With two intimate dinners remaining, followed by a French bacchanalia brunch on the lawn for Bastille Day, Montage Laguna Beach kicked off its limited and luxe Friends of the Chef dinner series on Friday, March, 5.
Chef Chad Colby of Antico Nuovo in Los Angeles (and former executive chef of Nancy Silverton’s Chi SPACCA) hosted the inaugural event with a six-course, spring-forward Italian tasting menu. Colby served cake-shaped focaccia with whipped ricotta, a postmodern take on caprese salad (burrata topped with crispy basil, nestled in a bowl of early-season cherry tomatoes), piccolo lettere (spinach pasta envelopes stuffed with English peas and mint), a dry-aged striped bass studded with capers olives and laced cannoli laced with pistachios and chocolate chips.
SEE ALSO: Chef Roberto Alcocer of Valle talks Oceanside, Michelin stars, and what makes Mexican food so great
Matt Turner, director of private clients at Wally’s Wine in Los Angeles, was on hand to pair wines with each dish. For those who eschew alcohol, the Montage also boasts an impressive booze-free cocktail list, including such mocktail creations as the Treasure Island (yuzu, mint and pomegranate juice served in a martini vessel) or the Greeter (featuring Seedlip Grove 42, hibiscus, pineapple, lime and rose water).
Up next are chefs David Feau (Friday, May 17) of Wally’s Beverly Hills, who will offer a New American menu, and Roberto Alcocer (Friday, June 21) of the Michelin-star sparkler Valle bringing his Baja fare from Oceanside up to the coastal resort. Both dinners will be held from 6 until 9 p.m. inside the Loft’s private dining room that comes with standout views of the Pacific at sunset.
Concluding the all-too-brief series will be Taste of France, which is exactly what it sounds like: A gaggle of master chefs from France will prepare a feast for a brunch on the Pacific Lawn. Reservations strongly recommended.
Find it: 30801 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach
