Sausal Goes Heavy on the Grilled Meats in El Segundo This Summer

First noticed back in May, it seems that El Segundo’s upcoming Sausal may be close at hand. Working a Nuevo Rancho format, the South Bay concept is the work of chef Anne Conness, with backing from Sorin Costache and Joseph Suceveanu from Il Forno.

Ages ago, the Southland was covered with all manner of large rancho estates, as the above map from 1937 shows. These were large affairs meant for grazing cattle or farming mostly, and so the men working them had to be fed. The result was a culturally ambiguous mix of local produce, Mexican techniques, and casual Tex-Mex offerings all mashed together, and often cooked over open flame.

At Sausal, the plan is to install a wood-fired oven for all those grilled meats, and offer large-format plates for groups to share. There will be craft beer and wine as well — Conness herself is a certified Cicerone.

The restaurant itself takes over a corner spot once held by a casual Indian restaurant called Indian Summer. The ongoing build-out will eventually grow to include a double-sided fireplace, even larger windows (and some skylight action), plus the usual beams, wooden barkeeps, and exposed brick.

As of now, the Sausal team is targeting a late August debut for dinner only, with lunch and brunch to be tacked on later. If you're ready to get your hands dirty yourself, they're also currently hiring.

Sausal
219 S. Main St.
El Segundo, CA