Miguel R.
Yelp
My friend, Alexa and I were walking the Redondo Beach Pier. We decided to get something to eat. However, we were not in the mood for commonly imagined pier food: fried shrimp over fries, funnel cakes with mounds of whip cream and chocolate syrup, churros, grilled shrimp with rice, or crab. Do not get me wrong, these types of foods are classic and enjoyable, but they also have to be accompanied by a certain mood, and we were not in the mood to indulge on fried classics, we wanted light joy. Regardless of what we ate, we wanted to be spoiled by the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings- experienced by body and spirit- of a perfect Redondo Beach beach day. After walking, and reading menus, and some patience on Alexa's part, eventually we arrived at Kincaid's. We had struck oil, or to use a more contextually appropriate metaphor , we walked around a beach with a metal detector and found a doubloon worth gallons and gallons of oil.
We informed one of the hostesses that we wanted a sit, preferably by a window of the sea or outside. She informed us that there were no seats outside or next to windows. She then educated us on the process, 'those are being held for people with reservations.' I basically heard, uncouth pier walker, one does not step into Kincaid's and expect a table by the sea, one must call ahead to ask for a table near the sea, now you must take what you can, which is only a table near a window by the sea. I had a choice, either response to what I heard with a tone that matched hers, but instead I chose to respond by confirming that a 'table near a window would be fine, after all we had no one else to blame, we did not have the forethought to make reservations.' I hope I took the high road and still delivered my message.
Soon after we sat in their dining room. The heat hit Alexa. She did not want to tolerate its pressure while we dined. So we asked to be moved and we were moved to a perfect table--- yes, by a window by the sea. We were asked twice if, we needed the blinds to be lowered, so the light did not interrupt the beauty of the moment. We said no the first time, and yes the second. The drape being lowered, made the place a littler cooler and casted a bit of shade, it was great.
The service by every single person after, was exceptional--- attentive, polite, and it enhanced the moment. Now, Alexa and I, were not only enjoying lunch, near the water of Redondo, we were also being held by Kincaid's staff, they did not burst our bubble, they only helped it lift higher and last longer. I especially have to give prop's to Nico/Niko, a young food runner from Costa Rica. He brought the food with love, and engaged with us with smile and pleasure- he is a starfish of glow!
Alexa ordered a coffee Martini. They brought a bit of the excess on a separate tumbler. I tried it. It was ok, but the alcohol hit hard a bit, and not in the good way. It hit like I clasped a cigarette in my hand to turn it off cause security was coming. The small ouch was the taste of the alcohol. Alexa send it back, and our server took it, no questions asked and brought a new one. I did not try the second but Alexa said it was good. I saw her handle herself in the restaurant like a pro, so I trusted her opinion. I mean not everyone feels comfortable sending a drink back when they do not like it.
The food of this place deserves both gentle and thunderous applause. She and I shared Korean beef buns. Three came in an order. We each had one, and then split one. I cut the third one and it was easy to do so. I was afraid, I was not going to be able to do it. This dish was perfectly fine. The beef was savory, the vegetables fresh, it was a strong showing, I would feel strain to find a complaint. And then she and i both had their fig salad. I kept it as is, but she replaced the blue cheese with burrata. The burrate was upcharge. We both added salmon to our salad. And folks, this salad was one of legend. I was not eating to respect my health goals, I was eating to enjoy my food. The roasted fig, with its sweetness and subtle chard, was a bite that stores itself in memory. Yes, they were that good, I lamented that they only gave four. I cannot wait to have this salad again! We also got table bread, it was light, drizzled with olive oil. The food in sum was superb, and tasted clean and beautiful!
Please note that they have a three course menu for 50.00 dollars. This sounds like a good deal, and it also invites people to come in and try beautiful food, amidst the sea. Some people will see expensive and inaccessible, when they pass Kincaid's. But when they see a special for 50.00 dollars they might be comforted by the deal they are about to score.
At one point I saw a flock of sea birds in formation. It was a waltz in then air that invited me to imagine the purpose of birds in unified movement--- it was lunch with a show!