A Redondo Tradition Ends… The original El Indio lasted 65 years, the revamped El Indio Kitchen only six months. The renovated interior was much nicer, the idea of adding some modern and health-conscious items praiseworthy, but the execution of the new menu was inconsistent. During the time they were closed their clientele found other haunts, and given that there are six other Mexican restaurants on this stretch of Artesia they had plenty to choose from. For decades the original El Indio was the only place in the South Bay to get fresh tortillas, and though it was never my favorite Mexican restaurant it was a South Bay landmark. No word yet on what comes next…
And The Same In Torrance… Buffalo Fire Department had a good run in Torrance’s Old Town, but chef-owner Michael Shafer has closed it after seven years in business. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and live music and the neighborhood will be less lively now that it’s gone. Several local entrepreneurs are interested in the space, so it’s not likely to be empty for long…
And A Triumphant Opening… After almost two years of remodeling, permit hassles, and other travails, Marsatta Chocolates is open at the corner of Del Amo and Anza. Owner Jeffray Gardner faced a variety of challenges including expensive machinery stuck in customs, but the South Bay’s first bean-to-bar chocolate factory and tasting room opened on June 28. If you’d like to view all the stages of chocolate processing and taste the result, this is the destination for you. Congratulations Jeffray, and may the path ahead be smooth as your ganache… (4604 Del Amo Blvd., Torr)
The Hole In The Plaza Is Filled… Craft Shack has finally opened in the center of the Point development, and as might be expected from an offspring of the Simmzy’s empire they make darn good burgers and simple food using premium ingredients. There are a few well-made cocktails and craft beers on the list, making this a scaled down version of their popular formula. Seating is on the pleasant patio, which might depress turnout if it ever rains again, but according to scientists that may not happen for a long time… (850 S. Sepulveda, ES)
Bite at the Beach… Darrens, Little Sister, Fishbar and Doma are among the restaurants and King Harbor and El Segundo brewing are serving their beers at this popular, annual food and craft beer pairing presented by the Manhattan Beach Chamber at MBS Media Campus. 3 – 6 p.m. Doors open at 2 p.m. for VIP ticket holders. 1600 Rosecrans Ave, Manhattan Beach. For more information visit biteatthebeach.com.
French Or Italian?… If you enjoy hitting all the dining events around town, you’re going to be in a quandary on July 14. That is Bastille Day, so it’s no surprise that a celebration is on at Dominique’s Kitchen. A complimentary glass of Champagne or kir will be offered to all diners, and Chef Dominique will be preparing his superb bouillabaisse. One of the effects of the French Revolution was the dispersion of French chefs from aristocrats’ homes to restaurants around the world, so it makes sense that restaurateurs would celebrate the events that started the process. Reservations are tight – call (424) 247-9054. (522 S. PCH, Redondo)… If you prefer to dine in Italian style, Hostaria Piave is just down the road, and on that evening they’re offering an Argentine wine dinner with Bodega El Esteco. The Argentine wine industry was jump started by waves of Italian immigrants, so it’s no surprise that those rich Malbecs, Cabs, and Syrahs go well with hearty eggplant, whole wheat spaghetti with mushrooms and sausage, and stuffed lamb. The whole menu is at hostariapiave.com, and it’s a thing of beauty – call (310) 374-1000 to reserve and have $95 handy. (231 S. PCH, RB)…
Adventures With An Ocean View… July 15 is the first day of Dine Around The Peninsula, during which various restaurants offer special prix fixe menus at very reasonable prices. These include the restaurants at Terranea and Trump National, Corazon Kitchen, Gaetano’s, and Bettolino Kitchen. While that last is just barely on the peninsula proper it’s hard to argue with $39 for three courses, or with the tempting offerings from other restaurants. The whole list is at dinepeninsula.com – click the restaurants tab at the bottom left. You’ll find plenty to whet your appetite…
From Farm To Library… Most of the South Bay was once agricultural land, and as we rediscover our connection to our food it can be good to be reminded of how we got here. Torrance resident Rachel Surls is the author of “From Cows to Concrete: The Rise and Fall of Farming in Los Angeles,” and she and her co-author Judith Gerber will be giving a talk at the Katy Geissert Torrance Library on July 13 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, and it’s a chance to connect with both culture and agriculture at the same time…
Advance Notice… Rosé wines used to have a bad reputation as sweet unserious wines, but there have always been fine pink wines that are perfect when the summer heat sets in. Chez Melange is offering an eclectic rosé dinner on August 1 that will delight aficionados and inform those who are new to the genre. Five courses with wine runs $60 plus tax – check their website or call (310) 540-1222 for details (1611 S. Catalina, RB.)…
Any new restaurants I should know about, any events, any fantastic cocktails? I’m at Richard@richardfoss.com…
