Casa & Cafe Arigato

Happy Monday everyone!

We're back today with another restaurant spotlight, this time we are featuring a half sushi house half coffee shop in the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach called Casa/Cafe Arigato. There's good news and bad news, but lets get started with the good news. 

1. THE LATTE ART

(Green Tea Latte, Caffe Latte, Green Tea Vanilla Latte)

2. THE SUSHI

(Caterpillar Roll & Las Vegas Roll)

Yes, the latte art here is easily the best latte art we've ever seen. The barista who makes these designs is amazingly talented and super creative. There are also copies of latte art books lying around in the cafe, so make sure you check those out too.

Ok, here's the bad news. Both Casa and Cafe Arigato is closing at the end of May and will not be moving to a new location. We were all very bummed about this, because this place was a recent find for all of us. So make sure to stop by soon, and get some amazing sushi and coffee before they are gone!

Love Letter Pizza & Chicken

It's been quite a while since we last featured a restaurant here on Coffeestrokes, but recently we had our monthly dinner at Love Letter Pizza & Chicken in Gardena. We are big fans of Asian fusion restaurants, and this one has fast become one of our favorites. Love letter is a Korean restaurant that specializes in a Korean take on the standard pizza and chicken wings. Similar in taste to a popular chicken wing chain restaurant in Korea, Kyochon, Love Letter has a great variety of fried chicken. 

Here's what we got:

On the weekdays (Monday-Thursday) Love Letter has combination specials. We went on a Wednesday and we ordered the bulgogi pizza and popcorn chicken combination. 

Make sure to give it a try the next time you are in the area!

Umami Burger

The hamburger-- perhaps the most classic of American fare-- is prepared with a very modern twist at Umami Burger, a trendy, Coffeestrokes-approved burger joint. Each of their uniquely made (and uniquely named) burgers are char-stamped with a "U" for Umami, a definite A+ on presentation. From the "Manly Burger" to the famous "Cali Burger," each has its own eclectic combination of flavors and textures to create the true umami experience-- arguably the 5th sensation of taste, savory (thank you AP Psychology). 

Here's what we ordered!

1. Cali Burger

2. The Original

3. Truffle Burger 

As always, thanks for reading!

Rita's Italian Ice

Hidden in a strikingly average strip mall in the city of Redondo Beach is Coffeestroke's favorite place to grab a frozen treat. Rita's Italian Ice quickly becomes a local favorite for all ages. The famous gelati-Italian ice topped with a swirl of custard is the ultimate frozen concoction. 

A quick tip for the dedicated Rita's lover is to download their iPhone app to take advantage of their rewards program! It's always exciting to get free treats. 

Also, if you have a groupon account, they are currently having a 50% off special for Rita's gift cards. Pay $14 to receive $24 (4 gift cards worth $6) worth of money towards your next Rita's run!

Local Eats: Yami Teahouse

The Coffeestrokes Crew has had its fair share of boba. Boba is basically a staple in Southern California-- almost every corner of town has its local boba shop. Each has its own twist on the simple, but difficult to perfect, process of cooking the tapioca balls so crucial to a good boba drink. Yet, nothing comes close to the chewy goodness and warmth of the boba at Yami Teahouse. There are two locations: one in Lomita and the other in Gardena. Both serve great boba drinks, but here's what Coffeestrokes got on our most recent trip to Gardena's Yami Teahouse!

Trader Joes: Snack Break

It's a familiar scene. You walk down to your kitchen, starving, open the pantry, and to your complete and utter surprise, its full of snacks-- all the snacks you probably don't want to eat. Those half-melted chocolates from last Halloween and bags of random expired chips are not only unappetizing, but chances are that they are unhealthy as well.

Here's some better alternatives for your snack break that we suggest from our local favorite grocery store, Trader Joe's. Reasonable prices and a tasty variety of foods makes Trader Joe's a one-stop trip for all your snacking needs. 

1. White Cheddar Popcorn
2. Luna Bars: S'mores
3. Fruit Wraps
4. Green Tea

5. Pita Chips & Hummus
6. Mini Hold the Cone Ice Cream
7. Vegetable Root Chips
8. Red Seedless Grapes

Local Eats: Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt

Tuesdays in Southern California are never complete without a trip to Handel's Homemade Ice Cream and Yogurt. Recognized as "One of the Best Ice Cream Parlors in the Country" by various publications, Handel's never-ending list of delectable flavors never fails to satisfy the taste buds of all ice-cream lovers. Tuesdays, or rather, "Two-Dollar Tuesday" at Handel's gather flocks of people, eager to get two scoops of this creamy goodness for only two dollars!

Last Tuesday after band practice, Coffeestrokes made the journey to Handel's for a quick ice-cream celebration for a successful blogging week.

1. Chocoholic Chunk and Mint Chip

2. Peach (MELTING OMG)

3. Chocoholic Chunk and Strawberry 

Hope to see you guys there next Tuesday!

Torrance Farmer's Market

With summer hastily ending, what better place to find the most exotic fruit and goodies still in season than the Torrance Farmer's Market? This event held every Tuesday and Saturday at the Charles H. Wilson park features a variety of different sellers. Selection varies from succulent peaches and its close hybrid cousin, the pluot, to still-warm-from-the-oven bread topped with fresh feta cheese. This farmer's market has it all! 

If fresh veggies aren't your thing, fear not because the farmer's market not only features local produce stands, but also a lovely variety of food vendors. If the peach and cheese samples don't fill you up, these food stalls will definitely have something to please your palette--whether it be nutella-filled crepes or hot cajun potato twists!

Check out what Coffeestrokes got on a past Tuesday at the farmer's market:

1. Taco Seasoned Potato Twist
2. Portable Root Beer Float
3. Strawberry Lemonade
4. Teriyaki Chicken 
5. Chicken Satay Stick & Chow Mein 
6. Pork & Cheese Papoosa 

Hope you have the chance to visit the Farmer's Market in the near future!

Local Eats: Gum Tree Cafe

Took a lunch break at a local favorite, Gum Tree Cafe in Hermosa Beach. 

This little Aussie cafe has a cozy interior with the cutest shop attached, inspired by the Melbourne beach scene. After a long morning of crafting and band duties, we wanted a light but filling bite to satisfy our empty stomachs. The Gum Tree is perfect for a light sandwich and salad pick up, or for a quick coffee break accompanied with their well-known smuffins (think smores+muffin). 

What did we order?

1. Ginger Lemonade
2. Prosciutto de Parma w/ Fresh Brie and Roasted Tomato on Ciabatta
3. BLT w/ Chipotle Aioli on Sourdough
4. Spinach Pesto Linguini w/ Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes

Other Coffeestrokes favorites...
- Avocado Toast on Rustic Buckwheat
- Brie & Apricot Preserves on baguette
- Smuffins

Come drop by Gum Tree whenever you are in the Hermosa area! 

Fiesta Hermosa 2013

Many people in the South Bay can tend to the fact that every single Labor Day Weekend and Memorial Day Weekend means one thing, and one thing only-- Fiesta Hermosa. Semi-annually, the city of Hermosa Beach holds Fiesta Hermosa, an arts and crafts fair with live music and an endless number food vendors. It's a very enjoyable event to go with family and friends of all different ages.

Check out what Coffeestrokes explored at Fiesta Hermosa this year! 

If you haven't already gone-- head over to Hermosa Beach for the last day of this year's Labor Day Weekend Fiesta Hermosa, which is Monday, September 2nd from 10am-6pm.

Tip: If you do decide to visit Fiesta Hermosa, remember to apply copious amounts of sunscreen and bring cash; it's extremely hot this labor day weekend and while some vendors accept cards, the vast majority can only take cash. 

Parking can be a major issue during these events too so consider parking at one of the designated locations (such as Northrop Grumman's parking lots) and taking the shuttle bus to the event. They should leave every 15 minutes, so keep it as an option! Please check the Fiesta Hermosa website for more details.