Best of the Beach 2015

Best of the Beach 2015. Photo by Pete Henze
Best of the Beach 2015. Photo by Pete Henze

Best of the Beach 2015. Photo by Pete Henze

Over 6,000 readers showed their support for their favorite beach city businesses and services by voting in Easy Readers 29th Annual Best of The Beach contest. Though any “Best of” vote is more subjective than scientific, Best of voting gives readers an opportunity to show their appreciation for the many businesses and services that make the beach cities such a wonderful place to live. What struck all of our reporters after they interviewed the 150 Best of the Beach winners was how hard the winners work to be the best they can be.

The winners are:

Dining

Best Mexican, over $20: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila.
Best Seafood Soup: Bluewater Grill.
Best Pizza: Fresh Brothers.
Best Thai: Thai Dishes.
Best Tapas: Mediterraneo.
Best Steak, under $20: Bull Pen.
Best Steak, over $30: Flemings Steakhouse and Wine Bar.
Best Romantic Restuarant, and Best Wine List: The Bottle Inn.
Best Sushi Chef: Simon and Oki Doki Sushi.
Best Server (female): Natalie, Old Venice.
Best Server (male): Jimmy Erickson, Rockefeller.
Best Sports Bar Food: Baja Sharkeez.
Best Specialty Salad: The Source Cafe.
Best Caterer: Lisa’s Bon Appetit.
Best Foie Gras: Hot’s Kitchen.
Best French: Dominique’s Kitchen.
Best Deli: Mickey’s Deli.
Best Chili: Tomboy’s.
Best Mexican, over $20: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila.
Best Coffeehouse (independent): Java Man.
Best Coffeehouse (chain): Peet’s.
Best Farm-to-Table: Hook & Plow.
Best Muffin: Tami’s Corner House Cafe.
Best Bagel: Manhattan Bread and Bagel.
Best Desserts: Nick’s.
Best American Contemporary: MB Post.
Best Restaurant Burger: The Standing Room.
Best Fast Food Burger: In-N-Out.
Best Ethnic BBQ: Silvio’s Brazilian BBQ.
Best Mediterranean and Outdoor Dining: Mediterraneo.
Best Late Night: The Kettle.
Best Indian: Akbar.
Best Chinese: W’s China Grill.
Best American BBQ: Dickie’s.
Best Mexican, under $20: Coyote Cantina.
Best Rotisserie Chicken: El Pollo Inka.
Best Sandwich Shop: Big Mike’s.
Best Vegetarian: The Spot.
Best Teppanyaki: Benihana.
Best Bakery: Becker’s Bakery.
Best Crepe: Creme De La Crepe.
Best Omelet: Martha’s 22nd Street Grill.
Best Cajun: Ragin Cajun.
Best Asian Fusion: Little Sister.

Drinks

Best Wine Bar: Barsha Wine & Spirits.
Best Wine Store: Bacchus Wine Made Simple.
Best Liquor Store: Manhattan Fine Wines.
Best Craft Brewery: Strand Brewing Company.
Best Cocktails: Palmilla Cocina y Tequila.
Best Happy Hour: Baja Sharkeez.
Best Margarita: Ortega 120.
Best Martini: Mangiamo’s.
Best Bartender: Adam DeRitter, Rock N Fish.

Retail

Best Kids Boutique Store: Gum Tree
Best Eyewear: Look! Optometry
Best Women’s Boutique: Katwalk
Best Gold Store: Seymour Jewelers 
Best Antiques and Collectibles: Stars Antique Market.
Best Gift Shop: Gumtree.
Best Grocery Store: Trader Joe’s.
Best Flower Shop: Growing Wild.
Best Jewelry Store: 23rd Street Jewelers.
Best Major Shopping Center: Del Amo Fashion Center.
Best Men’s Clothing: Spyder Surf

Entertainment

Best DJ: DJ DIK
Best Original Band: LIFE
Best Underage Band: 11Echo
Best Live Music Venue: Saint Rocke
Best Gallery: Bo Bridges Gallery
Best Comedy Club: Comedy and Magic Club

Sports

Best Surf Shop: Spyder
Best Skate Shop: Spyder
Best Snowboard/Ski Shop: Spyder
Best Shop Shaper: Tyler Hatzikian
Best Underground Shaper: Jose Barahona
Best Dive Shop: Dive N’ Surf
Best Dance Studio: Dancify
Best Dance Club: Ocean Bar.

Kids

Best Public School: Mira Costa High School
Best Park: Polliwog Park
Best Kids Menu: Islands
Best Toy Store: Bella Beach Kids
Best Location for a Kids Birthday Party: Scooter’s Jungle.

Services

Best Insurance Agent: Garrett Nishihira
Best Tire Store: American Tire Depot
Best Foreign Auto Repair: Lexology
Best Domestic Auto Repair: John’s Service Center
Best Women’s Hairdresser: Luisa Gaxiola, Peroxide Beauty and Barbershop
Best Massage: Trilogy
Best Cosmetic Surgeon: Dr. Christine Petti 

Health

Best Nutrition Store: Feed the Machine
Best Senior Care Facility: Sunrise Senior Living
Best Hospital: Torrance Memorial Medical Center
Best Tanning Salon: Bronzology
Best Optometrist: Lester Silverman, Look Optometry
Best Medical Spa: Murad Inclusive Health Spa
Best Day Spa: Trilogy
Best Yoga Studio: The Green Yogi
Best Pilates: Rockit Body Pilates
Best Waxing: European Wax Center
Best Nail Salon: Angel Nails & Spa

Home services

Best Tile Company: Simply Tiles
Best Carpet Store: Fred’s Carpet Plus
Best Pool Supply: Leslie’s Pool Supply
Best Door and Window Center: Cook’s Doors and Windows
Best Plumber: Radke Repipe and Repair
Best Nursery: Deep Roots

Hospitality

Best Motel: Sea Sprite
Best Hotel: Shade

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