Barfly: Open Mmic at FFFF
by Deb L
They Have Food Where?: The Hermosa Beach Yacht Club, Hermosa Ave, HB, lovingly known by locals as the “HYBC” is the definition of a dive bar, the place folks living on the Southside of Hermosa close to the border by 190th go for a last drink before closing time on the way home from downtown. Like most, I didn’t realize they actually served food until a few weeks ago when my friend, a long time Hermosan transplanted from New York, decided to have his going away party there. He sent the Evite out as “Cheeseburgers for Jim at the HYBC.” I called him right away to tell him to stop drinking and start packing! Was someone bringing burgers to the bar or what? “No, no, no!” He emphatically informed me, “they have great cheeseburgers! I can’t testify to anything else on the menu but the cheeseburgers are great, there are several to choose from and they come with fries or ‘chips’ – not potato chips but thick cut fries that are fantastic!” I went with an open mind, a sober mind and I was pleasantly surprised. First, they put pickles on the burgers like two of my fave spots for burgers, Grunions, Sepulveda, MB and Houstons, Rosecrans, MB. They range from $6.25 to $7.95 including chips or fries and the schooners of beer are $6 for domestics, $3 for a mug. So for $20 including tip you can fill up on both food and drink. Thus far, I can’t testify to the other food either because the burgers are so good I’ve been back for more and since I hate wasting calories on mediocre grub, I haven’t ventured further. The HYBC is open Monday-Thursday 1:30 p.m. — 12:30 a.m., Friday/Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 2 a.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 a.m. Breakfast is served Saturdays and Sundays. Call (310) 367.6767 or check out hermosabeachyachtclub.com for more info…
Story from the BOB Bartender: Rico de’Alba, your pick for the South Bay’s Best Bartender at Shellback Tavern, Manhattan Beach Boulevard, MB, told me a great story while I was getting info for his write-up. During football season, Shellback has attracted a group of guys he’s dubbed “The Kansas City Boys” because they come in every Sunday to support their Chiefs — 35 strong. One day one of the guys ordered 35 Fanta shots from Rico and as he was making them, the guy asks what was the most Fanta shots ordered at once, Rico told him the AVP guys ordered 260 during one of their big tournaments. Well, not to be outdone, he ups his order to 261…
Wine Tasting: Join Daniel Franks, sommelier and son of Michael Franks, owner of the legendary Chez Melange. Catalina Ave, RB and resident Brit in the Bay, for a weekly wine tasting on Thursdays from at 5:30-7 p.m. on the patio at Bouzy, the bar area of Chez Melange. There is no charge but you need a reservation to get in on the action. Call 310.540.1222 for reservations…
Open Mic Night Wednesdays at FFFF: Due to the increasing popularity of Hermosa Beach open mic nights for musicians, Fat Face Fenner’s Fishack, Pier Plaza, HB now hosts an open mic night on Wednesdays, the only open mic night in the downtown area. Hosted by Steve and Miguel, it’s the usual procedure: Sign-ups at 7 p.m., Kick-off at 8 p.m. Play three songs or 15 minutes; Full liquor bar and restaurant menu available. The Fishack is a small, intimate setting for acoustic soloists, duos and trios. There is no house band but there will be guitarists hanging around who can accompany singers. The PA system is excellent and even if you aren’t a musician, the open night is great for listening, easy on the ears with no DJ drama and booming bass issues. There’s a lot of talent here in the South Bay, come out and support it. 21 and over in the bar area but all ages are allowed in the restaurant area until 10 p.m. Call (310) 379-5550 or check out fatfacefenners.com for more info. Other open mic nights in Hermosa, include Mondays at Ardmore Restaurant, 705 Pier Ave. hosted by Mel Harker and Tuesdays at Suzy’s, Aviation hosted by Mike Holmes. Call (310) 372.9705 for info on Ardmore at 705 and 310.379.6171 for info on Suzy’s…
Questions ? Comments? Contact DebL at BarflyDebl@aol.com. ER