I was repeatedly told 230 Forest Avenue was "the place" to go for fabulous eating. I admit to being skeptical as I perused the menu at the polished black granite bar. Ahi tuna tartare? Yawn. Pesto grilled chicken? Been there, done that. Then I ordered the ahi and took a bite. Wow. The fresh tuna, layered with crab and wasabi caviar, sat on a papaya relish flecked with jalapeno. Wonton chips were the perfect accompaniment for added crunch.
Bar manager Dan Vincent explained that 230 Forest Avenue has been in business for 13 years. "The chef, Marc Cohen, has been here since day one. I've been here since day two," said Vincent.
Vincent designs the martini list. Indeed, you can see his videos on YouTube, where he demonstrates how to make a variety of martinis in "60 seconds or less."
A dining alternative where you can both eat and learn something new is Laguna Culinary Arts. A cooking school, gourmet cheese shop, and wine cellar, LCA offers weekly wine and cheese flights and small plates in its cafe. Some of the cooking classes are one-night events where you can prepare a dish, such as walnut-crusted halibut or braised snapper puttanesca, and then eat it, with an appropriate wine, of course.
If you prefer al fresco dining or eating on-the-go, the Sapphire Pantry offers sophisticated picnic fare.
And what would a vacation in the OC be without a little pampering? I signed up for a spa treatment called Surrender at Spa Montage where the range of services includes facials, massages, and water therapies. Stress? What stress?
Too soon, it was time to leave. My departure was a mirror image of my arrival: a perfect California dreamin' day.
Necee Regis can be reached at neceeregis@gmail.com.
