I visited Madre shortly after they opened to try out their happy hour. I was impressed by the decor, the drinks, and the food. Some of my friends have confirmed their positive experience and it was always my intention to return. It took a while, but my wife and I recently dined there. Nopalitos or…
South Bay
Gelson’s Adds Upscale South Bay Grocery Experience
Gelson’s is a regional supermarket chain operating in the more affluent areas of Southern California. After a multi-year struggle with the City of Manhattan Beach, they finally opened on Nov. 14. I visited them a few times and have made some personal observations. Gelson’s is best approached from the north on Sepulveda because from the…
Ruiji Brings SGV-Quality Sichuan to the South Bay
China is a huge country with many provinces. Because of the differences in geography, climate, and natural resources, regional Chinese cuisine varies widely. In the United States, Panda Express has popularized Mandarin cuisine, but until Ruiji Sichuan Cuisine opened, Sichuan dishes were mostly confined to restaurants in San Gabriel Valley. Ruiji Sichuan Cuisine opened about…
Lazy Acres Opens with a Splash in Hermosa Beach
A shuttered Albertson’s grocery store used to occupy the corner of Artesia and Sepulveda in Hermosa Beach. I became curious when I learned that a new natural foods market, Lazy Acres took its place. Lazy Acres is a small chain of natural food stores and is owned by Bristol Farms. They signed a multi-year lease…
A Royal Treat at Subhannahong Thai Cuisine
For my birthday I don’t like going for the tried and true. Instead, I like trying new places. A Thai restaurant named Subhannahong Royal Thai Cuisine caught my attention and I asked my wife if we could celebrate there. Subhannahong resides on Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach. Most establishments with a PCH address are…
Fishing with Dynamite – 5 Years Later
I first ate at Fishing with Dynamite 5 years ago, just after they opened. While I’ve been there for a lunch on an occasional basis, I hadn’t returned for dinner. I had a gift card for Fishing with Dynamite and my wife and I got together with my cousin and her husband for dinner. Their…
Westdrift Dining Offers Upscale Beach Experience
dineLA’s Restaurant Week is a consecutive 12-day event that takes place bi-annually in LA. Hundreds of fine dining restaurants participate in this culinary event as they offer prix fixe meals at a fraction of their normal prices. Recently I dined at Jute, the restaurant inside of the newly renovated Westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach. The…
New Peruvian Discovery: Ayahuasca in Gardena
In a recent search for new restaurants, I found a Peruvian restaurant named Ayahuasca. Since my wife enjoys Peruvian food, I suggested we dine there for dinner. Ayahuasca is located in a strip mall on Western Ave. near 148th street in Gardena. Fortunately, there is plenty of free parking available. They reside in a small…
Chez Melange Offers New Trust the Chef Series
In Paris, chefs visit the daily markets, procure the best meat and vegetables and decide what they will prepare that evening. It is a ritual about finding the best food available and making the most out of it. Chef Robert Bell of Chez Melange has a similar philosophy as he is on the phone daily…
Celebrate National Wine Day in the South Bay
Friday, May 25 is National Wine Day. Pop open that special bottle you have in your closet. Even better, why not visit a wine bar and try a vintage you’ve never experienced before. Consider trying the many foreign varietals like a French Bordeaux, an Italian Borolo or a Spanish Tempranillo. Here are some interesting South…