The generosity of Laguna’s eateries

DINING OUT

That the multi-faceted restaurants of Laguna Beach are among the most

magnanimously charitable groups in the universe is no secret, it is

time now to lavish credit upon the dozen local establishments who

contributed to the recent “Taste For Charity.” These dining venues

are among those who most often come to the fore when called upon for

the many and varied causes our community loves to support.

The festive celebration, held at beautiful Tivoli Too on the

verdant grounds of Art-A-Fair, was deftly coordinated by the Laguna

Beach Board of Realtors and Affiliates and sponsored by as many local

businesses. This was the eighth annual event, this year supporting

the Friendship Shelter, Cross Cultural Council, Laguna Beach High

School Scholarships, Child Protective Services and Outreach Youth

Shelter and First Thursday’s Art Walk.

For those who missed the memorable evening, and those who arrived

too late to enjoy every tempting morsel offered, following is a

rundown of all that transpired as enchanted guests bid on silent and

live auctions, creative contributions by some 50 talented artists

plus vacations and luxurious gifts donated by local businesses. The

central libation station of wines from Bianchi Vineyards was, as

usual, a never-ending attraction among the dozen enticing culinary

stalls.

Commencing at booth No. 1 came macadamia-coconut crusted salmon

presented with succulent honey-mustard shrimp salad, an edible Vanda

orchid perched atop each colorful little plate bountifully arranged

by the beautiful oceanfront Beach House. Ristorante Rumari held forth

with tri-color tortellini tossed with julienned vegetables in a heady

anointing of olive oil, parmigiana and garlic.

From Eric Chen’s handsome China Bistro, Oriental-clad lovelies

dished up crisp egg rolls, cream cheese plumped wontons, orange

chicken and chicken fried rice. Cedar Creek Inn, famed for its

deliciously decadent desserts, did not disappoint with crunchy

blackberry-nectarine crisp and comforting warm brownie pudding, both

crowned with whipped cream lavished by co-owner Lisa Ayers.

Partners Alex Costa and chef Tony Lia were ever at the ready with

tantalizing pasta salads and Tony’s fresh, creamy cannoli pastries.

Especially memorable was his delectable pesto-laced toss of crisp

string beans, chopped tomatoes and toasted pine nuts embellishing

tender pasta wagon wheels. Laguna Feast showcased its lavish party

trays, attractive arrangements of quesadillas, tostadas, taquitos

with assorted vegetables, salsas and guacamole.

From Serra’s Nightclub, Laguna Canyon’s mecca for dining and

dancing, a tasty Turkish assortment of dolma, hummus, borek cheese

swirls, eggplant and cacek were awaited along with a few liquid

Turkish temptations poured by the sensual Serra herself. At the far

end of the starting point, Sundried Tomato Cafe and Catering

co-owners chef Mark Jacobi and Rob Quest surprised us with take-out

cartons of tender poached salmon and mixed lettuces.

Going round the bend, past rows of brilliant paintings and

ceramics, came the Surf and Sand’s splendiferous Splashes where G.M.

Blaise Bartels and chef Christopher Blobaums proudly labeled displays

of grilled goat cheese filled grape leaves, profiteroles of smoked

salmon and mascarpone, fava bean crostinis and tiny lemon meringue

tarts.

Hefty barbecued beef sandwiches rated raves galore for Mark

Carter’s Classic Catering, while handsome Jimmy Shultz served up

Banoffee pies, the England inspired banana-caramel-chocolate cream

dessert that tops the list of sweets at Laguna’s landmark White

House. Finally, from Las Brisas, chef Aurelio presided over fiery

preparations of perfectly rare ahi tuna topping warm tortillas bedded

with greens and drizzled with savory tamarind vinaigrette.

That the affair has reportedly raised some $38,000 thus far,

topping last year’s event by $10,000, is grand testimonial to the

continuing generosity of our community.