FOOD
Gum Tree
Lori and her awesome husband own a green café and boutique in neighboring Hermosa Beach. GREAT décor from the likes of Jonathan Adler alongside the freshest salads and paninis this side of Sepulveda.
North End Caffe
John and Laura have been turning out some of the best breakfast, lunch and dinner in Manhattan Beach for the last 6 years. We could (and have) eaten here three meals a day! Their coffee drinks aren’t to be missed. Sipping on something iced, lemony, and vanilla-y all at once as I write this. Oh, with a MASSIVE kick.
Four Daughters Kitchen
The four daughters in question live just around the corner from Cake (with their parents, of course!). This new restaurant is a tasty, sunny addition to the El Porto ‘hood. Locally owned and operated, the food and atmosphere is family friendly, sandy feet friendly, and just plain yummy.
Eating Made Easy
Amelia Winslow, local nutritionist and personal chef extraordinaire, shares our food philosophy of eating seasonally, moderately, and deliciously! Her healthy, realistic approach to everyday healthy eating is fantastic. Yes, you CAN have your Cake and eat it too. Maybe just not on the same say as your North End French fries…
Paciugo Gelato
1034 Hermosa Avenue, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 Holy mother of yummy things to put in your mouth. Three words: Sea Salt Caramel. Go, lick, love.
AND MUCH MORE
Pages a Bookstore
All the Cakesters LOVE to read. We share books, we give recommendations, we discuss, and we DEVOUR books. We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Pages, a locally owned, independent bookstore to Manhattan Beach. The first time we went to “look”, we walked out five books, some notecards, and a jigsaw puzzle heavier. This store is chic, cozy, and welcoming. Best of all, it’s much more accessible than the big box book stores. Their shelves feel curated, as if each book was carefully considered before being given shelf space.
Encore Bridal
In love with designer dresses but not their prices? Check out Encore for unbelievable deals on high end designer samples, gently worn dresses, and fabulous veils and accessories (we’re talking Vera and Monique, people!). Not only that, recycling dresses reduces the carbon footprint of your wedding! Ask Julie about the environmental impact of the bridal industry…you’ll be surprised. Personal testimony: I wore an Alvina Valenta gown for my wedding ceremony from Encore. Julie’s taste and service are impeccable.
Bella Beach and Bella Beach Kids
When I moved to LA five years ago, my wardrobe was black. Shops like Bella Beach have put the rainbow back in my closet. This boutique (and their kids boutique next door) is expertly edited. They’re chock full of everything chic for all the beach seasons. From LA locals to well-known designers like Lilly Pulitzer, the clothes, bags, and accessories are stellar.
Christie
1219 North Highland Avenue,
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266‑4753
The best stationer in town, Christie is another locally owned and operated business. She carries everything from wedding invitations to birthday cards and baby gifts. Her employees are wonderfully attentive. They’re a family favorite for our party invitations (ask Jon about his 30th birthday invites).
Lindy Sue's
Standing in lines at LAX is a drag, but when we're headed out of town, we wouldn't be caught without our Wash and Wear travel bags tucked into our suitcases! They're from Lindy Sue's fabulous line of Laundry Chic gifts that bring great design to the everyday. Definitely an upgrade from our previous sorting method via plastic grocery bags! Lindy Sue's has it all, from super cute Italian inspired apron/pot holder sets to letterpressed Wilshire Boulevard note cards. You'll find something for the well-heeled traveler and the domestic goddess.
Ticings
This exciting product is my favorite new cake decorating tool. Gluten free, kosher, and soon to be all-natural, these chic, sophisticated designs are peel-and-stick cupcake decorations. Perfect for showers, birthdays, or any old day, they’re a great alternative to traditional cake décor.
Pilates Place
Leila Cunningham’s beautiful studio in a vintage building in Hermosa is my favorite way to work off the chocolate chip cookie dough. She and her highly trained, certified instructors offer private lessons and classes seven days a week. I think she’s the only reason I still have a waist.
Mani Pedi Cutie!
Hands down the best manis and pedis in the South Bay. MPC’s got serious green cred: the shop was built with recycled and low-impact materials, and all the services are done with natural and organic products. It doesn’t hurt that the staff is great and the place is just darn cute. Oh, and it’s KID FRIENDLY!!! I can’t tell you how many birthday cupcakes we’ve delivered here.
