Blue Cheese

It?s time for another one of those top 10 lists. This is a list, in no particular order, of the favorite dishes that we?ve eaten this year. What it?s not is a list of the 10 best restaurants in Laguna. That list would probably be pretty much the same from one year to the next, with an occasional newcomer or a shift in the order. We try to eat and report on all kinds of restaurants in town and we have found that if you order well, there is something enjoyable in each one of them. So, here are our 10 favorite dishes for ?

On Peppertree Lane, that venerable old pepper tree watches over the changing scene, embracing all comers, the newest being Watermarc, the restaurant that has transformed the former Partners’ Bistro into a chic boîte for sipping and grazing. It certainly helps to have Mark Singer as a partner when redesigning a restaurant. Laguna’s premier contemporary architect has worked his magic on yet another space, creating a rooftop greenhouse setting for dining, beneath the arms of that arboreal patriarch.

Pepper Tree Lane is one of the most charming spots in Laguna, with its old brick walkway, overhanging plants and wrought iron gates. It's named for the giant, old pepper tree that dominates this mini-courtyard and shades the atrium upstairs at Partner's Bistro. The restaurant also reflects this pleasant ambience with its brick interior, dark wood bar area and brass chandeliers. It is known to locals as "Rick's Place" because the chef/owner, Rick Sadleir, has been there for 29 years, shopping, cooking and schmoozing with his customers and friends.

Glori Fickling More akin to a private country club than an ordinary restaurant, Canyon Lodge and American Grill, proudly perched atop Aliso Creek Inn, overlooks the sprawling greenery of its own private golf course. Dating back to the '50s when it was known as Ben Brown's, the place has continued through a trio of reconstruction stages under direction of original owner, Violet Brown, who has astutely managed the place since the death of the property's original namesake, her late husband Ben Brown.

A few weeks ago at the Patriots Day Parade, a group of Lagunans gathered together on the corner of Forest Avenue and Third Street to chant, "Save Cedar Creek! Save Cedar Creek! Save Cedar Creek!" Many of us have been feeling this way since a news item appeared in the paper suggesting that the restaurant may not be able to renew its lease. From what we can gather, this information may be somewhat premature, as negotiations are still up in the air. Even in the worst-case scenario, they will still be here for another year.

Arts Glori Fickling Imported Spanish cheeses were the stars Tuesday when Sundried Tomato Cafe teamed with Laguna Culinary Arts for a five-course gourmet dinner. An enthusiastic group of 20-some foodies gathered on the intimate roof atop the cafe to savor fabulous fare, fine wines and scintillating conversation sharing a new appreciation for the delicacies. Showtime commenced with an enticing presentation of Spanish cheeses sliced for tasting by Culinary Arts cheese expert James Drakeford as the audience sipped Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut, Penedes -- a prestigious Spanish sparkling wine presented in frosty splits.

Glori Fickling Anastasia, the sophisticated boutique/restaurant on Ocean Avenue, has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for fabulous European fashions and a menu that has invited discriminating diners to enjoy breakfast and lunch daily since 1996. Now, principal Amir Garavi has added the further attraction of an enticing dinner menu bringing the charming cafe-style dining room to welcoming new heights. Under direction of executive chef Jerry Baker, who has gained renown for the box suppers that add to the enjoyment of monthly cinema events at [seven-degrees]

It?s time for another one of those top 10 lists. This is a list, in no particular order, of the favorite dishes that we?ve eaten this year. What it?s not is a list of the 10 best restaurants in Laguna. That list would probably be pretty much the same from one year to the next, with an occasional newcomer or a shift in the order. We try to eat and report on all kinds of restaurants in town and we have found that if you order well, there is something enjoyable in each one of them. So, here are our 10 favorite dishes for ?

On Peppertree Lane, that venerable old pepper tree watches over the changing scene, embracing all comers, the newest being Watermarc, the restaurant that has transformed the former Partners’ Bistro into a chic boîte for sipping and grazing. It certainly helps to have Mark Singer as a partner when redesigning a restaurant. Laguna’s premier contemporary architect has worked his magic on yet another space, creating a rooftop greenhouse setting for dining, beneath the arms of that arboreal patriarch.