Two months after LA’s restaurant’s were ordered to close their dining rooms, a somber mood still covers LA. Some have figured out how much they need to pay the rent with no dine-in customers and others have simply given up. I continue reviewing restaurants that are currently in operation.
Hurry Curry of Tokyo
Hurry Curry of Tokyo opened its doors in West LA 31 years ago. Since that time, many businesses have come and gone, but Hurry Curry had stood the test of time. The reason for their longevity is their signature curry sauce. It was created after trying out many different types of curry in Tokyo.
calamari 
grilled karaage
Unlike most karaage chicken, Hurry Curry doesn’t bread and deep fry the chicken. Instead, they marinate and grill it. The karaage had a nice char on the outside and yet it was tender on the inside. It was served with a side of miso aioli. The lightly breaded calamari was flash-fried and served with tartar and cocktail sauces.
Beef Croquette Curry 
Vegetable Curry
The Beef Croquette consisted of ground beef wrapped around mashed potato and fried. It was ordered with medium spice and the depth of flavor was outstanding. It was obvious that many spices were incorporated and the sauce appeared to be reduced over time.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
My wife selected Uncle Bill’s Pancake House for Mother’s Day Breakfast. After I got home, I unpacked and plated everything. Her favorite dish was not pancakes, but their famous Potatoes del Riego. Hash browns, melted cheese, sautéed bell peppers and onions, bacon, avocado and sour cream. She also selected a bacon waffle.
Potatotes del Rigo 
Bacon Waffle
Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes 
Breakfast Sandwich
Because they are known for pancakes, I selected the Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes. Three thick pancakes were served with a ball of whipped butter and maple syrup. The Breakfast Sandwich consists of two fried eggs, a generous amount of bacon, cheese, and avocado on grilled sourdough.
Fortunately, Mom was very happy with everything.
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House, 1305 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
unclebills.net
Baran’s 2239
Since it opened four years ago, Baran’s 2239 has become perhaps the most desirable reservation in Hermosa Beach. Baran’s 2239 is a beloved neighborhood restaurant that features a wide range of international cuisine.
After recovering from the initial shock of closing due to the virus, Baran’s 2239 quietly opened on social media to feature entrees/sandwiches such as lasagna, banh mi sandwich, turkey carnitas enchiladas and cubano sandwiches. I took advantage of this week’s cubano offering.
The cubano was quite tasty. Two elements of the sandwich elevated the taste. Adding butter to the exterior of the toasted french roll boosted the flavor of what was about to begin and the pork had a nice citrus cinnamon spice taste to it. Combined with the melted swiss and house-made pickles, I was in heaven.
Baran’s 2239, 502 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
barans2239.com