ASHLEY RYAN |
host live music . ( 949-715-7777 ; mozambiqueoc . com ) — C . B .
FRESH START Laguna resident John Secretan mastered vegan food before it became popular with the opening of ZINC CAFE on Ocean Avenue in 1988 , expanding over the years into nearby Corona del Mar in Newport Beach as well as Orange , West Hollywood and Los Angeles ’ famed Arts District . Despite the brand ’ s continued success , Secretan has decided to retire following the sale of the business to SPC Group , a company based in South Korea , in the spring . “ They approached me in Downtown LA with the desire to invest in a brand that they saw growth potential [ in ],” Secretan says . “… After a great run of 37 years , I felt it time to hand over the reins . I ’ ve loved almost every minute of it and have so appreciated the employee relations I ’ ve made that are ongoing , my mom ’ s endless support and hard work through her recipes and creativity , and the amazing communities that have supported us for all these years .” Secretan will stay on as a brand adviser for the next
|
couple of years , and Zinc — a destination typically only open during the day — is offering extended hours during the summertime with fresh , innovative meat-free dinners . ( 949-494-6302 ; zinccafe . com ) — Ashley Ryan
A SHINING STAR Laguna Beach is home to one of seven California restaurants added to Michelin Guide ’ s list of onestar dining establishments in early August . This is the first star for REBEL OMAKASE , a sushi restaurant that was previously recognized by Michelin ; even being listed by the guide is considered an honor . As Michelin explains in its writeup , Rebel Omakase is overseen by chef Jordan Nakasone , offering only two seatings per night . Omakase , or “ chef ’ s choice ,” means the diner leaves decisions up to the chef rather than making their own dish selections . Tucked in a small plaza on Forest Avenue at Beach Street , the restaurant is “ rooted in tradition ” although “ the meal skews contemporary with a focus on seasonality and product quality ,” Michelin says , highlighting the eatery ’ s standout sushi such as Japanese white salmon and shima
|
aji . Michelin also compliments the gindara dish , “ a rectangle of cod set in a memorable cauliflower dashi and garnished with tonburi and a delicious , comforting chawanmushi topped with firefly squid and shaved bottarga .” Other Laguna restaurants receiving Michelin mentions this year include Oliver ’ s Osteria , first listed in 2021 , and Selanne Steak Tavern , honored as a “ new discovery ” last year . ( Rebel Omakase : 949-664-3186 ; rebel-omakase . com ) ( Michelin Guide : guide . michelin . com ) — Sharon Stello /
RESTAURANT LISTINGS Scan the QR code below to visit our dining resource online .
|
|||
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 57 |