New Chapter for Sushi Ii: Acclaimed Chefs Join MICHELIN-Recognized Kitchen

Sushi Ii, the MICHELIN-recognized Japanese restaurant on Mariner’s Mile, continues its legacy as one of Southern California’s premier Japanese dining destinations with the addition of two accomplished chefs, Koji Takahashi and Norio Izawa.

Both chefs bring decades of experience rooted in traditional Japanese technique and a shared commitment to the restaurant’s refined, thoughtful approach. Chef Takahashi, who has been with Sushi Ii since its inception, leads the restaurant’s kaiseki program. With nearly 40 years of experience, he blends time-honored methods with a modern sensibility, offering a multi-course experience that reflects what diners in Japan are enjoying today.

Joining him is Chef Izawa, whose training spans renowned kaiseki restaurants in Tokyo and Kanazawa. Since relocating to the U.S. in 1999, he has honed his craft at Bluefin in Newport Beach and Nobu in New York. At Sushi Ii, he now oversees the kitchen, elevating traditional ingredients with inventive presentation—dishes like sautéed belt fish with lily bulb cream sauce and green tea cream puffs paired with toasted brown tea reflect his blend of creativity and reverence.

Under the guidance of Director Natsuko Travioli, Sushi Ii remains true to its vision. From the curated ceramics to the intimate counter seating, every detail reflects a deep respect for Japanese culture and craftsmanship.

Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m., Sushi Ii has been featured in the MICHELIN Guide every year since opening. For reservations and more information, visit sushi-ii.com.

100 West Coast Highway, Suite 202 in Newport Beach.

Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach Unveils Property-wide Transformation

Truly one of the most special hotels in Orange County, the Surf & Sand in Laguna Beach, an iconic oceanfront resort, has completed its highly anticipated property-wide transformation, unveiling redesigned guest rooms and suites, a striking new lobby and lounge, refreshed dining and spa experiences, and upgraded conference and event spaces.

The reimagined Surf & Sand highlights one of Southern California’s most picturesque stretches of coastline, with panoramic ocean views featured throughout the resort.

The redesigned 165 guest rooms and suites each feature private balconies with sweeping Pacific views. The new look emphasizes light-filled spaces with custom furnishings, Italian marble finishes, and integrated personalized technology. Glass patio doors connect guests to the ocean, while refreshed bathrooms—many with deep-soaking tubs and ocean views—offer a heightened sense of coastal luxury.

Splashes, the resort’s signature restaurant, led by Executive Chef Ron Fougeray, offers an elevated coastal dining experience with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The redesigned space is brighter and more vibrant, anchored by a custom-designed Chihuly chandelier made of hundreds of hand-blown glass elements inspired by the sea. Guests can also enjoy oceanfront bites and handcrafted drinks at Splashes Bar and Bella Vista Terrace, or grab coffee and casual fare at Pacific Perk.

A newly unveiled Lobby Lounge welcomes guests with spectacular ocean views upon arrival. The open-air lounge pairs Mediterranean-inspired architecture with a curated art collection featuring works by Dale Chihuly, Ran Ortner, Eric Zener, Geoffrey Gersten and Kelsey Irvin. The design honors the resort’s legacy while celebrating Laguna Beach’s artistic spirit.

Thoughtful enhancements extend to in-room technology and comfort, including motorized window treatments, personalized lighting and climate controls, new beverage and coffee consoles, and nightly turndown service with luxury amenities.

The fully renovated Aquaterra Spa now features a refreshed design and a holistic menu of treatments in eight tranquil rooms, including a couple’s suite. Guests can also enjoy beach yoga and wellness experiences designed to nourish body and mind.

For meetings and events, Surf & Sand offers 10,000 square feet of renovated indoor space and 10,000 square feet of ocean-view outdoor venues, ideal for weddings, corporate gatherings, and special celebrations.

For more information or reservations, visit surfandsandresort.com or call (888) 579-8544.

Photo courtesy of Surf & Sand, Laguna Beach

Tender Greens Unveils Seasonal Summer Menu Inspired by Local Harvests

Tender Greens, the Los Angeles-based restaurant known for its elevated seasonal fare, has launched its new summer menu—highlighting fresh, vibrant produce and bold, ingredient-driven flavors. Guided by California’s local harvests and regional growers, each dish reflects the brand’s commitment to culinary excellence.

New seasonal offerings include:

Grilled Sea Bass Plate — Simply seasoned with sea salt and herb oil, served with a choice of two sides

Summer Longevity Bowl — Grilled sea bass or braised beans with heirloom tomato panzanella, charred eggplant labneh, roasted fennel and fingerling potatoes

Seasonal Vegetable Plate — A rotating medley of summer squash, sweet peppers, French green beans, mushrooms and more, with two sides

Summer Harvest Salad — Stone fruit from Family Tree Farms, blackberries, goat cheese, pistachios and caramelized onions over baby lettuces, dressed in golden balsamic vinaigrette

California Bowl — Salmon or chipotle barbecue chicken with roasted corn salsa, cilantro lime brown rice, cabbage slaw, queso fresco, pepitas and lime crema

Watermelon Agua Fresca — A refreshing seasonal sip to pair with any meal

This season's menu is rooted in partnerships with California farms, including Valdivia Farms—renowned for heirloom tomatoes—and Family Tree Farms, known for its exceptional stone fruits.

Tender Greens has two Orange County locations in Irvine:
Irvine Spectrum – 530 Spectrum Center Drive
UC Irvine – 4237 Campus Drive, Suite B165

To explore the full menu or order online, visit TenderGreens.com.