Michael Hepworth
Redondo Beach, CA(Hollywood Today)7/2/13/– The Riviera area on the border between Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes is one of the nicest areas in the city, despite being a bit too overcrowded for my tastes. However Rock and Brews restaurant seems to have got off to a good start, and like its El Segundo counterpart is now open for lunch. Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss are part owners of the fledgling chain which has been a great boost publicity wise, and new ones will be opening in such places as Albuquerque, Maui, Delta Terminal at Los Angeles Airport, Kansas City and Agoura Hills.
A handful of restaurants had all failed in the same space, but after an extensive gutting out, Rock and Brews should prove the exception. To call the place a rock and roll museum with the signed guitars and other memorabilia dotted around is a misnomer, as it really is a fast paced lively restaurant with rock posters and other themed items carefully placed to give you the feel that it might be.
The culinary brain however behind the venture is Michael Zislis, with the other partners being concert promoters Dave and Dell Furano and Jon Mesko Zislis believes strongly in consistency in the kitchen, and has applied that to the signature items like the Fireball Burger, “Strawberry Fields” Salad, “Slowhand” Pulled Pork Sandwich and the “Margheritaville” Pizza. I can also gladly report that the fries are nice and crisp, and a friend of mine raves about the Giant Soft German Pretzel($8.95) served with spicy sweet mustard.
Asian Spicy Wings ($11.95) are flavored with spices from all over Asia and are terrific, and the Bill Graham Barbecue Chicken Pizza ($12.95) is as good as any I have tried elsewhere. Plenty more here on the colorful and big print menu to excite even the most jaded of palates, and next time I must go for the London Calling Calamari ($9.95) and follow with the Rockin Brauts ($9.95) Served with sauerkraut and mustard.
Finish off a meal here with the ultra-rich Purple Rain Chocolate Drops ($6.95), six chocolate filled French donuts topped with raspberry sauce and a side of whipped cream for dipping.
The Beer list is exciting enough and pretty extensive with nothing priced more than $8, which includes such Belgian goodies\as the St.Bernardus ABT 12 and Lindemans Framboise.
Upcoming at the El Segundo facility on September 15th will be the very popular Craft Beer Festival which sells out every year and costs $50 a ticket. Brewers Scheduled to attend include El Segundo Beer Co, Hanger 24, Bootleggers Brewery, And Eagle Rock and Strand Brewing. It will also feature circus games, magicians and clowns and even a booth where you can “Ball Throw Through Gene Simmons Mouth.”
Parking at the Redondo Beach can be a bit of an issue especially when the restaurant gets crowded The space is one big open room
Rock and Brews-6300 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach.
310-378-4970
Michael Hepworth
287 S.Robertson Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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