The bar of 1321 Downtown Taproom and Bistro in Torrance. The restaurant is run by chef Greg Paul, formerly of the Oaks Gourmet in Hollywood. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
Candles provide soft lighting at 1321 Downtown Taproom and Bistro in Torrance. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A dish of rock shrimp and Chilean crab cake at 1321 Downtown Taproom and Bistro in Torrance. The menu here is Latin-flavored comfort food with adventurous edges. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
The crowd of diners at M.B. Post in Manhattan Beach seems to verify that the wealthy beach community can sustain high-end restaurants. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
One of the features of M.B. Post in Manhattan Beach is long, wooden communal tables. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
A ham and cheese board at M.P. Post includes jamon serrano, picante salami, Challechocker cheese, Mycella blue cheese, pretzels, pickles, olives and fruit. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)
