Painter’s Tape, the newest neighborhood restaurant in Gardena has very simple instructions for customers walking in. They are as follows: 1) Show up with fun people. 2) Visit the cashier to order a refreshing beverage and couple dishes each to share with the fun people. 3) Eat, drink and be merry. 4) Leave happy, sleep well, repeat steps 1-3.

Even without the instructions however, I already knew that I would come out of here as one happy Hello Kitty Foodie from Painter’s Tape because of several reasons. The first reason being I was recommended here by my friends from another favorite restaurant of mine; Chubby Rice. Joe and Chef Linda Lau of Chubby Rice are food connoisseurs that I trust and respect and I knew any restaurant they like, would be top-notch. Owner of Painter’s Tape and chef  Atsushi Takatsuki, happens to also be a chef alum of Manhattan Beach Post just like Chef Linda. Chef Atsushi was once chef de cuisine of Chef David LeFevre’s fabulous beach city restaurant.

I also knew I would like Painter’s Tape because I found the inspiration behind the restaurant name so heartwarming and wonderful. Chef Atsushi grew up in Gardena and his father ran a commercial painting business in Gardena for 40 years. The restaurant’s name is a tribute to his father and to his hometown! Being someone who also is very close to the South bay and a true Daddy’s girl; I love the background story behind Painter’s Tape.

With all the above being, said I was already quite happy walking into Painter’s Tape with even no instructions ;). Little did I know that the smile on my face would get even bigger after trying their food. 😉

Painter’s Tape specializes in modern American cuisine. The menu consists of three sections: breads and sandies, eggs and potatoes and vegetables. It’s a tapas style and perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Our meal here started off with Painter’s Tape’s Potatoes Bravas.

I’ve always been a fan of potato dishes but this dish has to be one of the most unique potato dishes I’ve ever had. It’s a mix of soft potatoes and potato chips topped with paprika, garlic mayo and a soft egg. Poking the egg yolk and letting it mix in the potatoes was true happiness and yumminess. It has a bit of spice to it and I just loved the mixture of flavors.

Next dish was the Stewed Organic Rice.

This dish is also not your ordinary (porridge) dish. It is tomato and chicken bone broth topped with egg yolk and crispy things! It is an egg-cellent dish that is very flavorful. The yolk when mixed with the porridge gives the perfect texture for one hearty dish.

After trying something from both the Eggs and Potatoes section and the Vegetables section; it was time to try something from Painter’s Tape’s Bread and Sandies section.

We first tried the Shabu Shabu Steak Bun.

My family and I are quite fond of the Japanese nabemono hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water; but never did we anticipate having shabu shabu as a sandwich! Painter’s Tape makes shabu shabu sandwich a reality. The Shabu Shabu Steak bun has the thinly sliced meat, worcestershire sauce, tomato confit and spice shake all in one. The seasoning of this sandwich is simply divine.

The other item that we tried from the Breads and Sandies section was the Japanese curry and cheddar donut.

This donut came fresh from the kitchen and upon slicing the donut delicious curry and cheddar came oozing out.

Similar to the Shabu Shabu Steak bun, this was very pleasing to the palate. The curry just had the right tone of hot Asian spices. The cheddar mixed in with the curry made for a very creamy and smooth filling!

Last but not least, we tried their Texas toast.

The Texas toast was toasted just right and had perfectly crisp edges! I loved the topping of honey and condensed milk. It made for just the sweetest ending to this fabulous meal.

Painter’s Tape had very simple instructions for their customers and after dining here I can say; those instructions are on point! Definitely come with fun people. (A meal with family is always wonderful). Definitely order a couple of dishes (I assure you will love each and every dish you try). Lastly you will definitely leave happy (I left with a smile on my face). Thank you Painter’s Tape! Painter’s Tape, the newest neighborhood restaurant in Gardena; it truly is nice to see you in the neighborhood ;).

For more smiles, please see my Yelp review on Painter’s Tape