Amandine was originally founded in 2002 by a Japanese man who came to the U.S. to study and saw a niche for Japanese French-style patisserie inspired by his parents’ bakery. Seven years ago, current owner Derek Chang took over the ivy-covered Brentwood storefront, growing the business and the menu to where it is today. Though the pastry case usually empties out by late morning, there are generally still plenty of cakes and tarts available well into the evening, along with an extensive all-day menu so you can have breakfast at night and pasta or a burger in the morning. Due to the pandemic, they had to permanently close their Gardena location, but Chang feels lucky to have the support of his staff and family to keep the business alive and the food top quality throughout the year. Having worked in the business since he moved to the U.S. from Korea as a teenager, he thinks of the restaurant business as his destiny and hopes to continue with more Amandine locations in the future.