At enoSTEAK, located in the Ritz-Carlton,
Laguna Niguel, guests can sink their teeth into mouthwatering
steak that they can feel good about. The steak comes from California-based Niman
Ranch, which raises grass-fed, pasture-raised beef with no growth hormones
or antibiotics. Not only is this a more healthy option, but it's also kinder to
the animals and the planet. In addition, the produce used for the menu is
organic, grown locally and harvested at the peak of the season from a local
farm, allowing for maximum flavor and a low carbon footprint. Some of the herbs
are even picked fresh from the on-site organic garden. “We are fortunate
to be in a rich growing region and are thrilled to be able to support our local
farmers and offer sustainability-focused cuisine,” said Bruce Brainerd,
general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
Giving Back
Each meal starts of with a complimentary liver
pate served wtih multigrain ciabatta bread. The pate is served on a custom
platter made from recycled wine bottles created by Laguna Beach
artist Sandra Jones Campbell. The platter is available for purchase ($20)
with a portion of the proceeds benefiting a local non-profit called SEEDS Arts & Education, Inc. that provides
children's programs that focus on environmental stewardship, health and
wellness, the arts, and family and community building.
The Menu
For dinner, guests are given the choice of
filtered tap water, bottled water or sparkling water. The menu, which changes
twice a year, consists of appetizers with a focus on Field (salads), Water
(fish), and Farm (meat) with items such as the Smoked and Cured Meat and
Cowgirl Creamery Cheese Board served with conrnichons, radishes, and crostini
($14).
The main entrees consist of handcrafted meats
and seafood with a variety of steaks to choose from, such as Grilled Prime Bone
In New York Steak, Grilled Prime Rib Eye Steak, or Grass Fed Beef Tenderloin.
To enhance the flavor, the steak is served with signature compound butters in
flavors that include black summer truffle, roasted heirloom tomato, garden herb
and garlic, tarragon bearnaise sauce, or the 30i enoSTEAK butter with a hint of
curry and cumin. For guests that are vegetarian, although there are not any
meat-free items listed on the menu, the chef can typically accommodate dietary
restrictions without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Entrees are served a la carte, but there are a
number of delectable side dishes ($9) to choose from, such as the sautéed
wild mushrooms and petite peas (that includes 14 types of mushrooms), the
tri-color cauliflower with romanesco brown butter sage, or the fiscalini and
black truffle mac and cheese.
Desserts are fresh and change every two weeks.
Some past desserts have been Raspberry Sorbet with Panacotta or Banana
Beignets with Nutella Sauce ($13).
The Wine
The restaurant, which opened in May 2012, gets
its name from "oenology," the study of wine. enoSTEAK is a very
fitting description since not only do they serve fine steak, but also a large
variety of fine wines. There are nearly 40 varieties on the dinner menu, but
guests can request the master list that has nearly 200 wines to choose from.
The impressive decorative glass "wine tower," that serves as a
centerpiece for the restaurant, holds approximately 300 bottles of wine. This
is a restaurant that caters to the wine connoisseur.
The Chef
Executive Chef Pedro Contreras oversees the
menu at enoSTEAK, as well as the other on-property restaurants. “With the
Pacific Ocean in my backyard and access to fresh produce year round, I am
excited to share a diverse and personal culinary experience with our guests,”
said Chef Contreras. “I look forward to contributing to the resort’s amazing
culinary legacy and I am excited to share my passion for the many
cooking-styles I have enjoyed over the years,” added Contreras. Chef Contreras,
originally from Venezuela, has more than ten years of experience working for
several Ritz-Carlton properties, as well as other resorts, and has a passion
for American cuisine.
The Service
At enoSTEAK, with good food comes good service.
The wait staff is personable, attentive and knowledgeable. Each waiter has an
assistant to make sure the needs of the customers are met with proficiency.
Water glasses are filled, dishes are cleared, and questions are answered in a
timely manner. The waitstaff knows the menu in detail and can anticipate
customers' questions so that an answer is readily available. From menu items,
to wine, to the artwork, the waiters seem to take pride in knowing what the
customers' wants and needs are and being able to meet them.
The Atmosphere
The ambiance is reminiscent of a gentlemen's
ilbrary with comfortable leather chairs, a warm glowing fireplace, dark wood
walls and subdued lighting. It's more like dining in someone's swan home rather
than at a resort. It is inviting and relaxed.
So, whether you're looking for a place to celebrate
a special night out, indulge in some fine food and wine, or treat a business
client, enoSTEAK provides excellence all around.
