MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press

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MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
MOST LOVED
Businesses in Santa Monica

   2020            THE RESULTS
                   ARE IN!
                   A definitive guide
                   to the city’s Favorite
                   Businesses
                                 Now
                                Open!
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
2
    Most Loved 2020
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4    INTRODUCTION            26   DOCTOR/DENTIST/           42   LEGACY BUSINESS
                                  HEALTH
6    DOWNTOWN BUSINESS                                      44   VINTAGE/THRIFT/
                             28   FITNESS STUDIO/GYM             RESALE SHOP

 7   THEATRE/ART/            29   FARMER                    45   BUSINESS FOR
     ENTERTAINMENT                                               PAMPERING

8                            30   HOTEL
     MAIN STREET BUSINESS
                                                            46   GROCERY STORE
                             32   HAPPY HOUR
10   PICO BLVD. BUSINESS                                    48   RESTAURANT
                             33   AUTO RELATED
12   MONTANA AVE. BUSINESS        BUSINESS                  50   HAIR SALON/
                                                                 BARBER SHOP
13   PIER BUSINESS           34   NEW BUSINESS
                                                            52   PET BUSINESS
15   CLOTHING BOUTIQUE       36   FROZEN DESSERTS
                                                            54   SURF/SKATE/BIKE
18   COFFEE SHOP             37   JEWELRY/ACCESORIES/
                                  GIFT SHOP                 55   CATERING BUSINESS
20   BAR OR LOUNGE
                             38   INDEPENDENT
                                  BUSINESS                  56   NON-PROFIT
22   BREAKFAST/
     BRUNCH SPOT             40   KID-FRIENDLY ATTRACTION   58   OUTDOOR DINING SPOT

24   EVENT SPACE             41   BAKERY

                                                                                        THANK
                                                                                         YOU
                                                                                         Santa Monica
                                                                                       Families and Friends
                                                                                         for supporting
                                                                                       Swim with Heart
                                                                                                for
                                                                                        10 years!

                                                                                                               Most Loved 2020
                                                                                          swimwithheart.org
                                                                                            310-625-2974
                                                                                              @swimwithheart

                                                                                                                  3
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
COMING BACK
                  STRONGER THAN EVER

                                            Imagine dear reader, a world that seems a lifetime away. Movie theaters were showing the latest releas-
                                            es seven days a week. You could walk the Promenade shoulder to shoulder with other shoppers, duck
                                            into any store you wanted, regardless of occupancy, and browse to your heart’s content. You could even
                                            touch stuff without guilt or fear.

                                            Restaurants served food inside and you could get a cocktail or a beer just because you felt like it. Hap-
                                            py Hour was a marketing tool and not an accurate description of amount of joy in our days.

                                            That now nostalgic time was February and it’s also the month that we asked Santa Monicans to name
                                            their favorite local businesses. The world has changed in what were previously unimaginable ways
                                            since then but in this moment, the annual Most Loved contest and its celebration of community has a
                                            newfound importance.

                                            It’s a tough time to be a business owner but most businesses have adapted, not closed. Many are
                                            charting a course through these stormy waters and every open sign, al fresco dinner, curb-side pickup
                                            and tented haircut is an act of faith by mom-and-pop entrepreneurs in themselves and in the community
                                            they serve. They believe they can come through this if we support them and we are proud to be able to
                                            highlight some of the people and places that make a city thrive.

                                            Most Loved isn’t just about the businesses because a business doesn’t support the high school, donate
                                            to the foodbank or just keep our friends employed. People do. Whether it’s the people who own a
                                            storefront or the people who take your order or the people who delivery the goods, it’s the people who
                                            deserve the recognition herein. Most Loved is truly a celebration of the people who make Santa Monica
                                            a place worth living in and whenever you’re comfortable heading back into the world, we hope you con-
                                            sider visiting some of these people, if only to say hi, exchange a smile and remember the path forward is
                                            together.

                                            A sad farewell to some of our Most Loved SM finalists of 2020 who did not survive. We will no doubt see
                                            more business closures this year to due the severe economic recession and lasting impacts of COVID
                                            making it incredibly challenging for businesses to survive. Now more so than ever, we must make an
                                            effort to buy local in support of our Santa Monica businesses. Grab your mask, your wallet and show
                                            your love and support local whenever and wherever possible.

                                       THE PIER IS OPEN
                                       Come support your local Pier
                                       businesses as they reopen!
Most Loved 2020

                                       Remember, masks are required.
                    @SANTAMONICAPIER   VISIT SANTAMONICAPIER.ORG FOR DETAILS
   4
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

#1
     Transfers
     Job Training                                                                                                            APPLY
     Student Support                                                                                                         TODAY!
                                                                                                                             smc.edu

                                                                                                                                       Most Loved 2020

                           SANTA MONICA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
     Dr. Nancy Greenstein, Chair; Dr. Susan Aminoff, Vice Chair; Dr. Louise Jaffe; Dr. Margaret Quiñones-Perez; Rob Rader;
       Dr. Sion Roy; Barry A. Snell; Joshua Elizondo, Student Trustee; Kathryn E. Jeffery, Ph.D., Superintendent/President

                                                                                                                                          5
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
Downtown
                                                                    santa monica
                          Downtown Santa Monica has always been the hub of activity for Santa Monica and DTSM
                    businesses have adapted to keep the area a fun, safe place to enjoy a day out with the family. Santa
                       Monica’s open-air shopping center allows visitors to browse five blocks of retail and restaurant
                                            options while enjoying sea breezes that keep Santa Monica cool.

                  MOST LOVED DOWNTOWN BUSINESS
                  ”   RADIANCE WELLNESS SPA

                                                                                        ”
                      Now more than ever people need self-love/self-care
                        and our sacred space is just the place for that.

                       1207 4th St.              310-264-2228       drskinhealth.com

                  FINALISTS

                  Exotics Racing
                       120 Broadway Blvd. #103       310-566-4045   exoticsracing.com

                  Salon Tru
Most Loved 2020

                       614 Santa Monica Blvd.        310-394-0878      salontru.com

                  Santa Monica Homeopathic
                       629 Broadway Blvd.          310-395-1131     smhomeopathic.com
                                                                                                                  Radiance Wellness Spa
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MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
MOST LOVED
                       Theatre | Art | Entertainment

                                                                                                                                                                           The Braid

    2020

                    WINNER                                        THE BRAID - JEWISH WOMEN’S THEATRE
                                                                                       2912 Colorado Ave. #102                    310-315-1400              jewishwomenstheatre.org

From summer concerts at the pier to live         to their patrons and friends. Participation is   that not a single one of our subscribers       and build cultural legacy,” she said. “Our
theater at one of several excellent play-        still complimentary and open to all, but they    asked for a refund. Instead, they told us      vision is to leave no Jewish story untold
houses, Santa Monica has the arts on lock.       ask that members of the community consid-        they missed us, wished us the very best        while celebrating the truths that connect
                                                 er donating to support the work of Jewish        and couldn’t wait to see us virtually and,     all people. Through our pioneering model
While the Braid’s live performances have         Women’s Theatre during this unprecedent-         soon, in person.”                              of storytelling we revived the centuries of
been postponed, they are now offering            ed time.                                                                                        Jewish women hosting salons, putting a
digital salon shows via Zoom. Their You-                                                          Spinak said the organization and the adapt-    contemporary spin on creating intimate
Tube channel features “Inside our Time”          “We asked our volunteers to personally           ability of writers and performers has been     spaces for dialogue, community building,
--stories from the community that illumi-        call all the subscribers to our salon shows      inspiring.                                     diversity and connection through arts and
nate some aspect of what we are feeling          to let them know we are working on digital                                                      culture. Recently, our traditional theatre
and experiencing. They also use Zoom to          presentations of our new, original work,”        “Our mission is to create, produce and         programming has expanded to include an
present special events such as art talks,        said Ronda Spinak. “We were touched by           preserve diverse, living Jewish stories that   art gallery, panel discussions, and many
author talks and panels on topics of interest    the responses we received and by the fact        empower individuals, inspire community         special events.”

FINALIST MORGAN-WIXSON THEATRE
        2627 Pico Blvd.                 310-828-7519                  Morgan-Wixson.org

The Morgan-Wixson Theatre is a historic         our community, in the arts, and in theater.”
Santa Monica theater on Pico Blvd. Miriam       She says that the Theatre’s biggest sup-
Billington a Board Member and the volun-        port in the coming months will come from
teer Publicity Chair says that the theater      their patrons and members, who continue
“has been bringing top-quality plays, mu-       to provide time, energy, and funding even
sicals, and performing arts events to our       when they cannot attend shows.
city for over seven decades!” The theater
has been totally shut since March 12th of       Miriam says that receiving this award
this year due to the pandemic. Miriam Says      means the world to her: “It means so much
that they have held some online events via      because we have been a mainstay of
Zoom and have been counting on dona-            the Santa Monica arts scene since 1946!
tions and reserve funds to “keep the lights     Despite the uncertainty and tragedy in
on” until the theater can once again invite     the world now, we hope to press on and
patrons into the historic space. Miriam         plan for our historic 75th season next year.
says that conversations with patrons have       We are also working on increasing our
been mostly about how much they miss            outreach to include more of our wonderful

                                                                                                                                                                                               Most Loved 2020
going to see live theater. “Our members         and supportive community in everything                                                                           Morgan Wixson Theatre
have enjoyed attending live play readings       we do.” Miriam urges readers to join the
on Zoom and we have been talking about          Morgan-Wixson’s mailing list by emailing
those plays and others that we might wish       info@morgan-wixson.org
to produce in the future. We have also
begun holding community discussions                                                               FINALIST AERO THEATRE
about what we can do to fight racism--in
                                                                                                           1328 Montana Ave.             310-260-1528         americancinematheque.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                  7
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
Main Street
                                                                   santa monica                                    Photo: Sean Paul Franget

                        Santa Monica’s Main Street has led the way for adaptation in this era, transitioning from a busy
                    thoroughfare into a haven for pedestrian dining in a matter of weeks. The street has always had an
                    abundance of personality with quirky retail and restaurants that have become local institutions. That
                       sense of place has blossomed with the expansion of outdoor options as businesses have taken
                                            over traffic lanes and created a new al fresco capital for the city.

                  MOST LOVED MAIN STREET BUSINESS
                  ”                        PILATESMITH

                                                                                      ”
                       Thanks to an incredible group of women and great
                       feedback from our community, we’ve been able to
                      keep people moving - wherever they are - and been
                                able to keep the Team working.

                      2110 Main St. #100        310-955-9915        pilatesmithstudio.com

                  FINALISTS

                  DOLCENERO GELATO
Most Loved 2020

                          2400 Main St.          323-540-6263        dolcenerogelato.com

                  GREEN DOG DENTAL
                           2116 Main St.         888-753-2829        greendogdental.com
                                                                                                                                Pilatesmith
   8
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
Santa Monica’s largest selection of revamped, outdoor dining & shopping.
                   Head over and enjoy your favorite experiences in the open air.

                                                                                    Most Loved 2020
       KEEP UP WITH US!   MAINSTREETSM.COM | @MAINSTREETSM | #MAINSTREETSM
A WORLD AWAY FROM THE ORDINARY              A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE BEACH
                                                                                       9
MOST LOVED Businesses in Santa Monica - ARE IN! - Santa Monica Daily Press
Pico Blvd
                                                                   santa monica
                         People love Pico and for good reason. The eclectic mix of businesses, essential services and
                       restaurants (and murals!) are beloved by locals who know they can get all their needs and wants
                      filled in a single location. From your morning coffee spot to the evening’s happy hour, you can eat,
                                                drink and shop well without leaving the city limits.

                  MOST LOVED PICO BLVD BUSINESS

                  ”            GILBERT’S EL INDIO
                      We want to thank all of you for making it possible for

                                                                                  ”
                       Gilbert’s, El Indio to remain open. Our sincere and
                      overwhelming gratitude goes out to everyone who
                      has come in through our doors. Thank you for your
                             encouragement, love, and generosity.
                       2526 Pico Blvd.      310-450-8057        gilbertselindio.com

                  FINALISTS

                  SEWING ARTS CENTER
Most Loved 2020

                        3330 Pico Blvd.      310-450-4300        sewingarts.com

                  TRADER JOE’S
                       3212 Pico Blvd.        310-581-0253       traderjoes.com
                                                                                                                   Photo: Robert Sturman
   10
11
     Most Loved 2020
Montana
                                                                                            Avenue
                  ”   Montana Avenue is Santa Monica’s self-care center with an abundance of businesses ready, willing

                                                                                                                                    ”
                           and able to help you de-stress during these tough times. Whether your relaxation aid of choice is
                       a cocktail, massage, slice of pie or some serious retail therapy, you’re sure to find the cure of what
                                                   ails you as you stroll Montana’s pleasant streets.
                    2020

                                  WINNER                        NUMBER ONE BEAUTY CENTER

                  We put our heart and soul into this store, every single day.
                  We love our clients that have become more like family and
                  friends to us over the last three decades. We have third
                  generation shoppers at our store now!

                      1607 Montana Ave.         310-395-5002        janeoftarzana.com

                  FINALISTS
                  JANE
Most Loved 2020

                           1607 Montana Ave.     310-395-5002       janeoftarzana.com

                  AERO THEATRE
                           1328 Montana Ave.    310-260-1528     americancinematheque.com

                                                                                                                   Number One Beauty Center
   12
santa monica Pier
”      The Santa Monica Pier is the perfect place to let nature wash away the concerns of 2020. With the

                                                                                                                           ”
     crashing of the waves below and the world-famous ocean winds in your hair, there’s nowhere better to
     take in a breathtaking sunset. The Pier businesses are open to supplement your moment of Zen with a
                        tasty sandwich, margarita or milkshake in a variety of open-air environments.
    2020

                   WINNER                      THE LOBSTER                   1602 Ocean Ave.   310-458-9294    thelobster.com

                            The Lobster serves as the gateway to Santa Monica’s iconic pier, and this beautiful
                           restaurant, with sweeping views of the Pacific, is LOVED by locals and visitors alike.

FINALISTS

    THE ALBRIGHT
           258 Santa Monican Pier      310-394-9682       thealbright.com

    Greg Morena is the owner of The Albright, a seafood joint
    that’s been around since 1977 (that’s 43 years)! “The Pier
    is the home of Popeye the Sailor man and progressive
    values, we are a homegrown family and business in what we
    consider the best city in the world. No worries here, enjoy
    the best place in the world and let us serve you the best clam
    chowder and lobster rolls in the world).”

    PACIFIC PARK                                                                                                                Most Loved 2020

           380 Santa Monica Pier       310 260 8744      youpacpark.com

                                                                                                                The Albright
                                                                                                                                13
1607 Montana Avenue
                  Santa Monica, CA 90403

                       310.395.5002
Most Loved 2020

                  janeoftarzana@yahoo.com

                       JaneOfTarzana

   14
MOST LOVED
     Clothing Boutique
                                                                                               Jane

   2020

                     WINNER JANE
Any Angeleno in search of a new look          “We will LISTEN to the needs of our clien-
knows to look no further than Montana         tele, who may continue to work from home
Avenue, where Santa Monica’s clothing         until the end of the year and need to keep
boutiques boast the trendiest looks in        looking professional ‘above the waist’, to
town.                                         our moms who may need to remain help-
                                              ing their kids get educated at the kitch-
Peggy Sella founder and owner of Jane,        en table and to our customers who will
a small Santa Monica business describes       continue to date and celebrate milestones
her store as “a small boutique that prides    with small groups. Our jewelry and gift se-
itself on the selection of merchandise        lection continues to be very important be-
and our Customer Care.” She says that         cause no matter how our customers have
“Everything is under $98.00! We educate       had to adapt in their personal lives, they
the customer on both current trends and       still want to celebrate their friends and
styles she can wear. If she is looking for    family! We have been adapting our mix of
gifts, we share our most popular and          merchandise to reflect, what as of now is
unique choices for the occasion. Gift wrap    our ‘new norm’. Never before has lifestyle
is complimentary. We have been enjoying       truly played such an important part.”
this business since 2008! We guarantee a
meaningful experience!”                       Sella appreciates the loyalty of her
                                              customers in showing up for Jane in the
Jane closed its doors on March 16th due       Most Loved vote: “The willingness of our
to the pandemic. Within two weeks the         customers to submit their votes, shows not
staff volunteered their time to do a mass     only their loyalty but how important having
marketing campaign, using social media        brick and mortar is in their community. Our
and even Face Timing and DMing custom-        customers know they can depend on us
ers from across the country. “We asked        to meet their fashion and gift needs. They
two of our customers, one living in Wash-     feel Jane being recognized by the ‘Most
ington DC, to take photographs in Jane        Loved Campaign’ is their contribution
merchandise that they received weekly!        to our success.” Sella also says that she
This proved to be highly successful for our   knew her customers were loyal “but did
sales. We had an enormous opportunity to      not know the depths many would go to
be seen by a completely new audience.”        keep Jane standing! Their outpouring of
The business has started a virtual sale       support and genuine care has been very

                                                                                                      Most Loved 2020
over Instagram Live and is working on a       humbling.”
website for their store.

Sella says that Jane’s biggest strength its
emphasis on Customer Care. Sella says

       1607 Montana Ave.                310-395-5002             janeoftarzana.com
                                                                                            Jane

                                                                                                      15
FINALIST BROOKE RODD
                  Brooke Rodd is the owner of a store            an online/e-commerce presence. This al-
                  bearing her name that sells “Fun and fresh     lowed for customers to easily shop online
                  clothing and gifts for the whole family,”      without having to establish an entirely new
                  which includes clothes for women and           way of shopping. Brooke’s stores have
                  kids, books, jewelry, paper goods, home        now reopened with safety measures in
                  goods, apothecary, and ‘fun stuff’ all at      place.
                  a reasonable price. Brooke owns three
                  stores on Ocean Park: Brooke Rodd              Recent conversations Brooke has had with
                  Boutique, FUN by Brooke Rodd, and Wild         customers have involved conversations
                  Moon Kids.                                     about politics and wishing for the end of
                                                                 the hardships that 2020 has brought. She
                  Brooke has been adapting well to the           has also been having a lot of discussions
                  unique economic challenges that 2020           about the environment and the health of
                  has brought about. She started to provide      her and her customers.
                  a service of free local deliveries to the
                  community to ensure that her Santa             Brooke says that she really appreciates
                  Monica customers don’t have to pay for         the support of the community. “I love my
                  shipping. She has also striven to preserve     community and I try to supply them with
                  the feeling of an in person shopping expe-     fun and fresh items at an affordable price.
                  rience by setting up private shopping and      Community IS my business. It’s every-
                  shopping that can be done over FaceTime.       thing.”
                  Brooke says that she is incredibly lucky
                  that her store had already established

                         1716 Ocean Park Blvd.               310-664-1999                brookerodd.com
                                                                                                                Brooke Rodd

                  FINALIST SUJI
                  Susan Amenta, the owner and buyer of           emails and postcards that keep customers
                  Suji, describes her small store on Main        informed about new shopping rules and
                  Street, as “a very warm and inviting wom-      COVID measures designed to keep their
                  en’s boutique that specializes in artful and   customers safe, changing hours, and spe-
                  wearable clothes for a relaxed lifestyle.      cial discounts. Susan cites Suji’s person-
                  Lots of color, texture, and easy fitting       alized service as their greatest strength
                  clothes with accents of unusual jewelry        in the coming months. She says they will
                  and accessories.” Susan says that when         continue to provide a safe environment
                  you first enter Suji “you will most likely     and beautiful clothes that fit their custom-
                  be greeted by Louise our store manager         er’s lifestyles. Susan says that she has
                  and stylist. People love her! Her warm         tried to keep conversations with custom-
                  personality and the way she puts outfits       ers neutral when they come into the store.
                  together has made her very popular with        She says that Suji is a place to come and
                  our customers. She has a special way of        relax and enjoy some retail therapy, like a
                  making you feel comfortable while she          break from the outside world.
                  works her magic and finds you the perfect
                  outfit to make you shine.”                     Suji has been in business for 36 years and
                                                                 their customers and community are like
                  Susan says that the business has adapted       family to them. Susan says “it is so nice
                  to the economic challenges of 2020 by in-      that they care about us as we care about
                  creasing outreach to their customers. She      them.”
                  has been keeping in touch with them via

                          2525 Main St. #103                     310-396-7614
Most Loved 2020

                  FINALIST Planet Blue
                        1653 12th St.
                                                        310-396-1767                shopplanetblue.com
                        2940 Main St.

                                                                                                                 Planet Blue
   16
LIve love shop local

    Congratulations to all the 2020
       Most Loved businesses.
          The Solomon Family          Most Loved 2020

                                      17
MOST LOVED
                                                                                   Coffee Shop
                                                                                                                                                    Dogtown Coffee

                  2020

                                    WINNER DOGTOWN COFFEE
                  Santa Monicans sure love their java, and                                                              Initially, the shop closed its doors and
                  there is no shortage of superb coffee                                                                 laid off the entire staff effective March
                  shops for residents to get their caffeine fix.                                                        13th to avoid hemorrhaging capital. They
                  Dogtown Coffee, a small Santa Monica                                                                  then began to re-imagine the shop as a
                  business on the corner of Main Street and                                                             “stationary food truck” and turned the
                  Bay Street has been a community staple                                                                patio into the customer service space, only
                  for many years. Assaf Raz says that with                                                              offering pickup and delivery. They adopted
                  Dogtown you “come for the story and                                                                   a cashless system so payment could be
                  stay for the quality” citing the history of                                                           made through apps and the website to
                  the location and the Munchies Burrito and                                                             avoid contact. Along with this, they altered
                  Salty Dog respectively. Assaf is extremely                                                            the menu to include more “finger food”
                  grateful for the support of the community                                                             and limited it to help with “production line
                  through the Most Loved award. He says                                                                 effectiveness.” More recently they have
                  that “the community is what saved us from                                                             opened up an outdoor seating area in the
                  complete ruin. Just like back in 2012, the                                                            parking lot and have hired a security guard
                  locals carried us through this and patient-                                                           as a safety measure. Assaf says that the
                  ly held in as we worked the challenges                                                                “food truck” model has proved to be labor
                  of this new system. The fact that we got                                                              and production effective and that their
                  this vote, is just cherry on the top. We’re                                                           enclosed outdoor area is a great asset as
                  dedicated to continuing to honor this bond                                                            well.
                  with the neighborhood.” Assaf says that
                  the community is one of the shop’s great-                                                             Assaf thanks the staff for all of their efforts
                  est assets in this unprecedented time.                                                                and says that they are the people who tru-
                                                                                                                        ly run the store and deserve the credit for
                  The shop has taken a number of steps                                                                  its success. He also thanks the community
                  since the beginning of March to ensure           2003 Main St.     310-310-3665   dogtowncoffee.com   for their immense support.
                  the safety of its staff and customers.

                     Thanks for making us Santa Monica’s Best Coffee Shop

                                                                      Come enjoy our greatest hits menu
                                                                      items on our outdoor patio, where
                                                                       American skateboard and surfing
Most Loved 2020

                                                                              history was made.

                                                                                                                                                           og
                  Local | Organic | Micro-Roasted                        Open every day from 7am - 2pm                                         Salty D
   18
FINALIST CAFFE LUXXE
Gary Chau, co-founder of Caffe Luxxe         Gary says that the support of the com-
says that the business is a coffee shop      munity through a most loved vote means
with the goal of creating a comfortable      the world to the business “all of the love,
place for friends and family to get to-      care, and attention we share with our
gether to socialize. The two co-founders,    community is indeed appreciated. Every
Mark and Gary, have been best friends        cup and every interaction for us is really
since school. The business was found-        not about a transaction, but a close-knit
ed on friendship in 2006 and nearly 14       relationship with our friends and family in
years ago friendship remains its core        the neighborhood.”
value.
                                             Gary says the Caffe’s greatest strength
The business has shifted to online           lies in being more than a coffee shop
business due to the economic challeng-       “We’re actually a business of people
es of 2020. They are also providing          who are getting together in a place to
email, phone, and video chat support for     socialize, meet, and catch up with one
anyone who would like to learn to make       another. Amidst the current pandemic
coffee at home. Since the business           as social beings, we’re able to foster
was classified as essential, they chose      continued social engagement and inter-
to remain open for the duration of the       action which is so important to help us
pandemic. Gary says “We felt strongly        all still feel like human beings who care
about continuing to provide warmth and       about each other. Social and digital me-
comfort in a cup for our neighborhood        dia can only take us so far to stay con-
friends and family so that people could      nected with one another, as it often lacks
still experience a little bit of normalcy    the warmth of facial expressions, tonality,
in their disrupted lives. It has honestly    and warmth of in-person engagement.
been very challenging for us to remain       So we focus on reconnecting ourselves
open due to the economics of operating       in a neighborhood space that is open for
a cafe with significantly less staff, and    everyone to come enjoy and appreciate
supporting Covid-19 health code guide-       being together.”
lines which evolve at a moment’s notice
as more knowledge becomes available.”

        925 Montana Ave.                    310-394-2222               caffeluxxe.com

FINALIST GROUNDWORK
         2908 Main St.              310-452-8925               groundworkcoffee.com
                                                                                           Caffe Luxxe

             Thanks for the love
          and support Santa Monica

                                                                                                         Most Loved 2020

                                                                                                         19
MOST LOVED

                         Bar or Lounge
                                                                                                          The Misfit Restaurant + Bar

                  2020

                                  WINNER WEST 4TH AND JANE
                  Everyday is Friday in the time of corona-   per the guidelines of the CDC.
                  virus, so it’s a good thing Santa Monica
                  has so many fantastic bars and lounges      The owners say they “exist to serve
                  ready to serve you a well deserved          our community so their support means
                  cocktail to-go.                             everything to us.” Their conversations
                                                              with customers this year have been
                  Steve and Jennifer Lieberman are the        incredibly supportive and encouraging.
                  owners of West 4th and Jane, a “relax-      They are happy to see the community
                  ing local spot to get craft food and rare   and neighborhood being so supportive.
                  beers” nestled on 4th street near Santa     The Liebermans are encouraged to see
                  Monica Blvd in downtown Santa Monica.       the community reaching out to check-
                  They are a New York City-style beach        in and support one another during the
                  pub with 24 rotating taps that feature      pandemic this year.
                  local and international craft beers that
                  are “best soaked up with snacks, salads,    The Liebermans say that their greatest
                  burgers, wings and more” from their         strength in these unprecedented times
                  tavern-style kitchen. The restaurant has    is their enthusiasm. In the time of the          West 4th and Jane
                  been adapting to the economic chal-         pandemic, passion and warm support
                  lenges of this year by focusing on em-      for the community are essential. They
                  bracing the day-to-day. The Liebermans      would also like for their customers to
                  say that they “have tried to not get too    know that they recently celebrated
                  discouraged by the unpredictability         their 11 year anniversary. They are “very
                  of the year.” Their kitchen is currently    proud to have served the Santa Monica
                  open for takeout and is available on        community for over a decade.”
                  DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates. All
                  of their guests and staff are required to
                  wear masks when in the restaurant/bar
                  and practice safe social distancing as

                           “          Cheers to another!
                                                                               ”
Most Loved 2020

                                              The Lieberman’s

                           1432A 4th St.               310-395-6765                west4thjane.com
                                                                                                               West 4th and Jane

   20
FINALIST THE CRAFTSMAN
Holly Pulford is the Marketing Manager of         received numerous texts and emails of well
the Craftsman Bar and Kitchen on Broad-           wishes and offers of support. It really keeps
way near Ocean Ave in Santa Monica. She           us going, and inspires us to keep being
describes the Craftsman as a “friendly            innovative and acts as a reminder of how
neighborhood bar with Rock n’ Roll vibes.”        much we love our guests and community.”
2020 has been challenging for the bar, but        Holly says that the bar’s biggest advantage
they are staying positive and taking the          is its loyalty to the guests, and the guests’
challenges head on as they come. “Keep-           loyalty to the bar. She says that she knows
ing our guests happy has always been a            that however the Craftsman has to pivot
big priority for us, and this is something        to keep going they will always have the
that we are still trying to do every day.         support of their customers.
Some of the fun things we have done is im-
plement an Adult Lemonade Stand located           Holly says that the support of the com-
at our front door, where guests can order         munity through a Most Loved vote means
to-go cocktails and takeout food. That has        everything to the Craftsman. “We pride
been a huge hit. We have also modi-               ourselves on being ‘Santa Monica’s friendly
fied our bar food menu to make it more            neighborhood bar,’ so to have fellow peers
approachable for takeout. As always, we           and community members support us in this
try to keep our guests and the community          way, really validates everything we have
updated and engaged in positivity via our         tried to do over the years. Thank you!”
Instagram page @thecraftsmanbar.”
                                                  As a final note, Holly says “We just wanted
The Bar has received an outpouring of             to extend a thank you to everyone who
support from the community which has              has voted for us, and has supported The
really helped them to feel supported and          Craftsman all of these years.
encouraged during the pandemic. “We

        119 Broadway Blvd.               310-395-6037                 thecraftsmanbar.com
                                                                                                               The Craftsman

FINALIST THE MISFIT
The Misfit Restaurant + Bar is a “farm to          since reopening. It has been great to see
table restaurant and bar that focuses on           our regulars after and hear what everyone
fresh, seasonal ingredients presented in an        has been doing to stay active and positive
approachable way. The bar program has              during the last few months.” Kevin says the
always been a big part of our identity with        Misfit’s energetic team will be their greatest
a wide variety of cocktails prepared daily,        asset in the coming months. The team is
16 local beers on tap, and a wine list fo-         really excited to be back open again. Kevin
cused on California producers.” The Gener-         says “Our chefs have been work shopping
al Manager of The Misfit, Kevin Dunn says          some new items that will be popping up
the restaurant and bar have had to make a          on our menu in the coming months and
lot of changes to adapt to the unique finan-       our patio is primed to continue to be THE
cial situation that 2020 has brought. “We          place to spend your summer afternoons in
have expanded our outdoor seating and              Santa Monica. The kiosk ordering system
implemented a new kiosk based ordering             will bing the convenience and speed of
system at the front that allows guests to          service to a whole new level.”
place their order for food and cocktails
before finding a seat on the patio.” But,          Kevin says that the Misfit is honored to be
Kevin says, “we are still offering a full menu     a refuge and for the neighborhood in these
of seasonal items as well as the Misfit            difficult months and is incredibly apprecia-
favorites that our guests have come to             tive of the support that the community has
love over the last 9 years.” Kevin says that       provided through a most loved vote. He

                                                                                                                                  Most Loved 2020
conversations with guests have been pos-           says that they are grateful for the support
itive and it is great to see customers again       of the neighborhood and look forward to
after reopening. “The guests that continue         another decade of serving the community.
to frequent the Misfit have been amazing

       225 Santa Monica Blvd.                    310-656-9800               themisfitbar.com

                                                                                                    The Misfit Restaurant + Bar
                                                                                                                                  21
MOST LOVED
                                                    Breakfast/Brunch Spot
                                                                                                                  Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe

                     2020

                                       WINNER HUCKLEBERRY BAKERY & CAFE
                  “When in doubt brunch it out” goes the          ket, chicken, mac-n-cheese, re-packaged
                  unofficial motto of Santa Monica on any         our deli salads, and soups into quarts, and
                  given Saturday, where residents have no         more. We also now have curbside pickup
                  shortage of delectable breakfast spots          in our back parking lot for those who want
                  to nurse off a hangover or dive into a fat      to really minimize contact.”
                  stack of pancakes.
                                                                  Huckleberry has now re-opened for dine-
                  Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe is the winner         in, but it will be a slow recovery for the
                  for the Most Loved award in Santa Monica.       cafe until a vaccine is widely available.
                  The director of communications for Huck-        “Everyone’s safety is our number one pri-
                  leberry, Elise Freimuth describes the busi-     ority, so how we operate is a fluid situation
                  ness as “a neighborhood bakery and cafe         that we constantly monitor and adapt to.
                  that offers coffee, sweet treats, breakfast     We’ve completely rearranged our dining
                  items, savory sandwiches, salads and a          room to allow for safe customer flow and
                  wide variety of takeout items—all available     ample distance between seating inside
                  throughout the day.” Huckleberry was the        and out. That means having reduced
                  first restaurant opened by Zoe Nathan           capacity, and looking for more opportuni-
                  and her husband Josh Loeb after Nathan          ties to offset those sales with things like
                  joined the Rustic Canyon team. Freimuth         takeout, delivery, catering, and selling gift
                  says that the “pastry case is piled high ev-    cards.”
                  ery morning with biscuits, muffins, scones,
                  doughnuts, tarts, cookies, and more, while      Freimuth says that winning the Most Loved
                  regulars line up for classics like our messy    breakfast spot is a true demonstration of
                  Fried Egg Sandwich, comforting Breakfast        the loyalty of their customers. She says
                  Burrito, stacks of Pancakes, healthy Qui-       that the first thing her customers did when
                  noa Bowls and more.”                            they first had to close the doors was to ask
                                                                  what they could do to help. Freimuth urg-
                  Freimuth thanks the community for their         es customers to support small businesses
                  loyalty and for their support during the        in any way possible: “It’s what has kept
                  pandemic. The bakery & cafe has always          us going during this time and lifted our
                  offered takeout and delivery, but in March      spirits. Small businesses are the fabric of
                  at the beginning of the shutdown Huckle-        this community and give Santa Monica its
                  berry had to make a large pivot. Freimuth       unique character, so programs that raise
                  says “We essentially turned into a little       awareness like Most Loved are needed
                  corner market and cafe, offering pantry es-     now more than ever. With travel limited for
                  sentials like AP flour, sugar, baking mixes,    the foreseeable future, now is the time to
                  cookie dough, bread, pastries, along with       rediscover your little neighborhood and
                  weekly Farmers’ Market boxes with organ-        support small, local businesses.” She is ex-
                  ic eggs, rice, fruits, and veggies to support   tremely grateful for the workers at Huckle-
Most Loved 2020

                  our favorite local farmers and purveyors.       berry and says “We can’t predict what will
                  We began offering take & bake meals for         happen in the coming months, but we’ll be
                  breakfast and dinner, so families could         ready to get creative and pivot again so
                  pick up pancakes, scrambled eggs, bris-         we can keep doing what we love.”

                            1014 Wilshire Blvd.            310-451-2311               huckleberrycafe.com

                                                                                                                   Hucleberry Bakery & Cafe
   22
Back on the Beach Cafe

FINALIST BACK ON THE BEACH CAFE
         445 Pacific
                                  310-393-8282                backonthebeachcafe.com
         Coast Hwy.

Fred Dening is the co-owner of Back            said that Back on the Beach is the first
on the Beach Cafe, a cafe with ocean           place they have been out to in weeks.
views. Fred describes his business as “a       Customers feel safe knowing that the
beachfront casual family oriented restau-      tables are spaced apart and outside by
rant.” He says because the cafe is on the      the beach. Fred feels overjoyed that his
beach, people are often surprised that         customers feel safe. Back on the beach
the food is actually good. But the restau-     was recently commended by the county
rant prides itself on the quality and taste    supervisor for their adherence to proto-
of their food, serving organic whenever        cols. Besides that, his conversations with
possible and grass fed beef. Back on           customers are mostly about whether they
the Beach has been celebrated by the           are open, their hours, safety policies, and
City of Santa Monica in the sustainable        table spacing.
quality awards. Fred says that the cafe
has adapted to the unique challenges of        Back on the Beach has been a community
2020 by following all of the protocols set     fixture since 1989 and have had a follow-                      Rae’s
by the City and the CDC. All of their tables   ing that has lasted for two generations.
are outside and more than 6 feet apart.        He is so overjoyed to see the love that
Guests are required to wear a mask at all      he has for the community reflected back
times when moving about the restaurant         through this vote.
and can only remove their masks when
eating. He says the business’s biggest as-     Fred would like to say that Back on the
set for the coming months is their outside     Beach is there to welcome people back
seating area, and is incredibly grateful to    with open (if socially distanced) arms.
have that space to safely serve custom-
ers. He says that a lot of customers have

                                                                                                                      Most Loved 2020
FINALIST RAE’S RESTAURANT
      2901 Pico Blvd.                   310-828-7937

                                                                                                              Rae’s
                                                                                                                      23
MOST LOVED

                            Event Space
                                                                                                                                                            Annenberg Community Beach House

                     2020

                                        WINNER                                                                    FINALIST SANTA MONICA
                                                                                                                                         BREW WORKS
                                                                                                                     1920 Colorado Ave.      310-828-7629       santamonicabrewworks.com

                  ANNENBERG COMMUNITY
                                                                                                                  FINALIST FAIRMONT MIRAMAR
                  BEACH HOUSE                                                                                                            HOTEL & BUNGALOWS
                          415 Pacific                                                                               101 Wilshire Blvd.      310-576-7777         fairmont.com/santa-monica
                          Coast Hwy.              310-458-4904                 annenbergbeachhouse.com

                  While we may be stuck at home, there’s          ble. Elizabeth says that the guests of the
                  no reason we shouldn’t still celebrate          beach house have been excited to get
                  Santa Monica’s best event spaces or stop        back to gathering at the beach house:
                  daydreaming about the incredible parties        “Everyone wants to know how they can
                  we will host there one day!                     have a party, celebrate and gather at the
                                                                  Beach House, whether it’s as simple as
                  Elizabeth Dugan, who is in charge of            a canopy on the beach or a family and
                  event services, sales, and marketing for        friend gathering, our guests want to be
                  the Annenberg Community Beach House             able to celebrate/meet and gather at the
                  describes the Beach House as “a public          Beach House.” Most of the beach house
                  destination, open to all, no membership         services are closed until further notice, but
                  required! It has a rich history in Santa Mon-   the parking lot is available as well as the
                  ica and has been hosting private events,        accessible walkway to the beach.
                  corporate meetings and retreats, filming
                  and guests for the past 10 years.” The          Elizabeth says the Beach House’s biggest
                  beach house sits on the beach side of the       strength is an extremely dedicated team
                  PCH with a pool, playground, volleyball         that is able to ensure the outstanding cus-
                  courts, a gallery, and recreation classes,      tomer service that the Beach House has
Most Loved 2020

                  as well as beach access of course.              been known for.

                  The business has adapted to the eco-            Elizabeth urges customers to give the
                  nomic challenges of 2020 caused by              beach house a call at 310-458-4924 for
                  COVID-19 by following the guidelines of         more information. The beach house would
                  the city of Santa Monica to ensure the          love to hear from you!
                  safety of its patrons in every way possi-

                                                                                                                                                            Fairmont Miramar hotel & Bungalows
   24
EVENTS@415PCH
                                   EVENTS@415PCH
                       ANNENBERGBEACHHOUSE.COM| (310)
                      ANNENBERGBEACHHOUSE.COM   | (310)458-4934
                                                         458-4934

           Whataasurprise!
          What    surprise!Thank
                            Thankyou
                                  youSanta
                                      SantaMonica
                                            Monicafor
                                                   forvoting
                                                       voting
Annenberg Community
Annenberg CommunityBeach
                      BeachHouse
                             House“Most
                                   “MostLoved
                                         LovedEvent
                                               EventSpace/Party
                                                      Space/PartyVenue”
                                                                  Venue”
                                                                           Most Loved 2020

                                                                           25
MOST LOVED
                                                           Doctor | Dentist | Health

                                                                                                                                                                                        Physical Therapyworks

                      2020

                                         WINNER PHYSICAL THERAPYWORKS
                                                                                                               719 Santa Monica Blvd.                    310-260-9039             physicaltherapyworks.com

                  Have you ever noticed how Santa Moni-              with each other.” He says that everyone        The business has for 20 years been               John says that his business has a number
                  cans seem to just effortlessly glow? We’ll         at Physical Therapyworks is passionate         dedicated to helping others, and recently        of strengths that have kept them going and
                  let you in on their dirty little secret: a world   about dedicating themselves to under-          they have learned to ask for help too. The       will continue to help them in the coming
                  class team of local doctors, dentists and          standing who customers are and what they       business started a GoFundMe and was              months: he names the “incredibly strong
                  health care professionals.                         need and arriving at a comprehensive and       able to get a loan. John says that everyone      culture with an emphasis on ongoing and
                                                                     accurate diagnosis to help achieve a great     at the business has continued to work as         organized learning that leads to excep-
                  Dr. John Dravillas, the founder and owner          outcome.                                       they always have: “both as hard as we can        tional patient outcomes and satisfaction;
                  of Physical Therapyworks on Santa Monica                                                          and as smart as we can, as individuals and       incredible team members that are talented
                  Blvd describes his business as “a clinic           John says that having the winning this cat-    as a team. By virtue of all of the above, and    and highly motivated; a community that
                  with a strong emphasis on ongoing and              egory “means a ton” and that “while we’ve      a little luck, it seems like we’re going to be   knows who we are and values what we
                  organized learning, so that means our              always received a steady stream of thank       fortunate enough to make it.” He says that       do.”
                  actions are not only during the time we’re         you’s, hugs, patient referrals from former     there has been an outpouring of people
                  with you, but also while we’re reading             patients, gifts and cards, it’s also nice to   asking how they can help and has really          Physical Therapyworks starts its 25th year
                  journals to stay current, discussing patient       receive such a large and official thank you/   cemented the idea that the community is          in September and hopes that with the
                  cases with each other, or discussing               validation.”                                   really all in this together.                     support of the community they will be here
                  clinical reasoning or practicing techniques                                                                                                        for another 25!
Most Loved 2020

   26
FINALIST SANTA MONICA ACUPUNCTURE                                                                                 3029 Wilshire Blvd.                  310-564-4325                      lbinder.com
                             AND WELLNESS
Dr. Laurie Binder is the owner of Santa                   puncture. Her experience means that she          months, Laurie says: “I look forward to help-
Monica Acupuncture and Wellness, a “ho-                   has an intimate knowledge of both Eastern        ing my patients face challenges by listening
listic traditional Chinese medical practice”              and Western medicine.                            to their issues. I give acupuncture treatment
on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica.                                                                     to help my patients achieve balance. In Chi-
Through her practice of Chinese medicine,                 Laurie has found adapting to the economic        nese medical terms, balance equates to op-
Laurie helps her patients by addressing their             challenges of 2020 incredibly difficult. She     timal health. I include sound healthy lifestyle
unique symptoms with the goal of achiev-                  says that she is delighted to know that her      and nutritional advice during my sessions.”
ing “health, vitality, and wellness through               patients appreciate the work that they do
acupuncture, good nutrition, and a healthy                together in the pursuit of wellness. Laurie’s    Laurie would like the people of Santa Monica
lifestyle.”                                               conversations with customers this year have      to know that she loves her work and loves
                                                          been focused a great deal around wellness,       to help others achieve balance by teaching
She has over 20 years of experience in                    health, and self-care. These conversations       them how to live a healthy life. Laurie says
the healthcare field and has been a Certi-                are not uncommon in her line of work, but        that she is inspired by her patients on a daily
fied Health Consultant, LAMAZE childbirth                 are becoming ever more important in the          basis.
educator, labor and delivery nurse, OB / GYN              world, country, and city today. In regards                                                                                 Dr. Laurie Binder
Nurse Practitioner, and finally Doctor of Acu-            to supporting her clients in the upcoming

FINALIST COOPER OPTOMETRY                                                                                          2730 Wilshire Blvd.            323-210-3002               cooperoptometry.com

Dr. Donna Cooper is the owner of Cooper                   providing telemedicine calls when able and       ity to adapt to these changes while taking
Optometry located on Wilshire Boulevard                   allowing patients to call or text the doctor’s   care of our patient’s needs. We make sure
in Santa Monica. Cooper says her business                 cell phone. We are able to order contacts        we are easily available for our patients. We
is “a one-stop-shop for all your vision care              online or by phone and have them shipped         have a strong commitment to providing the
needs. We will always make sure you feel                  directly to the patient to limit contact. Now    best care to our patients every day.”
welcome and your vision care needs are                    that we are open, we ensure that each pa-
addressed.” Cooper Optometry has contin-                  tient is pre-screened before being seen and      As a final note, Cooper adds: “We love
ued to provide service to the community and               we have strict PPE and disinfection protocols    what we do and anyone who enters will be
has created a safe environment for exams.                 in place.”                                       greeted with a friendly face and treated with
Cooper says “We make sure we keep our                                                                      respect. We also have a wonderful doctor,
patients informed whether it’s with emails,               Cooper is grateful to have a connection          Dr. Sandy Tran, who offers pediatric exams.”
phone calls, or through our website. We                   with her patients. Cooper says, “our biggest
worked from home during the closure by                    strength is my wonderful staff and their abil-                                                                           Dr. Donna Cooper

   SANTA MONICA’S FAVORITE DENTIST
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                                                                                                                                                       AND CLEANING
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                                                                                                                                                                                                         27
MOST LOVED
                                                      Fitness Studio/Gym
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Pilatesmith

                      2020

                                       WINNER TRI-FIT                                                           FINALIST PILATESMITH
                                                                                                                        2110 Main St.                  310-955-9915              pilatesmithstudio.com

                                                                                                                Jessica Henien is the owner of Pilate-           then we just launched Outdoor workouts
                          2425 Colorado Blvd.                     310-829-2227                  trifitla.com    smith, a studio that “specializes in athletic,   because we were hearing that there are
                                                                                                                results-driven workouts crafted for women        some who miss being in-person but don’t
                                                                                                                and men who crave a more challenging             feel comfortable inside. So thanks to an
                  “TRI-FIT was founded in 2005 on the prin-        we are here to provide an environment
                                                                                                                Pilates experience! Expect an intense,           incredible group of women and great
                  ciples of community and excellence- to           that is both safe and comfortable for our
                                                                                                                efficient, and dynamic workout every time.       feedback from our community, we’ve been
                  instill knowledge, ignite enthusiasm, and        members.”
                                                                                                                While our Group offering was built for           able to keep people moving - wherever
                  create new fitness opportunities for our
                                                                                                                those more advanced in their practice, we        they are - and been able to keep the Team
                  members as they discover their full athlet-      “We have been an integral part of the
                                                                                                                also offer Privates that are customized for      working.”
                  ic potential. It’s more than just a gym, it’s    Santa Monica community for 20 years,
                                                                                                                anyone at any level.” Jessica says “Our
                  a lifestyle. We offer weekly outdoor work-       sponsoring local races and organizations,
                                                                                                                workouts are designed to challenge your          Jessica says that from the bottom of
                  outs, TRX, HIIT, Yoga, Cycle, Swim, Squash       providing Los Angeles’ largest outdoor
                                                                                                                strength and endurance without tearing           her heart, the support of the community
                  & Tennis, Sauna, Steam, and valet park-          swim on Friday mornings, and offering
                                                                                                                you down so you leave feeling satisfied          means everything to her. “It was vital to us
                  ing,” says co-founder Gina Baski. In 2020,       other outdoor training like group bike
                                                                                                                yet invigorated. We call it the Smith Glow!      staying open. Full stop. We had just turned
                  TRI-FIT has adapted its layout to support        rides and runs... Once we can train in
                                                                                                                We offer In-Studio, Virtual, and Outdoor         1 year old when we were forced to close
                  social distancing. “Our re-imagined gym          groups again, we will be here and ready
                                                                                                                workouts. If you make coming 2-3 times           and that coming in the infancy of building
                  layout offers members a spacious, clean,         for our sea swims, canyon rides, and trail
                                                                                                                a week a habit, you will see and feel your       your business and just as we were starting
                  and well-considered environment. We              runs.”
                                                                                                                body change. Come forge a body that is           to gain some momentum was devastating.
                  are committed to providing a safe space
                                                                                                                tighter, stronger, and more toned!”              We might not have made it had our Smiths
                  for all people to coexist, workout hard,         “Despite the chaos and uncertainty 2020
                                                                                                                                                                 not donated to our Pilatesmith Team Relief
                  and grow stronger together.” Gina says           has brought, we continue to live by our
                                                                                                                Pilatesmith had to quickly adapt to the          Fund and kept paying their monthly mem-
                  “You have spoken, we are listening, and          mission, and we look forward to continu-
                                                                                                                changes of 2020. The team was able               bership fees. To be forced to shut down
                  we hear your concerns which is why we            ing to serve our community. We are here
                                                                                                                to rapidly pivot to teaching classes via         was devastating, but I’m thankfully we
                  are doing everything possible to mitigate        and committed to helping our members
                                                                                                                Zoom. Trainers started recording on-de-          were able to pull in at least some revenue
                  risk. From plexiglass dividers to outdoor        navigate this new normal of fitness in the
                                                                                                                mand workout videos that were posted to          thanks to their kindness and to our virtual
                  classes, to routine sanitization of surfaces     safest manner possible.”
                                                                                                                Instagram and YouTube. Jessica says that         offering. We also got so many emails and
                  and upgraded HVAC Merv-13 air filters,
                                                                                                                Pilatesmith’s greatest strength is their abil-   calls and social comments cheering us on.
                                                                                                                ity to innovate and adapt quickly. Jessica       I cried every time kind words were read or
                                                                                                                credits her great team and the dialogue          a donation came in. I feel so lucky to be
                                                                                                                that is present between staff and custom-        part of this Main Street community - they
                                                                                                                ers. “Since reopening In-Studio workouts         are just the best, kindest, coolest people
                                                                                                                mid-June, we’ve kept Virtual workouts            ever! It’s truly an honor to be able to serve
                                                                                                                going because we heard people weren’t            them and positively impact their lives.”
                                                                                                                ready to come back to the studio yet. And
Most Loved 2020

                                                                                                                FINALIST YMCA SANTA MONICA
                                                                                                                        1332 6th St.                        310-393-2721                     ymcasm.org

                                                                                                 Tri-Fit
   28
MOST LOVED

                               FARMER
                                                                                                                                         Photo: Peter Augustin

    2020

                     WINNER MURRAY FAMILY FARMS
                                                                                                                 murrayfamilyfarms.org

As the world faces this current health
crisis, it’s important to stay healthy and
                                               are currently closed, you can still purchase
                                               fresh produce and delicious baked goods        FINALIST         WEISER FAMILY FARMS
support small, family-owned businesses.        from the store-front.
What if you could do both at the same
time? Luckily for Santa Monica residents,      Weiser Family Farms is yet another Most                          weiserfamilyfarms.com
the Santa Monica Farmers Market remains        Loved Farmers Market Favorite among
open with many vendors selling accessi-        Santa Monica residents. For 43-years the
ble, fresh produce at the Arizona Ave. and     family run farm has perfected their craft,
Virginia Park locations.                       producing delicious fruit and vegetables
                                               in the small agricultural town of Tehacha-
                                                                                              FINALIST          TAMAI FAMILY FARMS
Murray Family Farms is yet again the           pi, located about 45 minutes away from
cherry on top, winning the category for        Bakersfield.                                                      tamaifamilyfarms.com
Santa Monica’s Most Loved Farmers
Market Farmers. Their award-winning cher-      Not only do they have an award winning
ries are considered a delicacy around the      farmers market booth, but they supply
world, and are especially a favorite among     fresh produce to restaurant Upper West,
Santa Monica farmers market patron’s.          the winner of the Most Loved Happy Hour
                                               in Santa Monica. You can shop Weiser            The Santa Monica Farmers Market remain open.
Murray Family Farms is located 130 miles       Family Farms produce year-round at the
away, tucked underneath the Tehachapi          Arizona Ave. farmers market location every     Check the city’s website for hours and information.
mountainscape in Bakersfield, Califor-         Wednesday from 8:30 A.M. - 1:30 PM.
nia. Their family owned and operated                                                                 smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket/
business has done nothing but grow and         Even more local, and an only an hour’s
prosper, much like their produce, since its    drive away is Tamai Family Farms. For
inception in 2001. They are committed to       over 50-years in neighboring Ventura
“bring family, food, and fun together by       County, Tamai Family Farms has produced
sharing sustainably grown produce and an       accessible, quality, and sustainably grown
authentic farm experience” according to        produce to the tables of families all over
their website.                                 southern California.

Their farmers market booth carries a           The nutrient rich soil and kiss of seabreeze
variety of seasonal favorites, such as         in Oxnard, California creates a flourishing
nectarines, peaches, blueberries, over six     farmland that Tamai Family Farms utilizes
different types grapes and, of course their    for their delicious choices of fresh berries
famous, red cherries. All their produce is     and vegetables.
grown sustainably to not disturb the local
ecosystem. This way, their produce can         Tamai Family Farms is committed to
thrive off of one another, as well as guar-    providing their customers with equal and
antee that the soil will sustain its natural   affordable access to fresh and healthy
nutrients, maintaining the health of the       produce with their competitive rates and
plants and of the farmworkers working the      quick delivery. Customers can enjoy fresh,

                                                                                                                                                                 Most Loved 2020
soil.                                          healthy and delicious produce to be deliv-
                                               ered within 24 hours after harvest, without
Once it’s safe to travel again, Murray Fam-    spending top dollar for fast shipping or
ily Farms is the perfect place for a daytime   overpriced goods. You can find Tamai
excursion. Their Big Red Barn is located at    Family Farms at the Arizona Ave. Farmers
6700 General Beale Rd, Bakersfield, CA         Market every Wednesday and the Virginia
and is open from 8 a.m - 8 p.m. weekly. Al-    Park farmers market every Saturday.
though their family friendly farm excursions
                                                                                                                                         Photo: Peter Augustin

                                                                                                                                                                 29
MOST LOVED

                                                                                                                                                                           Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

                     2020

                                       WINNER                                     FAIRMONT MIRAMAR HOTEL & BUNGALOWS

                  “Our home is your vacation” goes the           most engaged, friendly and professional          and, through the efforts of our parent            what is going on in the outside world.
                  proud boast of many Santa Monicans and         as you will find. And of course all of the       company Accor, were able to launch the
                  they are not wrong! Why else would there       other experiences we have available,             ALLSAFE program which represents some             Sam says that the Fairmont is incredibly
                  be so many world class hotels in one           be it our 8th generation jeweler in Avo          of the most stringent cleaning standards          grateful for the support of the community
                  crammed into one city?                         and his Atelier, Lloyd and his barbershop        & operational procedures in the industry.         through a most loved vote. “Our community
                                                                 featuring hot towel shaves paired with a         However, thankfully, sitting on 5 acres of        means everything to us. The Miramar will
                  Sam Jagger is the General Manager of           glass of bourbon, outdoor dining, outdoor        open space, we have the natural geograph-         be celebrating its 100th year anniversary as
                  the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows         gym--everything you need to rejuvenate           ical ability to adapt new standards in a man-     a hotel in 2021 and we know we would not
                  on Wilshire Blvd near Palisades Park and       and refresh one’s body and soul.”                ner that is relaxed, professional and friendly.   be getting ready to celebrate that milestone
                  the beach. He describes the Fairmont                                                            We have acres of gardens where people             without the support of the Santa Monica
                  as a place that gives customers the very       Sam says that the hospitality industry has       are able to dine al fresco; a pool where we       community. We do not take our standing
                  best experience. “The co-founder of Santa      been particularly impacted by the econom-        one can relax during the day and watch an         in the community lightly or for-granted. We
                  Monica, Senator Jones and his wife Geor-       ic struggles of 2020. “when we temporarily       outdoor movie on a Saturday night. An             work hard throughout the year to support
                  gina, could choose to build their home         suspended our operations (due to state           outdoor pool kitchen serving fresh fare, with     a broad spectrum of local organizations
                  anywhere and they chose this wonderful         and local regulations), we took the time to      most of those ingredients coming from the         that work for the betterment of the city.
                  bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and        study what we needed to do in order to           local farmers markets.” Sam says that their       Our town is incredibly special and we are
                  the dramatic Santa Monica/Malibu coast-        provide an environment that was compli-          asset for the coming months is the fact that      incredibly lucky to be recognized as such an
                  line. The reason then is the same as it is     ant with new health and safety regulations       the Fairmont is an oasis in the middle of the     integral part of it.”
                  now: Miramar’s location is simply the best     while still providing a respite from the         city that allows people to forget for a while
                  bar none. And people do come because           world’s current woes. We implemented
                  of our location. But they come back time       world class protocols to ensure the care
                  and time again because of our staff. The       and safety of our guests and colleagues                 101 Wilshire Blvd.              310-576-7777            fairmont.com/santa-monica

                  FINALIST SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH                                                                    FINALIST SANTA MONICA PROPER
                  “Your private residence on the ocean” is       vacation or staycation. He says they are
                  how Klaus Mennekes, the Vice President         constantly discussing how they can make
                  and Managing Director of Shutters on the       guest’s visits more memorable with special
                  Beach, describes the iconic Shutters on        touches and in ways which they can share
                  the Beach hotel, which offers the tradition-   the best Southern California experience.
                  al hotel experience as well as fine dining,    Klaus says that the for the remainder of
                  a pool, a spa, and fitness center.             the pandemic the hotel’s greatest strength
                                                                 is the dedication of their terrific employ-
                  Klaus says that this year has been a year      ees, which has always been one of the
                  unlike any other. He says that while a lot     strengths of the hotel, as well as the idyllic
Most Loved 2020

                  more conversations have been focused           beachside location and the hotel’s atten-
                  around health and wellness as well as          tion to service and anticipating the needs
                  safety, the hotel staff has continued to       of guests.
                  have meaningful conversations with
                  guests about planning a much needed                                                                                                                                           Proper Hotel

                            1 Pico Blvd.          310-458-0030                 shuttersonthebeach.com                      700 Wilshire Blvd.                  310-620-9990                  properhotel.com

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