FOODIE ’ S DAY OUT
Morning : The Saturday morning Laguna Beach farmers market marks the beginning of a food fest . Pick up seasonal produce , artisanal breads , fragrant flowers , gourmet prepared foods and more . For the freshest picks , get there when it opens at 8 a . m . “ Produce is at its best early in the morning ,” says Marc Cohen , chef and operating partner of local restaurants Watermarc and 230 Forest Avenue , as well as Opah Seafood Grill in Aliso Viejo .
You ’ ll work up an appetite meandering around the market . A favorite breakfast spot of Lindsay Smith-Rosales , executive chef and co-owner of Nirvana Grille , is Harvest Restaurant — currently undergoing renovations , but open for breakfast and lunch — at The Ranch at Laguna Beach , where you can watch golfers tee off at the city ’ s only golf course while enjoying morning favorites like frittatas and pancakes .
Afternoon : Combine mouthwatering food with Laguna ’ s ocean
breezes and dramatic views and you have the perfect picnic experience . A few gourmet takeout options from local restaurants include tacos at La Sirena Grill and paninis from Zéytoon Cafe — both are available with an array of meats and veggies .
Montage Laguna Beach is a go-to alfresco lunch spot for Smith-Rosales and her family . “ We love going over there because the view is great ,” she says . “ They have an expansive area with picnic tables and we can bring our dogs and walk them on the trail .”
Afterward , hop on Laguna ’ s free trolley to explore the town and enjoy a sweet treat . For handmade gelato , Cohen suggests dark chocolate or pistachio at Gelato Paradiso , tucked away on Peppertree Lane .
Evening : As day turns to night , pre-dinner drinks are in order . Smith-Rosales points to Las Brisas , The Rooftop Lounge and Surf & Sand Resort ’ s bar to enjoy sunset views while you sip . K ’ ya Bistro Bar offers a popular daily happy hour between 4:30 and 5:30 p . m ., when many drinks are available for $ 5 . The restaurant also recently released a new tapas-style menu with dishes — including foie gras , smoked salmon and chopped lobster — that are priced at $ 10 or less .
Post-cocktails , foodies interested in the latest the town has to offer — and some of Laguna ’ s freshest seafood options — should check out the recently revamped menu at 230 Forest Avenue . Those in the mood for California cuisine with an ocean view can visit Driftwood Kitchen , teeming with coastal ambience . “ You wouldn ’ t even know it was there unless you knew about it ,” Cohen says of the restaurant ’ s location on Sleepy Hollow Lane .
ZELLER PHOTOGRAPHY
Cater your own picnic for a lunch at Montage Laguna Beach ( pictured : Lindsay Smith-Rosales and family ). SUMMER 2016 CITY GUIDE 25