Hi, neighbors!
Welcome to a brand new week in paradise and Happy (almost) Labor Day!
In case you’re wondering where Labor Day comes from, allow us to teach you a quick lesson:
Labor Day originates from the late-1800s Labor Movement's efforts to recognize the contributions of American workers, and to secure better working conditions (including shorter hours and safer workplaces). The first celebration was in NYC in 1882, and we can thank President Grover Cleveland for signing this into law as a Federal Holiday in 1894.
We’re pumped about the day off and about the fact that this means FALL IS COMING!!!!
Let’s get into it!
News
Stories that caught our eye.
Chargers Host Chiefs in NFL Week 1 in Brazil Kickoff is set for Friday 9/5 @ 5:00pm (PST) at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, which was the site of six World Cup games in 2014! (Read more)
Studio Golf Opens Location in El Segundo Flagship location offers indoor golf with a fitness & wellness club. (Read more)
New Pickleball & Social Club Opens in El Segundo No membership required - book by the hour now. (Read more)
Upcoming Events
Things for you to participate in :)
September 7: Torrance Caring House Annual Fundraiser Enjoy a BBQ dinner at the King Harbor Yacht Club for a great cause! (Read more)
September 7: 8th Annual RB Swim the Avenues Watch some epic athletes swim up to 1.2 miles in the ocean! (Read more)
BUY TICKETS NOW: MB Food & Wine Festival at Manhattan Village on September 12 & 13 (Read more)
Restaurant of the Week
The Kettle 1138 Highland Ave, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Picture this: it's 3 AM, you're questioning your life choices, and suddenly: salvation! The Kettle has been a lifeline in Manhattan Beach since it was is built on the bones of an old gas station in 1973.
It's like someone took a classic 24-hour American diner, gave it a California glow-up, and wrapped it in brick and stone walls. Their spacious outdoor patio practically begs you to linger over that third cup of coffee. This place is a warm hug and the staff are like family!
Also…The Kettle CRANKS OUT orders like nobody’s business and they do NOT skimp on portions. We went after church this morning and left with very full bellies and very happy hearts. :)
Here are some tried and true comfort food favorites:
Honey Bran Muffins - served upside down and warm with whipped honey butter, these aren't your grocery store disappointments. No raisins, just pure molasses-y bliss that will ruin all other muffins forever.
Hangover Scramble - ortega chiles, crispy bacon, scallions, avocado, & two different kinds of cheese…served with warm tortillas, sour cream, salsa, & breakfast potatoes…need we say more?
Eggs Benedict - before you scoff at a basic recommendation, just know that they offer five different variations including Crabcake, Pot Roast, and Smoked Salmon Benedicts.
French Onion Soup - popular for a reason.
The shirts that the staff wear say “Locally World Famous” and we could not agree more!
(Website)
The most iconic restaurant sign, if you ask us.
Local Spotlight
curious… 128 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Step into this gay-owned beach-side gift-and-stationery retail store, and you'll immediately understand why their welcome sign says "come in, we're high"! The energy is intoxicating. This Pop & Pop shop isn't your typical souvenir trap; it's a treasure trove specializing in unique and eclectic gifts.
Whether you're hunting for a sassy card, quirky home decor that screams personality, or that conversation-starting piece of furniture, curious... will always deliver on edgy and sweet gifts.
Owners Andrew and Bryce (and their daughter Willow) have run this ray-of-sunshine-store since ~2009…and also owned a store in Kauai, HI until COVID unfortunately shut it down in 2020. We don’t know whether to continue trying to capture the whimsy magic of this store in this newsletter, or just trust that you will go check it out yourselves?!?!?
(Website)
We would love to feature your business in The South Bay Newsletter. Reply to this email & give us some backstory.
Sam’s Weather Report
Things are officially getting toasty around here.
We’re still in “foggy morning, sunny afternoon” mode, but suddenly that comfy pattern is throwing in some serious heat. Temperatures are climbing from a mild 73°F to a striking 80°F on Tuesday. We’ll be back hanging in the high 70s before easing back into the mid-70s by Saturday. In classic coastal style, nights remain mellow in the mid-60s, but come midweek, that fog won’t just burn off…it’ll get sauna-adjacent.
It's you vs. your hoodie all over again but this time, the hoodie loses. You’ll feel the delayed heatwave effect; creeping sweat that hits you after you’ve already started your morning walk. It’s subtle, it’s slow, but trust us, you’re going to feel it.
TL;DR: The South Bay isn’t just vibing anymore; it’s turning up the thermostat, and we are noticing. Time to break out the iced drinks, find shade, and swap your hoodie for a tank (just for a few hours). ;)
Trivia
When did the “No White Clothes After Labor Day” rule originate?
A. 1990s
B. 1890s
C. 1960s
D. 1930s
Need to phone a friend? Send this newsletter to them! (Here’s the link)
Last week’s Question: Which South Bay city was the first to be established? Answer: A. Redondo Beach
Now Playing…
Just in case you happened to have missed the biggest and best news of the year…Travis Kelce proposed to Taylor Swift!! As a lifelong Swiftie from Kansas City who is also engaged, Lauren is pretty thrilled. ;)
So High School by Taylor Swift (Listen here)
That’s all for now, folks. It’s a new week in the greatest place on earth; don’t take it for granted!
See you around town.
Your neighbors,
Sam & Lauren
