Noodles

We are pleased to see that, as a rule, there is less obfuscation on menus these days, except perhaps in the highest-end restaurants featuring molecular gastronomy with its foams and airs and faux foods. However, you will see chefs using all kinds of new or ethnic ingredients. Our readers tell us how much they like it when we pass on definitions and explanations of terms we come across in our dining experiences, so we thought we would make a list of things that are new to us, or menu items that may be confusing or unknown.

Parking in the Crystal Cove shopping center on the weekends can be a daunting prospect, but if you?re headed for Sage on the Coast, fear not: They have their own designated parking area in front of the restaurant, cordoned off from the chaos at Javier?s. We reviewed Sage when they first opened and again when they introduced their weeknight pre-fixe menu. But that was a while back, and we wanted to see what was new and whether it was still as good as it used to be. We tried to focus on menu items that were new to us, and we came away pleased.

The story of Rumari is the same story you always read on the back of the menu in little Italian restaurants. In 1972, Bina and Antonio Crivello left their restaurant in Porticello, Sicily and moved to California. Bina taught Vincent and his four brothers how to cook so that she could stay home and watch soap operas while, following in the family tradition, Vincent opened Rumari restaurant in Laguna Beach. Bobby opened Crivellos in Huntington Beach, Sebastien opened Crivellos in Temecula, and Poppa Antonio has kept his hand in the family business by coming into Rumari every day to make their authentic focaccia bread.

Glori Fickling When it comes to sophisticated ambience, the long-awaited debut of hush on Feb. 16, revealed to dedicated gourmands exactly what regal splendor is all about. This fascinating new dining attraction was packed to its handsome rafters two days following a private cocktail reception on Valentine's Day, and sans any notification of the exact opening date. Posed on the former site of Mark's restaurant and following a year of laborious reconstruction, enterprising principals Chuck Rock, Danny Reyes and Jonathan Pfluegar graciously tipped their respective hats to talented interior designer Carlton Graham who carried out the sensational additions and refurbishments.

Glori Fickling Celebrating a successful 25th anniversary this month, B.J.'s Restaurant & Brewery also celebrates Laguna Beach as its fourth venue out of 35 burgeoning establishments launched in Orange County circa 1979 and still growing. With thriving locations extending as far east as Texas, north to Oregon and west to Hawaii, the once-independent chain initially gained fame by introducing Chicago-style deep dish pizzas to the West Coast. It soon offered full-fledged restaurants, eventually featuring its own on-site breweries in nine different locations.

Glori Fickling There is, without question, no more delicious way to launch the week than with a wonderful Sunday brunch. At many restaurants, this repast is synonymous with lavish buffet presentations. For those of us who prefer being pampered with full service menus, however, Laguna Beach happily boasts at least two such enticing restaurants. Each of these offers a prix fixe bill of fare that further includes complimentary sparkling wine. What more dazzling setting for this Sabbath day delight than the Mexican Riviera brunch at beautiful Las Brisas where the shimmering blue Pacific Ocean outside your table is enhanced with the splendor of colorful rose gardens.

Glori Fickling Chalk up another success for the Laguna Board of Realtors and Affiliates on its annual fundraiser, "A Taste for Charity." The May 27 affair was once again held at Tivoli Too on the verdant grounds of Art-A-Fair. Festively adorned with the creative contributions of talented artists, assorted gift and vacation donations for raffle prizes and silent auction bidding, the event spelled party time for an enthusiastic entourage. Among the pleasant surprises highlighting this ninth charitable outing was the introduction of two brand new Laguna Beach restaurants, hush and Tabu.

Glori Fickling It is always a pleasure to hear from an enthusiastic restaurant fan. An e-mail from an appreciative Marcia Jager has inspired this review of an Oriental venue I had long forgotten. It is nice to note that Mandarin King, situated far north on Coast Highway, will celebrate a 20-year success come Sept. 1. The store-front establishment is the popular concept of gracious Glenn Fu and his dedicated sister-in-law Lily Chao. Thanks to creative chef Tan, who joined the family venture almost 10 years ago, the picturesque dishes distinguish the tempting bill of fare.

What defines a perfect day? For some, it could be winning the lottery. Others, a grand vacation. Still others, the realization of some longed-for goal. Whatever the occasion, I believe we know intuitively when we have experienced a day that stands apart. I further believe the mark of such a day is that we find ourselves overfilled with gratitude and love. Mother's Day 2006 was one such day for me. I heard the words echo in my mind as I watched my two sons back out of our driveway, together, smiling.