Q&A: Chez Melange Co-Owner Michael Franks

A big believer in locally grown food, Michael Franks lobbied for the new farmers market in Riviera Village, rhapsodizing about "vegetables that were grown yesterday and eaten today" at last week's City Council meeting. After the market got the green light from the city, the co-owner of Chez Melange immediately started to spread the word about its opening this Friday. 

He and co-owner Robert Bell make a point of serving fresh produce at their restaurant, which last year moved from its PCH location to one on Catalina Avenue. They operate two dining concepts out of the same Riviera Village location—Chez Melange and Bouzy, a gastro pub.

Patch spoke with Franks about the new farmers market, which will operate from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, and the joys of living in Redondo. 

Redondo Beach Patch: What do you like about living in this area?

Michael Franks: I love the slower pace of the South Bay. It's a huge contrast from London. There's more of a sense of neighborhood in this area.

Patch: Why did you decide to move the restaurant from the PCH location to the one in Riviera Village? 

Franks: Our lease was up in the former location. We always wanted to be in the beach area. We now have two restaurant concepts in one. We moved to this location in January 2009.

Patch: Has your business gone up since the move?

Franks: Yes, we have more seats now, a larger property. The two concepts offer different experiences, which have brought more people in.

Patch: Can you tell us a bit about each concept?

Franks: Bouzy is a gastro pub, which in British culture replaced the pub scene. In contrast to lower quality pub food, younger chefs started to upgrade to fresh and local foods that are what gastro pubs are known for. The food is upscale, but the atmosphere remains casual.

Chez Melange is a bistro-like neighborhood restaurant where seasonality is key. We buy local as much as possible. Our menu changes daily. Chez Melange caters to different walks of life from business dinners, to birthday and anniversaries, to just a simple night out.

Patch: Can you tell us about the ingredients you use?

Franks: We have two gardens where we grow our own vegetables. One is at Palos Verdes High School while the other is at the site of Rolling Hills Prep School. The farmers are the special education students. Gardening educates them with not only technique but also teaches them self-sustenance.

Patch: Why was it important to bring a farmers market to Riviera Village?

Franks: From our restaurant's standpoint, it allows us to buy our ingredients close by. We want to make sure the farms at our market grow organic certified products.

It's also a good experience for the community. Having a view of the ocean while shopping at a farmers market is very unique, and we hope it would bring people closer together.

Patch: Can Redondo sustain two farmers markets?

Franks: Yes, because both markets have their own clientele. Each market has different hours to cater to different groups of people. There's different experiences at both markets.

Patch: When will the new farmers market begin?

Franks: We will start Friday, Sept. 17.

Patch: Did you push for the Friday afternoon-evening schedule? 

Franks: Yes, I wanted the Friday afternoon schedule. A majority of farmers markets take place during the day, and I wanted this evening schedule to contrast that. It adds another dimension to the farmers market. It allows another set of people to experience the farmers market. As far as I know, we're the only farmers market that will operate at that time.

Patch: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Franks: I believe food should always be fresh and healthy. I'm working with the Palos Verdes school district to get healthier food in school. I'm also lucky to have Susan Hillyer who has helped us develop relationships in the community. For me, it's all about community. We're getting positive feedback from our customers on the farmers market and I hope to meet their expectations, and will work until they are met.

The Riviera Village Farmers Market will operate from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays on Avenue I between Catalina Avenue and Camino de la Costa.