A Two-Decade Italian Mainstay Returns to Seal Beach, and More A.M. Intel

The return of a legend

Seal Beach classic Finbars has returned, with its near-original menu of spaghetti, meatballs, and other classic Italian-American favorites. The restaurant first opened in 1996 as a small shoebox-sized shop before expanding into locations across Orange County in Costa Mesa and Rancho Santa Margarita, but closed several years ago without much fanfare.

Now the family is back for another run at Seal Beach, their first home, with a big, open strip mall space at 1041 Pacific Coast Highway.

TC’s in San Pedro is gone

Longtime local hangout TC’s (aka “The Cheers of San Pedro”) is no more. The Daily Breeze reports that as of August 1 the property will be razed completely to make way for a drive-thru Starbucks, much to the chagrin of many in the neighborhood.

Apparently a trio of diners at Mariscos Jalisco were not content to simply enjoy their meal and leave, so they took a whole bottle of habanero hot sauce on their way out. The whole thing is captured on security footage though, so anyone who knows who the gang might be is encouraged to speak up.

Dessert Week, round two

LA’s Dessert Week is coming back in October, with a full slate of sweets to enjoy. There are big open block parties, one-off events and shops around town, and so much more.

Maple Block’s smoke session

Westside barbecue option Maple Block Meat Co. is back with another Sunday Summer Smoke Out. The outdoor parking lot party lets customers wander through a few different stalls eating hot dogs, drinking Three Weavers beer, and of course downing some brisket. There’s live music and stuff for the kids too, this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Big lobster nights ahead

Jar on Beverly Boulevard is bringing back its once-vaunted lobsters Tuesday deal, where guests can dig into lobster several ways for one prix fixe price. The next one goes down this coming Tuesday, August 1, with lobster salad and more on offer for $50 a head.