Lunch at the Pier

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/200 sec, ISO64
“Oysters” Redondo Beach, 2025

Another family tradition is a leisurely walk around the Redondo Beach Pier. Lately, we have also been stopping at Quality Seafood for food. There is something really nice about sitting alongside other families while enjoying fresh seafood.

This time, the family at the table next to us was having an impressive feast of lobsters, uni, and crab. They even brought their own container of cooked rice and a dipping sauce, plus small hammers and a smooth rock to crack the crab shells. Total pros.

Our meal consisted of an assortment of oysters on the half-shell, fried shrimp, fish & chips, and beer. Delicious!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/5000 sec, ISO80
“The Pier” Redondo Beach, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/7100 sec, ISO80
“Slips” Redondo Beach, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/4300 sec, ISO80
“Breakwater” Redondo Beach, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO64
“Fried Things and Raw Things” Redondo Beach, 2025

A Second Visit to CoCo Ichibanya

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
“Katsu Omelette Curry” Torrance, 2025

We went for curry at CoCo Ichibanya a couple of days ago, but Koa wasn’t with us. Once he joined us and mentioned he wanted curry, the decision was easy. Back to CoCo we went. No complaints from me, Mariko, or Bay.

This time I ordered the pork cutlet with omelette. It was tasty, but I think I prefer it without the omelette. The egg itself was great, but this combo doesn’t come with much curry, and I missed having that perfect curry to rice ratio.

Of course, we also ordered our usual salad with egg to share before the curry arrived. We never skip it. That dressing is everyone’s favorite for a reason.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO250
“Salad with Egg” Torrance, 2025
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/60 sec, ISO160
“Korrokke Curry” Torrance, 2025

Christmas Bagels

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO125
“Combo Bagel” Torrance, 2025

Another Christmas tradition in my family is bagels and fixings for brunch. This one started many years ago when my aunt and uncle brought down an enormous spread from their friend’s deli in San Francisco. It was such a hit that it instantly became a tradition.

Ever since then, we have enjoyed bagels, lox, various cold cuts, mac and potato salad, and all the fixings you could want. It is one of those meals we look forward to every year!

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/80 sec, ISO64
“Christmas Bagels” Torrance, 2025

Katsu at Kagura

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO800
“Katsu” Torrance, 2025

Today we headed to Kagura in Torrance for lunch, a spot that specializes in katsu. And wow, it was so good. The pork cutlet was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, exactly what you hope for when ordering katsu. I ordered the Katsu Jyu, and was super happy with it! Everything felt thoughtfully prepared and comforting without being heavy. An easy recommendation if you are in the area and craving something seriously satisfying.

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/40 sec, ISO640
“Katsu Jyu” Torrance, 2025