As the Los Angeles Kings prepare to clinch the Stanley Cup with the team's fourth win Tuesday night in the best-of-seven series against the Jersey Devils, the secret's out: is a top spot to watch the Kings play hockey.
An article in Saturday's New York Times recognized the eatery as a "hockey first"-type spot, with hockey-themed decor and memorabilia from both the Kings and the Canadiens.
"We've become known pretty much as the home of hockey in Southern California," co-owner Chris Tsangaris told the newspaper. "I think we're the only hockey-first place in Southern California."
As Kings fans watch the game on CBC, the staff cooks up favorites like Penne Lombardi (named for Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi) and Lucky Luc's Original hot dog (after player Luc Robitaille), as well as Greek cuisine. They also serve poutine.
Unlike , a bar in North Redondo Beach that has also hosted Kings viewing parties during the playoffs, the atmosphere at Redondo Beach Cafe is decidedly more family friendly.
"We serve beer and wine, but we're not a hard-core bar," Tsangaris told the Times. "(A local television crew was) just amazed, first of all, at how pleasant the environment was, and second, how knowledgeable the hockey people were.
"They weren't obnoxious, running around and yelling, 'Go, go, go!'"
Tonight's game at the Staples Center starts at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. It will be broadcast on NBC.
- Full story: Unlikely Hockey Hot Spot: Redondo Beach [New York Times]
