Tag: torrance

Hello Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen!

Hello Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen!

by Jenn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Just this path month an amazing new Japanese restaurant opened up at the Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance, California. Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen had their grand opening on April 1, 2022. Kozo Sushi originated in Japan in 1964 as takeout sushi place and now 58 years later the popular sushi takeout spot is now in the South Bay!

Similar to their original location; Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen specializes in sushi. One can mix and match to create your own sushi set or you can pick your favorite from their abundant selection. At the Torrance location they have 5 different signature sushi, 6 soy rolls and 24 different signature rolls. They even have one signature roll that was made specifically for the Torrance location. The Torrance Roll can only be found in Torrance and has shrimp tempura, cucumber, salmon, spicy mayo, sweet and hot sauce tempura, salmon spicy mayo and sweet and hot sauce.

My favorite here is the Tempura California Roll. It comes with Kanikama, Avocado, Cucumber and Sesame Sauce. It has the perfect crispy texture and I simply love that crunch at first bite!

Though sushi is their speciality; there are a lot more delightful dishes that can be found at Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen. They’ve got appetizers (edamame, takoyaki, sashimi, gyoza dumplings, tofu nuggets, teriyaki chicken, tempura, egg rolls, karaage), bowls (Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, Beef Sukiyaki Bowl, Mix of Chicken and Beef Bowl), noodles (Shrimp Tempura Udon, Chicken Udon, Beef Sukiyaki Udon), Curry Rice (Katsu Curry, Chicken Karaage Curry) and salads (Green Salad, Seaweed Salad, Teriyaki Chicken Salad, Soft Shell Crab Salad). It is definitely an amazing menu full of yummy Japanese dishes.

Being a karaage and curry lover; I just had to check out their Chicken Karaage Curry. I was definitely pleased with this curry. The curry sauce has just the right spice. It’s not too spicy but definitely has enough of a fiery kick to delight one’s tastebuds. The curry sauce is also thick and perfect over the rice.

There is definitely plenty to choose from at Kozo Sushi Japanese Sushi Kitchen and so one of my favorite things to do is to get a 3 item customized combo. It’s the perfect way to try a variety of things. The 3 item combo comes with your choice of main items including a roll if you’d like. It also comes with white or brown rice and miso soup.

I love being able to mix and match my favorite items. My favorites include karaage chicken, tempura and the California rolls. The Karaage chicken always comes out hot and fresh from their kitchen and is so crispy. Similar to that is the tempura. I love the crunchy texture of the tempura.

58 years after their first location in Japan; Kozo Sushi Japanese Kitchen continues to introduce delicious Japanese food to many. I am definitely happy that they have their newest location in Torrance. I have tried a variety of their food and can say each time I visit I leave happy and full.

For more smiles; please check out my Yelp Review on Kozo Sushi Japanese Kitchen .

Hello Hanky’s Hot Chicken!

Hello Hanky’s Hot Chicken!

by Jenn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Comin’ in hot from Torrance, California! There’s a new hot chicken spot in the South Bay and it’s no other than Hanky’s Hot Chicken. Hanky’s Hot Chicken is located at Rolling Hills Plaza in Torrance and in close proximity to the ACM Theaters. It’s perfect place to dine during movie nights or when about and about shopping at the plaza.

Being a hot chicken fan; I had been eagerly awaiting the opening of Hanky’s Hot Chicken and this week they finally had their grand opening. It is family owned and operated and also co-owned by another South Bay favorite; Caps and Corks. I love the breakfast burritos and tacos at Caps and Corks and it is no surprise that I am now loving the food from Hanky’s Hot Chicken. Move over Nashville; Torrance has some amazing chicken dishes! Hanky’s Hot Chicken menu consists of a variety of delicious hot chicken delights; from breakfast burritos to chicken sandwiches to even chicken and waffles.

For my first visit here; I tried the Fried Classic Chicken Sandwich, Loaded Tots along with some Mexican Coke.

One cannot go wrong with the Fried Classic sandwich. This has fried chicken breast smothered with mayo and layered with lettuce all on a buttery brioche bun. I loved the overall crisp of the sandwich and it was perfect when smothered or dipped into Hanky’s Hot Chicken dipping sauces! There are three dipping sauces: buttermilk ranch, honey mustard and comeback sauce. Each of the sauces gave a different delicious flavor and touch to the sandwich. The honey mustard was slightly on the sweet side. The ranch was a simple yet yummy classic sauce. The comeback sauce (my personal favorite) has a slight spicy kick!

The Loaded Tots with tenders, mac and cheese, cole slaw, green onion and drizzled with cheese sauce and comeback sauce made for a perfect pair with the Fried Classic sandwich. These tots are ooey, gooey, messy and oh so delicious! Get some napkins because you’ll need it. It’s such drool worthy large portion of food! It’s perfect for sharing. These were definitely on the top of my favorites here. I love how there is just a variety of food all packed into one dish. The chicken tenders in it give diners a good taste of the yummy chicken. The mac and cheese in this dish is cheesy and rich. The coleslaw has the perfect mayo mix. I love how everything comes together and just gives that oomph of flavor!

Aside from great food; they’ve got a variety of refreshing drinks from lemonades to bottles and cans. I had a Mexican coke with my meal and it perfectly paired with the sandwich. At the end; I also got to enjoy a sweet treat via the Strawberry milkshake! It was the perfect way to end a meal here.

They say “Life is like a box of tenders”……well life at Hanky’s Hot Chicken sure is great!

The food here is so “cluckin hot!”

For more smiles; please check out my Yelp review on Hanky’s Hot Chicken!

Hello Croissant Crush!

Hello Croissant Crush!

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It’s National Croissant Day today and in honor of today; I’d like to share about my quest to find the best in the croissants in the South Bay! I confess I have a croissant crush! I love the buttery, flaky crust of croissants and luckily the South Bay has some of the most delicious croissants. In this blog; you’ll find some of my favorite places to indulge in croissants.

Redondough

When in Redondo Beach, California; one must check out Redondough. Walking into this place; one will be instantly greeted with the fresh smell of croissants and donuts! They’re famous for their churro donuts but their croissants are also quite fabulous. My favorite croissants from here are the pineapple croissants and the regular croissants.

Torrance Bakery

I love getting breakfast at Torrance Bakery. Their croissants partnered with a coffee from their coffee bar make for the best and most relaxing mornings! Their plain croissants are huge and so delightful!

85C Bakery Cafe

Fresh bread!! Fresh croissants and more can be found at the local 85C Bakery Cafe. My favorite from here is their chocolate croissant. I love the touch of dark chocolate.

Calf and Chick

Calf and Chick is a cute eatery in Torrance, California. They have fresh baked goods, omelets, crepes, sandwiches and coffee. Their croissants are huge and well worth the value. At only $2.99; their croissants are the best deal! I love the chocolate croissants here.

Hiccups Barista

Hiccups Gardena introduced a new barista concept to their cafe last year. As a part of this concept; they added banh mi style pressed croissants. I absolutely love these croissants. My favorite is with cha or Vietnamese sausage. You can also get it with egg or American sausage.

Sweet Wheat

There’s a sweet spot in Redondo Beach, California and they offer some sweet and tasty French pastries. This place is no other than Sweet Wheat. They’ve got a variety of croissants and it’s definitely hard to pick which to get as they are all delicious! I like the chocolate croissant with almonds.

Eclair Cafe

French croissant bliss can also be found at Eclair Cafe in Torrance, California. They have eclairs, macrons and croissants! I love the chocolate croissants here too.

Offset Coffee

Offset Coffee is my favorite coffee spot in all of the South Bay! They’ve got two locations; Torrance and El Segundo. Aside from having the best hazelnut latte; they’ve also got the best strawberry croissant! Their pastries are sourced locally from FarmShop and Bakers Kneaded.

Croissant crush in full swing! The places above are my favorite spots to enjoy the buttery, flaky bread. I’d love to hear about other places that offer delicious croissants and so if you have any recommendations so let this Hello Kitty Foodie know 😀.

Hello Kitty Foodie Year in Review 2021!

Hello Kitty Foodie Year in Review 2021!

by Jenn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

2021 is about to wrap up and it was truly another quite unique year. With another year of the pandemic; restaurants needed our support more than ever. Looking back through this year; I’m happy to see several new spots open up and thrive this 2021! In this blog post; I share some of my new favorites in the South Bay.

The Standing Room Torrance

The Standing Room is a classic favorite in the South Bay. The original location located in a Redondo Beach liquor store continues to be a hot spot for locals and tourists alike. It was nice to see in the second year of the pandemic; The Standing Room opened up another location in Torrance, California. After closing down the one in Hermosa Beach; the Torrance location is a good sign that one can surpass difficulties that this pandemic has brought and succeed. The Torrance location is now 11 months strong and serving up many delicious eats such as their huge and tasty Napoleon burger.

You must come here hungry 😁.

Raising Canes Torrance

Raising Canes was another spot that showed they can rise up through the challenge of Covid! They opened up two locations in the South Bay this year; the first being the one in Torrance, California. The second is in Gardena, California. Now South Bayers can have fill and more of their crispy chicken tenders and Cane sauce. Yum!

Two Hands Torrance

Torrance definitely had an abundance good new eats this year! Two Hands Torrance opened up at the Torrance Crossroads this 2021 and I for one will never look at corn dogs the same way again! This place has the best Seoul Fresh Corn Dogs! Made fresh to order; one can enjoy corn dogs topped with unique toppings like rice puffs and Hot Cheetos powder. It’s different and delicious. 😋

Maru Kitchen

Another amazing Korean spot that opened up this year was Maru Kitchen. This place has some great bulgogi dishes. Their chicken bulgogi is a must try. Tender, moist and oh so tasty; it truly is a treat.

Gaya Korean Tofu and Grill Torrance

If one speaks of Korean food; one can’t forget soon tofu! I was thrilled to see Gaya Korean Tofu and Grill open up this year. They are my new favorite when it comes to Soon Tofu in the South Bay. The dumplings and beef is a heartwarming soup that is perfect for any soon tofu fan.

Prima Cafe

Speaking of favorites; many know I love boba! Prima Cafe that opened up in Lomita has some of the best boba in town. Their drinks also has a special nod to the South Bay via their names.

Presotea Torrance

Torrance was definitely popping with the boba places this year! (Popping 🤪 and boba…get it?) All jokes aside; this boba fan simply loved all the new spots opening up. Presotea is another new go/to place for me.

With teas made out of fresh tea leaves; their drinks are natural and flavorful!

Sprinkles Del Amo

I love supporting small businesses yes, I do. Yes, I do! If that tune sounds familiar; then it’s because it’s quite similar to the I love Sprinkles song that you’ll hear when you get a Sprinkles cupcake from their atm. I used to only dream about trying out their cupcake atm machine but with the new Sprinkles atm at Del Amo Fashion center; it became a reality! Sweet dreams do come true!

It’s not easy for new businesses to open up during a pandemic but the above places did and succeeded! I’m happy to see that and even happier to show my support. Please do check out the places above and show them some love too! Thank you for reading and as always thanks for the support of my blog. Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2022!

Hello and Happy Grand Opening Presotea Torrance!

Hello and Happy Grand Opening Presotea Torrance!

by Jenn ♥ 1 Comment

I love boba and I’m thrilled to see a new boba spot open up in Torrance, California. Now open at Village Del Amo is the newest Presotea. Presotea Torrance is celebrating their grand opening today; November 14, 2021 and the first 100 people can get free boba!

Presotea first started in 2006 and now has several locations around Southern California. What makes their tea so good is how each drink is freshly made using high temp to extract the tea leaves. The freshness of the drink really comes out.

They have an extensive menu that includes milk teas, fresh teas, fruit teas, coffee, blended drinks and brown sugar drinks. One can get topping of black pearl, grass jelly, lychee coconut jelly, pudding, panda pearl, aloe vera, crystal boba, sea cream, creme brûlée and organic fresh cream.

From the milk teas; my two favorites include the Thai Pearl Milk Tea and the Panda Milk Tea.

The Thai Pearl Milk Tea is just like a traditional Thai Tea drink. One can really taste the fresh tea leaves in this one. It’s very refreshing and flavorful.

The Panda Pearl Milk Tea is a unique and awesome boba drink, It’s called Panda because it has black and white boba. The black and white is just like a panda. Double the boba and double the fun.

From their brown sugar drinks; my favorite is the Brown Sugar Creme Brûlée. It’s sweet dessert in drink form. I love Creme brûlée and love how this drink has that perfect rich custard flavor.

Presotea is a definite must try and today and tomorrow are the perfect days to check out Presotea! For their grand opening today; the first 100 people will get a free drink! After 100 people today; it will then be buy 1, get 1 drinks for the rest of the day and tomorrow. Smile and enjoy Hello Kitty Foodies!

For more smiles; please check out my Yelp review on Presotea Torrance!

Hello Sprinkles ATM Del Amo!

Hello Sprinkles ATM Del Amo!

by Jenn ♥ 1 Comment

“I love Sprinkles…Yes I do! Yes I do!!”

I am so excited for latest addition to the Del Amo Fashion Center. Sprinkles Cupcakes! The popular Beverly Hills cupcakes that started the cupcake haute craze is now in the South Bay via a cupcake ATM.

The very first Sprinkles ATM was introduced in 2012 and located next to a Sprinkles Bakery. It was in 2016 at the University of Southern California campus that the first standalone ATM was introduced. Since then there have been several ATM locations around So-Cal. The latest is now at Del Amo Fashion Center.

Each cupcake is baked fresh daily and placed in an individual box which is placed inside the ATM. The ATM can hold up to 600 cupcakes.

Cupcakes are $5.50 each and the current flavors available at Del Amo Fashion Center include Black and White, Dark Chocolate, Red Velvet, Sprinkles, Strawberry and Vanilla. You can also get a 4 pack variety for $22. Cupcakes are baked fresh and replenished daily.

Once one purchases a cupcake; the happy Sprinkles song plays! It’sn catchy and you soon will find yourself singing along! Soon enough your cupcake of choice will be dispensed! Happy songs and sweet cupcakes! Win win!

The newest Sprinkles ATM machine is located at Del Amo Fashion Center’s food court right by Blaze Pizza. I love Sprinkles! Yes; I do! Yes; I do!!

For more smiles; please see my Yelp Review on Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM Machine Del Amo.

Hello Two Hands Torrance!

Hello Two Hands Torrance!

by Jenn ♥ 1 Comment

A new restaurant has opened up at the Torrance Crossroads plaza in Torrance, California. Joining the string of eateries there is Two Hands. Two Hands is a restaurant offering Seoul Fresh Corn Dogs!

Corn Dogs are a staple of American good eats but did you they are also a popular street food in Korea? Korean corn dogs are usually made from sausage or mozzarella cheese. Here at Two Hands; you have your choice of either sausage, mozzarella or even half and half. There is also half mozzarella and half cheddar or spicy sausage.

They currently have six corn dogs to choose from on the menu. The offerings are:

Two Hands Dog has their signature ranch sauce. I really love ranch and so if you’re a fan of ranch like me; this one is the corn dog for you.

Spicy Dog which has a combo of their spicy sauce and hot Cheetos powder. Fiery lovers will be a fan of the kick that this has.

Potato Dog which has potato cubes wrapped around a corn dog and then topped with their signature dirty sauce. This one is my personal favorite! I love the crispy potato. The dirty sauce that is smothered all over is also the best! It is such a creamy and delightful sauce. I even found myself asking for extra sauce.

Crispy Rice Dog has crispy rice puffs all around. This is another one that I really like! I love the extra crunch! One can get it plain or with ketchup, mustard or sugar. I personally like to get it plain as I like the simple rice puffs and batter flavor of the corn dog.

Injeolmi Dog has bean powder and their sweet sauce. This one is a bit more unique and one for those who want something a bit different.

Classic Dog has a sweet and savory taste. This is the classic Korean style corn dog. It’s great for those who want to try something simple for the first time.

If you can’t decide between all of the above; Two Hands has a great Mega Box that allows you to try the variety!

Each of Two Hands corn dogs are made fresh upon order and so everyone is guaranteed to get something hot and delicious!

Two Hands is one of my new favorite places in Torrance. I love the fresh and tasty corn dogs! The crispy outer and the tender dogs inside make for a perfect treat!

For more smiles please check out my Yelp Review on Two Hands Torrance.

Hello Raising Cane’s Torrance!

Hello Raising Cane’s Torrance!

by Jenn ♥ 1 Comment

Raise your hands up South Bay if you want some good chicken fingers! We now have a Raising Cane’s in Torrance!

Just this past week Raising Cane’s opened up on Hawthorne Blvd; at the prior location of Pier 1 Imports. The Torrance location is the first Raising Cane’s ever in the South Bay. A second location is planned in Gardena, California for later this year.

It’s true March Madness as South Bay residents happily and safely social distance to check out the famed Louisiana based chicken tenders. Cars have been lining up on Hawthorne Blvd and online orders are buzzing.

I recently got to check it out (There was no March Madness for me as I was in and out 😉. You can check out my Yelp review to find out how).

My winner winner chicken dinner consisted of the Caniac Combo. This has six chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, two Cane’s sauce and Texas toast. Needless to say I was a maniac for the Caniac. This was one tasty combo. The chicken tenders were perfectly crunchy. They use premium Canola oil giving a nice flavor to the chicken. Similarly the crinkle cut fries were cooked to order in the quality Canola oil and were served piping hot. The other side with this combo is the coleslaw. Fresh cabbage and carrots were used to make the creamy delightful side. Last but not least this combo had some of the best Texas toast I’ve ever had. The Texas toast had a nice crisp edge. It also had a good buttery taste.

Aside from The Caniac Combo; there are four other combos via The Box Combo, The 3 Finger Combo, The Kids Combo and The Sandwich Combo. There’s something for every chicken lover.

Overall I enjoyed the new Raising Cane’s in Torrance. I am definitely raising my hands 🙌🏻 up in happiness. 😁.

For more smiles; please see my Yelp Review on Raising Cane’s Torrance.

Hello The Standing Room Torrance

Hello The Standing Room Torrance

by Jenn ♥ 1 Comment

There’s a bright big pink pig light that’s shining on a wooden wall. The pig stamped with “TSR” looks familiar. Soon enough I remember what “TSR” stands for and I recall some of best burgers I’ve ever had.

Back in 2013; I wrote a blog post about a small Redondo Beach burger spot inside a liquor store that was “omg” amazing. A year later I wrote another blog post about the new full fledge burger restaurant in Hermosa Beach that was opened up by the same owners. Now it’s 7 years later and I’m back to writing about the latest food venture of “TSR” or The Standing Room.

From the liquor store in Redondo Beach to the restaurant in Hermosa Beach; The Standing Room now has a new spot in Torrance, California.

The Torrance location is a welcome addition to the South Bay. It just opened up this past February. The Hermosa Beach sadly was a victim of restaurant closures due to the pandemic back in 2020 and thus this opening in Torrance is a sign of better things to come!

Similar to their other restaurants: this Torrance location offers some tasty treats! They’ve got salads, sammies, burgers and entree plates.

For my first visit to the Torrance location I decided to get a burger as that is the food that The Standing Room is most famous for.

I got The Napoleon; The Standing Room’s biggest burger! I once got this before in Redondo Beach and it’s even bigger and better now in Torrance!

On top of a ton of truffle Parmesan fries is a large thick burger smothered with tomato jam, Korean aioli and topped off with a pile of braised short rib, bacon, spring mixed caramelized onion, fried egg and three types of cheese (American Cheddar and Smoked Gouda).

The burgers at The Standing Room are my favorite but I’m also a fan of their sammies! They even have one that is perfect for vegetarians.

Vegetarians can get the Fu Fu Sammie! It has fried tofu, spring mix, onion, tomato, spicy vinaigrette and gouchu!

⁣⁣I really like this sammie! The fried tofu is good in flavor. The sauces on this sandwich supplement the tofu really well and gives the sandwich an overall sweet and spicy flavor. I also love how the bread has crisp edges.

If I said “OMG” 7 years ago; I’m saying “Ooooooooh yeah” now! This burger is a fabulous as I remember. It is packed with mouth watering ingredients and flavors. It’s gigantic not only in size but in taste too!

I am extremely happy to see The Standing Room in Torrance. It may have been seven years from my first visit at the liquor store but nothing has changed; their burgers still leave me in awe.

For more smiles; please see my Yelp Reviewon The Standing Room Torrance

Hello The San Franciscan!

Hello The San Franciscan!

by Jenn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Growing up in the South Bay; I had always seen this South Bay staple; The San Franciscan. Located in Torrance’s busy Sepulveda blvd is this restaurant. They’ve been there since 1963! From the street there are no windows and it always made me intrigued to see what this place was all about. Back in 2018; The San Franciscan even won The Daily Breeze’s “Hidden Gem of Torrance” award. They have also been voted in the South Bay as having the “Best Steak” for the past 20 years.

Just recently my boyfriend celebrated his birthday. Being both current Torrance locals; I thought it would be nice to support a Torrance restaurant and I chose to get takeout from here for his birthday dinner.

My boyfriend is a big salad fan and was happy to see The San Franscian have three different salads to choose from. They had a Chef’s Salad, a Shrimp Louie and a Charbroiled Chicken Salad. I chose The Chef’s Salad for us. It was one huge salad. It was a big spread of crisp greens that was topped julienne of turkey breast, ham, cheese, tomato and egg. The cheese itself consisted of cheddar and swiss! It was quite impressive as well as quite tasty. Needless to say my boyfriend who is a salad lover was quite happy.

For the appetizer; I got us the Eggplant Parmesan. If my boyfriend is a big salad fan; I am a big eggplant fan. Similar to the salad; they gave us quite a healthy portion for the Eggplant Parmesan. It consisted of several eggplant pieces smothered in delightful marinara sauce and topped with oozing layers of cheese. Though The San Franciscan is a popular steak house; they certainly could give Italian restaurants a run for their money.

Speak of steak; I definitely had to get us some prime rib here. Prime Rib is the meat that this steakhouse is famous for. Their prime rib is properly aged and slow roasted to seal in the natural juices. It is even hand carved to order. They’ve got three different cuts. They have a House Special (half pound), a Franciscan cut (three quarter pound) and the Diamond Jim (nineteen ounces). Each prime rib entree comes with warm sourdough bread, choice of soup or salad, and choice of baked potato, steak fries, fresh vegetables, or rice pilaf. I got us the Franciscan cut along with soup and rice pilaf. The soup changes daily and we ended up with Split Pea.

Overall the main entree was a winner. Our medium well prime rib was perfectly tender and juicy. The au jus was on point and perfect for the prime rib. I also quite enjoyed the rice pilaf. It was very flavorful and went well with the meat. The side soup and sourdough bread were also perfect pairs for one another. I loved that the thick broth of the split pea. It was great to dip the sourdough bread in. We were quite happy campers with this meal.

The San Franciscan is no longer a mystery to me. I am happy and pleased that I finally got to try this Torrance icon and will definitely be back. The food for here made for an awesome birthday dinner for my boyfriend!

For more smiles; please see my Yelp Review on The San Franciscan.