Cupcakes have definitely been making a comeback. Once mainly used for children’s birthday parties and celebrations, cupcakes have now turned into a highly desired dessert.  In Torrance, Babycakes Baking Company has been a key holder in the cupcake revolution.  You may have seen them on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. Babycakes is a community based business that loves serving the South Bay with one of a kind delicious treats.

Before Babycakes debut appearance on Cupcake Wars, the shop started off as a dream of owner Khryste Langlais. Baking ever since high school, she decided to take her experience in baking, and her very limited business knowledge and created a shop where she could indulge her sweet tooth and allow customers to indulge as well.  One of the first things Langlais did was put the store’s sign in front of the building. From that day it took six months to get the shop up and running. Business took off right away, with customers already placing orders before the store was officially open. During the opening Langlais already felt welcomed into the community, but the day to day operations and keeping up with the demands of the customers gave Langlais a run for her money. And although she started working 12 hours days, she says that opening the store was one of her most memorable experiences because of the support of her family. Her parents busted the floors, painted the walls and even washed dishes to make sure the store was ready to be opened.  And  it is the product and the customer service that has helped keep the business running.

Her unique cupcakes have satisfied many south bay residents. Her Vanilla Bean cupcake is her  most sought after cupcake because “I fill it with whip cream, then add a vanilla buttermilk cream  then I add milk chocolate shavings on top.” says Langliais. It is her constant dreams and fantasies of sweets, that have helped her create the wide variety of desserts of Babycakes. One of her recent cupcake inventions is called the Chocolate Bomb.  “The bottom layer is chocolate cake, on top of that is chocolate chip cookie dough, then I put a whole oreo, then I put a scoop of brownie batter then I bake it all together. Then on top I put a homemade marshmallow marange with chocolate sprinkles.” says Langlais.  The chocolate bomb and other delicious flavors are guaranteed to blow your mind.   The cupcake flavors are constantly evolving because the kitchen is a constant place of experimentation where new and old recipes are being incorporated together to make something new.

Besides the creation of delicious and unique cupcake flavors Babycakes has another important commitment which is giving back to the community. Babycakes is a big supporter of education and donates their cupcakes to the Palos Verdes Education Foundations events, donation to school fundraisers and has participated in Sunday by the Sea. It is because of the support from the community that encourages Babycakes to constantly give back.

What is unique about  Mysterious Galaxy bookstore is not just their name or the genre of books they sell, which includes sci-fi, mystery, fantasy and horror, but what makes them stand out as a independent book store is their passion, and dedication to not only books but to the community. Mysterious Galaxy first started in San Diego, with Co-owners Jeff Mariotee,  Maryelizabeth Hart and Terry Gillman. After Gillman moved to the south bay and experienced some nostalgia from the San Diego store she decided to start up a second store in her new home. She first started hosting  luncheons with 40 to 50 women who would receive lunch and a signed first edition book as part of the event. At every luncheon partial proceeds would go to a specific non profit organization such as Pen in the Classroom. Eventually these luncheons led to the opening of Mysterious Galaxy’s second location in Redondo Beach.  The store started with a soft opening in September followed by a grand opening in October. During the first month of their opening, their goal was to have 30 authors for  book signings in 30 days. The store surpassed their goal by having over 30 authors in 30 days.  These book signings are a monthly event and are free to everyone.

Two months ago Mysterious Galaxy participated in an event called World Book Night. A night where book lovers all around the world were given a chance to give away free copies of some of their favorite books, from a preselected list. The books are then give to readers who may not have access to books.  “It’s basically  a chance for people who love books to go out and share that love,” says Leanna Herrera Marketing and Events Manager for the Redondo Beach store.  “It’s intended for people who don’t really read for you to go out and share that book with them. “  Residents from all over the south bay, picked up boxes of books to give to hospital patients,  homes for women in recovering, Ronald McDonald house charity, schools and places where people can be impacted by the stories in books. But in order for the staff of Mysterious Galaxy to be able to make connections within the community, they first make connections with the books in the store

The staff at Mysterious Galaxy not only makes it their job to  read many of the books in the store but they also  have discussions during staff meetings. And when customers come into the store, looking for a particular book, by having a short conversation and maybe answering a few questions the staff can customers the right book. “It’s a personal opinion, you have to connect with someone for them to recommend something to you. They have to know you a little.  “  say Leanna Herrera, Marketing and Events Manager of Mysterious Galaxy Redondo Beach.  “ We are all avid readers, you start a conversation with us about a book and it’s hard to shut us up.”

Mysterious Galaxy is dedicated  to putting books  in the hands of readers and non readers alike. They continue to grow as an independent bookstore from their connection and commitment to the south bay community. In fact, it has been show that independent stores give 40% more back into their community then big box stores.  As Leann Herrera stated“ If you give somebody the right book you’re going to turn them into a reader for the rest of their life.”  And this is what the store plans on doing.

Here is a list of some upcoming events. Check out www.mystgalaxy.com for more details 

June 26th

New Books on Sale  10:00 am

Todd McCaffrey Launch Party for SKY DRAGONS in Redondo Beach 7:30  -8:30 pm

June 27th

Joseph Kanon signs in Redondo Beach   7:30 – 8:30 pm

June 28th 

Leigh Bardugo Signs in Redondo Beach  7:30  -8:30 pm

June 30th 

David Brin Signs in Redondo Beach 2:30 pm

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore: Redondo Beach

2810 Artesia Blvd.

Redondo Beach, CA 90278

Tel: 310.542.6000

If you are a fan of fresh American food, authentic Greek food, a huge hockey fan, or all of the above then  there is a place for you. Seven years ago, owner Chris Tsangaris and his brother Kosta, decided to take their passion of Greek food and their Canadian upbringing in Montreal, Canada. and create a restaurant. Not off to start any ordinary restaurant, the brothers wanted to create a type of sports bar where customers could bring their families.  And through persistent efforts they have brought the spirit of Canada to a restaurant that not only prides themselves on quality food but is also strong supporter of the South Bay community. 

At Redondo Beach Café  is more than just a restaurant, it is an experience. With their three major events, Canada Day, Canadian Thanksgiving and CFL’s grey cup, South Bay residents and travelers alike can get a little taste of what life is like up north. Through these events guests are known to support their hockey jerseys all day day long and there are even some celebrity appearances at these events. Some of the past appearances include Jim Fox, Cori Bedereth and Anthony Vaveo to name a few. And to top off  the ultimate Canadian experience the menu is filled with an array of Canadian dishes to give guests the complete taste and feel of Canada.

Customers may pour in for the events but what keeps them coming back is the food.  Breakfast favorites like omelets, buttermilk pancakes and Belgian waffles are served all day long.  The lunch and dinner menu is filled with Greek favorites, such as lamb chops, Moussaka, which is ground beef eggplant potato topped with Bechanel, and Soulvaki platter which is either pork or chicken skewers with Tzatziki sauce on the side. But for those whose  taste buds are  more use to the American flavor, there are an array of different hamburgers made with all American Angus beef and their famous Montreal  smoked meat.
   There is food for just about every appetite. Even vegetarians  have a wide range of options of different salads and veggies wraps. Every meal is made from scratch, sometimes from the hands  of the Tsangris’s own mother. The freshest ingredients are used, right down to the sea salt from Greece. And with their large portion sizes,  Tsangars encourages guest to take their leftovers home,  giving guest the opportunity to  “ Think about us twice.”

Although, RBC pays much tribute to their Canadian roots, they still are very devoted to the community in the South Bay by supporting both Redondo Beach High and the Palos Verdes football team, and offering organizations the chance to fund-raise at the restaurant. RBC aims to give back to the community that has contributed to their success.

Success that has not come easy, with fluctuation  of the economy RBC  has struggled to make sacrifices, but never forfeiting  the quality of the food, by refusing to make smaller portions, or use cheaper products.  As Chris  Tsanagris said “ If  you know you’re enjoying something, you’ll want to go back.”

Open 7:am to 10:pm everyday.

1511 Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach CA 90277

Before Redondo Beach had a Starbucks, and before the city had a Coffee Bean, there was the Coffee Cartel. Owned my Douglas Tom, the Coffee Cartel has been making freshly brewed coffee since 1992. In an economy, where many private businesses struggle to keeping customers coming back, Coffee Cartel has flourished for many reasons. Their product has been a major contributor to their success. Over the years, their menu has expanded by adding a variety of different hot and cold drinks. Customers can order espressos, coffee and teas, as well as frappuccino’s and boba drinks. Off the drink menu Coffee Cartel offers breakfast sandwiches, paninis, pastries, and cookies. Many of these items are healthy and gluten free. And it isn’t just the food that has attracted regular customers. The Coffee Cartel’s welcoming atmosphere and friendly service has created many loyal customers, many for over five years. It is not uncommon that when customers come in to order that they casual start up a conversations with their server. They also offers free internet, live entertainment such as live bands and poetry readings. Besides the entertainment it is a all around great place to lounge around and study. In the future the Coffee Cartel is hoping to make some new changes to the menu by making their own cookies, scones and pastries to offer tasty treats for a better price.

Coffee Cartel

1820 S Catalina Ave
Redondo Beach, CA 90277

When you taste the spicy chocolate jalapeno prebiotic gelato, you will first savour the rich chocolate flavor, followed by sweet touch of cinnamon, and as you finish the spicy taste of jalapeno pops deep in your throat. Although this flavor roller-coaster sounds appealing, what may be questionable is the prebiotic part. But after trying the many diverse flavors at 22 degrees in Redondo Beach, you might not believe that theses gelatos with layers of flavor can be both tasty and healthy.

Owner, Kaity Tom’s gelato endeavor started from her love of sweets. At the beginning of her gelato making process she thought that making the different flavors would be simple. However, it took her six years to discover the complex chemistry within each dimension of flavor. Tom would throw out around 100 pounds of gelato a week until the batch was perfect. It took about 187 tries to find just the right ingredients for the vanilla gelato. And although it took a great deal of time, and little over half a decade to perfect the prebiotic gelato ingredients, time still plays an important role in production. All the gelatos are made from scratch and take about 3-4 days to make.

22 degrees makes the nation’s only prebiotic gelato. What is important to know about prebiotics is that they are natural ingredients found in many vegetables such as broccoli and onions. Not only is it an excellent source of fiber, but also can help protect your immune system. In fact, you would need to eat about 25 onions to get your daily amount of fiber or you could simply have ¼ scoop of gelato instead. And this isn’t the next health craze, either. Prebiotics have been studied in over 180 clinical studies.

Tom’s goal was to create a healthy dessert that “doesn’t taste healthy, but taste good.” And although folks were hesitant of this new healthy dessert, people have started to open up more to the concept of having a fiber enriched diet. 22 degrees is so confident in their flavors and ingredients that you can even try the gelato hot. In the future Tom hopes to add a pea protein to the gelato, and looks forward to having people enjoy a healthier and tastier dessert with their gelatos.

About a block away from the beach, and only about a half of block long there is a cluster of people who gather every week to provide fresh produce, fresh food and  baked treats for anyone who passes by.  The Rivera Farmer’s Market, located in the Riviera Village of Redondo Beach is where farmers, bakers, entrepreneurs, florists even those with a knack for good  food come from all around California just to give the people in the South Bay a taste of good food.

What visitors will hear taste and experience is unlike many other farmer’s markets. One thing that makes the Riviera Farmer’s market reputable is that all the famers are certified. Meaning that the department of agriculture inspects every fruit or vegetable grown on their farm to ensure they are only selling the highest quality of food. Certification hangs in every tent, as a reassurance for visitors eager to test the free samples. And these free samples are too tempting to pass up.

Farmers selling a variety of fruits and vegetables, and even seafood. There are also local business such as BabyCakes selling tasty sweets,  and Grandma Sally’s Kitchen selling sweet jams. You can even get some of the best salsa in town or take your taste buds to a new extreme with sauces and jams from Bolani, Afghanistan style sauces. And the food isn’t the only appeal, the Farmer’s market often has live artists, musicians and even a train ride for children. Visitors often sick around for more then just the food.

What really makes this Farmer’s Market one of kind is the families that make it all happen.
Many of the vendors are family owned companies that have passed down the business to the next generation.  And within these families, there is a shared dedication and passion for what they do. They put passion and hard work into the foods they produce, and there is great pride is every item sold. The Riviera Farmers Market is more than your average market.

BabyCakes Baking Company

Grandma Sally’s Kitchen

Located on : Avenue I between So Catalina & S Cam De La Costa, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

 

After seven years as Kilkenny’s Irish Pub in Redondo Beach, the formally known pub has been given a new name and redesigned by t.v. show Bar Rescue.  Named after the famous breakwall of Redondo Beach, Breakwall Surf BBQ reopened it’s doors in April 2011.  Owned by Allie Speed, Breakwall has much to offer. With it’s busiest nights being Thursday through Sunday, Breakwall offers a relaxed

Best Places to Eat in Redondo Beach CA

atmosphere no matter what day of the week.  “Everyone here is down to earth” says  Speed.  And with Breakwall’s, surf board style tables, breaking taking  ocean view, and full monitors and televisions located throughout the restaurant, it is definitely an place for entertainment and relaxation. Not to mention on the weekends there are live bands whose genre’s ranges from classic rock to surfer reggae and  Motown. Breakwall Surf Bbq, fully embraces the beach life mentality of simply having a good time.

And not only can customers expected a relaxed or “chill” vibe  as Speed would say, when they come to Breakwall, customers  of all ages can enjoy drinks made of fresh fruit, tasty American food from BBQ to nachos, and an amazing Tri-tip.  Other foods offered from the celebrity made menu are beach burgers, fresh fish and chips, steaks, salads, and fried shrimp.  Many of the prices are right around your typical restaurant prices. Appetizers between eight and nine dollars with entrees being around $12-15.  And their happy hour is daily from 4 to 8 pm, with two for one drink specials.

Breakwall Surf BBQ

100 H Fisherman’s Wharf

Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Redondo beach boardwalk is a pathway for bikers, walkers and joggers alike. A starting point to a trail touring the south bay beaches , that  gives visitors a tour of Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Dockweilder and even Venice. Located just off of Pacific Coast Highway, one can find an array of things that Redondo beach has to offer, especially during the summer. During the day the hot sad is covered in footprints  from families, volleyball players, and friends all enjoying the ocean breeze and sun.  At night the beach is calmer, but not completely deserted. There are fewer footprints amongst the sand left over by those from the day, and a few new prints from couples who like to layout and gaze at the twilight sky. If you are on the boardwalk , night runners randomly pass by and the night lights of bikers gleam across the path.  As calm as most nights are, nights at the beach can get busy especially during Grunion Run. This is when young adults, older adults, teens and families wait along the shore to see hundreds of grunions spawn up from the sand. Many people even try to catch the Grunions with their bare hands. Definitely an alternative to fishing with a pole. At the end of the board walk, signs read, please “ Please walk you bike beyond this point” marking the entrance to the pier.

Redondo beach pier, is a musical attractions. With popular venues such as the Brixton, the Dive, New Starboard Attitude and Breakwall Surf Bbq that host live bands through the week and the weekend, to music on the pier during the summer. And since 1952 the pier has been serving good food with the opening of Tony’s on the Pier. And since then the pier as expanded to restaurants such as El Torito Four Kitchens, Kincaids Fish, Chop and Steakhouse and Maison Ritz. And if you aren’t interested in the deserts at the restaurant your can walk around the pier and visit some of the many ice cream, frozen yogurt and churro shops. And for those who want some fresh seafood but aren’t in the mood for a restaurant atmosphere, they can always join the fisherman fishing right off of the pier, or choose  a crab to take home from on the pier seafood vendors.

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