WHY Kala jeera (black cumin) and French four spice, and knowledgeable staffers who can tell you what to do with them. WHAT This Wisconsin-based chain is the Grand Cru of spice shops. At both the new Santa Monica branch and in Torrance, you’ll find a dizzying selection of chile powder, cinnamon and pepper blends. The [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A new, radical wave of ramen that fuses Japanese tradition with Californian innovation. WHAT Ramen California sprang from the mind of Shigetoshi Nakamura, a Japanese ramen prodigy who has taken on the task of reinventing the noodle soup. Indeed, diners should be advised to abandon all previous ramen knowledge—Nakamura’s noodle soups are all about [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY A near-perfect pairing of yakitori and oden. WHAT Torihei splits its kitchen equally between yakitori and oden, a relatively rare but harmonious coupling. The yakitori is made from tender, flavorful Jidori chicken. Oden is the more unusual of the specialties, a homey dish that’s typically prepared as a one-pot stew. Here, however, items are [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Because the city of Torrance loves its farmers, and you can feel the love. WHAT The jewel of the South Bay, this market runs on two days, Tuesday and Saturday. Saturday is bigger, but both have a tasty mix of seasonal produce, plus a strong Asian selection—Hmong grower Vang Thao’s stand, for instance, is [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Fresh pretzels that will have you yodeling the whole way home. WHAT Sausages may be the claim to fame at this kitschy Bavarian market, but the bakery is not to be neglected. It turns out a variety of sturdy, delicious German rye breads along with strudel, kuchen, tortes and wonderful fresh pretzels sprinkled with [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For a superior execution of the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch… oh, and for that bacon-fried rice. WHAT A surprisingly attractive quick spot for grilled sesame-splashed salmon, shrimp or orange roughy with seared asparagus, as well as the customary rice and macaroni salad (this one comes with potato chunks). Or go all out and order [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY The same great selection of Japanese foods as its siblings but with a huge 15-store food court/retail center next door. Pick up Japanese cosmetics, books or pottery and stay for dinner. There’s even a fast-food Chinese restaurant (go figure). Did we mention the complimentary valet parking? ; WHAT Everything you need to stock your [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Fantastic paiko (fried pork in curry spices) and owners so fanatical about quality that they won’t let you take the noodle soup to go—they don’t want to ruin the ramen’s characteristic bite by letting it sit too long in the hot broth. WHAT Come here for imported Japanese ramen meticulously cooked and served in [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY For island-style sweet-salty chicken and plantation-style bone-in chicken, both accompanied by potato-macaroni salad and rice. WHAT Local food, Hawaiian style, means Euro-Asian fusion fare, and this place does it well. It’s ultramodern in looks but owned by the family behind the old-school King’s Hawaiian Bakery next door. 18605 S. Western Ave., Torrance, 310.523.3233 L [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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WHY Intelligent and sometimes almost whimsical dishes like ground chicken with a light miso glaze in lettuce wraps, as well as exquisitely fresh, flown-in-from-Japan sashimi. WHAT This modern izakaya hidden in a shopping center has an airy open kitchen and sleek lines that give it a quiet dignity. Ultra-fine as well as more modest sakes [...]
October 28, 2011 | Posted in
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