Taste of the Town / Dining News
ISLAND INFLUENCE Laguna Beach ’ s nearby coastline and cool spring breeze make it the perfect place for an island-inspired eatery , so it comes as no surprise that Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails is celebrating a year of success . In addition to select $ 1 bottles of wine that were available in April , the restaurant has launched a number of anniversary specials with bold , exotic flavors . Try the tuna poke , with notes of sweetness from pineapple pico de gallo , avocado and Thai sauce , or the crispy coconut prawns with cucumber and house-made cocktail dipping sauce . New salads — like the crispy Brussels Caesar , topped with crunchy shallots and cotija cheese , or the apple rum option with roasted grapes and walnuts — bring added freshness to the menu as well . For the main dish , seafood lovers will want to opt for the new garlic butter prawns or striped sea bass while the slow-braised wagyu short rib is sure to make mouths water . ( 949- 549-4014 ; rumsocial . com ) — Ashley Ryan
SPRING SAVOR With spring comes fresh things — and at Skyloft , this means new menu items . Five special offerings were unveiled in early April as the eatery gave its menu an upgrade . The baked brie appetizer , topped with dark cherry jam and served with crunchy crostini , is the perfect way
Brisket hash , a new menu item at Skyloft
to start any meal . Another starter recently added to the menu is the Instagramfriendly Veggie Tower , where colorful layers of vegetables are piled high atop a bed of sauces . And an exciting new entree was added as well , giving guests the chance to sample a variety of the restaurant ’ s proteins . Deemed the Skyloft Sampler , the board comes with smoked turkey , barbecue ribs , a giant prawn and charred Brussels sprouts — plus barbecue sauce and spicy mustard . The weekend brunch also features some elevated dishes with this revamp , including the avocado toast , which is a great option for those who are health-conscious or avoiding meat , as well as the savory brisket hash , topped with a picture-perfect fried egg . ( 949-715-1550 ; skyloftoc . com ) — A . R .
New seasonal dishes at Rum Social Kitchen & Cocktails include crispy coconut prawns , an apple rum salad , striped sea bass and more .
HOT DIGGITY DOG Yummy Dogs , a casual restaurant serving up gourmet hot dogs plus arcade games , opened downtown in late April at 381 Forest Ave . Start with a basic hot dog , a vegan or turkey frankfurter , or Polish sausage and choose your own toppings or sauce . Or order a specialty item like the Laguna Dog with avocado , tomato , bacon bits and white sauce ; the OC Dog with chili , chipotle aioli , white American cheese and crispy onions ; or the Mac & Cheese Dog , which is topped with , well , macaroni and cheese in addition to bacon bits . There ’ s also a Maui version with teriyaki sauce , mango-peach salsa , spicy mayo and red onion ; a Reuben
TOP : SAMANTHA WHARTON / SKYLOFT ; BOTTOM : OUTSHINE PR
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