Maccheroni Republic - Los Angeles

Guys...I’ve hit a new low. 

I stole food from a pregnant woman. A very pregnant woman. Like undeniably, you would run to open the door and give her your seat on the bus pregnant. I ate at least five extra bites of her pasta. 

It was the Bianchi & Neri, ropy noodles in white and ink. I don't know what this cream sauce is, but it's good enough to drink. It has savory notes that cut deep and linger, the pancetta and mushrooms like crack to the taste buds. The giant shrimp are tender and fresh, but this sauce can be a standalone. 

I played it safe with Spaghetti and pesto. Gooey bits of nutty basil encase each strand with cool comfort. The pasta is perfect, as is everything on this plate.

Time for dessert. Eat the one that melts the fastest. Swirls of Strawberry and Vanilla Gelato highlight tangy summer fruit and cold sweetness.

The Crema di Vaniglai is all sorts of indulgence, a thick and creamy custard that balances dark and light with chocolate and caramel half n' half. 

I love this place. Fantastic pasta, homey comfort food, perfect for a casual lunch or lingering dinner. They nail the staples, but they get creative too. A friend once told me he has yet to find good Italian in LA. He clearly hasn't been to Maccheroni Republic yet.

Szechuan Chinese Restaurant - Lomita

DIM SUM. I’d given up on finding something decent in the South Bay but this will do.

The carts cover a lot of ground in this multi-sectional space, but we never had to do without, and there was always someone asking about something so it seems like they’ve got a pretty good groove. 

We're seated quickly, and it looks like they have all my favorites. The Shrimp Rice Noodles are the first to arrive. The rice noodle is chewy, and the shrimp are fresh enough. 

The Shrimp Hargow fall apart, but the filling is a generous shrimp-ball. The Shrimp and Pork Shumai are juicy, and the Shrimp and Scallop Dumplings aren't bad - I've had these done well maybe once, and these are okay. 

The Turnip Cake does have some chunks, and though it's hardly Tim Ho Wan, these are better than edible. 

The Beef Tripe is terrible. Too much pepper and no other flavors to speak of, and they make it rubbery and dry. The Tofu Skin Rolls are some of the better ones I've had, with a chewy wrapper and a nice mix of veggies inside. 

The Pineapple Buns are filled with egg custard, and they do the crust just right. A good note to end on, though I wish I still had room for sesame balls. 

It's not the best, but it'll do. Prices are reasonable and quality is overall quite good. Everything tastes freshly made, and tripe aside, it really hits the spot if you have the craving. There are a few other places nearby to try, but I'd rather go here on a weekend than Lomita. 

The Arthur J - Manhattan Beach

I've always had mixed feelings about DineLA. On the one hand, it makes culinary powerhouses an affordable indulgence. On the other hand, you often get what you pay for and you get a "special" menu where they skimp on the ingredients to remind you that you're still unworthy.

The Arthur J isn't that. They're the "wow, I can't believe I get this much for a price this reasonable." Don't tell them, but for this quality, their DineLA menu is a steal at $99.

The Japanese Hamachi is topped with pink slices so sweet, they must have come right out of the water. Stone fruit softens the fish and brings out the sweetness. They even include some shrimp chips, my childhood in a crisp.

Cold to hot, a palate-warmer to a bowl of comfort. The Farro Risotto has a more assertive texture, more supple and firm compared to regular rice. The truffle permeates the decadent mix of mushrooms and gooey cheese.

They're generous with their steak. 16 ounces of Angus Rib Eye is substantial, and it's almost two fingers thick of juicy, buttery, marbled meaty fat. Buttered blue crab adds surf to my turf, and the briny ocean-sting lightens up the 16 ounces of pure meat. 

A side of Creamed Spinach tastes fresh and perfect, and the crunch of tobacco onions adds to the intrigue. They weren't kidding about the Butter Laden Mashed Potatoes. They're so saturated the butter skims out on top, a glistening puddle of no regrets. 

Giant slices of Chocolate Devil's Food Cake are almost the size of a steak. The icing is rich, the layers of cake are super moist, and you get to lick chocolate mousse off a beater.

Lovely presentation, prime ingredients, an intimate dining experience in the heart of Manhattan Beach. For South Bay steakhouses, the selection is slim pickings, but The Arthur J can hold its own against most of what Santa Monica and LA can boast. I don't do steak too often, but I'll sleep better knowing I can count on The Arthur J to deliver. 

Gjusta - Venice

You think you're getting a light meal but be prepared. Portions are made for sharing, and there isn't a single item in those display cases that doesn't look fresh and amazing. 

I had to skip the cured meats and cheese, but I recommend you give them a try. Beet Salad will have to do. It looks like an app and salads like a side, but they're incredibly dense. The endives lighten it up a little bit, but the cream keeps it rich. 

Can't have the cured fish, but their grilled Salmon is the most amazing piece of cooked fish I've ever tasted. The fat melts between the flakes, and each bit is melt-in-your-mouth butter. The herbs are heavy with dill and the flavor combination is dazzling. 

The Gnocchi is all about comfort food, a gooey cream sauce encasing the softest little potato smiles. Chanterelles are so juicy, and the white wine and parmesan sauce has some garlic to make it pop.

I wish I could have tried more, and I've heard their roasted chicken is a must. Parking is a nightmare so if you live close enough, I imagine it tastes better on a couch with a side of Stranger Things. I'll be back someday soon, but only when I have time to search for street parking.