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Eater
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eater
Classic Redondo Beach Steakhouse the Bull Pen Is a ‘Cheers'-Style Hangout in South Bay
Friday at 4 p.m. marks the hour when the work day ends and socializing begins, at least in Redondo Beach. The Bull Pen has a handful of regulars dotted throughout the bar side of the restaurant as servers ready tables, line cooks ferry produce to the kitchen, and servers field calls and check handwritten reservations in a timeworn book. Rudy, one of several bartenders who has been with the restaurant for over 30 years, pours a fresh cup of coffee for a customer, David, who has occupied a corner bar stool every week at this time for 28 years. Regulars Renee and Bob take a high top towards the back; Rudy brings them their usual order (a Manhattan for him, a French 75 for her). The esplanade may be a couple of blocks away, but inside the Bull Pen, it's dark, cool, and utterly welcoming. The interior feels firmly rooted in the early 1980s, with cushioned, pintucked black vinyl booths, Tiffany-style lamps with etchings of caravel ships, a mix of wood-paneled and red brick walls, and bull-themed decor. The low ceilings, mirrored back bar, and rows of glasses hanging overhead look like Cheers incarnate but with dimmer lighting. There's a patina on everything, which makes the Bull Pen feel lived in and comfortable. Cliff Miner, a long-time Redondo Beach resident, first opened 24-hour coffee shop King Cole's Bull Pen in 1948 on the corner of Diamond Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway. (Rumor has it that Miner and Nat King Cole were friends.) Food and taking care of people were his love languages, says grandson Joshua Norris, who now manages the restaurant. Miner was a self-taught chef, baker, and bartender, and operated the restaurant with his wife Mona. It relocated twice to slightly larger locations before settling into its current spot at the southern edge of Redondo Beach in 1978. After Cliff passed away, Mona ran the Bull Pen until she died in 2010; Cliff and Mona's sons Rodney and Donald then took over the restaurant and kept it humming along. Rodney and his wife Shelly managed the operations side of the business, and with the help and support of Mona's five grandchildren, plus a handful of loyal employees, they maintained the original menu, look, and feel of the early days. 'The only thing we change around here is the lightbulbs,' says Norris. In a city where beloved culinary landmarks are dwindling year after year, there's something rare and wonderful about keeping what works. As the oldest family-owned and operated restaurant and bar in Redondo Beach, the Bull Pen thrives on consistency and continuity. 'It's an old-school place,' say Bob and Renee. Old-school could denote old-fashioned or dated, but at the Bull Pen, it's a term of endearment. Live music has been a steady draw for the restaurant: the second location and iteration of the restaurant emerged as a candlelit supper club, complete with a piano bar and jazz singer. When Rodney took over the business and the restaurant relocated for the third and final time, he wanted to shift to a more rock-and-roll venue. 'It became a huge hit,' Norris says, and the Bull Pen hasn't looked back. Mike Forbes and the Explosion Band, the original group hired in the 1970s, still plays '70s and '80's rock-and-roll hits most Saturday nights, the tiny dance floor packed with generations of patrons. 'This place checks a box that doesn't exist anywhere else. This is a dying breed.' The Bull Pen's small menu hasn't changed much since the late 1960s: charbroiled steaks and seafood; classic steakhouse sides like baked potato, garlic mashed potatoes, and sauteed vegetables; a tableside salad preparation; a rotating array of soups; and a handful of crowd-pleasing appetizers, like shrimp cocktail and spinach artichoke dip. Every meal comes with soup or salad and a side. The cocktail menu includes all the highlights, like martinis and Manhattans, and Norris notes that the bartenders tend to pour heavy. There's a beef prime rib with creamy horseradish and au jus served Thursday to Sunday; any leftovers get turned into a weekend-only, off-menu prime rib melt. The onion rings and clam chowder are Miner's original recipes: the onion rings are hot and crisp; the soup packed with fresh clams and potatoes. The Bull Pen burger helped put the restaurant on the map; it was such a hit when it was first rolled out in the early 1970s that it sold in limited quantities of just 30 a day and only after 10 p.m. The setup is pretty classic: lettuce and tomato, onions grilled or raw, a handful of pickles and a big swipe of mayo. It now has a permanent place on the menu, alongside other new dishes that Norris has introduced through quarterly specials, such as the chicken piccata. The restaurant has adapted over the years to dietary preferences and restrictions, but the focus on quality and fair prices has always dictated its direction. Yet the real charm of the Bull Pen is found in the ways its legion of regulars have customized those dishes to their liking, and how servers remember those individual orders. Anyone who has returned here a few times gets a warm welcome back. By now it's 5 p.m., and Bob and Renee's friends Kara and Dean — better known as KaraDean — have joined them. They've been coming here for 20 years, since their second date. Kara has had everything on and off the menu at least twice, including the infrequently ordered beef liver and onions. Bob has been a patron since 1971, back at the previous location, when he was fresh out of the military and in search of a bar to call home. When Bob walked in that night, Rudy already knew his order: a Bull Pen burger with mashed potatoes and gravy. The Bull Pen's regulars like to customize dishes to their liking, and servers always remember. KaraDean, Bob, and Renee launch into a series of recollections, from stories of 'Mona the Owna at table 11,' to the elaborate happy hour spreads in the 1970s, to the old-timey popcorn machine that used to be in the back ('Oh, I forgot about the popcorn machine!' Renee chimes in.) 'When we first started coming here, everyone was older, but now everyone is younger,' Kara says with a laugh. The energy of the foursome goes beyond enjoyment and fond memories to something more like pride. 'There's something just very special about this place,' says Dean. He and Kara bring gifts to every Bull Pen employee over the holidays, and they recall fondly how the restaurant gets filled with twinkling lights and stockings for employees past and present. A fresh round of drinks shows up for the group. 'Remember how they used to have phone jacks in between the booths?' Dean recalls, which prompts peals of laughter from Renee and Kara. 'If you got a phone call, they'd bring the phone over to you and plug it in.' Few restaurants can boast the kind of kinship at the Bull Pen. Norris could point to a regular who spent their entire stimulus check in 2021 on a restaurant gift card, coming by or ordering out every few days to keep employees in business. 'It shows the support that people are willing to offer us because they find us so special,' Norris said. Cissy, a favorite Bull Pen server, passes by Jeff and Lindsay DeLarme's table; they prefer the high top toward the back right side of the bar. They've been coming most Fridays for nearly 10 years; it's where they decided to celebrate when they found out they were pregnant. Cissy knows to bring their now six-year-old daughter Addison a Shirley Temple with six cherries. She also knows that Lindsay gets the burger plain except for honey mustard for the fries, and that Jeff will probably get the coulotte steak with the Cajun sauce. 'It's the best people watching because it's a very eclectic mix,' says Jeff. 'This place checks a box that doesn't exist anywhere else. This is a dying breed.' 'We started coming because it's kitschy, but we stay because it's family,' adds Lindsay. By 6 p.m., the restaurant and bar are packed. Cissy greets everyone by name, as does Norris. A group of four comes in with a reservation for three, but Norris just knows to pack another chair into the already small space. KaraDean move to their favorite booth; Bob and Renee have split off to join a different group of friends. A pair of 40-something couples walk in, a little dressed up, and Lindsay waves to the crew from her barstool as they're getting seated. Behind them, a much older couple wanders in looking for their friends. There isn't a single seat available; the restaurant buzzes. Leaving feels a little like walking out of a reunion — you are full of conversation and stories. The Bull Pen will be the same upon the next visit, and the visit after that — the same quality, conviviality, and care. That's the point. Regulars will recount the same stories, and they'll order the same dishes and drinks from the same servers whom they've come to love. Everybody does know your name at the Bull Pen, and that's what makes this place a Redondo classic. The Bull Pen is open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday, until 12:30 a.m. on Thursday, until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 10 p.m. on Sunday. It's located at 314 Avenue I, Redondo Beach, CA, 90277. Sign up for our newsletter.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
After series of family deaths, Oklahoma man found dead with children and dog in home
Representative image A 58-year-old Oklahoma man, Rodney Shippy, fatally shot his 10-year-old son and the family dog before taking his own life inside their home. Police made the grim discovery on Wednesday while serving a search warrant after relatives reported Rodney's 20-year-old daughter, Alyssa Shippy, missing since November. Officers initially found the bodies of Rodney, his son Logan, and the dog. Alyssa's body was later discovered inside the same home. Due to the condition of the house, her remains were not immediately visible, police said. A medical examiner is working to determine her cause of death. "We are heartbroken to share that two beloved members of our family, Alyssa and Logan (brother and sister) passed away tragically and unexpectedly," their family wrote on a GoFundMe page. "Their loss has left our family in deep grief and unprepared for the financial burden that comes with arranging their funerals," they added. This is the latest in a string of tragedies to hit the family. In August 2022, Rodney's wife, Lisa Shippy, died by suicide at the same residence. Five months later, Lisa's mother, Diane Carpenter, was stabbed to death by her husband, Kenny Carpenter, who later took his own life during a police standoff in January 2023, according to the New York Post. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Truque caseiro eficaz contra o bigode chinês (faça hoje mesmo) Notícias | Beleza | Mulher Saiba Mais Undo A motive behind the tragic killings remains unknown. However, public records indicate that Rodney Shippy was facing serious financial difficulties. The home, which he and his wife purchased in 2021, was at risk of foreclosure. In January, the US Bank national association filed a foreclosure notice, citing $135,000 in unpaid principal. Court documents show Shippy was given until June to respond to the notice. As the investigation continues, neighbors shared that 10-year-old Logan Shippy had autism and was nonverbal. They described the family's home as "not suitable" for children, pointing to poor living conditions. "Not suitable for a child, no running water, trash - looked like a completely different house," said relative Patti Williams. She also said that after wife Lisa's death, Rodney tried to keep it together however, over time he began estranging himself from everyone.
RNZ News
22-05-2025
- RNZ News
Police bust three drug operations in Kumeū, Auckland
Police have seized nearly 400 kilograms of cannabis and 40-grams of cocaine over the past week. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly Police have arrested three-people and seized nearly 400 kilograms of cannabis and 40-grams of cocaine over the past week in Kumeū, Auckland. Officers found 931 cannabis plants when they searched a property on Station Road, Kumeū, on Wednesday. Police also located a vast amount of equipment used to manufacture. It followed 130 plants found last Friday, which resulted in police arresting two Vietnamese Nationals, a 27-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man. They have been remanded in custody on drug charges. Cocaine was also located at the property. Police also arrested a 36-year-old Head Hunters gang associate after he tried disposing of drugs when police searched his property. Police located 30 grams of cocaine as well as cannabis at the property. The gang associate has been charged with possession for supply of cocaine and cannabis. Inspector Mike Rickards said the arrests will have an impact on drug distribution across the Rodney area. "Our team's operations over the past week have in no doubt disrupted the illegal operation and prevented harm in our community," Rickards said. "We're really clear that we won't tolerate this in our community, and we'll continue to target these groups who are cashing in on their offending." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
20-year-old seriously injured after shooting in Dayton
A 20-year-old was seriously injured in a shooting in Dayton on Saturday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As News Center 7 previously reported, the shooting happened on the 30 block of Pointview Ave around 2:30 a.m. TRENDING STORIES: 75-year-old arrested after 69 pounds of suspected cocaine found in car seats Pickup truck crashes into tree in Washington Township Water rescue response called after car goes into pond Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, according to Lt. Eric Sheldon with the Dayton Police Department. The man was taken to the hospital in a life-threatening condition but is expected to survive. 'Officers have responded to 33 Pointview Avenue on numerous other occasions for weapons complaints and large party complaints,' Sheldon said. A caller contacted 911 early Saturday morning. 'He shot. He bleeding out. He's outside in the alley,' the caller told the 911 operator. Folander Friend says shootings like this brings bad attention to the area. 'Pointview is just a street. It's a street for everybody else, but for us, you know, it's our livelihood, we live here,' Friend said. His brother, Rodney, says there should be ways to redirect gun violence into something more positive, like hosting events for youth who live nearby. 'I'm starting to notice that there's really nothing for the youth out here to do really,' Rodney said. 'If you really think about it, everything that kids like to do has been wiped.' The violence in the area makes it harder for people to live in peace. 'We're a family,' Folander said. 'Everybody on the street knows each other. Everybody knows what's going on. We love each other.' [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Football legends and Queen of Country take the stage to celebrate Irish Cup win
The South Tyrone town of Dungannon has never experienced anything quite like tonight's celebrations. Hundreds of excited blues supporters lined the streets of the town and filled Market Square at a special homecoming parade which saw an open top bus carry the Dungannon Swifts' winning team through the town from Stangmore Park. Fans spoke to the Impartial Reporter about their pride of the small club which has taken the Irish league by storm - and of the Swifts' footballing community being akin to a family. Michelle Scott from the Bush said: 'It's absolutely amazing for the town of Dungannon and, for some of my closest friends, Rodney and Adele McAree - as well as all the team and the backroom staff. What the supporters club has done is absolutely fantastic - it's the best supporters club in Northern Ireland!' Lucy Redmond, Captain of Dungannon Hockey Team said: 'To be here tonight is amazing. It's so good for the Swifts to bring it home. Unbelievable game and Dungannon Hockey team can hopefully do the same this Saturday.' Just after 7pm with the sun shining, the bus then arrived, stopping at the purposefully built stage at the square, and a raucous crowd sang and cheered as the team of players danced and held up the cup which they won in dramatic fashion against Cliftonville at Windsor Park on Saturday. The excitement continued as the crowd waved blue and white flags and scarves as Mid Ulster Council Chairman, Cllr Eugene McConnell welcomed sports compere, Adrian Logan, to the stage. The crowd went mad as Adrian introduced the Swifts team as the Irish Cup champions. Among those interviewed during the evening were the Blues' Team Captain Dean Currie, Manager Rodney McAree, Chairman Keith Boyd and Goalkeeper Declan Dunne. Fans sang enthusiastically for each person of the team that took to the stage, and it seems every person has his own special tune. But the star of the night had to be country music songstress Philomena Begley, who used her mischievous sense of humour as well as her remarkable voice to entertain the crowd - with everyone joining in when she sang her famous hit single, 'Blanket on the Ground', which has become the Dungannon club's unofficial anthem. The 82-year-old Queen of Country, who was dressed in blue and white to show her support to the footballing team, chatted to the players on stage and got the crowd going - and it seemed everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the momentous occasion which has unified in the town and given locals something positive to celebrate. It was a night to remember as our famous legends of football and song were celebrated in spectacular fashion.
