Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro is Nearing its Last Dance (Jeff Gottlieb, LA Times 01/29/10)

From 1973 - 2010, Papadakis Taverna was the best-known attraction in San Pedro, not just for its food and atmosphere, but as an out-of-the-way place where celebrities such as Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Hanks and Paula Abdul gathered. It’s where Pete Carroll, then-coach of the owner’s beloved USC Trojans, would close the deal with high school recruits. It was where Natalie Wood ate the night before she drowned off Santa Catalina in 1981. Catching up: Today, daughter Angel (L), is owner/operator of Kefi Yoga in Torrance while John can be found on the tennis courts at Peninsula Racquet Club when he isn't busy performing at local Southland jazz venues.