Best of the Beach 2012
The Best of the Beach is our celebration of all the people and places that make the South Bay a great place to live, work and play.
Best Park: Polliwog Park
Polliwog Park boasts 18 acres, making it the largest park in the South Bay. It’s a perfect spot for afternoon picnics, families can visit the park’s pond and wildlife area. Community-wide events are often held at Polliwog, including concerts and weddings. Residents can hold birthday parties or family reunions at one of the park’s three […]
Best Private School: Chadwick Day School
Chadwick Day School in Rancho Palos Verdes has a 75-year history of success in developing young people of academic excellence and exemplary character. The beautiful, 45-acre campus overlooks the South Bay. They are one of only four U.S. schools that hold full membership in international Round Square, a worldwide consortium of more than 80 schools […]
Best Flower Shop: Growing Wild
This family owned shop, run by twin sisters Lee and Lisa Hoven (twin sisters), has been here over 20 years. Everything is uniquely hand made. They make deliveries all over the LA area, and do not use tele-flower or wire services. If you see a similar arrangement, rest assured this store is the originator, not […]
Best Neighborhood Shopping: Riviera Village
For the best neighborhood shopping center, Riviera Village wins by a landslide because of its local flavor and variety. “It has so much to offer,” said Alicia Nay, owner of consignment shop Return Engagement. “There’s something for every budget, and all of the businesses are owned by individuals.” The shopping area, located in South Redondo […]
Best Major Shopping Center: Manhattan Village Mall
Featuring more than 80 establishments – ranging from large department stores and small boutiques to restaurants and electronics stores – the Manhattan Village Mall has it all. With a large, convenient parking lot, shoppers can visit for some retail therapy, to dine, see a movie or just to make a quick stop at the bank. […]
Best Supermarket: Vons
Our readers flipped out over the crispy produce, wide grocery selection and friendly service at Vons. The stores also draws some raves in the online reviews of customers. “I just got back from Vons and noticed they now have organic, gluten free selections really sticking out for you to see,” Aaron F. of Hermosa wrote […]
Best Comedy: Comedy and Magic Club
Best of the Beach comedy club is an understatement when describing Comedy and Magic Club. Just about every comedian who appears at the downtown Hermosa Beach landmark will tell you it’s the best of the world comedy club. How else to explain Gary Shandling walking on stage last month, unannounced, to perform for a benefit […]
Best Local Original Music Band: Sand Section
With an original LP, EP, and loads of touring under their belts, this local band has kicked butt both here and abroad with their swirled mix of rock, reggae, blues, and new age surf. But they’ve been in creative flux, and it’s with the recording of their third album that they’re settling into their sound. […]
Best Live Music Club: Saint Rocke
From foosball to fine wine, pool table to booth seating, ping pong wars to intimate stage setting, the metamorphosis of the former Pitcher House into Saint Rocke has provided the most consistent flow of quality entertainment in the area. While the marquee often boasts top acts like Toots and The Maytals, the calendar always offers […]
Best Underage Band: Crime Scene
“Underage band” usually indicates slightly under 21. Crime Scene carves out a category that is all its own: Under-underage. This local Rock and Funk band is comprised of several multi-talented musicians ages 10 to 12! The group met at the Coast Music Conservatory (Hermosa Beach) in Rock Band class, where they also rehearse under […]
Best DJ: DJ DIK
Richard Podgurski, widely known as DJ Dik, has spun himself a hat trick with three years running as best DJ (sharing last year’s title with DJ Bayati). He’s currently in his most productive year to date, with gigs all over the country. But Hermosa is home and the preferred playground for this native. Ocean Bar […]
Best Music Lessons: Coast Music Conservatory
Owned and operated by Matt and Beth Rohde, with Beth’s sisters Angie Deters and Marti Harris, Coast Music is a space filled with like-minded industry professionals and students who are passionate about music and learning. Coast Music faculty members have worked with and trained some of the biggest names in the business, and though […]
Best Movie Theater: ArcLight Beach Cities
You can buy alcohol inside, you can reserve your seats, and you can munch on caramel popcorn. Formerly Pacific Theatres, the building was given a facelift and now looks classier and has plenty of parking. The theaters are light proof and they occasionally host filmmakers talks. ArcLight Beach Cities: 831 S. Nash St., El Segundo. […]
Best Men’s Barber: Floyd’s 99 Barber Shop
The fun, high energy atmosphere is enough to attract our readers to the barber shop with the wide front windows open to the street, but the expertly delivered array of services — for the heads of women as well as men — keep them coming back. Plus, our readers say Floyd’s will clip their hair, […]
Best Yoga Studio: Harmony Yoga Center
After tying for the runner-up position in 2011, Harmony took top honors this year under its new ownership. Najla Coury, who has taught at Harmony since 2002, purchased the studio from Chappell Foote in July 2011. “As the new owner I am so excited for the future of our studio,” Coury said. “I realized I […]