East Meets West at Splashes

Splashes at the Surf and Sand has been a Laguna Beach institution since its opening in 1991. But when Chef Ron Fougeray of Philadelphia’s famous Le Bec-Fin and Bibou BYOB (named one of the The Top 10 Best New Restaurants in America by GQ Magazine) joined Splashes in 2015 things got even more exciting. 

Since its inception Splashes has been dedicated to using the freshest, highest quality, locally sourced ingredients, as well as being committed to serving sustainable seafood and meeting the high standards of the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch. 

The juxtaposition of East and West served as a perfect fit for the esteemed chef, and Southern California has become a natural home for Chef Ron and his family. "I think it's important to constantly learn, experiment, and push the limits and flavors/flavor pairings/and visual works of art,” he states, sharing that his cuisine has got a lot “prettier” since he went Californian.

"My philosophy is to cook simple, use the finest product you can get your hands on, be the best, work the hardest, sweat the most, and don't ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't do,” he says of the hard work that’s lead to his success.

Chef Ron has seamlessly blended his two lifestyles, explaining "My East Coast roots were heavily influenced by the French classics. In Philly, I learned what it is to cook from scratch, have pride in your cuisine, and developed a skillset that molded me for any challenge in the future. Coming West, I've brought an edge and work ethic that is the driving force of the kitchen. I've brought a lot of those classic East Coast dishes, techniques, and flavor pairings, and have molded them into a lighter, brighter version without sacrificing the flavors that make them special."     

So if you’re looking to experience premiere Southern California dining with an East Coast flair by one of the most celebrated chef’s in the nation, visit Splashes. Diners can enjoy Chef Ron's tasting menu on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5-10pm, Prime Pairing on Fridays and Saturdays from 5-10pm, and brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30M-3pm. 

Angela Kelly is the founder of GutsyMother, a health and wellness site that explores the microbiome as it relates to personal health, fitness, and family health. She is a freelance writer, mama to three small humans, and gut health enthusiast. You can find her drinking an obscene amount of white tea, running, writing, or enjoying the beach with her tribe. Follow her on Instagram at @GutsyMother.

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