RESTAURANT REVIEW – King’s Cove

We were halfway through lunch when I was transfixed by an astonishing display of grace and athleticism. An ice dancer glided across the rink in a wide arc and then performed a dazzling series of leaps and spins. Some of the people watching gasped, while others who were used to the spectacle murmured or nodded…

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A La Carte Column – South Bay Dining News

  Thai Tani Tenant Talks… Chris Davidson, owner of Mama D’s, has confirmed that he is in at the former Thai Tani space on PCH in Redondo. The newest branch of Mama D’s is expected to open by October after a remodel to fit the classic Italian style of the Manhattan Beach location. Chris also…

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Frida defies expectations [RESTAURANT REVIEW]

Authentic Mexican cuisine comes to the Del Amo Fashion Center I have expectations for good Mexican restaurants, and for mall Mexican restaurants, and there isn’t a lot of crossover between the two. The good Mexican restaurants are usually small and family-owned, and often the décor consists of Mexican flags, beer ads, and travel posters. Mall…

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Rock’n Fish keeps on rockin’ [RESTAURANT REVIEW]

One of the advantages for a restaurant decorated in classic motifs is that it ages gracefully. That which isn’t in fashion when it’s built doesn’t go out of style, and is more likely to look elegant and graceful when more contemporary designs are starting to be embarrassing. Rock’nFish so resembles some early Manhattan Beach buildings…

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Yellow Fever has style and flavor to burn [RESTAURANT REVIEW]

If I tell you that there’s a restaurant in Torrance that has been featured in an article for Interior Design magazine, you’ll probably start wondering which high style mall place I’m talking about. A lot of the action has been in malls lately, though quirky brewpubs and nightspots have also been raising the temperature around…

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South Bay Dining News: BBQ coming to Redondo Beach harbor, El Gringo Kantina comes to El Segundo, South Bay Beer & Wine Festival Sunday, new Thai in Torrance, and more

Dealing From A New Deck… Rebel Republic Social House is open in Riviera Village, and they’re serving both indoors and from the first of the new “dining decks” to open for business. The feel on those decks is very much like a porch or patio, with rustic wood benches and an astroturf-covered floor. According to…

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South Bay dining news: Aloft’s lounge, WXYZ, opens in El Segundo, as does Pho Dreams, Shabu Shabu comes to Redondo Beach, Steak & Whiskey does brunch in Hermosa

Two Vowels, Two Consonants, 26 Points in Scrabble… The bar and lounge at the new Aloft Hotel in El Segundo is called WXYZ, which I assume is pronounced just like it’s spelled. The space is modern, hip, and colorfully lit, the menu pretty minimal at this time, a short list of gourmet bar snacks. The…

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South Bay dining news: Hawaiian Poke coming to Hermosa Beach’s Pier Plaza, bourbon dinners at R10 Social House and Hey 19, wine dinners at Uncorked, Hostaria Piave, going old school at Chez Melanze

Things That Make You Wonder… Hook & Plow will be spawning an offshoot called Hooked that will specialize in Hawaiian Poke. That mix of marinated tuna and other seafood is a great cooling and tangy snack and should sell well in the location on the Pier Plaza. We wonder if they’ll open another offshoot called…

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Best of the Beach 2016, Ethnic BBQ: Silvio’s Brazilian Beach BBQ

Silvio’s isn’t quite like any other place in LA. It’s part sports bar, part Brazilian restaurant, and part beachy grill where you can get a plain grilled Mahi sandwich or a Mississippi pulled pork sandwich. Purists may be outraged, but this place isn’t for them – it’s for everybody who likes simply seasoned and expertly…

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Best of the Beach 2016, Best Dessert Bakery: Becker’s

It’s one of the oldest businesses in the South Bay. Generations of customers have been served by generations of one family. Becker’s has changed some since it opened in 1940 and no longer makes the German items like pfeffernussE and springerle that were once staples. They’ve kept up with the times and turn out cakes…

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