SAN CLEMENTE’S NEWEST EATERY FEATURES FRESH,
HONEST, AND WHEN AVAILABLE, LOCAL INGREDIENTS.
When owner Justin Rider and renowned chef John Merlino set out to create something new and inspired in the small coastal town of San Clemente, they decided early that ingredients were going to play the starring role.
Justin, a rancher at heart, grew up surfing from Lowers to Salt Creek and back. When he wasn’t in the water, he was riding horses and competing in rodeos. It’s this background that inspired the “Where the Ranch Meets the Sea” theme you’ll find when you walk in the door. You see, it wasn’t all that long ago that towns like San Clemente had herds of cattle roaming the local hills. In fact, there are still remnants and reflections of the ranch life scattered throughout the local hiking trails.
Enter Chef John Merlino. John has a resume that reads like foodie’s bucket list. He has worked in, and consulted on some of the finer restaurants in the nation. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence was a welcome addition to the otherwise homegrown, grassroots effort to get the place open. Rider was intent on creating a place where his friends and family would feel comfortable and customers would be shocked at the quality of food and service — he has succeeded. One-Eleven Coastal delivers on ranch aesthetic with fresh coastal-esque cuisine.
Perhaps one of the things Rider is most proud of is the restaurant’s relationship with the 2016 CIF State Champion San Clemente High School Football team. While carrying on the legacy started by a previous restaurant, Justin and the folks at One-Eleven have continued to sponsor the team and provide them with dinner before each home game.
“We are so grateful for Justin’s continued support of our program —it really makes a difference.” Coach Jaime Ortiz.
So whether you’re on your way to a game at Thalassa Stadium, or looking for a place to spend an evening with friends, One-Eleven Coastal is well worth your time. You’re sure to find fresh food, served with a humble, down-home smile, at a more than reasonable price.
Oh, and we haven’t even mentioned the craft cocktails. From a smoked Old-Fashion, to a take on a shandy called, “You’re the Reason Our Kids are Ugly,” you’re in for a libation worthy of Instagram (my personal favorite was Pancho & Lefty, give it a try).
So saddle up and head down to 111 Avenida del Mar in San Clemente and say “howdy” to Justin and Chef John.
“LOCALLY SOURCED AND GROWN IN OUR ORGANIC GARDENS, PRODUCE IS PICKED AT THE
PEAK OF FRESHNESS AND DELICATELY HANDLED FROM FARM TO YOUR FORK.”
www.OneElevenCoastal.com
111 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, CA 92672
Facebook.com/OneEelvenCoastal
