Big restaurant projects, lost chicken alert, wine dinners, and more
A La Carte column for 18 January 2023
The Empires Expand: There has been much talk about the way some local restaurant groups are becoming increasingly dominant in the South Bay. The Simms Group is one of the most active, and stands apart from most others in opening creative, chef-driven restaurants rather than duplicating previous endeavors. Their newest venture is Attagirl in the former Dia de Campo space in Hermosa, which will be helmed by former Fishing With Dynamite chef Alice Mai. While seafood will be on the menu, Mai’s focus will be on Mediterranean influences, ranging from Greece to Spain. The former Dia space is easily three times the size of FWD, so she’ll be working with a much larger staff and higher volume. Kudos to Simms Group Executive Chef David LeFevre for promoting talent from within his organization and letting them follow their muse…
From Dock To Riviera Village: South Redondo gained a seafood destination when Salt & Pearl opened in Riviera Village. It’s a project by the budding South Bay empire of Mickey Mance and Justin Essman, who debuted the adjacent Vida Modern Mexican in 2021. Chef Alex Schwartzman formerly cooked at the well-regarded Pier House in Venice, which struggled after opening during the pandemic. Salt & Pearl is a beautifully decorated space in which to try multicultural seafood items. I haven’t been able to get there to try the place yet, but I’m looking forward to it. They’re currently open for dinner only, but will soon offer lunch service. (1719 S. Catalina, RB)…
Coming Attractions: Almost three years after the Houston’s on Rosecrans closed, the space has a new tenant: Wood Ranch Barbecue. This is the 18th location for the steadily growing chain, which offers steaks and seafood as well as the smoked stuff. I dined at their locations in Woodland Hills and Agoura Hills years ago and enjoyed the food, and look forward to the South Bay having another full-service barbecue place – the only ones in the area now are Sauced and the ever-busy Lucille’s in Torrance… Another upcoming restaurant will cater to our area’s growing appetite for fresh Chinese noodles and dumplings. I haven’t been able to find out much about Dumpling Mix, which will move in next door to Kirari West Bake Shop in the King Harbor Plaza on PCH in Redondo. I’m a big fan of Chinese noodles and often go out to Chinatown or Monterey Park to get them, so will be at Dumpling Mix with my chopsticks ready on the day they open. Details will be furnished as soon as I have them… Another new chain operation seems to have only a hazy idea of where their new location is. Chicken Confidential is going into the former Beirut Mix in El Segundo, but their website says they’re in Los Angeles, and gives a zip code of 90049, which is Brentwood. According to that same website, their specialties are grilled and fried chicken, either in sandwiches or combo plates, and I assume that part is more accurate. The owner is the son of the founder of the phenomenally successful Zankou Chicken, so presumably knows a few things about making birds tasty. No word yet on how soon they’ll open… And I was mentioning restaurant empires earlier, so the Beachlife Kitchen project in Riviera Village is certainly relevant. This was announced as Beachlife Chophouse, but is not a private club like their ambitious development just north of the Redondo Pier. Work is in progress, but it looks like this is going to take a while…
Event Alerts: Pacific Standard Prime founder Kevin Leach has a passion for wine and a huge contact list, so it’s no surprise that he hosts some spectacular wine dinners. The next one is on January 24, when Tom Gamble of Napa’s boutique winey Gamble Family Vineyards will conduct a four-course meal. Gamble’s stock in trade is deep, luscious reds that complement rich grilled meats, and there are plenty on this menu. Price is $175 inclusive, menu is on the website, reserve on Open Table… The Chart House is hosting a dinner with Cakebread Cellars on the 25th, and as might be expected, there’s more seafood among the five courses, but a seared ribeye makes an appearance. It’s $160 inclusive – reserve via Eventbrite, but make sure you book the right one, since this event is scheduled at all of their locations… The wine dinners at Fishbar are a more low-key affair than the ones just listed – the winery representatives come to your table and chat, and seatings are held throughout the evening. The next one is on January 31 and features Matanzas Creek wines paired with a baby spinach and smoked salmon salad, seared scallops piccata, and other delights. Price is $98 plus tax and gratuity, so about $125 – reserve at Resy… And finally, on February 6th the Bluewater Grill is hosting a “Lobster Tail Celebration” that include the northernmost part of a southbound crustacean and much more. Diners will enjoy a sampler of prawns, scallops, and oysters before moving to the main dish, an oven-baked rock lobster tail. Sides are included, as are two wines, all for $75 plus tax & tip, about $110. Reserve by phone at 310-318-3474…
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 https://easyreadernews.com/restaurants/. ER