Dec. Updates on all incoming Laguna restaurants
On this week’s “Best of Laguna” radio show, Dec. 9th, I gave updates on all the “Breaking News” new restaurants I’ve been announcing since September. You can listen to the podcast replay here for many more details than what’s written below, BUT thought I’d provide this “Cliff Note’s version” to you as well!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook @bestoflagunabeach for my breaking news on restaurants - and subscribe here for free (if you’re not already a subscriber) for details on all that’s breaking news!
My September new restaurant announcements … with a new update on RAW Bar
Way back in early September, I updated all of you on OTO Sushi again, bless Ash Cintas’ heart . . . she and her team were working night and day in the old Harley location to be open by end of October.
I also announced in September that Truly Pizza was coming on board for the “3” location, which used to be John Madison’s Madison’s Gardens location.
I also announced on that same day that Charleston’s “Raw Bar” by the group Empire Oyster had chosen South Laguna’s previous Thai by the Sea location for their popular concept. The proprietor, Kevin Joseph, has three mini-restaurants in one here . . . he’ll be doing Urchin Coastal Coffee, Juices and Smoothies every day of the week from 7 am to 5 pm. We finally have a coffee house back in SoLag!
His “Little Fish” concept is the primary, which offers what he calls “Marine Cuisine” every day of the week beginning at 11 am. The concept will offer lunch and dinner through 9 pm, Sunday through Wednesday . . . Now, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Little Fish closes at 5:00 p.m. to make way for his Omakase Raw Bar, which runs 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on just those three nights.
Kevin’s Omakase Oyster Bar is the flagship, so to speak, and it’s won multiple awards regionally on the other side of the continent. I have more details in my article at my Best of Laguna beach blog.
My October new restaurant announcement: Piatti Italian
Then at the end of October, I announced on my radio show the coming of Piatti Italian moving into the empty 222 Ocean Blvd space - this restaurant space was initially Taverna, which became Ocean at Main, which became Cabana and then became Suenos in its last rendition.
If you missed my radio show all the way back then … Piatti is a well established concept by the Palisades Hospitality entity, which has been developing hotels, restaurants and spa concepts for a long, long time. They have multiple restaurant concepts under their umbrella, with at least 8 Piatti restaurants in multiple states … so, their foundation is strong. They’re going to be a great new anchor to Ocean Blvd.
The CEO Tim Harmon there, tells me that Piatti is their unique, fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria - an immersive market experience. They build each Piatti as a unique experience, suited to its surrounding community. Menus are also personalized to the local community
My November new restaurant announcements, including OTO Sushi opening
Then on Nov, 11th, I wrote about OTO Sushi’s great opening. Ash Cintas is the new owner there and she and her team have been quite, quite busy with a large menu offering of sushi, niguri, plenty of rolls and a welcome addition of robotayaki - great skewers of Japanese style-grilled yumminess. For that full review:
Then, in the last week of November, I announced that Chef Chris Tzorin landed back in Laguna Beach at Gonzo’s old Taco Loco location. He’s partnered with another well-loved local, Cyrus Polk, and will be opening Taste Collective, which include gourmet tacos, “Black’s Wings,” BBQ Pork and Short Rib Sandwiches, and more. This dude’s carnitas, alone, are outstanding, and his short rib is killer … so there’s some real potential here. See my larger story on Chris here:
Meanwhile, Vasken, the owner of Pinafini, says he plans to be opening before Christmas, which has got to be a relief to that man. He had hoped to be open in the fall of 2023, but it’s been a lot of equipment replacement and updates and waiting on OC Health approvals.
Mysteries to be solved soon
Now, here are two other mysteries I’m working on that I’m still collecting details on . . . .
Yes, Penguin Cafe is being taken over by the next door owner, Vu, who owns Sergio’s Empanadas. There’s a lot of clean up and updating that has to happen here first, but Vu intends to keep the same - or similar - menu in play. Permits haven’t yet been pulled for this, so don’t expect anything to be happening in the next few weeks. . . .
And yes, clean up has definitely begun at the old San Shi Go location, which used to be Okura. There’s rumor that a Mexican restaurant is moving to that location, but it’s unconfirmed - the City doesn’t have that info yet.
Again, be sure to follow me on Instagram or Facebook @bestoflagunabeach for my breaking news on restaurants - and subscribe here for free (if you’re not already a subscriber) for details on all that breaking news!