Jackie's South Bay Weekend Guide

Woohoo! Yesterday was the first day of spring! You know what that means? Summer is on its way! I’m hoping this wonky weather is an early form of June Gloom and we get it out of the way sooner rather than later. Keep your fingers crossed!

On Thursday, March 21, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. beer enthusiasts will delight as Total Wine & More brings its Total Guide to Beer to liquid life in this fun, new class. Whether you are a beer connoisseur or novice, this is a perfect opportunity to discover your beer style at this special beer event. For only $15 per person, guests will enjoy a tasting tour of a variety of different beer styles and categories, enjoying beer at its finest while identifying their own personal beer style. Seating is limited, so call today to make reservations. The event will be held at the Total Wine & More superstore located at 1505 Hawthorne Blvd. at the South Bay Marketplace in North Redondo Beach. For more information, call 310-542-1460 or visit the website at totalwine.com.

The El Segundo PTA Council hosts the 22 annual Run for Education on Saturday, March 23 to benefit El Segundo public schools. The race features USATF certified 10K and 5K courses as well as a 1K for children. The event has grown into the PTA’s major fundraiser each year, providing much needed extra funding for El Segundo’s public schools. The run now also serves as a centerpiece for the School District’s new Wellness policy while providing an excellent opportunity to promote multi-generational health and fitness throughout the community. The 2013 event has been selected as one of the official road races in the elite USATF Southern California Association Road Running Grand Prix Series. Both courses are USATF certified and course records are looking to be broken. The Opening Ceremony begins at 7:45 a.m. with the 5K/10K dual start at 8 a.m. and the Kids Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. The all new Health & Fitness Expo will feature Radio Disney, McDonald’s and more. The Kids Fun Zone includes games, inflatables, a live DJ, vendors and food. All participating runners, 12 and under, will receive prizes from Mattel. For information and registration, visit the website at esrun4education.com.

The Hermosa Beach Education Foundation (HBEF) presents the annual Hearts of Hermosa charity event on Saturday, March 23 to benefit Hermosa Beach Public Schools. The fundraiser will take place at a private venue located at 720 Pier Ave. next to the Hermosa Beach Community Center. The evening gets underway at 5:45 p.m. and will feature music and dancing along with an auction and dinner. The auction features an incredible selection of items! On offer this year: A Year of Date Nights, A Top Gun Experience: Be a Fighter Pilot for a Day, Week Long Ski In, Ski Out Park City Condo, Trip to Napa for Four and tickets to Clippers and Lakers games among others. Cocktail attire is suggested. Tickets are on sale now and are available for $150 per person or $275 for two and may be purchased online at hbef.org.

Have you made dinner plans for the weekend yet? No? Well, did you know that Dolce Vita Café is now offering dinner every Friday and Saturday night? Located in the heart of Riviera Village, this popular breakfast and lunch establishment presents diners with yet another delicious opportunity to meet, eat and be merry. Each weekend, proprietor and renowned chef, Mario Martinoli, will offer a prix fixe dinner selection alongside the new cafe menu which will feature appetizers, pasta, risotto, chicken and other specialties of the house. Martinoli recently remodeled the space and installed a new dining counter to complement the legendary ‘family tables’. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. and family tables can accommodate 6 to 8 guests. These dinners are extraordinarily popular and will book up quickly each week, so be sure to call and make a reservation. Additionally, guests may call ahead and place an order as these meals are also available to go. Dolce Vita Café is located at 1718 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information and reservations, call 310-844-7462 or visit the website at dolcevitacaferedondo.com.

If you have not been to Tapas & Vino yet, you are in for a treat! Andy is currently running a Not Just Tapas & Vino Campaign exclusively for our audience! Mention The South Bay Show or South Bay by Jackie and receive 25% off a lunch or brunch entrée. Or just tell them Jackie sent you! Tapas & Vino is located at 1729 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information, visit the website at tapasyvino.com or call 310-791-8200.

As always, check the calendar links and ‘Things to Do’ page on my website, southbaybyjackie.com, for details on these and other events throughout the South Bay.

On The South Bay Show this morning, our guest was Michael Jenkins. Michael is the editor of South Bay Foodies.com and he filled us in on the exploding craft beer scene happening here in the South Bay! What a fun show! Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can listen to it online.

Spring is here—have a great South Bay weekend!

Jackie

southbaybyjackie.com