A restaurant that can stay in business for twenty five years must be doing everything right.  So to find out more about "this legend in its own time" I recently made a visit to Misto Caffe and Bakery located in Torrance.
There I met Chef/Owner Luis Alvarez who gave me a tour of Misto and the story of how it has become part of the community.  It is located in Hillside Village which offers a provincial atmosphere and decor for the many businesses that are located there.
The Old World bistro look of Misto fits in perfectly here.  The restaurant includes a series of intimate dining rooms and flanked by a large all season patio, that is especially popular.  And yes, one room includes the bakery and seating for those with a sweet tooth.
The menu here is large offering both American favorites and some entrees with a Latin background.  There is a daily special luncheon menu.  The wine list is international and offers a wine special each day.
My dining partner and I enjoyed a long, leisurely lunch while meeting Luis and his manager, Opie Lepe, who has been with him for twenty three years.
Misto is open for lunch only on Monday, the rest of the week serving both lunch and dinner.  On Saturday and Sunday there is a brunch served.
Misto is located at 24558 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance with ample free off street parking.  Telephone 310 375-3608, web www.mistocaffe.com.