Best of the Beach 2022: Bartendar, Local Original Band
Bartender
Rico De Alba, Shellback
Shellback bartender Rico De Alba is thrilled to finally see the faces of his guests after enduring mask mandates. “I love talking to people and making them feel welcome,” he said. For the past 21 years the resident bartender has been serving signature drinks like the Fanta, a shot of orange vodka and orange soda, which he created. He also makes celebrated ean Mai Tais, Jalapeño Margaritas and Bloody Marys. De Alba started at Shellback as a dishwasher, and has become as much an institution at Shellback as the bar itself. — Elka Worner
Rico De Alba, Shellback
116 Manhattan Beach Blvd.
Manhattan Beach
(310) 376-7857
shellback-tavern.business.site
Runner-up
Mikey Jerome -Hennesseys/Shellback
8 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. (310) 372-5759
1712 S. Catalina Ave., Redondo Beach. (310) 540-8443
313 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. (310) 546-4813
Local original band
Andy & Renee & Hard Rain
South Bay favorites Andy & Renee and their band Hard Rain are known for their energy-packed performances, but the pandemic put a crimp in their live shows. They turned to live streams, Twice a week, for a total of 166 live streams. They followed that with their latest CD, “The Wheel and the Plow.” The album is not only a tribute to the music of Bob Dylan, but to the tenacity of musicians and their audiences. Andy Hill has always believed music has the power to unify people, especially during trying times. Andy & Renee & Hard Rain will perform at the 32nd Annual Dylanfest on June 4 at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. — Elka Worner
(310) 346-9383
AndyAndRenee.com
Runner-up
Feed the Kitty
feedthekitty.com/