Community Corner
New Menu Items Make Good Summer Eating
San Juan Capistrano restaurants bring new items to the menus, including mini-corn dog appetizers, fruit platters and cashew chicken sandwiches.
As summer swings into full gear, local restaurants are introducing new seasonal appetizers, entrées, sandwiches and drinks. Among the eateries adding new items in the coming weeks are Ruby’s and Ramos House.
is bringing back summer favorites as well as introducing new items. Ruby’s manager Tahnee Holden said the Baja Burger, introduced last week, “was a big hit last summer, so we are bringing it back.” The Baja Burger is a turkey patty, onion bun, pepper jack cheese with chipotle mayo, served with fries, for $9.99. In a few weeks Ruby’s will be adding new drinks to its patio menu.
co-owner Rob Quest said the restaurant is adding seven fresh items and two brought back by popular demand. “We always like to have fun with food and add a new twist,” he said. The new mini-corn dogs are served in a little fry basket for “a cute presentation.”
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An item returning at Sundried Tomato is Dr. Rick’s Salad, named after a Whittier physician. The $16 salad has been off the menu for one year, but, Quest said, “we keep getting asked for it.” It has sautéed prosciutto wrapped around goat cheese atop cold baby greens.
The landmark updated its menu about two months ago. Some items seem ready-made for summer tasting: the Dos Corazones, a chicken breast entrée created for weddings and events. “It was so popular we added it to our lunch and dinner menu,” said Stacey Strausbaugh, events manager.
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So try some new treats and rejoice at the return of old favorites. Here's a sampling:
Item: Cashew chicken salad sandwich, a returning favorite from a few years ago. Cashew chicken salad on raisin bread, accompanied with fries.
Price: $8.99
Why: Lower in calories (651 calories)
Item: Crunchy Lettuce Wrap, crispy vegetables tossed with ground turkey and zesty sauce, served with lettuce cups and crunch wonton chips on the side.
Price: $7.99
Why: It’s a refreshing for summer and good choice for patio dining.
Item: “Not Your Kids” Mini-Turkey Corn Dog appetizer, a mixture of traditional and pancetta-wrapped corn dogs, served with fruit chili ketchup and orange ginger Dijon mustard sauce.
Price: $9
Why: Not only is it fun, but also it’s a bit healthier with the turkey. It’s popular with the growing bar crowd at happy hour.
Item: Three seafood entrées:
- Sautéed seafood medley (jumbo shrimp, jumbo scallops, ahi, salmon, opah with vegetable risotto and parmesan cheese).
Price: $22
- Pan-seared jumbo scallops with herbed risotto, saffron chardonnay curry broth.
Price: $23
- Pan-seared Asian marinated opah with coconut curry sauce, garlic cilantro rice and sautéed baby spinach.
Price: $24
Why: All three seafood entrées are light and fresh.
Item: Fava Bean Treat appetizer, served with crostini, sliced cucumber, truffle oil and shaved Pecorino cheese.
Price: $6
Why: Best use of items obtained from local farmers and using what is in season.
Item: Fruit platter for brunch (peaches, blackberries—everything in season) and as an appetizer during the week. Served with fromage blanc and candied almonds.
Price: $6 during the week; an option on the $35-per-person brunch menu on weekends.
Why: It’s all about seasonal and fresh, said Michelle Riley of Ramos House.
Item: Petite-sized plates added to regular menu items for the dinner menu (half rack of lamb, salmon, duck, and filet with choice of potato or vegetables).
Price: Under $20
Why: “People eat lighter in the summer,” said Al Golesorkhi, owner of the Belgian-French restaurant.
Item: Salmon Benedict and a crab Benedict are among new brunch items.
Price: Under $20
Why: To offer variety to the established menu.
Item: Dos Corazones, grilled chicken breast with mango salsa and mango vinaigrette, served with handmade vegetable tamale, rice and vegetables.
Price: $16 lunch and $18 dinner.
Why: A catered-event entrée that was too good to keep off the regular menu.
Items: Two new salads.
- Southwest Cabo Salad, chopped chicken with black beans, roasted corn, avocado, diced tomato, queso fresco, green onion and tortilla strips over mixed greens, served with chipotle ranch dressing
Price: $11
Item: Ensalada Barbacoa, mixed greens tossed with balsamic dressing and topped with spicy barbecue carne asada, tomato, queso fresco, red onion, sliced avocado, and tricolored corn tortilla strips.
Price: $13
Item: Farmer’s Fajitas, sizzling vegetables with two cheese enchiladas over the top.
Price: $12 lunch, $14 dinner
