Everyone knows there is no such thing as a “best” breakfast, “best” hamburger or “best” surf shop, anymore than there is a best foreign film, best city to live in, or best upcoming jazz concert by a Japanese saxophone player performing Brazilian music with a Hermosa Beach piano player (won this year by pianist David Benoit and saxophonist Sadao Watanabe for their Saturday, March 22 concert at the Norris Pavilion in Palos Verdes).

Nevertheless, the urge to recognize “the best” is universal. Best of competitions satisfy people’s need to express their appreciation to those whose extra effort makes life a little bit richer than it would be otherwise.

“Best ofs” are a way to say “good job” to the Mexican restaurant with the fresh guacamole, and the surf shop that sells little grommets the boards they need, which may not be the potato chip-thin board they want.

As evidence of just how impossible it is to identify something as basic as the “best” Mexican restaurant, readers nominated over 50 different choices, ranging from Pancho’s, the oldest in Manhattan Beach, to El Gringo, Manhattan’s newest.

Over 50 nominees were also received in the “Best Breakfast” category, ranging from neighborhood hangouts like Backburner to national franchises like IHOP.

Again, this year Hermosawave.net hosted the Easy Reader Best Of polling site to make balloting easier for readers. It also made counting the nearly 100 categories on the thousands of ballots a manageable job. And, not incidentally, Website polling put a check on ballot stuffing. For their work, www.Hermosawave.net/  earned the Easy Reader staff’s vote for Best Local Website.

The thousands of local businesses nominated in this year’s Best of balloting is a tribute not only to the winners but to all the nominees whose 110 percent effort makes the South Bay the Best Place in the World to Live (as determined by an impartial survey of South Bay elected officials). – Kevin Cody, editor

The Easy Reader – March 3, 2005

Best Restaurants, Part 1

Best American

Rocky Cola Café - The décor here is classic '50s kitsch, the America of cars with big tailfins, guys with greased hair, and the saxophonist as the king of rock.

Those simpler days make for a great theme, but the menu is a bit more nuanced. Sure, you can get a good burger with hand-cut fries, a BLT, or some barbecue, but there are a lot more options like pastas, ostrich burgers, and fresh juice blends.

Who in the '50s had a low carb menu? Back then, a carb was something under the hood of your Chevy. Our readers obviously like to top off their tank with Rocky Cola’s food before they ride out on the open road.
Rocky Cola Café, 1025 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa 798-3111; 1511 S. PCH Redondo Beach 316-1047

Runner-up: Mermaid, 11 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 374-9344

Best chain Bagel Shop

Noah’s - Plenty of people don’t order bagels at Noah’s –- they’re lured in by the muffins, coffee cake, salads, or just the freshly brewed coffee. Nevertheless, Noah’s built a reputation on bagels, and they’re darn good.

You can choose from over 20 different kinds and a variety of shmears – which means spreads, for those whose Yiddish is a bit rusty. You could make a hobby of trying every shmear on every bagel, just to see if the sun-dried tomato and basil shmear really does complement, say, a blueberry bagel. With this many possible combinations, there are always new taste sensations to experience. Or you could relax with an old favorite like a plain bagel with lox and cream cheese, and leave innovation to the daring.
Noah’s Bagels, 330 Manhattan Bch. Blvd., Manhattan Beach 937-2206; 2231 Rosecrans, El Segundo 725-9160

Runner-up: Western Bagel, 403 N. Pac. Coast. Hwy., Redondo 318-9686

Best independent Bagel Shop

Manhattan Bread & Bagel -  Some residents of Manhattan Beach can remember when the town was a bagel-free zone – bagels were something people from New York reminisced about. Manhattan Beach is now a destination for bagel lovers thanks to Manhattan Bread & Bagel, the bustling bakery that serves them up by the hundred every day.

The New York favorites are here, but so are Californian versions containing cheese, jalapenos, and all sorts of things they didn’t have in the Old Country. Add in the sandwich selection and you have everything you could possibly want in a chewy, fresh bagel.
Manhattan Bread & Bagel, 1808 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach 546-9091

Runner-up: Blue Butterfly, 135 Main St., El Segundo 640-7687

Best Bakery

Becker’s - The South Bay’s perennial favorite in the bakery category hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1942, and that’s fine with local residents.

The wedding and birthday cakes are still beautifully and personally decorated in a way that grocery store cakes can never hope to match, and they taste like the ones Grandma used to make before she took up yoga and skydiving and stopped spending so much time in the kitchen. For those cakes, the cookies, and of course the famous squaw bread, Becker’s is poised to make the next 50 years as good as the first.
Becker’s, 1025 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 372-3214

Runner-up: Torrance Bakery, 1341 El Prado Ave., Torrance 320-2722

Best Barbecue

Lucille’s - Skeptics wondered if a chain restaurant could possibly turn out consistently good Texas barbecue, a style of cooking that requires long cooking times and patience.

Lucille’s passes with flying colors, and has won our readers’ applause for smoky meats with deeply flavorful, spicy sauces. The family-style meals are a notably good deal, though you should remember that the one which is supposed to feed eight regularly sends parties of ten home with leftovers.
Lucille’s, 21420 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance 370-7427

Runner-up: Chicago for Ribs, 6300 S. Pac. Cst. Hwy., Redondo Beach, 316-7427

Best Breakfast

Good Stuff – With the recent opening of the Good Stuff on Grand Avenue in El Segundo, no South Bay resident needs to go more than two miles to enjoy a spicy ground turkey scramble, chili verde breakfast burrito, or Island breakfast of grilled mahi-mahi, eggs, and rice.

The quality at the new location is just as high as at the other three, though the view of the beach is inferior to the one at Manhattan and Hermosa. Our readers are more interested in the view of their plate, and they’re as happy as ever with what they find there.

Good Stuff, 1286 The Strand, Hermosa 374-2334; 1300 Highland Ave., Manhattan 545-4775; 1617 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo 316-0262; 131 Grand Ave., El Segundo 647-9997

Runner-up: Eat at Joe’s, 400 N. Pac. Cst. Hwy., Redondo Beach, 376-9570

Best Cajun

Ragin’ Cajun - Stephen Domingue and his crew at the Ragin’ Cajun have probably inspired more trips to Louisiana than any other institution besides Mardi Gras.

Who wouldn’t want to go to a place where people dine this well every day while listening to the best and liveliest music America has produced? Hermosa’s little outpost of Acadiana takes the prize again, and it is well deserved.
Ragin’ Cajun, 422 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 376-7878

Runner-up: New Orleans, 140 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-8970

Best Caterer

Critic’s Choice - In over 20 years of catering, Critic’s Choice has done events as small as family dinners and as large as company picnics for over a thousand.

They have surmounted problems like the socially awkward situation when a bride and groom called off their wedding only two hours before it was supposed to occur, leaving stunned guests to mill around aimlessly.

It is a testament to the quality of the food that people still stayed to eat – in fact, the groomsmen partied for hours. If Critic’s Choice can impress guests under those circumstances, imagine how well they’ll do when the worst thing that can happen is someone spilling red wine on a white blouse.
Critic’s Choice, 545-1144, www.criticschoicecatering.com/

Runner-up: New York Food Co., 2320 Alaska Ave., El Segundo 643-6151

Best Chicken

Chicken Dijon - The whole world loves to eat the bird that originated in Southeast Asia, but is grilled, baked, boiled, fried, and otherwise cooked in a thousand ways.

The rotisserie produces a particularly crisp skin and concentrated flavor, both of which are in evidence at Chicken Dijon. The juicy, tender chicken is well complemented by the smooth homemade garlic sauce, pita bread, or a generous helping of one of the salads and sides. Chicken Dijon has been serving rotisseried birds since 1993, and they’re the best at what they do in our little corner of the world.
Chicken Dijon, 2515 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach 370-6010

Runner-up: El Pollo Inka, 23705 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance 373-0062; 1100 Pac. Cst. Hwy. Hermosa 372-1433

The Easy Reader – March 3, 2005

Best Restaurants, Part 2

Best Chinese

PF Chang’s - China is a culinary world of its own, a place where a vast variety of ideas have been refined for thousands of years. That said, the period of greatest change in Chinese cuisine is the past few decades, when ideas from all over the country have been blended into something new and exciting.

The PF Chang’s chain has been particularly successful, serving both traditional favorites and original items inspired by Chinese ingredients and cooking styles. You can’t get anything exactly like the sockeye salmon salad or banana spring rolls anywhere in China, but they’re prepared in a style which is instantly recognizable as Chinese. It adds up to a thoughtfully designed and interesting take on Chinese food, one our readers obviously appreciate.
PF Chang’s, 2401 Rosecrans, El Segundo 607-9062

Runner-up: Bobo’s, 934 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 372-8559

Best independent Coffeehouse

Java Man - The atmosphere at Java Man is so funky, literary, and interesting that we have occasionally speculated that the place was airlifted in from a college town while we weren’t looking.

(Either that, or Hermosa Beach opened a university while we were distracted by something more important, like a beach volleyball game.)

Either way, the vibe attracts an interesting and varied crowd that values the lively scene, organic baked goods, and freshly brewed coffee.
Java Man, 157 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 379-7209

Runner-up: Coffee Cartel, 916 Manhattan Ave., MB; 1820 S. Catalina Redondo 318-9029

Best chain Coffeehouse

Starbuck’s - Wherever Captain Ahab’s first mate is, he must be proud. The coffee chain named after the java-swilling sailor is one of the most profitable and popular businesses on Earth, and In the South Bay too.

We were going to try to calculate how many thousands of gallons of coffee they sell around the world, but we gave up. We can’t even calculate how many thousands of gallons of coffee the staff at this paper drinks every year, so such higher math is beyond us.
Starbuck’s, How should this be listed

Runner-up: Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Best Doorman

Bob Lebraun at Café Boogaloo - From the beginning ten years ago, Bob Lebraun has been a Hermosa Avenue staple seated outside Café Boogaloo’s door with a top hat and a smile. Manager Hector Farfan says, “We never have any trouble when he’s at the helm.

He’s very diplomatic.” With the physique of a mountain it seems his appearance is diplomacy personified. -- DL
Café Boogaloo, 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, 318-2324

Runner-up: Tom at Northend, 2626 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 379-5379

Best English

Underground - There are some people who really don’t understand the attraction of English food, the way it can be deeply satisfying despite an utterly un-Californian attitude toward things like fried food and long-cooked vegetables.

Go to Underground and sample a Lancashire hot-pot or some fish and chips, preferably with a pint or three of real ale or cider, and things will become clear.

This is comfort food, and there’s nothing quite so comfortable as a good pub. Underground is a very good pub conveniently located in Hermosa Beach, and our readers have once again named it as their favorite outpost of all things Britannic.

Underground, 1332 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 318-3818

Runner-up: Whale and Ale, 327 West 7th Street, San Pedro 832-0363

Best French

Café Pierre - French restaurants in California are often about a philosophy of cooking rather than a specific recipe followed or ingredient used.

The same is true in France, as culinary adventurers follow traditions while still leaving plenty of room for creativity. Café Pierre is French in spirit and ownership and Californian in fearless experimentation.

Owner Guy Gabriele adds Northern Italian robustness and Southern Hemisphere ingredients into the mix, and our readers agree that his cuisine fits our dreams of France.
Café Pierre, 317 Manhattan Bch. Blvd., Manhattan Beach 545-5252

Runner-up: Aimee, 800 S. Pac. Cst. Hwy., Redondo Beach, 316-1081

Best Fusion

Sun & Moon Café - Chef Hiro Dang’s cuisine owes a lot to Vietnamese and Japanese ideas, which isn’t surprising – after all, that’s his heritage. Since his career in Japan on the Iron Chef TV show, he has been famous for unifying the very different cuisines of North and South Asia.

Sometimes this means bold flavors in sushi, sometimes an uncommon delicacy and attention to presentation in Vietnamese dishes. Often both traditions are a springboard for excursions into new territory; Hiro claims to have gotten at least one of his ideas in a dream.

Whatever the inspiration, his ideas excite our readers from all different cultures into a fusion of admiration.
Sun & Moon Café, 1131 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 802-8855

Runner-up: Michi, 903 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 376-0613

Best German/Central European

Alpine Village Inn - German food seems to be comfort food even to people who didn’t grow up with it – it’s all about the simple richness of flavor, of meats roasted, smoked, stewed, or fried into crisp schnitzels, vegetables and fish pickled or fresh served with tangy sauces.

Alpine Village is the place where the South Bay goes for Northern European food, washed down with beer brewed to their own recipe. The live bands and dancing in the huge beer hall make a meal into something rare, a chance to enjoy a lively and joyous celebration of culture right in our own backyard.
Alpine Village Inn, 833 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance 327-4384

Runner-up: Czech Point, 1981 Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach 374-7791

Best Greek

Daphne’s - The ancient Greeks developed not merely the art of rational thought and the practice of democracy, but also some of the finest fast food in the world. While interest in the first two may be declining in America, Greek fast food is becoming ever more popular.

Daphne’s serves very good gyros, souvlaki, Greek salads, and roast chicken as well as less common items like the grilled sausage known as loukakia. It should be noted that they also have one of the best vegetarian platters anywhere – if you don’t eat meat or just crave a great healthy meal, this is the place to go.
Daphne’s, 2700 Marine Ave., Redondo Beach 676-9165; 25362 Crenshaw Blvd. 534-8383

Runner-up: Papadakis Taverna, 301 W. Sixth St., San Pedro 548-1186

The Easy Reader – March 3, 2005       

Best Restaurants, Part 3

Best independent Hamburger

Suzy’s - If you have been thinking of Suzy’s primarily as a place to see great live music and haven’t tried the food, you’re missing something wonderful. Suzy’s serves one of the great lunch deals of the South Bay, a handmade burger that is huge, juicy, and only seven bucks with chips and a pickle.

If you need a reminder about why American fast food has become popular all over the world, this should do the trick. The burger is served at dinner, too, which may be a mistake on the part of the management, as it’s so good it may distract you from the band.
Suzy’s, 1141 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach 379-0082

Runner-up: Hennessey’s, 8 Pier Ave., Hermosa 372-5759, 313 MBB, Manhattan 546-4813, 1712 S. Catalina Redondo 540-8443

Best chain Hamburger

In-N-Out - The In & Out chain has a loyalty level that verges on a cult, including the obligatory secret language. (If you don’t know what I’m talking about here, ask someone in the know about the secret menu – yes, there is one.)

People who have been out of California for a while have been known to take a taxi straight from he airport to one of their locations. What’s the fuss about? In and Out makes only hamburgers, fries, and shakes, so they have to be very good at all three. The ingredients are always fresh, and yes, you can taste the difference. You get a great burger and the secure feeling of belonging to a secret society, all for one low price.
In-N-Out

Runner-up: Fat Burger ??? How should these be listed?

Best chain Ice Cream Parlor

Coldstone - People who appreciate ritual deserve their own ice cream store, and they have it in Coldstone Creamery. The people behind the counter start with humble ingredients – well OK, freshly made ice cream isn’t exactly humble, but work with me here.

The ice cream is laid out on an altar-like granite slab, and then your choice of dozens of ingredients is crushed and merged to create something new and unique. The whole thing is accomplished with a seriousness that is rare in the frivolous world of ice cream parlors, and the result has been compared by some to a religious experience.
Coldstone Creamery, 1223 Hermosa Ave. Hermosa Beach 318-8775

Runner-up: Baskin-Robbins ???
 

Best independent Ice Cream Parlor

Paradise Creamery - You can tell the taste of ice cream from Paradise Creamery in a blind tasting because they specialize in gelato, a low-fat, soft style that comes from Northern Italy. Health issues aside, the reason to go here is really the flavor, or rather, flavors since there are plenty of them.

The light, fresh gelato style seems to magnify the fruitiness of the fruit flavors, and if you want a bit more decadence with your dessert you can always add nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or something else from the topping bar.
Paradise Creamery, 1012 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 379-3222

Runner-up: Manhattan Beach Creamery, 1120 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 372-1155

Best Indian

Akbar- The South Bay location of Akbar has been in business less than a year, and it has already won a space in our reader’s hearts. The food here is Moghul style, the royal cooking of Northern India, which has a rich spiciness and wide variety.

Many items have the rich smokiness imparted by the tandoor oven, including the famous tandoori sea bass. Akbar is a little more ambitious than the typical South Bay Indian restaurant, with many exotic items and a wine list to complement them all.
Akbar, 1101 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach 937-3800

Runner-up: Addi’s, 800 Torrance Blvd., Redondo Beach, 540-1616

Best Italian

Mama D’s - Here’s hoping that the new owners of Mama D’s don’t change the recipes, because our readers really like the place the way it is.

They’ve voted this place the best Italian restaurant in the South Bay many times, and they’ve voted with their dollars too, keeping the place packed. For great pizzas and pastas in a lively family atmosphere, Mama D’s has been impossible to beat.
Mama D’s, 1125 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach 546-1492

Runner-up: Buona Vita, 439 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-2233

Best Japanese

Sushi Sei - Sushi Sei is the oldest Japanese restaurant in Hermosa, having outlasted all competitors since 1987.

Owner Jojo and his staff therefore have the best claim to predict the South Bay’s taste in Japanese food, since they has been serving it since before most of us knew what it was.

Jojo’s taste in both cuisine and décor is exquisite – Sushi Sei is a beautiful place to eat splendid food, and our readers appreciate the effort.
Sushi Sei, 1040 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 379-6900

Runner-up: O-sho 913 N. Sepulveda, Manhattan Beach 372-6156

Best Juice Bar

Jamba Juice - It is an annoying feature of the universe that most of the things that are fun and addictive are also bad for you, not to mention illegal. We say most, but not all, since everybody we know who has visited Jamba Juice goes back, and the smoothies are quite obviously great for your health.

Go now and try the meal in a cup before some politician somewhere decides you should be arrested for enjoying something this much.
Jamba Juice 703 Pier Ave. Hermosa 318-8088, 332 MBB Manhattan 318-5518, 1590 E. Rosecrans Manhattan 536-0262, 1755 S. Elena Redondo 540-3694

Runner-up: Robek’s, Manhattan Village 545-6488; 25345 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance 530-3268

Best Korean

Pacific Rim - The South Bay has been sprouting quite a few Korean eateries in the last few years, but the area favorite remains the Pacific Rim Café.

This cozy little place located just steps from the beach in Hermosa is a favorite with people who like spicy, healthy food. All the old favorites are here – pungently spiced barbecued meats, seafood and noodle dishes with a mix of fresh and pickled vegetables, and a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.

Extra kimchee is always available for those who ask, and though it’s not recommended for a pre-date snack, it certainly does taste good.
Pacific Rim, 113 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-3122

Runner-up: Big Wok, 250 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 798-1155

Best Late Night Eatery

The Kettle - We wonder if The Kettle really does have a big kettle of something boiling away in the back. We almost always get zucchini Parmesan, which we seem to remember isn’t cooked in a kettle at all. Nevertheless,

The Kettle is the cooking place after hours, a social scene that bubbles on long after the bars have closed. Unless it’s New Year’s Day or Christmas, The Kettle is open at all hours and you’re guaranteed a hearty meal at a reasonable price.
The Kettle, 1138 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 545-8511

Runner-up: Pedone’s, 1332 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 376-0949

Best Lo Carb Menu

Rocky Cola Café - American diner food doesn’t have the reputation of being an integral part of a healthy diet, and at most diners it isn’t. Rocky Cola is different – the health-conscious section of the menu has a wide variety of offerings with the fat and carbohydrates of each spelled out in detail, letting you know exactly what you’re eating.

Not only are those meals flavorful, they’re also eclectic. We had forgotten that buffalo and ostrich meat was so good for you until we read this menu, and now we know where to go when we’re having one of our occasional spasms of concern about our well being.
Rocky Cola Café, 1025 Pacific Coast Hwy., Hermosa 798-3111; 1511 S. PCH Redondo Beach

Runner-up: Good Stuff, 1286 The Strand, Hermosa 374-2334; 1300 Highland Ave., Manhattan 545-4775; 1617 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo 316-0262; 131 Grand Ave., El Segundo 647-9997

The Easy Reader – March 3, 2005                                                                

Best Restaurants, Part 4

Best Mexican

El Gringo - The opening of the Manhattan Beach branch introduced many new people to El Gringo, propelling them to the top of our poll for the first time in years.

All the standard items we love are there, the tacos, burritos, and combination plates, but so are a few surprises.

Try that next tostada with the seared mahi-mahi for a real treat, or sample the excellent homemade chicken soup. El Gringo offers a bit of innovation along with good value for money, a combination that has won our reader’s hearts and this poll too.
El Gringo, 2620 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa 908-5095; 921 N. Sepulveda, Manhattan 372-6080

Runner-up: El Tarasco, ???MB, ES, HB?, RB? Locations?

Best Middle Eastern

Poulet du Jour - Some people have wondered if Poulet du Jour changes their chicken recipe every day.

They don’t, and who would change a formula that obviously works so well? The chicken is excellent, as are the other Arabic delights like tabouleh, homemade lentil soup, and the best homemade falafel in the area.

Those who like seriously spicy food should try the latter with their own hot sauce, which has a powerful, peppery kick.
Poulet du Jour, 233 Pac. Cst. Hwy., Hermosa Beach 376-6620

Runner-up: Down Town Kabob, 2515 Artesia Blvd. Redondo Beach 370-9515

Best Neighborhood Deli

Ashley’s - Some delis in Los Angeles try to cultivate an Old New York look, as though success was assured by set dressing rather than having a good selection.

Ashley’s has the personal touch that New Yorkers crave, but without added artificial kitsch. This is a place where you can see the salads being made and taste from the deli case before you buy. Such touches set Ashley’s apart from the crowd and keep our readers faithful.
Ashley’s, 828 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-6729

Runner-up: Mickey’s, 101 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 374-4620

Best New Restaurant 2004

XO Wine Bistro - Those who don’t know wine might wonder about the name, which is actually shorthand for Extra Old. In fact the XO Bistro is extra new at the moment, a welcome addition to the local dining scene.

The restaurant’s menu of Spanish-inspired tapas with a California flair have been wildly popular, and the counter is busy every night with people enjoying a splendid selection of wine by the glass. This is what a bistro should be, a lively, unpretentious place for a great meal.
XO Wine Bistro, 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 545-3509

Runner-up: Chaba, 525 Pac. Cst. Hwy., Redondo Beach 540-8441

Best Outdoor Dining

Hennessey’s - What is more pleasant than a seat at the Redondo Beach Hennessey’s, watching the world go by while enjoying a BLT?

Perhaps a seat by the fire at the Manhattan Hennessey’s given the weather we’ve had lately. That patio was full even during the rain last week, quite an achievement given the weather-averse nature of most Californians.

Those Irish coffees by the fire probably tasted even better with the view of people with umbrellas scurrying by. And of course there's the Hermosa Hennessey's with a bird's eye view of the sand, Strand and Pacific.
Hennessey’s, 8 Pier Ave., Hermosa 372-5759, 313 MBB, Manhattan 546-4813, 1712 S. Catalina Redondo 540-8443

Runner-up: Martha’s 22nd Street Grill, 23-22nd St., Hermosa Beach 379-7187

Best Pizzeria

Paisano’s - Thin crust partisans and thick crust fans may get along in peace at Paisano’s, where both the delicate New York-style pie and the more robust Chicago style are offered.

Both are available by the slice, and solo diners can enjoy plenty of variety. Whether anyone will go in a thick-crust fan and leave preferring thin-crust is an open question, but whichever you pick it will be a tasty experiment.
Paisano’s, 1132 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 376-9883

Runner-up: Pedone’s, 1332 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 376-0949

Best Romantic Restaurant

Bottle Inn - Many things about society may change as fashions come and go, but somehow romance remains constant. People who meet beneath bright lights in dance clubs will head for darker, cozier establishments to really get to know each other, and once they're an item they're return again and again for weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

The Bottle Inn has earned that business for generations --as owner Silvio Petoletti has remarked -- he's seen many proposals of marriage in his restaurant, some by prospective grooms whose parents proposed marriage in the same restaurant. The candlelit atmosphere, huge wine selection, and excellent food helps foster one partner's mood to pop the question, and the other partner's mood to say yes.--KC
Bottle Inn, 26-22nd St., Hermosa Beach 376-9595

Runner-up: Chart House, 231 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach 372-3464

Best Sandwich

Ashley’s - Ashley’s doesn’t try to be anything but what it is, a hip little market by the beach where you can get sandwiches stuffed with bountiful quantities of Boar’s Head meats and high quality cheeses.

While you wait for that sandwich, you can browse a selection of gourmet chips, hot sauces, and beverages to select the ingredients for a beach picnic that you will remember for a long time.
Ashley’s, 828 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-6729

Runner-up: Big Mike’s, 1314 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 798-1499; 229 Main, El Segundo 640-0014

Best Seafood

Kinkaid’s - When Kincaid’s opened, some people said it could never last. A fine restaurant by itself at the north end of the Redondo Pier? Locals wouldn’t go to this remote area, and the tourist trade wouldn’t support a class operation year-round.

Half a decade later, the restaurant is thriving on local business. It turns out that we like a nice view of the ocean as much as anybody else, especially when we have a great fish dinner to enjoy along with the scenery.

Both local and exotic fish are featured at Kincaid’s, and they’re served grilled, smoked, fried, with pasta, and just about any other way that seafood can be turned into a masterpiece.
Kinkaid’s, 500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach 318-6080

Runner-up: Blue Water Grill, 665 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach 318-3474

The Easy Reader – March 3, 2005

Best Restaurants, Part 5

Best Steakhouse

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar - Some people find it unlikely that the South Bay’s best steak is found in a business park. Fleming’s doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the elegant interior makes it a downright glamorous place to enjoy a chunk of cow.

The steaks here are absolutely first-class, bountiful in portion, perfectly cooked, and served with an array of freshly made side items. Sure, you can make a good steak on your backyard barbecue, but once you try a steak at Fleming’s you’ll know what a great steak is really like, and you won’t have to clean the grill afterward.
Fleming’s, 2301 Rosecrans, El Segundo 643-6911

Runner-up: Chart House, 231 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach 372-3464

Best Brunch

Cheesecake Factory - When the original Cheesecake Factory opened in Los Angeles in 1971, they actually sold nothing but cheesecake. While it was very good cheesecake, that menu was too limited to be a proper meal by itself, and the owner’s son opened a restaurant under the same name seven years later.

Fast forward to 2005, and the Redondo Beach branch of this national enterprise is the area’s most popular place for a Sunday brunch of eggs benedict, french toast topped with nuts and fruit, and other delights.

Those who really love cheesecake can have that instead, of course, but it doesn’t have the nutritional balance of the other options.
Cheesecake Factory, 605 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach 318-5538

Runner-up: El Torito, 21321 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance 378-0331; 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo 376-06547

Best Sushi Bar

Club Sushi - There are lots of traditional sushi bars around town, and then there’s Club Sushi. The high-tech interior is an immediate sign that this very American sushi bar has some different ambitions.

Sure enough, among the array of peppered, marinated, and fresh fish on the menu are all sorts of unique rolls – Cajun, garlic, Hawaiian, and Canadian among them.

Graze that menu at your leisure, but check the chalkboard, because the specials here are also quirky and eclectic. It’s all fun to try, and that’s why the crowds keep coming.
Club Sushi, 1200 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-5939

Runner-up: Paradise Sushi, 53 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 379-1558

Best Sushi Chef

Efren Ramirez, Club Sushi -  If a Mongolian can be the best sumo wrestler in Japan, it shouldn’t be surprising that our readers would vote a Mexican the best sushi chef in the South Bay. Efren Ramirez’s schooling, after he arrived in the United States at 16, began in the kitchen at California Beach, Hermosa’s original rock ‘n roll sushi bar. Under the guidance of head sushi chef Choy, Efren learned to sharpen knives, and cut and arrange raw fish in the Japanese style. It took five years of prepping, but finally Efren was himself honored with the title of sushi chef.

Shortly after Club Sushi opened down the street from California Beach, its manager Pablo Rodriquez convinced Ramirez to become Club Sushi’s head sushi chef. Over the past seven years, Ramirez has earned the admiration of local sushi fans with innovations that include the popular Hermosa roll, with tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber, sprouts and gogo root.

The family atmosphere that prevails at the sushi bar is reinforced by the fact that three of Ramirez’s fellow sushi chefs, Martin, Francisco and Adalberto are also his brothers.

Ramirez’s most innovative contribution to the art of sushi is something even the most timid tastes will appreciate. It’s a dessert sushi, comprised of fruit, chocolate syrup and ice cream. -- KC
Efren Ramirez- Club Sushi, 1200 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach 372-5939

Runner-up: Gywon Kim at Paradise, 53 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach 379-1558

Best Thai

Chaba - This stylish newcomer has won praise from the critics, and more importantly, from our readers, who have been packing Chaba since the day it opened.

This is Thai food with a twist, since the menu includes interpretations of European items like bouillabaisse and braised lamb shank. Everything is good, traditional or original, and both Thais and newcomers to the cuisine say that there’s nothing like it in a wide radius.
Chaba, 525 Pac. Cst. Hwy., Redondo Beach 540-8441

Runner-up: Thai Dishes_Which one?

Best Vegetarian

Papillon - Strictly speaking, Papillon isn’t a vegetarian restaurant, since meat and fish are available if you ask for them. Lots of people don’t ask for them, because the meatless recipes here are so well crafted that even hardcore omnivores will come back for more.

Papillon serves Filipino food that anyone, vegetarian or not, will find delightful, and the fact that it’s all good for you just adds to the enjoyment
Papillon, 1800 S. Catalina, Redondo Beach 937-6811

Runner-up: The Spot, 110 Second St., Hermosa Beach 376-2355

Best View

Hennessey’s - We can’t be really sure which view is best – the streetscapes from the Riviera Village Hennessey’s or the view of the pier or beach from Manhattan or Hermosa. All three have pleasant patios, but those alone would not win this category.

There has to be something worth eating while you enjoy that view, like perhaps the burger sampler with fresh French fries and a Guinness on the side. Such amenities make a good view seem even better.
Hennessey’s, 8 Pier Ave., Hermosa 372-5759, 313 MBB, Manhattan 546-4813, 1712 S. Catalina Redondo 540-8443

Runner-up: Chart House, 231 Yacht Club Way, Redondo Beach 372-3464

Best Waiter

Christian Florido-Papillon - For the second year in a row diners speak up and name Christian Florido the best in the biz. His enthusiasm for decoding the vegetarian menu and recommending dishes make him a hit with new comers and regulars alike.

When asked what sets him apart from the crowd Christian says, “I treat my customers as if they were guests in my own house.” With his parents as the owners, Papillon is truly a family affair.
Papillon, 1800 S. Catalina, Redondo Beach 937-6811

Runner-up: Adam at Rock-n-Fish, 120 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 379-9900

Best Waitress

Zoe Lynn-Papillon - Family run Papillon is owned by Sherri and Chris Florido. Sherri’s sister Zoe Lynn, this years’ choice for best waitress, truly takes the family business to heart by keeping involved not only with serving the customers but cooking and cleaning as well.

“I really like to wash dishes!” Zoe says. By remembering the names and favorite dishes of regular customers, she creates a familial atmosphere that everyone enjoys. This family gets it done right: You voted her nephew, Christian, your favorite waiter.
Papillon, 1800 S. Catalina, Redondo Beach 937-6811

Runner-up: Amanda Galland-XO Wine Bistro, 1209 Highland Ave., Manhattan Beach 545-3509

Best Wine Selection

Bottle Inn - It takes time to build a great wine list, both to accumulate a collection of substance and to gauge the mood of your clientele.

The Bottle Inn has had over 30 years to figure out what we like to imbibe, and they haven’t wasted a minute of it. The list complements the other Italian specialties impeccably, with selections for both those on a budget and those with cash to burn.

You can choose that favorite bottle or ask for assistance, knowing that another necessary element of a fine wine list – a helpful guide to using it – is always available.
Bottle Inn, 26-22nd St., Hermosa Beach 376-9595

Runner-up: Rock-n-Fish, 120 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach 379-9900