So many changes and openings! My dance card is full. Establishment finally lived up to its name and got, well, established last Friday. Monday Abigaile opened after a soft open weekend with privileged locals. Tuesday Rock’n Fish had its official grand opening following a comprehensive interior renovation. Mermaid hand rails! Now we’re talking. Getting geared up: Uncle Stavros may open this week. Look for it. Rock and Brews is pretty involved in some major ground-moving renovations, involving heavy machinery, as well as Gene Simmons no less. Re-opening planned for end of February, but you know how that goes. I’ve heard many places are in for a menu tweak: Sangria, Game Changers, even The Strand House.
5 Places to go for Dinner when Someone Else is Paying
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I’m just gonna treat it like any other Monday. What! It’s on a Tuesday? See what I mean? Disclaimer: I’ve never actually been to any of the following places. But I always advise my girls to keep a list handy of places you’d like to try in the event you get asked out.
Did you know that the two busiest restaurant days of the year are Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day? Service may not be up to its usual par. I say just grab a bottle of wine and two straws. Hello! We live at the beach. Watch the sunset and save this list for a non-holiday meal. Listed from north to south:
1. McCormick &Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant—El Segundo. I did go to the one in San Diego circa 2005, back when I had a boyfriend. I remember it being really fancy and special. I would order the Lobster Ravioli or Ahi Tuna followed by Crème Brulee and Cappuccino Fudge Cheesecake for dessert. This is a wish list, right?
2. MB Post—Manhattan Beach. My dates won’t take me here, because “the portions are small and it’s expensive.” Wahwah. That’s precisely why I want to go! Am I supposed to take myself here? Maybe Meyers Farm “Never Ever” Skirt Steak followed by either Lemon Ricotta Cheesecake or Kabocha Pumpkin Pie.
3. La Sosta Enoteca—Hermosa Beach. My girlfriend raves about this place. Nice men from eHarmony take her here. I should get on that. Much as I love baby animals, I’d be willing to try the Veal Fillet Tartare with Leeks Soufflè and Escabeche Zucchini. Building looks simple from the outside, which means it’s probably super delicious on the inside.
4. Aimee’s Bistro—Redondo Beach. I’ve heard it gets mixed reviews, but I’m willing to try it. There are always those whiners out there, you know. Steak Wagu New York (East Coast meat) and Salade de Poire (Pear Gorgonzola Salad) sound rewarding.
5. Mar’sel—Rancho Palos Verdes. Good view and good people watching up at Terranea. Roasted Mediterranean Branzino–doesn’t that just sound awesome? Who cares what it means? To complete my fantasy, I’d order Brown Butter Blueberry Crisp and Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert.
My Favorite Thing Week #6: Shots! Anywhere, everywhere. Try these: “Shoot the Root” at Game Changers. “Steak Bite” at Silvios. “Fire Whiskey” at Underground.
Lots more cool stuff that just won’t fit: www.facebook.com/AnnaCoxTheNightlife anna.thenightlife@gmail.com
