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!

Chefs Brooke Williamson and Nick Robert – the cute couple behind Redondo Beach’s Hudson House – are making serious cocktails a priority at the Tripel where the liquor license doesn’t allow for the hard stuff.

Bellying up to the bar at 333 Culver Blvd, also known as The Tripel.

With 14 craft beers on tap at any given time and an even longer list of beers in bottles and cans, they have plenty of ammo to get creative with beer-based cocktails. Seasonal ingredients inspire the creations so expect something different with each visit.

Here are a few of the beer cocktails* the South Bay Foodies tried during a visit to this cozy establishment that’s one part pub, one part wine bar.

• Holiday Spice Cake ($8): Scaldis Noel – a Belgian-style holiday ale – brings the taste of winter to this cocktail that adds ginger beer and bitters for a smooth, easy drinking finish. The orange peel garnish is like icing on the cake.

Holiday Spicce Cake, but drinkable.

• Sour Grapes ($10): If you’re a fan of sour beers, this is one to try. Those who are prone to pucker might want to steer clear of this blend of Madeira sour beer and Luxardo maraschino liquer.

Sour Grapes for the initiated.

• Bavarian Pear ($8): This cloudy, golden cocktail leans heavily on the pear side of its name for a crispy drink that’s perfect for winter. Hefeweizen, pear cider, and pear puree are the ingredients that bring this beverage to life. Imagine the foamy head is a blanket of wind driven snow and you might be reaching for your skis after the first sip.

Bavarian Pear, the golden child.

But the journey dosen’t end here. I would be amiss if I didn’t mention the lovely food that was paired with these beverages. You’ll find that by following this link to The Los Angeles Beat. I have to give a shout out to The Beat for putting me into the position to visit The Tripel and provide you with this review.

• The Tripel
  http://thetripel.com
  333 Culver Blvd, Playa Del Rey

* 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.

Two levels of all you can eat holiday specials at Gyu Kaku Torrance including unlimited Champagne and Sake.

The Yume package ($19.95/person) gets you the unlimited champagne, hot or cold sake, and an AYCE selection from 13 items on the menu include kalbi chuck, spicy pork, soup, salad, and veggies.

For the high rollers, the Prime package ($39.95/person) gets everything from the Yume but also adds Kobe beef, filet mignon, shrimp, miso butterfish and more.

Just remember, Gyu Kaku BBQ is table-top-cooking. You order the meats and veggies, they bring them to your table, and you cook them to your liking. It’s a fun, interactive experience. Oh, and no dishes to wash!

• AYCE Holiday Specials at Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ, Torrance, December 24 and 25
  http://www.gyu-kaku.com
  24631 Crenshaw Blvd.
  Torrance, CA 90505

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

The South Bay Small Business Hour is an internet radio show hosted by Joe Terry. The show is broadcast live Monday through Friday at 7 AM.

On Thursdays, Joe is joined by Jackie Balestra, author of the lifestyle website South Bay by Jackie.  The two interview small business owners in the South Bay or discuss topics of interest.

Having heard the show a few times before, I was thrilled when Jackie asked me to join them to discuss a topic near and dear to my heart: South Bay Food!

The result was a great conversation between me, Joe, and Jackie.  Each of us gave some of our favorite places to go for breakfast, Chinese food, and more.

Below is a player that will let you access the show right from here. Follow this link to hear this episode on the Blog Talk Talk Radio website. Or follow this link to download it as an MP3. (Note: The audio for the show starts about 20 seconds in. Be patient!)

To help you follow along, I compiled this list of most of the restaurants we mention in the show. Entries are listed in the order they are mentioned.

Have you been to one of the places we mentioned or do you have a recommendation you’d like to share? Leave a comment and let us know!

On the Patio of Martha's 22nd St Grill in Hermosa Beach.

BREAKFAST

• Uncle Bills Pancake House, Manhattan Beach, http://www.unclebills.net
• Martha’s On 22nd St, Hermosa Beach, http://www.yelp.com/biz/marthas-22nd-street-grill-hermosa-beach
• Hennessy’s, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, http://www.hennesseystavern.com/mahattan_beach.html
• The Pancake House, Redondo Beach, http://www.originalpancakehouse.com
• Eat at Joes, Redondo Beach, http://www.originaleatatjoes.com/AboutUs.html

BRUNCH

• Sharkeez, Manhattan Beach, http://sharkeez.net
• Chez Melange, Redondo Beach, http://chezmelange.com
• BALEEN At Portofino Hotel And Yacht Club, Redondo Beach, http://www.hotelportofino.com
• Nelsons at Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes, http://www.terranea.com/palos-verdes-restaurant.php
• Manhattan Beach Marriott, Manhattan Beach, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/laxmn-manhattan-beach-marriott

BURGERS

• In N Out, All Over, http://www.in-n-out.com
• 1321 Downtown Taproom Bistro, Torrance, http://www.1321downtown.com
• The Bullpen, Redondo Beach, http://thebullpenredondo.com
• The Counter, Various, http://www.thecounterburger.com
• The Habit, Various, http://www.habitburger.com
• Stacked, Del Amo Mall Torrance, http://stacked.com

CHINESE

• PF Chang’s, various, http://www.pfchangs.com
• W’s China Bistro, Redondo Beach, http://www.wschinabistro.com
• Stir Fry Grill, Manhattan Beach, http://www.yelp.com/biz/stir-fry-grill-manhattan-beach

BARBECUE

• Johnny Memphis’ Smokehouse BBQ (Was Joey’s Smokin BBQ), Manhattan Beach, http://jmsbbq.com
• Lucille’s, Various, http://lucillesbbq.com
• American Farmhouse Tavern and Dining Hall, Manhattan Beach, http://www.americanfarmhousetavern.com
• Baby Blues, Venice, http://www.babybluesvenice.com
• Pinkies, Hermosa Beach, http://www.pinkiesbbq.com
• Sophie’s Place, Redondo Beach, http://www.mysophiesplace.com

Food Truck Stops

• South Bay Din Din A Go Go, Various, http://www.facebook.com/SouthBayDinDinAGoGo
• ADM Eat Fleet, El Segundo, www.automobiledrivingmuseum.org

Mexican

• Ortega 120, Redondo Beach, http://www.ortega120.com
• Riviera Mexican Grill, Redondo Beach, http://www.rivieramexicangrill.com

Sushi

• Taiko, El Segundo, http://www.yelp.com/biz/taiko-restaurant-el-segundo
• Oki Doki Sushi, Hermosa Beach, http://www.yelp.com/biz/oki-doki-sushi-hermosa-beach
• Fusion Sushi, Manhattan Beach/Long Beach, http://www.fusionsushi.com
• Sushi Sei, Hermosa Beach, http://www.sushiseihb.com
• GuGu Sushi, Hermosa Beach, http://www.gugusushi.com

From the time we arrived to the moment we finished our lunch, the kids had been eager to get to the bakery counter and pick something for dessert. I wouldn’t be surprised if having you walk by their cakes, pies, and pastries as you get seated for your meal is a part of the business plan for the restaurant!

When our server, Lani – who was fabulous, by the way; ask for her if you go! – asked us if we were ready for dessert, there was no hesitation. The resounding cry was “YES!”

A dizzying display of cakes, pies, and pastries had the kids mesmerized like, well, kids in a bakery store.

She first presented us with the dessert tray but the kids didn’t seem impressed. They wanted something out of the case up front. Lani escorted us over and the kids picked out a cupcake, a donut, and a few chocolate covered strawberries. My opinion of their choices? Lame!

I’m sure the cupcake, donut, and chocolate covered strawberries were delicious, but I wasn’t about to settle for everyday fare when there were classic Hawaiian desserts to be had.

Macadamia Nut Cream Pie. The recipe calls for nuts, cream, and more nuts. That's my kind of pie.

I couldn’t resist the creamy, nutty Macadamia Nut Cream Pie and picked that right away. From the menu, this pie is “Bavarian cream with macadamia nuts topped with whipped cream and macadamia nuts.” You can see how my choice was an easy one.

• 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.

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

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!