Did everybody have a scary-fun Halloween? Several friends and I spent the evening in Riviera Village for the annual Trick-or-Treat, and it was a hoot! There were thousands of people out trolling the streets in search of tasty morsels and we were so impressed with the creativity people put into their costumes! Once the goodie bags were filled, we headed to HT Grill for a bite to eat—I planned ahead and reserved a table on the patio. We were pleasantly surprised when a group of zombies gathered in the middle of Catalina Avenue and treated all the diners to a performance of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. They came out of nowhere—kind of like a flash mob—turned on a boom box and entertained everyone with a fully choreographed performance of the iconic video. When they finished the crowd applauded wildly and the zombies went on their way. Too much fun!
The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce hosts First Thursdays tonight, Nov. 1, in downtown Hermosa Beach. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. with participating shops and businesses offering special discounts, snacks, giveaways and other cool stuff. Special events include live music, children’s activities and other entertainment. Downtown Hermosa Beach offers a wide variety of dining
establishments to choose from so why not make an evening of it? After all the shopping is done, stop in one of the many terrific restaurants for a fabulous meal or maybe drinks and dessert? For more information, visit the Facebook page.
On the first Friday of each month, the Manhattan Beach Business and Professional Association hosts First Fridays—an extended showcase of all that is cool, stylish and fabulous in downtown Manhattan Beach. The monthly event features special offers, discounts, music, giveaways and other fun things to do. Select stores, restaurants and businesses below Valley Drive, west to the pier and surrounding streets, will be participating. You’re encouraged to mix, mingle, meet up with old friends and make a few new ones—it’s a great way to kick off the weekend! This is a popular event, so if you plan on making a night of it and having dinner at one of the many fine dining establishments, reservations are highly recommended. First Fridays—when downtown gets its groove on. The event runs from 6 through 9 p.m. For more information, visit the website.
Vanguard Surf & Skate presents The Battle of the Shops on Sunday, Nov. 4, presented by GLOBE and ALMOST from noon to 5 p.m. Watch team riders from six South Bay shops compete for prizes, cash, bragging rights and the coveted ‘Sword in the Stone’. Shop teams competing are Core, ET, Spyder, South Bay Skates, Transitions, and Vanguard! Of course, there will be special guests ... in the form of mystery judges! You’ll have to wait and see, but it’s guaranteed you’ll be stoked! There will be raffles, giveaways and prize opportunities for everyone in attendance and don’t forget to bring some cash for an awesome lunch catered by Weeman’s Chronic Tacos. The Vanguard mini ramp/half pipe will be available for open sessions. Waivers are required for all who plan to skate. Make sure you have a waiver on file at the shop or fill one out when you arrive. If you are under eighteen it needs to be signed by a parent or guardian. This is a very popular event and a crowd is expected so you may want to take the bus, carpool or even skate over. Vanguard requests that you park on the street or at South High and not park in spaces used for neighboring businesses. The event takes place at the Vanguard Surf & Skate parking lot located at 5205 Pacific Coast Hwy. in Torrance. For more information, visit the website at vanguard-ss.com or call the shop at 310-373-2501.
Ballroom dancing is more popular than ever before and you don’t have to be a ‘star’ to take part in this popular pastime. Walk In, Dance Out hosts Swing & Sway at the Knights of Columbus in Redondo Beach the first Sunday of every month from 6 to 9 p.m. If you’ve ever dreamed of tripping the light fantastic, this is your chance. The South Bay ballroom dancing community is extraordinarily welcoming and encouraging, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to practice your moves and dare I say, strut your stuff. Walk In, Dance Out offers dance instruction at several locations throughout the South Bay and many of the students and instructors attend this monthly event and are delighted to share their knowledge and expertise. Maybe it’s time to channel your inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. The cost is $10 per person with light refreshments and a no-host bar. The Knights of Columbus hall is located at 214 Avenue I in Redondo Beach. For more information, visit the website at walkindanceout.com or call 310-373-8487.
This event is a couple of weeks out but I wanted to give everyone a heads up. Bridges to Italy and the Academy of Foreign Languages host a monthly mixer for South Bay Italians, Italian professionals, Italophiles and anyone interested in networking with Italian businesses and individuals in the South Bay. Each month, this popular networking event showcases a particular topic with experts on hand to enlighten and educate attendees. The upcoming mixer features a Wine Tasting and will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Dolce Vita Restaurant starting at 6:30 p.m. Renowned chef and radio personality, Mario Martinoli, is the proprietor of Dolce Vita and he’ll be serving up Italian crostini to accompany the ine selections. The wine tasting will be presented by architect and winemaker Cosimo Pizzulli of Pizzulli Family Winery. This is a perfect opportunity to meet, interact and exchange ideas with Italian professionals and other internationally oriented individuals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Tickets are $20 per person and include the wine tasting and a mouthwatering assortment of appetizers. To purchase tickets, visit the website. Dolce Vita Restaurant is located at 1718 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information, contact Bridges to Italy at 310-944-2998 or info@bridgestoitaly.org or the Academy of Foreign Languages at academyofforeignlanguages.com.
As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.
On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest was the fabulous Michael Franks. Michael is the proprietor of Chez Melange and Bouzy Gastropub located in the heart of Riviera Village. Don’t worry—if you missed it, you can listen to it online.
The South Bay Show presents Preparing for Disaster. This very instructive program airs every Tuesday morning on Blog Talk Radio at 7 a.m. Our guest next week is Dean Reese. Dean will tell us all about the Shake Mobile – a vehicle designed to demonstrate what a large earthquake feels like. It will be an interesting and informative hour, so tune in!
Have a great South Bay weekend!
Jackie
