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from top : Skyloft ’ s rooftop offers panoramic views of the city ; Ivan Spiers owns both Skyloft and Mozambique ; Skyloft ’ s refreshing Day Spa cocktail
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says . “ With the city ’ s approval , we set out to add a third level where guests can enjoy panoramic views of downtown Laguna , Main Beach and the beautiful homes on the hills all while enjoying a refreshing cocktail .”
The city ’ s warm and friendly culture will also be reflected in Reunion Kitchen & Drink , which is slated to open in the Boat Canyon Shopping Center this summer , offering modern comfort dishes as well as a full-service bar . Owner Scott McIntosh harnessed his entrepreneurial expertise for two years at the restaurant ’ s original
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Anaheim Hills location before deciding to open a second venue .
“ Laguna made the best sense for our expansion ,” says McIntosh , who previously owned Mexican eatery Asada on South Coast Highway until its closure in 2013 . “ We ’ ve learned a lot , taken some lumps , but all in all , we have loved the town and the people who dine with us .”
He says the city embraces new businesses , which has helped independent restaurant owners navigate through the permit process with ease ; so much so , in fact , that he ’ ll also open Asada
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Tacos + Beer — a smaller version of Asada , dishing up Mexican favorites made with fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas — nearby in the same plaza this summer .
“ We feel that Reunion and Asada will bring the same guest appeal to the Boat Canyon [ Shopping ] Center and add a great dining destination in north Laguna ,” McIntosh says . “ There is a great synergy of established restaurants together with new [ restaurants ], which add a great deal of options for locals and tourists .”
Adding to Laguna ’ s dynamic culinary landscape is Rasta Taco ; with its late January opening on Beach Street , owner Mario Melendez claims Laguna is now home to one of the smallest restaurants in Southern California . But the 220-square-foot taco shop serves up big flavor ; traditional
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Tijuana-style street tacos highlight the menu , including an al pastor ( pork ) variety cooked on a spit inside the kitchen that offers a spicy kick , served in a double corn tortilla with cilantro , onion and a special “ Martian ” sauce that blends avocado , lime , garlic and jalapeno , as well as an Ensenada-style fish taco . No matter what you order from the building ’ s back window , there ’ s a lot to “ feel alright ” about at the laid-back and genial Rasta Taco , with “ one love in every bite .”
LONGTIME FAVORITES
As more new concepts emerge in Laguna , a number of age-old establishments continue to flourish . The city ’ s welcoming culture is epitomized in The Greeter ’ s Corner Restaurant , which has served breakfast and lunch for nearly four decades and is known for keeping
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SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE 21 |