by Richard Foss
Top Honors: Gourmets all over the world now know about ‘lil Vegerie, the tiny takeout-only cafe located in a Redondo strip mall on PCH. That’s because they were declared the #1 vegan restaurant in America in the October 24 issue of Food & Wine Magazine. The honor comes exactly one year after Entrepreneur Magazine named lil’ Vegerie to its Top 15 list of “Extraordinarily Tasty Vegan Food and Ice Cream That Leaves You Speechless.”
The spot at the top of Food & Wine Magazine’s list of a 100 plant-based eateries across the nation is a startling honor for a suburban operation that is takeout-only. Jason Cervantes says the recognition has prompted calls from investors about expanding his space or relocating into fancier digs, but he said he likes it just where he is. He also confirmed that though this award is from Food & Wine, they don’t serve wine and don’t plan to start. They won this for the thoughtfully considered and beautifully composed dishes they’ve been serving since opening in May 2022, and don’t intend to change a winning formula…
Elsewhere on PCH: Eat At Joe’s, which has been serving homestyle breakfasts and lunches since 1968, has been sold to a new owner, and the main sign of that is that the place has been spruced up and repainted. They reportedly intend to keep the menu just as it is and the current staff in place, which will be a relief to their generations of fans… Elsewhere in town, Willingham’s BBQ has reopened with Pilhwang “Phil” Bae behind the counter. Phil was badly injured in a car accident a few months ago, but seems to be moving well and is glad to be back to prepping and smoking the Southern-style meats that have made them a local institution…
Changes Coming: Montauk is progressing toward opening in the former Chez Melange/Perfect Storm space, and they have announced who will be running the kitchen. Rob White is well known for his work at Liv’s Seafood and Hartland’s, both in Long Beach, and is a seasoned veteran who will work with owner Lavae McClinnahan, who is new to the restaurant industry… Meanwhile in Hermosa, the former Rok Sushi will become a third location for the Los Angeles Ale Works. I have visited their original location in Hawthorne and liked their craft beers, but have nothing to say about the food because that is limited to whichever food truck is parked out back. They’re obviously not going to try that strategy here, but aren’t sure yet what they’ll do – they’re still considering concepts and talking to chefs… And it’s a little out of the area, but worth noting that the Pho Hue Oi Vietnamese restaurant is opening a second location at the corner of Hawthorne and Torrance Boulevards. Their reasonably priced and flavorful food has built them a substantial following, and it’s good to see a local pace succeed and expand…
Event Alerts: And there are certainly a lot of them in the near future. On November 3 there is a rare Sunday wine dinner at Fête Bistro by Slay featuring Central Coast wines from Dragonette Cellars. Three starters plus four courses paired with wines will set you back $175 plus tax & tip, about $215. The fun starts at 5:30 p.m., and since that’s the first day of daylight savings time, it will feel even earlier… Reserve at the restaurant’s Open Table page… The following Thursday, Fogo de Chao will host a “Wine & Wagyu” tasting. Attendees will enjoy bar snacks like empanadas and tastings of premium ribeye and steak along with three glasses of Chilean wines from VK Winery. Price is only $49 plus t&t, about $62. Reserve at their Open Table page… The Uncorked wine shop in Hermosa celebrates their 13th anniversary on Saturday the 10th with their parking lot party, a tasting at which 60 wines will be available for sampling along with food and live music. The price is $65 for wine club members, $75 inclusive for non-members, and this is always a fun afternoon. Reserve at uncorkedwineshops.com, or call (424) 247-7117… The Strand House will resume wine dinners after a long hiatus on 13 November with five courses plus dessert paired with wines from Switchback Ridge. The menu offers this restaurant’s signature blend of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine at its most alluring – price is $200 including tax and tip (and thanks to management for giving the honest price so I don’t have to do the math). Reserve at thestrandhousemb.com, and do it soon because these sell out quickly… You have choices on November 14 – beer lovers will want to be at Coastal for a four-course dinner featuring Belgian ales and beers from Duvel and La Chouffe. The Belgian beverages will be well complemented by the traditional Flemish starter of mussels with fries, and though the following course of Louisiana inspired garlic shrimp with dirty rice is off theme, I’m sure it will be popular too. Four courses are $77 including tax and tip, and you can reserve by calling the restaurant or via email at Coastaltom27@gmail.com… Those who prefer wines will congregate at Fleming’s for their final wine dinner of 2024, featuring boutique wines from several California producers. The offerings include a cinnamon pecan salad paired with a Walt Pinot Noir, and I am very curious about that combination. If you are too, you can see the whole menu and reserve at flemingssteakhouse.com – price is $140 plus t&t, about $165… If neither of those rings your bell, you might head for the Bluewater Grill for their lobster pot pie dinner. The pot pie includes bell pepper, potato, and onion and comes with a salad and two glasses of wine, at the modest price of $55 including tax – reserve at bluewatergrill.com… And finally, on December 3 there’s a wine dinner at Gabi James featuring Reeve wines of Sonoma. The menu has not been published yet, but will presumably be based on the Spanish fusion cuisine that has made them a local landmark. Price is $150 including tax & tip – reserve at the Toasttab page at their website at gabijamesla.com…
Happy Birthday To Both: Two restaurants have recently celebrated anniversaries – it’s three years for Vida, a full decade for Love & Salt. When you consider the failure rate among new restaurants, you come to appreciate the places that have found their audience and stood the test of time. Congratulations to both establishments, all who work there, and all who appreciate their experiences.
In Closing: If you know a restaurant opening I might’ve missed, a culinary event that should be covered, or just about anything related to food that I should know about, please send the information my way. I’m at richard@richardfoss.com. And as long as you’re on the internet, check out past restaurant reviews on our website at easyreadernews.com/restaurants.
