I attended a wine & chocolate pairing class and was fortunate enough to taste these exquisite…read morechocolates. Had it not been for this class I would have never discovered this confectionary delight. We sampled four different chocolates: Madagascar 72% (Estate Blend Dark), Hispaniola 74% (Single Origin Dark), Ecuador 77% (Estate Dark), & Trinidad 80% (Single Origin Dark). I immediately could taste the high quality of this chocolate in comparison to cheaper brands. It was also fascinating to discover how the chocolate enhanced the flavor of the wine. We also learned how to appreciate the chocolate by focusing with our senses and to savor it slowly in order to identify flavors and sensations. The way the chocolate feels and melts in your mouth affects the flavor, as well as the aromas you smell as you are savoring it. A superior quality chocolate will leave a smooth, creamy & clean finish in your mouth and not a gritty & sugary after taste that you often get with commercial chocolate. This luxury chocolate is hand crafted at an atelier located in Manhattan Beach. You can't purchase at that location, but you can order it online along with hot chocolate, cake mix, brownie mix, and other goodies at: barauchocolat.com

One of my favorite recent discoveries. Definitely worth adding to your list…read more I wasn't sure what to expect at first. The front space looks more like an arts and crafts setup than a typical chocolate spot (sorry Naomi if you're reading this), but the tasting experience completely changed my impression. Naomi, who led the tasting, is also involved in making the chocolate, which made a big difference. She walked us through their collaborations over the years and the inspiration behind different flavors. It's not a set tasting menu. It's more go with the flow, which made it feel personal and relaxed. She's clearly passionate about what she does and very open to ideas. You can even reach out ahead of time to design your own experience. We ended up tasting over ten flavors that day because she was generous with samples. I left feeling like I probably don't need chocolate again for a while, but still walked out with a stack of bars to share with friends and family. There's something really special about how they connect you to the process. Seeing raw cocoa beans and learning more about how everything is made gave me a bit more appreciative. I also tried cacao nibs, which are gaining popularity, but I'll admit I still prefer chocolate with some sweetness. One standout was a bar sweetened with maple sugar. If had similar but it's also completely different. So many interesting flavors and ideas here. Definitely a unique and memorable experience. More reason for you to check it out.

I felt conflicted writing a review but we had such an odd experience that I felt like it was…read morenecessary to share. Marsatta is a small business and you can tell they care about their product. I did quite a bit of research before I purchased a Groupon for a Bean to Bar tasting for my chocolate loving husband. We were scheduled for a tasting on a Saturday. About 10-15 minutes before our scheduled time, Naomi called us to tell us that the experience would be delayed for 15 minutes. We were in the Old Torrance parking lot, and this was fine with us since our lunch plans were over an hour later. However Sean called us minutes later to let us know there would be a more significant delay, so we decided to head home. The new proposed time conflicted with our lunch plans so we asked to reschedule to the next day. Then, to our surprise Naomi called again to say she was nearby. We were so confused and almost home, so we let Naomi know that we arranged to come the next day with Sean. There seemed to be a miscommunication between them. Fortunately we live semi close to Old Torrance, otherwise it would have been very inconvenient to drive back and forth. The next day, our tasting ended up having 9 people in a cramped space and was over an hour (rather than the advertised 30 minutes). It was interesting to learn about the process but we were interrupted a few times by a couple customers. We got pieces of chocolate at differing % levels and bon bons at the end. Because the experience lasted much longer than we anticipated, we had to leave more abruptly for a scheduled order pick up. I saw that in people were offered 1-2 full bars in previous years. I don't believe the more recent tastings offered any full bars. Needless to say, the chocolate is quite delicious and could be worth purchasing if you want to support a small business. I don't think the experience is necessarily worth it unless there are some changes in the organization of the business.

This is for all my chocolate fanatics! This is chocolate is truly decadent, smooth, extremely…read moresatisfying! A friend gifted these to me when she moved. I had never heard of this brand. The packaging alone screams luxury. The potato chips are to die for! The chocolate is not too sweet, the chips have a nice crisp and the right touch of salt. The truffels are some of the best I've ever had. I think the price for these items are quite reasonable for the quality your are given. Each bag of chips are about $18-$20. These chips are perfect for gifts or cheat day. Truly something special! The service is very good. I've had the same ladies help me every time I've visited and they are always very kind. This place is located inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace. It's right at the entrance of the Market. I'm not always in the area but when I get the chance I pick up at least a few boxes. You will not regret this treat! The place is very clean. There is plenty of parking available.

Had a far different experience here than I usually do at other Royce locations. The worker was…read morequite rude to us at the store, I believe because my partner was obviously not Japanese and was trying to make a purchase. She gave the first customer several discount cards for being Japanese and spoke kindly to her. I don't think the worker realized I understood every word. We arrived as the second customer, but she acted as if a later customer was in line first, shooed us off, then gave the last discount card to that customer. Royce chocolate dedicated stores value their service and make sure their customers are taken care of. Please uphold that standard. I've never had to leave a Royce store feeling upset that I bought chocolate until today.

I purchased and enjoyed the Choconut Cookie from this place; 10/10. It is definitely unique in…read moreflavor. The crunchy edges and and doughy-ness of the cookie was so . Excellent staff who were friend and trusted overall ambience is lovely. Ps: better than Crumbl cookie

Finally got to try this cookie spot, and it did not disappoint! We went toward the end of the…read morenight, so they were already running low and had run out of some cookies, but thankfully we were still able to get the Original. We had it warmed up, and it was delicious! It's definitely a hefty, thick cookie, so it's pretty filling. I highly recommend having it with a glass of milk because that combo was perfect. Definitely coming back to try more of their flavors next time!

We heard they had great fish n chips and this was not false advertising…read more Our server was great, never missed a beat with extras we asked for or a fresh cocktail. It's a funky building, multi colored and the inside has lovely sayings on the walls. We split an order of fish n chips. I have never had cod still crazy hot but not overcooked. There are 3 pieces of cod, so come hungry or split it. The fries were crispy and plentiful. Love Huddy's.

Really cool beach vibe the moment you step through the front door. Our server was excellent! Though…read morewe arrived right at 6pm, they still let us enjoy items from the Happy Hour menu. Nice cocktails. Their fish tacos were flavorful with some spicy kick. If you want a hearty dish, go with the brisket grilled cheese. It's loaded with flavor. Will we be back? Absolutely! Cheers!

UPDATE: they actually relocated to vegas! And they are only doing WHOLESALE . I'm hoping to get my…read morewhole foods to get them back in stock . Love their cookies ! SO SAD THIS COMPANY CLOSED DOWN!!! they are no longer selling at Whole Foods . I guess they had equipment malfunctioned and just took a loss and stopped making cookies :(

Oh my god the cookies taste & look like you have to put them n the oven doesn't look as if they…read morewere baked at all. Just strange. I had the Maui Wooi and the muffin. They just taste like from outer space not understanding the concept great ingredients but as far as the cookie, I'm not sure it feels like a bag of dough.

Review #976 2026-042…read more Tip: Join their Local by Toast loyalty program for monetary discounts; $1 = 1 point, & get $3 off (6%) for every 50 points earned. DineLA Food & Drink Order ($15): Breakfast Plate: Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes with 2 Bacon Strips & 2 Eggs (sunny-side up) $15.95 Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte $6.95 Server/Bartender: Andrew I have been a long time fan of Kirari West Bake Shop when it opened with much fanfare as a 100% gluten-free Japanese bakery with treats that defy the common undesirable traits of gluten-free goods: dense, dry, &/or gritty. When Kirari West Bake Shop (refer to Review #290) opened sister bakery, Confections by Kirari West, a couple of years ago, I bookmarked them for a visit but didn't get around to it until I saw them on 2026 DineLA. The confections bakery also sits in King Harbor Plaza, but south of its sister between Glaze Craze & King Harbor Spa, serving all-day breakfast, burger, sandwiches, & pizzas with teas, coffees, & smoothies. According to Andrew, KWBS bakes bread for CBKW & CBKW bakes treats & doughnuts for KWBS. Still not quite understanding the difference because KWBS also serves breakfast but in sandwiches & french toasts, & paninis, sandwiches, & salads. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Initially focused solely on baked goods: artisan breads, scones, & Bake-At-Home gluten-free flour mixes, CBKW has evolved their menu to include sandwiches, pizza, quinoa bowls, & smoothies. The DineLA menu offered 3 options, & I deliberated between pancakes & chicken burger. I chose the Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes because they looked fluffy & divine in the owner pic; it includes 2 Bacon Strips & 2 Eggs (cooked sunny-side up). And picked an Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte with less ice for my drink. It was quiet for an early lunch, & a couple of ladies walked in after I finished ordering. The bakery cafe has its cozy charm with a lovely black & white mural on the right long wall that's great for selfies or social posts. There's 4 2-tops & counter seating facing the plaza/parking lot, no restroom (assuming sister KWBS will let you use theirs), & plenty of parking though it'll be challenging during lunch & dinner rush with so many eateries in the plaza. Andrew makes an awesomely refreshing Strawberry Matcha Latte that rivals those from boba shops! Balanced sweetness with earthy, grassy matcha & generous dollops of real, sweet strawberry purée... soooooo good! Though smaller & a bit pricier than boba shops, it's a top-notch drink. My pancakes came shortly after; smells great but looks nothing like the pic, not fluffy, not golden. I love eating pancakes no matter the time of day, & these Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes had comforting notes of cinnamony warmth with random sweet bursts of blueberries. The texture is notably moist & airy, & not reminiscent of typical gluten-free foods which are dry & dense. Typical bacon & eggs, nothing unusual... I prefer thick cut bacon & on the crisper side, but the eggs were perfectly cooked, the whites were set with a runny yolk & crisp, brown edges. It was just enough to satisfy my hunger & quench my thirst. I'm lucky that I don't have any food allergies or restrictions. People with celiac disease require a gluten-free diet, & cooking/baking challenges stem from the lack of gluten for moisture, elasticity, & structure. Customers should know that Confections by Kirari West is a dedicated gluten-free bakery, so there's no worries of cross-contamination. I don't know how Chef Hiro Saito creates this tasty, gluten-free deliciousness here & KWBS... he uses high quality rice flour instead of wheat to create his delectable pastries. On 07/2025, CBKW along with sister KWBS were both designated as a Blue Zones Project Approved Restaurant. This means they're certified to offer healthier, longevity-focused menu options based on plant-slant & whole-food principles like those in Okinawa, Japan or Sardinia, Italy. Quality ingredients... craftsmanship... & sincerity... check, check, & check!! Yeah, I got you in my corner Confections by Kirari West! Recommended: Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte, Blueberry Cinnamon Pancakes with Bacon & Eggs.

I love anything sweet, especially doughnuts. I feel like I have more of a sweet tooth now than I…read moredid before and eat way too many sugary goodies. I went by this place and was thinking if it was any good. Then, I saw that they were gluten free. I'm not gluten free but I do like that's an option. It makes me feel less guilty consuming it. Could just be me though. Lol. I got the Blueberry Lemon and it was decent. Not great, no bad ... somewhere in the middle. Service was fine and parking was easy to find.

It's pretty safe to say I'm usually one of those last minute holiday shoppers. We went out…read moreyesterday to fight the traffic and the crowds at the Del Amo Fashion Center (fortunately wasn't that bad, we got lucky) and it paid off because I was able to get all my shopping done in a couple hours. I remember Hickory Farms having permanent store locations in the malls many years ago. Now, except for holidays like Christmas when they set up temporary stores or kiosks, it sounds like it's pretty much a web-based business only now. While walking through the mall, I see this Hickory Farms kiosk. It's located on the lower level at the escalators, near Joann fabrics & crafts, between JC Penney's and Macy's. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hickory-farms-torrance-2?select=KrWYhOQc-vFGktGYCLtAhw https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hickory-farms-torrance-2?select=dDTZmA3kC3Bx0-GxNYXklw They offer a variety of gift boxes & baskets with cheeses, beef or turkey summer sausage, salami, etc. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hickory-farms-torrance-2?select=qS4_Dyu9frmCn5suuGoKiw https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/hickory-farms-torrance-2?select=SP5RhYuglVWBGhZbsJAiSQ The staff was friendly and helpful, though not so helpful that she would give be a bag without charging me for it, LOL. Like many things at Christmas, the costs add up quickly. I bought a few things and that checked off the last names on my shopping list, so we worked our way back to the car. Thanks Hickory Farms.

My daughter and I were doing some quick shopping and happened upon this year's Hickory Farms kiosk…read moreand man, were we excited. Totally put us in the holiday mood. The two very nice employees walked us through all the special deals and gave us samples so we could make an informed decision. The $20 box special works perfect. It allows you to have a little of everything. We bought two boxes filled with their delicious meats, cheeses and mustards. We also bought some tasty mints and some peppermint white chocolate covered pretzel pieces! I will definitely be returning with my husband for more goodies as the holidays draw nearer. Who doesn't love meat, cheese and candy? #Yum

You don't have to be "gluten- free or sensitive" to enjoy anything here!…read moreYou'd never regret having scones, cheesecake, or breads here. Very friendly, and hospitable. On a very hot day, my cousins and I were treated to cold cups of kochi-ja tea w/ yuzu

This is one of those bakeries where you walk in and want one of everything…read more I tried the almond brioche along with a couple shots of espresso. Friends ordered a few other things as well, and overall everything was super good. What stood out most was the texture. Everything tasted moist and well made without feeling like it was trying too hard to be "gluten-free." I'm not personally gluten sensitive, though a couple friends I was with are, and honestly I wouldn't have known it was gluten-free based on the quality and taste alone. The drinks were solid too and paired well with everything we ordered. The whole place has a calm neighborhood bakery feel to it, and you can tell it's a spot locals come back to often.

I've been to this place many times -- every time I go to Manhattan Beach, I believe…read more Today, I tried the strawberry flavor. You can see the actual bird of strawberries in the ice cream scoop. And their scoops aren't tiny -- they are the full, overflowing scoop of ice cream. The staff is helpful and friendly. You can try some flavors before you decide what you want to get. Today, the inside was decorated for the World Cup 2026 fans, and there definitely were some global visitors, judging by the languages I overheard in the line while waiting for my turn.

Manhattan Beach Creamery is an independent, local Manhattan Beach landmark worth a stop for anyone…read morevisiting the area - and multiple visits if they are to your taste. While I've been here a few times this is my first formal review. I came with my family one Sunday evening on a hot July day, bypassing several chains on the way, including the new(er) Salt and Straw across the street. The inside is packed to the brim with sweets, small toys, and people, much like a candy shop of old. After reaching the front of the winding line our family shared a Banana Split ($13) - three scoops of ice cream, a split banana, hot fudge, a single dry topping (we chose coconut), whipped cream, and a trio of cherries - about as classic as it comes. The ice cream was good but not exceptional. The chocolate and strawberry were fairly generic, but I liked the third scoop of banana foster ice cream which had a nice banana kick. I doubt this ice cream is home made. The complements and construction to the sundae were great, however, and the flavors came together well. As I would hope for a location like this, the staff are local youths who served with patience and passion. In cases throughout the store are several of their other specialties - ice cream cookie sandwiches, dipped frozen bananas, and more - inviting repeat visits. Prices are elevated but not crazy for such a trendy area, although I would say with the middling quality of the ice cream a couple dollars less would be fine. Overall, Manhattan Beach Creamery is a local landmark worth at least a single visit for anyone in the area. If you can get past the generic, if a little boring, ice cream flavor and rampant commodification of the interior, you'll find a classic ice cream parlor with great service and history. Is it worth a repeat visit? I leave that to you. Food: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Value: 4/5