The Fire Hydrant Tap at Lazy Dog Cafe, Torrance

Lazy Dog calls their afternoon discount session “Happiest Hour“. Sipping on the beer and cocktails, and nomming on the food during that time, I find it hard to disagree. You’ll find these discounts on weekdays from 3 to 6 PM. For dogs that like to party late, an evening session takes place Sunday through Thursday from 9 PM until closing time. Happy hour specials are only available in the bar area and on the patio.

Earlier this month, I shared some of the beverage offerings on Lazy Dog’s new happy hour menu. Today we’re taking a look at the happy hour food!

A Mini Food Festival of Happy Hour Appetizers.

Happy hour versions of their appetizers are attractively priced between $3 and $6. I say “versions” because the happy hour portion is about half of the regular appetizer. It’s all the better though, because at that price a few small plates make for a mini food festival of delicious samples.

• Spicy Buffalo Chicken Nuggets ($4): These bite-sized gems of yard bird are fried and dipped in a deep, almost glowing red sauce. The spiciness comes through but is not over bearing. If you find yourself reaching to fan your lips, though, don’t worry; they’re served on a bed of cool, crispy cole slaw made with buttermilk and blue cheese.

Buffalo chicken nuggets on a bed of creamy cole slaw.

• Loaded Baked Potato Hush Puppies ($3): This cousin to the dough-balls that they get their name from are like baked potatoes in a crispy shell. These filling little orbs are creamy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. For a beer pairing, ask for a big glass of Firestone Velvet Merlin to sip on while you hush these puppies.

Loaded Baked Potato Hush Puppies.

• Hawaiian Ahi Poke ($4): Just what you would expect and a little bit more: a crispy wonton topped with moist, well seasoned tuna, drizzled with a creamy sauce. Sesame seeds and green onions rounds out the flavors and add a finishing touch.

Ahi Poke gets cozy, nestled on a crispy wonton.

• Sweet Potato Tater Tots ($4): Crispy tater tots with a combination of sweet and savory. The sweet comes from the sweet potato base while the savory comes from a cumin flavor that sneaks in and adds a pleasant surprise of flavor. The result is a bar-food treat that will have you reaching back for another handful. Served with a mildly spicy jalapeño aioli.

• Carrot Cake at Lazy Dog Cafe ($4.95): Have you ever wanted to finish up a happy hour with something sweet but are still in a happy hour price state of mind? OK, so this one isn’t on the happy hour menu but the price fits the bill. This dessert is a moist, dense cake served in a cute little skillet and comes packing plenty for two people for share. The shredded carrots and walnuts on top will give you backing to tell your mom that you ate your veggies. Don’t tell her about the Stone Porter though, that pairs perfectly with this cake.

The Carrot Cake isn't on the happy hour menu, but the price might make you spring for it anyway.

Stone Porter pairs nicely with the carrot cake.

Late Comers Get a Deal All Their Own

If the prospect of getting to happy hour by 6 PM doesn’t work with your schedule on the vampire shift, don’t worry; Lazy Dog is serving the same deals happy hour from 9 PM to close Sunday through Thursday.

Along with the same deals mentioned above, lazy dogs get a deal all their own in the form of the Late Night Burger, a quarter pound fixing for $5 only served after 9PM.

Better late than never! Late Comers can get the big burger for Happy Hour.

• Lazy Dog Café, Del Amo Fashion Center
  http://www.lazydogcafe.com
  3525 West Carson Street
  Torrance CA 90503
  (310) 921-6080

* 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.

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!

Happy Hour Menu at Lazy Dog Cafe, Torrance

Known as Happiest Hour, Lazy Dog’s menu specials start at 3 PM Monday through Friday. Sunday through Thursday the party starts at 9 PM and goes until closing time. Happy hour specials are only available in the bar area and on the patio. While there’s plenty of room at the bar and on the heated patio, come early for the best seat selections if you’d like a view of the game on one of the TV’s mounted over the bar. Oh, and come thirsty!

• Sangria Sampler ($8.25): This one is a heck of an idea and a great deal for indecisive sangria lovers. Packaged in cute little mason jars, the sampler features three four-ounce pours of Pomegranate Red, Black Currant Rose, and White Peach sangrias. The rack even has tags to help you keep the different flavors sorted out. If you’re using the wine tasting method to go from the sweetest to the boldest of the bunch, I’d suggest starting with the peach, rounding the bend with the black currant, and finishing up with the pomegranate.
  

Sangria Sampler: Don't settle for one, try all three!

• Cucumber Martini ($6): This heady concoction was a crowd pleaser among the South Bay Foodies enlisted to give it a taste (thanks, Margaret!). The beverage combines Rain Organics Cucumber Lime Vodka, fresh cucumbers and mint, agave syrup, and a dash of sweet and sour. Martini purists might frown on the last two ingredients but a sip or two will have them changing their minds quickly. The layers of flavors in this cocktail give it a sophistication that will make you wonder why you aren’t wearing a tux or an evening gown…well, unless, you just roll like that.
  

The Well Appointed Cucumber Martini.

• Seasonal Mason Jar: This cocktail is served in a do-it-your-self shaker. In a full-sized jar, Veev acai spirits are mixed with seasonal ingredients – in our case it was basil, lemon, and cucumber – and shaken with ice until chilled. The result for this blend was an instant recollection of lazy summer days spent sipping lemonade. This cocktail changes with the seasons so options may differ. At the time we were sampling the basil-lemonade, a cranberry-limeade was in the works for winter featuring Veev, cranberry, lime, mint, and agave. I’ll be back for that one!

Seasonal Mason Jar Festuring Basil Lemonade with Vee Acai Spirits.

• The Craft Beer Sampler ($6): Fear not, beer lovers! Lazy Dog hasn’t forgotten about you. They’re still featuring their beer sampler that gives you four-ounce pours from six of the fifteen or more craft beers they have on tap. The only thing that makes this deal difficult is figuring out which beers to pick! I say bring along a friend, order up 12 different beers and have a mini-beer fest.
  

Craft Beer Sampler: Which ones will you choose!?

With a nice selection of cocktails and beers to choose from, it only makes sense to have an equally balance selection of happy hour eats as well. Stay tuned for a review of the grub that we paired with the drinks!

* 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.

When I agreed to do a taste test with Alexia, I was hoping for two things. First, I hoped I would get some onion rings in the batch of random frozen goodies that they were sending*. And second, I hoped that those onions rings – should I be blessed to receive them – would turn out to be golden brown and crispy right out of the oven.

Alexia's Onion Rings: Lightly Breaded in Panko Crumbs and Seasoned with Sea Salt.

I’m glad to say that I did get some onion rings and that they passed the test. These rings were golden brown and crispy just like I hoped!

Getting these rings started was easy. I heated the oven, dumped them on a pan, and baked ‘em for about twenty minutes, turning them half way through the cooking time.

Hot and Fresh Onion Rings, Just Out of the Oven.

The crumbs are good enough to cook too. Waste not, want not!

The scent of these lightly breaded onions while they baked was intoxicating. Everyone in the house was coming to the kitchen to see what was cooking. That worked out perfectly since I wanted their opinions for my taste test anyway.

The prefect plating for onion rings: a chili dog and homemade slaw.

I wanted the onion rings to feel at home during the taste test so I paired them with homemade slaw (thanks, Nicole) and chili dogs. I captured a few comments while we crunched and munched on our entrée:

• These smell so good cooking!
• The bag says there are only 4.5 servings. Do you think we can make it?
• Crunchy. No need to deep fry; They’re good baked.

Alexia has it right with these o-rings. The panko breading adds just the right amount of crunch to the sweet onion underneath. It was also nice to be able to bake the rings, as opposed to frying them in grease, and still get a nice texture. The flavor of the sea salt mentioned on the package was present but not over powering.

My only nag is wishing the bags were bigger! The serving size is 6 rings and the package contains about 4.5 servings. Feeding my hungry family of four would probably take two bags.

Go to Alexia’s website to learn more about these onion rings, including nutrition information.

• Alexia Onion Rings
  http://www.alexiafoods.com/products/appetizers/onion-rings-panko-breaded

* Samples were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review.

The South Bay Foodies got their hands on a beverage* that brings these two healthy powerhouses together, with the benefits of juices and whole grains: Juiceology. Read on to see how it fared in our taste test.

The Two Flavors We Tried: Peach Mango and Blueberry Açai.

First off, I was a bit skeptical. Whole grains and juice? I was thinking it would be something like a chalky, powdered fiber supplement mixed into some fruit cocktail syrup. Juiceology was nothing like that. It had an unassuming appearance – very juice-like. The label indicates that Juiceology contains 70% pure juice.

Moving into the taste test, I captured the reactions of the folks around South Bay Foodies HQ. We tried two flavors, Peach Mango and Blueberry Açai.

Overall, we were pleased with the beverage flavors and were surprised by how sweet they were. The ingredients show no added sugar, with the bulk of the 19 grams of carbs coming from the natural juices. Stevia was also listed in the ingredients, though, so that may be part of the sweetness that Nicole picked up on.

The rest of the 22 grams of carbs comes from the fiber; 12% of your daily intake of fiber to be exact. There are two servings in the 450 ml bottle, which means you could down one of these suckers – a caloric steal at only 98 calories per serving – and get a quarter of the fiber you need in a day.

The Nutrition Facts on the Juiceology Label: Low calorie, high fiber, good flavor.

Nicole, the kids, and I enjoyed the two flavors we sampled but there also three other flavors if peach/mango and blueberry/açai don’t inspire you. I’m curious to try the apple and Concord grape.

Right now Juiceology is only available in Southern California. In the South Bay you can find them at Ralphs, Bristol Farms, and Northgate grocery stores. To find Juiceology in your neighborhood, visit their website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter to socialize with other Juiceology enthusiasts.

• Juiceology, Juices + Whole Grain Extracts
  http://www.purejuiceology.com
  http://www.facebook.com/PureJuiceology
  @purejuiceology

* Samples were provided on a complimentary basis for the purpose of this review.

1. http://www.fruitjuicefacts.org/
2. http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/what-are-the-health-benefits

A view of the King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant from Sepulveda Blvd.

More than Just Bread

While most folks know the King’s name from their Hawaiian sweet rolls, South Bay locals are fortunate to enjoy their many other fresh baked goods and Hawaiian cooking at the main restaurant on Sepulveda and the fast casual Local Place on Western Avenue. Regulars and real fans know that King’s offers so much more than sweet rolls. From loco moco to spam musubi, King’s does Hawaiian food extremely well.

Recently, King’s introduced a new menu for their Sepulveda restaurant called the Hawaiian Connection Menu. With so many cultures present in the Hawaiian population, this new menu reflects the new foods and flavors that are becoming staples in Hawaiian cuisine.

I was invited* to try out a few items from the connections menu and took along my daughters and one of their friends to help me out. I figured their appetites would help me get through a few of the five new dishes on the Connection Menu. Following is a review of some of the new items as well as a few classics.

Getting Settled In

I’ve always been pleased with the service at King’s and this visit was no exception. Like most weekend afternoons, the waiting area – which also contains the bakery counter – was bustling with people waiting for their tables and folks buying rolls and cakes. Unfazed, the attentive staff handled the crowd with ease and composure. It was also a treat to see the managers serving customers right along with the waiters.

Once we got to our table, the girls settled in right away with crayons and started coloring their placemats. We put our orders in and they explored the huge fish tank in the dining room. The only things that could get them back to the table was the arrival of their order – they all decided to have beef teriyaki from the kids menu – and a basket of the signature Hawaiian sweet rolls.

My partners for this mission. They were more into coloring the menu than reviewing it!

The kids were excited to watch the fish swimming in the huge salt water tank. Small groups might enjoy sitting at the table around the tank.

A meal at King's Hawaiian is not complete without at least one -- or five -- of their world famous sweet rolls.

Sampling the Hawaiian Connection Menu

With the kids nomming away on their teriyaki, I dished out our first taste from the Connection Menu, the Coconut Shrimp Skewers ($12.95). Usually served
as an entrée, the portion is big enough to satisfy one person and for us was plenty to share. The panko and coconut coated shrimp were crackly, crunchy on the outside and tender at the same time. The sauce accompanying the dish was a perfect blend of tangy and mild sweetness and went great with the shrimp.

Coconut Shrimp: Skewers with plump shrimp coated in panko crumbs and coconut flakes. The dipping sauces seal the deal on this dish being delicious.

Next up was the crowd pleasing Hawaiian Seafood Soup ($14.95). This was a beautiful, fragrant dish of “udon noodles, fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, dashi, and island seasonings.” The kids didn’t get into the clams and mussels as much as I did, but they loved the broth and noodles. Again, the portion provided plenty to share. Even with the four of us each having a small bowl or two, there was still some left to take home. The seafood soup was definitely a favorite among all of us.

The Hawaiian Seafood Soup was a hit with everyone. The savoriness of the broth was the perfect complement to the medley of flavors. The Cilantro on top added a nice brightness to everything.

In case you didn't get enough, here's another view of the delicious seafood soup.

For my entrée, I picked the Miso Salmon ($14.45). The dish was a tender piece of salmon, marinated in a miso sauce that is “a unique King’s Hawaiian blend.” It came with steamed rice and steamed baby bok choy. The miso flavor was present throughout but didn’t overpower the flavor of the fish.

The Miso Salmon from the Hawaiian Connection Menu.

Hawaiian Connection Menu, a Well Received Addition

On the way out, I spoke with Dennis, the General Manager, and asked about the new menu items and how they were doing. He let me know they were being well received by regulars and new comers alike. Both groups seemed to enjoy trying something new. In particular, he said, the seafood soup was a big hit.

King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7 AM until 10 PM, 11 PM on Friday and Saturday. Breakfast is served until 2 PM with some items served all day. Visit their website for menu details and more.

• King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant
  http://www.kingshawaiianrestaurants.com
  2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance CA, 90505
  310-530-0050

* 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. Prices and menu items are subject to change without notice.

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

The formula for their crunchy snack is a family recipe developed by Suzy, the matriarch. The business end is taken care of by offspring Whit and Kelly who have handled marketing and artwork.

Whit describes their granola as “a premium, small batch, specialty granola.  We use 100% all natural ingredients, 90% of which are from California.  We currently offer an Original and a Gluten-Free recipe.”

Thanks to a sample from the McCarthy’s I was able to get my hands on some of their By Hand granola. It was certainly a treat!

By Hand Granola comes in two varities: original and gluten free.

Opening the bag for the first time, I instantly noticed the bright scent of cinnamon and the mellow aroma of maple syrup. The flavor was on point with those scents; eating this granola was like eating a deconstructed oatmeal cookie.

Along with the fresh, oat flavor, my favorite part was the variety of nuts in the mix: coconut, macadamia, and sliced almonds. Each one added a special crunch and flavor to the mix, especially the macadamia which seemed to be the most prominent.

Rounding out the flavor profile was the sweetness of dried cranberries. The sweetness they added was level, not overly sweet or pucker-inducingly tart.

A closer Look at the product. The nuts, dried cranberries, and cinnamony oats make for a tasty, crunchy snack.

Knowing that their recipe is a winner, the McCarthys have grown their business tremendously since starting in late 2010. Starting with a sale to Manhattan Beach grocery store Grow, they have since increased production to at least a dozen local groceries and are expanding rapidly.

Their homepage also invites folks to find them at the El Segundo Famer’s Market on Thursdays. Along with store sales, By Hand granola is also available online.

In November, buying By Hand Granola from their website is a great way to help the company give back to the community. During this month of thanksgiving, a percentage of all sales from their website will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

I’m happy to give a round of applause – a hand, perhaps? – to a South Bay business that is making a name for themselves, one batch of granola at a time.

• By Hand Granola
  http://www.byhandgranola.com
  Twitter: @ByHandGranola
  

Oh, before I go any further I must say that I was invited to check out this offering. That aside, I’m a fan of Roy’s and go there even without fancy invites. The setting, quality of the service, and the damn good chow are what keep me going back.

If you’ve never been to Roy’s – and especially if you have – their My Prix Fixe deal is a great way to poke around the menu. For $35.99 per person, you get the run of the house: choose any appetizer, any entrée, and any dessert. There are a few exceptions, but for the most part you can pick just about anything. With some entrees running upwards of $30 alone, this deal is like getting your appetizer and dessert for free…sort of.

If you go with a friend or two, you can mix up your choices and make you own Hawaiian fusion feast. You also have the option of sharing just one plate if you’d like to keep your dinner cozy.

But trust me, once you taste the miso seasoned butterfish, sharing will be the last thing on your mind!

Following is a quick review of the items I tried a few Monday’s ago. Among the items are a couple old favorites and a few new ones. Enjoy!

• My Prix Fixe Mondays at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Restaurants
  Monday Nights for a limited time at most Roy’s
  800 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90017 (closest to South Bay)
  http://www.roysrestaurant.com

Drinks

Roy’s has happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30 PM every day. Get there early for dinner and you’ll score $5 drinks including the signature Roy’s Island Mai Tai and The Original Hawaiian Martini. All the signature cocktails are $5 so mix and match.

Roy’s Island Mai Tai - Don't stir it! Ask the bartenders why and they will let you know. I always stir mine anyway. :/

Appetizers

The Crispy Potato Croquettes were new to me. They were good but definitely needed the sauce for flavor elevation.

Crispy Potato Croquettes - Eat them with the sauce and the little veggies on top for maximum flavor.

Entrées

If its your first time at Roy’s heed these words: get the butterfish! It keeps me coming back time and again and I’m never disappointed.

Hawaiian Style Misoyaki Butterfish - The ultimate entree at Roy's. If they only sold this they'd still be in business.

Branching out a bit, I also tried the Brown Butter Seared Salmon as was pleasantly surprised. It was like two dishes in one. The fish was served skin on, with the meat being very tender and the skin crispy. The salmon was like you might expect this firm fish to be and the skin was good enough to eat on its own, adding to the overall texture.

Brown Butter Seared Salmon - A new favorite for me. If they ever run out of butterfish, I'll order this.

Dessert

I tried a few desserts. Don’t judge!

The chocolate cake is a must-try if you’ve never had it. Its nothing like the heat-and-serve cakes you’ll get at other places; they bake each cake from scratch when you order it and then lovingly stuff it with chocoloately goodness.

Chocolate Cake - its a made from scratch classic! Order it at the same time you order your entree; it takes about 20 minutes to make it.

Another fave is the pineapple upside down cake served with pineapple-coconut ice cream. Like every dessert should be, this plate is an escape from the ordinary. The cake is moist and the topping slightly crispy. Both are sweet but not overwhelmingly so. This is another one that might be tough to share!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake - A cake that comes with a side of cookie is my kind of dessert!

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)