A La Carte – South Bay Restaurant News for 03 September
Slider Stop, a new restaurant soon to open on Artesia Boulevard in Redondo Beach, will bring chef-driven creativity to sliders. The restaurant is the project of South Bay natives Ryan, Jason, and Brandon Rezaie. Photo
An Institution Goes Dark… It’s a sad time for soul food lovers across the South Bay, as Torrance institution Flossie’s has closed after 25 years in business. This may be hard to tell for the casual passerby, as the dark windows always made the place look closed, but according to the sign on the door they have served their last fried chicken and smothered pork chops. The reason given was that they needed to comply with new fire codes, and there was no suggestion that they’d reopen elsewhere…
Coming Attractions… Things are moving quickly at Hop Saint brewpub on 190th, with the big tanks already installed and work progressing on the dining area. Aptly named co-owner Brian Brewer, formerly at Abigaile, will start the first batches soon so they’ll be ready for opening. If all goes well, the first pints will be quaffed in about six weeks. Next door at the former Anza Inn, remodeling is underway for a new venture called Sports Harbour. This is only three blocks from Jimmy’s, a well-established place that serves the same clientele. Are there really that many social sports fans in the South Bay? I guess we’re going to find out…
What’s That Name?… The former Grand China Buffet on Hawthorne has become Mikuni which means “Kingdom of God” in Japanese, and they offer both Japanese and Chinese food. There’s a question about that name, since a spokesperson for the Mikuni chain headquartered in Sacramento said they’d never heard of this one, and are very interested in knowing more …
Changing Times… The Alpine Village Restaurant has changed its name to Steinhaus and rolled out a menu that emphasizes gourmet sausages and pan-European items. Gone are the sauerbraten and stuffed cabbage, replaced by chicken marsala and scampi. The schnitzels are still offered, but most of the new items are a little more cosmopolitan, a little less German. I haven’t been in yet to see how well it works, but they’re obviously trying to reach a different crowd…
Neighborhood Delights… The sign for King Mediterraneo at the northeast corner of Artesia and Hawthorne is fairly prominent, the tiny food stand much less so. You’ll see their outdoor tables before you spot their door, but it’s worth seeking. They serve falafels, gyros, and the usual Middle Eastern items plus something out of the ordinary, khachapuris. These are pizza-like flatbreads topped with cheese, your choice of seasonings or meats, plus two eggs, and they’re a specialty of the Armenian Caucasus. They’re a fun and filling breakfast or lunch, and like everything else I’ve tried here, they’re delicious. I hope this place is successful enough to move to a location with indoor seating, but until they do I’ll just put up with chasing my napkin every time a breeze comes up…
Down Artesia a bit in Redondo, Slider Stop is in the staff training phase, so opening is imminent. The restaurant is a project of South Bay natives Ryan, Jason, and Brandon Rezaie, and they’ve put a lot of thought into a fast food concept that looks intriguing. A little burger topped with Swiss cheese, duck bacon, a quail egg and mornay sauce? Sign me up to try that one…
And Many More To Come, We Hope… Jackson’s Food and Drink is celebrating three years on Rosecrans at Nash, and to celebrate they’re offering happy hour items for a mere three dollars. How many items? Do you have to ask? Try Parmesan and garlic fries, brussels sprouts with walnuts, anchovies, and goat cheese, or a hot fudge ice cream sundae, and wash it down with cocktails priced to match. It’s good for three days, September 8th through 10th. If they keep to this pattern, next year it will be a dollar more expensive but will go on a day longer…
Tipsters Are Loved… In my previous column I asked readers to suggest good bakeries and have received several responses, all for dessert specialists. I’m still searching for great bread, particularly whole wheat or whole grain varieties. Any suggestions? My email address is at the end of this column…
King’s Feast In El Porto… The pharaoh Tutankhamen never tasted anything like modern Egyptian food but you can, thanks to the new little restaurant named after him. King Tut serves Egyptian food and a few simple Italian specialties in the former Provence Boulangerie, sharing a building with the El Porto Market & Deli. Egyptian food is similar to Lebanese food but uses slightly different seasoning, so expect an exotic flavor in the kebabs, felafels, and other items. This location has been three different restaurants in the past year, but this one brings something unique to the area – there are no other Middle Eastern places in the area. Here’s hoping they’ve found the key to success in the area…
Any events I should know about, restaurant openings and closings, other restaurants named after dead royalty? I’m at Richard@richardfoss.com…