Chef Pirozzi, owner of Alessa and Salerno, supports Laguna Food Pantry volunteers

Every year, Chef Alessandro Pirozzi, owner of Alessa and Salerno restaurants in Laguna Beach, demonstrates his ongoing support of Laguna Food Pantry and its tireless volunteers by his actions, not mere words.

“The majority of us are lucky enough never to have to worry about food. But there are also many people out there who are counting on organizations like the Laguna Food Pantry to make sure that they have a meal for their family,” says Chef Pirozzi. “That’s why we always support them in any way we can.”

Anne Belyea, executive director of the Laguna Food Pantry, says, “Typically, Laguna Food Pantry celebrates its dedicated volunteers with an annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, such as the lovely party last year at Alessa’s. 

“That year, we had arranged for a simple but delicious menu. To our surprise, Chef Pirozzi showered us with every delicious appetizer, pizza, pasta, and entrée on the menu.”

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Submitted photo

Chef Pirozzi’s generosity is much appreciated by the Laguna Food Pantry

Unable to have a similar celebration this year because of the pandemic, Laguna Food Pantry reached out to Chef Pirozzi to purchase $15 gift cards for their 120 incredible volunteers. 

“Instead, Chef Pirozzi charged us only $120 total and gave us 150 hundred-dollar gift cards! Immediately, we called to address what we thought was an error. It was not,” Belyea says. “Then, again, with the stay-at-home order back, and restaurants only providing takeout (at the time), we reached out to make sure that this was what he wanted to do. Not only is Chef Pirozzi an accomplished and talented chef, but also a thoughtful and big-hearted community member.”

The Laguna Food Pantry’s Board of Directors and volunteers send their heartfelt appreciation to Chef Alessandro Pirozzi for his generosity and support.

The Laguna Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and operates with a safe drive-through distribution system. Anyone in need is welcome to pick up food once a week. If you know someone who would benefit, please pass along this information. If you’re able, the Food Pantry welcomes your support at www.lagunfoodpantry.org.

Superbowl Sunday eats

By Diane Armitage

With outdoor dining open now, our Laguna Beach restaurants are scrambling to accommodate residents and visitors. This coming weekend, though, might be a bit quieter than most as the Superbowl takes over center stage. 

Typically, Superbowl Sundays are pretty quiet in our usual bustling town, but now that so many residents are accustomed to ordering takeout, our restaurants might see an uptick in takeout and delivery for the American Pastime Dream: Superbowl ads. 

Over the last year, many restaurateurs developed family meals and small catering platters, now perfect for your Superbowl plans. 

Here’s how I would suggest you plan your Superbowl Day…please note: Check my Restaurant Directory at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com for restaurant closures this coming Superbowl Sunday. In some of these instances, you might need to order on Saturday and reheat for the big day. 

Superbowl Sunday options (per team)

Kansas City Fans 

While the famed Kansas City café Beignet is temporarily closed, fans of Kansas City might want to pop down to our own Laguna Beach Lost Pier Café for our own version of warm, powdery beignets.

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Photo by Diane Armitage

Perfectly happy pouches of beignets are served in a paper sack at Lost Pier Café 

Hankering for K.C. famous ribs? Consider indulging in Lumberyard’s BBQ Ribs Family Dinner or Brussels Bistro’s Baby Back Ribs. 

Harley Laguna Beach offers up Chef Greg’s famed Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork with either complete meals for two or four or as a stand-alone 1-pound purchase. 

Skyloft smokes its ribs and brisket daily. Order full or half racks of their ribs or venture into their Skyloft Smoked Plates, which offer a build-your-own-plate scenario with brisket, pulled pork ribs, chicken andouille, and chicken wings. Add in one to four sides from an offering of nine options. That’s about as smokehouse as it gets.

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Courtesy of Skyloft

Skyloft’s Smoked Platters offer a build-your-own dream scenario 

Scott McIntosh’s Reunion Kitchen also offers a BBQ Rib Stack (more like a tower) of baby back ribs with Thai peanut slaw. 

Tampa Bay Fans

Cheering for Tampa Bay, instead? That Florida town is known more for its fresh fish, shellfish, and Spanish influence. 

For me, there’s nothing better than the luxury of lobster in a soft-baked loaf. That can only be Slapfish’s Lobster Roll. Yes, it’s Maine lobster, but Maine doesn’t have a football team, so Tampa Bay gets to claim it this Sunday. Can you imagine how popular you would be with a platter of Slapfish Lobster Rolls for your Superbowl-watching comrades?

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Courtesy of Slapfish

The unconquerable, undeniable Lobster Roll from Slapfish 

Slapfish also offers a Lobster Grinder (lobster, crab, and shrimp) and Clobster Grilled Cheese Sandwich (toasted sourdough with crab and lobster mix and gooey cheese), as well as their unbeatable Clam Chowder Bowl. 

In that same downtown square, Carmelita’s offers the best Lobster Chile Rellenos in town. 

Looking to really class up your Superbowl? Mozambique is still offering its Atlantic lobster tail meal, and Coyote Grill is in its last weeks of serving local Lobster with all the fixings.

Mussels or oysters more your ilk? Brussels Bistro continues to sell hundreds of pounds of its best-selling mussels every month and, yes, you can order them for takeout, too.

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Courtesy of Brussels Bistro

One of its perennial best-sellers, Brussels Bistro is still delivering Mussels and Fries by the many, many pounds

And, in addition to its giant Grilled Salmon Sandwich, which would make any Superbowl fan ecstatic, Chef Rainer’s Driftwood Kitchen sets you up for East & West Coast Oysters at a half or full pound.

Again, check my Restaurant Directory (website below) or call the restaurant direct to check for Superbowl hours or closures this Sunday. May we all enjoy a somewhat normal ritual…without all the usual rituals…this Superbowl Sunday. 

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 https://thebestoflagunabeach.com/ and follow on Instagram @BestofLagunaBeach (look for Diane’s smiling face).

Restaurants ready (again) for outdoor dining

By Diane Armitage

This week, when Governor Newsom lifted the regional stay at home order, it didn’t take long for restaurants to get the message. Cleared to fly for outside dining again, just about every Laguna Beach restaurant owner has been hustling to get their outdoor patios back in play.

Extended permitting from the City is allowing the restaurants to continue to design “patio seating” in creative locations. 

Chef Craig at Ristorante Rumari is re-perching tables, chairs, and bar stools on a back parking lot again (which I didn’t even know existed until last summer). 

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Courtesy of Ristorante Rumari

Ristorante Rumari is reopening its back lot patio (with a view!)

Broadway by Amar Santana’s Ahmed Labbate is setting up again in the neighborly bank parking lot. “We have a great deal of ordering and setup to do and rain has been predicted through Friday,” said Ahmed. “So, our first outdoor dining reservations are being taken for this Saturday, Jan 30.”

Hundreds of chairs and tables are also returning to our storefront sidewalks, from South Laguna’s NEA Pizza to North Laguna’s Asada. 

Still others have decided to wait

Popular newcomer AhbA opened in August 2019, just weeks before being plunged into the usual quiet winter. And then, it turned even quieter last March. While Owner Nick Bennett has struggled admirably through the changes, he noted that he’s “decided to wait awhile longer.”

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Courtesy of AHBA

Popular AHBA has elected to wait before reopening

“We’re going to wait until the mandates are lifted and frustrations subside,” he said. “Until our seats are ready to be sat in, and tables are ready for dishes, we’re waiting until we are able to serve our community the way it has served us.” 

Chef Greg Daniels of Harley is also taking a few moments to survey the landscape before reopening for outdoor dining, noting that predicted rain this weekend has him thinking through his options. 

Takeout and delivery remains in play

Despite the reprieve for outdoor dining, Laguna Beach restaurants continue to add more items to their takeout and delivery menus. 

“There are plenty of people who still don’t feel comfortable eating at restaurants, whether it’s because of COVID or because it’s winter or whatever,” said Maro Molteni of Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill. 

“So, of course we’re still continuing our takeout menu. We love feeding people at home. We’re just able to add more options there when we open for outdoor dining here.”

Family meal offerings expand 

Last weekend, I enjoyed a very small birthday gathering for my dear friend, Nelson Coates, at Ruben Flores’ new Laguna Nursery location. Royal Hawaiian provided the Friday evening “family meal” of wood-grilled salmon and vegetables with potatoes and house salad. As usual, it was a fantastic, hearty meal.

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Courtesy of Royal Hawaiian

Royal Hawaiian’s Friday Salmon Meal offers a significant plank

On Monday night this week, my neighbors, Tom and Joao, called me for help on finding a restaurant open on Monday night. They opted for Lumberyard, ordering two of my favorites from the menu – Crab Cake Salad and Rotisserie Chicken Dinners. They dropped an order of the Rotisserie Chicken dinner at my door; it was sheer heaven on a cold Monday evening. 

And a week prior, I ordered Nick’s Family Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Dinner for yet another small birthday party. 

With Chef Ryan (formerly 370 Common + Kitchen restaurant) taking his fabulous fried chicken to the Orange Circle in the City of Orange, it’s good to know that we still have a couple restaurants we can rely upon for the homestyle cookin’ of fried chicken. It’s the first time I’ve tried Nick’s fried chicken and it definitely is worth repeat orders. 

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Courtesy of Nick’s

Nicks’ Fried Chicken Dinner includes plenty for five

Nick’s delivers a giant sack with dinner for five for just $70. It includes a hearty bistro salad, grilled sweet corn on the cob, cornbread muffins, fluffy mashed potatoes with buttermilk creamy gravy (yum), and five boneless, perfectly-crispy fried chicken breasts. Finish the meal with Nick’s famed warm butter cake and you’ll be ready for contented binge watching on the couch. 

Restaurant Directory updated 

I’ve updated most of the individual restaurant listings for new hours and days of operation in my Best of Laguna Beach Restaurant Directory. I’m also adding in new information on family dinners as well as upcoming Valentine’s Day plans, whether for outdoor dining or takeout. Please click here for the most up-to-the-minute details; check directly with your restaurant of choice about rainy day seating options. 

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 https://thebestoflagunabeach.com/ and follow on Instagram @BestofLagunaBeach (look for Diane’s smiling face).

Laguna Beach restaurants and retailers receive $575,000 through LB Cares Grant Program

On Friday, Jan 8, 75 Laguna Beach restaurants and 82 Laguna Beach retailers received assistance checks totaling $575,000 from the City of Laguna Beach through the City’s LB CARES Grant Program. Click here for a list of all restaurants and retailers that have received funding through the program to date.

“Our City staff is to be congratulated for implementing this program in record time and getting checks to our local restaurants and businesses in less than three weeks’ time from the Council’s approval,” said Laguna Beach Mayor Bob Whalen. “To distribute nearly $600,000 to over 150 local businesses provides a much-needed boost to our local economy. We will continue to process applications and more businesses will benefit in round two.”

On December 22, 2020, the Laguna Beach City Council approved the $850,000 Grant Program, LB CARES, from City reserves to assist restaurants, bars, and retail businesses experiencing impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant program provided direct financial assistance to these businesses and organizations by offering a $5,000 grant per qualifying restaurant or bar and $2,000-$3,000 grant per qualifying retailer, on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Hobie Sports and 81 other Laguna Beach retailers, plus 75 Laguna Beach restaurants, have received LB Cares Grants from the City

“The whole pandemic has been really tough for local businesses, and the fact that Laguna Beach is doing what they are doing with this grant program to help the small businesses in town is amazing,” said LB Cares Grant recipient Brandon Ferguson, owner of The Den Barbershop and Shave Parlor. “It will help us with catching up on bills so I can get caught up and back on track to where we were before the whole thing kind of hit us. Every little bit helps and the fact we were awarded the grant I couldn’t be more thankful.”

LB CARES has been extended to Tuesday, Jan 19 for restaurants and bars only experiencing impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. LB CARES Grant applications for restaurants and bars will be accepted until January 19 at 5 p.m. Grants will be awarded up to the funding amount of $650,000 on a first-come, first-served basis. Go towww.lagunabeachcity.net/LBCares for program details, eligibility restrictions, and to apply. Restaurant and bar applications will be notified after the January 19 deadline closes. The City Council may consider reallocating any unawarded LB CARES funding during its upcoming January 26 meeting.

“What the City gave us was amazing, that they were able to put this together,” said LB CARES Grant recipient Chef Lindsay Smith of Nirvana Grille. “It gave us that little breather, as a lot of us in town are struggling right now.”

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Lindsay Smith, Chef and Owner of Nirvana Grille, is a grateful recipient of an LB Cares Grant from the City

“It’s really a special program and it is great that the City of Laguna Beach did this for local businesses,” said LB CARES Grant recipient Sun Park, General Manager of Heidelberg Cafe. “It is very helpful for a small business like us, and I am thankful for that.”

In conjunction with LB CARES, the City of Laguna Beach has also established the Laguna Beach Business Assistance Services Program. This new program is being established to help local businesses and nonprofits access available resources offered by state, federal, and county government, help determine the best resources to meet each business’ unique circumstance, and to help businesses with the process of preparing and submitting applications. 

For more information, visit the program’s website at www.lagunabeachcity.net/BusinessAssistance or contact Project Manager Jeremy Frimond at (949) 464-6673 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Holiday feasts for takeout from Laguna restaurants

By Diane Armitage

Can you believe Christmas Eve is just six days away? 

Fortunately, a number of Laguna Beach restaurants are ahead of the curve with a variety of takeout/delivery options for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This article lists seven participating restaurants, but more are on their way. 

As other Laguna chefs chime in this week, I’ll be updating this “Holiday Feast” list in my Laguna Beach Restaurant Directory at www.TheBestofLagunaBeach.com – just click on the directory and check the “Holiday Offers” box for your options. (Don’t just wait for the holidays. You can also search all restaurant updates on daily menus and hours as we all support our restaurants in this “to-go” mode.)

Keep in mind: Resort restaurants that typically cater to holiday feasting families are not open this Christmas season. The restaurants at our beloved Laguna resorts such as Surf & Sand’s Splashes, The Montage Loft, The Ranch at Laguna Beach’s Harvest Restaurant, and others in the area are only allowed to serve in-room dining options to their registered guests. 

This time, I’m ordering the entries in the order they were received: 

Nirvana Grille 

Christmas Mix & Match. Chef Lindsay Smith will be offering a cornucopia of options for your Christmas feast in her online to-go menu. Choose your own brunch items or lunch/dinner feast items from a variety of proteins, vegetables, sides, and desserts. Consider, as example, Filet Mignon cooked to your liking, Basil Aioli Roasted Salmon, or Herb Grilled Whole “Loup de Mer” Sea Bass. Throw in cocktails or wines by the bottle, too. Create your own menu for two people or more. 

Available for Ordering: Now through Wednesday, Dec 23 at 10 a.m.

To order: Order online at www.NirvanaGrille.com.

Price: Varies according to your order

Pick-up: Schedule your pick-up time for Christmas Eve, Dec 24.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

Chef Lindsay Smith, owner of Nirvana Grille

Brussels Bistro 

4-Course Prix Fixe Menus. Brussels offers three 4-course options this holiday season. The appetizer across all three options is a 16-piece “appetizer-verrine” – 4 smoked salmon, 4 crab claws, 4 shrimp, and 4 pork belly. All provide for 3-4 people. 

Option #1 - Christmas Turkey Slices (Turkey Breast) and Gravy is joined with Apples & Cranberry Sauce, Gratin Dauphinois, and Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans.

Option #2 - Roasted Salmon and Spinach in Puff Pastry, Fresh Spinach, Mashed Potatoes. 

Option #3 - Beef Wellington (Filet of beef wrapped in phyllo pastry) with Beef Reduction Sauce, Fingerling Potatoes, and Green Beans. 

The dessert across all options finishes beautifully with four fresh-baked apple tarts. 

Brussels Bistro Available for Ordering: Now through Tuesday, Dec 22.

To order: Order online at www.BrusselsBistro.com. (Christmas Dinners cannot be shipped.)

Price: 

Christmas Turkey option #1 is $80 + tax and gratuity

Roasted Salmon in Puff Pastry option #2 is $120 + tax and gratuity

Filet of Beef Wellington option #3 is $160 + tax and gratuity 

Pick-up: December 24 between 10 a.m. and noon.

Broadway by Amar Santana 

6-Course Prix Fixe Menu. Chef Amar has created a feast that allows you to choose from two proteins at two price points. Each meal serves four. 

Broadway Available for Ordering: Now through Monday, Dec 21.

To order: Order online at www.BroadwaybyAmarSantana.com.

Price: 

Australian Wagyu option #1 is $395 + tax and gratuity 

Frenched Pork Roast option #2 is $325 + tax and gratuity 

Pick-up: Schedule your pick-up time for Wed, Dec 23.

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Courtesy of Broadway by Amar Santana

As an option this holiday season, consider the heady eggnog concoction from Broadway by Amar Santana

P.S. Add Broadway’s signature eggnog, a 16-ounce bottle for $18 serves two. It’s made up of quite a heady blend of Cognac, Spiced Rum, Pineapple, and Toasted Pecan. 

Oak Laguna 

4-Course Prix Fixe Menu. Chef Chris Mahler is offering The Oak Holiday Feast for 4 people. 

The “Main Event” offers 2 Roasted Cornish Game Hens with fig glaze and wild rice and chestnut stuffing. His best-selling Beet Salad serves up arugula, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and pomegranate. And sides consist of Cauliflower Au Gratin and Green Bean Casserole. Finish with Maple Pecan Pie (yum). 

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Courtesy of Oak Laguna

Oak Laguna is serving up Roasted Cornish Game Hens to-go

Oak Laguna Available for Ordering: Beginning Tuesday, Dec 22.

To order: Call Chef Chris direct at (949) 433-6233.

Price: $170 (feeds four) + tax and gratuity 

Pick-up or delivery: Occurs on Christmas Eve, Dec 24.

GG’s Bistro 

Christmas A La Carte 

Co-Owner Francesca is still devising a number of festive dishes for your holiday feast. While some items have already been posted, she plans on having the entirety posted this week. 

One specialty you might strongly consider: Sea Bass with Mashed Potatoes on a Spinach Bed. Otherwise, choose from a variety of proteins, sides, vegetables, desserts, and cocktails, too.

GG’s Bistro Cafe Available for Ordering: This week through early Christmas Eve. 

To order: Order online at www.GGsCafeBistro.com.

Price: Varies according to your order

Pick-up: Schedule your curbside pick-up time for the 23rd, 24th or 25th between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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Courtesy of GG’s Bistro

The Christmas Sea Bass option from GG’s Bistro

Driftwood Kitchen 

4-Course Prix Fixe Menu. Chef Rainer Schwarz’ Christmas-To-Go feeds 6-8 people. 

He’s also offering two protein options as follows: 

Option #1: Double R Ranch Rotisserie Prime Rib Roast with specific vegetable side of Grilled Jumbo Asparagus and Heirloom Carrots and au jus for the roast. 

Option #2: Diestel Whole Roasted Christmas Turkey has its specific sides of Green Beans and Heirloom Carrots and the always-necessary cranberry sauce and sherry-sage gravy. 

Either option also comes with Parker House Rolls, Driftwood Winter Salad, and Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail (with atomic horseradish sauce). Finish either meal with a Traditional Christmas Yule Log “Buche de Noel.”

Driftwood Kitchen Available for Ordering: Now through Tuesday, Dec 22. 

To order: Order online at www.DriftwoodKitchen.com. 

Price: 

Rotisserie Prime Rib Roast option #1 is $340 + tax and gratuity 

Whole Roasted Christmas Turkey option #2 is $285 + tax and gratuity 

Pick-up: Schedule your curbside pick-up time for Christmas Eve, Dec 24, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Sapphire.Cellar.Craft.Cook 

5-Course December Holiday Meal Box. The Sapphire team is offering this special through the entire month of December. The Holiday Box feeds four to six people. It includes two Grilled Bone-In Ribeye Steaks, four Grilled Salmon Filets, salad, mashed potatoes, farmer’s market vegetables, and homemade Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. 

The Holiday Box also includes a $20 gift card for future use. Three special promotional wines are also available. Sorry, no substitutions. 

Sapphire Available for Ordering: Pre-order 24 hours in advance of desired pickup anytime in December. 

To order: Order online at www.SapphireLagunaBeach.com. 

Price: $189 + tax and gratuity

Pick-up: 24 hours later during normal operating hours. 

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 the largest, up-to-the-minute Laguna Beach Restaurant Directory  at https://thebestoflagunabeach.com/ and follow on Instagram @BestofLagunaBeach (look for Diane’s smiling face).