With the freedom Americans enjoy, I never imagined that our everyday lives would be impacted in such a severe way. Freedom means many things and I used to enjoy the freedom of movement or as Southwest Airlines says “you are now free to move about the country.” I thought it would be interesting to continue food blogging despite the fact that many restaurants are closed.
Because of my interest in food, I subscribe to many restaurant feeds. Restaurants usually offer different ways to follow them (e.g., email subscription, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and this allows the interested fan to learn about special offers and general news. Through these feeds, I have been able to observe the many ways restaurants are trying to survive.
Painters Tape
Painter’s Tape, Established 2017 
Pork Toro Bolognese
Pork Toro Bolognese tossed with penne pasta
Painter’s Tape, an Asian fusion restaurant in Gardena recently posted on Instagram that their team prepared everything they had on-hand. In doing so, they created portioned meals in freezable self-contained packages for $12 each. Pork Toro Bolognese, Coq Au Vin with braised bacon and red wine, Broccoli Cheddar “baked potato” soup, House Sausage Patty and black bean chili. I purchased the pork toro bolognese sauce and my wife prepared it with penne pasta. It was made with fresh mirepoix and the pork was sliced into cubes and was velvety soft.
Miyabi Uni
Oysters were only $1 ea. 
Karaage Chicken 
Maguro Don with Santa Babara Uni and Bluefin Tuna
Driving on Cabrillo Ave in Old Torrance, I was surprised to see a sign that said “Take Out Open” hanging in front of Miyabi Uni. Because I didn’t think it was possible for them to convert to a “to go” operation, I stopped by to pick up food. Fresh oysters on the half shell were only $1 a piece. I got my fix of Santa Barbara uni and bluefin tuna. My daughter thought the karaage chicken was extremely tender and had a good tasting exterior.
Fatto a Mano
Fatto a Mano is located in Redondo Beach 
Chef/Owner Marco Pacelli
Papardelle, Spaghetti, Fuselli, and two green salads
If you like freshly made pasta, you will be happy to know that Fatto a Mano remains open for take-out. Chef/owner Marco Pacelli’s enthusiasm and zest for life is worth a visit. I recently picked up pappardelle with bolognese, spaghetti tossed with anchovies, garlic, and oil, fusilli with pesto and two salads. I brought out the nice placemats and dinner napkins popped open a nice syrah and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious pasta.
While most chain restaurants are backed by corporations, privately owned restaurants operate on thin margins and don’t have the resources to close for an extended period of time. Because of their lack of resiliency, I encourage you to show your support for your favorite privately-owned restaurant.
Restaurants mentioned in this post
Painter’s Tape, 1725 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247; 310.353.3780
painterstapellc.com
Miyabi Uni, 1231 Cabrillo Ave #101, Torrance, CA 90501; 424.376.5135
miyabiuni.com
Fatto a Mano, 610 Torrance Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; 310.316.5111
pastashoprb.com