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. 

Guisados - Los Angeles

Tacos. No explanation required.

Try all the tacos. Every single filling is distinctly delicious, and each bit is so drastically different you'll never decide which ones you want more. The Taco Sampler makes this possible, brilliant little three-bite delights served in handmade tortilla.

Tinga is sweet n' sour, Mole Poblano is sweet and earthy. Steak Picado is my favorite, meaty and juicy in a salsa that has some sass. Cochinita Pibil has a sweeter lift, and the shreds of juicy pork taste like they've been braising for days. Don't save this one for last - it burns so good. Chicharron has an interesting texture. There's still some crunch, otherwise it gets slimy and chew in green chile, and I mean that in the funnest way possible. Bistek en Salsa Roja tastes like an old soul, a flavor that cuts nice and deep. 

You will get thirsty, and the Agua Fresca is a must. The cantaloupe tastes like you're drinking straight nectar, and it's hard to stop when you start. 

There's nothing at Guisados that won't impress you, and there's nothing you can't afford. They do all the hard stuff and they do it right. Parking is a pain in this part of town, but walk it off because it's worth it.

Night + Market Sahm - Venice

My first encounter with Night + Market was magic. Silver Lake may not be known for its parking, but even Michelin himself can't deny the Asian powerhouses along their main street. 

My lunch started exactly as I remembered, tender Pork Toro, grill lines busting at the seams, exploding with fatty juices and juicy fat. The chili dip adds the zing, acid to cut the gristle.

There's a lighter Nao Khao Tod, a crispy rice salad, to try. The sweet n' sour is bold, and the crispy ricelets cling to meaty cubes of soured pork.

I don't love the naming of the World-Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich, but it is undeniably delicious. I'm not sure if it's truly world famous, but the deep-fried dark meat is flavorful, and I do love the papaya slaw. The ranch dressing cools the burn and props for making your own.

There's a Pastrami Pad Kee Mao that begs to be tried, and I'm told its a signature dish. The noodles are great, and the components of the dish are made well, but the flavor profile is quite bizarre for me. I don't see these items going together, but I can still see a plate a like this being the best thing a drunk could eat or an instant cure for hangover. 

An enjoyable lunch for sure and far closer than Thai Town if you're craving the sweet and extremely spicy. Unlike most of Venice, the food here can be stimulating, and the menu won't wreck your wallet.