Our Five for 5 blog series focuses on what to visit, see and do while in
Laguna Beach. The second story in the series will explore "Five Ways to See Art in
Laguna Beach."
Showing posts with label PCH. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PCH. Show all posts
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A well-deserved Mom night out at Asada Laguna
Laguna Beach has welcomed several new restaurants over the last few months. One of the new kids on the block is Asada Laguna. Located along Pacific Coast Hwy (PCH), opposite of the Wyland Gallery, Asada is the ideal spot to grab a quick drink with chips and salsa or stay awhile and settle in for a full meal.
I took one of my friends who is a mom and was in need of a night out. Between the two of us we have nine kids (her six and I three), so you can imagine she and I needed a night without the worries and stress of children and home life. We started with the traditional chips and salsa, but Asada’s salsa is something special. It is a homemade fire-roasted salsa that is served warm! I had not had a warm salsa quite like this before and it was delicious. We also ordered a fresh guacamole that is made to order. The chips, salsa and guacamole were so good, that we had to stop ourselves from filling up before our main dishes.
And, in my opinion, no Mexican food meal can be consumed without a Margarita! I chose the popular Cadillac Margarita and my friend, the pomegranate Margarita. Both were excellent and a perfect way to start our night out!
After lots of gabbing, we finally decided on our entrée’s. I chose the Blackened Halibut Tacos. These are served in warm flour tortillas, roasted poblano sauce topped with crunchy cabbage, pico de gallo and served with homemade black beans and cilantro rice.
Insider Hint: The guacamole appetizer was such a generous portion, that I added some to the tacos. It was perfect complement to the light halibut.
My friend chose the Carne Asada meal. This is one of the most popular items on the Asada menu and no wonder why! It is made with USDA prime steak that is agave marinated, served with roasted scallions, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro rice and homemade black beans. My friend loved that there was extra sauce to add to the carne asada. The meat had the right amount of kick that keeps you coming back for more, but doesn’t light your mouth on fire. The meal came with a side of fire-roasted jalapenos that I just had to steal a bite of. These can be ordered as an appetizer and are filled with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. Honestly, these little packages were my favorite part of the meal!
We finished the meal off with the Buttered Crepes. They were sweet and served with fresh whipped cream and caramel.
When we left, we realized how nice it was to enjoy great conversation, a beautiful sunset, a view of the Pacific and great food, all in the peace of Laguna Beach. It was the perfect Mom’s night out.
480 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 715-5533
Hours:
Sunday - Monday 11:00am to 10:00pm
Tuesday - Saturday 11:00am to 1:00am
Happy Hour Monday – Friday 3pm to 6pm
By Anne-Marie S.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Plein Air Life
Plein Air Life in Laguna Beach was born out of a love for art and the beauty of nature. The phrase “Plein Air” is literally translated as “open air” and is commonly used to refer to painting in the open air. But the owners of this unique bath and body shop adopted the phrase for the name of their store. For Danny and Kenneth, inspiration can be found in nature by capturing its essence and beauty, whether it be in a painting or in the fragrance of a bar of soap.
Plein Air Life began as a gift-giving hobby for friends and family. Kenneth and Danny gave hand-made bars of soaps and lip balms. It turned out that their friends and family loved the products so much that they kept asking for more. Danny decided to start using his friends as a testing ground to perfect his lip balm and soap recipes. It took him about 1 ½ years to get it just right. With the praise that they were getting from their friends, Danny and Kenneth finally decided to take Plein Air Life on the road to Street Fairs and festivals. Quickly, they garnered a loyal following and began adding lotions and candles to their product line. Then, two years ago came their decision to launch a retail store in Laguna Beach. Laguna was the perfect setting for to the “Plein Air” philosophy. They pull their inspiration from the beauty that surrounds them in Laguna Beach…the ocean breeze, the salty air, the wildlife in the canyon or the colors of the sunset…all find their way into their products.
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| 100% Soy Candles |
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| The Lime Eucalyptus is heavenly |
Now within steps to the beach you can find all of Plein Air Life’s product line while you’re in town visiting Laguna Beach. Every item is still handmade by Danny and Kenneth, many of which are 100% natural. One of my favorite items they make and sell is the Lotion Stick. The lotion is in solid form and made with no dyes, no parabens or sulfates, it’s 100% natural. It goes on smooth and doesn’t leave a greasy film like so many lotions can. It’s also the perfect size to throw in your beach bag or purse.
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| I recommend the Coconut Sage scent, you’ll feel and smell like you never left the beach! |
Drop in to Plein Air Life and grab a body spray, candle, or lip balm for yourself and a friend…you won’t be sorry you did.
729 South Coast Hwy.
Open Sunday – Thursday 11am to 7pm
Friday 11am to 8pm
Saturday 10am to 8pm
By: Anne-Marie S.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Laguna Beach Get Away
With the long sunny days of summer just around the corner, consider making Laguna Beach your getaway destination. With seven miles of pristine coastline and top-rated water quality, Laguna Beach is the ideal summer playground. Beyond our beaches, experience the colony of art that Laguna Beach was founded on. Opening soon: The Festival of Arts Pageant of Masters (July 3-August 31), Sawdust Art Festival (June 24-August 28) and Art-a-Fair (June 24-August 28) showcase compelling works of art by local and international artists. Don’t miss the Pageant of the Masters (July 7-August 31). This year’s theme: ‘Only Make Believe,’ will surely knock your socks off!
Make your visit an overnight stay at Inn at Laguna Beach located just above Main Beach on PCH. You’ll be only steps away from one of the most famous beaches in Southern California.
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| View of Main Beach from Inn at Laguna Beach |
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| Inn at Laguna Beach sits perched upon a bluff above the Pacific |
Inn at Laguna Beach is within walking distance to downtown shopping, galleries and restaurants. They offer free WiFi connection, complimentary continental breakfast, and a Friday night Manager Reception with food and beverage. You’ll love the laid-back island feel of this hotel and the comfortable spacious rooms and suites they offer.
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| Comfortable and spacious rooms |
Grab your beach bag and head on down to Laguna Beach for some summer fun. We’ll see you at the beach!
By Anne-Marie S.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Rock'n Fish, Laguna Beach
Perched above Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and overlooking Main Beach, Rock’n Fish is nestled in the heart of downtown Laguna. Owners Jim Donegan and Michael Zislis opened this newest Laguna eatery in late December 2010. When first married, Jim and his wife lived just off the 133 highway near Laguna Canyon Road. Their weekends were filled with visiting Laguna Beach galleries, shops and beaches. In fact, Main Beach was the first beach that their children visited. So it was only fitting for them to have one of their restaurants located here.
Last week, I attended First Thursday’s Art Walk and beforehand, one of my good college friends and I headed to Rock’n Fish for drinks and dinner. We were seated near the windows overlooking the gorgeous sunset of Main Beach. This particular night looked like a painting…deep reds brushed with bright orange, over calm, dark waters. To start off the night, we ordered two of Rock’n Fish’s signature drinks, The Navy Grog (Bacardi rum, fresh tropical juices, topped with a layer of sweet Hawaiian dark rum) and the Chambord Raspberry Swizzle (Chambord Raspberry Vodka, soda water and a Chambord liqueur sinker). We enjoyed these drinks while taking in the last moments of the sunset.
Next, it was time to decide on appetizers. Choices included beer-battered popcorn shrimp, Sesame seared ahi tuna and crispy calamari. How to decide? Our server helped make up our decision when he told us about the signature oak grilled fresh artichoke that was cooked over an open flame. We decided to pair it with the popcorn shrimp.
For both of us, this artichoke was the most fantastic appetizer we had ever feasted on. The smoky oak taste saturated through to the heart, and the leaves were slightly charred, with a precision that didn’t dry out any part of the vegetable.
The hearty helping of popcorn shrimp was paired with a spicy remoulade sauce and cocktail sauce. It was fresh and savory.
After learning that most of the fish and meat is also cooked over the open flames of red oak, we could hardly bring ourselves to make a choice on an entree. We felt we couldn’t go wrong no matter which one we went with. So…
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| Blackened Wild Alaskan Halibut |
Blackened Wild Alaskan Halibut Seasoned with Cajun spice and served with avocado aioli. Sides: Spicy Mac’n cheese and fresh, seasonal vegetables grilled over the open flames.
My girlfriend explained her halibut as, “supremely moist and evenly cooked. Perfect balance of spices.” Her halibut was gone before I could even sneak a taste, so I will have to trust her on this one. The mac-n-cheese was creamy with a kick of cayenne pepper, but subtle enough to not overwhelm.
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| Signature Kapalua Rib-eye |
Hand cut rib-eye marinated for 72 hours in a pineapple-soy marinade, served with Hibachi teriyaki sauce. Sides: Garlic mashed potatoes and fresh seasonal vegetables grilled over the red oak flames.
After marinating for 72 hours, the marbling in the rib-eye steak thoroughly soaked up every flavor of the pineapple soy sauce. Each bite was a burst of flavor. Layered amongst the sweet pineapple and soy were the hints of the smoky oak flames it was cooked over. I have to say, the rib-eye paired with the garlic mashed potatoes and fresh grilled vegetables was a choice I was going home happy about!
We finished our meal off with the house dessert special, something you will not find anywhere else; Sticky Toffee pudding. It’s another Rock’n Fish house special.
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| Sticky Toffee Pudding |
Warm, moist toffee-cake topped with a decadent sticky toffee sauce. This one we had á la mode.
By the end of our meal the sun was long gone and the beauty of the moon shone out over the Pacific. Below, PCH started to fill with patrons for the First Thursday’s Art Walk . Inside, my friend and I smiled with the satisfaction and contentment that only a good meal can bring.
By Anne-Marie S.
By Anne-Marie S.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Swenson Fine Art, Laguna Beach
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| Located: 460 So. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach |
Conveniently located in downtown Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Swenson Fine Art focuses on modern art. At Swenson you will find a contemporary art space filled with work that is diverse and interesting. From 3-dimensional pieces that include studio glass, bronze and ceramics to 2-dimensional art.
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| Looking in |
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| Malott & Rae |
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| Kazandjian, 'Spiral in Five Movements' |
Owner and curator Laurie Swenson has lived and breathed the art business for over 22 years. From her travels around the globe, she found inspiration, harnessed it and has brought together modern works that both the novice collector and the avid art lover can enjoy.
The gallery is also one you want to be sure to visit on the monthly First Thursday’s Art Walk . There is always something happening on these nights as art patrons hit the streets of Laguna from 6:00-9:00pm. It may be a featured artist, a special exhibit of classic works, live music or just browsing with some champagne. This month, Swenson Fine Art is displaying one of the “Artful Violins” as part of an online action in support of Laguna Beach Live and their music education programs. You can view the violin by artists Malotee & Rae, now through Feb 6, 2011.
Village Gallery, Laguna Beach
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| Location: 502 S. Coast Highway |
The Village Gallery is a relaxed and inviting gallery to visit. Every square inch of the space from floor to ceiling is covered in art. Landscapes, stills, portraits, and more, can be found here. For over 30 years the gallery has specialized in introducing the beginning collector to the world of art.
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| Thomas Kinkade |
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| Fabian Perez |
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| Jim Keifer |
The gallery boasts many classic Thomas Kinkade pieces, collectibles, and frames. As one of the first galleries to feature Kinkade, Village Gallery was a contributing factor in launching Kinkade’s career and subsequent success.
If you decide to purchase a piece of art from the gallery, they also offer unique custom framing. And if you can’t find the art or frame you are looking for, the staff is extremely helpful in locating exactly what you desire. Also, be sure to subscribe to their mailing list as you will be reminded to attend future events, as well as keeping apprised to what artist is featured at the gallery.
If you are new to the world of art and visiting galleries, start at Village Gallery for a warm atmosphere that allows you to peruse freely and easily.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Sapphire Laguna Dinner
At Last, we were finally able to fit a date night into our hectic schedules for some quiet, alone time. After being welcomed and seated, we surveyed the menu like giddy school girls. Sapphire’s Chef, Azmin Ghahreman carefully chooses each season’s menu by using only the freshest and highest quality food available. Looking over each selection, it was difficult to make just one choice for each course.
While we were deciding on our appetizers, we enjoyed warm, right-out-of-the-oven rosemary parmesan rolls. YUM! I started with the Roasted Butternut Squash Bisque and Mr. S, my husband, chose the Hong Kong Style Salt and Pepper Shrimp. (The great thing about dining with a loved one is that you can share!)
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| The creamy bisque is topped with Crispy Goat Cheese and Chive Crème Fraîche. |
Deciding on our main courses proved to be a bit more of a challenge. I was fluctuating between the surf and turf choice of Pan-Seared Beef Tenderloin and Lobster Ravioli, or the Baked Kurobuta Pork Shank. In the end, I asked our waiter’s opinion, and he suggested the well-liked surf and turf.
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| Served with Creamed Spinach, Wild Mushroom Ragout and Chervil Butter. |
Mr. S settled quickly and decisively on the Crisp Alaskan Halibut Piccata.
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| Served with sautéed Pea Shoots and Cured Tomato Risotto. |
There are not many times that I am at a loss for words, but while enjoying my dinner, I was. To be eating an amazing meal that was filled with such worldly flavors and enjoying it with my husband in such a lovely setting was…priceless. Sapphire Laguna is warm, with a modern rustic feel and a hint of the past…quiet reminders of the Pottery Place. Much of the lighting inside is done by Laguna’s very own artist, glass blower John Barber. The amber and subtle blue hues inside made us feel like we had found the romantic escape we were hoping for.
When the dessert menu came I knew that I would choose chocolate, because I always do and I love it! However, another selection caught my eye, the Australian Passion Fruit Pavlova.
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| Served with fresh berries and mango coulis |
Wow! All I can say is WOW! This dessert is like eating a cloud sent straight from heaven. It melted in my mouth and practically brought me to tears with how exquisite it tasted. It had no chocolate and I didn’t care because I was eating the most fantastic dessert I have ever tasted. (This is no exaggeration!)
Mr. S selected the White Peach Melba Crème Brulée. I am pretty sure that he is becoming a connoisseur of the Crème Brulée because without fail it is the only dessert he orders. His one word to describe Sapphire’s was…phenomenal!
Sapphire Laguna was the perfect setting for us to have a romantic date night, it is definitely a new favorite of ours.
By Anne-Marie S.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Greeter!
When you are driving into Laguna Beach on PCH you may notice a statue of a man where Park Avenue and Forest Avenue intersect with PCH. Another statue welcomes you at The Old Pottery Place on PCH. Locals know him as ‘The Greeter’ and you may be surprised to learn that there is a real man and a story behind the statue.
The man is Eiler Larsen born March 27, 1890, in Denmark. In the mid thirties Eiler migrated from the East coast to San Francisco. It was there that he heard about Laguna Beach’s Pageant of the Masters. His friends thought he would be a perfect fit for the production, and he was. He was cast for ‘The Last Supper’ scene, by Leonardo da Vinci. After, Larsen made Laguna Beach his permanent home.
Although, Larsen didn’t make much money, he found pleasure in buying gifts for his friends and candy for children. He also took to welcoming weary travelers into the city with a wave and a big shout, “h-e-l-l-o!” It was in 1963, the City of Laguna Beach made Larsen’s gratitude a manner of public record and he was ceremoniously proclaimed the Official Greeter of Laguna Beach.
When you are downtown in Laguna Beach be sure to take a minute and grab a picture with The Greeter, Eiler Larsen. Then pop over to C’est La Vie Restaurant for French cuisine. Laguna Beach has nearly every cuisine from around the world, and who can pass up crepes, quiche or champagne? Not me!
If it’s a warm summer day, be sure to ask to be seated on their patio and you’ll be able to take in views of Main Beach. What C’est La Vie is known for, aretheir baked goods and desserts. You can choose from what seems like an endless array of delicate and scrumptious creations…Layer cake, tiramisu, cheesecake, fruit tarts, cream Brule, and éclairs. On your way out stop by the bakery counter and take some cookies to-go to enjoy while you stroll through the downtown shops.
By Anne-Marie S.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
AFTERNOON FUN
The perfect Laguna weather for an afternoon out with the kids...it was 75 degrees, crystal clear blue skies and a light breeze. Dropping down into the canyon we pulled in at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. It’s an unpretentious facility, but don’t let that fool you. This operation can house upwards of 90 animals at a time (currently there are 42). The Center mainly treats Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, and Elephant Seals with the occasional Otter, Dolphin or small Whale. On this visit we got a special treat when we saw a very rare species, the Guadalupe Fur Seal. Little is known about this seal since it was hunted to near extinction in the 1800s, but the center found themselves rescuing one of these precious animals and is now nursing him back to health. This is the kind of amazing work you can see at the center everyday. Although admission to the center is free, donations are welcomed! The center is ran primarily by a huge team of volunteers, nearly 80 in all. Pacific Marine Mammal Center has a program that allows you to provide food for a rescued Seal or Sea Lion for one day for only $15.00! You are provided with a certificate that you can sign and pin on the gates of the center showing your support. If you are in Laguna Beach, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center is certainly one of those places you will not want to miss. Open daily 10am to 4pm.
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| Sea Lion pup |
After watching all the Sea Lions and Seals getting fed, our bellies started growling so we headed through town and south on PCH to Ruby’s Diner. This SoCal staple is perfect when you have kids in tow and you are looking for a good ol’ burger, fries and a shake. With its 50s décor you can’t escape the fun atmosphere that Ruby’s provides. The kids were given paper cut out classic cars that they could build and then customize with stickers. Right away we all ordered milkshakes, the old fashioned kind which came in tall glasses topped with a generous amount of whipped cream and a cherry. The menu provides choices the whole family can be happy about, including Kobe burgers! The Laguna Beach location even has an upstairs patio with a beautiful view of the ocean.
What a great afternoon we had! Whether you are local or visiting our beautiful town you’re going to want to add a visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center and a milkshake at Ruby’s Diner to your 'to do' list.
by Anne-Marie S.
by Anne-Marie S.
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