The Strand House To Debut New Chef, New Menu, New Look

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA – In preparation for the restaurant’s 10th anniversary in August, the owners of The Strand House in Manhattan Beach announced Wednesday they will be debuting a new executive chef, a new menu, a new look, and a variety of celebratory festivities.

“Rather than sitting idle during the pandemic, we took the opportunity to create jobs and remodel the restaurant and reimagine just about everything,” Michael Zislis, owner of the Zislis Group, which operates The Strand House restaurant, said in a statement.

New Chef/New Menu

Renowned chef Craig Hopson, who has been brought on as executive chef, has revitalized the menu with a fresh new perspective, emphasizing a coastal theme. He has only one rule: it must be fresh. Menu items are inspired by the freshest ingredients of the season with each dish artistically prepared and presented.

“Chef Hopson brings some serious skills and a unique viewpoint to the kitchen with his elevated approach to fresh coastal cuisine," Zislis said.

Hopson has served as executive chef at such notable restaurants as Le Cirque and One if by Land and Two if by Sea in New York and enjoyed a culinary career journey that has taken him from Australia to Paris, Geneva, and the United States.

The new menu reimagines craveable classics and showcases an array of seasonal dishes
with a Californian influence. Among Chef Hopson’s summer menu highlights are tempura soft shell crabs with forbidden rice and a spice-scented tomato sauce; wild king salmon with toy box squash; agretti and miso dressing; beet and plum salad with pistachio, peppermint, and lime; and, cavatelli with Maine lobster and porcini, among others.

New Look

The comprehensive revamp of the multi-level beachfront restaurant introduces a lighter, airier feeling that is sophisticated, yet maintains a welcoming, neighborhood gathering place feel. Lighter, yet warm materials such as white oak, silver travertine stone, and reflective champagne finishes can be found throughout with colors and textures that subtly evoke a sense of the sand and sea.

A spectacular art piece created by renowned artist Mario Romano serves as a focal point at the center of the restaurant. The massive piece, which extends through all levels of the restaurant, features a lotus pattern laser-carved into Corian panels and backlit with LED lighting that changes color throughout the evening.

On the lower level, in the oceanfront lounge, “StrandBar,” there is a life-size backlit custom photograph of the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier by the local artist Brent Broza. It is a popular spot for photographs.

Anniversary Celebrations

10-Item Tasting Menu

The Strand House’s General Manager Morrisette is planning a 10-item tasting menu for $110 for 10 days from August 2-12. The menu features an amuse trio, followed by two appetizers, a fish course and a meat course created by Chef Hopson, as well as a dessert trio created by the restaurant’s executive pastry chef Steven Puga. A pairing carefully curated by the restaurant’s director of wine, Doug Hilton, will be available for an additional $50.

Anniversary Event

A one-day anniversary celebration, set for August 12 from 6-9 p.m. in the newly
StrandBar will welcome regulars and newcomers alike for a celebration of The Strand House’s 10 years as a premier South Bay Los Angeles dining destination. Complimentary appetizers will be served.