Blog
Change in Ownership of Sapphire Laguna
02.19.20
Chef and owner Azmin Ghahreman will be transitioning ownership Sapphire Laguna after 13 years. “My team and I have made countless memories and created a special bond with so many guests, as well as with the beautiful community of Laguna Beach,” Chef Azmin said.
“I have made the difficult decision to transition ownership of Sapphire Laguna Restaurant and Pantry into the capable hands of restaurateur Russ Bendel. As owner of Vine Restaurant in San Clemente, Ironwood in Laguna Hills, and Olea in Newport Beach, Russ is a respected restaurant industry veteran, and someone I know will build on the tradition of Sapphire Laguna Restaurant and Pantry. He will make minor enhancements and rename the restaurant Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook.
I will be passing the torch to Russ in early March, when I will focus all of my attention on Sapphire Culinary Group, including my Sapphire at School and Sapphire at Work programs, and some exciting new projects I look forward to sharing with the public.
I want to thank all of our loyal guests for helping Sapphire Laguna thrive for 13 years now, and I encourage them to enjoy Sapphire, Cellar. Craft. Cook. when Russ and his colleagues reopen in early April. This restaurant will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
1200 S Coast Hwy #105B, Laguna Beach.
Blog
DINE OUT LONG BEACH KICKS OFF WITH A FREE CHEFS’ COOKING + TASTING
02.18.20
Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week will host a free Chefs’ Cooking + Tasting Series on Saturday, February 22 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Friedmans Home Experience in Long Beach. Long Beach Restaurant Week starts the following day, February 23 and continues through February 29 with more than 50 restaurants participating citywide.
“Our Chefs’ Cooking + Tasting Kick-Off, hosted by Friedmans Home Experience, signals the start of Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week,” said Elizabeth Borsting, founder and organizer of Long Beach’s signature dining event. “We have chefs from Gladstone’s and Hungry Angelina, a new plant-based restaurant, along with Arize Bistro and mixology lessons with the bartenders from Navy Proof. Wine tasting, sponsored by Regal Wine Co., will feature The Crooked Duck and Modica’s Deli pouring a selection of wines coupled with beer tasting with Stella Artois. It’s social, educational and a great way to kick off a delicious week that showcases Long Beach and its vibrant dining scene.”
Featured chefs at the Chefs’ Cooking + Tasting Series, whose restaurants are participating in Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant & Cocktail Week, including:
12 noon – Chef Pete Lehmar of Gladstone’s
1 p.m. - Chef Geoff Sandler of Hungry Angelina located at 2nd + PCH
2 p.m. – Mixologist Brad Eston of Navy Proof doing mixology lessons
3 p.m. –Chef Patrick of Arize Bistro in the East Village
Each chef will demonstrate a signature dish from within one of the state-of-the-art exhibition kitchens at Friedmans Home Experience. Guests can chat with chefs about techniques while learning recipes they can recreate at home. Recipe cards are available while supplies last.
The owners of The Crooked Duck and Modica’s Deli will be hosting wine tasting sponsored by Regal Wine Co. and featuring vintages from La Crema and Kendall Jackson. Representatives from Stella Artois will serve their signature Belgium beer to guests in a keepsake chalice.
Friedmans Home Experience is located at 1827 E. Spring Street in Long Beach. Take the Cherry Avenue Exit off the 405 Freeway south to Spring Street. Friedman’s is located just west of Cherry Avenue. The event and parking are free.
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