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Michael Zislis Bringing Octavio Becerra and Julian Cox To Circa in Manhattan Beach

Julian Cox's Tejocote at Rivera
Julian Cox’s Tejocote at Rivera Photo: KevinEats

The South Bay is heating up. Following yesterday’s report of a forthcoming new seafood restaurant from David LeFevre, whispers emerge today that Michael Zislis, the entrepreneur who imported Neal Fraser to The Strand House, is crafting a new chef-driven concept called Circa in the former home of Mucho Ultima, his Mexican restaurant that shuttered with the new year.

No firm details, nor a name**, are being divulged just yet, but Grub Street sources confirm that Octavio Becerra, the Patina-alum who made a big splash at Palate Food & Wine and was recently spotted consulting at Laxy Ox Canteen, will be in the kitchen.

Holding him down will be cocktail creator Julian Cox (Rivera, Bestia), hired to oversee the mixology program. Similar to Strand House, the restaurant and bar will also transform into a lounge that stays open until 2:00 A.M. Expect more news to come and an opening sometime in early February.

Circa, 903 Manhattan Ave. Manhattan Beach; 310-374-4422.

**We found out the name and corrected this post.

Michael Zislis Bringing Octavio Becerra and Julian Cox To Circa in Manhattan