This Wednesday, Hotel Maya is hosting their signature “Mojitos and Mutts” happy hour.  Well trained and leashed canines — along with their respective humans — are invited to visit the waterfront hotel to mix and mingle for a barking good time.

While the two legged folks sample mojitos made with 10 Cane Rum, puppies will be pampered with complimentary goodie bags with doggy snacks.

Event sponsor i Love Dogs has partnered with Hotel Maya to theme the event and promote social awareness.  The theme for July is “L.A. for LA”, “benefiting dogs and their owners in Louisiana who have been affected by the [Gulf of Mexico] oil disaster”.  Future themes include a fashion show and a Halloween party.

Mojitos and Mutts at Hotel Maya
6:30 to 8:30 PM on the last Wednesday of the month from now until October.

http://www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/losangeles/maya

700 Queensway Dr.
Long Beach, CA, 90802
562.435.7676

i Love Dogs

http://www.ilovedogs.com

The purpose of my visit was to learn more about Sashi’s happy hour, better known as “Sashi Hour”.   Late-shift workers and 9-to-5 types alike, please take note:  From now until Memorial Day happy hour prices are available from 5 – 10 PM in the lounge, Sunday through Thursday.

Sashi Hour Trios

Take a quick look at the Sashi Hour menu, and you’ll see that three is the magic number;  Each item on the Sashi Hour menu is served as a trio.

Available for $9, some of the small plates might seem out of place for a sushi joint.  You’ll find tacos, kobe sliders made three ways, and a tempura plate featuring shrimp, calamari, and chicken wings.  But the menu stays true to its roots with sashimi, robata, and hand rolls.

The Sashi Hour drinks are pretty standard with discounts on sake, well drinks, draft beers, and house wine.  You might turn your head sideways, though, when you see the beer trio which features Sapporo, Asahi, and Hoegaarden.  Yes, Hoegaarden!  Apparently this Belgian wheat beer with slightly citrusy flavors pairs nicely with Asian cuisine.  I was always drinking it with brats so I never would have known!

Dinner that Feels Like Vacation

Of course, there was more to explore at Sashi than just happy hour.  When I walked into Sashi, I felt like I was taking a step out of the daily grind and into some sort of vacation spot.

Just inside the front door, the lounge stretched out in front of me.  To the left was the host stand and beyond that was a dining room and  sushi bar.  The lounge was arranged living room style with several pillow covered couches, low tables, and lamps.

As guests entered and left, they were greeted warmly by the staff.  Taking a look at the crowd enjoying the place, I noticed it was a pleasant mix of South Bay diners.  Some after-6 types were enjoying drinks at the bar with their ties loosened.  A family — complete with a toddler in a stroller — was relaxing on one of the couches while enjoying dinner.  The wall behind the bar, illuminated by a huge pink light, bathed everything in a warm, rosy glow.

Everything's Rosy at the Bar in Sashi's Lounge.

Diving Into Dinner

After a few moments of soaking in the vibe of the place, I met with Greg (one of the owners) and Jacqui (one of the managers).  They made me feel at home and put me in the care of Whitney, one of their top-notch servers.  I was a bit overwhelmed with the menu so I asked her about some of her favorites.  After a brief discussion, I put my experience completely in her hands and asked her to surprise me.  Little did I know, I was in for a treat!

I started off with a drink from their specialty cocktail menu.  Growing up as a kid in the south, I lived for those summer days where I could pick blackberries off the bush and eat them right away.  So it was without hesitation that I went with the Black Mamba ($12), a savory and sweet Grey goose cocktail with black berry, rosemary, and a hint of citrus.

The Savory and Sweet Black Mamba Martini.

To get into the meal, Whitney started me off with a small bite, the Gindara ($5),  grilled Alaskan black cod on a skewer, marinated in sweet miso.  The fish was tender, moist and had a wonderful grilled flavor.  The miso was almost plum-like and complemented the fish nicely.

Sweet Miso Marinated Black Cod

Next up was one of Sashi’s signature dishes, cripsy rice and spicy tuna.  After tasting it I realized that this crispy rice wasn’t the average snap, crackle, and pop!  The dish consisted of pan fried cripsy rice topped with spicy tuny and serrano pepper.  Pleasantly chewy and crispy at the same time, the texture of the rice was an experience by itself.  The heat of the mildly spicy tuna was rounded out by the serrano pepper for a one-two punch of subtle and then stronger heat.

Pan Fried Crispy Rice topped with Spicy Tuna and Serrano Pepper

The headlining entree was an out-of-this-world Rainbow Roll (price unavailable).  Wrapped in “tuna, salmon, yellowtail and fresh seasoned fish”, the roll might have come across like any other rainbow roll.  But it was the  crispy eel and cucumber inside the roll — instead of california roll style crab or shrimp –  that made this roll a stand out.

Rainbow Roll with Eel and Cucumber

Having trusted Whitney all this time to guide the meal, of course I put my faith in her for dessert.  She suggested one of her favorite dishes, a chocolate soufflé made from scratch.  Unfortunately it takes about 30 minutes to make and I wasn’t able to hang out much longer.  I  promised to come back for the soufflé and enjoyed another selection which was probably almost as decadent; a brownie served with green tea ice cream and passion fruit whip.

The brownie was moist and had a nice density.  The mild chocolate flavor was not overly sweet and gave way to the nuts inside.  Jacqi, the manager, mentioned that the nuts vary with the chef’s choosing and might be almonds, chashews, or macadamias depending on his selection.  What really set the dish off, though, was the passion fruit whipped cream and home made green tea ice cream.  The smooth and delicate ice cream and the light, airy whip, added a playful fruitiness to the already chocolaty and nutty dish.

Dessert Goes Nuts With a Brownie from Heaven.

Iron Chef?  Been There, Done That

Of course, I have to give a shout to the chef behind the menu at Sashi.  Taste a few dishes and you might think that Chef Makoto is worthy enough to cook in The Food Network’s Kitchen Stadium on Iron Chef. Well, you’d be right!

Chef Morimoto and Chef Makoto at Sashi*

Chef Makoto has served as Iron Chef Morimoto’s sous-chef in 13 battles on the Food Network.  When Morimoto comes to LA, he often visits Sashi to hang out with his protege.  Watch out for Makoto on Food Network as he takes on an Iron Chef in his very own challenge.

I have to extend a big thank you to Greg, Jacqui, Whitney, Chef Makoto, and the rest of the staff at Sashi.  I  had a wonderful time dining with you and look forward to returning soon.

* Photo credit for Morimoto/Makoto goes to Sashi MB. Food and beverages in this review were provided compliments of Sashi Sushi + Sake Lounge.

On Wednesday, March 17, everyone in the South Bay becomes Irish!  From sunrise to sunset, the streets of our beach cities are likely to be packed with green-clad leprechauns chasing rainbows and pots o’ gold.

Here are a few suggestions to get your St. Patty’s Day celebration going.

Harry O’s, El Segundo
http://www.harryoselsegundo.com

“Let out the Irish in you!  If Guinness and Irish Car Bombs are your thing, you’ll feel right at home at Harry O’s. “  Look for St. Patrick’s day specials all week long.  Happy hour all day Monday – Wednesday and 4-7 PM Thursday-Friday.

(310) 322-2255; 226 Standard St, El Segundo, CA

Bluewater Grill, Redondo Beach
http://bluewatergrill.com

Celebrate the luck of the Irish all day Wednesday with these and other specials:  $3 Guinness or Green Draught Beer by the Pint; Guinness Beer Battered Fish & Chips for $12.95 at lunch or $15.25 during dinner; $5 shots of Jameson or Bushmill’s Whiskey.

(310) 318-3474‎;  665 North Harbor Drive, Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2004

Daily Grill, El Segundo
http://www.dailygrill.com

All week long, Daily Grill is serving up hand-carved corn beef sandwiches during lunch for $12.95 and any draft beer for $4. On St. Patty’s Day after 4 PM, they’ll be serving the traditional favorite corn beef and cabbage.

(310) 524-0700; 2121 Rosecrans Avenue, El Segundo, CA 90245

Whole Food’s Market, Plaza El Segundo
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com

If you think there might be too many leprechauns in the streets, have your own celebration at home with St. Patty’s Day goodies from Whole Foods. They have specials on their own including: Plowshare Stout, a “slightly sweet, rich delight of a beer has chocolate and black coffee flavors with a creamy vanilla character”; Beer-Infused Dubliner Irish Cheddar with Stout, a “12-month-aged cheese…double-milled with Irish Stout”; and corned beef briskets ($5.99/lb). Check with the staff for cooking suggestions and receipes.

(310) 333-1900; 760 South Sepulveda Boulevard, El Segundo, CA 90245-4717

For a more detailed list of what’s going on at the regular South Bay haunt’s like Hennessey’s, Sharkeez, and Patrick Molloys, check out this page at South Bay Events.

Have a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Photo Credit: marco

Mediterraneo is located just yards from the Hermosa Beach ocean, but the waves found in this authentic restaurant come straight from the European Seas, bringing to shore the freshest seafood and ingredients.

You don’t have to make a sole decision because the assortment of tapas will satisfy your hunger for variety and allow you to get your fill of this universal spice. These small platters define delicious, and the mixture of cultural dishes include chicken brochettes, a potato omlette, grilled sausage with grapes, bruschetta, seafood salad, caprese, hummus, and baba ghanouch.

Sail into these bright blue waters, where the happy hour tide comes in between the hours of 5pm-7pm, Mondays through Fridays. This current carries half price draft beer, half price red and white house wine, and two for-one-tapas. You don’t want to turn your back to this ocean on Tuesday nights, because the two-for-one tapa deal will keep your finances and appetite afloat until closing.

Experience a coastal phenomenon at Mediterraneo, and get splashed with a multitude of spices and a rippling happy hour!

Mediterraneo

www.mediterraneohb.com
73 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-318-2666

Photo credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/southbayguido/

Every party leprechaun needs to put these establishments on top of their pub crawl agendas so they can click their heals in a lively and affordable tavern. This atmosphere offers a quick trip to Ireland with the great beers, burgers, and sandwiches and authentic meals like Irish nachos (made with potatoes instead of chips), fish and chips, corn beef and cabbage, and flatbread appetizers. The Hermosa Beach location provides the added riches of a large outdoor, dog-friendly patio and a rooftop deck with an extensive coastal view. Go up top for a drink or meal to heighten your enjoyment, and witness the beauty of nature’s wealth.

Hennessey's Roof Top Patio in Hermosa Beach. (Courtesey of hennesseystavern.com)

Regardless of your nationality, you can experience the Irish luck through Hennessey’s happy hours. Their multiple discounted offerings are like an endless field of four leaf clovers, and if you arrive at this green pasture between 4pm-7pm any day of the week, you’ll find the treasure of Early Bird Dinner Selections. This offers either a grilled flat iron steak, Jameson’s pork filet, lemon pepper tilapia, chicken pasta or Salisbury steak for only $10.

This isn’t the only pot of gold to be found.  Every Monday through Friday from 4pm-7pm there are $3.00 shots with the purchase of any drink, domestic draft beer for $2.50, $1.00 off craft and import draft beer, and house wines by the glass.  There’s also a $5.00 CaboRita with Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila, delicious shots for $3.50 made with Tuaca and Bailey’s, and a large pint for $13.00 (with the bonus of keeping the 64oz souvenir glass).

For those who really want to party like the Irish, a late night happy hour is available Sundays through Thursdays from 10pm until closing. And since a tavern would never ignore the biggest party day of the week, you can undergo Martini Madness on Saturdays; from 5pm to close, a martini is included with a dinner entrée. Come and get lucky on Two-Timin Tuesdays, and purchase a breakfast item or burger and get another one free. If you’re feeling exceptionally fortunate, order a Lucky Irish Dinner Entrée on Wednesdays and participate in the coin toss. If it’s in your destiny to win, you won’t pay for that providential meal. And don’t miss out on seasonal and special event good fortunes, such as Easter Sunday where a bottle of champagne and fresh squeezed orange juice is $15.00.

Hennessey's Manhattan Beach.

Hennessey’s Tavern

Manhattan Beach
313 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546-4813

Hermosa Beach
8 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 372-5759

Redondo Beach
1712 S. Catalina Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA 
(310) 540-8443

Sharkeez is a well-known South Bay establishment that attracts the fiercest partiers in the beach cities and greater LA area. Here you can really sink your teeth into a good time and amazing food that is spiced with Hawaiian flare. Once you taste their fish tacos, fajitas, and blackened mahi mahi, you’ll understand why there’s never an open seat on the patio.

This delectable fare won’t only delight your palette, but your finances as well because Sharkeez offers unbeatable deals, along with themed discounts available from open to close. Make your way over to Monday Fajitas, take advantage of Taco Tuesday, weasel into Big Hamburger Wednesday, and taste the wonders of Burrito Thursday.  The daily specials are listed along with happy hour specials on their website.

After feeding time, the sharks get thirsty. There are distinct drink offers each Monday through Thursday, along with two for one beverage specials every Monday through Friday from 3-7pm. Beware; these drinks have a strong bite! But you can numb the pain with a three dollar jello shot served straight up in a syringe, also available every weekday from 3-7pm. If you need extensive healing, you’ll probably want to go for five for $13.

Sharkeez doesn’t neglect the weekends to promote bargains, and between 9am and 10am, you can wake up to two eggs, two strips of bacon, hash browns, and either pancakes or french toast for only $4.25! To sweeten this deal, they throw in an hour of free mimosas, which is also available with any breakfast purchase between 9am and 2pm. And no shark attack would be complete without blood, so make sure to surf over to the bloody mary bar, and indulge in this eye-opening creation for only $7.50!

There’s an ocean of opportunity out there, so dive into the waters at Sharkeez with the coolest and thriftiest sharks in the sea!

Sharkeez Hermosa Beach

http://www.sharkeez.net/hb/home
52 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-0004

Sharkeez Manhattan Beach

http://www.sharkeez.net/mb/home
3801 Highland Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 545-6563

I’m so glad to see so many restaurants and businesses making it easy for us to contribute to the Haitian relief effort by doing what we already do: eat and drink!  Ortega 120 is doing just that and more with great options this weekend.  I’ll have some more info on ways to eat and give next week.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday  if you dine in at Ortega 120 and text a donation, you’ll get 10% off your bill and Oretga 120 will donate 10% of your bill to the American Red Cross.  They also have events and specials all weekend.

• (Friday) Watch the George Clooney MTV Telethon in the Frida Room
• (Saturday) Zerimar and Fritz play live Latin inspired music.  They are a very entertaining and lively guitar duo!
• (Sunday) Happy Hour All Day in the Bar and Frida Room

If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation (which is encouraged) contact the crew at Ortega.

Ortega 120

http://www.ortega120.com

1814 S. PCH
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

The Bluewater Grill is conveniently situated amongst the sails and ripples of Redondo Beach’s King Harbor. The view from this dining establishment paints the ideal picture of a harbor setting, supplying images of the adjacent waves and unique boats. The seafood is fresh from the bordering ocean’s floor, and no matter how it is requested, the chefs prepare it to perfection. Each meal is initiated with warm French bread, and the butter quickly melts over this crunchy and soft loaf. You cannot visit this shoreline attraction without sampling the raw oyster bar, or indulging in a bowl of warm, homemade clam chowder (available in a cream or tomato-based broth). The restaurant houses a large, appropriately decorated bar, and this area of amusement encourages laughter, relaxation, and enjoyment.

The happy hour boat docks every Monday through Friday from 3:30-6:30pm, and it brings to shore delicious food deals and affordable cocktails. During Monday night football games, this boat stays put until the final play has concluded. Various small platters and beverages will be sailing your way, and they can be purchased for either $3, $4, or $5.

The $3 deals include:

• Light draft beers
• Burger slider and fries
• A pair of oyster shooters
• Grilled fish tacos

$4 can get you:

• House wine
• Calamari fritti and cocktail sauce
• Shrimp ceviche lettuce wraps
• Salt and pepper shrimp

And for only $5, you can order:

• Mini steamer pot
• Crab and artichoke dip
• Tenderloin tease

The food will make your tastebuds dance for joy, and the house wine lacks a high price, but does not lack quality! The happy hour ship is docking, so hurry over to the Bluewater Grill, and explore a sea of affordable delights!

Bluewater Grill

www.bluewatergrill.com
665 North Harbor Drive
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Tel: (310) 318-FISH (3474)

Patrick Molloys has a prime location on Hermosa Beach’s pier, and when the South Bay partiers are contemplating where to spend their sunny afternoons (or evenings), this hotspot is bound to pop up for consideration.

The pub is conveniently situated in the middle of Hermosa’s party scene, and for over ten years has been spreading Irish merriment every day and night of the week. Patrick offers an array of weekly activities, and one should keep updated with the calendar of events to enjoy scheduled bar games, live music, talented DJs, and sporting events displayed on 21 high def, flat screen TVs.

The extensive menu satiates the hungry and thirsty party-leprechauns, and features appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a complete line-up of cocktails. Patrick Molloys’ lively atmosphere creates an ideal space to socialize, meet people, cheer for a favorite sports team, and/or dance uncontrollably. The establishment includes an outdoor patio that’s perfect for soaking up the rays, savoring a meal in the open air, and watching the action unfold on the energetic pier.

The day and nighttime partiers can experience genuine Irish fate, and get lucky with Patrick Molloys providential happy hour and endless weekly specials. The standard recession proof happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 3-8pm (half off food and drink specials), but it doesn’t end there.

Pub dwellers can strongly initiate the week with Monday Bar Olympics, and engage in intense bar games such as beer pong or flip cup (while enjoying the recession proof happy all day, along with $6 pitchers and half off jager bombs).

Turn it up Tuesdays provide live music at 10pm and two for one burgers and tacos from open to midnight. The musical experience is further enhanced with $3 drafts, $4 wells drinks, and $5 Redbull vodkas.

Wednesdays bring mid-week delights with half off pizza, select appetizers, whisky, and Heinekens (8pm-close), and a live DJ at 9:30. Hump day is Industry night, and the hard workers of the food service industry are appreciated with $2 select shots and half off jager bombs.

Thursdays are especially thirsty with $3 drafts and $4 well drinks (8pm-close), and a DJ at 10pm. Finally, Fridays celebrate the week’s end with bottle service, V.I.P birthday parties, and a DJ at 10pm.

The weekends bring more exclusive treasures, such as a brunch from 9am-noon, where bottomless mimosas are poured for an hour within ordering a breakfast entrée for just $3. All mimosas are $3, and bloody Mary and screwdriver pitchers are available for $5 (from open-3pm). Patrick will feed the weekend warriors wings (for a special price), $4 pizza, and keep their spirits alive with discounted buckets of beer (3pm-9pm). Saturdays provide a DJ at 10pm, and Sundays prepare the partiers for the coming week with V.I.P guest bartenders, half off jager bombs (8pm-close), and live acoustic music (8pm-close).

Next time you’re deciding which Hermosa hotspot to attend, stop by Patrick Molloys, and experience the Irish revelry and continual happy hour fortunes!

Patrick Molloys

www.patrickmolloys.com
50A Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 798-9762

THEY HAVE MOVED TO A NEW LOCATION AT 5400 W CENTURY BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90045.

Photo Courtesy of Daily Grill

The Daily Grill is a dependable restaurant that supplies satisfying comfort food every day of the week. The versatile food selection includes all the American favorites such as homemade soups, salads, steak, chicken, and seafood, along with hearty meals like mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, and meatloaf. There is even a section of the menu devoted entirely to potatoes, and you can get this starchy vegetable prepared to your liking: fried, steamed, or mashed with garlic (red skin mashed potatoes available).

A unique feature of this dining establishment is their “picnic box” lunches, a take-out option equipped with everything you need to enjoy a tasty and romantic picnic. There is also a fully stocked bar, and a separate bar menu that offers the ideal fare to compliment a cocktail.

The Daily Grill provides affordable cuisine every Monday-Friday from 4-7pm, simultaneously satisfying your taste buds and wallet.  This is one of the most nourishing happy hours in existence; You can feast on a hot dog, hummus and grilled flat bread, BBQ side kicks (meat loaf sandwiched with crispy fried onions), popcorn shrimp, fried calamari, side kicks (mini cheeseburgers with thousand island), mac and cheese, or a chicken quesadilla for only $2.95 each. It doesn’t end there; for an additional dollar you can indulge in spinach artichoke dip with crostini toast, seared ahi sashimi, or chicken pot pie.

You deserve a wholesome and reasonably priced dinner or happy hour after a stressful day.  Satisfy your daily nutritional requirements with a trip to the Daily Grill!

www.dailygrill.com

South Bay
2121 Rosecrans Ave
El Segundo, CA
(310) 524-0700

Los Angeles Intl Airport, CA
380 World Way- Mezzanine
(310) 215-5180