Puma Thursdays, Molecular Gastronomy and More
WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Find out what's new in the world of Orange County food and dining.
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Phillipe Starck, the famous French avant-garde creator, designer and architect, has made a dazzling statement in Laguna Beach with Katsuya by Starck (949.793.4030, sbe.com). The non-descript building that once housed Mark’s and hush restaurants on south PCH, was gutted to the core and given a glamorous rebirth to showcase the culinary artistry of Master Sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi. Chef Uechi has honed his craft for over four decades, adapting Japanese flavors to suit the American palate. Sushi and sashimi are among the menu highlights, as well as traditional Japanese Robata selections prepared over an open flame. Family-friendly, the restaurant has a special menu for kids. Katsuya by Starck is also open for lunch, with patio dining available.
RA Sushi in Tustin (714.566.1700, rasushi.com) celebrates Puma Thursdays, a ladies night out, 7-10 p.m., every Thursday night. A special menu features a selection of food and drink ranging from $2 to $7. Menu items include soups and salads, RA Tapas and RA “Must Haves” that include crispy spicy tuna, tootsy maki, tuna tataki, Nigiri sushi, and crunchy calamari rolls.
Along with a new menu of grilled summer foods, that includes Pacific wild halibut and salmon, Seasons 52 at South Coast Plaza (714.437.5252, seasons52.com) has introduced the strawberry coconut skinny martini. Master Sommelier George Miliotes has also added Lioco Rosé, a totally natural rose wine, plus two new wines by the glass: Chateau Roustaing 2009, Bordeaux and Wrongo Dongo Monastrell from Spain.
Sage Eastbluff (949.718.9650, sagerestaurant.com) has something special every night of the week. On Monday nights, take 20% off the entire bill; Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos all night at the bar; on Wednesdays, wines are deeply discounted; every night has a reverse happy hour that begins at 8 p.m. and runs until closing; Sundays begin with a Champagne Flow Brunch (only) for $10. A $5 Kid’s Menu has all the kid favorites.
King’s Fish House (kingsfishhouse.com) has three of the finest seasonal salmon species on the menu. Chinook “King,” Sockeye “Red” and Coho “Silver” are available through September for lunch and dinner in various preparations. Soft-shell crab is also in season, and King’s Fish House has its soft-shell delicacies flown in several times a week from Crisfield, Maryland. Order them Southern-style fried, piccata or tempura-style, or in a Maryland sandwich.
Don the Beachcomber in Huntington Beach (562.592.1321, donthebeachcomber.com) highlights a “Don’s Drink” on the Bar Menu every Monday during happy hour, 4 p.m. to closing. A two-ounce complimentary tasting of the New Drink of the Day is offered before the purchase of a full-size drink. Every Sunday evening, 7-10 p.m., in the Dagger Bar, a professional dance company, dedicated to the preservation of Polynesian arts and culture entertains with live music, dancers, a knife dancer, and drum beats. The show is for all ages and there is no cover charge.
Lei Shishak, former executive pastry chef at Michael Mina’s Stonehill Tavern at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, has opened Sugar Blossom Boutique Bake Shop in downtown San Clemente (949.429.5555, sugarblossombakeshop.com). Delicious, and made from scratch, indulgences include peanut butter and jelly cupcakes, caramel pecan thumbster cookies, chocolate Guiness Stout cupcakes, and Valhrona chocolate, chocolate chip cupcakes with mint frosting. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Learn more about molecular gastronomy on Monday evenings, 5:30-10:30 p.m.at AnQi at South Coast Plaza (714.557.5679, anqibistro.com). Chef Ryan Carson demonstrates omakase-style molecular gastronomy cooking and offers multi-course tastings. Reservations must be made in advance for either the six-course tasting dinner priced at $60 per person or the 12-course dinner for $120 per person. Tax and gratuity not included. AnQi’s Molecular Monday menu goes on through September 19. View a sample menu at anqibistro.com/menu/molecular.pdf.
Inka Mama’s Peruvian Cuisine with locations in Aliso Viejo (949.360.6263, inkamamas.com) and Foothill Ranch (949.951.6262), has opened at Talega Village Center in San Clemente (949.369.6262). The Inka Mamas, raised on the Northern Coast of Peru, have stayed true to their Mama-Fortunata’s individual recipes. Menus include ceviche mixto; huancaina, a dish made with either boiled potato or yucca and smothered with spicy ricotta cheese sauce; empanadas; shrimp chowder; and pescado a lo chimbotano.
Yogurtland (yogurt-land.com) is offering a limited edition of frozen yogurt flavors. Through August, enjoy Dragon Passion made with passion fruit, strawberries and dragon fruit or a Caramel Almond Turtle made with chocolate, rich caramel and almonds. All of Yogurtland’s frozen yogurts are gluten-free, with the exception of flavors that contain cookies.
ZCafé has opened at South Coast Plaza on the Bridge Level of the Home Store Wing (714.545.5500). As an offspring of ZPizza, ZCafé serves high quality, casual fare with a focus on fresh, healthy and locally-sourced ingredients. The space, formerly occupied by CPK ASAP, features a roomy interior and a large adjacent patio.
