Veteran Italian Chef to Design Menu at Manhattan Beach’s New Coastal Perch

Restaurant owner David Slay is developing a pattern in Manhattan Beach. The Manhattan Beach resident and chef takes over longstanding shuttered restaurants and converts them into new spots for the beachside city. In February, he took over Darren’s and built Slay Steak + Fish House. This fall, he leased the former 35-year-old Jimmy’s Kouzina to open Slay Italian Kitchen. The new Italian restaurant debuts mid-November, and Slay recruited veteran chef Don Dickman to develop the menu.

Considering Dickman’s success with All’Acqua — before departing last year — and formerly running the kitchens at Matteo’s and Barbrix, he’s a solid choice to build Slay’s rustic Italian menu. The late Jonathan Gold described Dickman’s style as “hearty, masculine cooking,” and Slay says they’ll emphasize a rotating menu with fresh and dried pastas, meats, with vegetables and wines from his own Santa Barbara County farm, Slay Estate and Vineyard.

Slay doesn’t plan to change much to the interior, which he took over in mid-September. Slay also owns Park Ave restaurant and Il Garage in Stanton, Orange County. Slay’s wife Gale and son David Slay Jr. are partners.

Clocking in at 2,000 square feet, Slay Italian Kitchen also has a patio that seats 20, and sits only three blocks away from Slay Steak + Fish House. Dinner will run nightly from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. weekdays, and from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for weekend brunch.

Slay Italian Kitchen. 1001 Manhattan Ave #5429, Manhattan Beach, CA

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