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UNIQUE Featured Chef and Recipe: Casa Laguna Inn - Laguna Beach, CA

CHEF: Peter O’Keefe

WITH THE INN SINCE: 2006

STARTED IN THE KITCHEN: Chef Peter started in the kitchen at age 5 when his father taught him to make tacos and carrot soup. Professionally, he started at age 14 working at a small surfer/munchie take-out stand in his hometown, Laguna Beach, CA.

TRAINING/EXPERIENCE: Chef Peter’s training and experience have all been practical. He grew up traveling across Europe and the United States with his “foodie” parents. He established an appreciation for fine food at an early age. Yearning to be immersed in the environment, Peter gained knowledge and skill working for various chefs from New York to Boston to San Francisco.

LIST ANY AWARDS OR PUBLICATIONS:Peter feels the most important recognition he has received for his culinary skills are praise from his father and an admission from his girlfriend that he is her favorite Chef.

FAVORITE INGREDIENT: Anything fresh, local and organic.

FOOD PHILOSOPHY: Chef O’Keefe is creative and likes to think beyond format while maintaining a minimalist approach. He maintains that food is at it’s best when the integrity of the ingredients is maintained and the inherent tastes/flavors are simply enhanced.

INSPIRATION: The ingredients he finds at the local marketplace and working with organic farmers, artisans and fishermen in the communities surrounding Laguna Beach, CA inspire Chef Peter.

ANYTHING ELSE? “Food is fun! Keep it that way!”

Mini Chorizo and Black Bean Frittata

2 C black beans
3-4 C chorizo
1 bunch cilantro
2 limes – zest and juice
2-3 T chili power
1 T salt more/less to taste

12 large eggs, beaten
2 roasted red peppers
1 red onion – diced small
1 ear of roasted corn
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bunch, green onions or scallions chopped for garnish

1. Fold together ingredients well using a whisk making sure to break up any clumps larger than a marble
2. Ladle into oiled muffin/bread tin and bake at 375°F until firm and slightly browning
3. Serve with Salsa Fresca, queso ranchero, roasted red pepper sour cream and green onion

Salsa Fresca

6-7 tomatoes – large diced
1 bunch cilantro
2 limes – juice
1 ear of roasted corn
1 ½ T salt to taste
1 red onion – medium diced
2 jalapenos – seeded and diced
½ C orange juice
½ bunch green onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1. Blend jalapenos, garlic, lime and orange juices until pureed
2. Add in order: tomatoes, red onion, cilantro and salt
3. Blend to desired consistency
4. Fold in green onion and corn
5. Adjust salt and acidity

Roasted Red Pepper Sour Cream

1 roasted red pepper
½ bunch cilantro
2 C sour cream
1 pinch of salt

Blend until smooth

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CONTACT: Rose Allen, Unique Executive Director • 877.2UNIQUE (877.286.4783) • email: Stay@uniqueinns.com