Read Karen's entertainment reviews on her theater pages- "Nightingale" and "Souvenir" DELIBOYS Up until a few years ago, I had limited my knowledge of Los Angeles to the Westside and some close parts of the Valley. I considered the Marina a day trip. So when a friend invited me to visit him in the South Bay, I practically packed a suitcase. I’m not kidding; Mr. X even made me get a radar detector for the long drive. So, I was shocked to see how close to LA proper those beach towns really are. I soon became a regular. So, when I found out about this new fabulous shopping complex, I ran right down there. It’s so easy in Manhattan Beach that I feel like it’s a play town built in my backyard. The Metlox Plaza features a big esplanade with patios for all the restaurants, so you can actually see who’s eating where. So, you can be a yenta and a chazer at the same time!!! What better place than at a deli. DeliBoys opened about eight months ago. I just heard about it, so Eadie and I ventured south on a day I had free from baseball play-offs. It turned out I could have gone while they were being played because the boys have big screen TVs there, playing sports all the time. A lot is happening on the other walls, too. They are filled with framed sports memorabilia, that are for sale, with the proceeds going to The Friendship Circle charity. We started our meal off sitting next to Babe Ruth pictures. What could be better for two NY gals? Anyway, we loved all the food. The chicken soup was great. The hot dog was one of the best I’ve ever had, and trust me, I’ve eaten a hot dog or two in my day. I was actually the Hot Dog Girl at Stan’s Corner Shop in Westwood when I first got to LA, but that’s a story for another column. The Patty Melt was my personal favorite. Mr. X’s, too. (I know, he wasn’t with us, but do you think two females can eat all this food to review for you guys? No way. So, we took some home to get a manly opinion. But since only Mr. X was there, I went with his.) (That was just a test to make sure he reads my column.) The accompanying fries were perfect, as well. We shared a generously-portioned meat loaf dinner. Eadie went nuts for it, though I didn’t care for the spicy sauce on top. They feature all-natural ice cream from New Zealand, so of course we had to try it, even though at this point I was hoping that the last course was a barf-bag. (Because we had eaten so much, naturally; no reflection on the food, which was delicious.) Eadie loved her combination strawberry yogurt-vanilla ice cream. I just yearned for a nap. I made three mistakes: forgetting to sample a knish and potato pancakes, not thinking of ordering real dessert, which is what I live for, and leaving without getting candy from the giant jars that line the aisle across from the take-out cases. I may make a trip to DeliBoys just to rectify those mistakes. Maybe then I can sit near something signed by my unsuspecting future husband, Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn. DeliBoys 451 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach 310-796-0203 www.deliboys.com Deli Boys Menu