Artesia heats up, Hermosa gets more Mexican, Cafe Pierre Brigadoon, wine events, and more
A La Carte column for 17 November 2022
Never Thought I’d Type This: For the first time since I started writing these columns, the Artesia corridor is the center of local dining news. I have been expecting some energy in this area, since it has high traffic, more available parking, and lower rents than the beach city downtowns, but not for so many things to happen at once…
Multicultural As Anything: Zayna’s Flaming Grill has been a Middle Eastern mainstay in South Redondo since 2009, and now it’s a mainstay for North Redondo. A few months ago, their kitchen began hosting the Banana Leaf Indian Cafe, and the combination allowed diners to mix and match Lebanese and South Indian items. Both businesses moved into the former Natural World Market & Cafe, and reopened this week. The setting is a bit odd because they haven’t painted or redecorated – the murals on the walls still fit the theme of the former business. This is a good move for the Zayna’s/Banana Leaf combination – there is no Indian restaurant anywhere else in the area, and this location offers a large and pleasant outdoor patio in back. Artesia lost two markets this year, but gained a really interesting cafe (2302 Artesia, RB)…
Unusual Name, Unusual Concept: The most eclectic opening of the year so far is Muun Chi, which just set up shop in the former South Bay School of Cooking. Their specialty is vegan granolas and cereals, fermented vegetable products like kimchi and vegan cream cheese, and drinks like kvass and kefir. (Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to reduce waste.) It’s mostly a takeout operation now, but they have some armchairs and tables for those who feel like enjoying it right there. I stopped in during their soft opening this week and chatted with founder Manette, a health and wellness coach who has boundless enthusiasm for explaining theories of nutrition and health. Their official opening is November 29. (1951 Artesia, RB)… There is still no official opening date for the Pita Cafe, which was scheduled to open by the corner of Rindge over six months ago. This has become the longest stalled restaurant in the area, and if anyone knows why, I’d appreciate the tip…
The Great Reprieve: In last month’s column I announced the scheduled closing of Las Brisas, which had been serving Mexican classics on Artesia since 1972. The “For Lease” sign is down now, because they have received a five-year extension on their lease. If you’ve never been inside, check the place out – the decor hasn’t changed in 50 years, and those who appreciate old school ambiance, inexpensive classic food, and decent margaritas will love it…
Meanwhile in Hermosa: A giant of the Acai bowl world has opened on the Pier Plaza, and I have to admit that until now I didn’t even know there were giant chain operations in that category. Oakberry has over 500 locations all over the world, including Saudi Arabia, Paraguay, Malta, Croatia, and Thailand. Now that they’re in Hermosa, they’ve joined the big leagues (25 Pier Avenue, HB)… The Crafty Minds space will become Guisado’s, part of an expanding chain that began in East LA. Their specialty is slow-braised meats, but they have a considerable vegetarian menu. No word yet on when they will open… Just south of there, the space that was formerly The Stanton is scheduled to become Lobster & Beer, the third in a chain with locations in Santa Monica and Palms. I wonder what they’ll serve…
Cupcakes, Anyone? It had somehow escaped me that there is a nationwide chain of cupcake bakeries, and also such a thing as a cupcake ATM. Both of those things are true, thanks to an enterprise called Sprinkles, a branch of which just opened in the Manhattan Mall. (The ATMs hold 800 cupcakes, which are restocked regularly so they’ll be fresh.) They offer both tiny and full-sized cakes in a mind-boggling array of flavors, personalized, or plain, regular or vegan, as well as chocolates, cookies, and other items. The variety of food at the mall has made it a destination, and I understand that some people even do some shopping in between meals…
Event Alerts: Most of Uncorked’s events don’t require a reservation, but a very timely one this Sunday is an exception. Sommelier Nada Pavlevska will present an afternoon seminar on holiday wine pairings, answering for once and all time what red goes best with pumpkin spice and with that Christmas potpourri that is heavy on cloves and cinnamon. $95 for tastings of 7 wines with charcuterie and cheese – reserve at (310) 372-2021. Uncorked is also starting a new “All Natural Wine Club” that will feature organic and non-sulfated vintages – you might ask them about that when you call… And a classic returns: pioneering French restaurant Cafe Pierre closed in 2014, but successor restaurant Love & Salt resurrects their menu two days a year. This time it will be on November 29 and 30, when customers can again enjoy stylish bistro food and chat with owner Guy Gabriele about the old days. A multicourse meal will run $110 plus t&t. Reserve soon via Open Table, because this always sells out… Primo Italia will offer a night of whiskey and song on December 7 – the songs are associated with Frank Sinatra, and the whiskey that was his favorite, Jack Daniels. There will also be four courses of Italian food, Italian wines, and of course owner Lou Giovanetti channeling Old Blue Eyes. Price is $150 plus t&t, book at eatprimo.com/events… The Pavilions Market in Rolling Hills Estates continues rolling out afternoon wine and spirits tastings, with a packed schedule in December that includes premium brands like Grgich Hills, Duckhorn, and Caymus. They’re offering these three times a week between 3 and 6 p.m. The lineup apparently isn’t online but is posted at the store. They’re also offering discounts of 10 percent on liquor when you purchase six or more, and this weekend there’s a 20 percent discount – a reason to go up the hill to shop…
The new North Italia restaurant in the Del Amo Mall has a striking interior. Photo by Richard Foss
First Looks: North Italia is open in the former Brio at the Del Amo Mall, and their menu includes some ambitious items. I’m a big fan of porchetta, the rolled pork roast stuffed with herbs, a labor-intensive item that is not often featured. I tried theirs and was very impressed – it’s the best I can remember having locally. Some may be daunted by the dreadful parking situation, but cheer up – they have just started offering valet parking. Despite all the Italian options in the area, this one is very much worth a visit (21532 Hawthorne, Torr)…
Odds and Ends: Rock ’N Fish is celebrating their 22 anniversary with a variety of specials, including a particular cocktail. I remember making fun of them when they first opened for the sign offering “World famous navy grog” before any customers had an opportunity to taste one. More than two decades later they may be fulfilling that promise, because they are tasty and popular. The specials continue for all of November… Fogo de Chao was a large restaurant with a pleasant patio on the day they opened, but that apparently wasn’t enough for them. They’ve expanded their patio again to accommodate more diners, and it is scheduled to open on the day this issue comes out. I’m a fan of this restaurant both for their meat-intensive dinners and for their extensive buffet brunch of salads and appetizers, and now I’ll have more room to enjoy both…
And in closing: If you know a restaurant opening I might’ve missed, an upcoming culinary event, or just about anything related to food that I should cover, 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/