Leaving The Promised Land… Downtown Manhattan Beach has few chain restaurants, and one is about to leave. I have it on good authority that a Manhattan Avenue café has given notice because even with a full house on a regular basis, they can’t make their very high rent. Chain restaurants can’t adjust their prices – if their burger, taco, or burrito sells for three bucks in Nebraska, they have to sell it for the same here. Even when the owner of the franchise allows it, the public has a well-developed idea of what their food should cost. When Manhattan Beach residents are polled about what kind of dining options they want, inexpensive family restaurants are high on the list. If they do open downtown, they probably will be more expensive than places a few miles away, and not have a name that is co-branded with toys…
Squashing a Rumor… I had heard that The Crush, El Segundo’s charming wine bar, had closed, and went over to check to see if this was true. The door was open, and wine and snacks were being served from an expanded menu. The owner confirmed that they had been closed for over a week while he was on vacation, and some people may have gotten the wrong impression. I was glad to see that they’re still there, as this sophisticated, fun little place is a gem…
Doma Kitchen MIA… After announcing several times in December and January that news about their new location would be forthcoming within a few days, Doma Kitchen’s plans are still mysterious. I heard reliable reports that they were planning to take a space in the Manhattan Village Mall, an unusual decision since that area is slated for disruptive redevelopment, and I have heard rumors about another possibility at a faltering bar and grill. The restaurant has many fans who miss their excellent crepes and exotic Central Asian and Northern European specialties, but their customer base is finding new hangouts during the delay. Here’s hoping something gets signed and one of the South Bay’s most interesting casual eateries reemerges soon….
Act Two… As proof that a restaurant can close for a while and bounce back, Sushi Casa Arigato seems to be doing well in their new location on PCH near Topaz in Redondo. The sign is small and dark, but the word has gotten out – the place was humming right along when I stopped in. They are serving American breakfast but Japanese lunch and dinner, which surprised me. I like Japanese breakfasts and was hoping to find a local place where I could start the day with traditional rice porridge, broiled fish, and pickles. I still hope they do that, but I’ll be back anyway. Welcome back, Casa Sushi, we’re glad to see you…
Old Friends, New Restaurant… If you lived in Manhattan Beach in the 1960s and 70s, you probably had take-out from Chinn Lee’s at some time – for a while it was the only Chinese restaurant in town besides Pancho’s. Chinn Lee’s was owned by the Yee family, who eventually sold it and moved on to other things. The second generation of the Yee family is back at Berribliss Café on Crenshaw in Torrance, where Christina Yee is serving Chinese and American food, crepes, and a bit of everything. She and her husband left the area for some time but have moved back, homesick for the South Bay where they grew up….
Still Excited By Bacon?… Bacon was the rage ingredient a few years ago, available in everything from breakfast cereal to cocktails, and some people are still finding new uses for the stuff. Restaurant Christine has a bacon cooking class this Saturday afternoon, featuring sweet potato chowder, a shrimp Caesar salad, risotto, and caramel-pecan french toast, all with bacon in there somewhere. If smoky pork is your thing, give a call at 310-373-1952 to see if there is still room…
Wine Events With Panache… Uncorked in Hermosa has had some original ideas about how to keep customers coming back, and there are a back-to-back pair that is amusing. On February 26 th they will be offering tarot card readings, and I assume someone will be available to suggest what white wine goes well with the Major Arcana. The next night will feature South American wines, with South American empanadas as snacks. That seems a natural pairing, unlike the pairing of wines with Girl Scout cookies on the 20th. Whoever comes up with these has to be congratulated on their imagination and creativity…
