Christmas is next Tuesday and this is the final weekend to get all that last minute shopping done. Don’t forget to leave a little something extra at one of the many toy drives throughout the South Bay.
Santa Claus will be making two stops in Palos Verdes Estates this year! The Lunada Bay Homes Association will host Santa at Lunada Bay Park on Thursday, December 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. On Monday, December 24, Santa will make his way from Coronel Plaza (departing at approximately 5:30 p.m.) to Malaga Cove Plaza assisted by the Palos Verdes Police Department and the LA County Fire Department. Be sure to come out and share some holiday cheer with Santa and his helpers!
Chez Melange is offering an Afternoon Tea Holiday Party every day during the month of December. Pick any afternoon from 3 to 6 p.m. and enjoy a few peaceful, restorative hours in the company of friends and loved ones. Relax over assorted teas sandwiches, a selection of scones, crumpets and pastries, champagne or sherry and loose leaf tea or coffee. Holiday Tea reservations require a minimum of ten guests per party. The cost is $25 per person, gratuity and tax not included. It’s time to gather your weary, huddled friends yearning for a break from all the holiday madness. For more information and reservations, call 310-540-1222 or visit the website at http://www.chezmelange.com/. Chez Melange is located at 1611 South Catalina Avenue in Redondo Beach.
Under the stewardship of Richard Stephens for the past twelve years, Cannery Row Studios has become the anchor of the South Bay art scene. Stephens has recently announced he will be leaving the gallery to pursue other artistic endeavors. He’ll be handing over the reins of the gallery to others – but before doing so, Stephens is holding one last show featuring his work. The exhibit, Richard and the Three M’s, is on display through December 22. The show features the work of Wayne Magnusen, Betty Mallorca, Bob Masse and Stephens. Works by a special guest artist, Jill Nastaszewski will also be on display. Be sure to stop by, check out the exhibit and bid Stephens a fond farewell. Cannery Row Studios is located at 604 West Francesca in Redondo Beach and is the last remaining bit of the Bohemian Art Scene in the South Bay. Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. For more information, visit the website at http://www.canneryrowstudios.com/ or call 888-366-1988.
The one and only Mario Martinoli has landed in Riviera Village with his new Dolce Vita Café and he’s brought along a time-honored family tradition! Mario has travelled the globe cooking and sharing food with people from all walks of life. For fifteen years, he invited family, friends and total strangers to break bread at his famous table. That table has hosted actors, teachers, politicians, doctors, plumbers, musicians and artists. Mario’s table is back and it’s right here in the South Bay. Mario’s Cooking for Friends Cooking Classes and Tastings will be offered throughout the month of December. Each class will be limited to 15 people and begins at 6 p.m. The classes run for 3 hours including dinner. The cost is $50 per person, per class. ‘Like’ them at http://www.facebook.com/mariosdolcevitacafe?fref=ts and receive a $5 discount. Attendees will also receive a 10% discount coupon for the Catalina Cooking Store. To sign up for classes and additional information, call 310 844-7462 or visit the website at http://www.dolcevitacaferedondo.com/.
On a personal note, I’ve been chosen as Total Wine & More’s Local Favorite for the month of December. I met with their wine expert at the Redondo Beach superstore for a wine tasting and chose a few vintages we’ll be recommending to consumers. A display with my choices will be featured in all Total Wine & More stores in Southern California during December so be sure to stop in and let me know what you think of my picks! So far, the wines are getting great reviews! You can read all about it on the Feature Stories’ page here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/feature-stories.php.
As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, www.southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.
On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest was Doug Christensen of South Bay Mobile Tours. Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it here: http://southbaybyjackie.com/december-20-2012-doug-christensen-south-bay-mobile-tours/.
Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas! Have a great South Bay weekend!
Jackie
