A2 Rating Scale (out of 5):
WHERE: Manhattan Beach
WHEN: Dinner today; now planning brunch soon…
THE DISH:
WHAT TO ORDER: The Shaved Black Kale ($12) was full of flavor and had me wanting more and more. It is reminiscent of a chopped with soppressata (salami), olives, pickled peppers, ricotta salada and breadcrumbs (to add a lil crunch). Also, the Duck Egg ($18) wood oven pizza is a must. They break the yolk and spread it on the whole pie table-side; for a foodie eye this is love at first sight.
WHAT TO KNOW: While the menu is definitely built to share, our server used the term “small plates”, so I was pleasantly surprised to find they weren’t that small at all (maybe we’re just used to an $18 bite, or maybe it’s just Hollywood, or maybe finally a chef does it right—Thank you Chef Michael Fiorelli). Also, our ‘beach cities girl’ bestie Val T., has been trying to get a us a res for months with no success, but when we just walked in, reservation-less, at 8:30PM on a Friday, even though it was packed, they MADE IT HAPPEN [insert fist pump emoji]. You never know unless you try… (And you’re welcome for the extra EDDR life lesson).
WHERE TO SIT: The communal table is tight but fun if you don’t have personal space issues. If you call to make a res and it’s not a “we’ll take whatever you have” sitch, ask for a table. However we were fine being cramped if it meant being cramped here.
WHO TO BRING: Of all the MB places I have been, this would be my first choice date spot. In my world, impressive food is a leeway to impressive conversation… or not.
WHAT TO WEAR: Not your bikini. Sure it’s Southbay and shirts and shoes are not always needed for service, but for dinner this place feels less beach city and more city city. Although it has a pretty casual feel, if you’re a Westsider and you don’t get to pull out your fancy pants as often, here you can give them a go.
WHO YOU’LL SEE: You know when you “call in sick” and are running around town and you see those beautiful, well dressed, skinny and obviously wealthy stay-at-home moms walking their adorable children in the middle of the day; well you will see them, minus the kids, and plus their hott husbands. First off, how are you skinnier than me when you had a human in you 5 months ago? Talk about life goals.
WHO YOU WON’T SEE: That wasted asshole on his 10th Fanta shot who is hitting on any set of boobs in sight, making a complete fool of himself that will wake up and wonder why he is still single. Keep it next door, brah.
EDDR LIFE LESSON: Stop making excuses to cross the 405. Yes I’m an Eastside girl and my side has it all, but the more I suck it up and make the drive, the more I think that maybe I won’t be an Eastside girl forever. And same goes for you out West; come visit us sometime…
A2 FINAL THOUGHT: No matter what part of the “city” you live in, Love & Salt is a worth-the-drive kinda of place. It’s been hot for a while, so it has its shit down. Don’t wait any longer to feel and taste the love (& salt).
Pondering if that “wasted asshole” will ever turn into that “hott husband”,
Alex
Love & Salt ↔ 317 Manhattan Beach Blvd. MB, CA, 90266 ↔ 310-545-5252
eat.drink.dish.repeat. 