enoSTEAK

by Dina Scaglione

Located at the Ritz Carlton is enoSteak, an elegant and contemporary chophouse. Complete with an ambiance imbued with soft jazz music, lively artwork by Sandra Jones Campbell, and attentive service, enoSteak offers an upscale culinary experience. This intimate steakhouse is the perfect place to linger, a spot that feels more like an escape than a dining destination.

I recommend starting your evening with the artisan cheese and meat board, while you sip a glass of wine, chosen from their expansive wine list. For my fellow cork dorks out there who are consistently underwhelmed with the typical “by-the-glass” offerings, you are in for a real treat. Whether it’s a mellow Merlot or a complex Cab, enoSteak’s impressive wine offering will not disappoint.

Intro your entrée with your choice of salad; my favorites are the burrata and strawberry salad with spinach and pickled spring onion, topped with a savory balsamic glaze. Wedge salad fans will also enjoy this traditional favorite, served with crumbled bacon, blue cheese and shaved onion, generously layered with a creamy buttermilk dressing. The must-have starter is their delectable French onion soup – warm, cheesy and heavenly.

For the main course, experience enoSteak’s signature cuts of hand-crafted meats, from the highest quality pasture-raised beef, perfectly prepared to melt in your mouth, and served with an assortment of signature sauces. Pescatarians can enjoy a generous salmon filet with a Moroccan glaze or the succulent butter basted scallops with smoked pork belly and buttermilk puree.

What is commonly known as a “side dish,” enoSteak fondly refers to as “enhancements.” Choose from sautéed mushrooms, drenched in a lovely sherry cream sauce, loaded fingerling potatoes, truffled white cheddar cavatelli (my favorite!) Yukon potato mash, grilled zucchini and squash or creamed corn. You may need to sample several of these flavorful dishes to get the full experience and round out your meal.

Be sure to save room for dessert as enoSteak’s offerings are beautifully prepared and sinfully delicious. Choose from a variety of sumptuous treats including a layered chocolate cake with fudge sauce and charred meringue or crème fresh and berries, layered between paper-thin sheets of crispy wafer.

Next time you are looking for a tasteful and well-dressed dining experience, look no further than enoSteak. They are open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and reservations are recommended.

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