Editor Pick
Avenue
- February 5, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
StephCat from Redondo Beach, California
One of the great things about living in Los Angeles is that even if you don’t head out to West LA, Beverly Hills, or any of the other glitzier areas, you can still get an exquisitely prepared, splurge-worthy dinner close to home.
Dave and I and two close friends recently dined at Avenue in Manhattan Beach. Parking, as always in downtown Manhattan Beach, was a bit of a pain, but we managed to luck into street parking a few steps from the restaurant (after making several passes).
We had 7pm reservations and the restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived. (By the time we left at about 9pm, it was full.)
The restaurant has an understated but elegant look, with booths or tables with banquettes along one side and chairs on the other. We sat at a booth and were comfortable. An octopus chandelier was near the corner where we sat.
Although we didn’t take advantage of the full bar, we did share a bottle of Syrah off the decent wine list.
The menu changes monthly based on seasonal availability of different ingredients. There weren't a lot of choices on the menu (maybe about eight or nine entrees), but each of us found at least two entrees from which to choose. At least half of the choices were some sort of seafood.
Our waiter was cordial and matter of fact when we asked him to explain or translate some of the menu items (some in French, some were items with which we were unfamiliar--I didn't know what char was, for example (it's a fish like salmon)).
We started with each couple sharing a salad (endive with blue cheese and apples, very good) and shared the eggplant tarte between all of us (which worked out to a bite or two each).
We each ordered different entrees: Dave had the char, I had the flatiron steak with a cranberry sauce, and our friends had fish and pork loin with cherry sauce. I was able to try a bite of the pork as well, and it was quite good.
The servings are not large but beautifully prepared and presented. That said, we certainly had room for dessert. Our friends shared the warm chocolate cake and Dave and I shared the banana cream Napoleon.
Again, we're spoiled by having a lot of choices for fine dining in our area, but I do think we'll be back.
From journal Living in Redondo Beach