Greer's OC

Mark this down as things to look forward to in 2017: Chef Pascal Lorange is opening his acclaimed Crudo restaurant, known for its Mediterranean cuisine with Japanese-inspired touches, at the Westin South Coast Plaza this summer.

The first Crudo opened last August at The Village at Pacific Highland Ranch in San Diego.

Belgium-born Lorange is a fourth-generation chef and has cooked in Michelin-star kitchens for more than 25 years. Along the way, chef Lorange served as the private chef for Spanish singer Julio Iglesias and has cooked for numerous dignitaries, including Oscar de la Renta, Princess Stephanie of Monaco, Bill and Hillary Clinton, as well as President Obama. In 2005 he helped launch Fig & Olive and over the next decade Lorange managed the company’s menu and opened seven restaurants in three states.

Crudo will take over the former space where Pinot Provence was located. The restaurant, which will be open for lunch and dinner, and will include a newly expanded patio dining area that will feature a garden with fruit trees, such as kumquats, the Crudo logo.

In Italian, crudo means “raw,” which translates to a number of chef Lorange’s dishes. Crudo features the freshest ingredients, with a focus on seafood served in simple presentations. A highlight is a trio dipping sauce selection served with several chef’s dishes, including sushi rolls and crudos.

Chef Lorange replaces traditional Asian-served ginger, wasabi and soy sauce with his trio of kumquat ginger with cilantro and olive oil; a five-spice harissa sauce, and aged balsamic vinegar with soy sauce and spices.

Lorange will also offer small cooking classes for both adults and children.

Crudo will be located at 686 Anton Blvd. in Costa Mesa at The Westin South Coast Plaza.