Raya at The Ritz Carlton

I’m continuing my California Bucket List and decided to take a drive down to Dana Point to visit my girlfriend Cathy Britan & her daughter Rachel. My girlfriend Mary Stavin drove us down. It’s was a great way to relax, spend time with friends and watch the whales and dolphin breaching the surface & showing off. It’s also a great place to surf and to watch surfing.

After arriving at Cathy’s beautiful home and cocktails by the pool, we decided to pop over to one of my favorite restaurants at the Ritz Carton, Raya.  It also happens to be about a minute away from Cathy’s.

Mary ordered the Arroz Negro ($39) which was my favorite dish. It’s black forbidden rice with chorizo and shellfish.  Cathy had the Achoite Salmon ($34) & I ordered the Pan Seared Sea Scallops ($42) well done, which came perfectly cooked. All the dishes were sumptuous. My only complaint would be that it was too much food! I prefer a pared down dish. FYI, I’ve also had lunch there & their Chinese Chicken Salad is divine.

Oh, and I had their famous Blueberry Martini which was EXTRA FABULOUS!!! Nothing like sipping your blueberry martini watching the surfers from the Ritz in Dana Point.

Try their Sunday Brunch too!

Raya at the Ritz Carlton, Dana Point: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/laguna-niguel/dining/raya
Book No thru OpenTable: https://www.opentable.com/raya-at-the-ritz-carlton-laguna-niguel?page=1