Chef Rainer Schwarz is a busy guy.
He helms deep kitchens in Laguna Beach—Driftwood Kitchen and The Deck—as well as Hendrix Restaurant and Bar, which opened in Laguna Niguel two years ago.
Hendrix is billed as a neighborhood New American restaurant. Schwarz’s seasonal menu of fish, steaks and chops is matched by the bar program that includes a mix of signature drinks, American craft beers, and a wine list.
Many dishes debuting for the fall are new collaborations between Schwarz and Chef de Cuisine Allan Aguinaga, who recently joined the Hendrix team after stints at Juliette Kitchen + Bar and Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens.
A recent media tasting showcased 13 new starters and entrees, plus dessert. Fortunately for us, dishes were served family style so we could try it all without getting stuffed.
The samples included:
• Spanish Octopus Ceviche with garbanzos, fennel, sweet peppers with lime vinaigrette.
• Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Moroccan spices.
• Hamachi Crudo with fuji apples, avocado, and blood oranges.
• Roasted Heirloom Beet Salad with herbed goat cheese.
• Tomato and Mozzarella Salad with plums and basil.
• Kale Pesto Spaghetti with broccolini and asparagus.
• Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms with ricotta cheese.
• Fried Calamari sticks and Grilled Mexican Shrimp, among others.
Impressive variety, popping flavors, extra helpings of octopus and calamari.
Doubly impressive for a “neighborhood eatery.”
Schwarz called the dishes, “fresh and vibrant, so guests can eat light … without sacrificing bold flavors.”
I call them damn tasty.
Hendrix: 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel 92677, (949) 248-1912, hendrixoc.com.
