Affordable Thai for Dinner at Siam I Am, Redondo Beach

Finding affordable, well made Thai food for dinner in Los Angeles can be difficult. Not for a lack of options. On the contrary, there may be far too many places to choose from. A few stand out, though, and rise above the competition. Siam I Am is one of those restaurants.

In this review, I’ll share the dishes selected for my family of four and how we came out with a bill for less than $10 per person.

Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese for “Big Kids” at Panera

One of the first menus that come to mind when thinking about winter foods is a crispy, grilled cheese sandwich paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup.  Panera puts a grown-up spin on both with their Vegetarian Tomato Soup and Big Kids Grilled Cheese sandwich.

Making Tamales, Ortega 120 Style

If it’s December, it’s tamale season.  A close friend of my wife and I gave us an early Christmas present; a “Tamales 101” cooking class at Ortega 120 in Redondo Beach.  Read on for the adventure…

Salads and Signature Beverages at Lemonade, Manhattan Beach

I was first introduced to the cafeteria style offerings of Lemonade during Taste of Abbot Kenney a couple years ago. I had no clue at the time, but was soon swept away by their puckeringly tangy lemonade and expertly made salads and proteins. I’m so happy they’re in Manhattan Beach!

Top Chef and New Menu Items at Hudson House, Redondo Beach

Hudson House is an unassuming, cozy little gastropub on Pacific Coast Highway not far from the Redondo Beach harbor area. On any given night you can find regulars and newcomers sharing tables in the small dining room, ordering from a menu crafted by of a Top Chef.  Recently, I stopped by Hudson House to find out what was new on the menu. Spoiler alert: the drinks, appetizers, and dessert are highly recommended.

Fattening Up for Foie-mageddon: South Bay Foie Gras Menus

This week, restaurants all over California will be prepping their foie gras specialties for the last time. If you’re rushing out to catch a sample or two, don’t think you have to go too far; there are plenty of shops in the South Bay with your fix on their menu.