With the number of people that are gluten intolerant these days, it is surprising to me to not see that many gluten-free bakeries in LA. One such gluten bakery is Kirari West, an artisan bakery that opened in Redondo Beach five years ago. They are located in the King Harbor shopping center almost underneath the iconic Redondo Beach King Harbor sign.
Owner Hiro Saito hails from Japan. His father and brother developed the idea of preparing pastries with locally grown quality rice flour instead of using flour derived from wheat. In 2011, the family opened its first bakery in the city of Fukushima. In 2014, Saito joined the business opening Kirari West.
Kirari West is probably best known for its gluten-free pastries. They offer beautiful fruit tarts, White Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Mousse as well as muffins, scones, brownies, and cookies. They also feature sandwiches for breakfast or lunch and whole cakes.
Neither their website nor their business name provides an indication that they also offer gourmet coffee and organic teas. Nearby City Bean Roasters provides their coffee beans and organic teas include Sencha, Ojicha, Genmai Cha, Jasmine, and English Breakfast.
Both the Cinnamon Brioche and the Chocolate Brioche were delicious and they weren’t overly sweet. It was not obvious to me that these were gluten-free. The almond brioche is the most popular and equally delicious.
Turmeric Chicken Salad is combined with beets, jack cheese, and fresh tomato. Crisp lettuce really enhanced this salad, but what really defined it was the turmeric spiced chicken. If you like turmeric seasoning, this is your salad.
The Original Egg Melt Breakfast Sandwich appears to look like a small sandwich. It consists of Black Forest Ham, cheddar cheese, fried egg, and a housemade tartar sauce. After eating it, I was surprised to find myself quite satisfied.
The Tuna Avocado Panini is made with slices of turkey, Monterey Jack cheese, avocado slices, and a garlic aioli spread. The sandwich is finished off in a panini press.
Seasonal items and specials are often featured on Kirari West’s Instagram and Facebook channels. For example, last week’s special was their Black Sesame Custard Brioche.
Kirari West, 707 N Pacific Coast Hwy, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.376.5313; kirariwest.com