HAVE IT YOUR WAY

One of my pet peeves is having seafood out. Most restaurants prepare fish so you lose the flavor of the fish.  I like fish prepared a very simple way, grilled.  Bluewater Grill prepares my seafood just the way I like it. The have all sorts of fresh fish choices.

The restaurant overlooks the Redondo Beach marina. But my favorite part is the oyster bar where your bartender will shuck your blue points, fanny bays, kumamotos, right in front of you. They have a good wine choices and great sourdough bread.

Blue Water Grill

665 North Harbor Drive
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Tel: (310) 318-FISH (3474)
Fax: (310) 374-9424

PAIR OF A PAIR

Charlie Bean and Ron Miranda run this fabulous wine shop in Manhattan Beach. Ron is the Sommelier and give you the perfect wine to pair with almost any food. I love walking into this store when they have a “happening” which is about 2 times a week.

They also sponsor wine dinners at various restaurants or their executive chef, Sarah Tilton, prepares foods for private parties with the perfect wines to match her culinary delights, They also have a wine club, wine tastings every night and a great newsletter complete with everything you need to know about the wines they carry and what region they come from.

Bacchus

www.bacchuswinesla.com

1000 Manhattan Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 372-2021

WEDDING BEAUTIFUL

Brides of California is a full service bridal salons provide the large collection of bridal gowns. They showcase many exquisite designers for both wedding, brides maids and flower girl dresses. Their friendly and experienced consultants are ready to help you find all of your wedding day needs and help you find all the essentials, including bridesmaids, mothers of the bride dresses and accessories.

Brides of California

2223 Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90501-2517

(888) 310-4696

www.bridesofcalifornia.com

A TRUE GEM

Russ and Marshall Varon, brothers carry on a family tradition that began in 1946 by their father Morgan Varon with Morgan Jewelers.

Morgan Jeweler  has two showrooms in the South Bay, one in Torrance and the other in Rolling Hills Estates. When you walk into their showroom it smells luxurious and then you are taken aback at all the exquisite  jewelry. Their staff is very knowledgeable about  settings, stones, and gems and can help you design a piece of jewelry that is one of a kind.  All their  gems and diamonds are GIA certified and can be custom designed into wedding rings, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and designer watches.

They also carry unique pieces from jewelry designers Chopard, Leslie Green, Charrol, Daniel K, Barry Kronen, Simon, Scott K, Verragio, Roberto Coin, Judith Ripka, Marco Bicego, Novell, Gregg Ruth, Furrer Jacot, and Christen Bauer.

As a member of the Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce and the Torrance Chamber of Commerce, I appreciate that Morgan Jewelers is one of the biggest supporter for community businesses in the South Bay.

http://www.morgansjewelers.com

Rolling Hills Estates Showroom
50-C Peninsula Center
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Phone: 310-541-2052
Fax: 310-544-8956
Torrance Showroom
22200 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90505
Toll Free: 1-800-585-4471
Phone: 310-375-4471
Fax: 310-375-4451

Memorial Day is a time when most of us spend it with friends and family, at the beach, backyard BBQ’s, and other events. But there are military men and women around the world in military combat. This is a really easy way to say “Thanks” to our troops by sending them an encouraging and supportive e-mail from you. You don’t know who you are responding to but I can assure you that each and everyone is an American and needs our moral support. We all know someone who is fighting for our country so today and everyday is a great day to “SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.” Below is a link to send your regards to these people who are helping keep America Free.

America Supports You

FUN WITH MY FAMILY

Every year Fiesta Hermosa, an annual event, kicks off summer in the South Bay. This weekend May 24th through 26, they streets of Hermosa Beach are visited by 100 of thousands of people to celebrate Memorial Day, with music from the past and present, arts and crafts, and incredible food booths.

This photo is from last years festival with some of my family. We spent a full day listening to music, eating, walking, shopping, and just being together. I own a boat so parking was easy, but I highly recommend that you take a shuttle bus that departs from Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Doolittle Dr.

FIESTA HERMOSA, Along Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach

www.fiestahermosa.com

CHARLIE’S MAMA MI

This indiscreet place was recommended by my son, the picky eater of the family. When he first asked us to take him to Cialuzzi’s I was apprehensive since the outside of the building looks like local bar. But once you enter you meet Charlie, the owner, who welcomes you in the best possible New York greeting “whatta ya want,” with the best New York Italian food in the South Bay.

Their pizza is thin crust and filled with flavor and all the typical toppings. They make homemade Calzones that are delicious and my favorite is their Antipasti salad. Everyone in my family likes something different, stuffed shells, lasagna, meatball sandwiches or chicken Marsala and they always come away happy and full. In my opinion share your meals with someone as they serve large portions. They also serve beer and wine.

Cialuzzi’s
601 N Pacific Coast Hwy
Redondo Beach, CA 90277-2107
Phone: (310) 374-8581

DELICIOUS

My husband and I love this restaurant in Manhattan Beach called Petros. The restaurant is not the typical Greek fare, it is California contemporary Greek! I made that up, but all kidding aside the chef is Yanni Koufodontis, a transplant from the infamous Spago and my personal favorite Maple Drive in Beverly Hills. We love their Greek salad, octopus salad, the mixed dip platter, the sagganaki, (fried cheese) and my favorite the Greek Sea Bass. It is always delicious, and the atmosphere is fun and lively.

Finally, the Westsiders have to drive to us to get good Greek Food!

Petros
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd.,
Manhattan Beach
(310) 545-4100

www.petrosrestaurant.com

 JUST BEACHY

Diane’s  Beachwear is one of the first stores in Southern California to focus entirely on the beachwear.  I remember going to Diane’s  in Santa Barbara and buying my bikini’s back in the 70’s.  Years later Diane’s is still the leader in women’s beachwear.  They are always on the cutting edge of beach fashion plus they offer the ability to mix sizes on all swimwear tops and bottoms.

Diane’s offers the hottest styles in beach wear and one stop shopping for swim wear, wraps, cover-ups, board shorts, tops, shoes, and more.

Two locations in Manhattan Beach, Ca

125 Manhattan Beach Blvd. (310) 546-5869

 or 3292 Sepulveda Blvd. (310) 545-0974

http://www.dianesbeachwear.com

KING OF CREPES 

On any given month, my gym rat friends and I meet for lunch.  Sometimes there are six of us and sometimes there are sixteen.  But whatever the count is Crème de la Crepe always makes room for us.

We have picked this spot because the owner is incredible plus they serve the sweetest and most savory crepes in the South Bay.  The crepes are made with the freshest ingredients, with recipes from the French countryside. I personally like the crepe with buckwheat flour giving the crepe a great taste and texture.  And for the carb watcher they have great salads too.  They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Crème De La Crepe

424 Pier Ave. Hermosa Beach, Ca.

New Location

Hollywood Riviera in Redondo Beach, Ca.

(310) 937-2822