After winning consecutive silver and gold medals at the Select Registry breakfast cook-offs in 2007 and 2008, respectively, Casa Laguna management has worked with our talented chefs to assure that we remain a top “foodie” destination by using the freshest locally sourced ingredients; by providing a varied selection of breakfast entrees every day; and, by coming up with new and unique breakfast offerings so that new and returning guests will never be bored with “the same old thing.”

The latest menu from Executive Chef, Josh Roberts, is all about “seasonal,” or perhaps better stated, “the season.” It’s “comfort food” unlike any you’ve ever tasted, starting with his Holiday Steak & Eggs (pictured). Those of you who’ve had Josh’s take on steak and eggs before know that it’s never what the name usually implies. This time, the “steak” is a lollipop pork chop covered in onion jam and served with a fried egg and confit fingerling potatoes. Delicious and so satisfying.

Then there’s a Winter Chocolate Crepe that doesn’t stop with just a Chocolate Bavarian Cream filling. Strawberry and Fig Chutney, Banana Scallops, and Candied Pecans are all part of the show.

If savory is your thing, then the Casa Roasted Fennel Omelet is where you’ll land. It’s bursting with flavors of roasted fennel puree, forest mushrooms, grape tomatoes, pearl onions, pancetta lardons, and parsnip chips.

Josh’s seasonal waffles are always a favorite. This time out it’s a take on Apple Cobbler, with apple cinnamon compote, ginger cream anglaise, almond rosemary streusel, and vanilla bean whipped cream.

His Abelskivers trio is also back with new flavors: Lemon Ricotta, Blueberry Balsamic, and Vanilla Bean Crème. And some of our returning guests have been known to threaten us with bodily harm when we take the Laguna Benedict off the menu, so Chef Josh has taken to sneaking in little changes that challenge their taste memory. Shhhh…this time it’s a change in the Ravioli base, now stuffed with braised kale and goat cheese.  And of course we still have a fabulous Seasonal Vegetable Hash, and our house-made Vegan Pacific Museli.

Watch the blog for more updates to see what our culinary team comes up with next, and we’ll also be posting more recipes in the very near future. Bon Appétit.

We still have a few rooms left for New Year’s Eve. Each room will have a split of Champagne with printed flutes, celebratory hats for the men, crowns for the ladies, and other goodies.  Before you head out for a great dinner or New Year’s Eve party at one of our local restaurants, enjoy our extended Wine & Cheese hour featuring a Champagne Cocktail bar. 

There is still time to make your reservations for dinner and late night festivities at one of our many fine restaurants—but you need to hurry. Sorrento Grill Martini & Wine Bar will have a number of New Year’s Eve specials and will close at 11PM. French 75 will have holiday specials as well. Nirvana Grille has both early and late seatings for their 3-course prix fixe. Both K’ya and House of Big Fish & Cold Beer have free New Year’s Eve parties. Club M Eve 2011 will be the hot spot for the in-crowd, with emphasis on crowd. The Montage is also a great place for upscale partying. Watch for celebs to show up there, and at Mastro’s Ocean Club and Javier’s in Crystal Cove.  For a more laid back, dressed-down gathering, try Hennessey’s Tavern or Mozambique.

Be sure to plan for a designated driver, or plan ahead with your favorite cabby to have him pick you up at a designated place and time. As the celebrating winds down, leave the din behind and return to “The Casa” for a quiet respite and a gentle night’s sleep in our luxurious beds. Shhhh…don’t wake the non-partiers when you come in.  We’re even extending breakfast by one hour on New Year’s Day, so you can sleep in.

Don’t get left out, make your reservations now. 1-800-233-0449 or www.casalaguna.com