Youāll Want a Seat at This Table!
In anticipation of warm, sunny days, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point is unveiling a brand new restaurant concept, Outer Reef, with world-renowned chef John Tesar at the helm. āThe resortās multimillion-dollar renovation was modeled after a Hamptons beach house, and it highlights the beauty of the California coastline. Itās very fun and whimsical,ā says Chef Tesar. Outer Reef Dana Point
Tesar, a four-time James Beard nominee, made waves with his steakhouses Knife in Dallas and Knife & Spoon in Orlando. Now, he’s returning to his seafood roots with Outer Reef, bringing a fresh, coastal perspective to the culinary scene. Determined to open strong, Tesar and his team fully renovated the space and crafted a menu theyāre proud of. His hands-on approach touched every detailāfrom the innovative dishes to the design, ambiance, artwork, and even the napkins. Outer Reef is more than a restaurantāitās a personal expression of Tesarās passion, vision, and signature culinary style.
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āWe wanted everything to be tasteful and artisanal. We wanted to recreate SoCal casual, executed at an elevated level. But with a menu thatās approachable and shareable,ā the chef says, regarding his vision for the new restaurant. Outer Reef Dana Point
Chef Tesarās approach to the Outer Reef menu is simple: to bring out the best local waters have to offer. Inspired by a philosophy of keeping the ingredients āmostly raw, barely touched or lightly cooked,ā Tesar looks to elevate the dining experience, highlighting the local seafood with adventurous flavors and perfecting a delicate mix of fine dining and casual fare. āWeāll have oysters and mussels from local waters, squid from Monterey Bay, Uni from San Diegoāwhatever we have freshly available to us is what we will serveā¦but of course, we have our dry-aged steaks as well if thatās more to your liking.ā
Dishes like their Passmore caviar, served with Pacific sturgeon chicharrones, or their chef-prepared Black Cod Milanese are just a few great examples of Tesarās attention to detail. He remains committed to creating exquisite textures and flavors that highlight the best our coast has to offer.
While whatās on your table at Outer Reef may be exceptional, the entirety of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa provides ample panoramic ocean views, which serve as an incomparable pairingāespecially during that coveted āgolden hourā when the sun begins to set in the distance. Itās an unbeatable experience to begin your spring and summer months!
Outer Reef Dana Point
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
25135 Park Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
949.661.5000
www.lagunacliffs.com
www.outerreefoc.comĀ
