The atmosphere matches the spirited food and service by Holly

Summary: I think of restaurant management as a performing art because those who are successful at it must have all the skills of a theater director You need to audition a cast give them great material to work with rehearse them so each individual s talent is used to the best effect and coordinate them so that everyone concerned works well together ET s Steven Spielberg would probably be a fine restaurateur and since the skills ought to translate both ways I d trust Che Melange s Michael Franks direct a play as long as he doesn t have to sing Stretching the metaphor until it s groaning from the strain I might muse that the skills of an indie filmmaker might be similar to those required to run a small restaurant Actors might have to move some scenery when they re not in the spotlight just as servers ma bus a table or wash a few dishes This crossover of skills might explain why so many aspiring actors become waiters deep down they comprehend that they re advancing their careers even as they recite specials and refill water glasses Having proved beyond a doubt that my metaphor is accurate I present the top new productions in the category of South Bay Restaurants 2007 was an unusually good year for restaurant openings While I tried to make this a Top 10 list I really couldn t pare it below a dozen without removing two worthy establishments so a dozen it is As with the movies there are flawed but fascinating places that didn t make the cut Some otherwise promising places were disqualified for inept sullen or uncomprehending service including a restaurant where the servers were unwilling or unable to provide water after three requests I also remember a server who argued heatedly with another waitress for several minutes about what was in a particular entrée rather than going back to ask the chef When the food finally arrived it was excellent but I certainly wouldn t recommend that restaurant to anybody The following are presented in alphabetical order and span the range from inexpensive little cafés to fine restaurants that can stand with the best not only of the South Bay but greater Los Angeles There was a time when such a claim would have been hyperbole but that is in the past South Bay standards are now competitive with the very best in the region The Corkscrew Café Manhattan Beach The term hidden gem is so overused that I hesitated to write it but critics keep using it because it is applicable The Corkscrew Cafe has a low key design that looks appropriate for a fast food sandwich shop but the food is ambitious modern and successful Menu items change regularly and there is some real creativity in the blend of European and modern California cuisine Though some find the layout of many small rooms claustrophobic it creates intimacy go with a few friends and you have a private dining room The service is friendly and efficient which is especially impressive given the challenging layout 2201 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach 310 546 7160 Darren s For a few years chef Darren Weiss ran an exceptional little restaurant called Café Catalina in Redondo Beach offering an ever changing array of creative wine friendly dishes The restaurant was cramped the service sometimes slow due to a tiny kitchen and strange layout but customers lined up for great food After a hiatus of a few years Darren is back with the same fine food in a far more welcoming atmosphere Café Catalina regulars will be delighted to know that old favorites like the spicy lobster chowder are back and there are plenty of new attractions We are glad Darren returned 1141 Manhattan Ave Manhattan Beach 310 802 1973 Dragonfly Thai Several new Thai restaurants opened in the South Bay last year but the standout for excellent food in an unlikely location is Dragonfly Thai in Rolling Hills The standard is very high and the flavors are bright and fresh The mango salad is worthy of a Thai Town locals hangout The food is remarkably good not just for a Palos Verdes ethnic restaurant but for any Thai restaurant serving a non Thai clientele There are only a few tables but it s worth the wait to try these fresh tasting dishes on premises rather than ordering take out 50A Peninsula Center Rolling Hill Estates 310 265 8424 Deluca Traittoria This new Italian place should win an award for building redesign the old brick walls and classic décor makes it look like it has been here for four decades rather than four months Add the nice touch of a small band playing classic jazz Tin Pan Alley and Italian standards and you have a pleasant classy nightspot The real draw though is the food mostly traditional pastas and salads but exceptionally well executed I have heard quibbles about rushed service but that has not been my experience our server was efficient but friendly and knew the menu well Richmond Street has another claim to fame and El Segundo has a new place that is worth a drive from the other beach cities

Image Dimensions: 425 x 360