STARFISH Locals and escaped Montage resort guests slip in for seaside cuisine with an Asian inflection at this Coast Highway venue. The dusky digs and sexy ’tude make it a good stop for appetizers and cocktails. Ample free parking is a plus. 30832 S. Coast Highway, 949-715-9200. $$$ SUEÑOS This retooled historic venue is forging a NEW contemporary Latin approach that blends the foodways of Mexico with those of Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Puerto Rico. Mexico City-born Alan Sanz brings a worldly resumé to his executive chef post with polished fusion dishes including birria arepas, blackberry mole duck, epazote pesto pasta, and house-made desserts. Patio seating is popular, but the bar also beckons for a fine Cuban sandwich. 222 Ocean Ave., 949-715-8155 Closed Mondays. $$$ 230 FOREST AVENUE Lagunatics and sightseers mingle at this lively openair cafe, where the martinis are as popular as the modern California cuisine. Noisy, cramped quarters are overlooked once the waiter brings your day boat scallops. Primo people-watching from the tables fronting one of the village’s busiest sidewalks. 230 Forest Ave., 949-494-2545. $$$
LAGUNA HILLS IRONWOOD The savvy team behind Vine in San Clemente notches another hit with this welcoming din-
ner house in a zone with scant options. Executive chef Jared Cook’s modern, seasonal menu roams from delicate to hearty, but all dishes showcase his knack for upping the crave factor. Examples: chicken schnitzel with mushrooms, Zinfandelbraised lamb shank with mint yogurt. Terrific craft cocktails shift with the seasons. On-point service from a gracious crew. 25250 La Paz Road, 949-4468772. Dinner only. $$$
LAGUNA NIGUEL CALO KITCHEN + TEQUIL A Chic and breezy as a Baja resort, this sprawling spot has its act together, luring local crowds for upscale Mexican classics. An unending flow of worthy margaritas keeps the white marble bar humming while the kitchen churns out well executed shrimp ceviche, carnitas, combo plates, and short rib enchiladas. Huge portions, sharp service, and modern digs seal the deal. Scores of sipping tequilas delight agave fans. 28141 Crown Valley Parkway, 949-4097380. $$$ HENDRIX Teeming with natural light and coastal breezes, Hendrix swaggers into Laguna Niguel with a place that promises something for everyone in this optionlean suburb. It’s from the group behind Laguna Beach’s The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen, and partner Austrian-born Rainer Schwarz is executive chef. A showpiece rotisserie roasts plump chickens, porchetta, and lamb while basting potatoes in the catch
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bin with juices from the meats. Irresistible small plates include prosciutto fritters, Brussels sprouts with Marcona almonds, and chicken-fontina flatbread. 32431 Golden Lantern, 949-248-1912. $$
LA HABRA EL CHOLO It’s combo-plate heaven at this venerable local chain that started in L.A. in 1923. The Sonora-style enchiladas are topped with olives and a fried egg. Green corn tamales (available seasonally) have achieved cult status. This location oozes a family vibe. 840 E. Whittier Blvd., 562-691-4618. See Anaheim Hills and Corona del Mar locations. $
MISSION VIEJO DUBLIN 4 GASTROPUB Publicans Darren and Jean Coyle welcome a varied crowd to this chipper modern pub, designed to rival Dublin’s finest. Executive chef David Shofner applies fine-dining cred and scratch cooking to a menu of new and old-school fare that sparkles. Don’t-miss items include premium cottage pies, a killer lamb burger, and anything with house-cured meats. Upscale pricing and dapper surroundings prove this is not your frat brother’s Irish pub. 26342 Oso Parkway, 949-582-0026. $$$ WINEWORKS FOR EVERYONE This near-hidden pocket bistro is a top choice for wine-centric cuisine in South County. A retooled
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VANGUARD UNIVERSITY’S GLOBAL CENTER FOR WOMEN AND JUSTICE 8TH ANNUAL “PRICELESS” LUNCHEON Vanguard University’s (VU’s) Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ) held its 8th annual Priceless Luncheon to continue developing resources and education for advocates to study the issues, serve as a voice and make a difference in the fight to end human trafficking. For the first time, the event was held on the Vanguard University campus at the Waugh Student Center, a state-of-the-art building that opened in February 2020. While implementing COVID-19 safety precautions, approximately 250 guests raised over $200,000 to aid the GCWJ in its fight to bring dignity, justice and freedom to women, children and families around the world. Photo Credit: Breanna Farey
January 2022 • Or a nge Coast 137
