Olamendi’s offers healthy, south-of-the-border bounty

Glori Fickling

A popular family-owned restaurant for the last 18 years, Olamendi’s

now stands proudly as the longest running Mexican dining destination

in Laguna Beach.

Twin outdoor balconies facing Coast Highway at the second-level

corners of Oak and Brooks streets beckon festively to passersby who

are instantly attracted by the red, white and green balloons wafting

in the wind.

At second glance, it is obvious that diners toasting with

margarita stems and champagne flutes under sunny yellow umbrellas

have caught the spirit of that south-of-the-border country.

That same fun-loving ambience pervades the colorful interior

dressed in primary tones and adorned with a melange of spirited

paintings and authentic Mexican and Aztec artifacts. This aura

reflects the outgoing spirit of the enthusiastic Olamendi family, who

continue the happy spirit under the direction of principal Rosa and

her sister Vicki.

The familial atmosphere is spacious yet cozy, making it the

definitive place to celebrate a special occasion, whether birthday,

anniversary or simply that occasional outing with friends seeking fun

and frivolity (watch those happy faces indulging in a $14 pitcher of

refreshing sangria).

That the menu reflects Rosa’s insistence on healthy choices is an

appreciated dividend. Her credo, “fresh, 100% natural ... cooked with

corn and olive oils ... no preservatives or artificial flavoring” is

another factor contributing to this success story.

The menu, in fact, includes a heart-conscious selection of

300-calorie recipes created to please dieters. Noteworthy are fresh

butterflied shrimp served with steamed vegetables, rice and a lightly

dressed green salad; chicken breast fajita strips with grilled onions

and peppers; and vegetarian enchiladas embracing steamed veggies in

mild enchilada sauce.

Attesting to affordability, the entire lunch/dinner menu offers a

diversified selection of appetizers, soups, salads from $8.95 with a

hefty crab leg version at $13.95. Combination plates are $5.95 to

$12.95; ala carte tacos, burritos, tostadas are $2.50 to $7.95. Top

tariff is a mere $14.95, this for chicken, steak and seafood

specialties. These also include soup or salad, Mexican rice and

refried beans.

Among standouts are the family recipe carnitas combining lean pork

chunks with onions, tomato, guacamole, cilantro and jalapenos served

with corn or flour tortillas. Traditional Milanesa comes with a

choice of breaded sirloin, chicken or spicy steak with fried potatoes

and freshly made guacamole. Chicken tamales blanketed in chocolaty

mole sauce are from an authentic state of Oaxaca recipe. And from

Veracruz, comes filet of red snapper simmered to perfection with

tomatoes, onions, green peppers and olives.

Enough cannot be said of Olamendi’s Sunday champagne brunch. This

winning buffet presentation commences with crisp salad greens,

delicate threads of carrot and cabbage and creamy bleu cheese

dressing. A glistening parade of steam table domes contains a

delicious variety of ever-changing hot entrees with rice and beans.

Among recent offerings was a delicious fresh broccoli selection

wrapped with cheese and fried relleno style. Eggs were scrambled with

chorizo, and again with peppers and tomatoes; pork came with tangy

salsa verde; stuffed zucchini were tossed with chicken and cheese

enchiladas were presented ranchero style.

For dessert, refreshing sliced melons were contrasted with crisp

fried tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. You may preface

your repast with choices from a full range of cocktails, wines by the

bottle, glass and carafe, plus Mexican and domestic beers. Finale

temptations at $4.95 and $5.95 include delicious custardy flan,

decadent mud pie and deep-fried vanilla ice cream.

NEWS BITES

Congratulations to Jon Madison for his newly acquired beer and

wine license, which adds a welcome dimension to Madison Square and

Garden Cafe.

Commensurate with this good news, the restaurant is now open for

dinner from 3 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The

breakfast and lunch menu will be continued as usual from 8 a.m. until

3 p.m. every day. For more information, call (949) 494-0137.