Posted date: 11/8/2007

 

Break of Dawn restaurant in Laguna Hills is drawing avid daytime diners from L.A. to San Diego largely because of chef Dee Nguyen. A former executive sous-chef from the Ritz Carlton, Nguyen combines flavors from his native Vietnam with more contemporary American fare, offering combos like barbecue pork with tempura eggs and crème brûlée French toast. (Pictured, short ribs) "I would call it creative breakfast and lunch," says Nguyen. 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Tue.-Sun. (949) 587-9418;