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From 25-year Laguna Beach Resident Diane Armitage enjoy fun, engaging interviews of our international chefs and the town's most creative people + my recommendations for THE best places to dine,...
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From 25-year Laguna Beach Resident Diane Armitage enjoy fun, engaging interviews of our international chefs and the town's most creative people + my recommendations for THE best places to dine, drink and play in our famous SoCal seaside town.
Also enjoy the monthly series, "Revenue Recipes: Cooking Up Profits for Restaurants" with me and my special guest, award-winning Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo.
The Best of Laguna Beach™ podcasts are uploaded on Wednesdays every week by 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST
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Also enjoy the monthly series, "Revenue Recipes: Cooking Up Profits for Restaurants" with me and my special guest, award-winning Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo.
The Best of Laguna Beach™ podcasts are uploaded on Wednesdays every week by 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST
20 NOV 2024 · In this podcast, I introduce my TOP TWO favorite holiday events and one of my favorite artists (and humans) at the Winter Fantasy Sawdust Festival – my in-studio guest, Baruch Kaufman.
The Winter Fantasy - my #1 favorite event in Laguna Beach all year long – begins this Friday, Nov. 22nd, and we’re here to talk all about its extreme uniqueness.
Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust is every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22nd through Dec. 22nd 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Pay and park on the street or at nearby city lots. Tickets are available online and at the ticket offices onsite: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over $65, $5 for kids ages 6-12, and free for kids under the age of 5. Locals are free on Fridays!
Show Notes:
We talk Baruch’s family custom jewelry business at the top of Legion Avenue since 1996, and Baruch’s first entry into the Winter Fantasy in 2011.
Baruch explains the extended weekend Winter Fantasy season, from Nov. 22nd through Dec. 22nd, 10 am - 7 pm every Friday,Saturday and Sunday. Baruch offers multiple great pointers as to why this is such a “holiday Christmas magic vibe” including 180 unique artists, “biodegradable snow from the sky,” roving carolers and three live music stages every weekend day.
I chime in with the differences between the Summer Sawdust Festival vs. the Winter Fantasy show and the focus on gifts. (Baruch actually created several individualized gifts for my own clients while I was standing there at the Winter Sawdust.)
Baruch explains his upbringing in Seattle - one of 7 kids who participated in the family’s longtime jewelry business, and their eventual move to Laguna Beach. We talk about the gift Baruch brought me before our radio show, a “Laguna Wave” patented ring his Dad engineered. (It’s only sold at the Gem Mountains Studio at the Legion location). We then talk about Baruch’s own designs based on calligraphy and treble clefs with wire designs that showcase the hand-chosen gems.
I mention the ability to talk with the artists at more length during the Winter Fantasy, and how I can ask Baruch anything about any gem … he knows the backstory on every one he displays. This leads to a most interesting explanation of how Baruch personally shops for and hand chooses the gems he selects.
Baruch explains the increased variety of artists at the winter show. Turns out the Summer Festival is consistently always Laguna Beach Artists, but Winter Fantasy allows for about 50 Orange County artists. More variety! I then provide a litany of gift ideas that I always purchase for my own friends and clients.
I mention the winter menu shifts that happen, too, in the restaurants on the Sawdust grounds. And on that note – I’m ordering a few dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, so I’ll remind you again, too! While uber-popular Chef Evan of Evan’s Gourmet is back in play for the Winter Sawdust Festival, she’s also offering Thanksgiving dinner to go - the full dinner or a la carte pick-and-choose for pickup at her restaurant (Evan’s Gourmet, 860 Glenneyre Street) the day before Thanksgiving. Order online at EvansGourmet.com)
Baruch and I talk about the fabled “Lottery Pick Day” when Sawdust artists actually choose their booth locations. Baruch explains that, in the last lottery, he had 12 years of tickets “in the hopper” and waited until his first ticket came up at “Position #165” out of 180 artists. Baruch offers his perspective of the Sawdust grounds’ transformation from an empty, dirt Eucalyptus grove to a rabble of constructed (and approved fire department) customized, quirky, artsy booths.
To add to the engaging “holiday village feel,” several Laguna Beach non-profit groups decorate their own holiday themed trees for the Winter Fantasy.
The community tree lighting ceremony is this Saturday at 5:00 p.m. for the “auld lang syne” moment. Very uniquely Laguna Beach in our artists’ community.
Then, I mention my 2nd most favorite holiday event in Laguna Beach - Ruben Flores’ Annual Holiday Decor and Wreath Making Workshop. This Friday, Nov. 22nd, 3:00 p.m.
This workshop is an absolute hoot with Ruben Flores at the helm in the back lot workshop of Laguna Nursery. It’s this Friday, Nov. 22nd. It starts at 3:00 p.m. at 481 N. Coast Highway at Myrtle and North Coast Highway. Call (949) 494-5200 to let Ruben know you’re coming on Friday. It’s just $30 a person. (Bring your pruners, he says.)
Then … back to my in-studio guest, Baruch We dive back into Baruch’s personal life as a world traveler. He talks about “the magic and cultures of the world” as he shares this year’s early autumn travels into Japan (Tokyo, Kyoto, etc. along with Michelin restaurant dining and the most amazing art installation he’s ever seen, “teamLab Borderless.” After a brief return to Laguna Beach, he then popped over to Dubai, then over to India’s Uttar Pradesh (where he’s working with potential hoteliers). He tells the tale of participating in an Aarti fire ceremony, hanging out beachside at Goa, visiting sites in Delhi, a wedding in the Himalayans and fireworks in Chandigarh. He talks about the extreme economic highs and lows in India and how, after three weeks there, he’s really enjoyed American burgers since his return.
And speaking of food … Baruch reveals his favorite restaurants in Laguna Beach based on his mood … and he has A LOT of favorite restaurants. (Is your favorite on his list?)
We wrap with a reminder to visit the Winter Fantasy Festival. Stop by Baruch’s booth - #206 – closest to the concessions and saloon on the far east (inland) and front side of the grounds.
(And don’t miss our lovely Suzi White returning with her one-of-a-kind knitted Santa hats and phenomenal soft knitted berets and scarves - such amazing gifts. I'm making a beeline for her booth this weekend as those Santa hats sell like hotcakes.
Subscribe for free to read more about our restaurants, chefs, artists and unique vortex town stuff of Laguna Beach at my Substack blog, BestofLagunaBeach.com
14 NOV 2024 · If you saw my 5-minute video in yesterday’s "Best of Laguna Beach" post about my crazy radio show this past Monday, you know it was NOT the standard fare I usually offer. I pulled Ruben Flores in to help me contact friends and raise money for our nonprofit radio station’s KXFM’s annual “Community Takeover” fundraiser. But we had such an inundation of calls, it looked and felt a lot like Lucy and Ethel in that famous "I Love Lucy" episode of their frantic efforts in the chocolate factory.
Despite the chaos, it was a funny, heartwarming hour with many lovely voices popping in to support.
And here are the Show notes/summary of Monday’s show:
The show starts hot and heavy with three phone lines ringing in, the first of which is a major contributor and longtime board member to the South Laguna Community Garden, Sally Coffee.
Ruben, Nelson and I were invited to Sunday night’s “OTO Sushi Friends & Family” trial run. I’m able to briefly mention this as calls keep popping in and Ruben spills the beans on what he promised the new OTO Sushi management. We chat briefly about OTO Sushi’s new look and feel, and I mention Bruce Russo’s take on acoustic tiles.
Ruben explains his attendance at the Academy-only audience invited to see the new “Wicked” movie. We talk Ruben and Nelson’s opinion about the “extravaganza.”
We talk OTO Sushi’s “Friends and Family” event with all the food we ordered and the cool cocktails we tried. Ruben continues with his opinion on the service as I scramble to answer phones.
Ali North, Surf and Sand’s Lead Concierge calls in, so we chat a bit about the great progress at the Surf and Sand Resort.
Ruben talks about the fun Garden Walk he hosts every other Saturday from his Laguna Nursery and what he considers the greatest element of these unique walks. As I madly answer calls in the background with pinch hitter station chief Jonathan, Ruben talks about the poor, giant Italian Stone Pine tree at Anita Carmen Park that’s currently dying that CAN be saved. Stone Pines typically live for 300 years and are extremely resilient, but this one is in big trouble. Ruben has ideas for its salvage … but it has to happen FAST.
Chef Antonio Rua joins us to chat about Tango, their happy hour and his favorite menu item.
We chat about Chef Evan at Evan’s Gourmet who’s prepping for the Sawdust Winter Fantasy, multiple catering and group dining events AND her restaurant busy-ness.
We get Chef Nick from The Drake BACK! He talks about “the transitional season” and how that works so beautifully for locals. I mention my favorite cocktail that Nick busts into song about, and we talk about his work with his very experienced “Euro, old school” Dad and the great combo they’ve created as a result.
Ruben and I talk about our love for KXFM Radio and why it’s such a special element for our special town.
Then, Chef Evan Lewis from Evan’s Gourmet (Thalia and Glenn Eyre) pops back in and we talk about the Sawdust Winter Festival beginning on Nov. 22nd (she has a restaurant there) and the Community Garden decorating one of the holiday trees there. We talk further about her group dining options, especially for families and businesses up to about 30. She’s also offering an a la carte Thanksgiving feast. Get your entire feast or purchase any a la carte items you please, including pumpkin pie pre-orders.
We return to the beleaguered Italian Stone Pine tree issue - seriously, this tree has an 80-foot canopy; it is majestic – at Anita Carmen Park, and the ONLY white Jacaradana tree we have in all of Laguna Beach in the same park.
Ruben explains how his Garden Walk begins with mimosas … a report on what’s happening in Laguna Beach … what’s happening in Hollywood (our special connection) … what do do with your garden NOW, based on seasonality … and, then, we go for a WALK.
Bruce Russo, the country’s most successfully prolific restaurant developer, calls in and we talk about our last radio show episode together, “The 3-Second Scan,” and why the restaurant needs to “date” the clientele.
And then … I accidentally lose Bruce.
OK. So moving on … (so, so sorry Bruce!)
Napa Valley calls in from the great Auberge Resort with (also the great) Andrew Bennett. He talks about the multifaceted “layers” of Laguna Beach and how the same applies to Napa Valley. It’s a fabulous viewpoint from Andrew until … we accidentally lose him, too.
Nelson Coates calls in from filming of “The Morning Show” in Hollywood to express his support for this show (awww).
One of my dearest buddies calls in (Lisa), friends to both Ruben and me. We make group plans for dining as she donates.
We talk about my upcoming interviews on “Best of Laguna Beach” - Chef Erik from Oliver’s Osteria, Chef Nick from The Drake and a surprise nationally revered chef guest from The Hamptons of Long Island, NY, will also be blessing our “Best of Laguna” show.
As I answer more calls, Ruben talks about going to dinners with me and the “two edged sword” that entails.
Our farthest reaching caller calls in from outside of Toronto, Ontario - Louise who tells us she participates in “armchair travel” by following the show. Awww.
Ruben holds court while I deal with more callers. He talks about our upcoming renowned events including our Winter Fantasy Festival at Sawdust (starting Nov. 22nd), Hospitality “Street Party” night (Dec. 6th), and his favorite holiday. He also suggests locals get out now in this seasonal flux to support our local restaurants.
Billy Fried, “The guy who resurrected KXFM 104.7 Radio,” drops in to share his thoughts on the passionate foundation of every restaurant in our city. We close the day’s lively show with talk of Anthony Bourdain.
9 NOV 2024 · This week at my “Best of Laguna Beach” radio show at KXFM 104.7, Bruce Russo returned to chat with me about another host of restaurant topics, from the new incoming restaurant group to “his” former restaurant in Laguna Beach … to restaurant training that goes MIA … to what Bruce creates in restaurants to woo diners … to a single woman’s take on sitting in restaurant bars.
Show Notes
:30 We talk about the difficulties and wins Bruce had in developing the 222 Ocean Avenue restaurant “Taverna” in Laguna Beach.
11:50 I announce the newcomer restaurant group to 222 Ocean Avenue and what Bruce would change for this new restaurant concept (if given a magic wand).
17:03 The location of your bar can change your revenue significantly.
18:14 The 3-second scan every patron does when he or she enters a restaurant.18:52 The 3-second scan from a single woman’s point of view (me) and the faux pas I endured at one of my favorite restaurants last weekend.
22:22 Easy fixes in training and physical, foundational elements to help your patrons feel like the Golden Egg Gift that they are to you.
24:33 The most important job in the front-facing part of a restaurant.28:40 Bruce’s story on Maestro’s restaurant in Phoenix … 17 years ago.
30:43 Our combined advice on “Opening Day” and the immediate weeks that follow – including soft opens, menu options and more - for both restaurant owners and the patrons who visit in those precarious first weeks.
35:30 Who Bruce primarily designs his restaurants for and why.
37:30 The most important room in your restaurant and why.
44:04 The worst of restaurant solutions … and Bruce’s solutions in the exact, opposite direction.
47:17 The introduction of Bruce’s “4 kitchens in one” concept that he’s inserting in more and more of his designs AND a teaser into the 18-concept strategic Food Hall he designed and created for immediate revenue success.
To contact B. Russo Designs for restaurant concept and development: https://BRussoDesigns.com
To contact Diane Armitage for restaurant consulting, including "Secret Shopping," restaurant reviews and refined branding and public perception: https://Armitageinc.com or schedule: https://ChatWithDiane.com
31 OCT 2024 · This past Monday, Oct. 28th, Laguna Beach native Chef Evan Lewis of the new restaurant, Evan’s Gourmet, joined me at the radio station, KFM 104.7. For nearly an hour, we talked everything from …
● Evan’s native roots in Laguna Beach and the roots of her recipes in her fabulous restaurant
● Her ongoing, creative tenure at the infamous Sawdust Festival (she makes HOW many burgers each day??)
● Evan’s new Thanksgiving specials for you and yours
● Her group dining and catering options for the holidays and beyond, andthe mot creative recipes she creates for her lucky patrons
SHOW NOTES:
:55 Chef Evan’s roots in Laguna Beach, including her cookin’ beginnings as a 7-year-old and her first cooking job at this famed Laguna restaurant.
6:20 The first important lesson the yet-to-be-chef learned from restaurateurs Mike & Toni Leech of Café Zoolu.
7:15 We review Chef Evan’s menus at Evan’s Gourmet and jump into her most recent mushroom soup, a recipe she created in honor of the Tanterra Winery.
9:30 Evan’s 30 years in “complete custom catering,” including multiple events yearly of more than 200 people. (And her biggest panic moments in catering.)
16:41 The difference in crowds and Evans’ menus between the upcoming Winter Fantasy at the Sawdust grounds vs. the summer crowds at Sawdust.
18:24 Evan’s biggest selling menu item at the Sawdust and the 3 major adjustments Chef Evan had to make to quicken her Sawdust ticket times.
23:00 We discuss the intricacies of crispy fried chicken (and why it usually fails)
26:38 The Thanksgiving holiday specialty I talked Chef Evan into doing because Chef Ron Reno retired and we NEED this.
29:03 Oddly, how my Pumpkin Pie request became Chef Evan’s NEW, ENTIRE Thanksgiving Dinner offering.
37:28 How Evan’s Gourmet was a “morph” of Evan’s decades-long journey in cooking, and why Evan made the decision to begin her restaurant business.
40:10 How Chef Evan decided on her restaurant’s menu items and the “gimmick” she decided on for an-always memorable taste.
41:30 Chef Evan tells us what her favorite restaurants were in Laguna as she was growing up.
42:40 A wrap up on everything Chef Evan is doing in the next 60 days, including her 25-quart soup pan for her turkey chili and her upgraded vertical smoker for her smoked tomatoes.
50:01 Chef tells us where her favorite restaurant is in town (when she’s not cooking at hers).
24 OCT 2024 · Mon, Sept. 23rd’s Best of Laguna show at KXFM 104.7 radio with my special guest, “Beautification Consultant” Ruben Flores:
3:39 Ruben Flores recalls his first visit to Laguna Beach at the age of 5. (You wouldn’t believe where his family parked for their beach visit)
6:33 The eclectic property in Laguna Beach that Ruben chose for his own home
7:47 One of the Best of Laguna Beach Walking Tours ever … still rolling this winter
12:29 When Laguna Sushi is closing. Get in there, please, to thank Chef Jay Sada (and the funniest story Chef ever shared with me)
14:44 Ruben’s favorite taco in town as we discuss the Best of Laguna https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXMR6KD?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email in honor of National Taco Day on Oct. 1st.
22:35 We talk about easy, inexpensive upgrades for our Laguna Beach “Bourbon Street,” Ocean Avenue. We also discuss the “beautification ordinance” the City recently passed to provide subsidy to Laguna Beach storefront owners.
27:28 The “https://littlefreebirds.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoq9BYhihNkoGACPkEbCB2vq1PCczZJOqupocQ8h1x2hUIdo7fu1” awesome kids’ clothing store I love on Ocean Avenue, Chef Leo Bongarra’s move to 237 Ocean Avenue to brighten that space, and Wild Taco’s commitment to staying in Laguna Beach on the corner of Ocean Ave.
36:20 Our combined take on the new restaurant, https://evansgourmet.com/, and Chef Evan Lewis’ stint in this town since childhood. We discuss Evan’s serendipitous movement into restaurant ownership, her 22-year catering world that still continues, and her menu items we loved most when Ruben, Nelson Coates and I chose Evan’s for dinner last weekend.
44:56 Evan’s is changing up her reservation system, and this is why. Plus - Evan’s Happy Hour specials and Laguna Beach resident DISCOUNTS (quite lovely).
24 OCT 2024 · This Monday, Oct. 21st, my dear buddy Ruben Flores, joined me at my “Best of Laguna Beach” radio show on KXFM 104.7 Radio for lively, fun discussion that covers everything from places we think are haunted to updates on our favorite eats in Laguna and favorite sets around the world, thanks to Nelson Coates.
Moments in the show:
1:00 Introducing Ruben Flores “Laguna’s Beautification Consultant” and his versions of Laguna Nursery here in Laguna Beach.
3:30 We talk a few minutes about Nelson Coates behind his back (Ruben’s partner and the Production Designer of “The Morning Show” on Apple TV).
- 5:10 Why Nelson’s title is so misleading, and how Ruben defines Nelson’s role as a “Production Designer.”
- 6:40 Nelson’s greatest forté and how that showed itself in two sets of bricks Nelson decided on for a “hotel” facade in “The Morning Show.”
- 8:55 Different movie and streaming creations by Nelson that Ruben has visited all over the world. We also discuss Nelson’s emotional detachment as all of his sets are swept away after filming.
- 13:25 Ruben talks about his favorite sets from Nelson’s world and how Nelson helps make actors feel more at home on their sets during filming.
16:10 Can you name the style of your home in three words? We talk to Ruben’s bi-monthly Garden Walks (next one is Nov. 2nd at 10 am, Laguna Nursery, 481 N. Coast Highway).
18:00 Why Ruben continues to haul in GIANT pumpkins for his Nursery’s frontage during Halloween/autumn’s season. And the haunted paintings inside the Nursery.
21:45 A rundown of Halloween events in Laguna Beach. Then we wander into haunted places in town and mention the places we think are the most haunted place in town. Ruben also talks about the “Storybook Architecture” homes in North Laguna (usually referred to as witches’ houses)
25:40 The horrific, heartbreaking demise of our National Historic Registered Villa Rockledge. Ruben shares an amazing historical story that connects Riverside’s Mission Inn to Villa Rockledge here.
28:15 We return to Halloween events in Laguna and talk about the long-running, extensive “trick or treat street” FIERCE competition between Oak Street and Brooks Street. I also mention the Halloween parties/costume contests at Mozambique and Skyloft.
31:00 We discuss our recent dinner at Chef Erik’s Oliver’s Osteria in the Canyon (next to Sawdust), and why it FEELS good. Oliver’s, a Michelin Bib Gourmand winner, was a third-generation restaurant in the space and was initially quite tiny until post-COVID came along and provided the giant outdoor tenting for additional dining. Although I’m often there for brunch on the weekends, this was one of our first times back for dinner. (Stay tuned for that larger article here at Best of Laguna Beach.)
36:55 An Oto Sushi and Pinafini update on their coming-soon dates. We also discuss that second floor level at the Oto Sushi location; it has always been in play since Sorrento Grill was first established by Restaurateur David Wilhelm. We discuss the possibility of putting a different theme in place in that upper level, and skip over to Bodega’s unique multiple dining “themes” and my favorite restaurant as a kid, Casa Bonita in Denver (Go South Park for making Casa Bonita famous!)
41:15 We discuss the ingenuity of Ivan Spiers (owner of Bodega and Skyloft in downtown, in addition to Rumari’s and Mozambique) and my quick margarita and wings at Skyloft on Saturday.
42:10 The loss of Wild Taco at the corner of Coast Highway and Ocean. We discuss our own brilliant opinions about what should go in that space next.
45:45 We discuss the sorry state of lower Ocean Avenue, the storybook “step sister” to the one street over, Forest Avenue’s continually marketed “Promenade.” Ruben talks about showing love to Ocean Avenue, where trees aren’t being watered, and where pumpkin displays and large containers of flowers do not exist.
We then move into clean up and “love” that could occur on “Restaurant Row” and the singular Peppertree Lane whose charm could be duplicated elsewhere in town. We close with more suggestions on what to do to attract more polish, life and beauty into our town.
54:00 Next week: Chef Evan of Evan’s Gourmet will be discussing her holiday season plans for YOU at “The Best of Laguna Beach radio show on KXFM 104.7!
17 OCT 2024 · On Monday, Sept 30th on my KXFM 104.7 radio show, I chatted with two great guests - https://www.coyotegrill.tv/ Co-Owner Desirée Gomez and https://rastataco.com/ / https://www.rastaritacantina.com/ / https://www.rastarita.com/ Owner Mario Melendez.This was an enlightening, funny conversation as we covered a multitude of topics primarily around the best tacos, inventive margarita trucks and decades of time in Laguna Beach as local-favorite MExican restaurants. Here’s a quick rundown:
START: I introduce Mario Melendez, 9-year Owner of Rasta Taco and Desirée Gomez, 35-year Owner of Coyote Grill, How they arrived in the restaurant business and why they chose Laguna Beach
4:08 The two discuss the pros and cons of catering and renovations
(Mario refers to a catering event as “moving a small apartment to another location.)
16:19 Remembering Adolfo Vides, our 39-year Adolfo’s Mexican Restaurant Owner, who passed away last week … and why our restaurant owners rarely meet each other in this town.
18:14 Dealing with incoming tourist traffic in our summers, plus the odd seasons we’ve experienced this year.
20:51 Mario Melendez explains how he came up with “The Flank Move” to survive as a restaurant owner when he was initially denied a liquor license in Laguna Beach. This is when Mario became that Bugsy Malone guy who envisioned Las Vegas in the middle of a barren desert. Now, Mario pulls in tens of thousands with multiple “RastaRita Trucks, Cantina food truck and actual Cantina catering and event center.
32:29 How Mario’s “pen pal” relationship with Island Records Founder Chris Blackwell turned into a Rasta Taco restaurant opportunity in Jamaica.
36:00 Coyote Grill’s Baja-Style Local Lobster Season starts this Thursday!
Desireé educates us on the difference between “other” lobster and “Laguna’s spiny local lobster” and what happened when China discovered our own crustaceans. We discuss the moving stock market price of lobster and why specific “I WANT LOBSTER” reservations from all of you are encouraged.
43:37 The Best Taco in Laguna Beach discussion begins
My guests talk to their best-selling tacos as well as their own favorites in their own kitchens. 45:24 The #1 Taco of Laguna Beach SURVEY RESULTS!
49:36 How Coyote and Rasta Taco are celebrating National Taco Day (Tues, Oct 1st) 50:36 The difference between our indy restaurants in Laguna Beach vs. franchise restaurants 52:00 KXFM
Radio’s Exec Director Billy Fried steps into the show to ask about a New 3% tax proposal levied on the Laguna restaurants
Billy asks - How much of their customer base is more local than visitor? He discusses a “statistic” that was presented to the City as “80% of the restaurant business being tourist traffic,” but probably not the case. Mario comes up with an inventive idea for handling the swarm of tourists descending upon us.
55:45 Indy restaurants vs. national franchises allowed in Laguna Beach
56:50 I announce next week’s guest - Chef Maro Molteni from former Maro Wood Grill, Royal Hawaiian and Terra fame. We’ll be talking about the new restaurant he’s developing … where??
Show Notes
Rasta Taco is a tiny shop in downtown Laguna Beach at 170 Beach St, across from the Whole Foods Market. Go to https://rastataco.com/ for additional information on catering, including the use of the 29 Palms Cantina Event Center and/or RastaRita Margarita Trucks.
Coyote Grill is located in South Laguna (SoLag) across from the Community Garden at 31261 Coast Highway, laguna Beach. Go to https://coyotegrill.tv/ for breakfast/lunch/dinner menus and happy hour details
Join me LIVE on Mondays, 2 pm PDT/5 pm EDT at KXFM 104.7 Radio for new restaurant news and reviews, the best Laguna events, and plenty of rockin’ interviews with Laguna Beach chefs, restaurateurs and downright interesting people.
If you’re not nearby to twirl that radio dial … in fact, if you’re one of my subscribers hailing from one of those 32 countries, download the free KXFM Radio app fromhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kxrn.player&hl=en_US&pli=1 or thehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/kx-fm-radio/id829768460 … OR just go online tohttps://kxfmradio.org/
17 OCT 2024 · On Monday, Oct. 7th, it was another lively interview in my “Best of Laguna Beach” show at KXFM 104.7, Laguna’s Community Radio station.This week, my guest was local favorite, the immensely talented Chef Maro Molteni, who initially began Maro Wood Grill … then moved to Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill. He then stepped in as pinch hitter with Chef Leo Bongarra for the 2023 summer season at the Festival of Arts’ Terra (along with concessions, seven 7 seven, the [seven-degrees] event center, Hotel Laguna’s Larsen, and even the restaurant at Laguna Art A Fair … long story that you’ll hear about here).
This past summer, Chef Maro stepped in again to handle Terra through the Festival season, but NOW he’s working on his own project. And it’s not in Laguna Beach. (sob).
Here’s how Chef Maro’s story unfolds:
3:00 Maro’s recent birthday, his Argentinian origins and what he really planned for his life (that was not about cooking).
6:00 Maro’s first (disastrous) forays in the cooking world but why he chose to continue.
9:00 When wood grilling, here are his preferences of wood for various proteins.
13:00 How his schooling internships led to Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Manhattan and the deciding factor that got Maro to permanently move to the States.
15:15 What brought Maro to Orange County and why he and his growing family specifically chose Laguna Beach in 2008.
19:40 How Chef Maro discovered the original building that became the famed Maro Wood Grill in Dec. 2010 (and the weird way they opened).
23:35 Why I, the designated restaurant reviewer, never reviewed Maro Wood Grill.
24:15 The biggest mistake Maro made when he sold the restaurant in 2017.
25:50 How Chef Maro landed on his next restaurant, Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill, why he chose it, and the initial issues he dealt with in establishing his “Argentinian way” in RH. We further discuss the COVID shutdown, how I managed to work out my “Annual Gratitude Party” virtually with Chef Maro’s help, and the best idea he came up with to continue bringing in income.
37:40 Chef Maro is opening up shop in … Laguna Niguel. But before we discuss THAT terrible news, we quickly review more of the great “chefery” Chef Maro has provided since leaving Royal Hawaiian Fire Grill. This includes a super fast prep with Chef Leo Bongarra for the onslaught of the Festival Summer Season in 2023
43:15 Chef Maro explains the grand plan for his new restaurant, Tierra de Fuegos, including why he chose Laguna Niguel instead of Laguna Beach. (And the restaurant he tried to check on in Laguna Beach that he didn’t get a response on.)
47:05 We talk “ideal square footage” of restaurants in Laguna Beach vs. the more ideal square footage Chef Maro wants for Tierra de Fuegos in Laguna Niguel.
49:20 Chef Maro shares his timeline for planned opening of Tierra de Fuegos, and explains his “all-wood cooking” plan that includes his grills, a pizza oven and rotisserie. He also discusses lunch and dinner menus, coffee-and-pastry afternoon moments, “to go” family dinners, late night gatherings (that will likely attract fellow Argentinians he says) and a large table plan for … well, you’ll have to listen for this one.
SHOW NOTES
Join me LIVE on Mondays, 2 pm PDT/5 pm EDT at KXFM 104.7 Radio for new restaurant news and reviews, the best Laguna events, and plenty of rockin’ interviews with Laguna Beach chefs, restaurateurs and downright interesting people. If you’re not nearby to twirl that radio dial … in fact, if you’re one of my subscribers hailing from one of those 32 countries, download the free KXFM Radio app fromhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kxrn.player&hl=en_US&pli=1 or thehttps://apps.apple.com/us/app/kx-fm-radio/id829768460 … OR just go online tohttps://kxfmradio.org/
17 OCT 2024 · Overview:
This Monday, Oct 14th on my Best of Laguna Beach™ show at KXFM 104.7, I introduced one of the most prolifically successful restaurant designers in the United States. Bruce and I first met in 2015 when his Dallas-based restaurateur client asked him to oversee the Laguna development of what would become “Taverna” at 222 Ocean Avenue. I was on the prowl, covering all the restaurant happenings in Laguna Beach. We’ve been fast friends ever since.
I consider Bruce Russo the most consequential, definitive restaurant developer and designer in the U.S. Having developed nearly 600 restaurant concepts and operated multiple concepts of his own creation, Bruce has a sweeping mastery of what it takes to create a successful, thriving restaurant from the ground up. Since I’m the one who is more commonly called in to help fix or tout restaurants in a more strategic way, we figured we’d have some interesting points to offer restaurateurs as well as some surprising insights for patrons who love dining out. Bruce will be joining me every 3-4 weeks on my Monday radio/podcast show.
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Key Moments in the Interview
1:55 Bruce’s 22-year connection to Laguna Beach and the “highly historical” retail building he turned into a restaurant here.
3:53 What got Bruce into restaurant design in the first place. (It started with a hamburger joint that he helped construct as a teenager.)
5:57 What was decided for Bruce when he was in the womb.
6:58 Bruce’s total restaurant concepts all over the U.S. and here in California (and 14 on deck through 2026!).
8:38 The biggest challenges with Bruce’s buildout of the Laguna restaurant (first “Taverna”) and the demands for the historical architectural refurbishment of the apartment up above.
12:35 The reason why Bruce completes restaurant builds so quickly, and why hospitals and restaurants are surprisingly similar in nature.
14:58 Why restaurant development is ALL about the Opening Day
15:56 The primary restaurant concepts:
Fast Casual ($10-20 check average, like Papa’s Tacos or Lost Pier Café) …
Chef-Driven Fast Casual ($25-$40 check average, like Finney’s or Coyote Grill),
Fine Dining ($85+ check average like Oliver’s Osteria with “traditional” wait staff), Upscale Fine Dining ($150+ check average like The Drake Laguna Beach),
Upscale Prix Fixe Dining ($200-$350 check average, like Rebel Omakase)
19:05 Why “Fast Casual” is on the rise nationally.
22:00 Why staffing of restaurants is so difficult in a town like Laguna Beach.
22:41 The concepts Bruce prefers to build and why 3,500-square-feet is a benchmark for restaurant operation and the “profit void” that occurs.
24:18 Why the loyalty of the local Laguna Beach people is paramount in order to survive as a restaurant in Laguna Beach.
24:47 How a larger restaurant in Laguna Beach can more efficiently create multiple concepts in the same space. (And how NOT to end up “in the weeds” when private dining (PDR) happens with 50 tickets at once, OR how to create kitchens and menus that can accommodate multiple concepts, including places like The Rooftop).
27:28 Bruce talks about the two gigantic pickleball facility concepts he’s designed, using the example of 3 bars and 2 kitchens to accommodate an additional 150-person restaurant at the top. He explains how the two kitchens differ for greatest efficiency, even when dealing with those occasions when a 2,500-person tournament occurs.
29:34 Bruce' explains the strategy behind 2 cook lines and 2 prep/expo lines in the same kitchen (when you can’t shoehorn a second kitchen into your existing space).
31:17 Understanding the battles, challenges, needs and pitfalls of restaurants, which are actually “manufacturing plants.”
32:43 How you design a kitchen for slow days and busy days, and when kitchen staff works in a 4-foot x 8-foot square vs. a 4-foot x 4-foot square.“Most restaurants are not designed to make money.” - Bruce Russo
35:20 The biggest reasons why restaurants don’t make money in the kitchen, and why large kitchen demands are different than small kitchen demands.
38:02 The biggest mistake Bruce made in a restaurant’s development.
40:26 How you store and display your wine bottles for two different audiences in your restaurant.
43:08 As a restaurant owner in Laguna Beach, here’s your highest priority.
46:10 Why restaurant owners choose Bruce and his team over others.
50:08 Bruce tells the story of famed Restaurateur Norm Brinker who, on his opening day, asked Bruce to wait 90 days to pay Bruce for his development work … and Bruce agreed. Here’s what happened from there.
53:29 Why it’s so important for patrons to understand just how complex a restaurant operation really is, and what to do on the first days when a restaurant is newly opened.https://bestoflagunabeach.substack.com/p/listen-award-winning-restaurant-designer?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoyMTAzMTc5MTIsInBvc3RfaWQiOjE1MDI4ODM3MiwiaWF0IjoxNzI5MTMwNTI5LCJleHAiOjE3MzE3MjI1MjksImlzcyI6InB1Yi0yNDM5MDQ3Iiwic3ViIjoicG9zdC1yZWFjdGlvbiJ9.J5qEoFBN3DX26tF72rPZaqSfRovCDEPSzeTn05r4lHM
Show Notes
Bruce Russo will join me again next month at KXFM 104.7, Laguna’s only community radio. You can stream in from anywhere in the world (see details below). Contact Bruce Russo for restaurant development and consulting:https://www.brussodesigns.com/
Contact me (Diane Armitage) for restaurant concept consulting and strategic marketing:https://armitageinc.com/contact
From 25-year Laguna Beach Resident Diane Armitage enjoy fun, engaging interviews of our international chefs and the town's most creative people + my recommendations for THE best places to dine,...
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From 25-year Laguna Beach Resident Diane Armitage enjoy fun, engaging interviews of our international chefs and the town's most creative people + my recommendations for THE best places to dine, drink and play in our famous SoCal seaside town.
Also enjoy the monthly series, "Revenue Recipes: Cooking Up Profits for Restaurants" with me and my special guest, award-winning Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo.
The Best of Laguna Beach™ podcasts are uploaded on Wednesdays every week by 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST
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Also enjoy the monthly series, "Revenue Recipes: Cooking Up Profits for Restaurants" with me and my special guest, award-winning Restaurant Developer Bruce Russo.
The Best of Laguna Beach™ podcasts are uploaded on Wednesdays every week by 12 p.m. PST/3 p.m. EST
Information
| Author | KX FM |
| Organization | KX FM |
| Categories | Food , Places & Travel , Entrepreneurship |
| Website | - |
| diane@kxfmradio.org |
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