Megan and I have shared some great times at The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel. The resort was host to the annual Mom 2.0 Summit a few years ago and we both believe our time spent at that particular conference was a real turning point in our career as influencers and content creators.
So, when we were recently invited to lunch at RAYA by Richard Sandoval, we jumped at the chance to reminisce, talk about future projects and to celebrate our Mom 2.0 Summit Iris Awards nomination.
RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton
RAYA is a restaurant concept by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. The menu features locally sourced produce, organic meats and sustainable seafood. Chef Sandoval brings his signature use of authentic ingredients and international flavors to dishes such as lobster tacos, achiote salmon, roasted corn soup, and tostones rellenos.

Megan and I have a real weakness for Coca-Cola and were pleased when our server placed two icy cold cans on our table. While we surveyed the menu for lunch options, we couldn’t help but watch the pelicans dive in and out of the Pacific. RAYA has sweeping views of the ocean and is just a perfect picturesque location for a bridal luncheon or a sunset dinner.

Working Lunch at RAYA
If you know our story, you know that Megan had to beg me to make videos with her. I resisted for a long time but it has turned out to be one of my favorite platforms. Last year, she expressed an interest in creating a how-to video course for beginners.

Again, I resisted. We have had some success over the years but I felt we didn’t have enough to make us experts on the topic. However, I got the validation needed when we were nominated for best parenting vlog earlier that month. Our beautiful lunch at RAYA was suddenly a working lunch as we outlined our ideas for a video course for beginners.

But first food. We were on limited time so we opted to skip the starters and head straight for the large plates. Megan chose her go-to char sui pork Vietnamese sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries served with chipotle ketchup (I swear every time we’ve ever had lunch and an Vietnamese sandwich is on the menu, she orders it).

I went for the open-faced Laguna Burger served with truffle French fries which so happens to be my go-to side at every lunch. The kitchen was very accommodating with my request to put all the spicy stuff on the side.

Even with all the spicy stuff on the side my Laguna burger didn’t disappoint. I loved the open-faced style with the huge pile of frisee lettuce and melted Swiss cheese. Megan loved her sweet potato fries and we both loved the chipotle ketchup.
All in all, a wonderful lunch at RAYA. Do yourself a favor and plan a lunch date with your girlfriends before school is out for the summer. You won’t regret the chipotle ketchup. Valet parking at The Ritz-Carlton is available for $5 with a restaurant validation.
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
You can also find us on “Girls Gone Hallmark” on Tuesdays and Thursdays where we review new and fan-favorite Hallmark movies and ask the question: Did you see that?
