Girlfriend’s Lunch

Laguna Beach has always been one of my favorite spots to lunch with a girlfriend. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from, beautiful points of interest throughout town, and of course great shops and boutiques to enjoy. I recently took one of my girlfriends to lunch at a Laguna favorite, Sundried Tomato. Tucked away amongst retails stores off Forest Avenue, Sundried Tomato was the perfect choice for a quiet and relaxing lunch.

Since both my girlfriend and I are busy mothers of young children, we wanted to take our time enjoying our lunch and making sure to enjoy every minute. We wanted to  give ourselves plenty of time to catch up and talk. We decided to start our lunch off with the Oven-Baked Artichoke.

Melted parmesan cheese, pine nut piccata and tarragon aioli

Not only does the Oven-Baked Artichoke look pretty, it tasted fantastic! We enjoyed the warm artichoke leaves paired with the melted cheese of each bite.

Sundried Tomato offers a ½ & ½ special that allows for the combination of a variety of salads, sandwiches and soups. My girlfriend and I decided to use the ½ & ½ special as our salad and soup option. She chose the Chicken and Apple Salad and I, the Signature Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup.

Chicken and Apple Salad with organic baby greens, gorgonzola, candied pecans, Dijon vinaigrette

The Signature Creamy Sundried Tomato Soup

We enjoyed splitting this ½ & ½ entrée, still giving us the opportunity to enjoy another plate without already being too full. While enjoying our salad and soup we kept gabbing and sipping our chardonnay as we waited for our main courses to arrive.

I went with the Creamy Sundried Tomato, Chicken and Vegetables over Bowtie Pasta (hold the chicken.) The cream sauce was lightly seasoned, had tender vegetables and was topped with gorgonzola to give it an additional creamy element.

Julienned sundried tomatoes, gorgonzola and vegetables (asparagus, squash, zuccini)

My girlfriend, a Sundried Tomato patron in past, chose her favorite menu item as her main dish, the Crispy Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls off the Starters menu. It had just the right amount of crunch and the dipping sauce added a little kick.

Crispy Blackened Chicken Spring Rolls paired with honey-cilantro pesto 

After a great meal we thought we didn’t have any room for dessert…but when our server told us that the seasonal cobbler was peach, we looked at each other, laughed and said, “Yes, bring one out!”

Seasonal Fruit Cobbler with peaches

Of course like all girlfriends, especially those that are busy Mothers, much more chit chatting ensued during and after dessert. By the time we looked at our watches, two and a half hours had passed! We had experienced great food and wine, friendly service and had nearly, but not quite, exhausted all conversation topics.

Sundried Tomato is located at:

361 Forest Avenue

(949) 494-3312 for reservations

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday 11:30am to 9:30pm

Friday and Saturday 11:30am to 10pm

Happy Hour Bar Specials 2-7pm Daily

Join Sundried Tomato every Monday night for Wine ‘n Me Deals. Enjoy two courses for $15 per person plus tax, every Monday after 4:30pm.

If you sign up to be an Official Laguna Beach Foodie you have access to exclusive offers to Sundried Tomato and other Laguna Beach restaurants.

By Anne-Marie S.

Laguna Beach Certified Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday Morning, from 8am-12noon, the Lumberyard Parking Lot (at the intersection of Forest and Ocean Avenue) is transformed into a Certified Farmers’ Market. I took my daughter and headed down to the market this past Saturday to see what the Laguna Beach locals  have been raving about.

We arrived about 9:30am and easily found parking in the public lot adjacent to the Farmers’ Market (for additional parking, you can park in metered spaces  off of Laguna Canyon Road or on Forest Ave.) My daughter started squealing with excitement as she saw baskets and tables full of fruits and veggies. I have to admit, I got excited when I was welcomed by the unmistakable fresh aromas of cut basil, sweet onions and perfectly ripened berries.

The market carried a diverse group of vendors, including organic produce, small farm produce, nuts, honey and even fresh baked bread. Many of the vendors were offering free samples of their goods… so yummy!

I particularly loved how friendly both the vendors and shoppers were. It felt like a community of old friends. We came across some unique vendors like Afghan organic vegan food, a tamale truck, artisan cheese made in Lancaster, and our very own Laguna Beach Coffee Company selling their locally roasted beans.

As the morning clouds started to part to let the sun out, the market continued to fill with shoppers. Everyone was smiling and carrying their bags anxious to see what fresh delights they might find. My daughter and I had our own bags filled with Pluots, cherries, the most delicious peaches, a hearty helping of edamame sprouts and even some of the vegan Afghan food to take home and share with the rest of the family.

The Laguna Beach Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday Morning, 8am to 12noon (rain or shine)

View Larger Map

By: Anne-Marie S.

Lunch at Alessa

One of the top-rated Italian restaurants in Orange County has come to Laguna Beach; Alessa! It has long been the dream of owner/chef Alessandro Pirozzi to bring Alessa to Laguna Beach and just over three months ago his dream became a reality.

In the heart of downtown, Alessa is located on Forest Avenue between Glenneyre and PCH (Pacific Coast Highway.) Patio seating directly off the sidewalk leads to an atmosphere that was elegant, yet relaxed. Sleek black tables, simple place settings and a splash of color from Gerber daisies gave the restaurant a European flare. With a collage of black framed photos of the Pirozzi family adorning the brick wall that led to the bar, which flanked the open-style kitchen, you felt as if you were sitting at the home of Chef Alessandro.

I started out with an Alessa fan favorite, Zucca.

Zucca: Homemade organic butternut squash ricotta ravioli, brown butter sage sauce.

This sweet ravioli appetizer literally melted in my mouth. The ricotta-filled ravioli was creamy and I especially loved having the crispy sage leaves to pair with each bite. I can see why so many patrons rave about this ‘Per Iniziare’ (appetizer)…it is perfection.

Burrata: Heirloom tomato carpaccio, arugula, Castelvetrano olives, fresh burrata.

If the Zucca, the Per Iniziare (appetizer) was perfection, the Burrata,  the Dal Giaradino (salad) was equivalent! Fresh arugula paired with imported Italian Castelvetrano olives and imported Italian burrata mixed to create a fresh and crunchy salad with just the right kick from the arugula. And I loved that it was plated so beautifully.

Tortelli Di Carne: Braised short ribs giant Tortelloni, walnut porcini cream sauce. 

Going off the recommendation of my waiter, I ordered the Tortelli Di Carne. Upon first look I was not sold on the dish, but the first bite changed my mind immediately. The pasta was well-stuffed with tender meat and topped with a cream sauce that brought out mushroom and walnut flavorings. (Alessa offers gluten-free pasta options for many of their dishes.)

No Italian meal is complete without dessert and an espresso. I topped my meal off with the traditional, and my favorite, Italian dessert, Tiramisu. Being a dessert lover, I inhaled my martini-Tiramisu faster than you can say, “Arrivederci.” It is one of the best I have had in a long time.

It’s easy to see why Alessa is loved by so many in Orange County. With all of the pastas being made in-house and many of the cheeses and olives imported directly from Italy, I can see why the food tasted so fantastic and authentic. The ambience was charming and the wait staff very helpful (I especially liked being called “Bella.”) And I can’t wait to go back to try samplings from their one-of-a-kind Prosciutto & Mozzarella Bar. We are so glad that Alessandro has brought Alessa to Laguna Beach!

Alessa

234 Forest Avenue

Open Daily for lunch and dinner (breakfast coming soon)

949-497-8222

By: Anne-Marie S.

Shop and Stroll

The holiday season is upon us and the rush to find gifts has begun. I personally steer clear of chain stores and am in favor of boutique stores and shopping local.  Like you I have a few loved ones on my list that are a true challenge to buy for, but this year, instead of spending weeks in search of the perfect gift, I found them all in one day. Where and how did I do this you ask? I went to Laguna Beach!

Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Mr. S, my husband, and I started at the Sawdust Art Festival Winter Fantasy, similar to the summer festival, but with a jolly twist of holiday cheer.

Santa's Chair

While strolling through the aisles lined with 170 artists’ booths, we enjoyed some hot cocoa and chai tea.  Holiday carolers provided the motivating theme music we needed to find those gifts we were searching for. An artist that I fell in love with was Lisa Toland. She makes beautiful jewelry and accessories all crocheted out of metal. Her work looks like delicate Victorian lace.

Scott Sporleder’s captivating photography caught the eye of Mr. S. Much of Sporleder’s photos are taken while he is in the ocean swimming or on his surfboard, allowing him to capture a totally unique perspective that is  unbelievably beautiful.

Next Mr. S and I meandered downtown to Forest Avenue, in the heart of the Laguna Beach village.

Stephen Frank Garden & Home

Stephen Frank Table & Pantry

Once on Forest Avenue, we were lured into Stephen Frank Garden & Home by the aroma that was wafting out of their doors. The wonderful smell was coming from Agraria 100% oil diffusers, a great gift for those tough to please relatives on your list.  Also inside, we discovered an oasis of unexpected home goods. Exquisite Julia Knight bowls in hues that would bring a sparkle to any table.

Local artist Theresa Seidel’s decorative bottles.

And countless other items perfect for the inside and outside of your home.

Across Forest Avenue at Stephen Frank’s sister store, we discovered the perfect place for the culinary lover on your holiday list. All Clad cookware, Le Jacquard Francais table linens, and walls lined with dressings, spices, olive oils and balsamic vinegars.

Also featured in the store, are chocolates by local chocolatier, Christopher Michael,as well as imported and hard-to-find beers and wines.

Be sure to drop in on December 4th from 5-9pm for a reception, featuring artist Theresa Seidel.

Fawn Memories

Since 1974, Fawn Memories has been a fixture on Forest Avenue. They carry tropical gifts, resort ware, and souvenirs.

Mr. S and I enjoyed wandering around the store, finding treasures for our children and out of town family and friends. I especially loved the wide selection of hats to choose from.

Laguna Colony Company

Only a few doors down Mr. S and I went to Laguna Colony Company. This eclectic store had cases of interesting hand-made jewelry (some by local artists’), racks of beautiful greeting cards, and a great children’s toy and book section.

Among their décor items, we came across 100% recycled homewares by Mariposa. The pieces were simple, yet very elegant.

Green Cube

We ended our shopping stroll on Forest Avenue at Green Cube. This bold store is not your traditional retail space. Upon walking in, you might think that you are in an art gallery rather than a retail store. Each item in the store is made from sustainable materials, recycled, or is repurposed. Decorative items for the home, artwork for your walls, and even fashion. The clothing is free-trade and made from organic and sustainable materials.

What a great way to give two fold; once to the receiver with a truly unique present, and once to the environment.

Drop in on December 2^nd from 6pm to 9pm for the Tag Bag trunk show. Tag Bags are made from recycled South African license plates and inner tubes.

Mr. S and I found the gift buying experience in Laguna Beach to be unparalleled to anywhere else in Southern California. Right in our backyard, we were able to support local business and artists’. So this season, when you’re heading out into the hustle and bustle to find the ideal gift on your list, don’t forget about Laguna Beach!

Signed Anne-Marie S.