It usually goes something like this.
You’re waiting at the trolley stop or in line at the grocery store. You can’t help but overhear the nearby tourists. They’re talking about the town, confused and helpless.
“Where should we go for dinner?” they ask themselves.
Maybe they have a wrinkled hotel map. They mention some off-off-Broadway dinner options.
At some point in their deliberations, they say something so clueless that you can’t stand it anymore, and you finally speak.
With the authority you have — not condescending, not arrogant, just knowledgeable — you tell them what to do, where to go and what to eat.
In less than 60 seconds, you have solved world hunger — or at least their hunger in Laguna Beach.
They’re all smiles, thanking you for the advice. They walk away aflutter, suddenly excited by the feeling that they are now in the know.
You feel the love, realizing you did your daily Laguna ambassador duty.
But being an ambassador is more than just recommending a restaurant. If you have the time, you can give the deluxe, deep-dive version.
For example, it’s not just a restaurant name but what to order.
“If you go to Broadway, eat the bone marrow; it’s legendary,” you say. “Sit at the chef’s table and watch them cook. It’s a work of art. If the restaurant is booked, which is likely, try across the street at Harley’s, or go over to the real Broadway Street and eat at Nirvana Grille, which is consistently phenomenal.”
“What about the restaurants by Main Beach?” they ask, starting to feel empowered.
“Well,” you say politely, “generally, you want to avoid the ones on the water side of Coast Highway, but you can go to Las Brisas for drinks and maybe an appetizer. The view is awesome.”
And then the details continue. They start to get really hungry and specific.
“If it’s sushi you want and you’re near Main Beach, cross the street to 242 Cafe Fusion Sushi,” you say. “Just delightful.”
Mexican?
“Oh well, downtown it’s Carmelita’s all the way, or South of Nick’s holds its own as well. If you want sort-of Mexican, get the Al Pastor taco at Rasta Taco.”
At that point, you can tell they are dizzy with information, so you try to get them back into focus.
“OK, before dinner, stop by 230 Forest — yes, it’s on Forest — and have bartender Dan Vincent make you a specialty drink. Have him make you whatever he’s feeling, something with cucumber and mint perhaps.”
You pause to let that sink in.
“What about dinner restaurants on the water,” they ask, wanting the ocean view.
“You can go to nearly any restaurant with a deck in Laguna, enjoy the eye candy and have decent food: The Deck, Driftwood Kitchen, Splashes at Surf & Sand, and Mosaic at Montage are all romantic and solid,” you say.
Now you remind them that there are probably more than two dozen other good restaurant options, especially if they’re on a budget or want creative, small plates: Sapphire, Alessa, Nick’s, Reunion, Seabutter.
You ask if they are going to one of the festivals and want to eat nearby. They nod their heads.
“Oliver’s Osteria in the canyon, hands down,” you say. “In fact, even if you’re not going to one of the festivals, eat at Oliver’s before you leave Laguna. It received a Bib Gourmand from Michelin.”
By now, they will have pen and paper out, trying to follow along. You will repeat all the names and add a few more.
They will thank you again, maybe shake your hand and invite you to dinner.
And years later they will still talk about the friendly people of Laguna Beach.
