ZINC AT MANHATTAN BEACH’S SHADE HOTEL
READY. SET. LUNCH.

Amidst the hustle & bustle of the daily L.A. rat race, some people are lucky enough to do two-hour power lunches while the rest of us have to grab-n-go in less than 60 minutes. Well, now Zinc at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach has flipped the script thanks to its innovative Ready. Set. Lunch. offering 4 items in 45 minutes for $15. Casual lunch never seemed to so good.

In a town where “lets do lunch” is a way of life, Zinc, primarily known for its small plates menu and signature cocktail and wine list has quickly become the South Bay’s go-to lunch spot. Businesspeople appreciate the convenience of the quick and savory lunch, while leisure guests enjoy spending the afternoon on Zinc’s shaded terrace with an included glass of wine. No matter which category you fit into, you have to agree that the $15 value just can’t be beat.

The Ready. Set. Lunch. meal includes your choice of a starter (house made soups and salads), an entrée (signature Zinc items and seasonal dishes), a side (freshly prepared veggies, or french fries, etc.), and to top it off, your choice of beverage including a glass of wine or draft beer all for $15.

Executive Chef Greg Hozinsky describes his menu as “seasonable and reasonable. By visiting L.A.’s numerous Farmer’s Markets, we are able to produce dishes featuring the freshest ingredients at the peak of their season.”

In fact, Chef Hozinsky updates his popular menu every two weeks and has presented dishes such as Oktoberfest Schnitzel to cedar plank baked salmon with a coriander beurre blanc sauce. Signature items that are a constant on the menu are Zinc’s Chopped Salad comprised of arugula, Israeli couscous, currants, tomatoes, pepitas, roasted corn, smoked salmon, asiago cheese with a basil dressing, as well as the Zinc Burger comprised of special blend of premium beef, bloody mary aioli, grilled onions, fresh butter lettuce, and organic tomatoes all on a daily-baked-in-house bun.

During our recent weekday visit to Zinc for lunch, seated outside, truly appreciating yet another beautiful Southern California afternoon, we chose the tasty Lobster Bisque, and the wonderful Zinc Chopped Salad with Salmon as our two starter items.

We opted for two Hefeweizens as our beverages (your beer choices include: Red Hook ESB, Michelob Ultra, Long Board Kona Lager, Widmer Hefeweizen, Firestone Double Barrel Amber, and Firestone Pale Ale; and Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay Rosé, Pinto Noir or Cabernet among the wines) which were wonderfully paired with the hearty Zinc Burger with a side of Spicy Mac N’ Cheese, and the savory and juicy Bistro Steak (grilled Angus Hanger steak, sliced and served with caramelized shallots, and red wine reduction sauce) with a choice side of Sweet Potato Fries.

Although it’s way chill and relaxed, you can still get away with shorts and sandals even thought there is an upscale vibe at Zinc that simply adds to the welcome escape of getting away from the rat race even if just for less than an hour.

Dessert is extra but we just had to give the decadent Apple Bread Pudding with Real Tahitian Vanilla a try. It’s an excellent way to top of a quick and easy, and lets not forget delicious, lunch.
Zinc is located at Shade Hotel at 1221 N Valley Drive in Manhattan Beach. Ready. Set. Lunch. is offered weekdays from 11am– 3pm. Also available, between the hours of 6–11am is Zinc’s Ready. Set. Breakfast. menu featuring a similar format with breakfast items all for $12. For Shade reservations call toll-free 866-98SHADE, or email reservations@shadehotel.com.