Welcome to Islands Restaurant in Redondo Beach.

The South Bay Foodies were keen to check out the new spot so we stopped by for a taste of the burgers, beer, and cocktails that Islands is known for.*

From the outside, the restaurant looks to be on the smallish side but its not the case. Inside, there’s plenty of room a bar and a nice sized dining room. Multiple TVs hang from the walls for comfortable viewing from just about any locations.

On the inside, there's plenty of room and TVs that are easy to see from just about everywhere.

Starting off with beverages, we tried one of the signature drinks and a beer. The Big Island Iced Tea ($7.25) is a tropical take on the tea most people know to be from Long Island. They keep the vodka, gin, tequila, rum, and triple sec and then add pineapple juice and strawberry puree. The result is an easy-drinking blend of vacation in a glass.

Along with several beers on tap, Islands also has a line of beers made especially for their restaurants by the Firestone Brewing company: The Islands Golden Ale, IPA, and Brown Ale.

The Big Island Ice Tea and a 25 oz pour of the Islands Brown Ale.

Appetizers quickly followed the drinks and were devoured just as fast as they came. The spinach and artichoke dip was superb, sporting plenty of spinach and sizeable chunks of tender artichoke. The Buffalo wings were as you might expect. Our batch was not too hot spice-wise and included carrots, celery, and bleu cheese for dipping.

There are plenty of entrees to choose from on the menu at Islands: soups, salads, and even tacos stuffed with chicken or fish. But the burgers are the focus. With names like Pipeline, Kilauea, and Longboarder the burgers are all tied back to the theme of a burger shack on the beach in Hawaii.

I tackled the hefty Malibu, a thick beef patty topped with American cheese (I substituted pepper jack) and applewood smoked bacon and then rounded out with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and mustard.

The Malibu BUrger and Sweet Potato Fries.

I paired the Malibu burger with sweet potato fries which were outstanding. Fans of regular fries will want to consider getting the endless fries. As you finish your fries, they keep bringing wave upon wave of fresh cut, skin-on fries. I’m wondering though, with the burgers as big as they are if anyone really can make it through more than a helping or two of fries!

Whether you do or not, try to save room for dessert. There’s a complete line up of shakes, smoothies, and other delectables that are perfect for chasing a big burger and fries. The Chocolate Lava is first on the list and is plenty to share: a nicely portioned fudge brownie with ice cream, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, almonds, and a cherry.

There are plenty of great desserts on the menu but the Lava Sundae has "comfort food" written all over it...in chocolate syrup. See?

Even getting the left overs wrapped up at Islands is a treat. The whole to-go box is like a kit with a piece of aluminum foil (to wrap the half of your burger), a paper bag, and a box to cart it all away for a snack later on.

Happy Hours and Playoff Specials

Along with their lunch and dinner service, Islands is also featuring a happy hour on weekdays from 4 to 7 PM in the bar area. Specials include appetizers and drinks for $5 or less.

During the football playoffs leading up the big game, they’re offering the best of best with a $10 burger and beer combo.

Happy hour and playoff specials for the big games.

• Islands Restaurants
  http://www.islandsrestaurants.com
• Three South Bay Locations
  • Redondo Beach @ 1609 Hawthorne Bvld.
  • South Torrance @ 2647 Pacific Coast Highway
  • Manhattan Beach @ 3200 North Sepulveda Blvd.

* Prices and menu items are subject to change without notice. Some items mentioned in this article were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review. This story was accurate when it was published and reflects the uninfluenced opinions of the reviewers.

** Shout out Kristi, Doug, and the rest of the staff at Islands, Redondo Beach!

Ignore that "coming soon"...the place is open now!

While the new location will remain focused on their specialty-burgers-and-fries-focused menu, new items are being added as well.

For the brew lovers out there, they are tapping three new signature beers – Islands Brown Ale, Islands IPA and Islands Golden Ale. For the burger lovers, they’ve added the Point Break Burger featuring blue cheese crumbles, shredded gruyere and bacon-onion relish. And yes, it still comes with an bottomless serving of their fresh-cut fries.

We’ve reported on the Islands happy hour in the past but a recap will be in order. Starting the New Year off right, Islands will be expanding its Happy Hour options beginning January 1, 2012.

Expect an update soon!

• https://www.islandsrestaurants.com/

• Islands Restaurant, South Bay Galleria
  1609 Hawthorne Blvd.
  Redondo Beach, CA 90278

South Bay Residents also have two other Islands locations available!

• Islands Restaurant ,South Torrance
  2647 Pacific Coast Highway
  Torrance, CA 90505

• Islands Restaurant, Manhattan Beach – 6.6 miles
  3200 North Sepulveda Blvd.
  Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

When you read the words “BALEEN Restaurant at The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club” – what’s your first thought?

I’m not sure what came to mind for you but the first time I heard the name, I immediately thought “exclusive”, “pretentious”…maybe even “ostentatious”.

I hope that after reading this review, you’ll associate BALEEN with “unconventional”, “exquisite”, and “charming”.

During my most recent visit to this hideaway – BALEEN is located just off the Pacific Ocean in Redondo Beach’s King Harbor — I was warmly greeted by the hostess and directed to the bar area for pre-dinner drinks.

Instead of going with my usual, I glanced over their menu of Signature Cocktails and ordered the Tea Garden Cooler.  If I had to sum this drink up in a few words, I would call it a “Cucumber Breeze with an Attitude”.

Relaxing in BALEEN's cozy bar area with a Tea Garden Cooler.

I could have stayed in the lounge the entire evening.  The setting and ambiance allowed for individuals and groups to sit comfortably at tables, loveseats, and armless accent chairs.  Similar decor and furnishings lined the breezeway leading to the dining room.

The first high-light of the evening was the LED backed menu.

Mood lighting from candles and...the menu.

For starters, we were treated to an overwhelming sample of appetizers.  Alone, each appetizer could hold its own.  However, the prize for “Most Outstanding Appetizer” goes to the Duck Carnitas.  What a perfect blend of French and Mexican cuisine!  The saltiness of the cured duck was tempered by the bitter-sweet combination of blackberries and apple slaw rolled together in a lightly fried crepe.

All things considered on the deliciousness scale, the Duck Carnitas stand out among the appetizers.

Given the marina full of boats in my side-view, choosing the land or sea option for dinner was a non-issue.   I went with the Pan-Roasted Mahi Mahi which was accompanied by a nicely sized risotto cake and topped with a bountiful portion of Dungeness crab. The mahi was cooked perfectly: juicy with just the right amount of crisp.

The Mahi Mahi showcases the expertly prepared seafood at BALEEN.

Lucky for me, my dinner mates were sharers so I was also able to taste the Cane Sugar-Seared Ahi Tuna and Coconut Rice.  Hands down, it was the BEST coconut rice I’ve ever tasted. I want the recipe!

Ahi Tuna and Coconut Rice.

As I reflect on my delightful evening, I’m not sure how I made room for dessert.  But, no review is complete without a sampling of sweet delectables.  Honestly, I find it hard to compare the Lemon Meringue to the Chocolate Tart.  What I can say is this: both are equally good.

Get the meringue if you are in the mood for a light, creamy, lemony, fruity experience.  If you are in the mood for a full-flavored combination of chocolate and nuts – with a hint of raspberry glaze – get the tart.

The light and fruity Lemon Meringue.

The rich and intense Chocolate Tart.

If you’re heading to BALEEN for dinner, I suggest you leave your blue blazer and ascot at home; save them for another day.  Instead, put on your favorite stepping out attire and meet your friends at BALEEN. With a relaxed, comfortable ambience and a menu that is anything but typical, you’re in for a treat.

• BALEEN Restaurant at Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club‎

  http://www.hotelportofino.com/portofino_dining.aspx

  Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Its also a great time to experience some traditional Mexican foods and drinks!

Ortega 120 is kicking off this remembrance celebration with a five day long event that is set to take guests right back to sights, sounds, and flavors of old Mexico.

The Redondo Beach restaurant is already tricked out with cutting edge Mexican art featuring skeletons and traditional crucifixes; You can see them any time you visit. For their Dia De Los Muertos celebration, though, they’re adding new artwork, live music, and a special gourmet menu created by Executive Chef Thomas Ortega and Award-Winning Mixologist Demi Stevens.

At Ortega 210 you're good hands with Mixologist Demi Stevens behind the bar and Executive Chef Thomas Ortega in the kitchen.

On the menu, look for Sopa de Crema de Calabaza (cream of pumpkin soup), Pierna de Puerco (leg of pork), and a Pumpkin Butter Cake with Blood Orange Sauce.

From the bar you’ll find the Marigold Margarita made with Partida Reposado tequila, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice and Marigold flowers.  Why marigolds?  Traditionally, the flowers are used in Day of the Dead decorations and alters because their scent is thought to attract souls.  The spirit of tequila will certainly be present!

The Marigold Margarita

The Dia de los Muertos menu will be available at Ortega 120 from Wednesday, November 2nd until Sunday, November 6th.

For more info on Ortega 120 or to make reservations, follow this link to their website.

• Dia de los Muertos at Ortega 120‎
  November 2 – 6, 2011
  www.ortega120.com
  1814 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Map)

16th Annual Redondo Beach Lobster Festival

Last year’s Lobster Festival was a hoot and this year’s is likely to be even better! More than just a “crack up”, this event features plenty of music and family friendly entertainment.

Get your claws off my lobster! Go to the Redondo Beach Lobster Festival and get your own.

Adult Admission (13 & over) is $12 at the gate on Saturday and Sunday. But you can save some cash with Half-price admission on Friday 9/23 and $2 off if you purchase tickets online for Satuday and Sunday. For our men and women in uniform, you get Free admission with military I.D. all weekend.

(On a side note, Friday night is a great night to go and enjoy the entire event in a relaxed setting. Saturday and Sunday get packed and busy!)

There are almost too many options for lobster and steak plates to mention; follow this link to buy tickets for entry and meals. If you’re not eating lobster, other food vendors will be there as well.

If you’re looking for a deal, go for the Surf ‘N Turf Couple’s Package. For $68 you get: two 8 oz. Angus Beef center-cut NY Strip Steaks, & two 4–5 oz. Maine Lobster Tails, two limited edition Lobster Festival t-shirts, and two general admission tickets. Sweet!

• Redondo Beach Lobster Festival at Seaside Lagoon
  September 23-25: Friday 5 – 11 PM, Satuday Noon – 11 PM, Sunday Noon – 8 PM
  http://www.lobsterfestival.com/
  200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 (Map)

Oktoberfest at Alpine Village, Torrance

It will be hard to miss this 44^th consecutive celebration of “Oktoberfest at Alpine Village, which claims to be the largest and oldest Oktoberfest in Southern California.” The 32,000 square foot tent houses up to 3,000 party people, a Bavarian oompah band, traditional dancers, plenty of German food and gallons upon gallons of beer. Friday and Saturday nights are louder and geared for adults; Sundays are family days with kiddie jumpers, sweet treats and games.  “EVERY day is full of Oom-pah-pah music, contests, sing-a-long, bier prosting and of course the chicken dance.” Admission is $10 per person.

• Oktoberfest at Alpine Village
  Fridays and Saturdays, 6 PM – Midnight, Sundays 1 – 6 PM; Now until October 23^rd
  http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/oktoberfest
  833 West Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502 (Map)

Oktoberfest at Rock & Brews, El Segundo

Not to be outdone by Torrance, El Segundo is bringing Oktoberfest to the North Side of the South Bay.

Getting into the German Festival spirit at Rock & Brews in El Segundo. (Photo Courtesy of Rock & Brews)

Running Thursday through Sunday from now until October 30, Rock & Brews will be ground zero for a rockin’ Oktoberfest party. Their outdoor beer garden will feature “special-item menus, Munich beers, fun games and a mix of festive oom-pah music and classic rock hits.”

“German-inspired items featured on the menu will include schnitzel, three types of bratwursts and a flakey apple strudel.  The first 50 customers on every Saturday and Sunday (starting at 12noon) will receive $1 liters of Hofbrau beer.  An emcee will be in charge of the entertainment (including the chicken dance!) and will organize beer games such as a stein-holding contest and beer pong tournaments.”

The biggest reason to check out their party? Free admission!

• Oktoberfest at Rock & Brews
  Thursday through Sunday, now until October 30^th
  http://rockandbrews.com/special-events/rocktoberfest-kickoff
  143 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 (Map)

Richmond Street Festival, El Segundo

This is one of my favorite neighborhood festivals in all of the South Bay! Downtown El Segundo is such a quaint place and historic Richmond Street is even more reminiscent of the “good old days” than even Main Street just a couple blocks away.

The Fair will take place in the 100, 200, and 300 blocks of Richmond Street and the West 100 and 200 blocks of Grand and Franklin Avenues. There you’ll find booths with arts and crafts, live entertainment, food vendors, a beer garden, and rides for the kiddies.

Follow this link for the flyer and check out their website for more details!

• Richmond Street Festival
  Saturday, September 24^th, 9 AM – 5 PM
  http://richmondstreetfair.com/
  Richmond Street and Grand Ave, El Segundo CA, 90245 (Map)

Free Tickets to South Bay Food Fest

There’s still time to try to get free tickets to South Bay Food Fest, coming up on October 15.  Follow this link to find out what you need to do to win!

The ornately decorated interior of Ortega 120. (Photo courtesy of Ortega 120)

In a recent newsletter, Demi, Tommy and the Ortega 120 cast & crew sent a host of thanks to their loyal patrons.

“Our 3 year anniversary is this Saturday May 28th. 3 years ago this Saturday we opened the doors to Ortega 120! We are eternally grateful for to all of you ,especially those who visited in the beginning and told everyone you could about us! When we ask people how they heard about us the number one response is “word of mouth!” So Gracias! Gracias! Gracias!”

What’s the best way to observe this occasion?  How about all night happy hour on Monday, May 30!  From 4 – 9PM you can enjoy $2 tacos and $5 specialty cocktails.

Happy birthday, Ortega 120, from all your friends at South Bay Foodies!

Ortega 120‎
1814 S. Pacific Coast Highway
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 792-4120 (Map)

Total Wine & More in Redondo Beach is a beverage warehouse with extensive selections of wine, beer, and liquor.

This is the seventh Total Wine & More location for California and the most convenient location for South Bay and West LA residents.  Don’t let the “wine” int heir name fool you; there’s so much more to the store including an amazing array of liquors and beers.

Here are a few things I made note of during my first visit to this store:

• Their wines are sorted by country, region, and varietals.  They also have wines sorted by “style” — like “Big and Bold” or “Fruity” — so you can easily find wines to match the taste you’re looking for.

• Wine tasting on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons is dirt cheap.  Just ten cents! If it weren’t for California liquor laws, these tastings would probably be free.

• The store is stuffed to the rafters with liquor.  They have the biggest vodka, tequila, and rum selections I’ve ever seen!  Entire aisles of the store are dedicated to liquor varieties.  Its really like a warehouse for liquor.

• They have more than 1000 different beers in house and will place an order if you’re looking for something they don’t stock.

• Many beers are sold by the bottle so you can build your own six pack.  This lets you buy a bottle or two to try it out before committing to a six or twelve pack.  They even have six pack trays to use while you shop.  This is the biggest plus for me since I like to explore (ha!) beers and appreciate being able to sample at my own pace and budget.

Many folks will compare Total Wine & More to Beverages & More (aka BevMo).  I’m not going to do that.  They’re both bigger than the average liquor stores and each has their own business models.  I have heard that BevMo changes their operations a bit when a WineMo (ha!) comes into the same market; we’ll have to see if that happens for the three South Bay BevMo stores.

Total Wine & More is located in Redondo Beach adjacent to South Bay Galleria.

Total Wine & More

http://www.totalwine.com (links to Redondo store)

South Bay Marketplace
1505 Hawthorne Blvd.
Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Dine Around Artesia is an event that invites participants to sample items from several restaurants along Artesia Blvd and Inglewood Ave in North Redondo Beach.  Initiated by the North Redondo Beach Business Associatation, This is the event’s fourth occurrence.

Some of the restaurants participating in Dine Around Artesia.

With 7 to 8 locations participating, diners will be able to sample a variety of cuisines including Mexican, Japanese, and Greek.  NATUREBA Brazilian Juice and Snack Bar and Neighborhood Grinds Coffee Shop will have beverages.

The cost to participate is $25 for a single pass and $45 for two.  Participants will be offered “two or three finger-foods to sample” and the option to purchase a full meal at the restaurant of their choice.

Wristbands for the event — which will be limited to about 120 — can be reserved in advance by calling Kathy Swift weekdays at (310) 658-6456 or emailing swift_k@hotmail.com.  Follow this link to download the flyer or visit the event website for more details.

Dine Around Artesia

http://dinearoundartesia.org
Thursday, May 19, 2011

That doesn’t mean we have to like it though!

The proof can be found in the grinding halt that comes over the hustle and bustle of SoCal life with even the mention of a sprinkle or a few showers.

Next time it rains, don’t sulk at home, withering away from starvation or going without your daily staples.  Here are some places to get what you need without getting wet!

Groceries: Cooke’s Market, El Segundo
Grocery shopping in the rain is no fun!  But if you dont’t fill your pantry in advance of torrential downpours, you and your box of Captain Crunch are bound to get wet.  Unless you go to Cooke’s Market!  Nestled in the heart of Downtown El Segundo, Cooke’s market sports a covered parking lot that will let keep you and your cereal dry without ever having to open an umbrella. Its certainly worth the trip to check out their meat department, hot food counter, and their well stocked wine department.

• 300 Richmond Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, (310) 615-1990

The warm, dry entrance of Target in Redondo Beach.

Household Goods and Groceries: Target, Redondo Beach
This two-story Target is one of the newer ones in the South Bay.  The benefit of its double-decker design is the covered parking under the store!  Slide into the spacious covered parking lot, glide up the escalator, and shop til you drop, all without getting hit by a drop of rain.  With the addition of a mini grocery store, they have just about everything you’ll need to stock up.

• 1601 Kingsdale Avenue, Redondo Beach, CA 90278-3928, (310) 750-0003

Movies, Shopping, and Dining: South Bay Galleria, Redondo Beach
Covered parking is king at South Bay Galleria, also in Redondo Beach.  Yes, Del Amo Mall in Torrance has a parking structure, a movie theater, and dozens of shops and restaurants.  But unlike South Bay Galleria, not all of the Del Amo amenities are available under cover from precipitation.  At the Galleria, you can park, watch a movie, stroll the mall, and even catch happy hour at Red Robin and stay dry the entire time.

• 1815 Hawthorne Boulevard, Redondo Beach, CA 90278-3436, (310) 371-7546

Don’t let a few drops of water from the sky shut you in.  The next time it rains, refer to this list and get out there!

Either way, this event is for you.

On April 2nd, the Redondo Beach Pier will host the Quality Seafood Clam Chowder Cookoff for the third year in row.

Chefs from all experience levels are invited to serve their soon-to-be award winning clam chowder in this seaside cooking contest.  Entries may be either New England or Manhattan style.  Follow this link for rules and entry forms.  The deadline for entries is Friday, March 25.

If you’d rather eat the chowder than cook it, you’re invited to participate as an official taster.  For $7 you’ll get to taste five 2 ounce samples of chowder.  Afterward you can cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award.

All proceeds will benefit The Wellness Community – South Bay Cities, an organization offering free support to cancer patients and their families.

Quoting Quality Seafood, “Last year’s competition drew 16 contestants and over 700 chowder tasters…which raised $2,700 for the Wellness Community.  With your help, we’re hoping to double our contributions!”

Can you cook the winning pot?  Can you lend your expert chowder-tasting palette for a good cause? Prove it at the 2011 Quality Seafood Clam Chowder Cookoff.

Quality Seafood Market’s 3rd Annual Clam Chowder Cookoff
Saturday, April 2, 1 – 4 PM
http://www.qualityseafood.net
130 S. International Boardwalk
Redondo Beach, CA 90277