C & O No You Didn't


So, it's a Saturday night. C & O Trattoria in Marina Del Rey is packed. We have a reservation for 14. Ten of the 14 of our group are there. The other four are parking cars and locking up their bikes. After 10 minutes, we're told that our table has been released. There's no getting back on the list. Good luck waiting for a table for 14 on a Saturday night. The manager was an unreasonable a$$hole. (And we facetiously wondered why we hadn't been here recently.)


In a mad rush to try and salvage the evening, we inquired with neighboring establishments... ("Do you have room 14? ...The wait is how long?") Thankfully, our prayers were answered in the form of one of Washington Blvd.'s newest additions: Canali Cafe.


As the name (sort of) suggests, it's Italian. Because it opened a scant three weeks ago, the one-room restaurant was practically deserted. After we were seated promptly and our attentive waiter Paolo and his associates began breaking out the vino and family-style plate after plate, we collectively agreed how happy we were that C&O pulled their usual we-don't-need-more-customers-we're-always-packed-anyway antics. If they had been even a little bit cool, we may never have given Canali a shot.


First came the fresh mozzarella and basil, the lightly fried Calamari, then the carpaccio. By the time the pumpkin ravioli and chicken parmesan made the rounds; we were all toasting good friends, new experiences and chiming a unamimous "C & O who?"


Canali Cafe
123 Washginton Blvd.
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
(310) 822.5379

Make Mine a Minotaure


For those of you who thought that "tapas" was Spanish for "little food, high prices," and for others who steadfastly believe that Cobras and Matadors is the holy grail of Los Angeles' best small plates, you probably won't be impressed with the Minotaure Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar. Which is fine, because we'd just assume keep this nondescript little gem all to ourselves.


Step into the warm, crimson glow of this gorgeous little establishment nestled between classic mainstays such as Prince O' Whales and The Shack (which deserve posts all their own), and you'll be transported miles away from the sleepy little beach community of Playa del Rey (PDR).


Minotaure's husband and wife owners Frank and Regina welcome locals and newbies every night of the week from 5 p.m. - 12 midnight. The menu features delicious, authentic staples such as paella, empanadas and out-of-this-world seafood selections. Be sure to order the Pulpo Asado - grilled octopus with oregano, green onions, Kalamata olives and lemon wedges, and Tuna Picante - Ahi tuna over cucumbers with green chilies, with a ginger-sesame dressing and green onion garnish. There are several creative specials from which to choose every night and the extensive wine list will please even the most discerning taster. Servers are attentive, friendly and knowledgeable, which (as anyone in LA can attest) is a nice bonus, but never really expected.


Check out the live entertainment, usually featured on Thursdays-Sunday. The docket often includes lively flamenco dancers or the guitar/singing phenomenon Aragorn & Olivia - whose clear, lilting voice may seem as though she's singing just for you in Minotaure's intimate, cozy setting.


The Minotaure Tapas Restaurant & Wine Bar
333 Culver Boulevard
Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 306-6050
www.theminotaure.com

Barbie On The Cheap


So much for finding the little-known gems West of Sepulveda. This is a shout-out to corporate giant Mattel. Located on a side street just barely east of Sepulveda (we'll let it slide this time), few in-the-know shoppers have discovered that this seemingly corporate area is home to the Mattel Toy Store. The shop offers special discounts most every day of the week and frequently offers additional coupon deals. What's more, if you sign up for the Mattel Membership Card, you'll get an additional 10 percent off every purchase.


For a calendar of events and coupons visit:
http://www.mattel.com/matteltoystore/locations.asp


The Mattel Toy Store
333 Continental Blvd
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 252-3384

What's In a Name?


Welcome to West of Sepulveda - the blog dedicated to all things located on or west of Sepulveda Boulevard (for the most part).


The longest street in Los Angeles, Sepulveda stretches more than 40 miles from the north end of the San Fernando Valley (SFV) to the city limits of Hermosa Beach, where it cuts inland and culminates in Long Beach.


Join us as we scour the gentrified neighborhoods of Venice, the unabashedly touristy Santa Monica, and the South Bay in all its beigeness, to seek out the little-known shops, restaurants, events and people that make this little slice of Southern California such an interesting place to explore.