There’s
always fantastic food and entertainment to be found in Laguna Beach! After a
long week, my husband and I headed out for a date night in Laguna. We drove down
the canyon right at twilight and watched the last glow of the sun drip back
behind the hills. The drive into Laguna Beach never gets old for this Southern
California girl. Tonight we decided to see the award-winning show ‘Chapter
Two,’ at Laguna Playhouse but beforehand, we headed
to the Lumberyard for dinner and drinks. The Lumberyard opened
its doors in 2008, after a complete remodel. It is named after the original
company occupying the site, The Laguna Lumber Company, which was the longest running
company in Laguna Beach, and in business from 1910 to 1985. Owner, Cary Redfearn
wanted to stay true to the original integrity of the 1912 building so he left
the office of Joe Jahraus, owner of The Laguna Lumber Company, intact as part
of the restaurant. Inside no detail has been left to chance with custom booths,
a horseshoe-shaped bar, artisan woodwork throughout, and a beautiful
12,000-piece mesquite wood floor entrance. The only thing that upstages the
elegant décor is the food.
We
began our date, as is our tradition, with drinks and a toast. I chose the Ri
Mist and the Mister went with the Margarita. We toasted to a quiet night out,
free from the worries of kids and work. Next we enjoyed the zucchini planks, a Lumberyard
signature dish. The zucchini is presented like a Lincoln log tower and topped
with parmesan. Each plank is thinly sliced and covered in panko crumbs and
fried. These planks are absolutely perfect with a crispy outer layer and a hot
tender inside with an aioli sauce for dipping. We had to stop ourselves from
over eating this tasty appetizer so we could leave room for the main course.
Before
opening Lumberyard, Cary owned the beloved Oysters in Corona Del Mar, famous
for their fresh fish. The executive chef from Oysters, Armando Ortega, went with
Cary to the Lumberyard, as well as some
of his famous dishes. With this knowledge how could we pass up an opportunity
to try them? So I chose the pan seared Pacific Sea Bass and the Mister, the cedar-planked
mahogany King Salmon.
The
Sea Bass is served over whipped truffled potatoes with edamame and corn ragout,
wild mushrooms, tomatoes and a beurre
blanc. The Sea Bass is a staff favorite and I can taste why! This was a deeply
flavorful dish made with the simplest of ingredients and the perfect blend of
texture and seasoning that brought out rich, bold flavors. The vegetables are a
twist on the American favorite succotash, but replacing the lima beans for
edamame and making a combination that was absolutely delicious.
The
cedar King Salmon was recommended by Cary himself after he heard how much my
husband loves salmon. It is covered in a soy-mustard glaze and served with
applewood smoked bacon and Yukon gold potatoes. The cedar flavored penetrated
the salmon without drying out the fish. It was sweet without being
overwhelming.
After
dinner we couldn’t pass up the opportunity for dessert. In fact, Lumberyard is
running a special right now if you are going to see a play at The Laguna
Playhouse. When you purchase two entrees, you receive a FREE dessert! We did
not hesitate to jump on that special. Normally we lean towards a chocolate
dessert, but tonight we went with the Cherry Ciabatta Bread Pudding and we were
very happy we did. Topped with vanilla ice cream this was heaven in a dish and I
had to fight the Mister for every bite.
With
our bellies satisfied we stepped outside into the crisp air and took the short
walk down to the Playhouse to see ‘Chapter Two,’ Neil Simon’s most
autobiographical play. It is the story of a divorcee and a recently widowed
novelist finding their second chance at love and happiness. It’s a smart, dialogue-heavy
play that keeps you on your toes as you watch the story unfold. Each character
is dealing with their own personal loneliness that at times is painful to see,
but Simon peppers the dialog with witty quips making you laugh your way to hoping
that these lonely lovers succeed.
As
the Mister and I walked out of the Playhouse hand-in-hand, we smiled, feeling refueled
by a fun date night in Laguna.
384
Forest Avenue
949.715.3900
606
Laguna Canyon Road
949.497.2787
Chapter
Two playing now thru February 3rd
By
Anne-Marie S.
