Barfly 5 August 2010

Crème de la Catering: Bruno Baio has taken another step toward taking over the South Bay French style with the opening of his newest venture, a catering site in the space previously occupied by his mother’s resto Le Saint Raphael, PCH, RB. I was disappointed at the closing of LSR at the beginning of this year. The food was fantastic because Madame refused to scrimp on her ingredients, but that which made it so great led to its downfall; in this economy people seem to prefer a big plate of bad food to a small plate of great food. Bruno’s trio of Crème de la Crepes (one each in HB, RB and MB, plus Pasadena and Long Beach) keep to the French tradition of delicious fare but with a slightly lower price point. Last week I treated myself to dinner at the Redondo Beach location. I started out with a glass of house red (in France you trust the house to pick a good wine and at C de la C, the house chose well) and a cup of cauliflower soup that was so tasty I took a half hour to eat it in tiny mouthfuls. My server looked over periodically but did not try to push me along by lingering or asking if I was ready for my entrée. Rather, he waited for that universal sign that I was finished: plate pushed away, spoon diagonally across. My entrée of seared scallops over spinach sautéed in lemon and garlic was equally as tasty and I ate it just as slowly. The café has a quaint atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in France, where meals are to be savored and are not just a means to end your hunger. I hate wasting calories on something that doesn’t make me happy and when I leave C de la C, I’m always happy. Now you can bring Bruno’s cuisine to you. He is also offering cooking classes at the new site. The French eat rich, calorie-laden food, drink wine for breakfast, smoke like chimneys, never work out and yet they outlive us and are happier and healthier doing it. They must know something we don’t and here’s your chance to find out. Call Crème Special Events at (310) 540-8811 or visit cremedelacrepe.com for more info on the cafes including weekly specials such as half-priced bottles of wine on Tuesdays and monthly wine dinners…

 He’s Crafty: Another foreigner spreading culinary joy is Sylvio, owner of his namesake restaurant on Pier Plaza, HB. I’ve touted the magic of his Brazilian BBQ for years, back when he was relegated to grilling on summer Sundays at Sangria, also on Pier Plaza, HB, or at the food court during the various Hermosa festivals. When I have guests from out of town, Sylvio’s Carnival plate is on the must-not-miss list. New to the agenda is the monthly craft beer dinner, held the second Monday of the month. August’s dinner features the ales of Dogfish Head, a company so cool they even have their own rock band: The Pain Relievaz. Founded in Delaware, June 1995, as the state’s first brewpub and the smallest commercial brewery in America, Dogfish Head quickly outgrew the original 12-gallon batch system and began bottling Shelter Pale Ale in 1996. By the summer of 2002 the production expanded to a 100,000-square-foot, converted cannery and added a second floor to the original brewpub to make vodka, rum and gin. Now the company brews nearly 20 styles of beer that are sold in 25 states and has a Beer & Benevolence program, which partners with  nonprofit organizations such as Surfrider Foundation. Next Monday, Aug. 9, see what all the hoopla is about by sampling five premium craft beers paired with five gourmet BBQ courses (a Schlitz and a hot dog this is not). $49 per person includes a limited edition Dogfish pint glass and a presentation by a company representative. The event is limited to 40 seats so call 310.376.6855 now to reserve your spot. For more info on this unique and fun brewing company go to dogfish.com…

Questions? Comments? Contact DebL at BarflyDebLG@aol.com. ER

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