Royal Hawaiian pulls off first Argentinian beef agreement in Western U.S.

Story and photos by Diane Armitage 

The Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill, long known for its iconic Lapu Lapu cocktail, recently invited two iconic and internationally renowned chefs into full ownership and operation in January of this year – brothers Martin Molteni and Mariano “Maro” Molteni.

Now, this Laguna-based restaurant is enjoying another iconic moment as the first in California…and the first in the Western United States all the way to Chicago…to be wood-grillin’ the hallowed beef of all beef – Argentinian Angus Beef.

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A giddy Chef Maro Molteni holds his newest arrival – Argentinian beef

Argentinian beef has not been served in any Western U.S. restaurant since 2001. The rare treat will be featured as a special to the regular menu that began last night (Thursday, Sept 19) until a larger supply chain can be established. 

The brothers plan to replace all of the steak cuts on the menu with Argentinian beef. It will join popular and new menu items such as Hawaiian Opah, Local Lobster, Hawaiian Poke, Seared Ahi Tuna, and the RoHi’s best-selling Pacific Sea Bass.

Royal Hawaiian: The best of international coastal cuisine

Since opening their rendition of Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill in April of this year, Chefs Maro and Martin have introduced a coastal culinary heritage to the menu by featuring combined wood-fire grill magic from the Hawaiian Islands, South America’s coastal regions, and North America’s Pacific Coast.

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The Prime Ribeye Roast is a group event favorite amongst the Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill’s cross-cultural wood-grilled dishes

And, while the brothers have only produced the finest in organic proteins on their menu from their opening day – wild-caught fish and grass-fed beef, pork and poultry from America’s most vaunted ranches – Maro and Martin had an ace up their sleeve. 

Even before they opened the Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill, they were working with U.S. and Argentinian governments to allow them to fly in what is largely considered the finest in beef produce globally – Argentinian Angus Beef.

An 18-year effort to bring back the beef

If you’ll remember, back in 2001, England reported a particularly venomous hoof-and-mouth disease outbreak in its cattle. It was a giant mess that began in two small ranches and spread like wildfire through Europe. 

When that moment occurred, the United States shut its doors to many incoming international beef sources, only slowly re-opening the doors as the various countries leapt through new, fiery hoops of proven sanitation and cleanliness at both international and U.S. FDA approval levels.

In January of just this year – 18 years later – the announcement was made that Argentina would, once again, be allowed to export its renowned grass-fed beef to the United States. Martin and Maro, our local Argentinian chef brothers, were the first to jump on board, eagerly working behind the scenes with Premier Meat to import this “cut above the rest.”

Why Argentinian beef is so revered

For thousands of years, Argentinians have been raising cattle in the Pampas, an endless stretch of glorious wild grassland at the base of the Patagonias. 

They practiced conscious care long before the rest of the world hopped on board, and today’s Argentinian cows are still fed a grass-only diet, allowed to wander aimlessly on the plain, and are completely hormone free. Their beef shows higher levels of natural vitamins, minerals and proteins, and contain three times more CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) than conventional beef raised in feedlots. CLAs are fatty acids that provide anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

But to those who love eating beef, Argentinian beef simply represents tenderness, glorious flavor, and juicy texture. “It’s unbeatable palatability,” said Chef Martin Molteni. “There’s really nothing like its taste in the world.”

“Finally, it’s here!”

Royal Hawaiian Co-Owner Chef Martin Molteni continues to operate one of the most vaunted restaurants in Buenos Aires, Argentina and travels back and forth between the two restaurants. 

Maro, first known in this town for Laguna’s local favorite Maro Wood Grill, until he sold it in 2017, has taken on more of the day-to-day-helm at Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill. It was Maro, then, who giddily received his first shipment of Argentinian beef this week. 

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It may still be called a New York steak, but this beef is all Argentinian

He immediately stoked the Hawaiian’s new wood-fire grill and sliced several New York cuts. After holding one steak cut in his hands for that long-awaited Holy Grail moment, he grilled several cuts for his staff, happily ingesting two steaks himself.

“I may sound crazy, but this is one of my happiest days ever,” said Chef Maro, with a beaming smile. “Finally! Finally, it’s here!”

The best-selling book author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach™, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.

Coyote Grill howls its 30 years on Sept 24

Story by Diane Armitage

Photos from Coyote Grill

In late August of 1989, the Michael Keaton/Jack Nicholson version of Batman was setting $100 million records, “Good Thing” was topping the charts from the Fine Young Cannibals, and Kim Bryant was opening South Laguna’s Coyote Grill. 

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Coyote Grill, 1989

Neighborhood icon

Fast forward 30 years, and Coyote Grill has only grown in mega-popularity. It is a neighborhood icon as well as the primary traffic element I refer to whenever I’m directing someone to my Table Rock home. 

The Coyote crew is celebrating this month with a culmination party on Tuesday, Sept 24. 

Hundreds of people have already been participating in the restaurant’s raffle. Once patrons spend $10, they’re allowed to drop their name and phone number in the raffle box with hopes of winning Calamari Tacos for a year (my favorite tacos in all of Laguna Beach for a whole year!), free valet for six months, and a host of other gifts and specials. 

Patrons can participate in the raffle multiple times with each visit they make to the little neighborhood restaurant/bar before September 24. Winners will be drawn on the 24th after the party officially kicks off at 4 p.m.

The Sept 24th party will also welcome Casamigos Tequila (I can only hope George Clooney will come along), Mago Hot Sauce, and a photo booth. 

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years already,” says Co-Owner Desirée Gomez (Kim’s oldest daughter). “I started helping here as a hostess when I was 12, so it’s been a very fast-moving 18 years.”

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Kim Bryant

Kim Bryant took over the restaurant space from Cove restaurateurs in 1989. Prior, Bryant was an existing 9-year owner of Café Del Coyote in San Clemente (now the Pizza Port), but had found the enormous space taxing, and sought out a smaller footprint. He kept the San Clemente location open till 1993, and then focused all of his efforts on the SoLag location.

For several years, all four of Bryant’s kids worked at Coyote Grill. He left in 2001 for Hawaii, taking his oldest son, Justin, with him to operate a commercial kitchen there. That left Desirée, Jarrod, and Tiana to grow into their roles at the family-run Mexican restaurant.

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Familiar faces in the family and extended Coyote Grill family. From left, Bartender Stephen Morand (Desirée’s husband), Co-Owner Desirée Gomez, Maile Earlywine (Desirée’s daughter), Tiana Watson (sister), and Manager Radley Pilanca.

“We had been raised in the restaurant as kids, so it didn’t seem like such a giant thing to step into bigger roles here,” says Desirée. “Looking back now, though, I think: We were just kids!”

While regulars saw these mighty, mighty kids grow into ownership and operation of a viable business, they continued to enjoy a large Mexican-American menu that offered all their favorites. 

“We’ve only added about 6 or 7 items to the menu since Dad first put it in place,” says Desirée. “We can’t even do specials because everyone who comes here already knows what they want to eat.”

Last family member standing

Recent departures have seen her siblings and children head off to their own new worlds, which leaves Desirée the last family member standing. She doesn’t mind, though, as she has plenty of help from her extended family of chefs, cooks, bartenders, and servers that have been in play at Coyote Grill for 20 years or more. 

Any plans to shut this thing down and move on, too, I ask? 

“Once you hit 30 years, you can’t just call it quits,” says Desirée. 

(This is a relief to me. Where would all of us SoLag people go, for heaven’s sake? We would just wander our non-sidewalk streets with blank, sad faces.) 

“We still have to get our kids through school in Orange County, so we’re not going anywhere…at least not until our 40th celebration,” she adds. 

Coyote Grill is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to roughly 9 p.m.

The restaurant is located at 31621 Coast Hwy. For more information, call (949)499-4033.

The best-selling author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach™, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.

Lost Pier Café hosts new Locals’ Night every first Wednesday of the month

Photos by Mary Hurlbut

Lost Pier Café, in association with The Ranch Laguna Beach, wants to celebrate the people who make our community so special to be a part of, our locals. On Wednesday, Sept 4, the restaurant officially celebrated our community with its Locals’ Season Kick-Off.   

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Lost Pier Café kicked off its first Locals’ Night on Wednesday

These special days are for you to find a space where friends and family can come visit with one another, meet your neighbors, disconnect from our fast-paced lives, enjoy live music, games, s’mores by fire pits, high-quality beachside fare, drinks, and the gorgeous scenery (and sunsets) of Aliso Creek Beach.

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The night wouldn’t be complete without locals…

“This is our effort to say thank you to our faithful regulars who have always supported us and continue to make us what we are,” stated Lost Pier Café manager Rachel Morin

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And live music…

Mark your calendars for October 2, November 6, and December 4 and onward into 2020 for more fun at Locals’ Night.

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The kids loved making s’mores by the fire pits

For more information on Lost Pier Café, visit www.lostpiercafe.com.

Lost Pier Café is located at 31131 Coast Hwy.

Tortilla Republic closes suddenly, Fishbone hoping to swim in

By Diane Armitage

Tortilla Republic Laguna Beach abruptly closed with locked doors and a simple note this Tuesday, Sept 3.

Their note to the public stated: “Due to the recent influx of Mexican restaurants in Laguna Beach, it has become unsustainable for Tortilla Republic to continue operations.”

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Courtesy of Diane Armitage

Tortilla Republic Laguna Beach closed permanently on Tuesday, Sept 3

At my last count (and thanks to my readers), there are 14 “Mexican cuisine” restaurants remaining in Laguna Beach (not counting franchise Taco Bell), most of which have been in play for several years. The recent opening of South of Nick’s just a few doors south of Tortilla Republic, however, might have sounded the death knell. (This, of course, purely speculation.)

Tortilla Republic, the brainchild of brother-sister duo John Halter and Mina Azami, first gained enormous popularity in Kauai and West Hollywood with help from a third partner, Mortan Kaag, and their mom, Cathy Shyne, who served as Consulting Chef.

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Courtesy of Diane Armitage

The blackened salmon was a popular dish at Tortilla Republic

After expanding to a successful location in West Hollywood, the family decided to open in Laguna’s old Asada/Javier’s space in May 2015 with high hopes for introducing their brand to South OC. Faced with a vast tourist trade and longtime locals still singing the blues over the loss of Javier’s, the owners remained optimistic, introducing locals’ programs and assertive happy hours, brunches, and weekly specials. 

Management could not be reached for comment. 

Fishbone fishin’ around

As Tortilla Republic clears the vast restaurant space, the City says that Fishbone Kitchen + Bar, a concept of Fishbone Restaurants.

In the City of Laguna Beach, an application is the first step in showing interest. In this case, Fishbone is asking the City to “grandfather” in the existing conditional use permits (CUPs) already granted Tortilla Republic. This typically means that they plan no enormous renovation changes to the exterior, expect to offer the same amount of seating, and are grandfathered into the parking arrangement already established for the previous operator. 

Per the City, the application is under review; the City has not yet gone back to Fishbone with any recommendations or requested changes in the application. 

“Portuguese and Mediterranean” solution

Chef and Managing Partner Pedro Pereira opened his restaurant in 2008 (take-out Portuguese barbecue chicken). After selling it, he opened his first Fishbone restaurant, an upscale dining concept with whole fish offerings that change seasonally. The restaurant also serves meat, duck, pasta dishes, and more 

Management could not be reached for comment by deadline, but I’ll be the first to let you know when we do have that conversation.

Meanwhile, another “fast casual” claims they’re putting their dogs in Laguna Beach

While we’re on the subject of “fast casual,” a press release just hit my desk this week from Sumo Dog, a gourmet-style hot dog concept. 

Sumo, born and bred in the L.A. basin, has recently shut down its restaurant spaces opting, instead, for large “permanent carts” that include their first OC endeavor at the Irvine Spectrum. 

Sumo Dog’s press says they will be opening more permanent carts in locations that include Laguna Beach, but they have not yet filed an application with the City of Laguna Beach. 

Food vendor cart, perhaps? 

I asked the City if Sumo Dog could be interested in filing for permission as a potential new roaming vendor cart that the State of California has required all cities to “welcome.” At this point, only two vendor carts are in play in Laguna Beach, and nothing yet has been filed by Sumo for a possible cart of dogs on wheels.

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Sumo Dog – cart or no cart?

I’ll be reporting more on this as I talk with Sumo Dog’s management and watch the application process go through. Keep in mind that initial press from many companies does not take into account the application and permitting process in our fine city. Until their permits show up on the windows of an establishment, it may or may not happen.

(For those of you interested, the two vendor carts that showed up this summer in Laguna were ice cream and “memorabilia” carts. I haven’t witnessed them in action, but I’ve been told they were both active along Main Beach.)

The best-selling author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.

Locals’ parties and pub crawls popping up everywhere

By Diane Armitage

As much as we love our tourists for their economic boost, we locals can’t help but feel a bit of happy happy joy when Labor Day creates that invisible cutoff day. 

While our city remains much busier year-round now, it’s still a welcome relief to be able to drive from one end of town to the other in less than 45 minutes. 

A pub crawl that’s actually become…sensible?

I’ve been fairly pelted with “Tourists Be Gone” party invitations these last two weeks.

I’ve also found it rather interesting that the old “Take Back the Town” locals’ pub crawl might be making a comeback, this time, though, with much greater sensibility: People are renting party buses instead of trying to drive or perambulate themselves through town. 

If you’re a resident long enough to remember, the annual event would start at the Royal Hawaiian in North Laguna, hit local favorites downtown (namely Marine Room and The Saloon), then slowly wind its way south to eventually stop at The Dirty Bird and Tortilla Flats (the latter of which Mozambique briefly inherited before the crawl was, ehrmm, laid to rest).

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Submitted photo

Guys toasting in bar at Royal Hawaiian

This last weekend, the Royal Hawaiian reported two “pub crawl” party buses, and they’ve received (gracious) calls warning them of incoming bus crawlers this coming weekend, too.     

Vino & Vinyl

For those of you not gifted with the organization gene for people and party buses, The Ranch at Laguna Beach is offering two events this week that would qualify as locals’ parties, too. 

Always on the first Tuesday of each month, it’s Vino and Vinyl on The Ranch’s patio. 

Mark Christy trundles out his turntable and speakers and treats patio guests to about three hours of monthly album picks from his personal collection. He makes a great DJ, explaining historical and personal history stories connected to each “theme” of the month. 

Guests staying at The Ranch always wander up for the event, but the patio primarily belongs to Laguna locals who regularly show for kibitzing purposes. It’s a super de-stressor and a unique effort on Mark’s part. It’s proven quite the sustainable, underground party. 

Lost Pier 

Then, The Ranch’s little sister – the Lost Pier Café at Aliso Creek Beach – is hosting a locals’ party tomorrow (Wednesday, Sept 4) from 3 - 8 p.m. I’m a big fan of the Lost Pier, even mentioned it in my article for best Labor Day picks last week! 

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Photo by Diane Armitage

There will be a sunset gathering at Lost Pier on Wednesday

On Wednesday, the café team is inviting everyone down for sunset with music, games, firepit s’mores, and more. 

Note: Keep in mind that even though we’re locals, the Aliso Creek parking lot doesn’t recognize our esteemed citizenship. Either park on the street and hoof it down on the handy path or pay the meters to avoid a parking ticket.

Get out of the burrow you’ve called home all these summer months and reconnect with your local pals. I’ll see you out there!   

The best-selling author and blogger on The Best of Laguna Beach, Diane Armitage is on an endless quest for the most imaginative adventures in Laguna’s restaurants, events, and lifestyle. Check out chef interviews, retail and restaurant news, and favorite events, at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com.