“The Brief” is a new concept post where Coast Culinary Collective re-visits those people or places we’ve reported on before. It makes sense; if you liked them enough to write about the first time, you go back again to experience what they’re up to now.

Recently we had a chance to take advantage of “Happy Hour” at El Segundo. It has to be said a certain amount of the motivation behind this was discounted Margueritas which ES does very well. On our first visit, we only had the chance to try a few appies but this time we had a friend with us so took advantage of an extra appetite for more dishes.

El Wings

Zig Zag Zucchini

Pepp Pepp Roulette

Smoked Albacore Taco (Happy Hour feature taco)

Chef Heidi Murphy has come up with a pretty cool concept with her food. Fun, clever dishes that are well priced and unlike anything else on the Coast. The food looks good when you get it and tastes that much better once you tuck in. All of the above were solid though I’d have to admit the zucchini made an impact as it’s zucchini and I liked it. Not always a huge fan of courgette. But the dish of the day for me was the taco. The smoke on the tuna was perfect. PERFECT. 3 of the happiest bites.

Something I like about El Segundo is I know whenever I go, there will be a certain level of creativity, bright flavours and value. And a damn fine Marguerita(s)!

Since the first write-up CCC did for Loki’s, I’ve met Kevin and Anita, the owners and cooks behind these “wonder pies”, numerous times. Kevin, a South African and Anita, originally from Singapore are good folk. And the meat pies they’re producing are STUPID good. As is my way when I come across what I feel to be a really strong achievement in a dish, I do my best to turn as many people on to it as possible. Loki’s has been a bit more rewarding than other examples with every person(s) I’ve turned on to the pies being blown away. Very gratifying for me to have my piers back me on this. But the fact that they’ve now gotten their pies into our local Supervalu as well as the venerated Vancouver cheese monger Les Amis du Fromage speaks volumes.

Anyway, on to the point of this block; Loki’s Lamb Pie. Superb. Truly. Plentiful filling, judicious use of rosemary, great crust. Add that to their Beef & Guinness, Bacon/Onion Jam & Pork/ Steak, Cheese & Onion and their Butter Chicken and Loki’s success rate with their recipes is remarkable. Savant? Or maybe they cut a deal…