Delectable Eats: Plumeria Cafe Review by Jesse Bluma

Delectable Eats: Plumeria Cafe Review

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

“With an abundance of neighborhood charm, Plumeria Cafe offers delectable upscale pairings to guests and soon-to-be regulars…   

Fresh California and Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, accompanied by a handful of specially selected wines, has already got Laguna Design Center area locals lining up.  

Menu items include roasted chicken salad with ‘perfect' Asian sesame dressing, fresh made ceviche, lettuce wraps, Kabli ribletts, a Hawaiian roasted chicken ramen, specialty pastas, home-made soups, sandwiches and island chilaquiles.” 

Plumeria is owned by Nixon and Ovita Tanuwidjaja, the formative owners behind Stacks Pancake Houses and Scrambler Cafe.  Plumeria Cafe offers menu items such as Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes, authentic Hawaiian Loco Moco (thick hamburger patty, fried egg, and gravy), and Banana and Nutella Crepes.

Dine inside or dine in the appealing outdoor courtyard.   The stylish outdoor patio includes large and smaller size tables, a large water feature, and contemporary landscape.  A tranquil setting for breakfast, brunch, or lunch.  After dining visit some of the showrooms in the design center.

Several items on the menu stand out after a few visits.

Freshly Roasted Vegetable Omelette: pan-roasted mushrooms, onions, Anaheim peppers, spinach, garlic, cheddar jack cheese

Eggs Benedict—California Style: tomato, avocado, and spinach, served fresh fruit

Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes

Plumeria Bowl: includes steamed rice, fresh greens, pico de gallo, cheddar jack cheese, and roasted chicken, Hawaiian-style roasted kale pork, or Portuguese sausage 

Tips

Plumeria Cafe is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, 7 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. daily.

Location:  Plumeria Cafe is located at 23811 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 122

Laguna Niguel, California 92677.  (In the middle of the of the Laguna Design Center.  Enter at the Blue Flag entrance.)

The Laguna Design Center has free parking.  

There are numerous dining options across the country.  From New York to Chelsea, Dallas to San Francisco, Orange County to Los Angeles, Beverly Hills to Palm Springs.  Each community with a multitude of restaurants for good eats.  Here is where expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Dine at Plumeria Cafe and enjoy! 

 

Join the Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven circle:

sign-up for email updates.

Credit:  prweb. com/releases, facebook. com/PlumeriaCafebyStacks, instagram. com/plumeriacafeca, lagunadesigncenter .com 

Your Next Lesson in Urban Eats: Laurel Hardware Review

Your Next Lesson in Urban Eats: Laurel Hardware Review

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

“We have built a new American menu with local and organic produce.  We only use hormone free and free-range proteins.  Our dishes are intended to and encourage the sharing of food.” 

Restauranteurs and Irish natives, Dean McKillen and Phil Howard, moved out the hammers, drills, and shovels in the vintage tool shop, and moved in the chic.  The business partners salvaged the aged exterior of the hardware store and remade the interior with mood lighting, a mix of wood and polished metal, with a garden atmosphere.  McKillen, Howard, and Executive Chef Mario Alberto smartly created a cool urban eatery out of a cool vintage shop.  This is the same team associated with and behind Ysabel, Mezcal, and Sweet Mesa.  Executive Chef Alberto also brings his experience as a sous chef at Freddy Smalls, a bar in West Los Angeles, lead by Chefs Jeremy Fox and Charlie Parker.  

Laurel Hardware is characterized by its whimsical setting, American fare, and stylish patrons.  The front bar and garden with full size tables, trees, heat lamps, and lights sets the state of mind for a lively brunch or dinner with friends, co-workers, or visiting family members.  Nighttimes bustle with people, couples, and crowds, hence making reservations and being prepared to wait in the queue for the restroom is key.

There are numerous dining options in Los Angeles, California.  Each of the neighborhoods, from Downtown to Hollywood, Santa Monica to Echo Park, and Beverly Hills has a multitude of restaurants for good eats.  Here is where my expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Reserve a table at Laurel Hardware and enjoy.

Recommendations

1.  Laurel Hardware is located at 7984 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90046.  This address is within walking distance to shopping, hotels, apartments, bars, clubs, and much more.  Easily accessible by taxi or car service.  Street parking is available.

2.  Peak times occur on weekends and during special events in the city.  Arrive early to secure a table.  After having dined at Laurel Hardware a few times, I prefer eating on the back patio garden. 

3.  Consider the following menu items.

Huevos Rancheros: chorizo, beans, avocado, fried egg

Spinach Omelette: manchego and caramelized onions

Share Plate: truffle fries

Pizza: margherita—tomato, bufala mozzarella, basil

Main: chicken schnitzel, pickled red cabbage, potato salad, capers

Bubbles: mimosa carafe

Cocktail: “Gangster”—cucumber vodka, fresh juiced watermelon, and lime

 

Join the Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven circle:

sign-up for email updates.

Credits: igcol. com/user/laurel_hardware, laurelhardware. com, linkedin.com/in/mario-alberto-884b0347/, web.stagram.com/laurel_hardware 

For the Brunch Bunch: Vynl Restaurant

For the Brunch Bunch: Vynl Restaurant

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

From its multifarious menu, music theme, and friendly service, Vynl is an icon in New York.  Vynl is a distinctive venue in the city that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and drinks for the locals and visitors.  Much of the cuisine is American, in addition to a healthy offering of Asian dishes.

New York has five boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.  There is multitude of restaurants, shops, sites, and activities within each neighborhood.  Here is where my expert knowledge of cooking, restaurants, and trusted expertise comes in handy.  Many readers rely on Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven as a source for how-to and where-to regarding cookery, culture, and community.  Let an enjoyable experience at Vynl become one of your new favorites.  

“Like the old LP's that inspire its name...VYNL keeps on spinning!  

An iconic fixture…VYNL serves up an eclectic and unique menu that appeals to multiple palates and personalities with funtastic musician-themed cocktails.  VYNL is very proud of its loyal fan base comprised of neighborhood regulars, theatre professionals and both national and international tourists alike!  

Our streaming music videos and concerts, vintage album cover menus, psychedelic mosaic tabletops and hundreds of colorful 45's creates a veritable pop-rock music shrine and festive atmosphere!

And our food is right on key.  From American Classics (fried chicken and waffles, turkey meatloaf or truffle mac n cheese) to Asian Comforts (pad Thai, sesame chicken or spicy tuna sliders) to our All Day Breakfast (breakfast burrito, scrambled egg sandwich or house made granola)...VYNL has something for everyone in your party.”

Recommendations

1.  The restaurant is located at 754 9th Avenue New York, New York 10019.  Vynl is a walkable distance from Columbus Circle, stores, parks, and more.  The restaurant is also accessible by taxi, car service, and subway.

2.  The dining space cozy.  Peak times occur on weekends and mornings.  Plan accordingly.  

3.  Consider the following menu item.

MAKE YOUR OWN OMELETTE: house made french fries, toast, choose three: onions, bacon, ham, mushrooms, scallions, spinach, peppers, tomatoes, cheddar, jack, pepper jack or goat cheese.

Update: Vynl closed in December 2017 after 23 years of service.  

Owner, John Dempsey, operates other restaurants in New York.
For more about Dempsey's other establishments see:
elcentro-nyc.com
bsidepizzabar-nyc.combsquared-nyc.com 
hellskitchen-nyc.com

 No payment is accepted for editorial coverage.

 

Join the Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven circle:

sign up for email updates.

Credit: facebook.com/Vynl9thAve, vynl-nyc.com

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern: Vibrant and Famous for Good Reason

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern: Vibrant and Famous for Good Reason

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

My friends and I are always in the mood to sip beer and eat spicy ahi poke at Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern.  The restaurant is located in a hot spot within the coastal town of Santa Monica.  JFAT’S is steps away from the beach, entertainment, and outdoor activities.  Perfect for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  The handsomely casual restaurant features large windows, an open ceiling, outdoor dining, and an attentive staff.  A terrific social environment for a guys' night out, families, or a fun double date. 

“In a country so rich in differing food traditions our approach is in a creative take on American regional classics.  Our menu features popular regional dishes from around the country but approaches them from an ‘Artisanal’ point of view.  ‘Artisanal cooking’ refers to food that is freshly prepared, hand crafted, in small batches, using high quality ingredients, and employing traditional methods. 

It reflects a devotion to detail and a reverence for the freshest ingredients, simple presentations, and an inspired blend of tradition and creativity.  Everything begins with only the best ingredients prepared from scratch daily.  At Jimmy’s we embrace the philosophy of utilizing locally raised (if it’s the best available), organic, and sustainable food products whenever possible and we strive to partner with growers, farmers, and fisherman who adhere to these same principles.”  Jimmy’s presents the best in American pub food, including such regional stars as Dueling Southern Dips, Certified Angus Beef and Black Bean Chili, and Pacific Red Snapper.

The menu is consistent with the founder’s point-of-view of American cuisine.  For example, the charred Brussels sprouts with applewood bacon, pine nuts and maple syrup was excellent.  A fun sharable item.  The Brussels sprouts on the top of the bowl are nicely roasted.  While the Brussels sprouts on the bottom soak up all the goodness of the maple syrup.  An item that will keep your interest.  Passing around plates with friends is ideal here. 

JFAT’S Blonde is a lighter flavored beer that is nice to drink with a salad or other appetizer.  This German ale has crisp mild flavors of citrus and honey.  Also of interest on the drinks menu is Bootlegger’s Far Out India Pale Ale (IPA), Ellie’s Brown Ale, and the Modern Times Black House Stout.  Additionally, there is an ample selection of wines available on the menu.  The Hess Chardonnay is a good choice to pair with the spicy appetizers and main dishes.  Chardonnay, Hess is produced in the Salinas Valley of California and has a crisp, slightly tropical and bright flavor.

My Recommendations

1.  The restaurant is located at 1733 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, California 90401.  The location is a short distance from local stores, the beach, businesses, and theaters.  There is an adjacent public parking structure.  Park on the first floor of the parking structure and walk up to the restaurant.  Avoid the elevator as that will take you out of your way from JFAT’S. 

2.  The main dining room provides a view of the bar and outdoor patio.  Peak times occur on weekends and during sporting events.  Make reservations to ensure a table.

3.  Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern has a bounty of desirable menu items for brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.  The following were our favorites. 

JFAT’S Blonde Beer

Spicy Ahi Poke – Avocado, Scallions, Yuzu, Serranos, Papaya, Sesame, Crispy Wontons 

Charred Brussels Sprouts – Applewood Bacon, Pine nuts and Maple Syrup (Serves two or more for sure.)

Spice Crusted Seared Ahi Salas – Napa Cabbage, Carrots, Papaya, Red Onions, Avocado, Yuzu-Sesame Vinaigrette 

Santa Fe Honey-Poblano Pesto Flatbread – Grilled Chicken, Roasted Corn, Tomatoes, Cilantro, Avocado, Pecans

Bourbon-Chipotle BBQ Baby Back Ribs – Cheddar-Jalapeño Potatoes, Baked Beans, Honey-Mustard Coleslaw, Cornbread

Southern Fried Chicken Breast with garlic mashed potatoes, thyme gravy, and green beans

(Left:  Jesse Bluma, Center:  Mary Naegele, Right:  Chris La Cava, General Manager)

Disclaimer: The restaurant in this review has given the reviewer complimentary food and drink.  This has in no way influenced the reviewer’s opinion.  Quality and content is the standard.

Visit Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern at j-fat.com.

Join the Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven circle:  

sign-up for email updates. 

Credit: http://j-fat.com

You Must Dine at This Gem: Raya

You Must Dine at This Gem: Raya

Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven. All rights reserved.

Raya is nestled in the Orange Coast of California.  You must dine at this gem situated beachside along the pristine Pacific Ocean, between magnificent cliffs and headlands.  Residents have nicknamed it the “California Riviera”.  Raya at Ritz-Carleton, Laguna Niguel has 180 degree views of the ocean with an outdoor bar and veranda, knowledgeable staff, and a creative menu.

“DELICIOUS DINING FOR DISCERNING PALATES:  Savor the extraordinary selection of fine oceanfront restaurants at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.  Prepare your senses for a culinary experience unlike any other with some of the most popular restaurants and dining destinations in the Orange County region, right here at the hotel.”

Reserve a table with a window to take in the alluring seacoast or reserve the lush table for a larger party.  Raya specializes in Latin and coastal dishes prepared with local and organic ingredients.  An excellent choice for a birthday dinner, beautiful breakfast, or brunch.  Chef Richard Sandoval and Chef de Cuisine Steve Wan have a strong focus and intent that is demonstrated through their dishes.  Traditional Latin dishes are enhanced with Asian, Jamaican, and Japanese ingredients.  Sandoval’s high quality skills stem from his formative years in Mexico City, learning to cook from his grandmother, as well as his world travels.  In addition to Raya, Sandoval has forged several other restaurants across the globe.  It is evident Chef Wan brings his family tradition of cooking with Chinese and Caribbean ingredients, as well as his experience preparing protein dishes from Ocean Avenue Seafood, McCormick and Schmick's, and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.

My Recommendations

1.  The restaurant is located at 1 Ritz-Carlton Drive, California 92629.  This is a walkable and drivable distance from Monarch Beach, Salt Creek Beach, Laguna Beach, and from other areas within Southern California.  The hotel offers valet parking.  There is also a close public parking lot with pay machines on the other side of Ritz-Carlton Drive.  

2.  Peak times occur on weekends and during special events in the city.  Make reservations to ensure a table.  The window seats are a perfect spot to dine.  180blũ is also worth checking out—an outdoor oceanfront lounge located next to Raya.   

3.  The menu at Raya has an array of choices featuring items such as tacos, soups, fish, burgers, beef, and salads.  The following were my favorites.  

Complimentary assorted Brazilian breads 

Ahi Tuna Ceviche with jicama, red onion, cilantro, avocado, chile de árbol (made with a bright and potent chili pepper), ponzu (a tart Japanese sauce made with citrus, mirin, and rice vinegar), yuzu (Japanese sour mandarin), and puffed rice.  

Korean Bar-b-que Chicken with kogi sauce (made with pepper paste, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil), and corn poblano (a mild green chili pepper) potato, salad, cilantro, radish, and green onion. 

 

“The story of The Ritz-Carlton begins with Swiss hotelier César Ritz who was well known in the hotel industry as the ‘king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings’.  Ritz redefined luxury accommodation in Europe with his management of The Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London, among others.  He and the renowned chef from his hotels, Auguste Escoffier, opened a la carte restaurants known as Ritz-Carlton on board the Hamburg-Amerika Line ocean liners SS Amerika in 1905 and SS Imperator in 1913.”

 

Join the Jesse Bluma at Pointe Viven circle:

sign up for email updates.

Credits: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/dining/raya, richardsandoval.com/raya/, opentable.com/raya-at-the-ritz-carlton-laguna-niguel, twitter.com/ChefRSandoval/media