Editor ’ s Letter /
A Culinary Celebration
This American wagyu burger at Sapphire , Cellar- Craft-Cook is just one of many great burger options in town , as featured in our story on page 48 .
From burgers to barbecue , tacos , pasta , sushi and more , local restaurants serve just about anything you could crave . In this issue of Laguna Beach Magazine , we pay tribute to this town ’ s flavor-filled dining scene . Head to our Eat & Drink special section to explore the culinary spectrum with both five-star dining and hole-in-the-wall favorites . First , read about the range of burgers that local chefs are grilling up ( page 48 ). Whether using beef or bison patties , plant-based options or even a breaded calamari steak , these burgers really stack up . Often covered with melty cheese and loaded with toppings and tasty sauces , you ’ ll want to bite into more than one .
If you ’ ve got a hankering for something smoky and saucy , then barbecue ’ s your best bet . And several spots in Laguna have you covered , from tri-tip to brisket , pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs ( page 58 ). When you want something sweet rather than savory , why not skip straight to dessert to avoid filling up and missing out on the after-dinner treat ? In our story , “ Creative Confections ” ( page 44 ), we highlight some of the desserts that are so pretty , they might give you pause before devouring them . Trust us , take a photo so you can have your cake and eat it , too .
To wash it all down , Laguna has several wine tasting options , from a winery in the canyon to tasting rooms for locally owned wineries and even a place where you can sip vino while doing a craft . Not to mention the many restaurants with impressive wine lists . Turn to our article , “ Winning Wines ” ( page 52 ), to find out the best places to enjoy a glass or a bottle with friends .
And don ’ t forget to flip all the way to the back of the magazine to read about The Taco Stand , a new eatery where the long-standing Taco Bell once stood ( page 78 ), as well as a roundup of Easter brunches , afternoon teas , the new Finney ’ s Crafthouse & Kitchen and local restaurants that have graced the Michelin Guide ( page 80 ). In this issue , we also toast Montage Laguna Beach on the occasion of its 20th anniversary . Turn to page 34 to read how the local flagship resort led to an entire company with properties around the world . Cheers !
Sharon Stello Group Editor sharon @ firebrandmediainc . com
SARAH KING PHOTOGRAPHY
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