One day recently we managed to relive some of our Hawaiian culinary experiences by simply driving to Torrance and visiting King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant.  For here one is back on the Islands with the staff in colorful Hawaiian shirts, the decor and ambiance of an Hawaiian dining experience and the menu confirms it all.
Thanks to its bread that is readily available in almost every Southern California supermarket King's Hawaiian is a well known brand name.  But there is a story here that starts in Hilo, Hawaii and then moves to Southern California and especially the southwest districts.  For here is King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant. 
It was in 1950 that Robert Taira established a bakery in Hilo, Hawaii offers a unique original recipe sweet bread.  Its popularity was such that in 1977 King's Hawaiian moved to Torrance and established a bakery there which then grew to include an outstanding restaurant as well.
We must thank Bert Agor Jr., National l Corporate Executive Chef, for King's Hawaiian for introducing us to the Torrance Bakery and Restaurant.  We first became acquainted with Bert when he was Executive Chef at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club where one year he was named Chef of the Year by the Southern California Restaurant Writers.
King's Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant is large and  accommodates a large number of diners from early morning breakfast to late evening snacks much of it with the flavors of Hawaiian foods and cuisine as well as hints of Asian flavors as well.  On first entering the restaurant what one sees are long, long displays of bakery goods.  A good many patrons never get past this exciting display of pastries, but make  purchases and then leave.  But for those that stay there is Hawaiian local food like Chicken Katsu, Teriyaki beef plate, Kalbi ribs Kalua Pork or Huli Huli chicken.
Then there are entrees from the 'new Hawaii' with entrees like Island Mahi Mahi, Misa Salmon, Spicy Tuna Poke or braised Paniola Beef Short Rib.
Joining us to provide more information about King's Hawaiian was Steve Kane, Manager of Retail Operations.  He explained that the bakery operations are almost 24 hours a day and include a talented group of pastry chefs.
King's Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant is located at 2808 W. Sepulveda Blvd., Torrance, telephone 310 530-0050, web www.kingshawaiianrestaurants.com.  The restaurant is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the Bakery opens at 6 a.m.