Splashes is simply splendiferous

DINING OUT

The incomparable panorama of the blue Pacific is always a promise at

Splashes, Surf and Sand Resort’s celestial dining destination,

because varied seating options all take ultimate advantage of this

provocatively perched restaurant atop the sprawling sands of our

wonderful Laguna Beach.

With its ever-changing vista of the ocean’s magical mood, the sea

proffers a mesmerizing magnanimous range. Depending on weather

conditions, the scenic spectacle outside runs a fascinating gamut

encompassing vistas from soothingly glistening ripples to

outrageously churning waves, sometimes reaching up to 5 feet high and

beyond.

The inviting setting at this towering resort is as remarkable for

its innovative menu as it is for its intoxicating ambience. The

recent introduction of international dinners showcasing the cuisine

of world-wide cultures is a case in point, these nightly offerings

augmenting the daily changing Mediterranean bill of fare. Currently

featuring the delectable cuisine of Spain, Splashes offers a

four-course feast which consists of a tapas platter, a main course, a

cheese plate and dessert, all for $54. Additionally, one may order

any of these individually.

The introduction is $15 consisting of an oyster with caviar,

chorizo, serrano ham, marinated olives, gazpacho Andalusia soup

shots, tortilla murciana and tostada de pan. The main course of

paella Valenciana resplendent with shellfish and chorizo is $29; a

Spanish cheese selection with quince paste, $12. The dessert choice

of orange flan or Spanish almond brittle ice cream are each $8.

Splashes’ four-course signature menu at $64 is similarly tagged

for varying dishes. A recent selection started with superlative

spinach salad for $10, baby leaves generously tossed with crunchy

candied pecans, marinated red onions, thinly sliced heirloom apples

all lavished with feta cheese and creamy pancetta balsamic

vinaigrette. This dish coupled with a basket of the assorted breads

and savory olive butter which accompany all repasts here would

actually make for a very satisfying light supper.

A second course of lobster ravioli with prawns, braised artichokes

seasoned with garlic, olive oil and herbs at $16 prefaced a choice of

two main courses. At $33 came a seafood trio -- New Zealand grouper,

Dover scallops and Santa Barbara swordfish sided with truffle risotto

and asparagus tips. Secondly, a grilled pork loin chop was

accompanied by braised fennel, white runner beans, nectarine and

raisin conserve. The grand finale was a creme brulee trio for $8.

Equally diverse and varied menu selections are featured at

breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch, each based on Chef Christopher

Blobaum’s insistence on prime quality organic fruits and vegetables,

all supremely enhanced with the same enticing ambience.

Splashes’ main dining room is two levels below the resort’s

entrance flanked by intimate, palm shaded patios for coastal views

facing north and south. A few steps down, adjacent to the lower

dining room 25 feet above the sea, reposes the busy cocktail lounge

where one may enjoy treats from the snacking menu as well as lunch or

dinner surprises. Gazing outside from this vantage point is truly

mesmerizing, especially in stormy weather when the ocean almost

splashes against the windows as waves crash in gigantically

magnificent regal splendor.

* GLORI FICKLING is a longtime Laguna Beach resident who has

written restaurant news and views columns since 1966. She may be reached at 494-4710 or by e-mail at [email protected].