Residents Welcome 118 Degrees Community Café

Residents flocked to a new place to eat, 118 Degrees Community Café, on Monday and appeared more than ready to whet their whistles with the raw food concept.

Chef Jenny Ross brought her culinary chops into the former Chick-Pita location at 32341 Golden Lantern St., where the cafe will be open daily. It features a space with shared communal seating and a 12-seat patio.

The focus here is anything but fast-food but rather on fresh, whole-foods smoothies, quick-serve and Grab n’ Go options.

The café,  is in the Ocean Ranch Village, anchored by Cinepolis and  and offered the first 100 visitors a free smoothie or cookie.

Chef Jenny was on hand to make sure eveything ran smoothly and said she is excited to be in Laguna Nguel.

"We are grateful and honored to be part of this vibrant community and look forward to sharing some delicious times ahead, "she said.

More than 100 guests turned out and all of its free sugar cookies disappeared quickly.

"Not a sugar cookie left in the house," she said. "On a side note, our popular apple cobbler sold out fast, too!"

On the patio, diners enjoyed salads, and other colorful entrees from the new eatery, as they sat around unique wood tables chatting away.  

Jessie Spiro, who was enjoying a kale salad, said she was happy to dine at a new place.

"We need other places to eat in Laguna Niguel other than fast-food, so this is a welcome addition," she said.

Chef Jenny has spent the past five years bringing fresh, organic living cuisine to Orange County at her flagship 118 Degrees Restaurant at The CAMP in Costa Mesa. 

 “The new Laguna Niguel location will serve to empower the community by offering a fun and healthy alternative: fresh, organic living cuisine. As with my Costa Mesa and Anaheim locations, I am confident that we will provide an experience that is comfortable, inviting and educational.”