Tortilla Republic Brunch in Laguna Beach Is the Place to Go

I absolutely love to find new brunch spots in Orange County! This is why I was very excited to hear that Tortilla Republic was coming to Orange County and that they would be offering a brunch menu!  The Laguna Beach Tortilla republic location opened on Tuesday, May 30, 2014 on 480 S. Coast Highway in Laguna Beach. Owners, John Halter, Morten Kaag and Mina Azami, opened the first Tortilla

Republic restaurant in August 2011 in Poipu, Kauai, and the second location opened in West Hollywood, CA in March 2012. I have never visited either of the other 2 locations, but I definitely hope to go to the Poipu location next time I am in Hawaii as it is their original restaurant! 🙂 Consulting Chef Cathy Shyne and Executive Chef Brandon Warren have created a farm-to-table menu at this restaurant in Laguna Beach using fresh ingredients and organic produce.

 

The restaurant theme and décor really seems to capture the coastal lifestyle of the luxurious surrounding location, Laguna Beach. The restaurant features spectacular coastal views from every seat available and there are the two outdoor dining terraces, a courtyard patio and a retractable roof for indoor al fresco dining!

Modern Mexican cuisine from original Mexican recipes with California flair is served at Tortilla Republic. In addition to the delicious food, there is a lively bar that serves over 100 tequilas and mescals. The cocktail program at Tortilla Republic includes handcrafted margaritas, cocktails, and a selection of over 100 blue agave spirits with price ranges from $9-$13.  Menu items range in cost from $5-13 for appetizers/salads and $15-28 for entrées.  Something else I love that is offered at this fabulous brunch is the Bottomless Mimosas for $19!  How can you go wrong with never-ending champagne and orange juice?   

 

While I did enjoy what I got to try at this brunch thoroughly, I must say it was a media luncheon and a variety of items were ordered, but they were all shared so I really only got to sample a bite from each item and some of the items never made it to my side of that table before they were devoured..I guess that is a good sign that people thoroughly enjoyed them! 🙂

The main item that I wanted to order just for myself was set directly in front of me which was the Fresh Roasted Corn & Blueberry pancakes…so I was very excited to take the first helping of that and get a great picture! J For $9 these pancakes were out of this world!  They had such great price and great flavor. I cannot wait to go back for unlimited mimosas and pancakes and then I will go into a diabetic coma. 🙂 Just kidding!

 

All menu items from the brunch menu were from $9-$16, so this is definitely a great deal!  Other menu items I sampled that were placed on our table included Seared Albacore Tuna & Sweet Potato Hash with two poached eggs, wilted micro greens, caramelized onions, and jalapeños, Machaca Burrito  with scrambled eggs, prime shredded beef, potatoes, monterey jack cheese,pico de

gallo, & wet ranchero sauce, Chilaquiles  with roasted poblano, queso fresco, crema, black beans, crispy corn tortillas choice of ranchero or tomatillo sauce Add: 2 Eggs any Style for $3 Add: Pulled Chicken Tinga for $4 Add: Spanish Chorizo for $2, Huevos Divorciados with 2 poached eggs, tomatillo sauce, ranchero sauce, applewood smoked bacon, black beans, crispy corn tortilla strips, & queso fresco, Egg White Omelet  with black kale, chipotle shrimp, cherry tomatoes, oyster mushrooms, & grilled corn relish, Mole Enchiladas with pulled Mary’s free range chicken, tinga sauce, mole de poblano, crema,queso fresco, & toasted sesame seeds, as well as fresh guacamole, black beans, and rice.

 

As I said above I only sampled a bite or 2 out of most of these entrees, but the 3 dishes that stood out to met hat I fell in love with were hands down the Fresh Corn & blueberry pancakes, the Egg white omelet, and the Seared Albacore Tuna & Sweet Potato Hash!  These three entrees I desired more of and I will be heading back in to check them out properly while enjoying the fresh cool breeze and the ocean view!  See all of my pictures of each dish in the article throughout.  🙂

I tried a variety of cocktails at Tortilla Republic. Among my favorites were the Perfect & the Cucumber Lavender!  The bartender even whipped up a special concoction for me with passion fruit puree, so if there is something you want that is not on the menu, the bar staff is definitely quick to please! 🙂 I do love that! 

Cocktail prices ranged from $9-$13 and the cocktails I decided to try were: Prickly Pear Bellini with prickly pear purée, sparkling cava, Tomato Fresca with El Jimado blanco, muddled grape tomatoes, fresh lemon juice, & Tapatio hot sauce, Jalapeño Margarita made with Dos Armadillos Reposado, Fresh Agave Lime Sweet, Stirrings Triple Sec, & Fresh Jalapenos, Cucumber Lavender Margarita with El Jimador Blanco, Fresh Agave Lime Sweet, House Made Lavender Syrup, &  Muddled Cucumber, Perfect Margarita with Herradura Reposado, Fresh Agave Lime Sweet, Grand Marnier, & Fluer de Sel, and last, but not least the Sweet chili created with Cazadroes Resposado, fresh agave lime sweet, passion fruit puree, Ancho Reyes liqueur!

 

Have you been to Tortilla Republic? Please share your experience with me below! I look forward to going back soon and sipping a cocktail with a gorgeous view and a delicious meal!  If you are looking for somewhere new to in Orange County for brunch with a fresh & innovative variety of different dishes, Tortilla Republic is the place!! 🙂

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