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Seal
Beach
RESTAURANTS
Walt's Wharf/ 2*
201 MAIN ST, SEAL BEACH; 562/598-4433
Justly revered for fresh seafood expertly grilled over oak embers, this
village fixture is a casual favorite with both locals and visitors. Once
the wood fire leaves its oaky accent behind, the kitchen adds layers of
flavors with creative sauces that complement (not overwhelm) the varied
fresh catches. Although the line-up changes daily, good examples include
Alaskan halibut with roasted yellow bell pepper cream sauce and orange
roughy with papaya/red chile salsa. Entrees include al dente vegetables
and a choice of five side dishes (including garlic mashed potatoes, a
nutty wild rice, or pasta marinara). But not everything gets a grilling.
Traditionalists can enjoy the fresh fish and chips (with shoestring fries),
the beer-batter jumbo shrimp, or a cream-laden clam chowder. Fresh oysters,
crispy pizzas, choice beef, and lively pastas also have their place-the
menu seems to stretch on forever. Even the wine list is ample, featuring
well-chosen bottles at fair prices. $$; AE, DC, MC, V; no checks; lunch,
dinner every day; full bar; reservations recom-mended; at Central Ave.
ORANGE COUNTY THREE-DAY TOUR
DAY ONE. In San Juan Capistrano, begin with fresh-roasted Java
and a delicious muffin at Diedrich Coffee, then spend the morning
meandering through the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. Have
lunch at Ramos House Cafe, take the Historic Walking Tour of old
San Juan Capistrano, wander along Antique Row, and stop and ;
visit the old Capistrano Depot. Drive south on Camino Capistrano
to Pacific Coast Highway and the beach, then head northwest to
Dana Point to check into the incomparable Ritz-Carlton, Laguna
Niguel. Have drinks on the terrace and watch the (sunset. Dine
in the Ritz-Carlton Dining Room, have a nightcap in the Lobby
Ban and sleep in a room fit for royalty.
DAY TWO. In the morning, enjoy breakfast in the Ritz-Cartton's
Terrace Restaurant. Arrange to play tennis on the hotel's courts,
or ask the concierge to set up a round of golf at the Links at
Monarch Beach Club next door. Drive north on PCH to Laguna Beach.
Stop atTaco Loco for lunch, then spend the afternoon lying on
beautiful (000 Steps Beach. Check into the Hotel Laguna, have
dinner at Five Feet, then catch one of the stellar performances
at the Laguna Playhouse.
DAY THREE. After breakfast at the hotel, spend time perusing the
galleries and shops in the village of Laguna Beach before continuing
up the coastto Newport Beach. Have lunch at JackShrimp, then take
the ferry to Balboa Island and window-shop along Marine Avenue.
Drive to Balboa Peninsula and check into the Doryman's Inn Bed
& Breakfast. Sip a glass of wine with some savory tidbits
while enjoying the breathtaking ocean view, and then make the
brief drive south along PCH to scenic Corona del Mar for dinner
at Five Crowns. Finish off the evening with drinks and dancing
at Bob Burns dub at Fashion Island.
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