The Corner Awards

The Corner Restaurant Review:

Tucked away in an unassuming Huntington Beach strip mall set off from the city’s oceanfront downtown area, this cozy, sparsely decorated place captures the essence of a true neighborhood hangout. Running the show at the chef-driven, black-and-white-hued joint is Chris Grodach, who honed his skills at Montage’s Laguna Beach and Beverly Hills properties. There are loads of creative starters on his menu, from a chicken liver ravioli and thick, crispy fries that take 48 hours to make to tuna tartare tostadas and seasonal salads. Mains share the same recognizable-yet-progressive spirit, as seen in entrées like thick-cut calamari steak piccata and Korean-style barbecue chicken. For dessert, expect a rotation of crisps that emphasize seasonal fruits. The L-shaped bar makes for an inviting spot to enjoy a wide range of skillfully mixed cocktails, from slightly tweaked takes on traditional concoctions to unique offerings such as an elaborately presented absinthe fountain.