Part One - Easy Reader News

EasyReader
SOUTH
B AY ’ S
W E E K LY
DINING GUIDE
PHOTO BY DAVID FAIRCHILD
Fall 2001
Location,
Location, Location!
If you haven’t been to Capistrano’s Restaurant Yet, You are
Missing out on El Segundo’s Best Kept Secret! Located Inside
the Embassy Suites Hotel. The Lush Tropical Atrium with Koi
Ponds & Cascading Waterfalls is the Perfect Settings to Enjoy
the Award Winning Cuisine & Excellent Service of Capistrano’s
Restaurant.
Over 10,000 Sq. ft. of Private Banquet Facilities, Too! Ideal for
Weddings, Holiday Parties, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate
Meetings & Seminars, Etc. Call Our Catering Department to
Book your Special Event.
L
AX SOUTH
Inside the Embassy Suites Hotel
1440 E. Imperial Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245
310.640.1622
2
Fall 2001
DINING GUIDE
HERMOSA BEACH: 8 Pier Ave (310)372-5759
REDONDO BEACH: 1712 S. Catalina (310)540-8443
MANHATTAN BEACH: 313 Manhattan Beach Blvd. (310)546-4813
DINING GUIDE
Fall 2001
3
Customers can be a chef’s best teacher
by Richard Foss
Folks who are perfectly convivial among their peers often clam up
when they find themselves in the presence of a recognized expert, such
as a doctor, lawyer...or a chef. But those who are wary of showing their
ignorance might be surprised to discover that the chefs sometimes learn
every bit as much from customers as vice versa.
We talked with a few of the leading lights of local kitchens and discovered that the information transfer was definitely two-way.
Robert Bell of TooChez remembered a particularly exasperating
evening when some parents were allowing their children to run noisily
around the tables in his restaurant.
“A woman sitting nearby motioned me over, and I thought, ‘Oh, she’s
going to complain about the kids,” he remembered. “I leaned close, and
she said ’Those children are very loud, would you please turn down the
lights?’ I said, ‘What good will that do?’, and she said, ‘Try it and see.’ I
turned the lights lower and the children walked back to their table and
sat quietly next to their parents. I went back to the lady and asked how
she knew that would work. ‘Simple,’ she said. ‘Children are intimidated
by low light levels, and when you turn them down, they’ll go back by
their parents, because that’s reassuring to them,’ I had been running
restaurants for over 20 years and I never knew that one.”
Bell admits that not all of his interactions are quite as rewarding as that
one. “A while ago I had someone say they didn’t like the Caesar salad,
and I should get the recipe from Chez Melange, because that was their
favorite. What they didn’t know was that I invented the recipe that Chez
Melange uses, and that was what they were eating.”
Chef Hugues Quintard at Redondo’s Cafe Brasserie had an even more
puzzling interaction with a customer. “This fellow had been to the restaurant at least three times before, and when I came out of the kitchen he
always said he enjoyed the food. The most recent time when I came out
of the kitchen to greet him, he said he still enjoyed the food, but he was
going to stop coming to my restaurant unless I made the portions smaller. I told him that this is not France, this is California, where people
expect a more robust meal, but he was adamant. He didn’t want to pay
less, he wanted me to give him less. I told him I would try to accommodate him.”
FOR AMERI
CA
NE
DI
TH
E
NE
EE
DI
OR
SA
IT F
STE
A B ENEF
R F UND
A PARTNERSHIP
OF THE RESTAURANTS OF AMERICA
THEIR EMPLOYEES AND GUESTS
W
Y OR
K R ESTAURANT
EM
PL
OY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2001
On October 11TH, 2001, in remembrance of the tragedy in New
York City, The South Bay Restaurant & Hospitality Relief Fund
will be doing their part. When you dine in any of these participating restaurants, you will have the option of adding a 10%
donation of your dinner check to the relief effort.
Our restaurants will then match that 10% to help those in need.
THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
310.787.7501
310.378.0267
310.320.2722
CATERING & EVENTS
310.320.9200
310.643.6151
310.373.1952
310.378.5664
310.376.0613
310.316.1566
310.521.8618
310.316.1081
310.377.0050
310.316.4211
310.376.9595
310.376.1066
Hermosa Beach - 310.372.5759
Redondo Beach - 310.540.8443
Manhattan Beach - 310.546.4813
800.633.8440
310.316.6658
310.265.8677
310.320.9500
On the Cover…
Photo by David Fairchild
These restaurants just added:
China Grill, Rocky Cola Cafe, Paradise, Red Car Brewery & Restaurant,
Riviera Mexican Grill, Whale & Ale, Good Stuff Restaurant, Soleil Restaurant
Others are being added every moment! For a complete list of participating restaurants,
contact the Depot (310.787.7501) or Chez Melange (310.316.1566).
4
Paul Guillemin of Legacy has also had his share of odd requests from
customers, including some whose behavior puzzled him for some time.
“Jules Stein, who founded MCA Records, used to come to my restaurant with his wife Doris. They would always look over the menu and
then order something that wasn’t on it, like ham and eggs or a hamburger. They would then open a bottle of wine that cost a hundred dollars, a hundred and fifty dollars - a bottle that they brought themselves.
I finally asked Doris, why are you drinking these wines with this food?
She answered, ‘If we don’t, who will?’ I haven’t ever come up with a
good answer to that question.”
Other customers have shown more method in their eccentricities, like
the couple Marie Williams saw at Coyote Cantina. “I was walking over
to a table to see how things were when I saw the customer pour salt all
over his napkin, then hand the shaker to his wife who did the same
thing. I was waiting to see if they would eat the napkins, but they didn’t
— they just set their water glasses on them. When I asked the reason for
their actions, they explained that if you put salt on the napkin, it doesn’t
stick to the damp water glass.”
Sometimes a conversation with a customer teaches a chef a useful marketing tool. Melba Rodriguez of McCormick & Schmick’s was talking
with a customer who was enjoying a plate of lobster.
“I glanced down at his plate and exclaimed, ‘Oh, I see you have a
female.’ He immediately wanted to know how you tell on a lobster, and
I explained it to him. I also mentioned that the texture of the meat was
different from males. Within a week he came back in and requested a
male so he could see if he could tell the difference. Since then I have
noticed that almost everybody I mention this to comes back soon and
orders another one, just like he did.”
Steve Matthews of HT Grill has also had rewarding experiences with
customers — sometimes in a very literal way, in that Matthews is the one
who gets the reward.
“I like talking with customers about food, about how great really fresh
ingredients taste,” he enthused. “Some of my customers have decided to
bring me things like morels and Black Trumpet mushrooms that they
picked in Oregon. Others who are avid fishermen bring me fresh ahi
tuna, stuff they caught that day and they came to my restaurant straight
from the pier. I can’t serve it to my customers, but my friends and I eat
really well on the evenings when that happens.”
Other customers leave Matthews with nothing more than a sense of
wonder.
“I have one customer, a charming lady who is 104-years-old. She was
reminiscing about how vegetables taste different from the way they did
when she was a girl, which is something I have heard from other customers. Then I thought about it and realized that she was talking about
some time prior to the First World War, so there might be something in
what she was saying.”
Finally, there are some customer requests that are definitely beyond
the call of duty for even the most dedicated chef or restaurateur.
“It was New Years’ Eve, the one night of the whole year when my
restaurant has a party atmosphere, with live music and a dance floor,”
offered Al Castaneda of Reed’s. “A customer, an older gentleman, got my
attention while his wife was away from the table. I leaned over and he
said, “It’s New Years Eve and my wife wants me to dance with her,
because to her it’s not a party unless she dances. I hate to dance, can’t
stand it. Will you please dance with my wife?” Castaneda gallantly rose
to the occasion and did so, only to find that now that he had been seen
dancing, several women were in line for the next trip out on the floor.
Not every chef or restaurateur is quite this outgoing; some are shy and
prefer the sanctum of their kitchens, communicating with their customers via the medium of plates of food. Nevertheless the next time you
see the chef strolling around the restaurant you might want to strike up
a conversation. Both of you might learn something, perhaps even a few
new dance steps. ER
Steve Matthews is the corporate chef for Hennessey’s Tavern Inc., and
executive chef at the company’s H.T. Grill in Redondo Beach.
Restaurant photos by William Perez Jr.
Fall 2001
DINING GUIDE
El Segundo,
Hawthorne,
LAX and
Marina del Rey
Big John’s Village Cafe
Big John’s Village Cafe, bringing you back to simpler times with its charming character and hearty, homecooked “comfort” food, will surely become a favorite for the whole family. There are nightly “all-u-can-eat” specials, served with soup or salad. Monday: meatloaf; Tuesday: fried chicken; Wednesday: “Thanksgiving style”
turkey; Thursday: spaghetti; Friday: salisbury steak. On Saturday nights, Big John cooks up entrees such as
prime rib, beef stroganoff, osso buco, leg of lamb and chicken ’n’ dumplings as part of his regular delicious
menu. Open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner Mon. - Sat. 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Sundays 7:00 a.m.2:00 p.m. Beer, wine and outdoor seating. Visit Big John’s web site at www.bigjohnscafe.com.
514 Center Street, El Segundo (310) 322-0309
Anthony’s
Big Mike’s Philly Steaks & Subs
With a small stage, an outdoor grill and a seating capacity of around 140, the patio at Anthony’s lures guests
with promises of splashy sunshine, live music and Mason jar-sized cocktails. Food items offer the option of
small or large portions, both of which are generous. Anthony’s signature dish is the home made lasagna. Plenty
of parking in the adjacent lot and on the street, Anthony’s is designed to handle a crowd. From 7:30 a.m. daily.
Cousins Mike Neimark and David Neimark are proud to open this second location bringing the taste of the East
Coast to the South Bay. They pride themselves in the authentic Philly cheese steaks, chicken cheese steaks, and
a broad spectrum of hot and cold East coast influenced subs. The menu is made fresh to order daily.
Hours: Mon-Sat 11a.m.-9p.m. and Sun. closed at 5p.m.
143 Main Street, El Segundo (310) 322-5464
507 Main Street, El Segundo (310) 726-9638
1314 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach (310) 798-1499
Chicken Madras
Beachside Café
The Beachside Café offers Waterfront Patio Dining at the Beach! Join us for breakfast, lunch and early bird dinner. We are open daily from 6 a.m. - 4 p.m. The Tiki Room & Patio are also available for meetings and parties.
Discover this popular locals favorite today!
Rated one of the top-50 restaurants in Los Angeles by the L.A. Times, Chicken Madras uses natural herbs and
spices, and no artificial flavors in its low-cholesterol cuisine. Lots of choices for vegetarian members of the family are offered. A must-try place for people who love to eat healthy food. Lunch, Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2:30pm,
Sat.-Sun., 12:30- 3 p.m. Dinner Mon.-Sun. 5:30-10 p.m.
4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Ray (310) 823-5333
DINING GUIDE
4850 W. Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne (310) 675-5533
Fall 2001
5
El Tarasco
Established in 1960, the Palomo family takes pride in their traditional and authentic Mexican food. Tucked away
on Grand Avenue in El Segundo is just one of their 8 locations to serve you. Opening soon in the next 2 months
are 2 new El Tarascos located in Manhattan Beach and Torrance. Come try the Junior Burrito, just one of their
specialties on the menu.
Daily 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
411 E. Grand Avenue, El Segundo (310) 322-1074
Il Toscano
Authentic Italian Cuisine
24590 Hawthorne Blvd.
378-2686
Restaurant Christine
Pacific Rim/California
24530 Hawthorne Blvd.
373-1952
Encounter Restaurant
Step back into the future at Encounter Restaurant where you’ll find an intergalactic dining experience for individuals or groups, with great music and contemporary menu, featuring California-Asian cuisine, fresh seafood,
steaks and a full service bar. Encounter Restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for lunch and from
5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dinner service. Encounter features an “Above the World Champagne Brunch” Sundays
from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and live entertainment on Tuesday evenings starting at 7:30 p.m. Easy access from the
arrivals level of LAX with valet parking for our guests. Meet...Dine...Drink...Enjoy!
Misto Caffe & Bakery
Cusine of the World
24558 Hawthorne Blvd.
375-3608
209 World Way, LAX (310) 215-5151
Kikusui
Japanese & Sushi Bar
24585 Hawthorne Blvd.
373-5271
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
24520 Hawthorne Blvd. at Via Valmonte
(3 signals south of PCH)
373-4991
6
South Bay seafood lovers are hooked on McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant. Reminiscent of an Art
Deco eating establishment, this popular spot also offers casual dining on the open-air patio, complete with a
large fireplace. The ideal place before or after the theater, McCormick & Schmick’s offers an extensive menu
served until 11 p.m., along with their award winning early and late-evening Happy Hour menu served until 11
p.m. on weekdays. Lunch and dinner served seven days a week, beginning at 11 a.m.
2101 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo (310) 416-1123
Fall 2001
DINING GUIDE
Taiko Beach Cities
Stuft Pizza
Located in the charming tree-lined district of El Segundo, Stuft Pizza, voted “the best of the best,” offers everything from traditional Greek and Caesar salads to delectable pastas. And don’t forget their famous pizza - freshly made each day, as you’d expect! Hot, fresh and tasty, Stuft Pizza is where you’ll want to come if you desire
quality food and exceptional service at affordable prices. Delivery service available in select city locations. Open
7 days a week, table service after 5 p.m. Daily lunch specials as well as weekly Monday Night Football $1 slices,
$1 beer and 50 cent sodas are offered. Catering and dine-in available for large parties, by reservation.
Well-known for its delicious udon and soba noodle dishes, Taiko offers a classy and comfortable dining experience. It has an outdoor patio, separate sushi bar and beautifully sunny dining area for lunch and dinner. Its
chefs prepare the most aromatic and fresh sashimi and cooked seafood dishes with modest prices. From spicy
to tastefully mild, Taiko’s choices include crisp tempura, fresh sushi flown in daily, a full menu of rice (donburi) bowls, various appetizers and unique entrees that please the pickiest of sushi purists. Its most popular
dishes include Japanese-harvested scallop carpaccio surrounded by lemon and olive oil and sake-marinated
black cod “gindara” with ginger. For dessert, the tempura ice cream can’t be beat. Taiko is pleasing all South
Bay-ans with its lovely atmosphere and unforgettable cuisine.
Open 7 days: Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-10:15 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. and 5:00
p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Saturday noon -10:45 p.m. and Sunday noon-10:00 p.m.
2041 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo (310) 647-3100
400 Main Street, El Segundo (310) 322-2666
Hermosa
Beach
Besties
Besties has been the happening place in Hermosa Beach for over 20 years. The theme is English, fish and chips
is the house specialty. Other popular menu items include chicken, steaks, burgers and shepherds pie. Prime rib
is the Saturday night special and shouldn’t be missed! Pool tables, dart boards and the “BBC” dance floor are
entertainment options. Happy Hour daily 3 p.m.-7 p.m., double Happy Hour 10 p.m.-midnight. Mon-Wed. Live
music and DJ Thursday-Saturday. College and pro sporting events shown live throughout the day. Open 7 days
a week. Mon-Fri. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
1332 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach (310) 318-3818
California Beach Sushi
Brewski’s Brewing Company
Brewski’s offers handcrafted microbrews and equally well crafted cuisine only steps from the beach. The menu
offers both the ample-portion and the health-conscious diner plenty of choices including appetizers, salads,
Memphis-style BBQ, and fresh seafood. The brewpub has five house taps for beer brewed on site and anywhere
from two to six guest taps. Brewski’s service, beer and food near the beach provide for a memorable lunch or
night out. Open 11:30 a.m. daily.
Specializing in a variety of fresh sushi, cooked appetizers and traditional Japanese food, California Beach is a
Hermosa favorite. Known for its upbeat ambience and friendly service, Cal Beach can always be counted on
for excellent food and a great time. Monday night is all you can eat for $19.95, Aloha Fridays bring in Polynesian
food and drink specials and Saturday night Rock n’ Roll is guaranteed to be a great night out. Daily specials and
happy hours plus the best sushi chefs in town make Cal Beach a fun and wonderful dining experience. Open
seven days a week: Sun. & Mon. 5:30-10 p.m., Tue., Wed. & Thurs. 5:30-10:30 and Fri. & Sat. 5:30-11 p.m.
73 Pier Avenue, Hermosa Beach (310) 318-2666
844 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach (310) 374-7758
DINING GUIDE
Fall 2001
7
ALFREDO’S #1
1031 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach
(310) 937-9361
Monday-Wednesday
Thursday-Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9am-9pm
9am-10pm
8am-10pm
8am-9pm
ALFREDO’S #2
23902 Narbonne Ave.
Lomita
(310) 326-1525
Monday-Tuesday
9am-9pm
Wednesday-Friday 9am-10pm
Saturday
8am-10pm
Sunday
8am-9pm
ALFREDO’S #3
100 W. Carson Street
Carson
(310) 549-4090
Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm
Friday-Sunday
9am-9pm
ALFREDO’S #4
2372 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Lomita
(310) 784-0393
Monday-Tuesday
Wednesday-Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
9am-9pm
9am-10pm
8am-10pm
7am-10pm
7am-9pm
HOT ‘N TOT
2347 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Lomita
(310) 326-9626
Monday-Saturday 5:30am-10pm
Sunday
5:30am-9pm
For 20 years, Alfredo’s has been serving the
South Bay area with delicious Mexican cuisine.
This sunny and comfortable eatery has an outdoor
patio and full menu with breakfast, lunch and dinner specials. One block from the beach, Alfredo’s
specializes in Yucatanian dishes including the traditional Tamale Yucatan, mouth-watering fajitas
with fried bananas and flavorful carnitas served
any way you like.
Originally from the Yucatan Peninsula, Alfredo
and his wife pride themselves in providing customers with the fine food and excellent service
they deserve!
HERMOSA BEACH LOCATION NOW OPEN!
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Fall 2001
DINING GUIDE