Kagura - Torrance

It took me years to get to Kagura, years of enjoyment lost. They make some of the best katsu in Torrance, and they definitely dominate El Segundo as well. 

Always start with some sort of Filet Katsu - it's their staple, a basic in the best way possible. Perfect panko, comfort-crunch that even a toddler can't resist. 

You can see those fine flakes in this close-up of the Katsu Curry. Add the curry when you're ready and make sure it soaks the rice.  

I rolled the dice on a sliced-beef-something stirfry special, and I don't recommend it at all. Too much puddling of a brown, salt-sauce. The beef itself wasn't bad, but even I could make it better.

Their Uni Pasta is among the best I've had. Every al dente noodle is coated with an even layer of smooth, ocean cream. Sea urchin bits are scattered throughout, and every sweet bite makes a memory. 

Simple and sophisticated, Kagura is all katsu and class. Get a good bento to enjoy your favorite form of fried chicken or pork - their execution is exquisite. 

Birdies - Los Angeles

Seizing a rare opportunity, I get to grab Birdies for lunch. 

The Birdies Original is just a fantastic sandwich. A fried slab of chicken breast is juicy and tender despite the thickness, topped with melted cheddar, pickles, and slaw. 

The original sandwich is strong, but the Nashville Hot Chicken is where it's at. Same glorious fry, and the medium hot has a satisfying spice-paste that burns but doesn't scorch. Same toppings, just a messy, sloppy, chef's kiss.

I got greedy and went for their biggest specialty donuts. Strawberry Shortcake is full of berries and cream, and the donut itself is just a fantastic-tasting fluff. Banana Cream Pie tastes just as pretty; instant love. 

They also gave me a free sample donut so I got to try sugar and icing with a hint of Pistachio while I waited for my food to cook. 

Coffee, donuts, chicken. Say no more, I'm there. And I'll be back too - that hot chicken is kicker, and those donuts are delectable. 

Pinky's Hotbox UPDATE - Torrance

Despite the South Bay's diversity, Nashville hot chicken has been hard to have. Pinky's has no parallel in Torrance/Lomita, and they carry their cuisine quite well. 

Their superbowl special Chick-arron is a stroke of genius. Chicken skin, flash-fried to dissolve on contact, dipped in vinegar-water for a sharp sour that's set to satisfy. 

I get my usual Tenders, mild if I'm playing it safe, medium if I wanna sweat. I do wish there was a heat level more in the middle for the slightly-more-than-mildly adventurous. 

OG Sando is still a sweet sandwich. They make a good fry, and their comeback sauce adds a creamy kick. Bonus points for the buttery brioche bun. 

And I am always a huge fan of their seasoned Fries. 

It's been a few years, and I think Pinky's has found their footing. Quality is consistent, but I detect a little more confidence and swagger as they slowly expand their menu, especially in terms of sandos. I love that they're offering a bit more now, and I'm excited to try new things. 

Aptos Trip - Stairway to Tree Top Haven

This is where we stayed. Painted stairs, and idyllic little cabin, complete with patio and grill. 

We didn’t use any of it…except the hot tub…

Daily. I used the the hot tub daily. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to fully relax…and marathon season 2 of Bridgerton on Netflix while soaking and taking in this view of the redwoods.

And I even got a cat companion. 

Some vacations are relaxing and others are a whirlwind. This one had a bit of both, but it helped us balance our often conflicting check-all-boxes vs anything-goes approach and mostly restored my soul. Though the cabin is a little small, Stairway has been one of the better Airbnb’s I’ve tried. 

Aptos Trip Day 7 - Doppio Zero & Verde Tea Cafe - Mountain View, CA

I really didn't love Mountain View. The vibe was always off, and the food, advertised as among the best, was truly mediocre. Various websites say you must dive into Doppio for the ultimate Italian experience, but I just can't agree with any. The dishes we ordered were the most highly recommended, the most popular of the house, and I was far from impressed.

The Calamari, for starters, was wildly undercooked. The breading barely hung onto these dingy hair-elastics, and there was a prominently unpleasant texture with no detectable taste. 

The Marechiaro was made with squid ink tagliolini, more for aesthetics than taste, as the pasta was a bit too al dente. The tomato water they called a "light" sauce did it no justice, and the scallops were fishy, not too fresh. 

Fettuccine Wild Boar is more likeable, warm shredded meat in a slightly less watery tomato sauce. The meat is good, and the pasta is great, but I don't think this would make any Italians particularly proud. 

The one thing they did correctly was this kiddie Cheese Pizza with Mickey ears and chewy crust. Toddler test and approved, and by far the best thing we ate.

What the actual heck? This is supposed to be one of Mountain View's most popular places, and it's just not good. Terrible at times, especially for the price and the hype. I will not be coming back here - I just don't respect an Italian restaurant that can't cook fried calamari. 

A caffeinated nightcap from Verde Tea Cafe felt like a continuation of a disappointing dinner. The original Pearl Milk Tea is good, but nothing I would come back for, and they got the crystal boba right, but the overall impression is just alright. It's plenty of milk and sugar, but not much real taste to the tea.

Aptos Trip Day 7 - Roux Dat, Soquel, CA

 Lunch is a quick delivery, and I can't resist a name like "Roux Dat". 

They do a decent cajun menu, with a crispy, Spicy Fried Chicken Po'Boy which isn't really spicy. Still, a pretty good chicken sandwich, and I like the po'boy breading.

Went for the 1/2 & 1/2 Roux Dat Stew: Spicy Shrimp & Corn Etouffee and Chicken Gumbo with Okra & Andouille Sausage separated by a wall of white rice. The etouffee is gooey-savory, a nice mix of shrimp and sweet corn. The shrimp taste like they were frozen for a while, and again, not so spicy. The gumbo is equally not memorable, but a bit darker with a darker, meatier essence.

The Corn Bread is the best thing by far, with cajun season clinging to the sides, glued on by melted butter. 

Beignets are super sugared, but they are a bit dense and thick. I figured they wouldn't travel well so I can't fault only the restaurant - they might be better fresh. 

I like it, I don’t love it, and I wouldn’t hate to have more of it, but I also wouldn’t seek it out. I didn’t rue that, but I also wasn’t too impressed. That said, it takes real guts to make a good stew, and I do appreciate their efforts. 

Aptos Trip Day 7 - Pretty Good Advice - Soquel, CA

I was given pretty good advice to check out this beautiful breakfast joint.

Mike's Good Morning Deluxe is a definite, immediate WOW. Chewy ciabatta carries a patty of crispy potato, a hearty fried egg, and creamy avocado encased in aioli, a breakfast sandwich of absolute perfection. 

Their limited-edition Lemon Artichoke Soup sounds irresistible, and it is as sour as it is refreshing. Plenty of acid from the artichoke, enhanced with lots of lemon. It's alright overall, but it was awfully watery, like a hot lemonade. The sandwich is just so much richer. 

 

The Fries are soggy. Sigh.

Wash it all down with a Coconut Caramel Iced Coffee, their special for the day. It's amazing, creamy with just enough sweetness. A well-balanced drink that you can't stop sipping. 

Another place with great potential. Amazing sandwich - I almost ordered another, and a great drink to make your morning right. I wasn't a huge fan of the other items, unfortunately, so I'll have to hit up this place again to see how often they hit...or miss. 

Capitola, CA

A beautiful beach, a view like an Italian village. 

 

Breathtaking and idyllic, it's perfect for avid surfers...and avid relaxers. I believe the little houses of Capitola Village are all for staying and shopping so we didn't end up walking over, but it's a pretty place for a half day or two.

Aptos Trip Day 6 - True Burger - Oakland, CA

Lunch is a big, true burger, and these big beef patties remind me of Shake Shack when they were selling out…before they actually sold out. 

The Trueburger is exactly what you ask for, a patty with whatever. An all-American burger, but not the juiciest patty. 

The True Deluxe, a patty with whatever cheese, topped with a fried portobello. Flawless fry on a fabulous mushroom cap, but together it's a bit too much. The portabello itself would make a better burger, and it wouldn't kill them to season both. 

Great Fries, actually worth mentioning. Freshly fried and crispy, to be consumed by the fistful.

A Chocolate Milkshake, with caramel drizzled in. They have plenty of mixers to choose from, with chocolate or vanilla as the base. All enjoyment, no complaints.

Likable place overall, though the patties could be better. That seems to be the theme at most burger places I've been. 

Lake Merritt - Oakland, CA

After lunch, it's over to Lake Merritt to keep the kids outside. 

And it's gorgeous. The water is the very picture of tranquility, home to so many ducks and seagulls. 

 

Peaceful by the waterside, bustling with hustling vendors and street artists on the other. 

Anything goes on the shores of Lake Merritt, all come and go as they please. If you're looking for a place to just enjoy that you exist, this park would be paradise. 

Aptos Trip Day 6 - Alameda, CA

A sweet stroll through the Grand Alameda Harbor to start the day, catching up with some friends.

Lovely view of the boats and the harbor and the less architectural yacht club, but Izzy saw nothing but Allan…Allan the world’s most patient dog.

Mosley’s Bakery has our coffee and with the we have a sampling of Scones. Cranberry is lovely and crumbly, Lavender is the breeze of a sun-kissed field. Orange is a zesty peel, a fresh ring rather than the juice. 

Scrumptious scones in a pleasing park, now that’s a perfect morning. 

Aptos Trip Day 5 - Santa Cruz, CA

Still stuck on Santa Cruz, we venture back out for a post-nap outing to the boardwalk and the wharf. 

We never make it any farther than Cowell Beach, mostly because there’s no need. 

Pretty cliffs, but I’m all about this rock formation that looks like a nose. 

So I’m good, I’m happy, perfectly pleased with Santa Cruz. Would consider coming back for a longer walk along the boardwalk, but I’m pretty pleased with this evening in the beach. 

Aptos Trip Day 5 - Copal - Santa Cruz, CA

Lunch is on the colorful patio at Copal, a post-pandemic production that brings Oaxaca to Santa Cruz. 

Crispy Molotes crackle and release puffs of steam, unveiling a core of soft potato with whispers of chorizo. The flavors fold together, cooled by jets of creamy guac-grazed salsa. Dip deeply for a spicy, smoky stab. 

Black mole is their brand, and the Tamal en Hoja de Platano is one of the better ways to try it. Firmly-soft masa envelops a tender pork, doused in a river of mole. This one is dark but finishes on a lighter note, more sweetness than earth, more silk than grit. It’s smooth and not entirely overpowering, and I like it well enough. The mole takes center stage, but there must be an homage to the superbly savory side of beans. 

Burrito Mojado contains a basic shredded chicken, cooked well and intertwined with Mexican white rice and lettuce. The ingredients are simple and prepared to perfection, yet they let the mole speak. It’s a beautiful combination, though I do wish for a little more mole. 

Wash it all down with an icy Agua Fresca, either fragrant hibiscus or horchata. 

I can’t say their mole blew my mind, but their salsa game is strong. Even the free stuff they give with the chips has a real bite, and the side with the molotes is something to remember. I haven’t had much Mexican in Santa Cruz, or much of anything, for that matter, but Copal convinced me to try a lot more. 

Aptos Trip Day 5 - Santa Cruz, CA

Starting the day at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, a working marine lab with informative exhibits on fish and fauna. They make good use of the small space, with sensory exhibits that appeal to all ages and genuinely enthusiastic staff who teach you at the touch tanks. 

A blue whale skeleton is definitely worth seeing, 

And the surrounding area is protected for local wildlife. 

Take a stroll out on the cliffs to see the sea…or do some yoga if you’re Izzy…

And grab a breathtaking view of Monterey Bay.