Top Chef’s John Tesar Goes California Seafood at OC’s New Outer Reef | Eater LA

"A long‑discussed coastal seafood restaurant from Chef John Tesar is opening this month inside the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa in Dana Point, with a planned April 29 debut as part of a multi‑million‑dollar renovation of the hotel property. Meant as an homage to his former Spoon Bar & Kitchen, Outer Reef focuses on the bounty of the sea, moving from raw preparations like razor clam tartare, geoduck sashimi, and dry‑aged tuna to grilled items and larger mains. Menu highlights include a shareable spot prawn ramen, roasted half lobster, kimchi‑glazed halibut, black cod milanese, housemade pastas and at least one steak. Tesar will oversee the restaurant while chef de cuisine Jayro Martinez (formerly of MhZh and the opening executive chef of Mayfield) runs day‑to‑day; expect water views and coastal ambiance, with dinner service to start (Thursday–Sunday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.), plans to expand to lunch and breakfast later, and reservations available on OpenTable." - Farley Elliott