According to Bloomberg, more than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or long-term across the country as the industry grapples with the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In the South Bay, the situation is the same; many restaurants are temporarily closed or operating with only a small fraction of their normal business.
South Bay restaurants that have permanently shuttered include Umi by Hamasaku, Costa, Round Table Pizza, Hermosa Beach Fish Shop, The Standing Room, Superba, PizzaRev, Hudson House, and Ruby’s Diner. Since the pandemic is surging in LA, I expect to see other restaurant owners follow suit.
A grassroots effort called “10 Days of Take Out in the South Bay” launched to help South Bay restaurants. The idea came about in the Facebook group, South Bay So Cal- Pick Up and Delivery options, a discussion group where members talk about South Bay restaurants.
Below is a current list of participating restaurants. In addition to their regular menu, they will also feature the following three-course meals.
Bettolino Kitchen
Bettolino Kitchen has created a three-course offering consisting of a Chopped Romaine Salad tossed with pastina, homemade rosemary croutons, and parmesan cheese. The second course is a Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta with a lemon cream sauce. The entrée is a pan-seared sole filet with a delicious garlic herb sauce, pastina, and crispy spinach. Feeds two and the price is $50.
Bettolino Kitchen, 211 Palos Verdes Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
bettolinokitchen.com
Dominique’s Kitchen
On Wed Jan 21, Dominique’s Kitchen will bring back a three-course dinner (Oui Oui Wednesday) featuring mixed green salad, French Shepherd’s Pie made with grass-fed beef, and Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta.
On Wed Jan 28, the Oui Oui Wednesday special will feature a Creamy Tomato Artichoke and Basil Bisque, Braised Chicken in Chablis Wine and mushrooms with baked rice, and a Blueberry Mousse for dessert.
The price for either special is only $20.99 per person. To order, please email LTHEVAL@gmail.com.
Dominique’s Kitchen, 522 Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 424.247.9054
dominiqueskitchen.com
Gabi James
Chef and co-owner Sara Gabriele will offer their popular chicken and chorizo paella as part of their three-course dinner. It also includes a caesar salad made with sweet gem lettuce, grana padano cheese, and a garlic-anchovy dressing. For dessert, they include a Chocolate Bread Pudding with creme anglaise and maldon sea salt. Feeds two and the price is $50.
Gabi James, 1810 S Catalina Ave, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.540.4884
gabijamesla.com
Gaetano’s Restaurant
Gaetano’s is the sister restaurant to Bettolino Kitchen and focuses on traditionally made Italian cuisine. Their three-course offering ($50) includes Parmesan Crusted Free Range Chicken topped with melted mozzarella and a marinara sauce, Handmade Tagliatelle Pasta in a cream marina, and a mixed green salad with sliced pears, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, cranberries, avocado tossed with a pear vinaigrette.
Gaetano’s Restaurant, 2731 Pacific Coast Hwy, Torrance, CA 90505; 310.326.3354
gaetanosonline.com
Japonica
If you have a hankering for Japanese food, Japonica will satisfy the need with its three-course sushi dinner. Two pieces per sushi consisting of one roll Tuna, Salmon, Yellow Tail, Albacore, and Citrus Sakura Roll. Other courses include Flash Fried Brussels Sprouts with carmelized nuts, mandarin oranges tossed in a Japanese balsamic vinaigrette and a Crispy Chicken Gyoza with yuzu citrus ponzu.
Japonica, 1304 1/2 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.316.9477
japonicadining.com
Pacific Standard Prime
The folks at Pacific Standard Prime created a three-course meal with an “Unclassic Wedge Salad” topped with blue cheese dressing and bacon bits, Steak Frites is the entree, and for dessert, a Brown Sugar Pound Cake with a vanilla drizzle. This feeds two and is only $50.
Pacific Standard Prime, 1810 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 424.247.7521
pspsteak.com
Primo Italia
Primo Italia’s three-course dinner for two ($50) is a choice of entrees, a Housemade Pappardelle tossed with a wild boar ragu sauce or a Whole Baked Branzino with artichokes and escarole. This meal also includes a chopped green salad served with garbanzo beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and pistachio mortadella. A classic tiramisu completes the meal.
Primo Italia, 24590 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505; 310.378.4288
eatprimo.com
The 10 Days of Take Out in the South Bay takes place from Jan 17 – 27. Questions about this event may be directed to the Facebook group, South Bay So Cal- Pick Up and Delivery options.
These are difficult times for everyone. If you are able to, please consider tipping generously.