We've always loved Splashes at the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. The terraced restaurant serves American coastal cuisine and fine wines, and you can watch the waves crash upon the shore.

We didn't think the restaurant could get much better, but it has. The entire oceanfront resort, including Splashes, just completed an extensive redesign. The restaurant now sports rich wood tones, clean, simple lines, and floor-to-ceiling doors with ocean views. Guests can dine indoors or on the outdoor patio below the main dining room.

Executive Chef Lewis Butler recently unveiled a new dinner menu that changes frequently with the seasons. Starters include fresh hamachi carpaccio with mustard oil, aged balsamic and fascia croutons ($18); or excellent gravlax of Hawaiian ahi tuna with pickled cauliflower, wasabi tomato jam and Florida citrus sauce ($19).

Try the wild Virginia striped bass, with yukon gold potato puree, roasted currant tomatoes, and California caviar baked shallot-mustard vinaigrette ($36), or delicious grilled Channel Island harpooned swordfish, with Oregon forest mushrooms, sun chokes, and horseradish purée ($32).

Splashes also serves breakfast and lunch: morning offerings include caramelized onion Spanish frittata ($13) and citrus berry yogurt flan ($9). Lunch dishes include yellow tomato gazpacho and poached gulf prawns, with avocado mousse, and black Hawaiian sea salt ($14), and an ahi tasting, featuring tuna tartare with spicy tomato jam and seared tuna with yuzu sauce and sweet soy ($19).

At the beach level there's Splashes Lounge, the perfect spot for cocktails, lighter fare and beautiful sunsets.

1555 South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. 949.497.4477

www.surfandsandresort.com

www.kidsbookfestival.com

Don't miss the Orange County Children's Book Festival Saturday and Sunday at Orange Coast College from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fun family festival celebrates the magic of children's books, encourages literacy, and supports children's charities. The program includes more than 80 exhibitors of book vendors and educational supply stores. There will be presentations by authors and illustrators, storytellers, costumed characters, train rides, crafts, food and entertainment. And children's activities such as face painting, clowns, musicians, readings, drawings and more. Free admission and parking.
2701 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa. 714.432.5707.

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