Crepe: Crème de la Crepe

This mini-chain is one of the great success stories of the South Bay. It started with one location in Hermosa and now has five stretching from Long Beach to Culver City. Though details of menu and decor vary, they all have one thing in common: a commitment to serving country French comfort food at moderate…

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American Contemporary, Brunch over $15: MB Post

Contemporary is defined as  “ belonging to or occurring in the present,” and it’s hard to find a better example locally than MB Post. Though many of the menu items have roots in American, European and Asian cuisines, the selection changes daily. It’s a tribute to the skill and dedication of the servers that they…

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Italian Over $20, Wine List: Bottle Inn

One of the errors some people make is thinking that for a restaurant to have a great wine list, it merely needs a lot of money. One need only consider the people he knows who have expensive homes decorated in bad taste or modest ones that are a pleasure to contemplate in order to see…

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Best Bagel: Noah’s New York Bagel, Manhattan Beach

“Sweet or savory?” When stumbling into Noah’s New York Bagel in downtown Manhattan Beach for the first time, you’d better know yourself. Noah’s Bagel offers a palette of 32 bagel varieties in addition to a substantial coffee menu, egg and deli sandwiches. Though the shop is a corporate chain based in Colorado, the downtown location…

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Sushi Chef: Sanji of Sushi Duke

Sanji has perfected the art of hybrid sushi by blending Sri Lanka spices into traditionally Japanese flavors.  The South Bay sushi master has spent time both in Sri Lanka and Japan and developed his craft through the influence of both cultures. Sushi Duke isn’t the first time Sanji was in the sushi game — he…

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Best Desert: Cheesecake Factory

Despite its expansion to nearly 170 locations, Cheesecake Factory hasn’t skipped a beat in delicate desserts. With over thirty cheesecake desserts, including low carb options, it’s easy to see how the Cheesecake Factory sliced through the dessert category. The dessert menu isn’t limited to cheesecakes but includes cakes, ice creams and creamy milkshakes. Enjoy the…

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Best of the Beach 2014: Dining

Tables in the wine room are coveted seats at the Bottle Inn. Photo (CivicCouch.com) Wine list: Bottle Inn One of the errors some people make is thinking that for a restaurant to have a great wine list, it merely needs a lot of money. One need only consider the people he knows who have expensive homes…

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Culinary ambitions on rise in Beach Cities

When I wrote my evaluation for 2012, a clear trend was ongoing – toward cheaper, simpler restaurants. That tendency reversed somewhat in 2013, as some of the most interesting and complex restaurants in the history of the South Bay made their debut.

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