2021 steam rolls through January and it feels a little bit like 2020. Well, a lot bit. Now, I know years are fluid and not much really changes between December 31st and January 1st but hey, that’s how we mark history and who am I to argue with history.

But for me, optimism rules. This has been a rough, really rough, period that feels like an eon but this is the 4th quarter of the Pandemic. I have to think that way as do the many businesses who are suffering. I’ve focused on places that are still, mostly open, to hopefully give a small boost in To-Go and eventually, outdoor dining. I haven’t forgotten about you non-food serving places, bars; I will give you all a shout out in an upcoming blog. I’m with you all and in my weekly effort to give some love, I give you this week’s establishment.

Bar of the Week- Torrance Tavern

There’s something special about simplicity. Not simple, because that denotes something else, but simplicity. Figure out what works, stick with it and replicate it. Over and over. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to find good food at a bar (although the South Bay has an inordinate number of good bar food places) and Torrance Tavern has never failed me. And it’s simple and Torrance Tavern has it nailed.

The owners, Patrick Mescall and John Shapiro have crafted a little community of tranquility for an area of the South Bay that has been neglected. Yes, Brews Hall recently opened and Del Amo is home to a murderer’s row of big chains but Tavern has developed a niche with the neighborhood and workers from those big chains.

Pat, longtime man behind the bar, has turned into quite the entrepreneur with Tavern begetting Paddy O’Briens, Sly Fox and The Bounty Room (with business partner, Brian Eldridge). He and John have developed a formula that works at Tavern and have improved it every year.

I’m not a ‘Burger’ guy but the Tavern Burger is a must have, as is the Philly Cheesesteak. They highlight a simple but eclectic menu that serves great salads, an original Chicken and Waffles, a mind boggling Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese and as long as Jorge is in the kitchen, all is right with the world.

Sadly, outdoor dining is kaput for now and the bar is closed to an array of great regulars missing their spot. Still, they’re fighting the food fight and are still open seven days a week, 11:30-9. Go say hi and grab yourself something To Go!

A Tip of the Cap this week goes to Devonta Smith, wide receiver from Alabama and the Heisman winner. Those who know me, know the sports encyclopedia that clogs my mind. I have never seen a college receiver have a game in a championship situation like Devonta did. And only in a half. There’s a long history of Heisman winners going to Bowl games and soiling their shorts but not Devonta Smith. A hearty Tip of the Cap.

Honorable Tip goes to the Cleveland Browns. Awesome fellas, congrats long suffering Browns fans!

My Wag of the Finger is pointed directly at Kyrie Irving. Why would anyone want this idiot on their team?!? It’s not that he’s a Flat Earther, it’s not that he disenfranchised, arguably, the greatest of all time in Lebron (MJ and Magic are there too), it’s not that he makes asinine comment after asinine comment or that he broke COVID protocol, again. It’s ALL of these things. Please, dear God, don’t ever let him play for my Spurs.

Well, that’s it for me this week, folks. Be good to one another and pick each other up during these difficult days. And remember, my friends, to take my advice; pull down your pants and slide on the ice.