Posts by Richard Foss

The number of Indian restaurants and markets in the South Bay has been increasing, driven both by a growing South Asian community and an interest in that cuisine by non-Indians. Despite the competition from newcomers Akbar has won this award once again for their richly spicy curries and tandoori barbecues served in a stylish modern…

Ice cream parlor – Manhattan Creamery – Our winner for best ice cream parlor is one of the South Bay’s culinary success stories; this is where the “Cream’wich” gourmet ice cream sandwich was invented. That confection is now sold as far away as Chicago and is poised fort greater success. Meanwhile at the place where…

Some people don’t understand what a wine bar really is – you can go to a bar and order wine, so why not just do that? One answer is that at most bars wine is an afterthought, and the selection may be limited, the bartenders not familiar with their stock because it’s one product of…

Italian food was invented with wine in mind, because that has been the drink of all classes since the glory days of the Roman Empire. It’s in the genetic heritage of Italian restaurants, and good ones pay attention to maintaining a well-stocked cellar. Great ones maintain an abundantly stocked and thoughtfully curated collection. That’s what…

  There is perhaps no drink that evokes as much argument as the martini. Originally conceived as a mix of gin and vermouth in a two to one ratio, it has come to be made with little or no vermouth, garnishes of olives with or without pimento, splashes of pickle juice, a lime or a…

The original margarita cocktail was a simple concoction of tequila with citrus and a dash of Triple Sec orange liqueur. The salted rim was a later addition and maybe the first of many variations. Subsequent variations have included agave nectar, chipotle chili, mango, jalapeno, and raspberries. You can taste the classic and the spinoffs in…

  After finishing runner up to the Strand Brewing Co. in their first year of existence last year, King Harbor Brewing Co unseated the four time consecutive winner. Redondo Beach’s only brewery stoked both the beer connoisseurs and casual beer drinkers with their IPA, the versatile pale ale “The Quest” (interchangeable with different hops throughout…

If you’re the type of person who goes with the flow, we know what you’re going to drink at Rock’N Fish: the navy grog. It’s their signature item. A bartender estimated that he had made 75 of them on a weekend night in winter. During summer, he reported, there were days when he hardly made…

In Japan, an izakaya is a type of tavern that cultivates an unhurried atmosphere in which to enjoy bar snacks. Originally a snack bar in front of sake shops, over hundreds of years they have developed an array of distinctive items, which may include sushi. This helps explain the small plates style of service and…

The people at Rice subtitle their name “Sake & Real Food,” making a distinction that many people might otherwise miss. Many sushi bars serve food that uses an array of colorants, preservatives and other adulterants. Rice proudly doesn’t, and uses organic products wherever possible. It’s a philosophy that pays off in many ways, since in…

Vegetarian food isn’t necessarily healthy. It takes a balance of vitamins and proteins to keep the body in top shape and that sometimes escapes both home cooks and professionals. Those calculations come naturally at The Spot, whose owner Tonya Beaudet has written a vegetarian cookbook and keeps the nutrition of each dish in mind. If…

When the craving for Louisiana food hits, the Ragin Cajun is the first place we think of. Many locals learned about Cajun food from their experiences at the original location on Pier Avenue in Hermosa. Redondo’s rustic roadhouse keeps dealing out the rice and beans, gumbo, po-boy sandwiches, and other fare that are dear to…

Italian cuisine can be comfort food or daringly original. A few restaurants are skilled enough to offer you your choice. Bettolino Kitchen is one of those rare places and their versatility is breathtaking. If you’re in the mood for a traditional eggplant Parmesan or steak with potato and veg, they can deal out an expert…

If you showed up for dinner at Charlie’s and were asked to guess the prices of the entrees, we’re willing to bet you’d miss by a mile. The dining room has understated style and the view of plates of housemade ravioli, fresh seafood, and other Italian delicacies would prepare you to part with some serious…

There are many different elements to the perfect fish and chips, and some people have strong opinions. Should the chips be fat potato slabs like they are in Britain, thin-cut fries with the skin on, or some other variation? Is shatteringly crisp beer batter best, or lacy tempura, or do you like the softer, thicker…

What are you going to have for your next brunch at MB Post? We don’t know, and neither do you. One of the joys of this place is the ever-changing menu. You may come in dead set on ordering something you liked last time but suddenly see a special or new item you can’t do…