EAT & DRINK SPECIAL SECTION : EXPANSION | SPICY FOOD | COCKTAILS
The jalapeno-watermelon cocktail at South of Nick ’ s is both spicy and refreshing .
expected ,” says Marcos Heredia , business operator at Carmelita ’ s . “ So we have to shine here with flavor and authenticity .”
Asada Tacos & Beer , a sister restaurant to Reunion Kitchen that is housed in the same Boat Canyon Shopping Center , also offers deliciously hot sips and small plates . The same bacon-wrapped jalapenos appear on the menu here , but you can also order Dos Dips & Chips , with spicy bean and jalapeno cheese sauces for dipping , as well as crispy fried calamari or spicy tots , both served with chipotle ranch . The short rib nachos are also a must-try , smothered in slices of jalapeno and that same jalapeno cheese sauce that accompanies the chips . And , to drink , try Rosa ’ s Jalapeno Margarita with muddled peppers .
Known for its stunning ocean views from the edge of Heisler Park , Las Brisas is a beloved coastal Californian restaurant with a lineup full of Mexican flavors . Sip the spicy margarita , made with a housemade chile tincture , while you peruse the menu — or skip it all together and order the Mediterranean branzino . Originally an off-menu special , guests raved until it was added full time . This pan-seared fish is packed with flavor , thanks to a chimichurri sauce that it sits upon , but the heat comes from the chile oil that is incorporated . The same chile oil can be great for date night , as it ’ s drizzled on the broccoli that accompanies the dry-aged prime rib-eye for two .
At South of Nick ’ s , all it takes is a quick glance of the menu to see that spiciness
The Taco Stand ’ s Mar y Tierra burrito
abounds . Cocktails like the Spicy Sunset , made with a fire tincture and Fresno chiles , or the jalapeno-watermelon , which features jalapeno-infused tequila , are the perfect way to start your visit . When it comes to fare , possibly the spiciest items on the menu are the shrimp diablo , courtesy of its chipotle garlic sauce , or the chipotle chicken enchiladas . Other items to enjoy include birria tacos with spicy salsa , ceviche with serrano chiles and either the Sofia ’ s Mexican Pizza or El Gringo Taco Salad , both with spicy ground beef .
And although The Taco Stand is a quick-service stop that ’ s relatively new in town , everything is made to order and has been a popular addition to the casual scene in Laguna . Here , you can try shrimp , grilled mahi mahi or Baja fish tacos or the Mar y Tierra burrito — all slathered in spicy chipotle sauce — or visit the extensive salsa bar to customize any item to your ideal heat level .
BLAZING BEYOND In a town as eclectic as Laguna , it ’ s no surprise that there are eateries offering lesserknown cuisines that will take your taste buds by storm . Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails offers a unique blend of islandinspired fare reminiscent of dishes found in the Caribbean , southeast Asia and West Africa . The tuna poke is one of the spiciest items on the menu , with initial heat coming from the fiery Peruvian chile aji amarillo ( which also gives it its color ) and another layer stemming from the tangy
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