Editor ’ s Letter /
Favorite Time of the Year
Fall is the season I enjoy most , and it coincides with our Eat & Drink issue , which is also my favorite time of year . There ’ s just something about the food in this town that gets a person craving their next meal .
My mouth began watering while reading our story , “ Turning up the Heat ,” about spicy food in Laguna ( page 52 ). I can ’ t wait to try some of the zesty fare highlighted in this feature , from yuzu buffalo wings at Finney ’ s Crafthouse to the shrimp diablo at South of Nick ’ s and the spicy lemongrass soup at Saigon Beach as well as revisiting the pineapple-jalapeno margarita at Carmelita ’ s Kitchen de Mexico .
This special section also highlights signature cocktails at local bars and restaurants ( page 58 ), from the iconic Chief Lapu Lapu , which arrives to your table with the garnish lit on fire at Royal Hawaiian , to the Pine-o , created with house-infused pineapple vodka at The Saloon , and mojitos paired with ocean views for miles at The Rooftop Lounge . While I ’ ve had some of these , I haven ’ t tried them all . I ’ m eager to get sipping next time I ’ m out on the town .
I also enjoyed writing our feature about chefs and restaurants that started in Laguna and have expanded from here ( page 42 ). Talking with the culinary creatives and innovative restaurateurs behind eateries from zpizza to 230 Forest Avenue was an eye-opening experience , learning about the dedication it takes to make a dining establishment succeed — not to mention the character required to pick yourself up from failure or overcome challenges and move on to embrace the next opportunity .
So the next time you enjoy a meal in Laguna or beyond , take a moment to thank those involved in preparing that divine dish or drink , from the chefs and kitchen staff to the bartenders , servers and busboys who clean up after we devour these delights — not to mention the hosts and hostesses who make us feel welcome as we enter a restaurant , whether it ’ s our favorite place or a spot we ’ re trying for the first time .
Piquant food abounds in town , like these spicy fish and chips at The Rooftop Lounge . Read about more zesty dishes on page 52 .
Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon @ firebrandmediainc . com
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