March 24, 2014

Chili: Barney’s Beanery

Any restaurant that celebrates National Chili Day (February 27) deserves recognition, especially if it has beanery in its name. Though

Restaurant view: Strand House

It seems almost unfair to award best view to the Strand House. It’s like watching Meryl Streep win her 18th

Cajun: Ragin’ Cajun

People from all over the world go to Louisiana to vacation, and it isn’t for the weather. They endure the

Asian Fusion: Little Sister

Chef Tin Vuong has rocketed to stardom like no other chef in the history of the South Bay. Just two

Thai: Phuket Thai

There are Thai restaurants in the South Bay that have done a marvelous job at recreating Thai architecture, gardens and

Italian under $20: Mama D’s

The two restaurants that tied this year couldn’t be more different in style. One is a little cucina any homesick

Vegetarian: The Spot

Lots of places call themselves famous, sometimes an indecently short time after they start offering their services. The Spot is

Indian: Akbar

The Indian Emperor Akbar was an adventurous and ambitious ruler who learned from other cultures, which makes it quite fitting

Pizza: Fresh Brothers

This locally owned chain has taken off, going from one location in Manhattan Beach in 1985 to 10, with locations

Rotisserie chicken: Poulet du Jour

When it comes to chicken, this is the specialist. It serves rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and salads made with rotisserie chicken

Teppanyaki: Banzai Beach

One may argue about what cuisine in the world is tastiest or healthiest, but there’s really no contest over which