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Feels like home at Harlow’s

07.02.14

By Natalie Aronson

The moment I stepped through the door at Harlow's in San Juan Capistrano, I felt welcomed. I was greeted immediately by the bartender who finished crafting his cocktail and stepped inside the dining room to tend to our party. The warm décor of the restaurant was inviting, with beautifully detailed ceiling panels and a dimly lit chandelier that rested above the bar, accentuating the hand-crafted syrups lining the shelves. 

What makes Harlow's feel like home is their fine attention to detail, in everything they do. Their cocktails are mixed with syrups made in-house by the restaurant's General Manager, Ana Maria. She welcomed us and instantly fell into casual conversation, informing us about their farm-to-table dishes that make up their California-contemporary menu. No GMO's, all organic and made fresh daily, even the bread and butter are churned and baked in their very own kitchen.

Restaurants can boast "hand-crafted", but until you try their soaked, dark cherries (each take 45 minutes to prepare and taste just like Christmas) which are served alongside signature cocktails, then you truly have not experienced what hand-crafted really means. 

From their Tito's handmade Mules, made with in-house brewed ginger beer, to their Peaches and Pork- an appetizer consisting of prosciutto, grilled local yellow peaches, pecorino crisp and vanilla oil- Harlow's takes the time and attention needed to catapult these dishes to a dining experience. At Harlow's a meal is not something you simply eat and pay for, but rather a moment to share with those in your party, and to treat yourself to locally-sourced and truly hand-crafted plates. 

Worried about what to get? Well, every item on the menu looks delicious (and beautifully plated). But my personal favorites were the Covent Garden cocktail made with Pimms No. 1, St. Germaine, fresh strawberries, mint & club soda and of course...another pork dish. Brussel sprouts mixed with house cured pork lardons....it gives a new and satisfying meaning to eating your greens. Come for the great Happy Hour prices and stay for the ambiance; by the end of the night you won't believe you were eating in a suburban shopping center! 

Open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; bar service 3 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 3 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour from 3 to 7 p.m.  Monday to Friday; 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Harlow’s Fine Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails is at 31111 Rancho Viejo Road, San Juan Capistrano. 949.240.8100

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Greer's Girls



Modern Mexican Comfort Food

07.01.14

By Natalie Aronson

With the new addition of the recently opened Tortilla Republic, Laguna Beach continues to boasts an unfaltering and extensive range of cuisines. 

Tortilla Republic's modern Mexican comfort food is made with farm-fresh ingredients and merges traditional recipes with a unique addition of flavors. Take their Tacos de Jicama for example; Shrimp, chipotle mayo, cilantro, red onion, and avocado wrapped up neatly in a thinly sliced jicama "tortilla", making for a refreshing appetizer. 

Innovative, yes, but also classic. The opportunity to try something new are on every page, -whether it be a Cucumber Lavender Margarita or Hibiscus Flower Enchiladas- but if comfort food is what you know, there's no sense in not sticking to tradition. Their Flautas de Pollo use organic ingredients to make this classic a restaurant staple. Mary's free range chicken tinga, queso fresco crema and guacamole stuffed inside a crispy flour tortilla is a hearty appetizer that compliments the chips and salsa trio to start out your meal. 

The food, paired with the excellent service, make up the full package when experienced at prime realty with an ocean view from the front room or bar top. White rope hanging from the ceiling contrast the dark, wooden paneled walls, giving off a classic nautical feel. 

Whatever you choose to bite into, you can taste the preparation in every mouthful. Tortilla Republic also has locations in West Hollywood and Kauai, proving if you know a good thing when you see it, you might as well share the experience.

Open 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday.

480 S Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach. 949.393.4888.

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