July 18, 2017 – Longtime local restaurateur and chef Marc Jones is creating a new daytime restaurant and weekend hotspot alongside the links at Laguna Seca Golf Course. Oak at Laguna Seca debuts its new menu this week with fresh spins on lunch favorites, like Reverse Fried Chicken and Waffles, Short Rib Tacos, Jambalaya Burrito and Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
“It’s a great location near Ryan Ranch and just 10-15 minutes from downtown Monterey, Salinas and Carmel Valley,” says Jones, who is also running his catering business out of the place—which used to be Balesteri’s.
Saturday night he’ll debut a weekly Pau Hana luau with live Hawaiian music. Kalua pulled pork, Katsu chicken and coconut rice are all on the menu, along with many more island favorites. Music will be provided this week by father/son duo Mele’huane.
Jones, who consulted on the opening of Pono Hawaiian Grill in Santa Cruz, said the same musical act that performs in Santa Cruz on Friday night will follow up with a gig at Oak on Saturday night.
“Opening Pono was the most fun I’ve ever had until now and I’ve always loved going to Hawaii,” he says of his island obsession.
In addition to Hawaiian nights, Jones plans to use the new venue to host comedy nights and has booked comedian Mike Winfield for Friday, July 28.
Jones’ long local food service career began as a busser on Cannery Row and included stints as a manager at Grasings, Carmel Chop House and Carmel Highlands Inn. He also worked in distribution with Better Brands Foods in Watsonville.
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At Edible Monterey Bay, our mission is to celebrate the local food culture of Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties, season by season. We believe in sustainability, and we believe everyone has a right to healthful, clean and affordable food. We think knowing where our food comes from is powerful, and we hope our magazine, website and newsletters inspire readers to get to know and support our local growers, fishers, chefs, vintners and food artisans.
