Taste of the Town / Dining News
A charcuterie board at Wine Craft Bourbon Steak will be hosting two wine dinners this spring with Napa wineries .
TEA TIME Spring has sprung , and it ’ s in full bloom at The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel , which is hosting a special tea-focused experience at signature restaurant RAYA . Deemed the Spring ParTea , guests can reserve afternoon seatings from Monday through Thursday to enjoy a specially curated collection of loose-leaf teas from Palais des Thés . Two tea-infused cocktails are also being served : Tropical Garden , made with a tropical herbal tea , vodka and Grand Marnier as well as the Andalusian Garden ,
which blends a pink grapefruit and lemon herbal tea with vodka and a peach cream liquor . Food ranges from English cucumber or open-faced rib-eye steak sandwiches and curried chicken salad tartlets to strawberry pound cake , chocolate tulips and guava cookies . Additional children ’ s offerings are available as well , including a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on brioche bread , a double chocolate brownie or a Spring Krispies Treat . The Spring ParTea will continue through May 16 . ( 949-489-5833 ; ritzcarlton . com ) — Ashley Ryan
The Spring ParTea at The Ritz-Carlton , Laguna Niguel ’ s Raya restaurant
WINE , DINE AND CREATE Local creative space WINE CRAFT , which allows locals and visitors alike to sample various vinos from around the world while choosing from an array of cute crafts to complete , added new food items to its menu lineup in March . In addition to Laguna-themed flights like The Greeter , The Plein Air and The Pageant , visitors can enjoy gourmet pizzas , a cheese plate and canned fish boards . Try the Go Fish board , served with salt and vinegar chips , brie cheese , green olives and a tin of smoked trout in oil , or the Eight is Enough , which contains a tin of octopus with lemon and dill alongside Kalamata olives , goat cheese and crackers . The latest gourmet pizza offering features salami and sweety drop peppers — or you can opt for the goat cheese and Kalamata olive variety . A fan favorite , Le Grand Fromage board , rounds out the menu , offering a selection of cheeses , olives , dried fruits and nuts ; prosciutto or salami may be added upon request . Wine Craft ’ s food items are also now on GrubHub for home delivery . ( 949- 376-0007 ; winecraftoc . com ) — A . R .
SCINTILLATING SIPS Vino lovers will rejoice over the special wine dinners taking place
BOTTOM : COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON , LAGUNA NIGUEL ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF BOURBON STEAK ORANGE COUNTY
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