Chef Shuffle: Stonehill Tavern’s New Star Chef

The St. Regis Monarch Beach has it all — every amenity you can imagine, an unparalleled seaside location and everything from great food to great service from the instant you step in to the minute you leave. But one draw for locals and visitors alike is Stonehill Tavern, Michael Mina’s modern pub-fare restaurant that’s as delicious as it is fabulous, and with a new chef under the toque, you can be sure the food will be even better than before.

New chef Roy Sandoval is in charge of the day-to-day operations at Stonehill Tavern, making sure that every plate that goes out is up to chef Mina’s standards. But don’t think he’s just following orders, Sandoval will also be providing creative input to the menu, too, which you’ll see no matter what you order. From the “OC” Salad, which features Maine lobster and California avocado, to Mina’s signature lobster pot pie, you’ll be able to see and taste Sandoval’s touches.

Coming from Lolo in Portland, a restaurant focusing on the cuisine of Northern Spain, Sandoval’s fusion of Northwestern cuisine and the experience he’s had with the food of Spain and France will no doubt come through at Stonehill. Highlights of the menu at Stonehill include the “Snacks & Finger Foods” selection with classic cheese fondue, local fish and chips, lobster fritters and BBQ pulled pork sliders. For diners wanting to experience the best of the local, seasonal and sustainably grown ingredients, a “Farmers’ Market Menu” is available, featuring a prix-fixe, six-course offering for $75.

Under the direction of Wine Director Rajat Parr, Stonehill Tavern features a huge wine selection of 400 to 500 bottles with a focus on boutique producers from California. The cocktail menu is a tip of the hat to classic American cocktails and all of the food and drink are served up in the luxe Tony Chi designed dining room. With all of that at his fingertips, you can be sure that chef Sandoval will be making every meal a memorable one.

Stonehill Tavern is located at The St. Regis Monarch Beach, at One Monarch Beach Resort, in Dana Point. For more information on the St. Regis Monarch Beach or Stonehill Tavern, call 949.234.3318 or visit www.stregismb.com.

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