Friday, December 4, 2009
Zack Rosenfeld
Staff Writer
When one needs a fabulous dinner, only one place comes to mind. It is known as “The Cheers of Manhattan Beach,” a place for a great meal. To some people it is home, and to others it is known as Fonz’s.
Fonz’s restaurant was opened in August 1997, and since then it has been a hot spot in the community. Known for his amazing steaks and fish, owner Danny Boehle has tried to turn the restaurant into an experience.
“When people walk in here, I want them to feel at home. Fonz’s has more of an everybody-knows-everybody type feel,” Boehle said.
The menu has a wide range of dishes including sizzling steaks, chewy chicken and fish fresh from the ocean. For an appetizer, most start out with the fried calamari. One of the most popular entrées is the “Izzy’s” pasta. This scrumptious dish includes cut-up filet mignon, spinach, corn and mushrooms all over penne noodles, covered with a chipotle cream sauce
“I told the head chef, whose name was Izzy, to make me a pasta. I loved it so much that I decided it had to be on the menu. He is not our chef anymore, but I like the family feel in the restaurant, so I named that pasta after him,” Boehle said.
For dessert, Fonz’s offers chocolate bark with four mini frosting-filled cupcakes. Another popular dessert item is the bread pudding, which is served hot a la mode.
“The Fonz’s experience includes great, tasting food, personable servers and a comfortable feel,” Boehle said.
To some, Fonz’s is known as place for a special occasion, but to most, it is known as a second home. Every weekend, Boehle sees his regulars walk in.
“I go to Fonz’s at least two to three times a month. To me, it is another home. I walk in, and I am greeted by Danny. I see other people I know and it makes me feel good,” Mira Costa parent Paul Franklin said.
One of the most unique aspects about Fonz’s is the servers. One in particular is Barbara Tidisco. She is known by her customers for skillfully listing the specials and their ingredients in way that makes her customers want to order everything from the menu.
“I want my customers to feel as though they are on an adventure,” Tidisco said.
When walking out of Fonz’s, diners say they feel an intense sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. Dining there is a unique experience.
“The feel I want from all of my customers when they leave my restaurant is that Fonz’s is like another family,” Boehle said.
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