First Look At FWD… I’m going to avoid explosive puns in my reporting of the opening of Fishing With Dynamite, as tempting as it is. The small space has been intelligently designed to fit as many people as possible without feeling cramped, and it’s visually interesting – the live oysters are on ice in a small bathtub behind glass, and while the décor is high style there are visual echoes of classic East Coast seafood shacks. The menu is more restrained than expected for the creator of MB Post – there are multicultural items like Thai shellfish soup and Mediterranean grilled octopus, but most offerings have American roots. The bar is interesting too, featuring eclectic offerings of white liquor since that is best with shellfish. It’s an intriguing concept in a dynamic space, and I’m looking forward to dining there…
And Across the Street… The only other place in Downtown MB focused on East Coast style seafood has closed – the former Hamptons space has been bought by Jed from Abigaile and Michael Buchanan from Rok Sushi. Rumor is that it will be called Little Sister and Chef Tin of Abigaile will create the menu, though no word yet on whether he will be involved on a daily basis…
Change Coming in Hermosa… Sangria is long gone, but two members of the staff plan a return to their old haunts. The word is that a new sandwich shop and café will come to the plaza run by a pair of managers from the old Mediterranean favorite. Meanwhile, Project Taco has opened in the tiny space vacated by Stoik’s Paws. Their menu is wildly eclectic and includes only one traditional taco, a spicy pork and green chile. Other offerings include pork with blueberry-chili sauce and Thai chicken and vegetarian tacos. It’s fast food for those with eclectic tastes, and a better fit than its predecessor…
Calling It Quits…Dolce Vita Cafe in Redondo has closed the doors – Mario Martinoli spent huge money refurbishing the place after buying it a little more than a year ago, but the combination cooking school and restaurant didn’t take off as he hoped. In retrospect the decision to keep the old name was a mistake – many people never knew that the place had changed. Alas Mario, you are a fine chef and charming character, and many people hoped you would make it…
A Modest Proposal… At this time of year I am inundated with announcements from restaurants about Mother’s Day menus. This is my first Mother’s Day since my mom’s death, and I somewhat envy those who can still celebrate even “Hallmark Holidays” with a parent. My transition with my parents’ deaths was greatly assisted by friends who are as close to me as family. I therefore propose Other’s Day – a holiday in which you celebrate the people to whom you are not biologically related, but whose love and support makes life worth living. Anybody with me? I suggest the first Tuesday in August just because August doesn’t have any holidays, but it really should be celebrated every day…
First Look… India’s Tandoor is open in Manhattan Beach, and they have done a marvelous job at redesigning the old Back Home in Lahaina space. There is finally an Indian restaurant in town again, for the first time in over fifteen years, and fans of Punjabi-style curries and barbecues may rejoice…
Update on Ragin Cajun… The big news this week is of a plan that fell through – the yellow sign that signifies a license transfer was already in the window announcing the return of the Ragin Cajun to Pier Avenue, but it’s not going to happen. Instead Stephen Domingue will partner with the existing management of Suzy’s on Aviation – the name will change to Suzy’s Ragin Cajun Café, and they’ll serve the whole menu that was formerly available at the Hermosa original. The place will be redecorated and they’ll eventually have live Cajun music on Friday and Saturday nights. Suzy’s will remain open during the transition, which is expected to be complete by June. As for the location on Pier Avenue, it will become a new restaurant, but the concept has not yet been announced…
Anything I should know about, openings, closings, and events? I’m at Richard@richardfoss.com
