Taste - Test

TASTE 2020 ISSUE

THE BEST OF THE SEASON Fresh Tastes from Our Chefs

Locals weigh in On Cocktails, Noodles and The Hall Global Eatery

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Water Grill 949.208.7060 2 southcoastplaza.com

Honeymoon Oyster

TASTE VOLUME 40 2020 ISSUE Editor Lee Healy

It’s good to be back.

We’ve missed the daily rhythm of life—spending time with extended family and friends, going to work, the leisurely pursuits of shopping, dining and entertainment. But most of all, we’ve missed our cherished community.

Throughout the past few months, I was impressed by the resiliency of our restaurants. More than a dozen opened for curbside pickup and delivery, staying positive and providing a much-needed service of their specialty dishes for guests to take home. We’re happy that they have returned to serving us, while respecting all guidelines for safety.

As we enter into a new chapter, South Coast Plaza will be at the forefront of businesses ensuring guests a safe and comfortable shopping experience.

In closing, I’d like to share a quote I have found inspirational: “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.”

These words were written 500 years ago by German theologian Martin Luther. Here’s to the indomitability of the human spirit.

Contents

8 BOUNTY OF THE SEASON

South Coast Plaza’s chefs make memorable dishes with seasonal produce

19 NOODLES: THE WORLD’S MOST COMFORTING FOOD Four Asian restaurants that will satisfy carb cravings

20 PALATE DAZZLING COCKTAILS Fresh, original libations

Debra Gunn Downing Executive Director, Marketing South Coast Plaza

22 IT’S ALL AT THE HALL A day at South Coast Plaza’s newest restaurant

29 THE ARTS Visual and performing arts partners Thank you to Melissa’s World Variety Produce for supplying premium produce for the cover and chefs’ recipes.

30 AT A GLANCE Restaurant amenities, map and South Coast Plaza services southcoastplaza.com 3

Hamamori 714.850.0880

Discover sushi of the highest order at Hamamori, renowned for elite interpretations of Japanese cuisine and signature sushi gems by master chef James Hamamori. Premium sake and whisky are sourced with connoisseurs in mind.

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Chef’s Omakase by James Hamamori southcoastplaza.com 5

Boudin | SF 714.689.2253

The Purist Avocado Toast

Nikutama Udon—made-to-order Japanese Sanuki Udon served with Sweet Flavored Beef, Soft Boiled Egg and Kake Sauce

Marugame Udon 714.619.5688 southcoastplaza.com 7

BOUNTY OF THE

Season

Nothing revs up a chef ’s imagination like a change of seasons. Mother Nature is their muse and she turns on the charm come summer. Here’s how South Coast Plaza’s top chefs embrace the season’s loveliest gifts.

BY G R E TC H EN K U R Z

Knife Pleat’s Tony Esnault creates seasonal poetry on a plate. Diligent sourcing yields treasures like the asparagus he finesses with his knowing, graceful technique that teases out the essence of flavor.

Critics have described pastry chef Germain K N I F E P L E AT

Chef Tony Esnault

Green Asparagus with Parmesan Shavings VIEW RECIPE

Chef’s table place-setting

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Bernardaud Organza Charger, Bloomingdale’s

Strawberry-Pistachio Tart

Biotteau’s desserts as “stunning,” “formidable” and “spectacular.” His creations are the perfect complement to boss Tony Esnault’s of-the-moment seasonal cooking. Biotteau tempers high technique with poetic creativity inspired by nature’s calendar.

Here, Biotteau’s strawberrypistachio tart recalls summer flavors. A subtle sugary crust layered with smooth pistachio filling is topped with juicy strawberries and finished with sweet berry glaze.

VIEW RECIPE

L’Objet Perlée White Dessert Plate, Bloomingdale’s

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BOUNTY OF THE SEASON

T H E H A L L G L O B A L E AT E R Y

Chef Amar Santana The intrepid and confident Amar Santana brings his lively touch to VACA, delighting fans with bold creations like Tasting of Fried Chicken, an imaginative sampler with flavors that surprise.

Fried Chicken

Chef’s table place-setting

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Halley White Low Soup Bowl, CB2 Exclusive

BOUNTY OF THE SEASON

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Burrata VIEW RECIPE

Ross Pangilinan, chefproprietor of Terrace by Mix Mix, is acclaimed for his poised, approachable cuisine.

Whether it’s a comfort dish of handmade pasta or a hyper-seasonal heirloom tomato salad, expect to be wowed by his light touch with vivid flavors.

TERRACE BY MIX MIX

Chef Ross Pangilinan southcoastplaza.com 11

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