Sueños will bring a taste of Latin America to Laguna Beach
It’s long been a dream of husband-and-wife Jose Gutierrez and Kay Ayazi to open a beachside restaurant, so naturally their new place will be named Sueños, Spanish for dreams, when it opens Friday, Sept. 17.
“When our team came together, there was this palpable collective confidence that together we would not only achieve our goals but that our synergy would elevate the individual dreams each of us has, ” Gutierrez said. As first-generation Americans, Gutierrez and Ayazi wanted to show their children the opportunities that open up to those who pursue their dreams.
The 5,000-square-foot space has 85 seats inside the dining room, 30 seats on the patio and 12 at the bar. It has been redecorated and given a color palette of neutral tones accented with light pink, purple and blue.
A mural above the open kitchen by local artist Carlos Rodas shows a woman having an out-of-body experience, “where she flows into a state of expression, discovery and connection with her higher self,” according to a description of the painting in the restaurant’s opening announcement.
Executive Chef Alan Sanz and Culinary Director Yen Wu will lead the team at Sueños. Wu, born and raised in Lima, Peru, is responsible for operations at Sueños and Costa.
Originally from Mexico City, Sanz, who received his degree in culinary and pastry arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has worked at Boragó in Chile, Parcela in Mexico, Epicure in France and Mugaritz in Spain. He’s served under renown chefs including Rodolfo Guzman, Edgar Nuñez, Éric Fréchon and Francis Mallmann.
Both industry veterans have experience catering to the California palate. Sanz was executive chef for Gracias Madre Restaurants and Wu was executive chef for Puesto in Irvine.
The menu will highlight dishes from Latin America. Ceviche de Mango y Jicama with Mahi Mahi is cured in Leche de Tigre, a traditional Peruvian citrus-based marinade. The Arepa de Birria combines Colombian cornmeal pancakes with the rich birria stew of Jalisco, Mexico. Organic Oaxacan masa, pressed in-house daily, can be found in various dishes including Duck Carnitas Tacos and Ribeye Tetela.
Huitlacoche, known as the truffle of Mexico, will be highlighted in Black Risotto with Lamb Chops and Polenta and Short Rib. Desserts will include savory elements like avocado and tomatillo.
Beverage director Ava Navarrete will use agave-based spirits and artisanal rums to craft cocktails and tiki-style drinks. The wine list will include international bottles and domestic beer selections will draw from local craft breweries.
Prices range from $14-$18 for starters, $8-$10 for tacos, $25-$45 for entrees, $13-$15 for desserts and $13-$16 for cocktails.
“It’s always been a dream of ours to open a beachfront restaurant,” said Ayazi. “With Sueños, we get to share that dream with the community by celebrating the Laguna that locals love and visitors dream of.”
Find it: 222 Ocean Ave., Laguna Beach, 949-715-8155, sueñoslagunabeach.com.
Open: 4-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 4-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 4-8 p.m. Sundays. Lunch will be served noon-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.