One More Down on 190th… Jimmy’s Sports Bar opened in a location that had devoured many restaurants, a high-profile spot with awkward entrances and exits. The food was good and they seemed to be doing well, but the sports bar and restaurant suddenly closed on July 26 after two and a half years. A sign suggests that they may reopen after remodeling, but that seems unlikely as they didn’t tell regulars in advance, which suggests that the staff didn’t know…
A Whimsical Korean Powerhouse Opens… Torrance got a surprise recently, the opening of Kang Hodong Baekjeong at the corner of Carson and Western. KHB is a Korean barbecue owned by a goofy Korean film star and comedian who is also a professional wrestler. He likes to photoshop himself into classic movie posters, as you’ll notice from the décor. This is only the second location in the US, and it’s an upgrade to the local scene… (1725 West Carson, Torr. (310) 320-9678)
And Another For The Healthy People… Sunlife Organics is open in the former Nekter location at Metlox Plaza in Manhattan Beach. It’s one juice bar replacing another, but while the menu is heavy on smoothies, acai bowls, and yogurt items, it’s more expansive. There are a few sandwiches and some coffees for those who like more conventional meals, which is a smart idea. They’re open as early as 7 a.m., so will add a bit of life to the plaza when most people are still waking up… (451 Manhattan Beach Blvd, MB (310)545-7773)
Coming Attractions… 21 Square Bar + Kitchen will be opening in September at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, which is actually nowhere near Redondo Beach. (According to Google Maps it’s 2.1 miles to the nearest sliver of Redondo.) The restaurant and bar’s name celebrates the city where it’s located; Torrance was founded in 1921 and measures 21 square miles. This could help put the hotel, which is located just north of the Del Amo Fashion Center and does a lot of group business, on the map for locals. The menu looks ambitious, and I’ll let you know more after the place actually opens…
The Advantages Of Numerology… Fans of Hey 19 Restaurant must be happy that the restaurant has that name instead of Hey 25 or Hey 30. That’s because the restaurant has a penchant for pricing things at $19, including their new Sunday Suppers. During August that includes a Louisiana-style shrimp boil with Andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn, and you get buttermilk-cheese biscuits and live blues music by local band Tres Hombres thrown in. There are drink specials too, and it’s another reason to visit West Torrance’s favorite backstreet hideaway. Hey 19 will also be hosting one of their justly famous spirits dinners – four courses paired with drinks using Kill Devil Spirits for $75. I don’t have the menu yet, but look forward to see what new chef Andy Lee will do to match owner Demi Stevens’ inspired cocktails… (4525 Calle Mayor, Torr. (310) 378-8119)
Event Alerts!… Chez Melange will be hosting dinners with Napa Valley’s Rombauer winery on both August 22 and 23, and yes, these are so popular that they need to do it twice. Five courses run $85 plus tax and tip – check the Chez Melange website for details or call 310-540-1222. Do it soon, or you might miss out… Also this month, the Evening Under The Stars charity gala will be held on 27 August at the American Honda facility. This is one of the only events in town for which people actually wear ties and cocktail dresses even in summer, and it’s a chance to see the South Bay flaunting their best. There’s live music, restaurants and wineries giving liberal samples, and much more. For more details and tickets check the events tab at the Providence TrinityKids website…
Parting Thoughts… When you think of bad service you usually think of servers who are absent without leave, but a recent experience reminded me that excessive service is easily as annoying as the insufficient variety. If you don’t have enough service you can flag someone down or go get the ketchup yourself, but if people keep interrupting your conversation trying to sell more drinks, you can’t do anything about it. There is a balance in all things, and I know it can be hard to attain…
Any new restaurants I should know about, any events, any more Sunday suppers? I’m at Richard@richardfoss.com. ER
