FOOD & DRINK
COCKTAILS PHOTO : ASHLEY RYAN ; ALL OTHERS ON SPREAD : SHARON WILLIAMS side of things will enjoy the West of Corfu or Masitha Sour cocktails , both made with Greek liqueurs . An extensive wine menu with options from both countries and beyond is also available for pairing .
While sticking with one type of cuisine is always an option , we suggest mixing and matching to your heart ’ s content . Those looking for light bites will rejoice over the flavorful caprese salad , which combines vineripened tomatoes , thick chunks of mozarella and fresh basil , all drizzled in olive oil and a balsamic glaze . Another light appetizer is the Naxos Island Greek salad , with cucumber , tomato , kalamata olives , red onion , green peppers and a slab of herbed feta in a red wine vinaigrette . For something heartier , try the bruschetta or Greek meze sampler plate .
For the main course , Italian pastas abound , from spaghetti lobster carbonara or a north Italian bucatini Bolognese to the Chef ’ s Rotelle , house-made noodles topped with marinara and creamy Alfredo . But you can ’ t skip the linguine fra diavolo , in which the two chefs work together to create a masterpiece of flavor . The linguine , smothered in cream and a Calabrian chile sauce , is topped with two large , juicy shrimp .
Elsewhere , you can try other Italian specialties like the bistecca alla Fiorentina , a bone-in rib-eye seared in herb butter , or the veal piccata , sauteed in lemon . But the Greek entrees are really captivating , like the souvlakia , featuring traditional marinated skewers in your choice of beef or chicken that are flame-grilled then served with tomato , cucumber , onion , mint , tzatziki sauce and pita bread . Another option , Papou ’ s Moussaka , is a Greek family favorite , layering oven-roasted eggplant , potato and zucchini with meat sauce before it ’ s topped with Parmesan and savory bechamel sauce .
And just a tip : If you want dessert , order a souffle while you dine so that it ’ s ready for you to indulge once your meal is finished — if you still have room to eat it . g
RUMARI : 1826 S . Coast Highway ; 949-494-0400 ; rumarioc . com HOURS : 5-9:30 p . m . Wednesday , Thursday and Sunday ; 5-10 p . m . Friday and Saturday ; 3-5 p . m . happy hour Wednesday through Sunday ; closed Monday and Tuesday
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 79