Marriott Hotels is an international chain. Despite its global status, I’ve been surprised to see how much latitude is given to local management in adopting the tastes and interests of the surrounding community. I’ve observed this with a few Marriott properties in the LA area and most recently at 21 Square located inside the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach.
21 Square, named because the city is approximately 21 square miles, is the latest addition to the Torrance food and beverage landscape. It is located inside the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach. I liked the uniqueness of the interior decor – the walls featured the city of Torrance in a creative way. The venue extended outdoors with a beautiful fire pit and adjacent seating.
El Dude, their White Russian uniquely served
The “21st Mule,” is their version of the popular cocktail with Tito’s vodka, ginger beer and fresh squeezed lime. I enjoyed both the presentation and the taste of “El Dude”. This is their version of a White Russian. It was comprised of Fugu Horchata vodka and Kahlua. I enjoyed it, but I thought it was more like an adult horchata rice drink. They get an A+ on the unique “carton”.
In addition to the their craft cocktails, they feature wine and ten beers on tap. They’ve partnered with Absolution Brewing to create their own exclusive amber ale and that’s exclusively available at 21 Square. It is a smooth ale and probably a great beginner’s entry into craft beer.
Tater Tots with melted cheese, capicola, mortadella, salami and sausage
The LYB (Loosen Your Belt) is a shareable dish consisting of tater tots, capicola, mortadella, salami, sausage, cheddar, mozzarella, chopped scallions and topped with a poached egg. Cheese drizzled from your fork each time you ate a bite. It is the perfect item to share with a draft beer.
Flatbread spread with pesto and topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, chives and tomato salad
Typically flatbread resembles pizza on the top, but 21 Square adds “tomato salad” to a base of pesto, fresh mozzarella, basil and chives. The tomatoes are chopped and placed on top of the flatbread after it leaves the oven. If you like the taste of fresh tomatoes, you’ll definitely enjoy their version.
Madrona Burger
The Madrona Burger will probably become their most popular item on the menu. Not only is it expertly prepared, but it is combined with quality ingredients like grass-fed beef, Grafton cheddar, pecanwood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and onion on a toasted potato bun.
Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops with ricotta gnocchi, mushrooms, peas and truffle butter
Pan-Roasted Sea Scallops is one of their traditional entrees. I like the fact that they scallops are seared which gives it a nice finish. It is accompanied with ricotta gnocchi, mushrooms, peas and truffle butter…. because everything tastes better with truffles.
A must do is to order the 21 Square Tornado Sundae. The chef rolls the ice cream table out to your table and uses liquid nitrogen to create the ice cream which is prepared right in front of you. Roasted peanuts, salted caramel, nutella and bananas is stirred into the ice cream as the nitrogen is applied. It is a fun and foggy experience. The best part is that the ice cream is creamy and delicious!
21 Square is a nice addition to the Torrance food and beverage scene. Since it’s next door to Del Amo Mall, it’s an ideal place to go before or after a movie.
21 Square (inside the Torrance Marriott Redondo Hotel), 3635 Fashion Way, Torrance, CA 90503
http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/laxtr-torrance-marriott-redondo-beach/21-square-bar-+-kitchen/5885086/home-page.mi