The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Culinary Cookout Series

Savor summer a little longer at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s Culinary Cookout Series – two exclusive oceanfront dining events on The Dana Lawn. On Friday, September 13, Executive Chef Andrew Litherland presents the Pacific Northwest Seafood Celebration, featuring a family-style, multi-course dinner prepared in an outdoor kitchen that celebrates ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and pairs with fine wines from Oregon’s Ponzi Vineyards. On Sunday, October 20, guests can relax and enjoy a round-about afternoon tasting event, sipping and savoring local craft beers and global-inspired street fare.

Pacific Northwest Seafood Celebration on Friday, September 13, 6 - 9 p.m.
While overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Chef Litherland presents ingredient-driven dishes from the Pacific Northwest served family-style. Prepared in an outdoor kitchen, guests can engage with the chef and the culinary team, while getting a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the evening’s delectable menu.

Culinary highlights include a Raw Bar with crab claws, oysters and shrimp; Pastrami Rubbed Trout with housemade pumpernickel, smoked trout roe, crème Fraiche, and pickled onions; Hickory Elk Ribs with blackberry relish; Halibut Cheek with charred leek, fennel, and wild mushrooms; and Crispy Caesar Brussel Sprouts with pancetta. To complement, wines from Oregon’s leading winery Ponzi Vineyards in the Willamette Valley will pair with the meal and for the evening, President and second-generation vintner Anna Maria Ponzi will be on-site to walk guests through the pairing experience.

Finishing on a sweet note, Executive Pastry Chef Sylvain Haage will feature a selection of seasonal housemade desserts, such as Honey and White Peach Layered Cake with ice wine gelée and Speculoos crunch and Vanilla Roasted Figs with fennel caramel, brown butter crumble, and candy cap whip. Tickets are $125 per person (inclusive of tax & gratuity).

Coastal Brews & Bites on Sunday, October 20, 1 – 4 p.m.
Guests can enjoy an afternoon of global-inspired street fare paired with premium local craft beer at Coastal Brews & Bites. At the round-about tasting event, the resort’s expert culinary team presents a variety of unique food stations, such as a Bratwurst and Pretzel Bar, Wild Game Barbecue, Satay, Fish & Chips, and Latin-Inspired Tapas, along with Bubble Waffles and Gourmet Ice Cream Pops for dessert.

To complement, a variety of Southern California’s top breweries will be on-site to provide tastings, including Stone Brewing, Laguna Beach Beer Company, Docent Brewing, Left Coast Brewing, and more. Live music and lawn games round out the afternoon. Tickets are $90 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity). A cash bar will also be available.

As an added bonus, guests can purchase tickets to both events for a reduced price of $200 per person (inclusive of tax & gratuity). In addition, double value is extended for all Anniversary and Yappy Card holders, the resort’s loyalty program.

Ticket reservations are available online or calling Resort Services at 949.240.2000.

1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point.