After shuttering Knife Modern Steak in 2023 following rigmarole with its former chef, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, the luxe resort perched high above the Dana Point Harbor, will open a new restaurant on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Lantern’s Edge, christened in honor of the coastal enclave’s streets named after lantern hues, will open for breakfast, brunch and dinner.
Helmed by chef de cuisine Kristine Davis (formerly of the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Lido House, and Miami Beach Edition), her inaugural menu is broken down into harvest, starter, sea, pasta and land dishes.
Highlights at Lantern’s Edge will include starters like hamachi crudo with gin, ponzu, calpico chili foam, strawberries, radish, puffed rice and shiso; grilled maitake mushrooms with smoked whipped feta, Fresno vinaigrette, salsify crisp and bonito flakes. Main dishes like wagyu flat iron with snap peas and pea tendrils, charred octopus; and branzino with guajillo piperade, celeriac soubise and confit leek can be found on Davis’ California-Mediterranean menu. And such pasta dishes as seafood orecchiette featuring a bounty of shrimp, squid, clams and scallops; campanelle with arugula pesto and asparagus; and (best of all) cacio e pepe also make an appearance.
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Cocktails like the Smoke & Spice, a blend of Del Maguey Mezcal with ginger, lemon, chili liqueur and orange bitters or the Bananavardier, a twist on the classic Negroni that combines Whistlepig bourbon, Campari and banana liqueur.
The breakfast menu offers pancakes, an oatmeal brûlée, and a handful of egg dishes ranging from eggs benedict and huevos rancheros to an egg white omelet and a Monte Cristo. Mimosas, spritzes and Bloody Marys are also available for those who prefer an ethanolic kick in the morning. Speaking of which, Lantern Edge’s weekend endless brunch ($65 per guest) comes with bottomless mimosas, prime rib carving station, seafood bar, flat breads and seafood paella.
Full hours starting November 12 are dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., daily breakfast from 6:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find it: 25135 Park Lantern (inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa), Dana Point, 949 487-7555
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