolls and sashimi for the raw enthusiast. The restaurant’s sushi chefs prepare everything from traditional tuna to the crowd-pleasing fusion rolls like the Angry Mobster (lobster tempura topped with mixed crab and spicy coconut).

If you’re seeking a truly unique sushi experience, Zakura’s lead Sushi Chef, Richard Anwar, creates specialties to perk up your palate. His Hamachi Truffle Peppercorn takes Japanese yellowtail and marries it with the flavors of chili, truffle, peppercorn and yuzu. The freshness, the pairing of ingredients and plating set the stage for an extraordinary dish.

Zakura also offers the services of a full bar—complete with flat screen TVs, cocktails, and your favorite beer on tap. Whether you’re after a glass of wine, a martini, or good ol’ Stella Artois, they’ve got you covered (if you’re of the latter inclination, check out the happy hour menu, too!). A perfect spot for an after work get together or to celebrate that special occasion, Zakura has just the space (and taste) for you.

Zakura Dining & Bar
30100 Town Center Dr. • Suites Y – Z
Laguna Niguel • 949.218.0877

Marbella Farmers Market
By Monique Reilly

Marbella Farmers Market, a cornerstone of San Juan Capistrano for 21 years, is the best kept secret in south Orange County for all of your culinary needs. Farm fresh produce, pre-made gourmet meals, an extensive deli and sushi bar, and fine wine and spirits are at your fingertips at this one-stop shop conveniently nestled in the Marbella Plaza.

This privately owned business prides itself on customer service and its support of local farmers to bring farm-to-market fresh produce and quality products to area residents. Attention to detail in serving its customers is the top priority of Marbella Farmers Market and it’s evident in the vast array of services and selection available. Aside from acting as a conventional grocery store, this establishment offers a full-service deli, prime meat and seafood department, sushi bar, and bakery.

Enjoy a quick breakfast or lunch right inside the store. Beautifully displayed fresh salads, signature sandwiches made with the highest quality Boar’s Head meats and gourmet cheeses, homemade soups, or whatever your taste buds desire make for a quick, easy and delicious meal. The most difficult part will certainly be choosing between the mouth-watering menu options. Couple your entrée with a freshly brewed coffee, courtesy of the friendly barista behind the full-service coffee bar, and finish with a freshly baked treat from the bakery.

Prefer to have a gourmet, healthy meal in the comfort of your own home? Keep your kitchen clean and dish up one of the many seasonally inspired pre-made dinners ready to heat and serve. No need to feel guilty, because you can be sure that this fare is prepared with the freshest and most high quality ingredients.

Marbella Farmers Market offers small town charm and friendly service with reasonable prices and an impressive selection of staple and specialty items. Not to mention, an entire section of gluten free alternatives, organic produce, fresh flowers, unique gift baskets, and top-shelf craft beers and fine wines are readily available.

Cater your next event from an extensive menu and or let the market’s delivery service bring your groceries right to your doorstep. After visiting Marbella Farmers Market, you’ll quickly realize that the possibilities are endless.

Marbella Farmers Market
31109 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano
949.248.1067
MarbellaFarmersMarket.com

By Monique Reilly

There’s no need to look further than Dana Point for scrumptious Southern fare. Smokey’s House of BBQ boasts a hometown casual atmosphere, stunning ocean view, and melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats. Izzy Mercado, owner and restaurateur, helped build Smokey’s into the cornerstone establishment it has been for over 6 years. Having begun his journey as the restaurant’s executive chef at its inception, Izzy is emotionally invested in Smokey’s service, food, and patrons.

Reminiscent of the South, tin signs and witty phrases decorate the restaurant’s walls while a large tree house centerpiece draws upon one’s youthful imagination. Perfect for lunch or dinner, Smokey’s comfortable booths are well equipped to seat a large family or party. Patrons can even sit in the “jailhouse,” two caged booths with chalkboard walls; a huge hit with kids and mischievous adults alike. While your meal is prepared, enjoy the Southern-inspired music or sporting events playing on flat screen televisions. Smokey’s also offers an impressive selection of craft beers on draft or bottled favorites.

The food speaks for itself. Smokey’s knows that patience is a virtue, and is notorious for smoking its meat “slow and low.” Paying huge dividends, meats are tender and rich in flavor. Whether you order the famous ribs, pulled pork, tri-tip or brisket, each cut is coupled with asavory marinade and sauce that serves as a flawless complement. The side dishes are equally impressive to the palate. It may be impossible to choose between the Gourmet Mac and Cheese, sautéed to nostalgic perfection in a 3-cheese sauce, Scalloped Potatoes prepared in a garlic parmesan pottage, or Smokey’s Signature Skillet Cornbread, seasoned with onions, jalapenos and cheddar.

For those who prefer lighter fare, Smokey’s offers an array of salads, seafood and sandwiches, paired with fresh, homemade dressings and sauces, unique in character and flavor. If you manage to save room, don’t miss the decadent bread pudding or homemade brownie for dessert.

Enjoy Happy Hour Monday through Friday (3 to 6 p.m.), and bring your kids to eat free on Tuesdays. Grab Southern BBQ with a view or cater your next event. Smokey’s House of BBQ at Monarch Bay Plaza in Dana Point will not disappoint.

Smokey’s House of BBQ
32860 PCH, Dana Point
949.388.8102
SmokeysHouseOfBBQdp.com

by Monique Reilly

Variety is the spice of San Juan Capistrano at the Mission Grill. Located a stone’s throw from the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Train Depot and cornerstone Camino Real Playhouse, the newly renovated space offers patrons a wide sampling for the palate and a full bar. From authentic Mexican fare to burgers, salads and sandwiches. The Mission Grill aims to please by leaving customers fully satisfied with fresh and tasty dishes, quality service, a unique family-friendly atmosphere and affordability.

I met owner John Gillotti for a tasting on a warm Saturday afternoon. The first order of business was deciding where to sit — a street vibe out front overlooking the Mission, the outdoor bar area, or an intimate back patio with a view of San Juan’s rolling hills and the historic train station. Shortly after, the smorgasbord of extraordinary dishes began.

The menu has something for everyone’s taste, yet each dish is expertly crafted to marry fresh ingredients in a delicate balance of underlying flavor and presentation. I sampled Mexican inspired entrées like the Mahi Mahi tacos with mango relish to sultry pulled pork sliders topped with a chipotle cole slaw and homemade onion ring. The burgers range from a delicious Gorgonzola Bacon Burger paired with caramelized onions and a savory maple aioli to a Chorizo Burger prepared with a unique in-house patty, grilled jalapeño, bacon, and special sauce.

For those who prefer lighter fare, the salad selection with homemade dressings born from the freshest locally grown produce or the grilled zucchini topped with freshly prepared hummus hit the mark. And don’t miss the San Juan Sweet Fries, a dessert that can only be described as “naughty”— sweet potato fries and melted marshmallows drizzled with maple syrup.

In addition to a menu boasting farm-fresh, locally sourced produce, bakery products and tap beer, the Mission Grill entertains its guests with live music on the outdoor patio from Friday through Sunday. Looking for a caterer for your next private party, special event or banquet? The restaurant can accommodate groups of up to 150 or will gladly bring the food to your location.

Mission Grill
31721 Camino Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 240-8055
MissionGrillSJC.com