Latest news with #California-Mediterranean
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Making Waves In Her-Mosa Beach
There's something intoxicating about the smell of smoky kabobs cooked over oak, being carried by a sea breeze. For sure, it can turn a hungry person into a positively starving one. That's what happened walking up to AttaGirl — a California-Mediterranean fusion spot that opened near the Hermosa Beach Pier on March 6 and is already drawing well-heeled throngs who don't mind a wait for a table in the White Lotus-vibed establishment to savor mezze, kabobs and a smattering of other dishes inspired by Italy and Africa. The instant success of the restaurant helmed by chef Alice Mai is no surprise. Its quippy name came courtesy of her longtime mentor and now business partner, legendary chef David LeFevre, whose Manhattan Beach hot spots RYLA, the Arthur J., Manhattan Beach Post and Fishing With Dynamite (where Mai was his longtime chef de cuisine) are still buzzing years after becoming the 'it places' for the glitterati in seaside South Bay is quickly becoming a standout in her own kitchen now — with a menu that's inspired, she says, by 'what I like to eat.' We started with a chef's plate, which was a mix of mezze served with house-made focaccia drizzled with olive oil, a delightfully fluffy fresh-baked pita, hummus, cucumber tzatziki, spicy whipped feta and a savory roasted spiced eggplant. But the standout in this mix was Mai's pickled vegetables, which we can certainly imagine buying by the jarful. The appetizer list reads like a spinning globe, with crispy cauliflower falafel, fried whole prawns, salmon crudo, lamb meatballs and an octopus la opted for the soft-shell prawns and were not disappointed by the delicate crunch that came with each savory bite. The house-made pastas certainly invited memories of eating beachside in Positano — especially watching fellow diners dig into the vongole — but the spectacular spiced lamb Bolognese radiatore hints at the long years Mai has spent perfecting her craft after leaving the corporate course, the skewers — cooked in the open air of the eatery's parking lot that welcomed us into the beachy scene — are not to be missed. As our server Christine pointed out proudly, with Mai running her own kitchen and the long line acting as a visual 'attagirl!,' the neighborhood, as she pronounced it, is a fitting choice: 'Her-mosa Beach.1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach,
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Best New Restaurants 2025: Coming Attractions
Some top chefs from L.A. and around the country have big things in store for 2025. This year will see new ventures from NYC's Cucina Alba team, D.C.'s Maydan team and more. To read more from our January 2025 Best New Restaurants issue, click here. This NYC hot spot coming this month from Prince Street Hospitality (Cobi Levy and Will Makris) will serve Leonti's version of 'Vacation Italian' cuisine. 8451 Melrose Ave., WeHo, The famed Pasjoli chef picks up where his Michelin-starred Santa Monica food court eatery Dialogue left off and tells a story through 15 to 18 courses. *Seline is now open.3100 Main St., Suite 132, Santa Monica, This summer opening marks the next generation of Momofuku restaurants, building on the energy of Chang's debut Noodle Bar that launched the brand in 2004. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Century City, In February, chef-owner LeFevre (M.B. Post, Fishing With Dynamite, Ryla) and chef Mai will team on coastal California-Mediterranean fare. 1238 Hermosa Ave., Hermosa Beach, A warm wine bar and restaurant in the Arts District is the newest project from the Rita's Deluxe chef — who will also be opening a second DTLA location of his retro diner. 821 Traction Ave., DTLA, The first West Coast project of D.C. restaurateur Previte (Michelin-starred Maydan and Compass Rose), this global market with a live fire hearth is coming in February. 4301 W. Jefferson Blvd., West Adams,
