Press Releases

A Taste of Morocco: Perfect Summer Side Dish from Montage Laguna Beach Executive Chef Craig Strong

Want to add some exotic heat to your summer grilling? Follow Chef Craig Strong along the spice route to North Africa.

Ras el hanout contains a complex mélange of more than 20 spices and herbs from Morocco.  This blend literally means “head of the shop,” which some have taken to mean “best of the best.”  This unique mix is somewhat curry-like with a spicy kick, a floral fragrance and subtle nuances within an overall robust flavor.  It is extremely versatile, adding a golden color and an aromatic and enticing flavor to beef, chicken and fish.  You can find the mix at www.le-sanctuaire.com.

Chef Strong suggests using this spice mix as a rub to “blacken” your meat of choice. Then finish the grilled dish with a fresh squeeze of lime.  For the perfect accompaniment, he recommends his version of cous cous to complete this savory meal.

Chef Craig Strong’s Cous Cous

2 cups cous cous
2 cups chicken stock
dash of cinnamon
salt and pepper to taste
1 red bell pepper, small dice
1 squash, small dice
1 zucchini, small dice
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup almonds, toasted and sliced
2 tablespoons mint leaves, chopped

Bring chicken stock, cinnamon, salt and pepper to a boil.  Add cous cous, remove from heat, cover and let stand for 20 minutes. Sauté bell pepper, squash, zucchini and garlic in olive oil.  Remove vegetables from heat and add raisins, almonds and mint; mix and add to cous cous. Serve with your favorite grilled meats.

About Montage Laguna Beach

Montage, set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific in the heart of the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, offers 30 acres of oceanfront luxury. The 250-room craftsman-style resort features beachfront accommodations; a 20,000-square-foot spa; destination dining at Studio; a wealth of outdoor recreation, including three pools, beach and water sports; a fine art collection; and more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. For information and reservations, please contact Montage, toll-free, at 1-888-715-6700; or visit the Web site at www.montagelagunabeach.com.

About Montage Hotels & Resorts

Montage Hotels & Resorts is a hotel and resort management company founded in 2002 by Alan Fuerstman. Designed to serve affluent travelers and homeowners, the company features an artistic collection of distinctive hotels, resorts and residences in stunning settings that offer comfortable elegance, a unique sense of place and spirit, impeccable hospitality and memorable culinary, spa and lifestyle experiences. Montage Laguna Beach, the company's flagship oceanfront resort, opened in the vibrant arts community of Laguna Beach, California, in 2003. Montage Beverly Hills, the company's second hotel, opened in Beverly Hills in 2008 and was the first Gold LEED certified hotel and residences in Southern California. The newest property under development is Montage Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, scheduled to open in 2010. www.montagehotels.com