The most stylish new restaurant in Manhattan Beach is just about ready for its debut early next week. The Arthur J, named for owners Chris and Mike Simms' grandfather (whose portrait looms over the entrance), takes the place of Circa, which had lived along Manhattan Avenue before this utter transformation. And what a glorious design this room offers, with sweeping walnut ceilings, sleek modern furniture, and well-appointed details that give the place a timeless feel.
David LeFevre is going for his third home run, after the successes of M.B. Post and Fishing With Dynamite just a few blocks away. With a mix of dry and wet-aged beef cuts prepared on a wood-fired grill, find everything from black truffle butter to buttered blue crab to have on top of said steaks. LeFevre's also preparing non-steak dishes like Arthur J's pot roast, emmental popovers, and veal carpaccio with violet watercress. On the side, delve into sweet carrots with cumin-spiked harissa or Swedish meatballs with potato puree.
Jerry Garbus, who's partnered with LeFevre at FWD and M.B. Post, has compiled the wine program and cocktail menu, which boasts classic drinks inspired by the Mad Men era. Sip on a Brannigan's Boots, mixing rye, sarsparilla, and a bourbon cherry, or perhaps a Gromit's Whip, essentially a sidecar made with Armagnac, fig, and thyme. Julie Fisher and Rachel Crowl of fcSTUDIO designed the fantastic interior, which feels lifted out of a 60's-style home in Palm Springs.
Open daily from 5 to 10:30 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on weekends. Reservations available by calling the restaurant or via Opentable.
The Arthur J
903 Manhattan Avenue
Manhattan Beach, CA
310-878-9620
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