Welcome to Just Ask Molly

Thanks for stopping by. JustAskMolly.com is a free local resource for friends, family, clients and potential clients of The Hobin Company. It is meant to be a fun site with local resources, favorite hot spots, and a weekly blog featuring upcoming events, new restaurant openings, local real estate news, travel adventures and more. For some reason, while I was growing up in Northern California with my three younger brothers, and throughout high school, my years at UCLA and during my real estate career, my family and friends would always say "Just Ask Molly". I would constantly get calls and emails with questions like, "I am going to be in Santa Monica tonight and where should I go for dinner? " or "I am going to San Francisco where should I stay?" or "I need the name of a good plumber " ? So... after much urging from my three brothers, I launched JustAskMolly.com to create a database with local resources and fun places that I have been or that have come highly recommended to me by others. Check back frequently for updates and sign up for the blog. Thanks very much!

LIFE IS SHORT... ...ENJOY THE RIDE !!!!

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair!

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair

October 5 – 6, 2019

Nothing says community like the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair

With a hometown feel and a place for everyone, The Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair has had the privilege of celebrating the South Bay community for 47 years.

Run by a 20 person volunteer board in partnership with the city of Manhattan Beach, tens of thousands of people flock to Manhattan Beach the 1st week in October to join in the fun!

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Melisse Chef Josiah Citrin Opens a Seafood-Heavy Restaurant in Manhattan Beach

‘Coast’ takes over Fonz’s location

The very busy chef took over Fonz’s right by the water

Native Angeleno Josiah Citrin has had one of the busiest calendar years that any local chef could have. Not only is the Melisse owner eager to reopen his genre-shifting Santa Monica fine dining restaurant soon, he has also popped into projects from Koreatown to Culver City, and even released a cookbook. Now Citrin is coming for the South Bay with a new restaurant called Coast.

As the name implies, Coast in Manhattan Beach will carry a bit of a surf-side perspective, leaning into seafood while not totally leaving the steaks and other hearty plates behind. Reached by phone while cooking at an event in Mexico City, Citrin told Eater that Coast will lean heavily on shared plates and appetizers for the group, while the larger portions include whole fish preparations and a small amount of pasta. There will be a couple of chops available as well, and some pulls from Citrin’s other project, Dear John’s in Culver City, including the caesar salad and maybe the chicken parm.

The former Fonz’s space in Manhattan Beach isn’t that large, so expect only about 45 seats inside with another 10 or so at the bar. The big windows that look into the former steakhouse will remain.

Right now, it’s looking like Coast should open for dinner before the end of the month. That timing isn’t confirmed yet, so safe to say sometime early this fall at the latest. Meanwhile, Citrin can be found bouncing around between Charcoal in Venice, Openaire in Koreatown, and Dear John’s in Culver City.

Coast. 1017 Manhattan Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA.

Reprinted from EATER by Farley Elliott  Sep 9, 2019, 11:25am PDT

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Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair

The annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair takes place Saturday, October 5 and Sunday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

A longstanding South Bay tradition, the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair is a fun-filled, family occasion featuring live music, entertainment, arts and crafts, games and rides. The Hometown Fair merchants offer an extensive assortment of quality craftsmanship. Exhibitors are by invitation only so as to provide a unique selection of items.

With over 300 vendors, there’s something for everyone: from ceramics and clothing, oil and water paintings to photographs and sculptures made from glass, wood and metal.

There will be a wide variety of edibles available for your dining pleasure and booths are staffed by non-profit organizations.

The Beer Garden, which is located on Dorsey Field at the north end of the fairgrounds, opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday and serves beer tickets until 5 p.m. with last call at 5:30 and the doors closing at 6:00. The Beer Garden is staffed by local charities established for the benefit of Manhattan Beach youth. A drawing takes place in June, where four of the charities are selected to operate the Beer Garden. Each group selected will receive a portion of the net proceeds.

The Wine Garden, which is located at the basketball courts and can be reached via Live Oak Field, is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday with last call at 5:30. The Wine Garden serves premium wines in a casual and comfortable garden-like setting and features live entertainment from 1 to 5 p.m. each day.

The Main Stage is located on Dorsey Field near the Beer Garden and will feature the Annual Battle of the Bands on Saturday. Local amateur bands audition in early September and the finalists will battle for the title and a $500 cash prize. The Main Stage will feature entertainment throughout the weekend.

There are a number of attractions that return every year due to popular demand, such as the pony rides, the petting zoo and the giant 50 foot slide.

The Hometown fair is located in the general area of Live Oak, Dorsey Field and the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach.

Shuttle service is available from 8 a.m. through 6:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday from the Northrop/Grumman parking lot. The shuttle service parking is located at the corner of Aviation Boulevard and Marine Avenue in Redondo Beach and will run approximately every 15 minutes throughout each day.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.mbfair.org/.

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Stand in the Sand International Peace Day Event at the Pier!

Stand in the Sand 4 Peace Event


Several local groups are coordinating an effort to recognize the United Nations’ International Peace Day on Saturday, Sept. 21 with a “Stand in the Sand” for peace.

The event will begin with a gathering at 8:00 a.m. on the Manhattan Beach Pier, after which the participants will spell out the word “P-E-A-C-E” in the sand. The event will be captured by an aerial photo.

Participation is free, but pre-registration at Eventbrite is encouraged.

The Peace Day event is being coordinated by Manhattan Beach resident Karen Wooldridge along with Pennekamp Elementary educator Donna Barney
Organizations supporting the event include the Manhattan Beach Unified School District, Grades of Green, South Bay Cares, Heal the Bay, and the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium.
After the cleanup, participants are urged to stay for the Coastal Clean-Up Day activities from 9:00 a.m. to noon. 

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Street Food Cinema Presents: Bohemian Rhapsody at The Westdrift Golf Course

Street Food Cinema Presents: Bohemian Rhapsody

The Manhattan Beach Chamber and Street Food Cinema present Manhattan Movie Nights on Saturday, September 7 at the Westdrift Golf Course in Manhattan Beach.

The event features live music, food trucks and a screening of Bohemian Rhapsody. Doors open at 5:30, the music begins at 6:30 and the movie starts at 8:00. Bohemian Rhapsody is the story of the legendary rock band Queen and lead singer Freddie Mercury, leading up to their famous performance at Live Aid (1985, 2 hours, 14 minutes).

Limited tickets will be available at the door (cash only) starting at 6 p.m. Please note: door may be held at any time to allow for advance ticket holders to enter. No dogs over 20 pounds will be permitted.

Advance tickets prices are as follows:
Reserved Seating – $21
General – $15
Children Reserved 6-12 – $11

Children General 6-12 – $6
Children 5 & Under – Free
(Tickets at the door will cost more!)

For additional information and ticket purchase, visit the website at http://www.streetfoodcinema.com/schedule/.

The Westdrift (formerly Manhattan Beach Marriott) Golf Course is located at 1400 Park View Avenue in Manhattan Beach.

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Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race

August 25, 2019,  will mark the 41st year of the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race. The event is organized and conducted by the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association, Inc., a volunteer 501c4 non-profit organization. The Association promotes a traditional and original paddleboard race from Catalina Island to the pier of Manhattan Beach, California. Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world. This historic 32-mile marathon, which starts at Catalina’s Isthmus Cove and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier; attracts paddlers from all over the world and is known as the “Grand-Daddy of all paddleboard races.” This is a race by paddlers for paddlers.

The Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association makes donations to local non-profit organizations that work with youth groups, education, and water safety. Past recipients include the L.A. County Jr. Lifeguard Scholarship Fund, The Manhattan Beach Round House Aquarium, Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, ECF Kayne Eras Center, and 1% for the planet.

Many paddlers also utilize the race to raise money and awareness for their favorite charities, including:

  • The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, with the US Marine Corps relay team from Wounded Warriors Battalion-West
  • The Ocean of Hope Campaign for the Sarcoma Alliance
  • The ALS Association Golden West Chapter

THE MOST HISTORICAL PADDLEBOARD RACE
IN THE WORLD

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The Hottest Party of the Summer!

Sunset Beach Party

SUNSET BEACH PARTY

August 15th, 2019

ARE YOU READY FOR THE MOST EPIC PARTY OF THE SUMMER?

Perched high above the sands of Manhattan Beach and overlooking the iconic Manhattan Beach Pier, attendees enjoy delicious bites from Manhattan Beach restaurants while kicking back with cool vibes by Latch Key Kid. The views from the AVP Skydeck are spectacular, which make for a perfect evening!

The food will be next level! Participating Manhattan Beach restaurants (more to come!):  The Strand House, Rock’N Fish, zinc@shade, BrewCo, Simmzy’s, Becker’s Bakery, Love&Salt, Manhattan Beach Creamery, and Fishing With Dynamite. Growing Wild will provide the perfect tropical pop of color!

TICKET INFORMATION

GENERAL ADMISSION ($55):
General Admission Ticket Holders enter at 5 pm and will receive access to all food offerings, live music, and a cash bar. The sunset view is not to be missed!

VIP ($120):
VIP Ticket Holders have early access at 4:15 pm and be able to mingle with the 2017 AVP/MB Open Champions.

You will also enjoy a dedicated dining platform overlooking Center Court, select beverages, and service so you don’t have to wait at the main bar in the General Admission area.

No physical tickets will be given, you will be placed on the Guest List.

See you there!

CHILDREN 10 AND UNDER ARE FREE

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Manhattan Beach Open Tennis Tournament

Live Oak Park Tennis Courts and Mira Costa Tennis Courts
Date: 
July 25, 2019, through July 28, 2019
Time: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (exact match play times vary each day)
Draws: Now Available

Spectators: Free admission at all venues including finals at Manhattan Country Club

Tournament open to players ages 16+Take your game to the next level or put your practice into play during the 52nd Annual Manhattan Open Tennis Tournament presented by Audi Pacific. From Men’s and Women’s Open Singles and Doubles Divisions to Amateur Divisions, the tournament is sure to provide a fun-filled weekend of competition for everyone!

Finals at Manhattan Country Club

  • The Manhattan Country Club is located at 1330 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA.
  • Their parking lot is for members only. All visitors will be able to park in the Manhattan Village accessory parking lot located off of Parkview Avenue, just west of the Country Club. Please review the MBO Tennis Tournament Parking Map (PDF) before going to the Manhattan Country Club.
  • Please make sure you check-in at one of the various check-in tables as there are waivers that need to be filled out and completed.
  • The Manhattan Country Club does not allow outside food and beverage to be brought in (water excluded).
  • Players who qualify for the finals at the Manhattan Country Club must abide by the club’s dress code (PDF).
  • Spectators are welcome to attend free of charge

Schedule of Events (subject to change)

DATETIMELOCATION AND DIVISION
Wednesday, July 24th
5:30 PM 
MBO Tennis Tournament Player’s Welcome Reception and Art Exhibition Opening, Manhattan Beach Art Center
Thursday, July 25th3:30 PMLive Oak Park (LOP) – No Matches
Mira Costa High School (MCHS) – Matches: 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Friday, July 26th8:00 AMLive Oak Tennis Facility (8:00 AM) and Mira Costa High School (3:30 PM) Tennis Courts
Open Division Players, Men’s and Women’s 3.5 and Below, 4.0, 4.5 to 5.0Tennis Demonstration and Clinic (open to the public)
Saturday, July 27th8:00 AMLive Oak Tennis Facility and Mira Costa high School Tennis Courts
Open Division Players, Men’s and Women’s 3.5 and Below, 4.0, 4.5 to 5.0
Sunday, July 28th10:00 AMManhattan Country Club
Finals – Open Division Players, Men’s and Women’s 3.5 and Below, 4.0, 4.5 to 5.0
Free admission for spectators (open to the public)

Tournament Locations

FACILITYADDRESSPHONE NUMBER
Live Oak Park1901 Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach(310) 802-5474
Mira Costa High SchoolCorner of Artesia Boulevard and Meadows Avenue(310) 374-8315
Manhattan Country Club

1330 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach(310) 546-5656

Contact
If there are any questions, please contact Michael Hudak via email or (310) 802-5432.

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Walk With Sally’s White Light White Night

White Light White Night: Saturday, July 20, 2019

Walk With Sally’s 13th Annual White Light White Night event will be coming back for the final year on the now infamous El Segundo rooftop. This is the Premier Event to “See and be Seen” in Manhattan Beach, according to many! Mark your calendar for the premier Los Angeles summer event known for its Food Festival featuring 25+ of Los Angeles’ best restaurants; craft cocktails from Tito’s Vodka; exclusive silent and live auction experiences; a LIVE MUSICAL GUEST; and so many more surprises! Be sure and wear WHITE!

Because of this event and your support, Walk With Sally is able to continue to grow in our mission to provide hope through individualized mentoring and community support services to empower children experiencing trauma through a parent, guardian or sibling’s cancer journey. 

TICKETS NOW ON SALE

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Opening Celebration: Discover Manhattan Beach Local Art + Insta-Photo Contest Exhibition

Discover Manhattan Beach
Local Art + Insta-Photo Contest Exhibition

Exhibition Dates: July 12 through September 29, 2019
Opening Celebration: Friday, July 12, 2019 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gallery: Manhattan Beach Art Center, 1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA

Celebrate national Parks and Rec Month and discover everything Manhattan Beach has to offer! Revel with leisure, hidden gems and hot spots through the eyes and lenses of local artists. Enjoy original artwork, by the community in a variety of mediums, that shows what makes the City a desirable place to live and visit. This exhibition is a portrait of Manhattan Beach and its progressive, laid back lifestyle familiar to all!

Opening Celebration

  • Live Music
  • Food
  • Drinks

Gallery Information:
Manhattan Beach Art Center (MBAC)
1560 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Monday, Tuesday, and Holidays Closed

Thank you to our sponsors

Simmzy's 2017 Logo Color
Fresh Brothers Logo
Wanna Chill Shave Ice Logo

RIDE THE SOCIAL WAVE!

#mbartshow
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