La Cosecha: Beach Front Dining

When La Cosecha Modern Cocina recently opened at the base of the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach hotel, the Mexican restaurant put its focus front and center: La Cosecha means “the harvest.” The menu is “custom made” to take advantage of local, seasonal produce and sustainable seafood, says Luis Martinez, a Certified Executive Chef by the American Culinary Federation. “It’s a better product when you use local and seasonal produce because it’s fresher,” says the Guadalajara native, whose father owned a restaurant there. All the regions of Mexico are represented on the menu of the Ventura restaurant, just steps from the beach. Sit on the patio and enjoy the sea air while dipping into bright-tasting ceviche and a tequila flight chosen from among the many offerings. Or order from Martinez’s lighter, healthier takes on classic dishes. They’re his answer to the perception of Mexican food being heavy.

450 E. Harbor Blvd., Ventura; 805-652-5151; LaCosechaRestaurant.com