Bombay Tandoori & Banquet
4111 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
310-303-3185
Located at the bottom of the Days Inn. Plenty of free parking.
Lunch buffet, Dinner, and Banquet room (up to 150).
2 other locations in Hawthorne and Los Angeles as India's Tandoori.
Opened: August 2009
Visited: March 2010, Dinner, Dine-In; September 2010, Lunch Buffet
This location has been a revolving door of restaurants over the last 15-20 years, but we're hoping this one will stay. If you have eaten Indian food in the Torrance area over the last 5 years or so, you may be familiar with Robbie (in this location before when it was Punjabi, then opened his own place Shah Tandoori Grill further down PCH), well Robbie is back! It was like old home week to see him - we had no idea this was his new location (he's back in the south bay after having been at their Wilshire location for the last 2 years.)
We ordered some of our favorites and tried a couple new things.
Alu Samosa ($3.50) - 2 very large potato and pea samosas. Kinda plain, but a nice starter.
Tandoori Chicken Wings ($6.95) - 7 very tender wings served as an appetizer but tandoori style with the sizzling onions and tomatoes. These were stellar, and a great innovation. They had both a very nice flavor and a very nice char.
The Chicken Tikka Masala ($12.95) is as good as ever. A great rich flavor with that sweet-spicy tikka masala gravy to die for. The gravy is good on its own without even any meat! We ordered medium but it didn't seem very spicy - it was great.
Keema Curry ($12.95) of ground lamb and peas was really nice. But this we also ordered medium, and it was quite hot. Almost too hot in that you couldn't taste the spices as well. But still good.
Lamb Biryani ($12.95) served in a heaping pile of basmati rice, large lamb chunks, and nuts and raisins. I'm not usually a fan of raisins, but these were nicely cooked in the biryani. Overall very tender, and quite the meal unto itself.
We also ordered Plain Naan ($2.50), and they were fresh, hot, fluffy, and chewy. Great accompaniment and tool for those curries.
The Lunch Buffet ($9.95) is also quite a deal. They have an assortment of salads, and always have both Chicken Tikka Masala and Chicken Tandoori. The appetizers (today was a dal samosa and veggie pakoras), veggies (today: bengan bharta, saag paneer - both excellent!), and other entrees (today: chili chicken, Indian noodles - similar to chow mein) change on a daily basis.
Showing posts with label pch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pch. Show all posts
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Shayan Market, Torrance, CA
Shayan Market
3801 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
310-373-5550
Take-out or catering only.
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-out
About a year or so ago, the Shayan Market (and the whole market strip) went through a remodel. We finally went in to see the new store, and were enticed by the yummy cooking smells coming from their grill. On our next trip back to shop, we decided to order some dinner. We placed our order, did our shopping, and then picked up our dinner.
Overall, flavors were milder than expected based on the smell. We tried the #1: Lamb Shank ($10.99). It was a very tender and large lamb shank, but very plain. It came with a very very large service of basmati rice cooked with broad beans and a lot of dill. I found that dill is not my favorite herb.
We also tried some basics the Koobideh (ground beef) Kabab ($9.99), Chicken Koobideh (Z$9.99), and the Boneless Chicken Breast Kabob ($9.99). These were all very generous servings of meat with basmati rice, grilled tomatoes, and lavash. However, they were a little plain or mild in seasoning than we prefer.
I love that everything is so fresh, but would prefer a more hefty seasoning package on the meats.
3801 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505
310-373-5550
Take-out or catering only.
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-out
About a year or so ago, the Shayan Market (and the whole market strip) went through a remodel. We finally went in to see the new store, and were enticed by the yummy cooking smells coming from their grill. On our next trip back to shop, we decided to order some dinner. We placed our order, did our shopping, and then picked up our dinner.
Overall, flavors were milder than expected based on the smell. We tried the #1: Lamb Shank ($10.99). It was a very tender and large lamb shank, but very plain. It came with a very very large service of basmati rice cooked with broad beans and a lot of dill. I found that dill is not my favorite herb.
We also tried some basics the Koobideh (ground beef) Kabab ($9.99), Chicken Koobideh (Z$9.99), and the Boneless Chicken Breast Kabob ($9.99). These were all very generous servings of meat with basmati rice, grilled tomatoes, and lavash. However, they were a little plain or mild in seasoning than we prefer.
I love that everything is so fresh, but would prefer a more hefty seasoning package on the meats.
Fresh Brothers, Redondo Beach, CA
Fresh Brothers
407 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-374-5678
http://www.freshbrothers.com/
This location is in the big strip mall with Rite Aid and Whole Foods. Also locations in Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey. Mostly take-out; there is some in-restaurant dining.
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-Out
They advertise Pizza, Salad, Wings, and that's pretty much what they have.
We tried a Thin Crust Miller Pizza (a meat combo thins with sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, bacon and ham), and it was very tasty. Often when there are so many meat products, it gets really salty, but this was done well. Medium was $16.95.
We also got a Deep Dish Margherita (fresh mozz, tomatoes, basil, and light tomato sauce). We would have liked more sauce as the whole pizza was rather light on flavor. Medium was $15.50.
We enjoyed both pizzas. but the Miller really had much more flavor. I think the Deep Dish crust took away from the some of the flavor - too much dough to topping ratio.
Their wings are baked, not fried, and are offered as bone-in wings ($7.95-15.50) or white meat boneless bites ($7.95). The wings - both boned and boneless were very tender, and we would definitely get them again. The Mild Buffalo has a nice little kick to it - just enough heat. The BBQ sauce was more on the tangy side, while the Garlic BBQ was a little sweeter.
We also tried the Family Platter ($11.95) Appetizer. It was a sampling of chicken wings (your choice of sauce), mozzarella sticks (flavorful breading and good marinara sauce), chicken bites (your choice of sauce), and french fries (very tasty seasoned wedge cut fries). The one problem in ordering take out of fried items - they were not crisp. A non-crisp mozz stick just doesn't quite have the same impact, no matter how tasty.
In all, we'd go back and try some other pizza options, and maybe the salads.
407 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-374-5678
http://www.freshbrothers.com/
This location is in the big strip mall with Rite Aid and Whole Foods. Also locations in Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey. Mostly take-out; there is some in-restaurant dining.
Visited: January 2010, Dinner, Take-Out
They advertise Pizza, Salad, Wings, and that's pretty much what they have.
We tried a Thin Crust Miller Pizza (a meat combo thins with sausage, pepperoni, ground beef, bacon and ham), and it was very tasty. Often when there are so many meat products, it gets really salty, but this was done well. Medium was $16.95.
We also got a Deep Dish Margherita (fresh mozz, tomatoes, basil, and light tomato sauce). We would have liked more sauce as the whole pizza was rather light on flavor. Medium was $15.50.
We enjoyed both pizzas. but the Miller really had much more flavor. I think the Deep Dish crust took away from the some of the flavor - too much dough to topping ratio.
Their wings are baked, not fried, and are offered as bone-in wings ($7.95-15.50) or white meat boneless bites ($7.95). The wings - both boned and boneless were very tender, and we would definitely get them again. The Mild Buffalo has a nice little kick to it - just enough heat. The BBQ sauce was more on the tangy side, while the Garlic BBQ was a little sweeter.
We also tried the Family Platter ($11.95) Appetizer. It was a sampling of chicken wings (your choice of sauce), mozzarella sticks (flavorful breading and good marinara sauce), chicken bites (your choice of sauce), and french fries (very tasty seasoned wedge cut fries). The one problem in ordering take out of fried items - they were not crisp. A non-crisp mozz stick just doesn't quite have the same impact, no matter how tasty.
In all, we'd go back and try some other pizza options, and maybe the salads.
California Sushi & Teriyaki, Hermosa Beach, CA
California Sushi & Teriyaki
429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-372-3656
Located on the corner of PCH and 5th (a light), and has its own plentiful parking lot.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to the table.
Visited: a several times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: May 2010
There are so many sushi and teriyaki places in the South Bay, but this one is really good. The food is fresh and plentiful, and everyone is really nice. And for being in Hermosa, it's amazing that it has so much of its own parking.
While everything we've tried on the menu is good, the tempura is amazing. They use rice bran oil - and I assume that must be the secret. The tempura is hot and fresh, but also amazingly tender with a very nice crisp bite. Very tasty. The Combo Tempura plate ($8.50) with shrimp and veggies is definitely the way to go, and definitely enough to share. If you get tempura with your Box or Plate meal, you don't get the variety of veggies that you get with the Veggie Tempura plate ($5.95) or the Combo Tempura plate.
They serve a variety of sashimi and rolls which seem to be popular. I particularly like Unagi ($3 for two pieces), and theirs is very tasty. The eel is well cooked, and has a nice sauce.
Other than the tempura, we go for the teriyaki. You have your choice of Bowl ($4.95-8.50; meat, rice, miso soup and salad), Plate ($7.95-11.95; meat, rice, salad, and tempura - shrimp and veggies), or Box ($9.50-9.95; meat, rice, salad, tempura, and California roll - 5 pieces!). Not all meats are available in all combos, but the basics such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon are. The teri sauce is also a little different - less sweet and a little more peppery. All portions are very generous.
The Chicken Teriyaki is fine - as most places are. Nothing special, but not bad. The Beef Teriyaki is also good. It's a thin sliced beef instead of steak style. The Salmon Teriyaki is excellent, and highly recommended. The Korean BBQ - beef short ribs/kalbi - is very tasty and the meat is very tender. The Bulgogi is also very tasty.
There are several more things on the menu that we'd like to try, and we're happy to go back!
429 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-372-3656
Located on the corner of PCH and 5th (a light), and has its own plentiful parking lot.
Order at the counter, and food is brought to the table.
Visited: a several times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: May 2010
There are so many sushi and teriyaki places in the South Bay, but this one is really good. The food is fresh and plentiful, and everyone is really nice. And for being in Hermosa, it's amazing that it has so much of its own parking.
While everything we've tried on the menu is good, the tempura is amazing. They use rice bran oil - and I assume that must be the secret. The tempura is hot and fresh, but also amazingly tender with a very nice crisp bite. Very tasty. The Combo Tempura plate ($8.50) with shrimp and veggies is definitely the way to go, and definitely enough to share. If you get tempura with your Box or Plate meal, you don't get the variety of veggies that you get with the Veggie Tempura plate ($5.95) or the Combo Tempura plate.
They serve a variety of sashimi and rolls which seem to be popular. I particularly like Unagi ($3 for two pieces), and theirs is very tasty. The eel is well cooked, and has a nice sauce.
Other than the tempura, we go for the teriyaki. You have your choice of Bowl ($4.95-8.50; meat, rice, miso soup and salad), Plate ($7.95-11.95; meat, rice, salad, and tempura - shrimp and veggies), or Box ($9.50-9.95; meat, rice, salad, tempura, and California roll - 5 pieces!). Not all meats are available in all combos, but the basics such as Chicken, Beef, and Salmon are. The teri sauce is also a little different - less sweet and a little more peppery. All portions are very generous.
The Chicken Teriyaki is fine - as most places are. Nothing special, but not bad. The Beef Teriyaki is also good. It's a thin sliced beef instead of steak style. The Salmon Teriyaki is excellent, and highly recommended. The Korean BBQ - beef short ribs/kalbi - is very tasty and the meat is very tender. The Bulgogi is also very tasty.
There are several more things on the menu that we'd like to try, and we're happy to go back!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
El Burrito, Jr, Torrance, CA
El Burrito, Jr
Full Service Locations:
21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 (at Torrance Blvd in the Albertsons strip mall), 310-944-9200
3830 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 (former Taco Bell, next to McDonald's), 310-373-5404
Walk-Up Locations (with limited covered outdoor seating):
919 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, 310-316-5058
1865 Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita, CA 90717, 310-326-6513
Visited: Numerous times; Eat in and take out
Most recently: February 2010
We usually eat in at the West Torrance location (90503), however the food at all of the locations is consistent and equally tasty.
Table service starts with fried full-size corn tortilla chips (you need to break them up yourself) and the homemade fresh salsa which is not for the tame. The salsa is usually pretty zippy, and is so popular that people buy it by the quart.
Interestingly, nothing else is deep fried. The taquitos, tacos, and chimichangas are finished on the griddle, and this adds a different spin on those traditional items.
Particular favorites are Combos #1: Enchilada and a Taco with beans or #3: 2 Enchiladas and a Taco. We usually get cheese enchiladas and shredded beef tacos. Also Combo #27: the Chimichanga with rice and beans. The chimi usually comes with shredded beef, picadollo beef, ground beef or chicken, but you can also order it with carne asada for an extra buck or two, and it's worth it.
The Machaca and eggs plate is also very tasty, although sometimes the bell peppers and onions aren't quite as cooked as much as I like them.
The Carnitas are also good, and come as a plate or in burritos. The Super Deluxe Burritos (where the rice and beans are inside the burrito, and served wet) are also great.
EBJ has the yummiest beans around - so rich and creamy, they're like gravy! Most of the entrees come with beans, or you can get a Bean Burrito with cheese. Scrumptious! EBJ's beans are our gold standard, and we pretty much compare everyone else's beans to EBJ!
Full Service Locations:
21141 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance, CA 90503 (at Torrance Blvd in the Albertsons strip mall), 310-944-9200
3830 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505 (former Taco Bell, next to McDonald's), 310-373-5404
Walk-Up Locations (with limited covered outdoor seating):
919 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277, 310-316-5058
1865 Pacific Coast Highway, Lomita, CA 90717, 310-326-6513
Visited: Numerous times; Eat in and take out
Most recently: February 2010
We usually eat in at the West Torrance location (90503), however the food at all of the locations is consistent and equally tasty.
Table service starts with fried full-size corn tortilla chips (you need to break them up yourself) and the homemade fresh salsa which is not for the tame. The salsa is usually pretty zippy, and is so popular that people buy it by the quart.
Interestingly, nothing else is deep fried. The taquitos, tacos, and chimichangas are finished on the griddle, and this adds a different spin on those traditional items.
Particular favorites are Combos #1: Enchilada and a Taco with beans or #3: 2 Enchiladas and a Taco. We usually get cheese enchiladas and shredded beef tacos. Also Combo #27: the Chimichanga with rice and beans. The chimi usually comes with shredded beef, picadollo beef, ground beef or chicken, but you can also order it with carne asada for an extra buck or two, and it's worth it.
The Machaca and eggs plate is also very tasty, although sometimes the bell peppers and onions aren't quite as cooked as much as I like them.
The Carnitas are also good, and come as a plate or in burritos. The Super Deluxe Burritos (where the rice and beans are inside the burrito, and served wet) are also great.
EBJ has the yummiest beans around - so rich and creamy, they're like gravy! Most of the entrees come with beans, or you can get a Bean Burrito with cheese. Scrumptious! EBJ's beans are our gold standard, and we pretty much compare everyone else's beans to EBJ!
Soho Thai, Lomita, CA
Soho Thai Fusion Bar & Grill
2104 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite #3, Lomita, CA 90717
310-530-SOHO (7646)
At the corner of PCH and Oak. Turn on Oak to enter the free parking lot behind the restaurant. The entrance is from the parking lot, not PCH.
Casual. Limited bar.
Visited: A few times; Lunch, Delivery, Dine-in and Take-Out
Most recently: February 2010
This is such a unique restaurant. While many of the menu items are Thai, it really is a whirlwind tour of noodle dishes from around the world. In addition to Little Bangkok and other Thai favorites, they also have dishes from Little Hong Kong, Little Saigon, Little Tokyo, and Little Italy. They also have Fried Rices, items From the Wok, Hot Stuff and Vegan Options. There are so many items to try, that we've barely made our way through them.
Overall, however, I would say that the portions seem small for the price, and our favorite dishes are in fact, the Thai dishes.
The daily Lunch Specials are also a great option - served with green salad, and choie of Thai Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice, or Fried Rice. The Thai BBQ Chicken ($9.00) was a generous serving of marinated bone-in chicken served with plum sauce.
The Tom Kha soup with Chicken (Cup $6.00, Pot $9.00) is a lovely and fragrant coconut soup with button mushrooms and galangal. The soup is midly spicy, and very satisfying on a cool rainy day. The Pot serving is a great size for an entree.
While the Pad See Ew (Chicken, Beef, Pork or Tofu $9.00; Shrimp $12.00; Seafood $15.00) - wide flat rice noodles stir fried with meat and broccoli in a soy sauce - is quite tasty, the broccoli wasn't quite cooked enough. While pretty and green, the broccoli was still very crunchy. When reheating leftover Pad See Ew, the broccoli finished cooking and was perfect. We had it with beef, and it was very tender and tasty.
One of usual favorites, Angel Wings ($7.00) were a bit a disappointing. These stuffed fried wings were tasty, but the filling had an odd chewy texture.
The Thai Toast ($7.00) was very flavorful. The toasts are small baguette slices topped with a minced pork filling then deep fried. If you've ever had shrimp toast before, this is the same concept. We enjoyed the toasts, but for the price, we felt we should have gotten more than 6 small pieces.
We had high hopes for Crying Tiger ($14.00) - thin slices of charbroiled marinated ribeye. The meat had a nice mild flavor, however the portion size was abysmal compared to the price, and the accompanying sticky rice was oddly wrapped in foil and a bit hard.
The Pad Thai ($10.00) is very tasty and we enjoyed it very much, however, again, the price is off-putting particularly when compared to other Thai restaurants. We have so many Thai places in the South Bay that make a good pad thai, why would we want to pay $10 when we can easily get a larger portion for less elsewhere.
We were excited to Chinese Lo Mein on the menu and ordered the Roasted Duck Lo Mein ($11.00). Yeah, not so much. Lo Mein are typically a thick eggy round noodles, instead, these were skinny chow mein noodles. While the duck itself wasn't bad, there wasn't much else - very little sauce and a few pieces of undercooked onions and baby bok choy.
From The Wok, we got the Asparagus Spears with Tofu ($9.00) which was a lovely stir fry of asparagus, tofu, and a little garlic. The menu advertised shiitakes as well, but I didn't see any.
And finally, the Panang Curry with chicken ($9.00) was delicious (chicken, peas, green bell peppers). The best panang curry that I've had. It had a great smooth texture, and a slightly sweet flavor. Very nice, very well done.
2104 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite #3, Lomita, CA 90717
310-530-SOHO (7646)
At the corner of PCH and Oak. Turn on Oak to enter the free parking lot behind the restaurant. The entrance is from the parking lot, not PCH.
Casual. Limited bar.
Visited: A few times; Lunch, Delivery, Dine-in and Take-Out
Most recently: February 2010
This is such a unique restaurant. While many of the menu items are Thai, it really is a whirlwind tour of noodle dishes from around the world. In addition to Little Bangkok and other Thai favorites, they also have dishes from Little Hong Kong, Little Saigon, Little Tokyo, and Little Italy. They also have Fried Rices, items From the Wok, Hot Stuff and Vegan Options. There are so many items to try, that we've barely made our way through them.
Overall, however, I would say that the portions seem small for the price, and our favorite dishes are in fact, the Thai dishes.
The daily Lunch Specials are also a great option - served with green salad, and choie of Thai Jasmine Rice, Brown Rice, or Fried Rice. The Thai BBQ Chicken ($9.00) was a generous serving of marinated bone-in chicken served with plum sauce.
The Tom Kha soup with Chicken (Cup $6.00, Pot $9.00) is a lovely and fragrant coconut soup with button mushrooms and galangal. The soup is midly spicy, and very satisfying on a cool rainy day. The Pot serving is a great size for an entree.
While the Pad See Ew (Chicken, Beef, Pork or Tofu $9.00; Shrimp $12.00; Seafood $15.00) - wide flat rice noodles stir fried with meat and broccoli in a soy sauce - is quite tasty, the broccoli wasn't quite cooked enough. While pretty and green, the broccoli was still very crunchy. When reheating leftover Pad See Ew, the broccoli finished cooking and was perfect. We had it with beef, and it was very tender and tasty.
One of usual favorites, Angel Wings ($7.00) were a bit a disappointing. These stuffed fried wings were tasty, but the filling had an odd chewy texture.
The Thai Toast ($7.00) was very flavorful. The toasts are small baguette slices topped with a minced pork filling then deep fried. If you've ever had shrimp toast before, this is the same concept. We enjoyed the toasts, but for the price, we felt we should have gotten more than 6 small pieces.
We had high hopes for Crying Tiger ($14.00) - thin slices of charbroiled marinated ribeye. The meat had a nice mild flavor, however the portion size was abysmal compared to the price, and the accompanying sticky rice was oddly wrapped in foil and a bit hard.
The Pad Thai ($10.00) is very tasty and we enjoyed it very much, however, again, the price is off-putting particularly when compared to other Thai restaurants. We have so many Thai places in the South Bay that make a good pad thai, why would we want to pay $10 when we can easily get a larger portion for less elsewhere.
We were excited to Chinese Lo Mein on the menu and ordered the Roasted Duck Lo Mein ($11.00). Yeah, not so much. Lo Mein are typically a thick eggy round noodles, instead, these were skinny chow mein noodles. While the duck itself wasn't bad, there wasn't much else - very little sauce and a few pieces of undercooked onions and baby bok choy.
From The Wok, we got the Asparagus Spears with Tofu ($9.00) which was a lovely stir fry of asparagus, tofu, and a little garlic. The menu advertised shiitakes as well, but I didn't see any.
And finally, the Panang Curry with chicken ($9.00) was delicious (chicken, peas, green bell peppers). The best panang curry that I've had. It had a great smooth texture, and a slightly sweet flavor. Very nice, very well done.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sabra Beirut Mix, Hermosa Beach, CA
Sabra Beirut Mix
500 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-376-8226
http://www.beirutmix.com/
Located at the corner of PCH and 5th which has a light. There is a very small and tight parking lot. It's in the old Amigo's Tacos location next to Pinkie's BBQ.
Casual. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: August 2009, Dinner, Take-Out
The owner of the Amigo's Tacos chain has opened this Lebanese Eatery & Deli in one of the old Amigo's Tacos locations.
You know, we're big fans of mediterranean/middle eastern food, and had heard great reviews of Sabra, so we figured we'd better check out. Overall, the food is just fine, however we decided that we still prefer LaZeez Pita Grill over in Torrance for the overall flavor and value.
Here's what we had.
Beirut Mix Combo Plate ($16.99) comes with your choice of three skewers, and we chose lamb, beef and chicken (which is tawouk, or chicken breast). The plate also comes with a very nice basmati rice that absorbs the meat juices well, salad, hummus, and pita bread. Overall, it's a large and very nice meal, and really nothing to complain about, I was just expecting a bit more flavor in the meats. The price also seemed a little high especially when compared to other similar restaurants.
And to try the other skewers, we ordered a la carte: Chicken Kofta Kebab ($3.99) and Beef Kofta Kebab ($3.99). The two skewers came with pita bread underneath, and that was some heavenly bread! However, both koftas again left me lacking for any distinct flavor. Also, the chicken kofta had an odd fluffy texture, as if the meat had been ground in a food processor and air was allowed to blend in and then cooked. For both the combo plate and the a la cart kebabs, we felt that we needed a sauce, perhaps tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the side to add a little zip.
We also ordered the Falafel Mezza (appetizer) ($7.99) which included 6 pieces of falafel that comes with radish pickles, diced tomatoes, and pita. It was also supposed to have some tahini sauce, but the little container that we got was more like a veggie salad in Russian dressing, so I'm not sure what that was. The falafel were spicy, and I loved them. Others thought they were too spicy, but I think these were my favorite thing that we ordered all night because it actually had some flavor.
The Baba Ghannouj ($4.99) was smokey and had a nice texture. It also came with diced tomatoes and pita. A very nice baba ghannouj, I just prefer the garlicky smooth version at LaZeez a whole lot better.
The side of House Special Rice ($3.99) was a great little suprise. It was almost like a basmati fried rice with little grounds of meat in it. It had a great spice profile, too. Definitely a winner here.
So in all, it was a pleasant meal. If I lived or worked nearby, I would be content to eat at Sabra, but I don't, so I probably won't be back.
500 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-376-8226
http://www.beirutmix.com/
Located at the corner of PCH and 5th which has a light. There is a very small and tight parking lot. It's in the old Amigo's Tacos location next to Pinkie's BBQ.
Casual. Order and pick up at the counter.
Visited: August 2009, Dinner, Take-Out
The owner of the Amigo's Tacos chain has opened this Lebanese Eatery & Deli in one of the old Amigo's Tacos locations.
You know, we're big fans of mediterranean/middle eastern food, and had heard great reviews of Sabra, so we figured we'd better check out. Overall, the food is just fine, however we decided that we still prefer LaZeez Pita Grill over in Torrance for the overall flavor and value.
Here's what we had.
Beirut Mix Combo Plate ($16.99) comes with your choice of three skewers, and we chose lamb, beef and chicken (which is tawouk, or chicken breast). The plate also comes with a very nice basmati rice that absorbs the meat juices well, salad, hummus, and pita bread. Overall, it's a large and very nice meal, and really nothing to complain about, I was just expecting a bit more flavor in the meats. The price also seemed a little high especially when compared to other similar restaurants.
And to try the other skewers, we ordered a la carte: Chicken Kofta Kebab ($3.99) and Beef Kofta Kebab ($3.99). The two skewers came with pita bread underneath, and that was some heavenly bread! However, both koftas again left me lacking for any distinct flavor. Also, the chicken kofta had an odd fluffy texture, as if the meat had been ground in a food processor and air was allowed to blend in and then cooked. For both the combo plate and the a la cart kebabs, we felt that we needed a sauce, perhaps tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the side to add a little zip.
We also ordered the Falafel Mezza (appetizer) ($7.99) which included 6 pieces of falafel that comes with radish pickles, diced tomatoes, and pita. It was also supposed to have some tahini sauce, but the little container that we got was more like a veggie salad in Russian dressing, so I'm not sure what that was. The falafel were spicy, and I loved them. Others thought they were too spicy, but I think these were my favorite thing that we ordered all night because it actually had some flavor.
The Baba Ghannouj ($4.99) was smokey and had a nice texture. It also came with diced tomatoes and pita. A very nice baba ghannouj, I just prefer the garlicky smooth version at LaZeez a whole lot better.
The side of House Special Rice ($3.99) was a great little suprise. It was almost like a basmati fried rice with little grounds of meat in it. It had a great spice profile, too. Definitely a winner here.
So in all, it was a pleasant meal. If I lived or worked nearby, I would be content to eat at Sabra, but I don't, so I probably won't be back.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Versailles Cuban Restaurant, Manhattan Beach, CA
Versailles Cuban Restaurant
1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-937-6829
http://www.versaillescuban.com/
Plenty of free parking behind the restaurant.
They have 4 other locations in the Southland - see their website for details.
Casual nice. Large dining room. Full bar.
Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: March 2010
This is the standard by which I compare other Cuban restaurants. It may not be fair, and not everyone will agree, but I just love the mojo de ajo. When you walk in the restaurant, you can just smell the garlic permeating everything, and it's heavenly. It seems that no other Cuban restaurant hits the same mark.
Here are our favorites:
#1: Lechon Asado, Cuban Style Roast Pork ($10.95): the meat is tender and shredded, and covered in mojo de ajo. The plate comes with plenty of rice (and black beans, if desired) plus a generous portion of plantains (maduros). Always enough for leftovers.
#2: Masitas de Puerco Fritas, Fried Chunks of Pork ($10.95): oh man, is this good. The chunks of meat are fork-tender, and the slight marbling of fat is fried beautifully. Comes with rice and beans or moros, and raw onions on top. I always order my onions cooked, and that makes the dish more heavenly. I also order tostones instead of plantains, and they go great with the mojo de ajo.
#6: Famoso Pollo Versailles, Versailles Famous Garlic Chicken ($10.95): this is a large half a chicken with amazingly roasted skin and very tender meat. Comes with rice/beans, plenty of raw onions, and plantains. While there is mojo de ajo on the meat, we usually order an extra cup of sauce because the rice comes on the side in this dish and the Lechon.
#14: Rabo Encendido, Oxtail Stew ($14.95): this is a Creole-based red stew with amazingly melty and succulent oxtails. The richness of the meat and richness of the gravy are outstanding. Goes very well with white rice and tostones.
I'm sure they have plenty of other tasty items on the menu, but these really take the cake.
I've also been to the Culver City and LA locations, and they are just as fabulous. The Manhattan restaurant is a little larger, and less prone to being too crowded whereas at the other locations, you might have to wait for a table on Friday or Saturday nights.
1000 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310-937-6829
http://www.versaillescuban.com/
Plenty of free parking behind the restaurant.
They have 4 other locations in the Southland - see their website for details.
Casual nice. Large dining room. Full bar.
Visited: Numerous times, Dinner, Dine-in
Most recently: March 2010
This is the standard by which I compare other Cuban restaurants. It may not be fair, and not everyone will agree, but I just love the mojo de ajo. When you walk in the restaurant, you can just smell the garlic permeating everything, and it's heavenly. It seems that no other Cuban restaurant hits the same mark.
Here are our favorites:
#1: Lechon Asado, Cuban Style Roast Pork ($10.95): the meat is tender and shredded, and covered in mojo de ajo. The plate comes with plenty of rice (and black beans, if desired) plus a generous portion of plantains (maduros). Always enough for leftovers.
#2: Masitas de Puerco Fritas, Fried Chunks of Pork ($10.95): oh man, is this good. The chunks of meat are fork-tender, and the slight marbling of fat is fried beautifully. Comes with rice and beans or moros, and raw onions on top. I always order my onions cooked, and that makes the dish more heavenly. I also order tostones instead of plantains, and they go great with the mojo de ajo.
#6: Famoso Pollo Versailles, Versailles Famous Garlic Chicken ($10.95): this is a large half a chicken with amazingly roasted skin and very tender meat. Comes with rice/beans, plenty of raw onions, and plantains. While there is mojo de ajo on the meat, we usually order an extra cup of sauce because the rice comes on the side in this dish and the Lechon.
#14: Rabo Encendido, Oxtail Stew ($14.95): this is a Creole-based red stew with amazingly melty and succulent oxtails. The richness of the meat and richness of the gravy are outstanding. Goes very well with white rice and tostones.
I'm sure they have plenty of other tasty items on the menu, but these really take the cake.
I've also been to the Culver City and LA locations, and they are just as fabulous. The Manhattan restaurant is a little larger, and less prone to being too crowded whereas at the other locations, you might have to wait for a table on Friday or Saturday nights.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Pinkie's BBQ, Hermosa Beach, CA
Pinkie's BBQ
502 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90278
310-379-0616
http://www.pinkiesbbq.com/
In a very small strip mall with tight parking.
Casual. Small dining room.
Visited: February 2009, Dinner, Dine-in
Pinkie's opened some time last year, and we finally made our way there. And we're glad we did. We left full and happy. However, I will point out that this is a smokey dry rub type of bbq, not the saucey kind of bbq. And while I prefer the saucey kind, Pinkie's was still very tasty.
Also, our server was amazing at how well she handled all of the tables in the small but packed restaurant.
We were pretty pleased with everything we had:
Beef Tri Tip Plate ($13.95): mm, the meat was flavorful and very tender. The plate comes with two sides, and we got BBQ Beans (these were well cooked, but a little too firm for our liking) and Mashed Potatoes (just pots, no gravy). Plates also come with a corn bread stick.
Full Rack Baby Back Ribs Plate ($22.95): these were the meatiest baby backs eh-ver. Pinkie's does a smokey dry rub kinda bbq, and there's a bottle of sauce on the table. The ribs were tender and filling. This is a big plate. The two sides we got were Creamed Corn (yummy and peppery) and Mac N Cheese (rich and thick).
Sampler Plate ($14.95): you get a couple of those meaty ribs, 1/4 chicken, and a few slices of that yummy tri tip. Quite a value when you see how much food is on the plate. We got the Coleslaw (sweet vs vinegary; not creamy) and Mac N Cheese (just couldn't resist more!).
We saw some other folks get the chocolate bundt cake. I don't know how they had room for dessert, let alone that massive slice of cake!
They have Stone Brewery's Pale Ale (which went well with the meal) and Arrogant Bastard on tap.
I'm full just thinking about it!
502 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach, CA 90278
310-379-0616
http://www.pinkiesbbq.com/
In a very small strip mall with tight parking.
Casual. Small dining room.
Visited: February 2009, Dinner, Dine-in
Pinkie's opened some time last year, and we finally made our way there. And we're glad we did. We left full and happy. However, I will point out that this is a smokey dry rub type of bbq, not the saucey kind of bbq. And while I prefer the saucey kind, Pinkie's was still very tasty.
Also, our server was amazing at how well she handled all of the tables in the small but packed restaurant.
We were pretty pleased with everything we had:
Beef Tri Tip Plate ($13.95): mm, the meat was flavorful and very tender. The plate comes with two sides, and we got BBQ Beans (these were well cooked, but a little too firm for our liking) and Mashed Potatoes (just pots, no gravy). Plates also come with a corn bread stick.
Full Rack Baby Back Ribs Plate ($22.95): these were the meatiest baby backs eh-ver. Pinkie's does a smokey dry rub kinda bbq, and there's a bottle of sauce on the table. The ribs were tender and filling. This is a big plate. The two sides we got were Creamed Corn (yummy and peppery) and Mac N Cheese (rich and thick).
Sampler Plate ($14.95): you get a couple of those meaty ribs, 1/4 chicken, and a few slices of that yummy tri tip. Quite a value when you see how much food is on the plate. We got the Coleslaw (sweet vs vinegary; not creamy) and Mac N Cheese (just couldn't resist more!).
We saw some other folks get the chocolate bundt cake. I don't know how they had room for dessert, let alone that massive slice of cake!
They have Stone Brewery's Pale Ale (which went well with the meal) and Arrogant Bastard on tap.
I'm full just thinking about it!
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