Beautiful Hermosa Beach And A Wonderful New York Slice

     Manhattan   Beach   Pier

The Strand

        If you walk, as Tom and I did last Wednesday during our visit to LA,  about 2 miles south from the Manhattan Beach Pier along The Strand, the walkway that runs along the shore line of the southern Los Angeles beach cities,  you'll arrive in downtown Hermosa Beach.
    More commercial than Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach has a lovely walking street off the Strand called Pier Plaza lined with stores, restaurants, and palm trees.  It's always full of people and full of life.

Hermosa Beach, Pier Plaza looking  inland.

     Pier Plaza looking towards the beach.

       My favorite spot in Hermosa Beach is a friendly little pizzeria around the corner from Pier Plaza called Paisano's Pizza and Pasta.

    Tom, also a huge Paisano's pizza fan.

      The place is homey and bright with movie posters and photos of movie stars lining the walls.  The service is good and the manager will come over and ask you where you're from. 
        But it's the pizza that seals the deal for me.
        Now, the thing about pizza is that it's something that's easy to get right.  Tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, veggies.  These things just naturally seem to go good together without too much coaxing.   
       But a New-York style pizza, with those big, soft-crusted triangular pieces that fold in your hand as you bit into them...ah, that's something special.
         I'm willing to make the statement that Paisano's in Hermosa beach makes the best New York slice I've  had outside New York City.  Their pizza chefs have perfected the art of the folding crust.
        All right, I'll come clean right here and admit that I actually eat my New York slice with a knife and fork. That's how how I work it.  But most people fold the slice in their hand, right?  That's what makes it a New York slice.
        But and way you cut it  - or fold it - Paisano's  makes an awesome slice.  
        Sadly, I'll probably never get around to reviewing Paisano's pasta, salads, or sandwiches, let alone any other restaurant in Hermosa Beach.  When in beautiful Hermosa Beach I hear only the call of the pizza.