Spring Menu Celebrations at Raya

Raya at Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers the best views of the Pacific Ocean and you cannot beat its Latin American and Asian influenced cuisine. Chef Steve Wan goes all out with the seasons to present enticing and delicious dishes inspired by coastal living and the freshest ingredients.  Raya proudly serves sustainable seafood, local produce, natural and organic meats and what’s even better—Raya offers innovative menu items you won’t find elsewhere. We have yet to see sweetie peppers, tempura pickled tempura, or berry drops created from liquid nitrogen blackberries on any other menu.

For spring, chef Wan has added Shoyu Salmon, with avocado yuzee kosho puree, shiso, mushroom escabeche and finger lime. There’s also a Rock Shrimp Agua Chile with chile coconut lime water, cucumber, avocado, red onion, sweetie pepper and cilantro.

On the small plates menu, you’ll find the Thai Salad with duck carnitas mung bean noodle, herb salad, peanut, black garlic, chile de arbol oil and citrus dressing. Pan Seared Scallops with char sui pork belly, white bean puree, jalapeno cabbage slaw, white soy mojo and poblano crema.

The Halibut with boniato puree, corn, truffle, and tempura pickled tempura and Truffled Mushroom Quinotte with tomato, pea sprout, garlic, carrot, shio konbu soy emlusion. And you, must save room for Goat Cheese Flan that sounds unspectacular but it will be one of the best desserts you will have in your life. It comes topped with marcona almonds, champagne grapes, and guava verjus and blackberries that were frozen with liquid nitrogen and then cracked which completely changes their consistency. It’s so imaginative and unexpected.  

Raya is at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is at One Ritz-Carlton Drive in Dana Point. 949.240.2000.