Found In Translation: Zoku, a new izakaya, opened in Riviera Village, and if you headed for a translator program to find out what the name means, you may be puzzled. Zoku means “genus,” a scientific term but an odd restaurant name. There’s a story to it, though — the restaurant’s real name is Torikizoku, which translates to “bird aristocracy” and refers to their specialty, grilled chicken. Some smart manager realized the odds of most Californians remembering that name were slim and shortened it. If you enjoy bits of avians, seafood, vegetables, and other items grilled over Japanese bincho charcoal, this is the place to go (261 Avenida del Norte, RB)…
More Action In Redondo: Serendipity has opened on PCH in Redondo, and it’s a huge change from previous tenant Ortega 120. That space was dark and cluttered with artistic displays of Mexican antiques — this one is wide open and bright, like a particularly tasteful dining hall. The food is classic American fare in generous portions and it’s both modestly priced and good. My wife and I had a bountiful breakfast there, and will be back (1814 S. PCH, Redondo)…
What do you do when the restaurant location you have settled on isn’t ready for business? If you’re Oliver and Aaron, the duo behind Spread Please Burgers, you set up a grill in the parking lot and start serving. They’re flipping burgers and topping them with their homemade spread at the corner of Longfellow and Highland Fridays through Sundays, and will move indoors when remodeling is complete at the former Mexican restaurant next to them… The Avenue Italy in Riviera Village has transformed into a Little Oliva, with the same menu as their location in Palos Verdes. The more casual menu and inexpensive menu of Greek and Italian specialties seems like a good fit for the neighborhood, and may energize what has been a good but sleepy location (215 Avenue I, RB)… And finally, after more than two years in the making, the El Tarasco on Artesia is open. It’s easy to lose count of how many restaurants on this street serve Mexican food, but suffice it to say that if you’re in a mood for a taco, you won’t have trouble finding a place to get one on almost any block. They now have competition from the area’s most popular chain. (2622 Artesia, RB)…
Coming Attractions: Things have been going on behind the brown paper covering the windows at the former Chef Melba’s, and we have some info about the new tenants. The new restaurant will be called Vinfolk, and they did not get the space by the ordinary process of dealing with a real estate broker. They interviewed with Chef Melba Rodriguez first, and she approved of their concept of a contemporary American wine bar with a multicultural menu. They’re scheduled to open in September, if all goes well with the remodeling… The new tenant at the northeast side of Five Corners will be Cake N Bake, a dessert and coffee shop. Owner Nora Abajyan will craft some items influenced by her Armenian heritage, which will be a nice addition to the local scene. They hope to be open by the end of the year… The long-awaited Saint & Second restaurant is scheduled to open in Manhattan Village in January of next year. When this project was first announced in August of 2022, they expected to be open by 2023… And finally, the former McDonald’s on PCH in Hermosa is apparently going to become a Taco Bell. That’s a step up, I guess…
Event alerts: I haven’t seen a wine dinner specifically targeted at refreshing beverages for sweltering days, but I’m hoping for one because we have been getting a lot of those lately. We do have a lot of interesting events, starting with an August 15 Caymus wine dinner at Fogo de Chao. Fogo goes a bit outside their usual menu at these events — you won’t see a caviar brioche or cucumber salmon canape on their salad bar, for instance. Five courses will be paired with fine wines for $110 inclusive, a very reasonable price for the experience — reserve at OpenTable.com… The action stays on Rosecrans for the August 16 El Pino wine dinner at Fleming’s, with four courses paired with Pinot Noir, the fifth with coffee or tea. Price is $140 plus tax & tip, about $170… reserve from the link at flemingssteakhouse.com… An evening of French-Japanese fusion cuisine at Ryla was announced in an earlier version of this column, but on August 6th this event was postponed. Watch foir an update when a new date is set… On August 22nd there is a The Prisoner wine dinner at Paul Martin’s — the Rosecrans restaurants are really dominating this column this month. Four courses with wine are $95 plus tax, about $125… check their website for the menu and call 310-643-9300 to reserve… And finally, those who appreciate Southern traditions will want to check out the New Orleans Creole dinner at Darrow’s in Carson on Wednesday, September 4th. This event is part of a series called The Thoughtful Feast, and host Norwood Clark Jr. will come out between courses to talk about the unique Louisiana food and culture. The event is a benefit for Collage: A Place for Art & Culture, and I will be co-hosting it. The booking link is at https://events.collageartculture.com/Darrows
Manhattan Beach’s Big Event: Manhattan Beach has a new food and wine event that will bring together 50 chefs for a stroll, sip, and snack — and if 50 different bites sounds like too many to comprehend, keep in mind that this event runs for two evenings — 25 one night, 25 the next. The venue is at the end of the Veterans Parkway Greenbelt path next to Manhattan Village, an area usually more noted for joggers and dog walkers than fine dining. This is an audacious concept, and they’re bringing in top chefs from all over California to join local heroes like Chris Feldmeier of Love & Salt and David LeFevre of the Simms Restaurant Group. Prices start at $294.95 per night for admission, with a slight discount for those attending both days — read about it and reserve at manhattanbeachfoodandwine.com…
Odds And Ends: Mother’s Market on Rosecrans closed in July, just as local favorite GROW was announcing the end of their operation. A contracting market for high end groceries and a glut of choices combined to doom two very good options for healthy food and excellent quality produce. GROW was essential when they opened, but the arrival of Gelson’s and Lazy Acres and the continuing spread of online shopping for fresh food have nibbled at their advantages. They had the best vegetables and fruit, often before it was available elsewhere, and I will miss them… The South Bay has a new beer destination, Sugar Monkey Brewing, which opened in the former Upshift Brewing location on Indiana in El Segundo. The location on an industrial block off Grand is not high profile, but those who enjoy lagers, Pilseners, and IPA’s will find some specialists in those styles (339 Indiana, ES)…
And I don’t often cover culinary businesses in Torrance, but when one opened up serving pastries from Kyrgyzstan, I had to make a special trip. Nomad Food Bakery in Torrance offers sweet and savory pastries and a few main dishes like the handmade noodles called lagman and the Krgyz version of a burrito. Go to check another country off of your culinary list, and you might return because you have found a new cuisine to enjoy (3148 PCH, Torrance)…
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/.
