Great restaurants have not been what comes to mind when thinking of Manhattan Beach, or anywhere in the South Bay for that matter. A beautiful beach, bike-riding, blondes and bars are usually what I associate with this coastal community. But an unexpected and amazing restaurant opened recently and it’s now the first thing I think about when Manhattan Beach is mentioned. MB Post is the first truly spectacular restaurant to open in the South Bay. The restaurant’s name was inspired by the postal office that originally occupied its space and in homage to such origin, upon being seated, you are presented with an envelope with your name on it which contains your menu folded like a letter. As a self-described “Social House,” MB Post has a fun and vivacious atmosphere. Many of the tables are communal and a lively bar serves up delicious original cocktails.
Like Bäco Mercat, which I reviewed a few months ago, the creative and rustic cuisine prepared by genius chef David LeFevre (formerly of the Water Grill) defies classification. With Asian, Moroccan, Mexican and Italian-inspired dishes, the restaurant’s seasonal menu reads like an exotic trip around the world. The dishes are all small plates and are meant for sharing. Everything I have had at MB Post has been excellent, but the one menu item that is an absolute must-have is the Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuits with Maple Butter. These biscuits are beyond incredible and the maple butter is insane! Other dishes I love are the Vietnamese Caramel Pork Jowl (pictured above), the Spring Pea Rissotto, the Diver Scallops with Shrimp-Ginger Dumplings and Katsuo Dashi Broth and the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Emmental, Hazelnuts and Sage. If you read this blog regularly, you know how much I love peanut butter, so it’s no surprise that I highly recommend for dessert the “Elvis,” a wonderful mess of chocolate pudding, peanut butter mousse and bacon brittle.
MB Post is located at 1142 Manhattan Ave. in Manhattan Beach. If you don’t live near Manhattan Beach and think it would be too much of a schlep to drive down there for dinner, trust me, it is well worth it.
Yummy Cocktails!
Bacon Cheddar Buttermilk Biscuit served with Maple Butter
Spring Pea Risotto
Diver Scallops with Shrimp-Ginger Dumplings and Katsuo Dashi Broth
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Emmental, Hazelnuts and Sage
The "Elvis" (chocolate pudding, peanut butter mousse and bacon brittle)
Spiced Apple Hand Pies with Salted Caramel Sauce
Manhattan Beach finally has a truly great restaurant!
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