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you never know when you ’ ll find one with plenty of seeds to turn up the heat . ( These jalapenos also adorn the bloody mary .)
Another hot spot ( literally ) is the breezy deck at The Rooftop Lounge at the historic La Casa del Camino hotel . The Nashville hot chicken sandwich is not to be missed , marinated in Tabasco then glazed in a mixture that includes hot honey , cayenne pepper , paprika and habanero powder and finally served with chipotle aioli . The Rooftop Lounge also serves up spicy fish and chips , seasoned with everything from cayenne and dried guajillo to togarashi chile powder . And the seafood fra diavolo may sound innocent enough , but the pasta dish has Calabrian chile puree mixed in for some added spice . “ You either like the heat or you don ’ t ,” says Executive Chef Glen Tinsley . “[ It ’ s ] no mystery that some people just dig the burn .”
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : WALES COMMUNICATIONS ; COURTESY OF SEABUTTER ; COURTESY OF SAIGON BEACH |
Spicy fish and chips at The Rooftop Lounge
Saigon Beach ’ s spicy lemongrass soup
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The 911 roll with spicy tuna at Seabutter |
ASIAN SPICE If it ’ s heat you ’ re seeking , look no further than fusion restaurant Starfish Laguna , where a large portion of the dishes have elements of spiciness . The Chili Fire Wontons , stuffed with chicken and shrimp then steamed , also incorporate fresh chiles as well as a chile oil made from scratch . The result is the eatery ’ s hottest menu item , with elements of sweet , savory and smoky as well . Founder and chef Gretchen McConnell also points to the Thai crab fried rice as an example of Starfish ’ s perfect balance . “ Incorporating fresh chiles and a house-made , Sriracha-infused fish sauce , this dish brings the heat while we cool the palate with chilled cucumber and fresh tomato ,” she explains . Other mouthwatering options include the Bangkok spicy udon noodles , the flat iron steak satays ( presented with a spicy dipping sauce ) and the Thai spicy beef with basil , one of the most popular items at the restaurant .
Spiciness isn ’ t always big at Japanese spots , but with Seabutter ’ s modern menu , there are quite a few bites with intensity . A variety of hand rolls are served spicy , with fish like salmon , tuna or scallop , while the crispy rice appetizers also have spicy options , including yellowtail and albacore . Spicy tuna is also front and center in many of Seabutter ’ s rolls , from the 911 roll with jalapeno to the Hot Night roll drizzled in spicy mayo . The hamachi jalapeno sashimi and Pressed Tail sushi , also with jalapeno and yellowtail , are both excellent options for
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 53 |