LEFT : COURTESY OF STARFISH LAGUNA : MIDDLE AND RIGHT PHOTOS : ASHLEY RYAN |
Nick ’ s are full of vibrant flavor thanks to the fresh ingredients used in the scratch kitchen . While the eatery serves up carnitas , ranchera beef or birria varieties , the citrus chicken is ideal for those looking for a little healthier option . Cheese is melted into a blue corn tortilla , then topped with charred chunks of chicken , onions , cilantro , pico de gallo and sour cream . Cut down on calories by sipping a skinny margarita as you dine . The refreshing drink , which complements the taco masterfully with a bold citrus taste , mixes Milagro ’ s blanco tequila , fresh lime and agave nectar . Imbibe with one or many , as you can also opt for a pitcher . ( 949-715- 3717 ; nicksrestaurants . com )
STARFISH LAGUNA You may not expect to find tacos at an Asian fusion restaurant , but the menu at Starfish Laguna features unique Korean tacos . Piled high with USDA Prime flat iron steak that has been marinated in soy and a Chinese rice wine called michiu , this dish is distinctly eastern . In addition to the meat , the warm corn tortillas contain zesty vegetables — pickled in-house — and a drizzle of gochujang aioli that provides a hint of
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spiciness . Enhance your meal by pairing the tacos with the Lagniappe margarita . “ The … margarita ’ s mint and citrus notes complement the flavors of our Korean tacos , particularly enhancing … [ their ] traditional Asian ingredients ,” McConnell notes . With a name that means “ a small gift ,” this drink is definitely a prize , with silver tequila , muddled mandarin orange , fresh lime , mint and a splash of soda to create some texture . ( 949-715-9200 ; starfishcalifornia . com )
FINNEY ’ S CRAFTHOUSE For a meal full of contrasting flavors , try the blackened shrimp tacos with the colorful margarita flight at Finney ’ s Crafthouse . “ Blackened shrimp tacos and our fantastic margaritas perfectly balance each other on the palate — spicy and sweet , with a hint of tequila ,” says Eric BosRau , Finney ’ s executive chef . Two large tacos are stuffed with juicy pieces of shrimp , covered in Asian coleslaw and pineapple salsa , and finished off with a pungent wasabi aioli . Meanwhile , the margarita flight features miniature glasses that contain four flavors : blood orange , guava , watermelon and hibiscus . These delectable libations enhance the pineapple on the tacos ,
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bringing the meal full circle with the vibrant taste of each of these fruity sips . ( 949-484- 8140 ; finneyscrafthouse . com )
LAS BRISAS Indulge in the pork belly tacos at Las Brisas while soaking up the sun and taking in views of Main Beach on the patio with a margarita in hand . “ Las Brisas is the perfect setting for this delicious combo ,” says Samantha DeLeon , chef at Las Brisas . “… Tacos , margaritas and an ocean view make me feel like I ’ m on vacation in Mexico somewhere , which is always a good time .” The tender pork , coated in a chile glaze , is tucked into blue corn tortillas then smothered in a relish made from tomatillos , chipotle peppers , garlic and shallots . The dish is finished with rings of fresh shallots and dots of tomatillo sauce . To drink , you simply must try The Pearl margarita , a refreshing option featuring Butterfly Cannon ’ s Rosa tequila , which is infused with pink grapefruit , plus creme de violette and lime juice . Placed on top , a tiny shell rests against a tropical green leaf , concealing a small mango popping pearl — a hidden treasure to enjoy . ( 949-497-5434 ; lasbrisaslagunabeach . com ) g
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 31 |