Gelson's - Manhattan Beach

Mardi Gras is for the partiers, and I've long since left that behind. 

But the Crawfish Boil is for everyone, and Gelson's will give to two for a measly $25. Just pour on the seafood broth and spread the garlic butter around. Pop it into your preheated oven and in 15 minutes, you get a bona fide boil. 

The crawfish are okay - a bit salty but not bad. The shrimp are juicy and just perfect, and there’s nothing to peel. They do well with the veggies too: the corn sits in the sauce, and it’s a mix of sweet and savory. Slices of sausage add their savor, soaking into potato, carrots, and long green beans. 

This is the first time I’ve been to a Gelson’s food counter, and I’ll be coming back to try the others.