40 Years of heritage and history celebrates with a new Executive Culinary team
Whether visiting or residing anywhere near one of the world’s most pristine and premier beaches of Laguna Beach, a stop in to Las Brisas restaurant is a must! Sitting atop the cliffs just north of Laguna’s main beach, Las Brisas is a part of Laguna history. Originally opening in 1938 as the Victor Hugo Inn, the spectacular ocean view location was transformed into Las Brisas restaurant in 1979. In its most recent transformation, Las Brisas is now helmed by Michelin-star Executive Chef Michael Gaines of Glena’s in San Francisco and General Manager, Howard Gardner among who’s credits include Water Grill.
“I’ve always loved Orange County,” shares Gaines. “It’s nice to be back and to revitalize Las Brisas which has such a well-known and special part of local history.”
The menu is set to emphasize the beauty of its coastal location with a focus on seafood while enmeshing fresh, Mexican-inspired flavors. Try the Yellowtail Sashimi with Crispy Shallot, lime and olive oil and don’t miss the Ceviche Aquachile with shrimp, crab, tomatillo, marinated carrot, cilantro, lime and cucumber – light, refreshing and definitely “bikini cuisine”.
Housemade tortillas and tortillas chips are a delightful accompaniment to dishes such as the Cured Salmon with Creme Fraiche, capers and onion and one of their signature dishes, the Contramar for Two – a Thai Snapper brushed with parslied herb oil paste and grilled to flaky perfection.
“Our number one priority is ensuring that our longstanding community and visitors have an exquisite experience from the moment they step onto the Las Brisas property. The views are stunning; our goal was to create a culinary program that is just as memorable,” shares Gaines.
Yet the menu does not stop there, it expands to marinated meats such as the Pork Spare Rib with AquaChile glaze, Al Pastor Tacos with charred onion, pineapple, cilantro, and salsa verde, and Roasted Chicken with mole, rice, onion, and white sesame seeds, among many other dishes. To highlight a small note of interest in the freshly prepared cuisine of Chef Michael Gaines, the restaurant goes through over 200 pounds of masa daily and they order about 12 to 15 cases of avocado practically every day.
From the bar, Las Brisas offers an extensive tequila selection, comprehensive wine list and signature cocktails such as the Spicy Margarita with Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila, fresh lime, and agave-chili tincture, the Salty Dog with Tito’s Vodka, grapefruit juice, with a salted rim and a classic Mai Tai with Plantation Pineapple Rum, Curaçao, lime, orgeat, and bitters.
Serving breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner, Las Brisas also offers live entertainment on select afternoons and is the perfect spot for hosting local events.
While serving up the refreshed, delicious menu, the restaurant will gradually be redesigning the interior from adding new cozy booths in the bar, expanding the patio seating and updating the main dining area with fabrics and light fixtures more reflective of seaside timeless charm. The design team is led by locally-based Margee Drews Design.
Las Brisas serves up specialty items for nearly every holiday and special day. For Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 12, 2019, enjoy pre-fixe bottomless mimosas brunch Sunday, May 12 starting at 8am until 3pm.
Included on the Mother’s Day menu is a four-course brunch (and bottomless mimosas):
*Seasonal fruit
*Appetizer selections: Housemade granola, Pozole Verde, Smoked Salmon Tostado
*Entrees: French Toast, Baked Eggs, Omelet al pastor, Asparagus Omelet, Crab Scramble, Cheeseburger, Lobster Benedict +10
*Desserts: Trio of Sorbets, Flan with strawberries or Flourless Chocolate Cake
LAS BRISAS RESTAURANT
361 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
**Reservations can be made via OpenTable and walk-ins are welcome.
***Follow Las Brisas on Instagram and Facebook
