Dave's Hot Chicken - Torrance

Finally, a proper Nashville hot chicken vendor without the wait for Howlin' Ray's. Dave's serves up some real spice in arguably one of the South Bay's best sandwiches.

Skip the sandwich and get the Tender with Fries if you so desire. Slather on the special sauce, enjoy the fresh fries, and don't touch your eyes. 

But I would never skip the sandwich. these "Sliders" are full size sandwiches, and the fried chicken inside is crunchin' cracklin' comfort. Medium won't burn you much, but hot will start to sear. Still, there's something about this combo of pickles, sauce, and slaw that makes you keep eating in ecstasy. 

This seemingly simple sandwich has seared its way into my memory, and all I want is more. Their spice paste is full of heat but also full of flavor, and they maintain a golden ratio of seasoning to spice. It's so hard to find good yet affordable food these days, and I'm beyond thrilled a branch of Dave's finally opened near me!

Le Pain du Jour - Hawthorne

A few counter-cases holding a few croissants. Grab them before they're gone!

A regular croissant is a fluffy, chewy perfection, but wow, that guava cream cheese does pop! Blueberry cream cheese is a close runner-up, and there's churro cream cheese too if you're not feeling the fruit. 

There's also a savory selection, and other sweets as well, but if my 9:30 AM visit is any indication, they sell out of everything fast. So snag a few pastries to go with your coffee. You won't find better quality on this side of the 405. 

Sweet Red Peach - Inglewood

The photos are ugly, and the taste is anything but. Step into Sweet Red Peach if you want your cake or cobbler without the side of nonsense. The prices are reasonable, the flavors are fun, and it's never a bad time to grab a slice. 

The 7-Up Pound Cake is their signature. Love that lemon-lime lilt to the icing on this soft and sweet slice of pound cake. 

I don't know if I prefer the Peach Cobbler or the Cake - the cinnamon cake does add more substance. 

as the cobbler is like a cinnamon soup, full of peaches waiting to be scooped. 

The Butter Pecan Pound Cake is another good one, but there's a mildly alcoholic aftertaste, which I attributed to the vodka in vanilla. The Sock it to Me is a smooth, sweet, simple slice of cinnamon, sugar, and pecan. Both are covered in a thick layer of icing. Great icing, but not necessary - the cakes are perfect the way they are. 

I don't know if I loved it, but I sure did like it. Lots of fun to be had with their impressive selection of slices, and I imagine their cookies and cupcakes are also great. Would definitely consider them for my next birthday cake, though I'd probably rather try something new.