CLOCKWISE , FROM TOP LEFT : COURTESY OF TANGO LAGUNA ; COURTESY OF STARFISH CALIFORNIA ; COURTESY OF ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI |
TANGO LAGUNA Seafood salads abound along the coast , but it ’ s rare to find them topped with lobster . At Tango Laguna , a unique variation combines a traditional Caesar salad with the sweet and briny taste of fresh lobster . A crisp bed of full romaine hearts is drizzled with creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing and topped with steamed lobster meat to create a flavorful yet healthy dish . The salad is finished with toasted herb croutons for added texture . As one of the lighter options on a menu offering both small plates and main entrees , the lobster Caesar salad will perfectly satisfy your appetite on a warm summer day but can also be ideal for sharing with the table as an appetizer . ( 949-988- 2727 ; tangolaguna . com )
STARFISH LAGUNA Savor a unique take : Try the lobster macadamia sushi roll from Starfish , which is light and fresh with a bit of a kick . “ Everyone loves fresh seafood during the summer months — especially while at the beach ,” says Jennifer Polley , the brand ’ s marketing director . Warm water Caribbean lobster tail is poached in a house mix of Thai herbs and spices , then the meat
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is removed from the shell , chopped and mixed with fresh avocado , cucumber , mango and cilantro . In addition , Starfish roasts macadamia nuts , which are added to the mixture before it ’ s hand-rolled in sesame soy paper and finished with Sriracha aioli . “ Everything is prepared in house ,” Polley adds . “… [ It ] is the perfect complement to a refreshing summer cocktail like our cantaloupe martini .” ( 949-715-9200 ; starfishcalifornia . com )
ALESSA BY CHEF PIROZZI A true highlight of the menu at Alessa by Chef Pirozzi is the lobster ravioli . Tender Maine lobster meat and roasted fennel are folded into small pockets of pasta , creating a melt-in-your-mouth flavor that blends the freshness of the seafood with the pillowy ravioli . The pasta is coated in a creamy pink sauce with a ragu base . “ One of the first sauces I learned from my grandmother was ragu , a traditional Napoli tomato base ,” says owner Alessandro Pirozzi . “… [ This ] creamy , velvety reduction sauce and lobster makes the dish irresistible .” With flambeed shallots , fresh garlic , chile flakes and organic vodka , the flavors of the dish really shine . ( 949-497-8222 ; alessalaguna . com ) g
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Lobster ravioli at Alessa by Chef Pirozzi |
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 33 |