What's New at the International Boardwalk

There has been much discussion, and heated debate, regarding the future of the Redondo Marina, specifically with regard to the proposed CenterCal redevelopment.

This is big, important stuff that will eventually be worked out in the years to come – but in the meantime, I’d like to focus on the recent transformation of the International Boardwalk.

With the exception of a stop at Naja’s during a pub crawl or birthday bash, the International Boardwalk was not an area I frequented and certainly not a place I would bring visiting family and friends. The businesses had a rundown appearance and didn’t offer the higher quality shopping, dining, and entertainment experience that other South Bay locales boast.

The Redondo Pier is a separate entity from the Marina – people tend to lump it all together because they are adjacent to one another. The Pier encompasses the ‘horseshoe’ from Barney’s Beanery to Kincaid’s and has recently undergone its own charming renovation in addition to structural improvements.

The Redondo Marina includes the International Boardwalk, Seaside Lagoon and parking lot and businesses (Samba, Ruby’s, Captain Kidd’s) along Harbor Drive, between the parking structure and Beryl, with the Harbor at the center.

A couple of years ago, R10 Social House opened in the former Delzano’s space located at the corner of the International Boardwalk. An upscale establishment featuring a Michelin star chef, R10 was an anomaly in the area and suddenly, we had a compelling reason to venture onto the Boardwalk.

Since then – actually, in just the last few of months – a hand-full of new establishments have opened for business on the Boardwalk without much fanfare and have successfully, almost overnight, reinvigorated this strip of waterfront.

The Paddle House, located at 164 N. International Boardwalk, opened in the space adjacent to R10. The Paddle House offers full service sales and rental of paddle boards right at the water’s edge, in addition to a private launch slip, on-site sauna, dockside shower, refreshments, on-site storage and monthly membership. With its wide open entry, bold signage, lounge area, outdoor seating and friendly staff, you could easily mistake the place for a restaurant. Paddlers put in about ten feet from the shop into the calm waters of the harbor. It’s a terrific amenity and offers a convenient way to sample the world’s fastest growing water sport.

A few doors past the always bustling Naja’s, you’ll find A Basq Kitchen located at 136 N. International Boardwalk. Featuring small plate pintxos and tapas from the Basque region of Spain, Chef Bernard Ibarra of Terranea Resort opened this bistro in very under-the-radar fashion, but locals quickly discovered it and are RAVING about it. Make this the first stop on your next tour of the International Boardwalk.

Redondo Beach based King Harbor Brewing has enjoyed much success since launching in April 2014 and continued their roll-out campaign with the opening of the King Harbor Brewing Waterfront Tasting Room located at 132 N. International Boardwalk. Will and Tom have created an infectious energy around their brand and the Tasting Room, with its waterfront view and ocean breeze, is the perfect spot to stop for a cold, tasty, locally made brew.

The Slip Bar & Eatery is located at 120 N. International Boardwalk. I initially heard about it through social media and have been following it on various platforms. This past weekend, I made a point to stop in and see what all the fuss is about. Right off the top, the food is fantastic – but I’ll get back to that. The light-filled, casual space is steps from the water’s edge with views of boats, paddlers and other seafaring adventurers. The interior pays homage to the Redondo waterfront history with black and white photos and fun pier facts. The Slip is owned by five partners who are intent on making their establishment a go-to spot for locals, in addition to offering a great experience to area visitors.

Back to the food….the menu offers a small but well-rounded selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pizzas and everything looked so good it took us a while to choose. I ordered the Flavor Grenade salad and it was fantastic! Fresh, light and exploding with flavor (that would be the Grenade aspect) it consisted of whole spinach leaves, stone fruits, avocado and grapes tossed in a whipped cream cheese, pesto vinaigrette.

My husband ordered the Pork Belly sandwich and from the first bite, he was hooked. Loaded with pork belly, lettuce, heirloom tomato, avocado, Burrata cheese and mustard aioli, he devoured it and told our server just how much he enjoyed it. We will most certainly be returning to The Slip very soon.

There are a lot of great new things happening at the International Boardwalk and who knows what other fabulous establishments will follow this trend. The International Boardwalk is now a destination for your next Strand cruise. Stop by and check it out – there’s definitely ‘more to sea’!

Photos courtesy of Facebook pages of the businesses mentioned herein.

http://www.southbaybyjackie.com/whats-new-international-boardwalk/