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!   

Fun on the Fourth of July, Marina del Rey Style

We all know, whether you are in Times Square or Marina del Rey, it can sometimes be a drag to put up with the crowds or fight for a nice view of the fireworks show. This year embrace the red, white and blue comfortably.  Where else can you relax and watch the colorful sparks trickle from the sky and sizzle away on top of glassy water? Hands down, Fourth of July festivities are red-hot amazing in Marina Del Rey. The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. and is accompanied by music heard on KXLU FM radio 88. 

If you’re looking to put some bang in your 4^th of July, try one of our insider’s tips on enjoying the holiday—Marina del Rey style!  Why not try a little something different this year?

Must-Do:	Bring your own finger foods and rent a small boat. Share the moment with your closest friends and family!
Cost:	$140.00 for 2 Hours
Why it Rocks:	You can keep a small guest list and have an intimate 4th of July fireworks viewing
Heads up:	Rentals are booking quickly, call or go online to make a reservation early
Contact:	Marina Boat Rentals, (310) 574-2822, www.boats4rent.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy a three-course dinner aboard a ship and watch the fireworks fall into the sea
Cost:	Dinner cruise $99 per person; Observation cruise $65 per person (plus tax)
Why it  Rocks:	You get to spend a couple hours on the water and have one of the best views, plus a live dee-jay to keep the party going!
Heads up:	4th of July cruises are quite popular, buy your tickets now!
Contact:	Hornblower Cruises, (310) 301-6000, www.hornblower.com
Must-Do:	Pack a picnic and spend a day at the park on the water. Stay ‘til sundown and catch the fireworks!
Cost:	FREE
Why it Rocks:	You’ll have a whole day to soak up the sun and a great view of the fireworks at this gorgeous park (without breaking the bank)!
Heads up:	Because this park offers such an amazing view, you will have to share it with others. Arrive early to make sure you get a great spot.
Contact:	Burton Chace Park, 13650 Mindanao Way, Marina del Rey, Calif. 90292
Must-Do:	Dance on the water aboard a Polynesian-styled fireworks cruise
Cost:	$59 per person (plus tax)
Why it Rocks:	Help yourself to an unlimited appetizer buffet and a welcome glass of champagne!
Heads up:	Set some dollars aside for the cash bar.
Contact:	Tiki Mermaid, (310) 410-8454, www.tikimermaid.com
Must-Do:	Enjoy an all-American BBQ buffet and watch the fireworks from the shore.
Cost:	Adults $75 per person; kids under 10 $35 per person (tax and tip included)
Why it Rocks:	Location, location, location! You won’t miss the fireworks from this great on-the-water spot. DJ and dancing until 11PM!
Heads up:	Reservations are required so you have to book ASAP, especially if you want outdoor seating
Contact:	Shanghai Red’s from 5-9PM, (310) 823-4522, www.ShanghaiRedsRestaurant.com
Must-Do:	Sip on premium cocktails, delight in an elegant dinner with unobstructed views of the fireworks!
Cost:	$89 per person prix fixe menu for 7 p.m. seating
Why it Rocks:	Enjoy fine dining, live music and great waterfront views from this award-winning restaurant
Heads up:	The waterfront view is so desirable, there are two seatings:  the first seating is from 5-7 p.m. featuring an a la carte dinner menu; the second seating starts at 7 p.m. with a 3-course prix fixe menu plus sparkling wine for $89 per person reservations are mandatory.  FYI: The second seating will allow guests to remain at their tables to watch the fireworks. Book now, it’s almost full!
Contact:	Café del Rey, (323) 823-6395, www.CafeDelReyMarina.com
Must-Do:	Try something HOT! Polynesian fire dancers with your fireworks at a family-friendly barbecue outdoors celebration.
Cost:	Free admission. Food and drinks can be purchased on-site.
Why it Rocks:	This hotel is located right on the water with the best views by far.  Plus, special guest, Pink’s Hot Dogs will be dishin’ up their famous dogs at the barbecue! Noon – 10 p.m.
Heads up:	Avoid traffic- arrive early!
Contact:	Marina Del Rey Hotel, (310) 301-1000 www.marinadelreyhotel.com
Must-Do:	Celebrate America's independence on the water!
Cost:	$25 per person (Kids 2-11 years: $15)
Why it   Rocks:	You'll board from Fisherman's Village, be on the water when the festivities begin, and back on the dock afterward. A great break from the goings-on on land
Heads up:	Early arrival is recommended; and reservations are required
Contact:	Marina del Rey Flyer - info@catalinaferries.com; http://www.catalinaferries.com/home.html

Visit http://www.visitmarinadelrey.com/events/by-month-july.html for more information. 

10 Things You Didn't Know About MdR

1)      Marina del Rey is only 4 Miles North of LAX- If your plane is delayed or your layover seems too long, hop in a cab and spend a few hours on or by the sea.

2)      Getting on the water is Easy, Breezy - If you have never sailed a boat or thought it was too expensive to rent a skippered charter (a sailboat that comes with your own skipper or captain), then Marina del Rey is the perfect starting point for you.  Here are options for skippered charters and guess what? They make it so easy to get on a boat and enjoy being on the water:  Paradise Bound Yacht Charters, Blue Water Sailing , Blue Pacific Boating or Marina Sailing.

3)      Singles Can Mingle- Single Mariners of Marina del Rey offers day sails for area singles.  Twice a month, singles of all skill levels are welcome to join the fun on a weekend day sail. Bring $7 to the members’ meeting, and beginners and experts alike will be ready to set sail the following weekend.

4)      Your Wish is Our Command-The Visitor’s Bureau Concierge Service is a resource for all things Marina del Rey. Plan a weekend getaway to the Marina. Better yet, we will plan it for you. Marina del Rey’s Visitors Center offers help in planning your next Marina vacation, stop by the center located at 4701 Admiralty Way.

5)      Return of Jet Skis- They were gone for a while, and boy, did we miss them. Now they are available for rent again. Forget the work week completely as you zip around the Marina, enjoying the sunshine and lapping waves. Rent a jet ski from Marina del Rey Boat Rentals 13719 Fiji Way, 310-574-2822.

6)      You’re In the Doghouse- If you have a dog, you have come to the right place. Marina del Rey offers pre-planned walking maps, outdoor dining, and a dog-friendly park. If you're thinking about a weekend stay, consider booking you and your pooch at the Marina del Rey Hotel, Marina International Hotel, or even the Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey.

7)      We Always Have a Reason for Dancing Shoes- You don’t have to take a weekend or even a day away to feel like you are on vacation. Escape for an evening on a Marina del Rey Dinner Dance Cruise. On Saturday evenings you can enjoy a delicious meal, watch the sunset, and dance the night away on board a ship cruising around Marina del Rey. For more information, visit Hornblower Cruises and Events

8)      An Exotic Adventure is At Our Doorstep- Did you know LA has its very own wetlands? Right outside Marina del Rey, on the corner of Lincoln and Jefferson is a remarkable natural habitat. The wetlands are home to the endangered least tern, as well as many other rare species. The site has two trails open to the public. Visit www.ballonafriends.org and www.ballona.org/ for more information.

9)      Offering More Than Your Neighborhood Park- Burton W. Chace Park offers engaging activities for kids of all ages, including the popular Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series which kicks off July 8.  Plus, Marina Movie Nights will return this summer where friends and family can watch four popular films on a giant 27’ screen for free! Bring blankets, chairs and picnic supplies to enjoy the movie-watching by the water experience! If you just need to relax, pack a picnic and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views of Marina del Rey.

10)  Find Event Venues Galore - Looking for a spot close to the water to hold a wedding? Bridal shower? Sunday brunch? Quinceañera? Bar mitzvah?  Marina del Rey has it all-- from upscale resorts with ballrooms overlooking the water and luxury yachts with entertainment, dining and dance floors to cool, intimate lounges and casual, relaxed restaurant settings -- and with views of the water to outdoor dining spaces, your guests will be thrilled to celebrate in the Marina.