The Kettle, Manhattan Beach

The Kettle offers decent food in a relaxing atmosphere. It is located on a good spot close to the ocean and is always a favourite of mine when I have to feed my guests without reservations elsewhere - as they have a large dining room so the wait is never that long.

Nothing spectacular about the food itself - it's good enough to enjoy but not good enough to make it remarkable. I tend to stick with the normal items like onion soup and chicken sandwich. Portion is pretty large so Europeans be advised not to order starter, salad and main course.

This is not your "typical" 24 hr. diner like Denny's. The food is FAR superior. The decor is not like a diner either. The lighting is rather muted with lots of plants everywhere. There are large booths where you can sit, as well as a counter. They sell alcohol until 1am and the desserts are fabulous!

Favorite Dish: You MUST try their French Onion soup! It is the BEST thing on earth, bar none! I have never had French Onion as good as theirs! Also, the chicken ciabatta sandwich is excellent. Grilled chicken on ciabatta bread with carmelized onions, smoked gouda, and tomato pesto sauce. Yummy! :)

The Kettle is open 24 hours a day and there is always someone in there. If you go on the weekends during breakfast or lunch expect to wait up to 45 minutes.

You can get anything from an omlette to a burger to homemade soups... it's American comfort food. That means its hearty and usually not too healthy, but it makes you feel good... like home cooking.

Favorite Dish: On Sundays my favorite dish is the Tortilla Soup... it's savory and very spicy... it's delicious.

All other days, the best thing they have is the French Onion Soup... it's off the charts.

Non-soup favorites include the Johnathon B. It's a cheese burger and then some... it's got everything you could wish for including ham.... mmmmmmm good. If you like burgers, the Johnathon B will not dissappoint.

The Kettle (downtown), Houstons
Kettle is an upscale diner ($7-$20)
Houstons is a BBQ steakhouse that is always crowded - expect an hour wait!

Favorite Dish: Kettle (Big Mammou chicken sandwich)
Houstons (Ribs and shoestring fries)