LEFT : ASHLEY RYAN ; RIGHT : EMILY J . DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY
Left : South of Nick ’ s Fiesta Hour dishes ; right : Reunion Kitchen & Drink ’ s 10th anniversary wine
special Valentine ’ s Day tasting menu and a la carte menu will be paired with live music at THE LOFT . Choose from dishes like risotto with scallops , morel mushrooms and peas ; big eye tuna crudo ; coffee-crusted prime filet ; Chilean sea bass ; and Pink Grapefruit Cloud or white chocolate almond gianduja ( a mix of chocolate and hazelnut ) for dessert . For those who want to get the romance started early , consider Class with a Glass , a wine tasting experience offered from 4-6 p . m . on the first Sunday of each month at The Loft . The Feb . 4 iteration features a “ Message in a Bottle ” theme . Sommeliers will guide guests on a journey to discover fine wines along with small culinary treats . ( 949-715-6420 ; montage . com ) — S . S .
FIESTA TIME Traditional flavors of Mexico are the life of the party during SOUTH OF
NICK ’ S new happy hour . Offered Monday through Thursday from 2-5 p . m . since late January , the Fiesta Hour menu includes bites and beverages to enjoy . Snack on a la carte tacos in chicken , carnitas or veggie varieties as well as things like nachos , chicken flautas , cheese quesadillas or mini bean and cheese burritos . Rounding out the menu are the Papas Bravas , red potatoes coated in spicy chipotle aioli and sprinkled with cotija cheese , and Macha Fries , crisped and covered in melted Jack cheese and other toppings . Pair it with a Mexican beer , wine , or tequila flight — served with a sangrita palate cleanser — or opt for a house cocktail , such as a skinny or cucumber margarita or the mezcal-filled Jamaica del Vecino , which is crafted with hibiscus syrup and fresh lime . ( 949-715-3717 ; nicksrestaurants . com ) — A . R .
A VALUED VINO Laguna welcomed comfort food hot spot REUNION KITCHEN & DRINK in 2016 , three years after the eatery ’ s first location opened in Anaheim Hills in December 2013 . In honor of the 10-year anniversary , the restaurant has launched its own bottle of wine : The Reunion 10 Year Anniversary Red Blend , crafted in collaboration with Ivy House Wines from Paso Robles , is a mixture of cabernet sauvignon , zinfandel and syrah . Celebrating the brand ’ s success as well as the sense of community it has cultivated in its restaurants , the approachable vino is the perfect pairing for hearty items like short rib stroganoff , barbecue-glazed meatloaf or Rosemary ’ s chicken and biscuits . Diners can try a glass at any of Reunion ’ s four locations or take home a bottle to enjoy with friends and family — and don ’ t forget to grab an extra as a collector ’ s item . ( 949-226-8393 ; reunionkitchen . net ) — A . R . /
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 73