Two weeks ago, my friend Patty Mitchell of Your Restaurant Connection invited me to dine at the newly-remodeled Claes Ovation in the historic, world famous Hotel Laguna to preview the new menu created by Executive Chef Paul Bauer to herald the conceptual makeover. Since 1985, when Claes Andersen bought and refurbished the interior and exterior of this storied “Grand Old Lady” creating an award winning establishment with an European flair, Claes has been renowned for its stunning view of Main Beach, extensive wine list, and elegant cuisine.
We started the evening with a complimentary glass of champagne or Claes Ovation martini, an offer posted on Face Book to promote the launch.
The Ovation martini sounded like an odd combination of flavors: vanilla vodka, orange juice, and star anise – but it more than worked – it was a surprising symphony in my mouth!
Being just two in number, we decided to stick with the tasting menu so we could try several items. Patty left the adventurous tasting to me: I ordered the Handcut Wagyu Beef Tartare (with Quail Egg, Capers and Piquillo Peppers) and the Foie Gras Ravioli (with Comte Cheese and Perigord Sauce) while she selected the Heirloom Tomato Tartare and Mano de Leon Scallops (with Morel Mushrooms and Lavender Flower Buerre Blanc).
Along with our cocktails, Claes pleasantly unusual “bread” was brought to the table for our nibbling pleasure. The black sesame house-made rice crisp made for a stunning display and was served with a delicious mango chutney for dipping.
The scallops were perfectly seared, beautifully plated with a generous portion of morel mushrooms that provided an earthy contrast to the delicate lavender buerre blanc.
The tomato heirloom tartare was fresh and full of vibrant flavors with each bite accompanied by tastes of avocado, pickled mango, lime oil, and aged balsamic.
The Foie Gras Ravioli with Comte cheese and shaved truffles was deliciously over-the-top, but to me, somewhat too much of a good thing. The foie gras and truffles, two highly coveted ingredients, seemed to compete against each other with neither having an opportunity to shine. This didn’t prevent me from savoring each bite, but I would have preferred them to be served separately, enabling the distinctive taste of foie gras to come through rather than being swathed in an even richer sauce.
Finally, the Hand-cut Wagyu Beef Tartare was an overly generous serving of the prime rare beef and included all the necessary components – velvety yolk of the quail egg, salty capers, and piquant piquillo peppers. My only issue was the texture… I prefer a finer grind – the emphasis is on the “hand-cut”, but it was a bit too man-sized for my delicate constitution.
Overall, it was an outstanding meal and Claes Ovation has several creative entree selections that I’d like to experience. The web page for Claes is currently being updated, but you can peruse the entire menu at Your Restaurant Connection. Chef Bauer’s “Festival fare” menu of creative small bites and a three-course prix fixe dinner is especially designed for visitors on their way to the amazing annual arts festivals or Pageant of the Masters performances.
Claes Ovation
425 South Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-1151
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These dishes are absolutely stunningly gorgeous! I must visit the restaurant soon!
Incredible! The dishes look fantastic and delicious. Planning a visit ASAP. Chef Bauer seems like he really has turned this restaurant into a fantastic place to dine. Congrats to the Hotel Laguna!
Everything looks great Priscilla. I rarely rarely drink but I had once a cocktail with anise and loved it. The photo of the martini makes me take a sip.
That martini sounded really interesting, but so did the dishes that followed. And Hotel Laguna is in the neighborhood:) Maybe one day…
Hey Priscilla, I agree- stay away from the man size grind, it does look meaty! Everything else looks amazing and is making me hungry, nothing on tonight’s dinner menu looks this good;-)
The beach view looks stunning indeed…and the dishes there are simply scrumpy!
GORGEOUS! From the food to the views…wow!
We’re due for another visit at the Festivals, if this is within walking distance, we’ll give it a go!
Lol on the man grind. I like my raw meat finer than that.
And I would probably agree with you on the fois gras. Overall, beautiful presentation, tho! Those plates are works of art!
[K]
That amazing picture of the orange sky over the beach just sucks me right in! With a setting like that I’m not surprised you had a really nice meal. I’m sorry the foie gras and truffles were competing with each other (definitely too much of a good thing), but the scallops look like perfection and that rice crisp is so unique and stunning!
WOW! This all looks so fantastic!!
What a stunning meal! I was ooing from the first dish to the last. Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. I hope you had a great start to your week. Much love!
Wow… you definitely know how to live Priscilla!!! I am always looking for good restaurants in OC and am so glad to have discovered a new one!!
@Kim – It’s within walking distance of the Art-a-Fair, hope you get a chance to dine there!
@Victoria – I know, right! Our dinner certainly did the view justice
@ Kelly – It was a fabulous evening, indeed!
@ Monet – Thank you – I appreciate your sweet comments
@Nancy – Thanks, Nancy! I’m trying to live my life to the fullest
Hai Dear
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Aarthi
Yet another place I have not tried…everything looks fantastic and what a view! On our list of places, yes
Everything looks fresh and delicious. I hope you had a wonderful evening!
Thanks for visiting, Rachel – it was a very lovely evening
Lovely photos and a really interesting martini. Think I’ll have to try it at home!
Looks like an amazing restaurant! Your pictures are beautiful!
Look at all those yummy dishes!! Wow…you have the best pictures too…makes everything look so appetizing!