CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF MARO WOOD GRILL ; JAMES BRICE ; ASHLEY RYAN ; COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH |
THE CLIFF Seafood lovers looking for delicious berry dishes will rejoice at the flavors and colors present in the balsamic salmon dish at The Cliff . “ The dish is light and refreshing , and pairs perfectly with the view ,” says James Brice , director of culinary operations at The Cliff . The North Atlantic salmon filet is lightly grilled and glazed with a balsamic reduction before being plated atop a bed of spinach , feta cheese and candied pecans in a raspberry vinaigrette . Strawberries line the edge of the bowl , making for a stunning presentation . “ They are the perfect accompaniment with the other flavors of the dish ,” Brice says . “ They are delicious and beautiful right now . California loves its fresh fruit .” ( 949-494-1956 ; thecliffrestaurant . com ) |
MARO WOOD GRILL A light , refreshing alternative to the heavier dishes on the menu , the mixed berry risotto at Maro Wood Grill is extremely versatile and can be enjoyed as an entree or appetizer . To make the dish , chefs at the Argentinean bistro saute diced onions in butter before adding Arborio rice , white wine and hot vegetable broth to the pan . After the mixture cooks for a while , |
strawberries , blueberries and raspberries are folded in so that the berry juice soaks into the rice . The dish is finished with Parmesan cheese , which gives it a creamier texture , and a mint leaf garnish . “ The decision to incorporate mixed berries in this dish was driven by their natural sweetness and vibrant colors , which add a refreshing and summery twist to the traditional risotto ,” says Hristo Fiziev , co-owner of Maro Wood Grill . “ The berries also provide a nice balance to the richness of the rice and cheese .” ( 949-793-4044 ; marowoodgrill . com )
MOSAIC BAR & GRILLE For a simple tossed salad that offers myriad health benefits , visit Montage Laguna Beach , where the poolside Mosaic Bar & Grille serves up the Super Food Bowl . This health-conscious dish , created by Executive Chef David Serus , helps boost energy levels while packing your body full of nutrients . Baby kale , oven-roasted golden beets and heirloom cauliflower are tossed in a goji berry vinaigrette then topped with toasted pistachios , raw blueberries and fresh goat cheese . “ Blueberries are … low in calories and high in nutrients , which makes a great source of vitamins that help protect the
|
body . They also taste delicious , especially when in season ,” Serus says . “ Goji berries are also a very powerful source of antioxidants . I thought it would add good flavor and a pop of color .” Salmon , shrimp or chicken can be added to the dish . ( 949-715-6132 ; montagehotels . com )
AHBA For a unique presentation of berries , try Ahba ’ s peaches and burrata dish . “ Peaches and other stone fruits have such a limited season ,” says Ahba chef Gage LaMetterey , “ and we try our best to honor that by sourcing them the best we can .” Hand-selected each day at a farmers market and grown by Sunny Cal Farms in Central California , the juicy fruit blends perfectly with the flavor of a special strawberry pesto sauce . The berries are incorporated — along with arugula , basil , pine nuts , lemon juice and zest , and pickled shallots — to create a sauce that offers a light flavor inspired by the season . The pesto accompanies fresh peaches , burrata cheese and Aleppo pepper brown butter . “ The strawberries … add more sweetness to the pesto to complement the peppery arugula ,” LaMetterey says . This plate ’ s freshness makes it the perfect summer appetizer . ( 949-549-4556 ; eatahba . com ) g
|
|||||
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 33 |