So whether you’re getting up at 6 AM this Friday to watch Brazil play Portugal, or catching up with the late-night replays on Sports Center, there are many places to watch the game and experience some Wolrd Cup cuisine.  Some of the places are partnering with the LA Galaxy to put on viewing parties* with give aways (event tickets and genuine world cup soccer balls!) and apperances by Miss LA Galaxy.  Be sure to bring your vuvuzela!

I suggest starting in Pasadena and working your way south.  You’ve got until July 11!

World Cup Street Food at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena
http://pasadena.langhamhotels.com/restaurants/dining_special_offers.htm#world_cup
1401 South Oak Knoll Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106

LA "Dirty Dog" mini Kobe hot dogs...topped with bacon!

• On-going specials through out the tournament including chances for freebies.
• They didn’t pick sides at The Bar in the Langham Hotel of Pasadena.  Instead, they picked the best street foods from several of the participating countries and re-created them with a gourmet spin. They’ve made dishes from South Africa (semi-sweet millet puffs shaped like soccer balls), England (fish & chips fried in duck fat), and my favorite from USA: LA “dirty dogs” — kobe beef hot dogs on pretzel buns w/ Bacon, sweet peppers & onions. Different teams and their foods will be featured each week of the tournament. They’re also giving away some of their items for free. Check their website and follow @LanghamPasadena on twitter for details.

Ye Olde King’s Head British Pub
http://www.yeoldekingshead.com
116 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

• LA Galaxy viewing party on Thursday, June 24; Saturday, July 3; and quarter-finals on Wednesday, July 7
• Get your “England” jerseys out and order a pint at Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica.  They have enough draft beers on tap to keep you unthirtsy for an entire football match and then some.  In traditional pub-fare fashion, the eats are also covered nicely.  Go for the sampler platter.  With a taste of just about everything on the pub fare menu, you’ll have enough to share with the rest of the crowd…or plenty for yourself!

OB’s Pub and Grill
http://obsmb.com/
3610 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

• LA Galaxy viewing party on Friday, 6/25; Saturday, 6/26; Tuesday, 6/29; and quarter-finals on Friday, 7/2
• Right here in the South Bay, OB’s get’s the prize for being open as early as needed for all of your World Cup viewing.  On their website they say, “Come in for every game, no matter how early or late.”  If you’re there at the butt crack of dawn, wake up with a cup of coffee and the Pork Chops & Eggs — two chops served with 3 eggs and a choice of sides. In late? Stay up with a beer and OB’s Meatloaf, served with mashed potatoes, gravy, and steamed veggies .

Alpine Village
http://www.alpinevillagecenter.com/
833 W. Torrance Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502

• LA Galaxy viewing party on Sunday, 6/27; Saturday, 7/3; and semi-finals on Wednesday, 7/7
• Another South Bay spot, Alpine Village will be showing all of the German matches…as well as those of the USA.  They’ll have beer specials and more men in  lederhosen than you can count!

K.C. Branaghan’s
http://www.kcbranaghans.com
5734 East 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

• LA Galaxy viewing party on Thursday, 6/24; Monday, 6/28; Tuesday, 6/29; and semi-finals on Tuesday, 7/6
• You’ll need lots of enery to cheer your team on at 7 AM.  That means eating a breakfast that will stick with your for 90+ minutes of fast paced football action.  At K.C. Branaghan’s, you can get a breakfast that’s bigger than an Irishman’s heart! Their traditional Irish breakfast is served with eggs, banger, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and soda bread.

The final match of the World Cup takes place on Sunday, July 11 at 11:30 AM.  Where will you be watching it?

*http://www.lagalaxy.com/worldcupviewingparties

(Photo courtesy of the Langham Hotel.  I took some, but mine turned out crappy! )

"Lookin', feelin', and smellin' like a million bucks!" -- Ludacris

The cozy main lounge is filled with overstuffed leather chairs. On the walls, two large plasma TVs offer prime viewing for news and sporting events. With the plush accommodations and heady scent of aged tobacco, the room and has the look and feel of a millionaire’s trophy room. I could totally see Rockefeller or Hughes relaxing there in a smoking jacket, lounging with a lit Cohiba and a glass of scotch.

Beyond the main lounge is a huge walk-in humidor. The selection of cigars is extensive, with a clear bias towards refined tastes. You might be hard pressed to find a Kahlúa flavored cigar here! Not that I was looking for one at the time….I’m just sayin’!

The well stocked humidor at Bo's Cigar Louge in Torrance.

In addition to the comfy lounge and well stocked humidor, Bo’s also has a private room for meetings and a classy restroom complete with a TV. Patrons are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages but liquor is not permitted. Several nice restaurants are within walking distance — Red Car Brewery, Buffalo Fire Department, The Depot — so enjoying a carry-out meal with a cigar could easily be arranged.

Be sure to check out their websites for special events. This Saturday, Apil 24, representatives from Olivia Cigars will be be on site. And while I can only imagine what it is, they’re already gearing up for the “Big Smoke” on June 12th in Long Beach’s El Dorado Park Golf Course.

I don’t smoke cigars regularly, but its nice to know there’s a classy, well stocked cigar shop right here in Torrance.

Bo’s Cigar Lounge

http://www.boknowscigars.com

Bo’s Torrance
1305 Sartori Avenue – Suite B
Torrance, CA 90501
310-533-4100

Bo’s Long Beach
4501 E. Carson Street #114
Long Beach, CA 90808
562-429-5600

Most of these events are fundraisers that support organizations and efforts focused on children.  Just think:  as you’re enjoying your wine or bidding in a silent auction, you’ll also be doing your part to help our future. Thanks in advance!

Taste of the Nation Orange County; Friday, April 23 (Coming to LA in June)
http://strength.org/orangecounty
The Island Hotel, Palm Garden
690 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660

• General Admission $75 Price at the door is $85.00.
• VIP $125 (early entry, private champagne reception with the chefs, first peek at the silent auction items, and an upgraded swag bag of fabulous treats.) Price at the door is $135.00.

Savor the finest food, spirits and wine with the OC’s hottest chefs and mixologists, who will donate their time and talent to helping end childhood hunger. One hundred percent of ticket sales go to feeding Orange County’s hungry children.

5th Annual Riordan Wine Gala; Saturday, April 24, 6 – 10 PM
http://riordanfundraising.com/gala.html
Beverly Hills Country Club
3084 Motor Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

• Standard ticket – $50 – Event Admission
• Premium ticket – $75 – Event Admission, plus complimentary two-week membership to the Beverly Hills Country club, free 1-hour personal training session, and free 30 minute massage

The Gala is an annual charity event that directly benefits the Riordan Scholars Program, which supports college-bound high school students interested in learning more about business and developing leadership skills. You’re invited to join us for an evening with a purpose filled with wine tasting, lively music, interactive entertainment, and a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will go to the Riordan Scholars Program.

Orange County California Wine Festival Grand Finale; Saturday, April 24, 2010 1 – 4 PM
http://www.californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html#Danatickets
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629-2923

• $59 in advance.
• $75 at the gate.
• Limited to 3,000.

Your ticket buys unlimited wine and food sampling!  Hit the grassy, palm-lined Doheny State Beach to experience the quintessential California wine tasting event at our Orange County California Wine Festival grand finale. Indulge in this heady, springtime ‘right of pleasure’ and join the afternoon-long celebration — Unlimited tasting of fine wine & foods, plus sun, sea and music. Sip hundreds of vintage California wines, sample dozens of hot and cold gourmet appetizers, artisan breads and cheeses, fresh cut fruits, and for a change of taste, sample local and regional craft brews too.

Honda For Our Children Food and Wine Festival; Sunday, April 25, 2010, 1:30 – 5 PM
http://www.sandpipers.org/events/focmain.html

American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Headquarters
1919 Torrance Boulevard, Torrance

• General admission is $150 prior to event and $175 at the door.

Honda presents the 25th annual For Our Children Food and Wine Festival, partnering with Providence Little Company of Mary Foundation and Sandpipers. The Festival is held at the headquarters of American Honda Motor Co, Inc. in Torrance. Guests will experience incredible gourmet foods and fine wines from over 90 restaurants and wineries. The spectacular silent and live auctions feature unique gift items, sports tickets and memorabilia, dining, entertainment and exciting travel packages. Proceeds benefit Providence Little Company of Mary children’s programs and Sandpipers philanthropic programs.  Their Scholarship Program supports 11 new local high school graduates and 28 continuing students with college scholarships totaling $150,000.

Photo Credit

I was ecstatic when I was asked by Foodbuzz to do a review of Pick Up Stix*.  What a great way to try out some new Asian cuisine!  My interest in Pick Up Stix was their approach to freshly made fast food.  Their restaurants cover that space between cafeteria style — where all the dishes are made in advance and served as ordered — and places where everything is made as ordered.

It had been some time since I’d been to a Pick Up Stix, opting for more convenient locations of other chains or pressured by the kids to go to a quick-food Chinese place fronted by a black and white marsupial.  I was eager to try something new.

I started my approach by checking out the Pick Up Stix website to see what coupons and specials were available.  I quickly found out that Tuesday or Wednesday would be good nights to dine in.  Tuesdays feature a two-for-one special, offering dinner for two for $10.99.  The Wednesday special is $0.25 wontons.  My family looooooves wontons.  To sweeten the deal, I also found a “buy one entree get one free” coupon online.  With the plan all set, we headed off to dinner!

We arrived at the Torrance location around 6 PM and the place was buzzing.  There was a line at the counter but the capable staff took orders and prepared them quickly, getting folks in and out.

We arrived just after the rush!

Speaking of the staff, I have to take a moment to give a shout out to Ernie, the manager on duty.  He was the best! He was taking orders, checking on guests, and training a new cashier all without missing a beat.  When I told him I hadn’t been to Pick Up Stix in a while, he took the time to break the menu down and even offered a few samples.  I have to add that he did all of this without even knowing I was doing a review.  Nice!

Because this was supposed to be a “grand tasting” of sorts, we dove into the menu ordering kids dishes, appetizers, some entrees and even dessert.  Oh, and since we were visiting on a Wednesday, we made it rain wontons!

Kids Dishes

The kids ordered Terikayi Chicken, pitting it head to head with the same dish from King’s Hawaiian.  They were happy with it and said it might not be better than King’s, but could be a close competitor.

Along with the chicken and a generous serving of rice, The kid’s meals came with a small side of tangerine sections and a fortune cookie.  They also came with a small cup for the soda fountain.

Appetizers

For appetizers, we selected lettuce wraps and (of course) wontons.  The wontons were satisfying, with a golden crispy outside and a warm cream cheese center.   We came to the conclusion that the wontons were definietely better than the ones ant Panda Express but perhaps not the ones at PF Changs.

Crispy cream cheese wontons.

The lettuce wraps were a treat, especially coming from a place that one might consider “fast food”.  The requisite lettuce leaves came with a decent portion of chicken along with carrots, bean sprouts, and crispy noodles.  The appetizer was served with a sauce that elevated the dish.  Comparing the combination to PF Changs resulted in another head-to-head contest where we couldn’t choose a winner.

All the fixings for lettuce wraps.

Entrees

For our main dishes we decided to select a Mongolian beef and one of Pick Up Stix’s signature dishes, Crispy Honey Chicken.

The Mongolian beef was good.  When I say its a family favorite, I should clarify that I’m not the one that usually orders it!  The texture and flavor were good but I’m just not much of a Mongolian beef person.  Nicole enjoyed the beef but was hoping for something a bit sweeter; she found the dish to be more on the savory side.  We can use this knowledge in the future, though, and have them make it a little differently since each entree is made to order.

Mongolian beef.

Our other entree, the Crispy Honey Chicken, had us all raving.  It was very toothsome with a crunchy outside and a moist, tender inside.  The flavor was not overpoweringly sweet but definitely had the essence of a sweet, fruity sauce.  This was one of the clear favorites at the table for kids and adults alike.

Crispy Honey Chicken.

Desserts

As I mentioned, the kid’s meals came with fruit as a sort of dessert side item.  Our kids just nibbled at them though, knowing that something a bit more desirable was coming up.  After finishing our meal, we shared a couple brownies.  These were the only items that we ordered that were not freshly prepared.  That is, they were pre-made brownies in a plastic wrapper.  They were good, though;  a little crumbly on top and soft in the middle.  The chocolate chunks on the top and inside added some texture.

Have brownies for dessert...but eat your dinner first!

Again, I have to give kudos to Ernie, the store manager.  Nicole and I sent the kids to the counter to order the brownies and Ernie escorted them back to the table, bringing the brownies with him.  He said he wanted to make sure they had finished their dinner before that had dessert.  I like that guy’s style!

New Inspirations

Our visit to Pick Up Stix was very pleasant.  I was glad that the kids got to try something outside of their usual routine and that Nicole and I got to try some of our favorites in a different setting.  It was nice to bridge the gap between a cafeteria and a full service restaurant.  And while some might consider Pick Up Stix a fast food joint, the quality provided warrants a second opinion.  Oh, and if you happen to be dining there on a Wednesday night, you just might see us there!

Outside the Torrance Pick Up Stix.

Pick Up Stix

http://www.pickupstix.com

Torrance
24231 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite A
Torrance, CA 90505
310-539-0010

Hermosa Beach
703 Pier Avenue, Suite A
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-406-0689

San Pedro
970 N. Western Avenue
San Pedro, CA 90732
310-833-9892

*Food and beverage items mentioned in this review were provided courtesy of Foodbuzz.

Subtle hint of things to come in the Manhattan Beach Target.

For the past couple months, Target stores in the South Bay have been shuffling stock from one part of the store to another, only to move it back a couple days later.  What’s all the fuss about?  They’re making room for groceries.

Target stores already carry many staple items like milk, bread, and canned foods.  The new mini-grocery sections will add fresh produce and additional frozen goods.

Signs around the Manhattan Beach and Gardena stores — both of which are in the middle of remodelling — report fresh groceries will arrive in April.  The Redondo Beach and Torrance stores are also adding new grocery section although construction has not begun at the Torrance location near Del Amo mall.  As for the two Carson locations, I haven’t been there in a while and wasn’t able to get anyone on the phone

“The Street” is saying that Target is adding groceries to its list of big-box-store items in an attempt to beat the on-going recession.  Others say that Target is trying to compete with Wal-Mart for more discount shoppers.  Granted, both of these articles are from 2009, but they still have some truth to them as household budgets continue to shrink and new grocery sections open in stores branded with a bullseye logo.

As for me, I’ll be happy I can get my contact solution, laundry detergent, and fresh fruit all in the same place.

Will a grocery section in Target make you more likely to shop there compared to a regular grocery store?  Knowing their marketing and pricing style, do you have any opinions on how Target’s grocery might compare to Wal-Mart’s or a regular grocery like Ralph’s or Albertson’s?

South Bay Target Stores

Target has several stores in the South Bay area.  These are the ones that I know have grocery stores coming to them.  Ask the manager at your local store if your neighborhood Target isn’t listed below.   Find more info online at Target.com.

Champagne Dinner at Whole Foods, Plaza El Segundo – The folks at Whole Foods have a knack for making the ordinary seem out of this world.  V-Day dinner in a grocery store? Yes!  They’re tricking out their tapas bar — does your grocery have a tapas bar? — to serve a relaxed four course dinner with each course paired with a special vino.  At just $40 per person, this is a steal.  Seating is limited!  Call to make a reservation: 310-333-1900.

Couples Dinner at The Melting Pot, Torrance — The Melting Pot is offering a deal for members of their Club Fondue.  For $99/couple, members can order from a special menu.  If you don’t want to sign up, you can still get happy hour pricing from 12 – 3 PM Saturday and Sunday in the bar.  310-316-7500.

Sushi + Sake at Sashi Manhattan Beach — Kick off your V-Day dinner at Sashi with a glass of hibiscus Champagne and then share a plate of appetizers, entrees and desserts for just $45/person.  Phone ahead or make reservations on Open Table.  310-545-0400.

This is just the tip of the iceberg.  For more dinner options and great ideas for things to do on V-Day, click here to check out my guest-post on South Bay Rants and Raves!

Ladies, Grab your mothers, girlfriends, and daughters and join the Daily Breeze and sponsors for a day of fashion, beauty, free health screenings, and fun!  Enjoy specialty exhibitors, product sampling, guest speakers, experts on women’s heart health, meal ideas and more.  You’ll also have the opportunity to enter raffles from the sponsors.

Check out SouthBayGirlTalk.com for complete details.

South Bay Girl Talk Expo

Saturday, February 6, 9 AM – 3 PM
Torrance Marriott
3635 Fashion Way Torrance, CA 90503

Hello everyone! It’s Bianca from SouthBayRantsnRaves.com and I’m very excited to do a guest post right here on South Bay Foodies! The Little Debbie Cupcake Car came to Torrance on Friday, December 18; here’s my experience with them.

We’ve all heard of the taco trucks, the bbq trucks, and even the grilled cheese trucks. All sorts of food trucks on wheels come into the greater LA but they tend to stay there. That is until the day that Michael from South Bay Foodies informed me of the cupcake car, and not just that, but a cupcake car that was coming into the South Bay area that offered free cupcakes. Intrigued and elated, I couldn’t pass this up. I found out that the cupcake car was a promotion called the Share a Thon put on by the Little Debbie cupcake company. I was looking forward to see what this well known brand had to offer.

Cupcake cars? "Sweet"!

I arrived at the scene of the cupcake car to find two black Smart Cars painted to look like cupcakes. There was really no line specifically for the cupcake car. The Little Debbie staff was there, handing out cupcakes to patrons headed to and from the Food 4 Less where the cars were stationed.

Brian, one of the friendly staff members handed me a chocolate Little Debbie cupcake with the white swirl on top. He informed me that I could get a free T-shirt if I made a short video. I obliged and he showed me to one of the two smart cars equipped with a computer and web cam. There, I met with Paul who told me the video is themed “Share a Smile” where everyone is encouraged to record a short greeting. I recorded a short video wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Afterwards he got my information and I got my free shirt, complete with the signature icing design on it.  He told me to expect an email when the video would be ready. He also told me I could enter a contest on the Little Debbie website for a chance to win a smart car or a year supply of cupcakes. It sounded like a good contest to me but I didn’t enter!

(Here’s a link to Bianca’s video!)

The Cupcake Car and my free tee shirt!

Before leaving, I got to speak with Tim, another staff member with the Little Debbie cupcake car. Below is the conversation I had with him.

Bianca: Can you tell me a little bit more about the cupcake car promotion?

Tim:  This is the first time Little Debbie has done mobile marketing. It’s another way of connecting with the customers. We also have contests at littledebbiecupcakes.com where people can enter to win a car or a year supply of cupcakes.

Bianca: How long has this tour been going on?

Tim: The tour has been going on for the last 10 weeks.  It started out in Washington, DC and has been to 21 cities.  Los Angeles is the final stop of the tour. At tour’s end, we would have handed out 200,000 cupcakes.

Bianca: Can you tell me a little bit more about the cupcakes you’ve been handing out?

Tim: These chocolate cupcakes have been the #1 best selling cupcakes, beating out the Hostess brand. This particular cupcake was in development for three years. Over 300 recipes were tested before deciding on the one that we’re carrying.

Bianca: Thank you for your time.

Tim: You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

The Cupcake Car’s theme was called Share a Thon. It’s safe to say between the free cupcakes, free t-shirt, cars designed to look like cupcakes, and friendly staff, many a smile and laugh was shared by all.

Share a smile...share cupcakes!

OK, so the Little Debbie isn’t coming.  Representatives of the brand, hereafter known as the “Smile Squad”, will be in the South Bay this coming Friday to hand out free treats while supplies last.

The Little Debbie Smile Squad and Cupcake Car.

Look for the Smile Squad at Food-4-Less in Torrance and Wilmington from 9 AM to Noon.

Fittingly, the Smile Squad is decked out in Smart Cars tricked out to look like chocolate cupcakes.  The visit is part of Little Debbie’s Share-a-Thon tour which has already made stops in several East Coast cities.

If getting a free cupcake isn’t motivation enough for you to see the Smile Squad in person, check out the Share-a-Thon website to register for a chance to win prizes including a GPS system, a year’s supply of cupcakes (how many is that!?), or your very own cupcake smart car.  Sweet!

Like any other product promotion going on these days, you can follow the Smile Squad and their cupcake mobiles on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CupcakeCar.

Cupcake Car Times and Locations

Friday, December 18, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Food-4-Less
851 W. Sepulveda Blvd.
Torrance, CA

Food-4-Less
336 W. Anaheim St.
Wilmington, CA

Attention all foodies: a new Bevmo has emerged in the South Bay, and it is situated on PCH in Rolling Hills (just south of the PCH and Hawthorne intersection).

This location celebrated its opening in style, with a mega tasting event that benefited the Boys & Girls Club of the South Bay. This lively festivity took place in the adjoining parking lot, and it featured an array of tasting tents and hoeur dourves, including ahi on cucumber, a variety of wraps, bruchetta, fresh fruit, cookies, and brownies.  Some noteworthy aspects of this event were the Jack Daniels luxury bus (that featured an expert to answer questions and offer information about this whisky) and a fireman fundraiser table that was selling a Jim Beam cookbook and offering some delectable BBQ (yum!).

Ahi on cucumber.

Let’s get to the good part…the alcohol! Everyone was given drinking tickets (inside a goody bag that also offered a BevMo wine class, a wine opener, and coupons) to sample 10 beverages of their choice. Many respectable wineries (Beringer, Coppola, Toad Hollow, etc.) and breweries (Dogfish, Pyramid, etc.) were represented, and the options also included hard alcohol (Johnnie Walker, Three Olives, etc.) and creative cocktails. Some tasty finds were:

• the Margarita King (a pre-made cocktail that simply needs to be shaken and served)
• the Leblon Cachaca (Brazilian rum that creates a variety of fruity beverages)
• Three Olives’ new Bubble vodka (bubble gum vodka may sound weird, but women were flocking to this tent to savor the new drink)
• Big Daddy’s Bloody Mary Mix (perfect amount of spice)
• the Remy Martin Champagne Cognac (strong, but good)

Be sure to visit this new location to check out the variety of booze, to meet the friendly staff, and to take advantage of the 5 cent wine sales!

The 100^th BevMo

2533 Pacific Coast Hwy
Torrance, CA 90505-7091
(310) 257-0034