62792 Fri Sep 03 14:15:03 -0700 2004 4 2 Los Angeles Area 0 335725 Has anyone been to Studio at The Montage Resort in Laguna? We're going for dinner on Sunday night and I'd love to hear some chow reviews! Fri Sep 03 14:15:03 -0700 2004 0 Foodie2000 1 335737 The menu at the Studio changes often, but the chef's talents are consistent and inventive. My friend became friends with the owner before I went, but I don't know that that influences our dining experiences per the Chef James Boyce. The location did add to my dining pleasure, for certain. Here are two chow reviews. Russkar’s recent review http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles18/messages/94132.html My review last year http://www.chowhound.com/california/boards/losangeles12/messages/59132.html Fri Sep 03 15:02:43 -0700 2004 335725 0 kc girl 2 335742 Just a note: though the two posts had a tasting menu, the full portions of the dishes offered on the menu are equally well-prepared. His ever changing menu is an ongoing story. The meat and seafood very tender. Sauces not overbearing. Common ingredients are sometimes prepared in uncommon ways - or at least ways we dont's see every day - such as instead of a slice of grapefruit to accent the crab cake, like at Bayside in Newport Beach, the chef candied the slice with the skin attached (do you remember candied orange rinds?) I believe you will have a good personal experience with the food there. The braised beef short rib is good, as are the scallops. Fri Sep 03 15:12:17 -0700 2004 335737 0 kc girl 3 335841 I had the tasting menu for lunch there once. It was wonderful. James Boyce (the chef) was trying to get me to work for him so he was extra generous with food. He sent us seared fois with roasted strawberries, which was a paring I have never had before. Everything was awesome except for the deserts. None of them looked good when I was there, and I had the chocolate devils food cake, which was dry and unpleasent. but the view is awesome. Sat Sep 04 14:04:37 -0700 2004 335742 0 captainspify 1 335923 Foodie, you're in for a treat tonight. Studio is my favorite resturant in coastal OC. A group of us were given a gift of a special dinner there recently, which was excellent and went something like this: We gathered outside on the patios overlooking the ocean and gardens while sipping Champagne and munching exquisite appetizers of fois gras, crab and ahi. We chose the tables outside for the cool ocean breezes, but the tables inside also have great views and a very open feeling. Sunset can be especially beautiful there. Dinner started with herb-mascarpone gnocchi with Parma ham and aged Parmesan-Reggiano. Outstanding! Next was a refreshing salad of romaine with lavendar-mustard vinaigrette, cippolini onions and black pepper crouton--very nice. My main was roasted Gulf red snapper with artichoke and carrot barigoule. Although small-portioned, it was huge on fresh fish flavor with a light butter sauce--sublime! My friend had the tenderloin of vintage beef with fingerling potatoes, wilted savoy spinach and wild mushrooms, which they shared with me--also very, very good. Excellent wines to choose from--I particularly liked the Gaja Promis ca Marcanda Barollo. Dessert was a super-creamy chocolate panna cotta with a little raspberry sauce and graham cracker ice cream. Wonderful pairing of flavors. I'm sure you'll have a lovely dinner--I can't wait for my next meal there. This time I'll be picking up the tab, so it might not be quite as extravagant as my last dinner, but the high quality and attention to detail will be there, regardless. Enjoy and please report back! Sun Sep 05 14:21:19 -0700 2004 335725 0 Lauren J.