This Thursday, December 1, holiday celebrations will be going on up and down the coast from Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach. Read on for a summary!

North Manhattan Beach Holiday Open House & Walkabout

The North Manhattan Beach Business District is hosting its Annual Holiday Open House & Walk About to thank loyal customers and the community.
See beautifully decorated participating storefronts and restaurants and enjoy an evening of Holiday festivities – music, shopping and dining. The street will be bustling with shoppers and strolling carolers. Restaurants will be serving their original menus and there will be discounts, samplings, and refreshments. Santa will be at Verandas and holiday photos will be complimentary. FREE parking at Verandas, 401 Rosecrans Ave.

• North Manhattan Holiday Open House
  Thursday, December 1, 5-9 PM
  Highland Ave. between 32nd and 38th St., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Hermosa Beach Tree Lighting Ceremony

The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce will host the annual traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 1st at 6 PM at the foot of the Hermosa Beach Pier. The event will feature holiday carolers, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Local businesses will also be taking part in the holiday spirit as they host open houses as part of the monthly First Thursday which will coincide with the tree lighting festivities.

• First Thursday and Tree Lighting in Hermosa
  Thursday, December 1, 6 PM
  Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA
  http://www.facebook.com/FirstThursdays

The formula for their crunchy snack is a family recipe developed by Suzy, the matriarch. The business end is taken care of by offspring Whit and Kelly who have handled marketing and artwork.

Whit describes their granola as “a premium, small batch, specialty granola.  We use 100% all natural ingredients, 90% of which are from California.  We currently offer an Original and a Gluten-Free recipe.”

Thanks to a sample from the McCarthy’s I was able to get my hands on some of their By Hand granola. It was certainly a treat!

By Hand Granola comes in two varities: original and gluten free.

Opening the bag for the first time, I instantly noticed the bright scent of cinnamon and the mellow aroma of maple syrup. The flavor was on point with those scents; eating this granola was like eating a deconstructed oatmeal cookie.

Along with the fresh, oat flavor, my favorite part was the variety of nuts in the mix: coconut, macadamia, and sliced almonds. Each one added a special crunch and flavor to the mix, especially the macadamia which seemed to be the most prominent.

Rounding out the flavor profile was the sweetness of dried cranberries. The sweetness they added was level, not overly sweet or pucker-inducingly tart.

A closer Look at the product. The nuts, dried cranberries, and cinnamony oats make for a tasty, crunchy snack.

Knowing that their recipe is a winner, the McCarthys have grown their business tremendously since starting in late 2010. Starting with a sale to Manhattan Beach grocery store Grow, they have since increased production to at least a dozen local groceries and are expanding rapidly.

Their homepage also invites folks to find them at the El Segundo Famer’s Market on Thursdays. Along with store sales, By Hand granola is also available online.

In November, buying By Hand Granola from their website is a great way to help the company give back to the community. During this month of thanksgiving, a percentage of all sales from their website will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

I’m happy to give a round of applause – a hand, perhaps? – to a South Bay business that is making a name for themselves, one batch of granola at a time.

• By Hand Granola
  http://www.byhandgranola.com
  Twitter: @ByHandGranola
  

Tussling with the crowds at Fiesta Hermosa.

From Memorial Day in May, until Labor Day in September, we soak up the sun and laze away the long summer days in typical Southern California fashion. We kicked off the season with a bang so we might as well go out with one!

Thank goodness for Fiesta Hermosa.

Follow this link for our overview of a past Fiesta Hermosa

Fiesta Hermosa – or the Beautiful Party, as I like to call it – is a 39 year old celebration that serves as the book ends of summer in the South Bay. This year’s occurrence starts on Friday, September 02 and wraps up on Labor Day.

Holding true to their reputation the largest craft fairs in California, this occurrence will feature more than 270 painters, photographers, ceramicists, jewelers, sculptors, and more.

Also keep an ear out for live music with a slant to old-school tribute bands. Neil Diamond, Journey, Steely Dan and more are all on deck for your listening pleasure. Follow this link for the complete schedule.

Best part about the music? At least one stage is in the Charity Beer & Wine Garden providing easy access to microbrews from the Hermosa’s own Union Cattle Company. Profits from the beer garden go to help non-profit organizations. Drink for a cause!

• Fiesta Hermosa
  http://www.fiestahermosa.com
  September 3 – 5, 10 AM – 6 PM
  Pier Ave and Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach (Map)

That’s not going to stop me and the other South Bay Foodies from enjoying another SoCal summer weekend.  This one has plenty to choose from.

Here are a few of the events we will be checking out.  Maybe we will see you there!

Navy Week Comes to the Port of Los Angeles

All this week, four Navy vessels have made the Port of Los Angeles their home.  Navy Week — held in conjunction with the 2011 X-Games — brings the first aircraft carrier to dock in LA in more than 20 years.

This weekend Navy ships -- including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln -- will be docking in the Port of Los Angels for the first time in 20 years.

The highlight of the event is the opportunity to tour each vessel for a close up look.  Be warned, though, the turn-out for this event has been phenomenal and wait times (especially for the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln) are two hours or more.

Follow the links below for details on tours, parking, and more!
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/pdf/Navy_Week_LA-Flier_Final.pdf
http://www.portoflosangeles.org/pdf/Navy_Days_Parking_Map_Public.pdf
http://www.navyweek.org/losangeles2011

Navy Week in the Port of Los Angeles
Saturday, July 30 10AM – 5 PM; Sunday, July 31, 10 AM – 4 PM

International Surf Fest

Surfers, and Lifeguards, and volleyball? Oh my!  The beaches of Manhattan and Hermosa will be invaded this weekend (not to be associated with Navy Week) as the 2011 International Surf Festival takes place in the South Bay.  Competitors from all over the world will paddle, swim, and bump/set/spike to be the best of the best in their sport.

A popular portion of the festival has returned:  The Charlie Saikley “Six Man”  Volleyball Tournament (link goes to Facebook).  Teams of men and women — often dressed in outlandish costumes, or next to nothing in some cases — play volleyball while posing for the thrill of spectators.  While Manhattan Beach police and officials have vowed to keep this event wholesome, know in advance that the 6 Man Tournament has a history of not being very family friendly!

International Surf Festival
Friday, July 29 – Sunday, July 31
http://www.surffestival.org

Chocolate The Event

Chocolate lovers will find their dream event this weekend in Anaheim.  Chocolate the Event promises to be a “myriad of epicurean and chocolate delicacies to tantalize and delight the palate”.

You can see their website for details….I’m not going to even try!  Just imagine chocolate….everything!  Wine, coffee, and other gourmet dishes will be available to sample along with the good stuff.

The event is free with attendees purchasing tickets to sample the chocolate cuisine throughout the venue along Center Street Promenade in Downtown Anaheim, CA.

Need a sweeter deal?  The event is is a fund-raising effort for charities benefiting at-risk youth and children throughout the region. You’ll be eating for a cause!

Chocolate The Event
Saturday, July 30, 10 AM – 10 PM
http://chocolatetheevent.com

This three-day weekend is living up to the tradition of being jammed packed with things to do around the South Bay and LA.  My pithy list is no where near complete!  Just the same, I offer the following suggestions for things to get into this weekend.  I’ll see you there!

Fiesta Hermosa, All Weekend

The Beautiful Party — also known as Fiesta Hermosa — kicks off the Summer season in grand fashion as California’s biggest arts and crafts festival.  Stop by the beer garden and while the sunny day away.  You can also pick up plenty of grub from the vendors and local restaurants.  Don’t try to park in Hermosa, though.  Catch a shuttle or park elsewhere and walk or bike in.  They have a bike valet!  Full details on their web site.

http://www.fiestahermosa.com
May 28, 29, and 30, 10 AM to 6 PM
Hermosa Ave, Hermosa Beach CA (Map)

Food Trucks at Costco Business Center: Saturday, May 28

Me So Hungry is part of the Food Truck Fleet rolling into the Costco Business Center on Saturday This Memorial Day Weekend.

If you’re chasing food trucks this weekend, you’ll find a bunch of ‘em at the Costco Business Center in Hawthorne this Saturday.  They’re hosting several trucks as a fundraising event for the Children’s Miracle Network.  Admission is free and no Costco membership is needed.

The following trucks are on deck to participate:

Auntie’s Fry Bread – Native American cuisine
Great balls on Tires – meatBALLS
The Feast Truck – Gourmet sandwiches and salads
Me so Hungry – Gourmet sliders (click for our review!)
Slice Truck – Pizza
Sugar Babies – Sweet goodies
Sweet E’s Bakeshop – Sweet goodies
Truck Norris – Hawaiian Filipino
Twist Burger – Burgers with a twist

Saturday, May 28, 11 AM – 5 PM
Costco Business Center
12530 Prarie Avenue, Hawthorne, CA (Map)

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest: Saturday, May 28

Here’s a great way to enjoy the California summer: Music, movies, and food!  The organizers call it “The ultimate picnic.  No Basket required.”  They might be right!

The Outdoor Cinema Foodfest is a series of movies matched with bands and food trucks in the same venue!

Outdoor Cinema Food Fest is a summer-long series of bands, food trucks, and movies set outside in a scenic park.  The series kicks of this Memorial Day weekend with a viewing of “There’s Something About Mary” and at least seven trucks including the crowd pleasing stars of Nom Nom Truck.  Tickets required so get ‘em while you can!  Make sure you check out the schedule too; shows are taking place all over town during the summer including the final show in San Pedro on September 3rd!

http://www.outdoorcinemafoodfest.com/
Saturday, May 28th, Doors open at 5:30, Band at 6:30, Movie at 8:30
Band:Glen Iris
Movie:  There’s Something About Mary
Food Trucks:  Frysmith, The Greasy Wiener, Jose O’Malley’s, Lake Street Creamery, Lee’s Philly, Nom Nom Truck and Vizzi
LA State Historic Park, Downtown Los Angeles (Map)

JazzReggae Fest 25th Anniversary, Saturday and Sunday

Don’t miss this historic event.  Twenty five years of jazz, reggae, and community come together on the campus of UCLA for the annual JazzReggae Fest.  Not to mention you can catch Lupe Fiasco and a host of other artists for up to 7 hours of music for less than $30!  Its outside in the sun so bring your hat, suncreen, and blanket (no tents or umbrellas) and plenty of cash to buy lemonade.  Bring an empty water bottle for free refill privileges at the water stations.

Go to the event website for details on tickets and performances.  Check out our feature for this week for details on the food vendors that will be serving up tasty treats!

http://jazzreggaefest.com/
Sunday and Monday, May 29-30, Noon-7 PM
The Intramural Fields on the Campus of UCLA (Map)

Saturday: Red Bull Flugtag, Long Beach

http://www.redbullflugtagusa.com/LongBeach2010
Saturday, August 21, 11 AM – 4 PM
Rainbow Harbor,  Long Beach (Map)

Long Beach has been graced with being selected as a site for a 2010 Red Bull Flugtag (German for “flying day”).  Watch as teams of brave souls defy gravity — if only for a few seconds — in their man-powered flying machines.

Gates open at 11:00 am (free admission) with the first flight scheduled for 1 pm.  My money is on the Coast Guard team!  Watch the video below for details.

Saturday: SoCal Suds Presents Beer Fest, Redondo Beach

http://www.socal-suds.com
Saturday, August 21, Noon – 8 PM
Aviation Park, Redondo Beach (Map)

Starting a tradition is a great thing…especially when it involves beer!  This Saturday, SoCal Suds is presenting their inaugural Beer Fest, featuring tastes of more than 40 different beers ($40 admission). 

Check out our exclusive interview with one of the event coordinators for an inside look.  Buy tickets online ($40) before you go;  Tickets sales at the event may be limited or unavailable.

Sunday: Taste at the Beach, Hermosa Beach

http://www.tasteatthebeach.com
Sunday, August 22, 4 – 8 PM
Hermosa Beach Community Center, Hermosa Beach (Map)

After giving thanks for a great Saturday, spend Sunday evening breaking bread with the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis and more than 30 local restaurants at Taste of the Beach.

Along with great food and wines, this event features a silent auction and live music.  Proceeds go to support Hermosa Schools’ Libraries Programs so don’t feel guilty!  You’ll be eating for a cause.  Purchase tickets online via PayPal ($60…tax deductible!) before the event.

Hermosa Beach Pier at Night by Tina Hsu.

This Thursday, May 6 – Hot on the heels of Cinco de Mayo — Downtown Hermosa Beach is holding the first of what looks to be a monthly observance of special deals on shopping, dining, and entertainment.

From 6 to 9 PM, Hermosa Beach businesses will be opening their doors and inticing shoppers in with sales, discounts, and freebies.

Gum Tree, a Australian inspired gift-shop-and-cafe, is the epicenter of the event.  They’ll be serving complimentary wine to shoppers and diners that stop by during the event.

Participating restaurants include Ragin Cajun, Zane’s, and Cafe Boogaloo.  For a list of participating shops, check out South Bay Events or give a thumbs up on the First Thursdays Facebook Page.

Photo Credit

The first new flavor, Chocolate Chipotle Butter Pecan, will be “unveiled” this Friday, April 30.  The remaining three flavors will be released to the public one per week over the next 30 days.

Fortunately, our friends at Paciugo Gelato & Caffè in Hermosa Beach are so excited about the first new flavor, they are offering a sneak peak for Facebook fans on the day before the unveiling.

On Thursday, April 29 between 6pm to 10pm, Facebook fans of the Hermosa Beach Paciugo — and readers of South Bay Foodies! — are invited to get a FREE SCOOP of Chocolate Chipotle Buttered Pecan before it is available to the general public.

If you need help deciding whether or not to try some of their very tasty gelato, consider these descriptions of the new flavors:

- Chocolate Chipotle Butter Pecan – offers a deliciously smooth and intense flavor that is smoky, creamy and crunchy, buttery and spicy. Made with extra brute chocolate from Belgium, a smoke-dried jalapeño pepper combines with a light spread of pecans that are buttered and toasted until crisp to perfect the flavor concoction.

- Roasted Banana Cashew Heath Crunch – an Italian twist on an ice cream classic! The ripe bananas are first roasted with brown sugar to create a silky smooth texture and intense flavor as it blends with gelato to create the right degree of extravagant sweetness. Buttery cashew pieces are lightly toasted to add a salty taste while chewy chunks of Heath bar create a combination guaranteed to make you want more.

- Durian – known in Southeast Asia as the “King of Fruits,” Durian pulp has the consistency of an avocado which creates gelato with a buttery, custard like texture. With a beautiful, golden yellow color and an equally unique smell, it’s no wonder toasted coconut was chosen as a complement to Durian Gelato. The crunchiness of the toasted coconut and the sweet aroma contrast pleasantly with the silky texture.

- Organic Maple and Caramelized Bacon – an interpretation of the Maple Bacon Crunch ice cream that took home the “Best in Class” award, chosen for its bold flavor and dark color. The maple syrup creates a heightened natural contrast of sweet and salty, smooth and crunchy when paired with caramelized bacon. Overall, a delicious treat.

YES!  Its no surprise that they would save for last what may potentially be the best flavor out of the four: maple and bacon! I’ll be looking forward to trying that one out.

Paciugo Gelato Caffe

On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PaciugoGelatoCaffe

1034 Hermosa Ave.
Hermosa Beach, California 90254
(310) 379-2525

Pinkberry — the trendsetting frozen yogurt shop — is adding a new player to its all star line up: Mango.

Los Angeles area Pinkberry stores invite you to come in to try their newest flavor; a refreshing, light and fruity mango.  To kick things up a notch, the flavor introduction is being billed as a “Mad About Mango Happy Hour”.

On Friday, March 12 from 5 to 9 p.m.,  customers can receive a free 3 oz. serving of Pinkberry’s mango or mango swirl with all the toppings that can fit in the cup.  Customers will also be treated to music, in-store games, and giveaways.

To help folks decide how to best use the new flavor, Pinkberry has created a menu offering suggestions for toppings that pair nicely with mango.

“Our customers have told us they love mangoes,” said Ron Graves, CEO, Pinkberry. “It’s also one of our most popular fresh fruit toppings, so we decided to introduce the new fruity, light and refreshing flavor just in time for spring. It’s a perfect blend of authentic mango taste with Pinkberry’s signature tartness.”

Be sure to swing by your local Pinkberry to try out the new flavor!

Pinkberry

http://www.pinkberry.com/

El Segundo
2004 Park Place (in Plaza El Segundo)
El Segundo, CA 90245-4773
(310) 414-9351

Hermosa Beach
900 Pacific Coast Highway
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-5888

Torrance
21157 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, CA 90503
(310) 540-5602

Palos Verdes
27 Peninsula Center
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
(310) 544-2306

Mediterraneo is located just yards from the Hermosa Beach ocean, but the waves found in this authentic restaurant come straight from the European Seas, bringing to shore the freshest seafood and ingredients.

You don’t have to make a sole decision because the assortment of tapas will satisfy your hunger for variety and allow you to get your fill of this universal spice. These small platters define delicious, and the mixture of cultural dishes include chicken brochettes, a potato omlette, grilled sausage with grapes, bruschetta, seafood salad, caprese, hummus, and baba ghanouch.

Sail into these bright blue waters, where the happy hour tide comes in between the hours of 5pm-7pm, Mondays through Fridays. This current carries half price draft beer, half price red and white house wine, and two for-one-tapas. You don’t want to turn your back to this ocean on Tuesday nights, because the two-for-one tapa deal will keep your finances and appetite afloat until closing.

Experience a coastal phenomenon at Mediterraneo, and get splashed with a multitude of spices and a rippling happy hour!

Mediterraneo

www.mediterraneohb.com
73 Pier Ave.
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
310-318-2666

Photo credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/southbayguido/