New Laguna Eatery + Don't Miss Radio + That MIA Yummy Recipe
It’s already Dec. 2nd. Wow. November went by in a crazy flash, right? I know this is rather sudden, sending an email after the last giant one last night with all those photo galleries of Laguna Beach food. But bear with me – there’s just too much to talk about, my friend!
Today on KXFM Radio 104.7 - “The 60 Toughest Days of the Year for Restaurants” - 2 pm PDT
Tune in and turn on to my live show today, Monday at 2:00 p.m PDT/5:00 pm EDT for the return of my popular guest, Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo. This time we’re talking about HOLIDAY DINING. Here, we’ll be discussing the behind-the-scenes truth about holiday dining chaos in restaurants that most consumers are never aware of … and how restaurants can survive and thrive.
How to listen in: If you’re in Laguna, just dial your radio to 104.7. If you’re anywhere else in the world, just hit up KXFMRadio.org for live streaming or download the KXFMRadio app at Google Play or The App Store.
The next two weeks at KXFM Radio feature my live interviews with two of the very highest level chefs we have in this town. Next week (Dec. 9th) is Oliver’s Osteria’s Award-Winning Chef Erik DeMarchi, and Dec. 16th features Chef Nick Gstrein from The Drake Laguna Beach, so keep that radio access close!
About That MIA Celebrity Chef Recipe Last Week …
Last Monday, I sent out the replay of my KXFM Radio 104.7 interview with Celebrity Chef Mary Schoenlein from The Hamptons. The interview met with rave reviews – thank you all you listeners. I was appalled, however, to discover that the Sour Cream Coffee Cake recipe she gifted all of us with was being Grinchy instead of Gifty. So, here’s the recipe again - this time downloadable, guaranteed. I personally baked this up, doubling the batch to give out four beautiful loaves to neighbors. Trust me - this is a home run right outta the North Pole and most decidedly guarantees that you remain on the “Good” Santa list.
Upcoming Opening
Celebrity Chef Chris Tzorin is back in Laguna!
Look up the word “resilient” and you’ll find Chef Chris Tzorin’s name in the definition. Chris is just in the process of opening his new concept with Co-Owner (and well-loved local) Cyrus Polk … in Gonzo’s old Taco Loco location. The new restaurant opening there this week: Taste Collective.
Look for a fun menu with counter service for your roosting at the outdoor patio tables or taking a “to-go” bag for the beach. Chef Chris’ creations at Taste Collective 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.
Chef Chris first got my attention when he was at Savannah Chop House in Dana Point back in 2015, nearly TWENTY years ago. When that giant edifice closed in June 2016, Chef Chris landed at Tortilla Republic. (Yes. That one restaurant space that WAS the hallowed Javier’s and then Asada and then Tortilla Republic and then Fishbone and now, soon, Pinafini.)
During the timeframe at Tortilla, Chef Chris was hired as a kitchen + menu consultant for Oak Laguna Beach’s opening in 2017. When Tortilla Republic closed in 2019, Chris became the Executive full-time Chef at Oak, before embarking on his own ventures in 2020.
Now, Chef Chris is back in Laguna Beach with a food truck world and celebrity status from shows like “Next Level Chef” on FOX. The kid (I still think of him as a kid, sorry) is a talent. It will be great to have Chef Chris adding his culinary talents to the ’hood as his new location is directly across PCH from the also-award-winning Chef Rainer Schwarz’ world at The Deck and Driftwood Kitchen.
“Soft opening” continues for the next couple days, so expect Taste Collective to be open to the public later this week. Stay tuned for details.
Di’s November Dining in a photo gallery - 17 restaurants
Did you miss my 40 photos of 17 Laguna Beach restaurants I dined in during the month of November? Consider it your new Foodie Vision Board, my friend.
More Holiday Event Updates Coming This Wednesday
Last week, I sent out what I thought was a fairly comprehensive review of holiday events in Laguna Beach (and even neighboring Dana Point). Turns out I was missing a few drummers drumming and pipers piping, so I’ll have that holiday update to you on Wednesday morning.
This includes all-important “musts as a local would go to and do” at our upcoming Friday, Dec. 6th “Hospitality Night” in downtown Laguna.
If you missed my first compilation, go here:
P.S. If you’re looking at that holiday schedule, you’ll realize you missed the Ruben Flores Annual Holiday Decor Workshop. It was super fun with about 25 or so participants doing a much better wreath decorating job than me. Fortunately, Ruben is my friend. I talked him into using mine as the “example piece.” (As Buffy the Vampire Slayer famously stated, “I may be blond but I’m not stupid.”) The wreath I now have hanging on my door should be a museum piece at some place like The MET.
I’m sure Ruben would be happy to help you with your own holiday decor ideas - he’s at Laguna Nursery, 481 N. Coast Highway. (949) 494-5200
sounds like a fun town!!!