Hit Me with Your Best Shot FAQ

What the heck is a digital photo hunt?
Adventure and cyber space team up to take you on a ride through the Marina. All you have to do us hunt, shoot and send us your photos for your chance to win awesome prizes that are right up your alley! Marina Del Rey’s digital photo hunt has been designed to get you up-close and personal to some of Marina Del Rey’s most precious treasures. From an elevator that transports its passengers back in time to shots of the iconic lighthouse in Fisherman’s Village, there’s something special for everyone!

Don’t I need to be a professional to play?
No! Our digital photo hunt is open to everybody—our goal is to see everybody’s perspective on the Marina. The only requirement is that you have fun with each mission. All winners will be randomly selected, so there is no emphasis on photo quality in selection of our winners. Now get out there, hunt, point and shoot!

I want to play! How do I enter?
Good question! Do you have a Facebook? If not, you’ll need one because all entrants must first “Fan” Marina del Rey. And if you love the Marina, you’ll love being our Facebook friend- we’ll keep you in-the-know for everything MDR! Now, find “Marina Del Rey” and RSVP to our event “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” then click on the link to register, or you can register directly here!

I registered, now what?
Want to do a fun activity with the family? Getting married soon? Love food? I know it’s hard but you can only pick one. What’s it gonna be? Foodie, family or wedding? Each category consists of different missions, and so do the prizes. Download your missions from the links below, point and shoot.
For Foodie Missions, get your clues here!
For Family Missions, get your clues here!
For Wedding Missions, get your clues here!

How do I submit my photos?
Submit those million dollar photos to us one of three ways.

1. E-mail them to marinadelreycvb@gmail.com
2. Submit them via Twitter at http://twitter.com/MarinadelRey_CA. Simply attach your photo to an @reply to us @marinadelrey_ca.
3. Submit them via Facebook by uploading your photos and tagging them to the Marina Del Rey Facebook page.
   

I completed all my missions first, I win! Right?
Wrong! We want to give all participants a chance to win. Just make sure you have your photos submitted by 12:00AM PST on Wednesday, October 27th, 2010. Then we’ll randomly pull our winners and announce them on Wednesday, November 10th. For more information on rules and regulations, click here.

There are ten missions and I only completed eight, am I still eligible to win?
Don’t worry; we would never let your hard work go unnoticed! The more you complete, the more you win. View complete prize list here. Here’s the deal:

• Complete ten activities and submit ten photos and we’ll enter you in the “Captain” Grand Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.

• Complete seven activities and submit seven photos and we’ll enter you in the “First Mate” First Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.

• Complete five activities and submit five photos and we’ll enter you in the “Deckhand” Second Prize Drawing. We’ll randomly select one winner for each category.


I think I’m ready to go! Anything else?
Yes! Have fun! We want to share with you the Marina’s hidden treasures. Take time to enjoy the scenery or even grab a bite to eat. We picked these missions out because we love them and we hope you will too!

10 Places to Enjoy National Eat Outside Day in Marina del Rey

The holiday is almost here. No, we’re not talking about jingle bells, winter wonderland or gingerbread cookies just yet; National Eat Outside Day is quickly approaching on August 31. Yet another excuse to enjoy California’s temperate weather, National Eat Outside Day requires that everybody eat at least one meal or snack outdoors.

Why not also enjoy the view while dining al fresco? In Marina del Rey,we’re proud to share almost every restaurant and picnic destination boasts views of the water. Here, National Eat Outside Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. From cool, chic lounges to picnics in the park- Marina Del Rey has plenty of unique ways for you to ring in this holiday. Try one of these ten ways to celebrate National Eat Outside Day, your taste buds won’t be let down!

1. Take a seat on the whimsical patio dining area of Jer-Ne Restaurant & Bar at the Ritz-Carlton to enjoy Eat Outside Day with class. Featuring panoramic Marina views, New World fusion cuisine made with sophisticated ingredients and globally influenced small plates, Jer-ne offers the perfect outdoor dining experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner or high tea.

2. Dine on the same patio graced by Hollywood’s film stars, including the casts of Clueless, Martial Law and The O.C. at Tony P’s Dockside Grill. With fresh food handmade daily, a collection of 100 beers available and a wide array of classic burgers, salads and sandwiches, Tony P’s offers a large patio space directly on the water for outdoor eating and enjoying the view.

3. Grab a picnic basket, your favorite kite and some tunes and head over to Burton Chace Park, located directly on the harbor at Mindanao Way. Offering a gorgeous view of the Marina, Burton Chace Park is the perfect place to enjoy a budget-friendly picnic while soaking up the cool ocean breezes.

4. With the newly opened Hornblower Café in the Park, enjoy a picnic without the prep time. Your palette will love the light and fresh prepared menu items such as salads and sandwiches. The cool breeze, expansive green and beautiful 360 degree views are enough to encourage more days of eating outside.

5. Specializing in seafood and fine California cuisine, Shanghai Red’s Restaurant is known for its waterfront seating with views of the Marina inside the iconic Fisherman’s Village. Experience quintessential Southern California outdoor dining when sitting in the restaurant’s cozy patio overlooking the harbor and enjoying an up-close and personal view of the sunset. 

6. Overlook the private yachts, docks and calm Marina waters from the outdoor patio of The Warehouse Restaurant. Dine in the fresh ocean air at the local “Trader Vic’s” style, Polynesian-themed restaurant known for its unique steak and seafood preparations inspired by a California/Mediterranean cooking style.

7. For sophisticated Italian cuisine, with outdoor seating for the Marina’s best people-watching and harbor views, Sapori Italian Restaurant offers sophisticated Italian pastas like pillowy agnolotti stuffed with cheese and wild mushrooms and main dishes like classic Tuscan chicken under a brick. Located in the heart of Fisherman’s Village, the views from the outdoor patio make the holiday even warmer.

8. A favorite dining destination of every family member, The Cheesecake Factory offers plentiful outdoor seating with on-the-water views of the Marina. Famous for generous portions, more than 200 menu selections made fresh from scratch each day and 50 legendary cheesecake options, The Cheesecake Factory offers the perfect destination for an outdoor brunch or afternoon lunch with loved ones. 

9. Enjoy fresh, artisan eco-sandwiches on the breezy outdoor patio area of Marina del Rey’s newest culinary partner, Mendocino Farms Sandwiches & Marketplace. Plus, in time for National Eat Outside Day, Kid’s Club at Waterside is hosted every Tuesday at 1 p.m. for a weekly dose of fun, including live musical entertainment and arts and crafts.

10. With evenings that stay warm late into the night, Glow Lounge at the Marriott, Marina del Rey, offers an outdoor area lounge with sleek couches, warm amber lighting, fire pits and a crushed glass firewall—the perfect setting for an after-work happy hour or late-night snack to enjoy the chic outdoors.

Got any favorite outdoor dining spots of your own? Share them with us...it’s okay, local secrets stay with us. Happy Eat Outside Day! 

August 2010: Marina del Rey Featured Local

We are introducing a new blog series: Marina del Rey’s Featured Local.

Each month we will feature a Marina del Rey local to give you a peek into the Marina’s many diverse, unique and oftentimes quirky personalities. We hope to cover everyone from sea-faring captains and seasoned executive chefs to your everyday Joes and Janes who live, work and play in Marina del Rey and the surrounding areas. If you have someone you would like us to consider featuring here, please drop us a note! Of course, let us know if the blog post gives you warm fuzzies about the people in this community…we know some of these folks and think you should get to know them, too!

Name: Tony “Tony P” Palermo

Occupation: Owner of Tony P’s Dockside Grill Restaurant

Years in the restaurant biz: More than 25 years and counting

If I could introduce Martians to Earthling food…I would feed them: Slow-roasted, Southern-style pork “ossobuco”

If the Martians wanted to try a drink, I would serve up: Chimay Grande Reserve Beer (Blue) - HEAVEN! (Can you tell, I love beer!)

When I’m not enjoying a brewskie, you can find me: Riding bikes with my daughters (17 and 18 years old).

If I run into you in the Marina and you look like a tourist…I would tell you to: Take time to look up and see the Marina. Best thing is to enjoy the early morning hours while everything’s still calm. (And ride your bike ON the bike path, be safe!).

We’re putting a bucket list together of Marina del Rey Must-Do’s…got any suggestions?
Spend a day on a fishing boat—and enjoy it, especially during sunset in the summer.

We heard Tony P’s makes most of their food from scratch. Is that true?
Yes, we do! All of our breads, hamburger buns and even tortilla chips are made fresh in our kitchen.

What’s up with the beer pairing series? Do locals actually go?
Our quarterly “Beers to Try Before You Die” dinners are very popular, especially with the locals. Our next beer dinner will feature five Stone Brewery Beers with a 5-Course BBQ Meal, and will be hosted on August 11th.

Word on the street is that Tony P’s owns the last keg of Stone Brewery’s 14th Anniversary Beer. Can you confirm this?
That’s right. And the brew master is coming out on August 11th during the beer dinner to explain the beers, too.

Back to you…we read your bio and you and your business partner, Danny Ringwood, seem to be very active in the community. Everything from fundraisers for local schools and organizations to awards from the Boys and Girls Club, California Restaurant Association…the list goes on and on.
We have always been dedicated to serving our community in addition to serving great food. It’s just who we are.

What else are you passionate about, in addition to giving back to the community?
Being a dad.

Well, who wouldn’t love this guy? Tony is quite a gem and you can meet him one of these days when you are in the Marina. Stop by Tony P’s located at 4445 Admiralty Way, Tel: (310) 823-4534. Here’s a little tip: They even take Call-Ahead seating (you can call while on the way to the restaurant and have your name placed on the waiting list…that way, your wait time is reduced!).

10 WAYS TO GET ON THE WATER IN MARINA DEL REY

While the sun is still hiding from us, it can’t stay away! When the sun begins to blaze, try something new this summer and cool off in the Marina -- one of the only places in Los Angeles that gives you immediate access to the Pacific Ocean.  Here are a few ways you can get on the water to enjoy the view and the coastal breeze, too!

1. Kayaks- Rent a kayak for the day, or sign up for lessons with the UCLA Marine Aquatic Center or Action Watersports. A relaxing and easy way to enjoy the Marina from the water, while getting some exercise too.
2. Jet Ski- Fast and fun, you are guaranteed an adrenaline-filled afternoon if you choose to rent a jet ski. Rent one from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
3. Chartered Sail- Organize an outing with a small group of friends and enjoy a day or a half-day on the water. Bring some refreshments of your choice, snacks and your best nautical outfit.  You will find it peaceful on the water as you clip along without the aid of a motor. Charter a boat with: Paradise Bound Yacht Charters, Blue Water Sailing , Blue Pacific Boating or Marina Sailing.
4. Rowing- UCLA Marine Aquatic Center offers rowing classes.  In Sculling I-I, you will learn basic sculling technique, rowing theory and equipment handling in one-person rowing shells. Great exercise, and since class ends at 8:30 a.m. on weekdays, you can even make it to work on time!
5. Cruise- Hornblower Cruises & Events is synonymous with cruising in Marina del Rey. Every Saturday and Sunday, hop on a Hornblower boat for a 45 minute harbor tour. The tours leave every hour from noon to 5 p.m. Looking for a more intimate time? Hornblower also offers dinner dance cruises, and other dining experiences on the water.
6. Duffy- Simple to operate, the electric Duffy is recommended for boaters of all levels. Relax at the end of the day, or enjoy an afternoon exploring the Marina. Duffies are available from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
7. Stand-Up Paddleboard- On a stand-up paddleboard, you will be walking on water. This unique combination of balancing and paddling guarantees a fun morning or afternoon in the sun.  Take a lesson from Action Watersports or rent one from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals.
8. Motorboat- Marina del Rey Boat Rentals offers motorboats for enthusiasts of all skill levels. Some will enjoy the 17’ in-harbor powerboat that is an excellent choice for a smooth cruise around the Marina. Others will like the 115 horsepower center-console powerboat that is perfect for day fishing or coastal sightseeing. How fast you want to go…is up to you!
9. Summer Waterbus- The WaterBus is a weekend/holiday summer water shuttle (late June thru Labor Day) that boards at seven Marina locations such as Burton W. Chace Park, Fisherman’s Village, Marina Harbor and Waterfront Walk. The fee is $1 each way per person.
10. Fishing Trip with Captain Rick- An enjoyable choice for the whole family. Set sail with your very own tour guide of Santa Monica Bay’s plethora of gamefish. Catch your dinner and enjoy great coastal views aboard the boats of Marina del Rey Sportfishing with Capt. Rick!