It’s Alive! The Boardwalk Is Alive! Three places have opened within a week of each other on the Redondo Boardwalk, adding life and color to the area. The Slip’s menu fits the Blue Zone standards for fresh and healthy food and the redecorated interior is quite pretty. It looks like they’re going upscale with their bar too, though it’s too early to tell since they’re still in the trial stages of service. They probably won’t focus on beer since their neighbor, the tasting room for King Harbor Brewing, will attract that crowd. The tasting room won’t be serving food, so there’s no serious competition there, but they do have a nice selection on tap already and are attracting a lively crowd.
Those who prefer wine will probably be at A Basq Kitchen, which has finished remodeling and is now serving their full menu. If you’d like to sample their wares there is no better time than their grand opening this Friday, June 19, when they will be offering unlimited food, beer, and sangria for a mere $28. Tickets are limited. Go to eventbrite.com and enter the restaurant’s name. The three openings have made a big change – it’s a whole new Boardwalk, and you should go and see it….
Speaking of King Harbor Brewing, they have a rather unusual idea of how you should spend Father’s Day. They’re staging a “Hot Chicken Challenge” at their brewery on 182nd Street at Inglewood (not at the pier tasting room) to see who can eat a plate of brutally spicy fried chicken with no beverage. The winner gets a growler of beer, and will undoubtedly appreciate it. There are no details on their infrequently updated website, so I can’t tell you more now. If you like spicy birds and beer you’ll just have to go investigate.
Other celebrations of LA Beer Week: Abigaile is offering a variety of IPA’s for the whole week and a Smog City Brewing dinner on June 23 – five eclectic courses paired with appropriate beers for a $50 plus tax & tip. They’re also offering an afternoon barbecue on the 28th from noon to 6 p.m., for $30 with ten four ounce pours or $50 for unlimited beer. Abigaile doesn’t update their website either – these brewers must be too busy crafting (or perhaps sampling) their wares to post menus, but you can see details on Eventbrite.com. You can also buy tickets either on that website or by calling the restaurant at 310-798-8227…
RocknBrews in El Segundo is in the act too, with a Hawaiian luau to celebrate Maui Brewing Company founder Garrett Marrero. Marrero will bring some beers never before poured on the mainland, and you’ll have spare change to buy them because the dinner of roasted Kalua pork with all the fixings will be a mere $15. You don’t need reservations. Just show up any time after 6 p.m. and tell them that’s why you’re there. I’d show up on the early side, because this one will undoubtedly be popular…
First Looks: The Manhattan House gastropub is serving very good food to rather few people. They have cautiously decided to limit the number of guests each evening so they don’t max out the staff. Once you get a table you are in for a treat – the food is daring and excellent. They’re expanding style and sophistication outside Downtown and their prospects look good. Meanwhile near the beach, Love & Salt has opened for brunch. The portions are a bit larger than they are in the evening, the music a bit quieter, and the big open room looks different when filled with sunlight. Try the duck egg pizza, the baked eggs and eggplant in tomato sauce, the chicken pesto burger – try anything, because this kitchen is fantastic… A bit closer to the beach, Arthur J’s is serving and was packed both times I visited. That doesn’t mean they’re elbow to elbow in the dining room – there are fewer tables in this space than under the previous management, so there’s room to stretch out and admire the mid-century atmosphere. The bar is rocking, and serving excellent craft cocktails, so whether you’re waiting for a table or stopping by after dining somewhere else, you can enjoy an exciting environment. I haven’t had a chance to dine there yet, but the cocktails were delicious…
Upcoming: The long awaited reopening of Doma Kitchen at the north end of the Manhattan Village Mall is nigh – they’re awaiting permits and inspections. Meanwhile at the other end of the mall, Coco’s has closed. Their food was nothing special, but I’ll miss their pies. No news yet on what is going into this space…
Any new restaurants, any events I should know about? I’m at richard@richardfoss.com.
