24 LAGUNA BEACH CITY GUIDE
Burgers , from left : Black Bean and Portobello Mushroom Burger at Harvest ; Mozamqbique steak burger ; Reunion Kitchen & Drink ’ s OC Sourdough Burger
THREE FAVORITES
DIVERSIFY YOUR DIET WITH BELOVED CLASSICS PREPARED IN VARIED WAYS AT LAGUNA BEACH RESTAURANTS .
BY ASHLEY RYAN
THERE ’ S NO DOUBT THAT THE CULINARY SCENE in Laguna Beach has seen a lot of changes over the last year , and with new eateries come innovative new dishes . But there are plenty of tried-and-true options on local menus as well . From fresh , flavorful salads and mouthwatering burgers to pillows of pasta stuffed with deliciously unique ingredients , the variation in renditions of these popular dishes will inspire you to set out and try them all .
Burgers
MOZAMBIQUE STEAK BURGER / MOZAMBIQUE Help combat waste with this option at South Africaninspired eatery Mozambique . “ We wanted to utilize every part of our high-quality steaks , so we use the end trims of our tenderloin and rib-eye to build an amazing steak burger ,” says Angel Velazquez , the restaurant ’ s chef . The 8-ounce patty is seasoned to perfection , cooked over an open flame and layered on a brioche bun with cheddar cheese , applewood-smoked bacon ,
lettuce , tomato , red onion and Monte Carlo sauce .
BLACK BEAN AND PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM BURGER / HARVEST This vegetarian patty features black beans , mushrooms , corn , quinoa , lentils , shallots , garlic , cheese , breadcrumbs and spices , all consolidated by hand before half of the mixture is pulsed in a food processor . “ This helps bind the ingredients , but also keep some texture ,” says Kyle St . John , executive chef at Harvest . After baking in the oven , the patty is placed on a potato bun with vine-ripened tomatoes , butter lettuce , a grilled portobello mushroom , caramelized onion , melted Swiss cheese and harissa aioli .
OC SOURDOUGH BURGER / REUNION KITCHEN & DRINK Inspired by owner Scott
LEFT : MARIELENA VERDUGO