Paris Baguette

Three weeks ago, my niece Anna and her husband O.J. came for dinner and brought me pastries from Paris Baguette to sample. Though they were all good, the Mochi Donut took the cake. In particular, the Dubai Mochi Donut. I loved it so much that I went the following day to get a few more to try.

I got a blueberry croissant, a raisin croissant, and a variety of interesting mochi donuts. The croissants were nice and flaky. Of course, I had to get more Dubai Mochi, but I also wanted to try the Spider Mochi Donut, iced in cookies and cream with white chocolate, topped with a chocolate sandwich cookie, and drizzled with chocolate spider legs.

Another one I wanted to try was the Ghost Pepper Chocolate Mochi: a chocolate marble-frosted mochi donut with a fiery ghost pepper kick. I was apprehensive at first but decided to be adventurous. It turned out very good, but without any kick, even with a bit of imagination, I couldn't detect any heat. I would buy them again only because the chocolate is so good.

These Mochi donuts freeze beautifully. Microwave one with a cup of water for 15 seconds to keep it moist. If frozen, you can microwave one for 20 seconds. It comes out nice and chewy, and the pistachios stay crunchy. To freeze them, I wrapped 2 donuts in non-stick aluminum foil, then laid them flat in a Ziploc bag, let the air out, and froze them. I have been there three times this month and placed an order for more Dubai Mochi Donuts to pick up tomorrow. I tried to order online, but Dubai Donuts aren't listed. So, you will have to call them to place your order.

Paris Baguette has several locations. The one I went to was located inside Hannam Market at 21305 Hawthorne Blvd. in Torrance, California. 

Délices Du Chef

I have been to Délices Du Chef before but didn't get around to writing about it. The owner used to have a stall at the Wilson Park Farmers' Market in Torrance. The place is charming, decorated with pictures of Paris and things that remind you of France.

Sandi and I decided to have a late breakfast and, of course, dessert. The pastries are all works of art. They are beautiful to look at, and you feel bad slicing them with your fork and eating them. I have had the experience before where the food looked so good that it didn't taste nearly as wonderful as it looked. 

We ordered a sandwich on their freshly baked baguette. It was delicious. We went back to the counter to decide which dessert to take home. I bought two small, gorgeous works of art. One was a raspberry, which looked like the fruit, and the other was a blackberry. The raspberry had ladyfingers, white chocolate crunch, raspberry compote, and raspberry mousse. The blackberry had similar ingredients, except it had blackberry mousse. We didn't have time to consume them there, as we had to be somewhere right after. I also got a can of French butter! 

Before we left, I spoke to Veronique, the owner, who is always cheerful and radiates boundless enthusiasm. I complimented her on their beautiful pastries. 

When we got home, we dug into the desserts and were so happy they met our expectations. I guarantee it will not disappoint.

Délices du Chef (Chef's Delights) is located at 24416 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 4, Torrance, California. Suite 4, Torrance, California. 

Montauk

I finally made it to Montauk. Uriah, a Physical Therapist friend I met awhile ago, spoke highly of this restaurant and he has been supporting them since they opened last year, in 2025. 

The ambiance had a coastal charm yet a sophisticated elegance. We split a Baby Caesar Salad which was a perfect size serving. My son ordered the Seared Duck Breast with summer berries, herb salad, potatoes, and cherry gastrique, which is a French sweet and sour sauce made by reducing caramelized sugar and vinegar, then infusing it with cherries. It was cooked to perfection and was oh so delicious!

I decided on the Scallop Pasta Limone; Maine scallops, lemon creme, with black pepper. I appreciated the aldente Tagliatelle. The scallops were nice and fresh, again, cooked to perfection though I thought it could have been more lemony.

While we were dining, Chef Nishimoto came by. He was exceptionally warm and charismatic . I like it when the Chef interacts with the customers. 

My son expected bread before we ordered since there was the presence of a bread plate, though it was on the right side. I guess they used it for the napkin and utensils. More people arrived as the evening progressed. Uriah made an appearance and we invited him to sit with us as he ordered a drink. The evening got to be interesting and entertaining. 

We were not going to order dessert but when I saw "Butter Cake", we had to order one to split. It is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My son asked for an extra scoop so we would have our own scoop which was perfect! The cake was deeelicious.

I must mention that service was impecable. Michelle took good care of us. Later on another young lady came by, I think she was in charge of catering. She too wanted to make sure everything was okay. 

Before we left, Michelle and Uriah showed us the lounge where they have shows on certain nights. The room was stylish and intimate with tables where you can order food or just drinks. I definitely want to go back and maybe have dinner first and then watch a show. Uriah also introduced us to the owner, Lavae McClinnahan. They were getting ready to watch the show that evening. 

Montauk is located at 1611 S Catalina Ave #150 in Redondo Beach, California.

Avra Beverly Hills

I  can't say enough about this restaurant. We have been going there for their most affordable lunch specials. You get generous portions of everything, and their fish is superb.

Sugar, Zohreh, Sandi, and I were there last week. Since Sugar offers to drive each time, we all happily just hop in her car and head to Beverly Hills. 

I looked at my last blog to refresh my memory on what I ordered. We enjoyed the Greek Tomatini cocktail. It had vodka, basil, dry vermouth, white balsamic, tomato, and black pepper. They served their delicious hummus with regular pita bread and a crunchy one as well. 

For our appetizers, Sandi and Zohreh ordered the Spanakopita. Sugar had the Fish Souvlaki: 2 grilled, skewered Chilean sea bass. I always ordered the Spanakopita, so I wanted to try something else. I had the Salmon Tartare: salmon with peppers, cilantro, and shallots, paired with very good potato chips. I would definitely order that again. 

We had several choices for our entée. Sandi ordered the Fish of the Day, which was Dorado. The rest of us ordered the same thing, but with the whole Dorado, including the head. Our server Simon recommended it highly. This was served with Swiss chard.  The only reason why Sandi didn't go for it is that she dislikes seeing the head. After tasting our fish, Sandi thought it was much better than her headless fish.

Everyone was too full to eat their desserts. I had the Orange cake, and I devoured it. Our server, Simon, was such a delight. We have always had great service, and their servers are always fun to talk to.

Avra is located at 233 N. Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills, California.

BO-beau Kitchen + roof tap

We were spending one night in Long Beach, so we decided to make the most of it and choose a restaurant we had never been to.  I looked at the menu, and the pictures of the restaurant and the main dining room's ambiance looked very attractive. Unfortunately, I was informed that only the rooftop (they spell it roof tap) was available. 

The manager, Marilyn, was kind enough to explain to me about the parking, which I had to do with a QR code, but it wasn't clear enough but was nice enough to help me figure it out. So right there, I thought we were in good hands. 

Our server, Hugo, was just as kind and engaging. Sandi ordered the Philly Cheesesteak: shaved ribeye, grilled onions, pepperoncini, bell peppers, wild mushrooms, and American cheese. It was a generous portion. It was also served with a basket of French fries. I took a bite of the sandwich, and it was truly delicious.

I opted for the Duck Pappardelle with peas, wild mushrooms, and Asiago cheese. That was exceptionally good. The duck was shredded and was very tender. The pappardelle was aldente. Believe it or not, I didn't even ask for Parmesan cheese. 

We didn't order dessert because we wanted to get back to the hotel and have a drink at their rooftop restaurant. 

We had a problem with OpenTable. My $40 reward Mastercard was being rejected. Hugo was apologetic but called Marilyn. She tried several times, even at a different register, and the card kept getting declined. I finally said I would contact OpenTable the following day. I thought she went above and beyond to try once again to help me out. I was very impressed by this caring, outstanding service.

I would highly recommend this restaurant. Apparently, they open the main dining room on certain nights. BO-beau Kitchen + roof tap is located at 144 Pine Ave. in Long Beach, California.

Au Revoir Crème de la Crêpe

After so many years, Crème de la Crêpe in Rolling Hills Estates closed its doors last night. It was sad for a lot of us. I had my 70th birthday party there, and we all had a blast dancing and enjoying the special menu that Joelle, the owner, had planned. They always had very good French food and were open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Last night, Sugar, Zohreh, Sandi, and I went one last time to enjoy the food. Our favorite was the Chicken in mustard sauce. I guarantee you cannot get chicken you can cut with a fork anywhere else. Generous portions of veggies and scalloped potatoes.

Sugar ordered their salmon, which she always enjoys. Of course, we had our fill of their incredible French bread and butter. Mateo and David took good care of us. 

For dessert, we ordered the Grand Marnier Crêpe, which I wasn't aware had coconut. Other than that, it was delicious.

There are still 2 locations; one is in Redondo Beach and the other in Long Beach. Palos Verdes doesn't have many good restaurants, and this one will surely be missed.

Joelle, a big thank you for your service and hard work. Hope you take some time to relax and enjoy your time with Dopey! (her dog).

Majestic

Since we love this restaurant so much, Sandi and I thought it would be a great venue to celebrate my brother Gary's birthday and our cousin Ramon's birthday as well. Cindy joined us because she also enjoyed our last visit there. 

We thought there would be a show, but unfortunately, no one showed up this Thursday. They only have a performance on the 1st Thursday of the month, and I believe they also have a comedy night every Wednesday.

I took charge of ordering the appetizers. We had to have the best Focaccia we've all had before. The best because it was very light and airy, with the most delicious ricotta topping. 

Gary, Ramon, and I ordered the pizza with Spanish anchovy, squash blossom, leek, mozzarella, and burrata. Though Sandi and Cindy don't like anchovies, our server suggested they pick them off since there was only one piece per slice. We got to enjoy their anchovies. The pizza was divine! It had a generous amount of melted burrata. I can't wait to go back and order that again.

Gary and Sandi had the Pork Tenderloin; porcini and fennel rub, sweet & sour roasted shallots cooked in a Marsala reduction. The pork flavor was delicious. Ramon, Cindy, and I had the Rigatoni Fungi Bolognese, with crimini and trumpet mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and parmesan cooked in veal stock.

We ordered a Peach dessert and an Affogato.  We ate it all before I remembered to take a picture, so you get the picture!

Gary and Ramon were presented with a Birthday Sorbet.  

Though the service was excellent. Sandi and I later found out we were charged for an extra Diet Coke.  We ordered a bottle of red wine, and since Sandi doesn't care for alcohol, she ordered a Diet Coke. Later on during our meal, a server came and gave her a fresh glass of Coke. She didn't order it, and we all thought it was a nice gesture. Well, the nice gesture cost $4.00. That is not right. They should have asked her if she wanted another one, not just given her one and charging for it. That's nickel-and-diming the customer. I hope they do something about that next time, or that will be our last time. It is the principle of it!l

Majestic is located at 921 S. Beacon St. in San Pedro, California.