Best toy store: Bella Beach Kids
Along with unique, funky clothing for boys and girls, Bella Beach Kids carries a host of unique toys and gifts you may not find in traditional toy stores. “We try to find unique items that can only be found in our stores,” said owner Kris Mackerer-D’Errico. “We really are a lifestyle store. You can come […]
Best kids boutique: Bella Beach Kids
This three-year-old family-owned boutique is a reader favorite in two categories. Perhaps because the local owners are so embedded in the community – 35-year Manhattan Beach resident Kris Mackerer D’Errico’s customers include her seventh grade Home Economics teacher, and the “little girls” she coached in soccer who are now new moms. “We have such a […]
Best happy hour: Baja Sharkeez
Sharkeez’s Mexican fare has no business being as good as it is for bar food at a popular party spot, yet it never disappoints. Once again, Sharkeez wins for best happy hour, though it may be the 2-for-1 drinks that tickle the patrons as much as the cheap tacos and free chips and salsa. If […]
Best hamburger (restaurant): The Counter, Simmzy’s (TIE)
The Counter offers over three thousand possible combinations of hamburger, Simmzy’s offers three. You can take those three into double digits if you count the add-ins of roasted shiitake mushrooms, bacon, avocado, and fresno chili rings, but this race is still a tie between the establishment that offers a delightfully bewildering range of options and […]
Best hamburger (fast food): In-N-Out
Most fast food meals are a matter of convenience – I’m on this corner and so is a burger joint, so I have lunch. In-N-Out has the distinction of having fans who travel several miles for a fast food burger because they like the freshness of the ingredients. The company is proud of the fact […]
Best furniture: Fringe
There are a lot of places to buy home furnishings, but none was as beloved this year in the Beach Cities as Fringe in Redondo Beach. Previously in Lomita, Fringe moved to a storefront in Riviera Village about four years ago. “We have customers that followed us here,” said Debbie Talosi, who co-owns the store […]
Best neighborhood bar: Gasser Lounge
Gasser’s finally beat out the North End as locals’ favorite neighborhood bar. Billing itself as the “South Bay’s only true rock ‘n’ roll bar,” Gasser’s off-the beaten track location on Aviation Blvd. does not deter those looking for a craft cocktail, a cold beer and good music from crossing PCH. And with beer flowing from […]
Best Camera Store: Paul’s Photo
When Paul Comon opened Paul’s Photo in 1961, the Southern California Photo Dealer’s Guild had approximately 140 members. Since then, most of those camera stores have closed. Paul’s has flourished. Last year, the trade publication Photo Industry Reporter named Paul’s the United States 2012 Dealer of the Year. Comon credits his longevity to the fact […]
Best dessert restaurant: Cheesecake Factory
When a business goes from having one location to a hundred and sixty-two over thirty-five years, what they are doing is not a fad. Their rich, sweet cheesecake is obviously one of their secrets – it’s in the restaurant’s name, and they serve over forty kinds including chocolate raspberry truffle, pina colada, and Dutch apple […]
Best Veterinarian: Dr. Steve Liebel, Hermosa Animal Hospital
Our readers rave about Hermosa Animal Hospital, a full-service vet offering routine preventive care, early detection and treatment of disease, and full medical and surgical care if needed throughout a pet’s lifetime. And they rave about the two decades of expertise and “pet-side manner” provided by the popular Dr. Liebl. “Dr. Steve Liebl is by […]
Best bar food: Hudson House
Brooke Williamson is famous now thanks to her appearances on Top Chef, but to the demanding clientele at Hudson House it’s what is happening live and in person that is really important. The idea of small portions of big flavors isn’t exactly new, but the team here delivers it in style – crispy kale fritters, […]
Best Pet Grooming: Bubbles Pet Spa
Bubbles, a full-service grooming facility is located in the heart of Manhattan Beach. They specialize in hair cuts for dogs and even brave cat cuts. They offer full service bathing and are known for their pet spa experience. Prices range from $28 – $200. Bubbles Pet Spa: 2110 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach. 310-545-5294. Runner up: […]
Best waitress: Teri Lee at Charlie’s
The greatest skill a server can have is to recognize their restaurant regulars while being just as warm and welcoming to new guests. Teri Lee must be doing something right. This is her second year in a row winning for Charlie’s after winning at both Cantina Real and Scotty’s. She receives her patrons as she […]
Best crepe: Crème de la Crepe
We remember when there was just one Crème de la Crepe, and some people scoffed that the South Bay needed a restaurant that mainly sold French stuffed pancakes. Obviously we approved, since they have not only thrived but now have six locations from Long Beach to Pasadena. Three of those locations are in the South […]
Best waiter: Beau Deida at Palmilla Cocina y Tequila
Beau at Palmilla gets the nod this year for best waiter in the South Bay. His smile and laugh are contagious and add levity this high-end Mexican spot. Racing around the restaurant, taking care of his guests with skill and joy, Beau removes any pretention that the sophisticated outfit might otherwise relay. You can tell […]
Best regional dining: American Farmhouse Tavern
Until they visit the American Farmhouse Tavern, many people don’t know that Central California has its own distinctive regional cuisine. It’s not some piece of canny restaurant marketing; there really is a tradition here, centered on Santa Maria-style barbecue and a delicious bean soup which you mix with salsa right at the table. That regional […]