Clockwise from left : the whipped feta at Ahba , served with toasted bread and tomato jam ; Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry ’ s wild mushroom ravioli ; the shareable Chef J . J .’ s Ajillo Shrimp appetizer at Oak Laguna Beach |
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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT : KAILEE WALTERS ; LINDSAY SMITH ; CHRISTINA ANNALISA / OAK LAGUNA BEACH |
chips , this healthy option is ideal for splitting with friends . “ Savor the symphony of our fresh ahi tuna , tropical mango and a tantalizing blend of flavors in our Aloha Poke ,” says Omar Pineda , executive chef for Starfish Hospitality Group . “ A culinary masterpiece — enriched with sesame seeds , soy yuzu sauce and vibrant toppings , all accompanied by crispy taro chips — it ’ s always an unforgettable fusion of taste and texture .” Order this poke dish for a flavorful night out or take it home , where you ’ ll all remain glued till the last bite . ( 949- 715-9200 ; starfishlaguna . com )
NIRVANA KITCHEN & PANTRY Certain dishes not only satiate the stomach , but also the soul — and Nirvana Kitchen & Pantry ’ s wild mushroom ravioli is one of them . Formerly Nirvana Grille , this eatery , serving sustainable California cuisine , has been beloved by Laguna locals for years . While a hearty pasta always hits the spot , especially in the colder months , it ’ s often dreamed up exclusively as an entree , but this ravioli simply must be shared . “ We make our artichoke-basil pesto in-house — that is the base to our sauce ,” says
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Lindsay Smith , chef-owner at Nirvana . “ There are complements of flavor with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes , shallots , white wine and cream that add luster and depth to this delicious … sauce . We … [ also ] sell the artichoke pesto , our ravioli sauce and the raw mushroom raviolis by the dozen in our new grab-and-go market .” Topped with two kinds of cheese — shredded Parmesan and goat crumbles — as well as pine nuts and ribbons of basil , the flavors blend to create the perfect autumn dish . ( 949- 497-0027 ; nirvanakp . com )
AHBA To say that locally adored eatery Ahba is charming would be understatement . The restaurant oozes a breezy , relaxed style that is emblematic of our seaside town , located in a quaint cottage with a light-strung patio , and the food is equally inspired yet approachable . For a fresh start to your meal , try the whipped feta , which is handcrafted to showcase the chef ’ s talent and creativity . “ This particular dish is a local favorite for several reasons — it ’ s savory , it ’ s sweet and it ’ s served with toasted , seeded bread , making it shareable for groups ,”
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says Logan Petitto , assistant general manager of Ahba . “ And who doesn ’ t love bread and cheese ?” Accompanied by a savory tomato jam , crisp pine nuts and shreds of mint and parsley , tuck in until you ’ ve given your undivided attention to every last bite . ( 949-549- 4556 ; eatahba . com )
OAK LAGUNA BEACH A meal at Oak is an exercise in what makes dining in Laguna Beach great — stunning views , great company , fantastic food and an ocean breeze . And whether you ’ re dining in or taking out , the shareable Chef J . J .’ s Ajillo Shrimp is a must-order . The platter features jumbo shrimp made with garlic , pickled carrots , white wine and a guajillo butter sauce , served with bread to mop up all the goodness . This dish allows you to fully immerse yourself in a dining experience at Oak , with the warm , sauce-coated shrimp offering a garlic-fueled rush and the acidity of the wine binding the flavors ; the pickled carrots cut through it all with welcome reprieve . Don ’ t be afraid to order more bread to soak up every last drop . ( 949-940-3010 ; oak-lagunabeach . com ) g
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LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 33 |