REDONDO BEACH PLACES TO GO THINGS TO DO
legends Leon Russell, Stanley Clark and John Mayall to rockers The Blasters and alternate rockers Gin Blossoms and Eastern Conference Champions.
Redondo Fun Factory
International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach pier
This is a window into the past, when a few quarters would have kids and adults alike screaming with excitement. Over 300 games, ranging from traditional pinball to the latest, total immersion racecar and action sports games. Remember the Tilt-A- Whirl and Skee Ball? They’re still here, as well as challenging prize games like Wedges and Ledges. Don’t leave without winning a life-size, stuffed teddy bear.
Riviera Village dining
Catalina Ave. area between Avenue I and Palos Verdes Blvd.
A good argument can be made that California fusion, that hard to define mix of Asian and European cuisines with the California influence on fresh seasonal produce and artisan cheeses, accompanied by boutique wines, began
The South Bay Galleria’s three- story cathedral-like atrium is cov- ered by a sunlit skylight.
in a hotel coffee shop in Riviera Village in 1982. Three years ago, Michael Franks and chef Robert Bell moved their Chez Melange restaurant to a
more upscale location, but it remains a foodie’s pilgrimage stop. Chez Melange set a high bar for its neighbors, who responded enthusiastically. Guy Gabriel of Café Pierre in Manhattan Beach opened his Tuscan/California Zazou. Chez Melange protégé Gina Benamo and her husband opened their Gina Lee’s Bistro in a shopping center location almost as challenging as Frank and Bell’s coffee shop, and have made it a locals’ and visitors’ favorite. Even Paul Hennessey, who made his fortune serving pub food and beer at his Hennessey’s taverns up and down the coast, accepted the challenge. He installing chef Steve Mathews in a failed upscale restaurant with a big patio, across the street from Chez Melange and reclaimed his former tav- ern customers, who had moved into their more responsible and discerning years. Danny and Mary Louise Williams also found emphasizing fresh produce with a traditional cuisine ele- vated their Riviera Mexican Grill to a level not commonly associated with Mexican food. It didn’t hurt that they regularly won Best Margarita in the Easy Reader Best Of balloting. Most Riviera Village restaurants offer out- door dining, which ratchets up the enjoyment of just about any meal.
EASY READER VISITOR GUIDE July 2011
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