Barfly-July 29
by Deb L
Now Open: Cedar Mediterranean, Hermosa Ave, HB in the site previously held by the Beach Hut. Fear not hutters, the institution that is Beach Hut Manhattan is still going strong over on Highland Ave….
Late Night in Sonora: Former Sangria server has brought a taste of her homeland to the limited late night dining scene in Hermosa. In the corner of Sangria’s patio near the border with Sharkeez, Akiko and her boyfriend Michael grill up the Sonoran style hot dogs called “dirty dogs.” She grew up eating them as a kid in Mexico. The dogs, wrapped in bacon, topped with homemade pico de gallo, grilled onions, ketchup, mayo, mustard and served in a steamed bun ($4 each) are available Fridays, Saturdays and some Thursdays from 11:30 p.m.-2:30 a.m. They’ve been setting up their little red cart since December and although they are taking this week off, they will be back in biz next week and are available to cater parties. Call 310.754.0621 for more info….
As Opposed to Irregular Cheese: I checked out the new Ocean Tava India Bistro recently and had a great meal along with some impromptu comedy. First off, I was pleasantly surprised by the view! The resto is located on South PCH, RB by Avenue E in the mini complex that includes Arby’s, Comercia Bank and the old Golden Spoon, soon to be Extreme Pizza (October). You park in the back, which brings you to the second floor so when you enter and walk past the first few tables and around the corner you can see the water from any seat, even before going out to the patio. Looking over the menu I noticed the “Tandoori Paneer,” described as “homemade cheese slices marinated and grilled in tandoor.” After ordering the obligatory Taj Mahal Indian beer, which is delicious and high in alcohol (bonus), I asked the server what type of cheese was in the Tandoori Paneer? Was it some type of special Indian cheese? Cow cheese? Goat cheese? He said, “No it’s regular cheese, we make it here.” So there are cows and goats in the kitchen? He didn’t laugh and repeated, “No, it’s just regular cheese.” I figured I would try it now, Google it later. I have to say it was pretty bland with the texture of tofu. There were several dips to spruce it up but I still didn’t love it especially because the appetizer my friend ordered was unbelievable: The Reshmi Chicken – muwah! (That’s me doing the fingertips to lips kiss thing). This white meat chicken infused with a marinade of yogurt and spices needed nothing. The chicken was so juicy and tasty I didn’t want to cover the flavor with any kind of dip. In fact, had I known it was that good I would have made an entrée out of it with the delicious garlic naan bread and rice. The entree I did order, Lamb Tikka Masala, was excellent and my friend’s chicken dish was good but that Reshmi had such a unique, fantastic flavor, my taste buds didn’t want to readjust to anything else. As a matter of fact I ordered another to go. It was a little windy that evening so no one was on the patio but the owner and his friend enjoying some wine and we had a clear view thru the glass walls and doors for the sunset – so clear in fact that the owner walked right into one of those glass walls when he tried to come back in! Kenny has such a great way about him though that he laughed along with us after he made it in to check on all the guests. When he stopped by our table, I asked again about the cheese and again I was told, “regular cheese.” I’m still in the dark but it doesn’t matter; I’ll be back for the Reshmi. Call 310.540.2240 or check out oceantava.com for more info….
Questions? Comments? Contact DebL at BarflyDebLG@aol.com. ER