2015 most loved 300dpi by Santa Monica Daily Press

2015

Congratulations Downtown Santa Monica Most Loved Businesses! Bezian Bakery Harvelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Salon Tru Swim With Heart Pure Barre Santa Monica The Fairmont Miramar Hotel Locando del Lago Readers Fine Jewelers Whole Foods

The heart and soul of Downtown Santa Monica are the people who work and play here. Thanks for sharing the love. The feeling is mutual!

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

DowntownSantaMonica

@DTSantaMonica

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TABLE OF CONTENTS About this publication: The Most Loved 2015 publication was produced by the Santa Monica Daily Press, Darren Ouellette, designer and Matt Hall, editor. The results were derived from voting that took place via a Survey Monkey questionnaire in February 2015. Voters were asked to fill in an answer naming their Most Loved business in the categories listed to the right in our table of contents. The top vote getter was named the winner of the category and the runners-up were the businesses with the second and third highest vote totals in the categories. Ties were not broken and so some categories had more than three recognized businesses. Businesses could win no more than two categories. In the case that a business won more than two categories, their highest two vote totals were determined to be the categories they won and the next highest vote getters from the other categories were recognized. Categories were determined by the Buy Local Santa Monica executive committee in consultation with the Buy Local Steering committee and partnering Business Improvement Districts. Results were tabulated by Ryan Hoffman’s College-Prep Statistics class at Santa Monica High School and verified by the Buy Local executive committee. This is the second annual Most Loved Santa Monica campaign and the participation of nearly 3,000 voters represents more than triple the total votes from last year’s inaugural campaign. We hope you enjoy reading about these business that you, your friends and neighbors love so much!

Business on the Santa Monica Pier ....................................10

Farmers Market Vendor ....................................22

New Business ....................................34

Business on Montana Ave ....................................12

Business with the Best Vibe ....................................24

Bike/Surf/Skate Shop ....................................36

Coffee Bar/ Bakery ....................................13 Business in Downtown Santa Monica/ Third Street Promenade/ Santa Monica Place ......................................4

Hotel/Motel for a stay-cation ....................................14 Clothing Boutique ....................................16

Business on Main Street ......................................6

Local Independent Business ....................................18

Business on Pico ......................................8

Fitness/Yoga/Pilates/ Dance Studio ....................................20

Special Thanks to: Buy Local Santa Monica, The Santa Monica Convention and Visitors Bureau, Downtown Santa Monica Inc., the Main Street Business Improvement Association, the Montana Avenue Merchants Association, the Pico Improvement Organization, the City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica Pier Corp., the Santa Monica Chamber of

Commerce, Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown and City Council and everyone who voted for their Most Loved Businesses. Some printed and promotional materials for Most Loved were provided by Positive Existence Printing. A very special thank you to Ryan Hoffman’s College-Prep Statistics Class at Santa Monica High School for Assisting in tabulating the results:

Natural/Organic/ Health Food Store/ Juice Bar ....................................26 Salon/Spa ....................................28 Live Music/ Entertainment Venue ....................................30

Happy Hour ....................................38 Art Gallery/ Locally Made Gift Shop ....................................40 Pet-Centric Business ....................................42 Kid-Centric Business ....................................43

Restaurant/Cafe Featuring LocallySourced Ingredients ....................................32 Joceline Aguilar Favian Alamillo Thomas Almaraz Cassidy Amador Rodolfo Balderrama Noah Barba Mikhail Brown Jacqueline Castellanos Josh De La Rosa Jack Dove Francesca Fox

Sabine Ganezer Rizal Garcia Elliot Gross Aman Haji Diego Haltom Ana Karen Hernandez Odalys Hernandez Christopher Lemus Mark Marin Georgia Minelian Anika Narayanan

Anouk Richnow Salvador Santiago Dillon Sedor Cyrus Setayesh Corde Sweets Chloe Wight Nu'wriyl Williams Daria Yaari Genki Yoshida Richard Zapien Matthew Zarchen

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS IN DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA/ THIRD STREET PROMENADE/ SM PLACE

Michael Schoenfeld

SALON TRU

Winner

anta Monica’s Downtown features world class dining, shopping and entertainment. A part of the city garnering both the affection of locals as well as over 3 million annual international visitors. Voters identified several businesses they love Downtown but there was one they “Truly” loved the best.

614 Santa Monica Blvd (310) 394-0878 www.salontru.com/santamonica Michael Schoenfeld may be the owner of Tru Salon (Santa Monica and Scottsdale) but he credits his team and their extensive education for the salon's success. “We're a family at Salon Tru and we want the best education for our stylists,” he said. “All stylists are trained on the hottest cutting and coloring techniques. Also, we offer plant derived product lines from Aveda and Davines which the stylists are highly trained in to style afterwards. We recently became the exclusive salon in downtown Santa Monica to carry the Mario Badescu skin care line. You also

won't get better customer service than with Michelle, Erica, Letty and Diane.” Schoenfeld said his stylists appreciate the diversity of Santa Monica clients. “We specialize in many different hairstyles, but the beachy wave is definitely popular here in Santa Monica,” he said. “There are many different kinds of people in Santa Monica which allows us to express our individual creativity.” The City, and its personality, were significant factors in Schoenfeld's decision to open a salon here. “We chose Santa Monica for the sister salon of Salon Tru Scottsdale because of its 'casually elegant´ vibe which is what Salon Tru strives to be-a neighborhood salon that provides top

notch service for its clients, but without being too stuffy,” he said. He said the Most Loved win comes on the heels of the store's one-year anniversary. “We are so happy that the residents and employees of Santa Monica have embraced our salon with open arms. We feel that anyone that comes through our door is part of our family,” he said. “To be honored by our extended Santa Monica family means the world to us. We love living and working in Santa Monica and becoming an integral part of this great community. I'm also particularly proud of the Salon Tru team - the majority of them have been with us since day one. We're equally proud to be working along some of the best talent in L.A.”

Runners–Up READERS FINE JEWELERS

LOCANDA DEL LAGO

Evelyn Guerboian, Eddie Guerboian, Avo Guerboian & Christina Guerboian

Joe Matlock, West Hooker & Megan Heritage

331 Wilshire Blvd (310) 451-1349 www.readersjewelers.com “We are the largest family owned jewelry store in Santa Monica and the ‘go-to’ store for custom created fine jewelry. Our expertise is custom designed bridal and partnership

jewelry. We try to make the customer’s experience as memorable as possible, by providing unexpected amenities. Eddie's passion for this business and Santa Monica is reflected in our work and to be a Most Loved finalist proves to us that the community loves us and appreciates our efforts.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

231 Arizona Ave (310) 451-3525 www.lagosantamonica.com “Santa Monica has influenced our business both as a strong tourist community and by its environmentally conscience val-

ues. Being a business in Santa Monica means that you enjoy the benefits of the beach, the weather, the constant flow of traffic, the quintessential California lifestyle.”

Santa Monica's largest family owned jewelry store!

331 Wilshire Blvd. | Santa Monica CA 90401 | www.readersjewelers.com | 310.451.1349 1 4/14/15 11:42 AM

MOST LOVED 10.33x7in.ai

Festa Della Mamma - Happy Mother’s Day! Celebrate your mom at Locanda del Lago... Michelin-Starred Chef Gianfranco prepares favorite childhood dishes from his mamma Adelia’s home-cooked Italian cuisine!

Proud Recipient of Santa Monica's 2015 Sustainable Quality GRAND PRIZE Award

For reservations, please call (310) 451-3525 and visit www.lagosantamonica.com for complete Mother’s Day menu AUTHENTIC, FARM-TO-TABLE, NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE & ARTISANAL BAR

LOCANDA DEL LAGO

231 Arizona Ave - Santa Monica, CA

T. +1 (310) 451-3525

www.lagosantamonica.com

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS ON MAIN STREET

Laura Owen

GIOIA

Winner

ain Street Santa Monica, a world away from the ordinary, a block away from the beach. Main Street is a fun, eclectic mix of restaurants, boutiques, specialty stores, cuisine from the healthy to the decadent as well as a fitness and wellness destination. Most Loved voters identified this year’s Main attraction as Gioia.

2721 Main Street (310) 392-3378 www.gioiaclothing.com Many women inherit a few treasured possessions from their mothers but Laura Owen took it a bit further than most, inheriting not just a dress or a few rings, but an entire career dedicated to making women of all shapes, sizes and styles feel confident in their clothes. Owen's mother operated clothing stores for years and Owen got her start in the business at what was then Eugenia. The year was 1974 and it took Owen about 10 years to work her way up to manager before she struck out on her own with Gioia on Main St. “When I found the location, I loved

Main St. and Santa Monica so it was a no-brainer to open here,” she said. “I wouldn't fit in a mall, I don't believe,” she said. “But I fit really great on Main St. This is our 20th year in businesses here.” Owen feels so strongly about the neighborhood that she spent eight years volunteering on the Main Street Business Improvement District. Owen said the eclectic mix of locals, tourists, visitors and neighborhood characters is a perfect customer base for her store. Gioia specializes in unusual, ethnic-inspired women's clothing that combines international fabrics/prints with an easy-fitting comfortable style. “Gioia is a store for women who choose their clothing to express them-

selves,” she said. “Our clothing and accessories are artistic, colorful, comfortable and affordable.” She said the store may be a retail location but she considers herself in the people businesses. Meeting customers, building relationships with vendors and making connections with farflung visitors is the driving force behind her commitment to the store. “When our customers vote for Gioia, it tells us that we are accomplishing our mission: to enable women to feel beautiful and themselves in our clothes, no matter their age or body type,” she said.”

Runners–Up ACCENTS JEWELRY DESIGN

ZJ BOARDING HOUSE

Steven Hanna

Teddy Vecchione

2900 Main Street (310) 396-2284 www.accentsjewelry.com “We are a unique design studio where you can meet local jewelers, discover their newest collections, see their process in

action and even collaborate with them on an engagement ring or other special piece. We also curate over 25 other handmade lines in precious materials, mostly local and a few national discoveries.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

2619 Main Street (310) 392-5646 www.zjboardinghouse.com “The city of Santa Monica has been a great place for ZJ to call home. We are blessed to have lots of different and at the same time like-minded, neighbors to share

the lovely weather and beach with. The amount of tourists from all over the globe is also a plus. Santa Monica's place in the avant-garde of conservation and conscious living are the main inspirations for our business.”

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(310) 392-6645

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“Most Loved Finalist – Salon/Spa” Thank You Santa Monica

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS ON PICO BOULEVARD

Monica Jacobsma

CROSSFIT REFLEX

Winner

ico Blvd. in Santa Monica is a place you’ll find a growing number of attractions, businesses, art galleries, one of a kind clothing boutiques, coffee shops and more. This year it was fitness the voters decided they loved on Pico. Enter our winner, Crossfit Reflex.

3328 Pico Blvd (310) 399-1546 CrossFit Reflex was founded by a family of dedicated coaches brought together by the belief in the foundations of CrossFit. Owned and operated by husband and wife Luke and Monica Jacobsma, CrossFit Reflex goes beyond being solely a place to workout. It is a place where strangers enter, community is developed, friendships manifest and the end result is a CrossFit family. “Santa Monica inspires our business every day by bringing together a diverse and dynamic array of individuals who love and appreciate health and fitness, and have an incredible energy individually, which contribute to an

unmatched collective spirit,” said Monica. “Santa Monica's population is diverse, as are our clients, with varying careers, family situations, ages, fitness levels, and myriad other interests.” Monica said Santa Monica is a great community and her business takes pride in providing residents with a safe and fun environment to achieve their fitness goals. She said the environment builds a community of friends. “We are a close knit group of individuals who sweat together, laugh together, eat together, have fun with one another and support each other unconditionally,” she said. “We are primarily focused on using high intensity, functional movements combining the use of gymnastics, plyometrics, Olympic lifts, running and other accessory

movements to create the most well rounded fitness regimen on the market.” She said her instructors love working with clients and utilizing their backgrounds in athletic training, anatomy and kinesiology to improve the lives of those around them. “We have a passion and appreciation for the human body and improving our patron's lives from the outside in,” she said. “When we walk in the door each day we are reminded of how grateful we are to be able to affect the lives of others, on a daily and long term basis. Our community is extremely receptive to our knowledge and trusts us. Our patrons are our family and our family is the community in which we live and work.”

Runners–Up TRADER JOE’S

SEWING ARTS CENTER

Russell Conte & Ivy Vining

3212 Pico Blvd (310) 581-0253 www.traderjoes.com Trader Joe’s Santa Monica is conveniently located on Pico Blvd. and has all of the fresh, funky awesomeness one comes to

expect from this SoCal-based grocery chain. While not the biggest store, it makes up for what it lacks in size with friendliness and a fun atmosphere.

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

3330 Pico Blvd (310) 450-4300 www.sewingarts.com “We are completely and utterly dedicated to the art and craft of sewing. We are passionate about the craft, and it is incredibly gratifying to see our passion shared and acknowledged by our community. To be

considered one of the Most Loved businesses is equal parts humbling, gratifying and motivating. It is humbling to have the community acknowledge Sewing Arts as a vital part of the community; gratifying to see our passion shared; and as a force of motivation – incredible!”

Thank you Santa Monica, for your outpouring of love and support! Here at CrossFit Reflex our family is diverse. We have high school and college athletes, teachers, engineers, nurses and doctors. We have moms, dads, firefighters, police officers, and EMTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Our family has members who are young, old, and everywhere in between. Can you relate? The things they share are motivation, integrity, and hard work. Those are the characteristics upon which we have built our business and family.

Are you interested in starting

First class is FREE

CrossFit in Santa Monica?

310.399.1546

CrossFit Reflex is a place where we can help you get fit while having fun in the process.

3328 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS ON THE SM PIER

Rosemery Avelar, Carlos Avelar, Russell Barnard, Chris Williams, Jeanne Barnard, Donald McVearry, Kevin McVearry, Laura McVearry, Roberto Avelar, Claudia Avelar, Tina Lafler, Jon Price & Cindy Pfeifer (Not photographed)

RUSTY'S SURF RANCH

Winner

he Santa Monica Pier is perhaps the most iconic symbol on the West Coast, built in 1909 it remains the ever enduring symbol of our City by the Sea. Now housing a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops and entertainment, including amusement park, the Santa Monica Pier has something for everyone. This year, voters identified a long time Pier stalwart as the place they loved the most, Rusty’s Surf Ranch.

256 Santa Monica Pier (310) 393 7437 www.rustyssurfranch.com Rusty's Surf Ranch has been a Santa Monica tradition since 1994 and the eatery is proud to be a reflection of the Santa Monica community. “Santa Monica is a little town in a major urban environment,” said Cindy Pfeifer, Director of Sales & Marketing. “We strive to provide guests that smalltown experience with our warm, friendly, welcoming staff, surrounded by a casual beach-front restaurant and nightclub.” She said the Rusty's experience is the perfect combination of affordable

prices, top notch entertainment, laid back vibe with an entertaining, and appropriate, surf theme. “We're the type of place that you dream about stumbling upon when thinking about visiting the beaches of sunny California,” she said. Rusty's hosts a daily “happy hour” from 4 - 7 p.m. but it's the weekend entertainment that really stands out. Running Thursday through Saturday, Rusty's welcomes a variety of local and national talent. “Rusty's is unique in that we are in our 21st year as an independently operated lunch/dinner restaurant and nightclub with a national and international profile. Our live entertainment is as well-

known as our good food, leading Rusty's to be valued as both a top food and entertainment destination,” said Pfeifer. She said the business has always attracted visitors but the Most Loved award showcased Rusty's perennial value to residents. “We're very happy to be popular with the tourists, but we really love the locals and it's nice to know the feeling is mutual,” she said. “There is nothing that can compare to 21 years of coming to work with the Pacific Ocean as your back yard. Your friends and neighbors at your tables and on the dance floor enjoying your efforts. It just doesn't get much better than that.”

Runners–Up PACIFIC PARK

BUBBA GUMP SHRIMP CO. 380 Santa Monica Pier (310) 260-8744 www.pacpark.com “Pacific Park is situated center stage in the most progressive, sustainable city in the United States. We strive to be a leader locally and throughout the industry for green initiatives. We’ve introduced the world’s only solarpowered Ferris wheel and the world’s only wind-powered amusement park game, which are just two of many ways we’ve tried to make a positive environmental impact in our community.”

“Inkie”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

Dan Flannelly

301 Santa Monica Pier Bldg 9 (310) 393-0458 www.bubbagump.com “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. captures the charm and American spirit that made Paramount Pictures' Forrest Gump a huge hit. We're famous for our shrimp, but we also feature fish and shellfish specialties like Bourbon Street Mahi Mahi as well as non-

seafood items like our award winning Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs and burgers. We're a heap full of fun. From our exciting Forrest Gump movie trivia games to quirky signs and movie memorabilia, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is place where guests can enjoy delicious, down-home cooking while sharing a lot of laughs along the way.”

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MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS ON MONTANA AVENUE

Marie Kelzer, Shawn Riley, Elaine Levi, Betsy Weston, Kathy Holgom-Black, Anthea Brame, Bibi Davidson, Linda Fenster, Fae Horowitz, Kara Walker, Monika Kwiet & Susan Haskell

TEN WOMEN

Winner

ust blocks from Santa Monica's beautiful coastline lies the high-end shopping and dining destination, Montana Avenue. Montana is ten blocks of perfectly walkable shopping bliss. The favorite here is the artist owned and operated Ten Women.

1128 Montana Ave (310) 393-6254 2651 Main Street (310) 314-9152 www.tenwomengallery.com Montana Avenue embodies the Santa Monica experience for many shoppers. The low-rise, pedestrian friendly avenue is lined with sophisticated boutiques and the tree lined street is home to some of the best goods, services and food in the city. It also houses an exceptional collection of local art including Ten Women Gallery, Santa Monica's only truly cooperative art business. Ten Women was established in 1994 and now has two locations (Montana Ave and Main St.). The

stores are owned and operated by the local women featured inside. Works include paintings, photography, decorative gourds, sculpture, ceramic arts, fabric arts, mosaic and beaded functional art, jewelry, wearable art and glassware. “What separates us from others in our field is that each artist member of Ten Women Gallery has an equal share in running the business,” said Ronna Schary. “We all work in the gallery for a few hours each week and so get to know our customers and their needs.” Being a store owned, staffed and stocked by local artists gives Ten Women a special connection to the community. Schary said customers can build personal relationships with the artists and that bond endears the gallery to the community.

“Our Santa Monica neighborhood is very supportive of our art business and of BUY LOCAL which is inspirational to us as everything for sale in our gallery is made by our own local artists,” she said. Operating as a not-for profit allows Ten Women to bring hand made art to Santa Monicans at reasonable prices while still providing the artists with fair compensation for their work. In addition to providing a venue for showing and selling art, Ten Women Gallery is its own community. The involvement and commitment of the members creates a unique and nurturing environment of support and growth. New members are chosen by jury process. Applications for membership are available at the Gallery and can be downloaded from their website.

Runners–Up FATHER’S OFFICE

R + D KITCHEN

1018 Montana Ave (310) 393-2337 www.fathersoffice.com Father's Office is the nationally acclaimed Los Angeles Gastropub by Chef Sang Yoon and home of the much touted “Office Burger.” Their focus is craft beer and its pairing with great food. They feature a seasonally rotating selection of 36 craft beers on tap along with esoteric small producer wines. Their food is inspired by the rich bar culture of Europe as well as the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

1323 Montana Ave (310) 395-3314 http://www.hillstone.com/#/restaurants/cafeRandD/ R+D Kitchen's mantra is all about crisp, flavorful cuisine. In each one of the R+D's, one can enjoy the light and airy qualities of

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

the space where there is a connection to the outside. The first R+D was established in Newport Beach at Fashion Island and has slowly expanded to four locations including Dallas, Santa Monica and Yountville.

COFFEE BAR/ BAKERY

GROUNDWORK 2908 Main Street 1601 Montana Ave 395 Santa Monica Pl www.groundworkcoffee.com For nearly 25 years, Groundwork has been a homegrown coffee and tea destination, handcrafting locals’ favorite drinks from the finest ingredients. Their borderline-obsessive commitment to each cup and every customer - in warm, inviting cafés that capture the flavor of their neighborhoods - is a fundamental part of their story. Groundwork rose from the sands of

Venice Beach, as a single coffee and tea shop (complete with a custombuilt, small-batch roaster) that also sold rare and used books. Local demand soon became so great, they began roasting 24/7 and wisely got out of the book business. Flash-forward a few years: their single-roaster operation morphed into one of the first certified organic coffee roasters in California, not to mention the largest in L.A. Their sustainable, relationship-based, organic coffee sourcing set an industry standard, as did their solar-powered, low-emissions roasting technology. Today, they have

Winner

Santa Monica locations at Santa Monica Place (395 Santa Monica Place), Main St. (2908 Main St.), the Main St. farmers market (2640 Main St.), and Montana Ave. (1601 Montana Ave.) and distribute coffees and teas throughout the U.S. Organic certification sees to it that their coffee and its community of growers are not exposed to harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. In fact, all of Groundwork's coffees and teas are not only certified organic, but they're also fairly traded. This means that, from the ground up, loyal customers can feel good

knowing that their purchase didn't come at the expense of the physical health or economic well-being of the farmers and growers who brought it to market, nor was the environment in which it was grown compromised. All Groundwork roasts are finetuned by their licensed Q Grader and renowned roastmaster Jeff Chean, who coaxes the true potential out of each and every bean.

Runners–Up DOGTOWN

PHILZ COFFEE

Aya Burak, Diego Marchovsky, Jourdan Stephens, Angel Galindo

2003 Main Street (310) 310-3665 www.dogtowncoffee.com The DTC project, which serves fun, rustic, foodie and health conscious all-day breakfast is located in the landmark Zephyr building on the corner of Main & Bay St., and was born out of pure love and a desire to care take for a piece of American history

while providing a service to the community in the form of a neighborhood coffee shop. Offering unique paninis, hearty salads, artisan baked goods, and signature organic local micro-roasted coffee blends. DTC favorites include make-your-own breakfast sliders and salty-sweet iced coffees and teas. Vegan and gluten-free friendly.

525 Santa Monica Blvd Ste 100 (310) 451-9500 www.philzcoffee.com Philz Coffee, founded by coffee connoisseur Phil Jaber in San Francisco, opened its first Southern California location on Santa Monica Boulevard at Fifth Street last year.

After 25 years of coffee experimenting, Phil claims to have perfected 19 different blends, which he began by selling by the cup and beans by the bag. Philz prides itself in creating quality cups of customizable coffee.

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

HOTEL/MOTEL FOR A STAYCATION

Winners

(tie)

rom ocean view rooms to boutique hideaways to affordable

spots conveniently located near vibrant shopping, Santa Monica’s Matthew Lehman

hotel collection is filled with tempting choices. Congratulations to Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, Shore Hotel and Shutters on the

FAIRMONT MIRAMAR 101 Wilshire Boulevard (310) 576-7777 www.fairmont.com/santa-monica

Beach for being voted the Most Loved stay-cation hotels! Speaking of stay-cations, from mid-November through late January, Santa Monica hotel partners extend appreciation to our residents by

It's the spirit of community that drives staff at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. It's evident in their strong support of local non-profits, the frequent fundraisers held on site and the seasonal celebrations held under their signature Moreton Bay Fig Tree.

“We want to embrace the community and be a part of it,” said General Manager Matthew Lehman. “We want to be a place where the community can gather.” The hotel strives to develop a shared energy with the community by providing guests with a sense of what it means to be a Santa Monican and to that end, they have brought what they see as the best of Santa Monica onto their campus. Services on site

include The Bungalow, Fig Restaurant, Exhale Spa, Lloyd's Barbershop, The Lobby Lounge and Vilebrequin, a retail location featuring swim and resort wear. All are made available to the public. “We're the last undivided block in the city so we really have everything on our campus,” he said. “Everything” also includes a host of services for four-legged guests. Dogs are always welcome at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and dogs receive their own beds, bowls and complimentary treats at check in. Pet-guests also receive a 10 percent discount at Healthy Spot on toys and pet-spa services. The hotel itself is a longstanding Santa Monica character in its own right. Founded in 1921 on the grounds of a private mansion originally owned by one of the City's founding fathers, it expanded in 1924 to accommodate long-term guests. It grew again in 1930 with the addition of poolside bungalows. It has housed celebrities, politicians, tycoons, visitors from around world and locals who just want a weekend staycation.

offering the Extra Bedroom Program, a special program exclusive to Santa Monica locals. With proof of residency, you can take advantage of discounts and special offers at participating Santa Monica hotels. Visiting friends and relatives can drop in to Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau's Visitor Center at 2427 Main Street to have one of our experienced staff members help coordinate their transportation and itinerary, and share all of the wonderful things there are to do in Santa

SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH

Monica and Los Angeles. For more information on Santa Monica’s hotel collection visit, www.santamonica.com

1 Pico Blvd (310) 458-0030 www.shuttersonthebeach.com Shutters on the Beach recalls both the architecture of America's beach resorts and

inviting cottages of the Southern California coast. Three buildings comprise the structure, all visually linked by detailed slate-grey shingled siding, flower-covered trellises, balconies and cabana-striped awnings. The

front of the hotel opens onto the Santa Monica beach. The tallest buildings embrace the pool deck. Public spaces are warm and inviting with a mixture of custom furnishings and white painted wood paneled walls, accented by dark wood floors and details. The lobby boasts two fireplaces, intimate conversation areas and a large balcony overlooking the ocean. Shutters on the Beach houses 186 guest rooms and 12 suites in a design evoking a sense of comfortable luxury that one might experience in a richly appointed yet unpretentious beach home. The 12 private suites at Shutters on the Beach replicate the residential tone set in the guest rooms, accessorized with items and appointments such as needlepoint pillows, coffee table books, magazines and games. All guests in the Ocean View suites with the rack rate receive complimentary transportation to and from three area airports.

Runners–Up 1700 Ocean Ave (310) 458-6700 www.loewshotels.com/santamonica

Paul Leclerc

LOEWS 14

“From participating in Santa Monica's annual 4th of July Parades to supporting local charities, Loews Santa Monica makes it a priority to be an active participant in and give back to the community of which we are a part, and we are pleased to receive the love back from Santa Monica.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

1515 Ocean Ave (800) 599-1515 www.shorehotel.com

Lori Harrison & Jon Farzam

SHORE HOTEL

“This year, we have completed our green charging station project where we have the fastest and only level 3 charging station in the City of Santa Monica. We have also been sustaining our #1 rank out of 34 hotels in Santa Monica on tripadvisor.”

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

Laura Owen

GIOIA

Winner 2721 Main Street (310) 392-3378 www.gioiaclothing.com Gioia, as described by owner Laura Owen, is a store with character, and characters. It's the kind of place that can only exist in Santa Monica and specifically on Main Street where it has built a loyal following among women of discerning taste. Gioia means “joy” in Italian. Owen said the store is a reflection of that emotion.

“Gioia's collection is unique,” she said. “We hear every day that our customers appreciate finding items that they will not see back home or in the mall.” Owen has decades of experience in the world of retail. She got her start in her mother's clothing store in 1974 and eventually branched out to her own place. She said she loves the personal contact that comes from owning a small business and that after 20 years in the same location, between Ashland and Hill, she has plenty of longtime

clients. “I'm a people person,” she said. “I enjoy the people aspect of it, even the buying because I've been buying from some people for more than 20 years and I have great relationships with all those people. I know customers by name and recognize some of the tourists from repeat visits. I like the fashion part but that's kind of an excuse to interact with people.” She said the Gioia women choose their clothing to express themselves and that the store carries items that are

artistic, colorful, comfortable and affordable. She said Santa Monica is a perfect location for her business. “Women who live here - and those who visit - want clothing that is fun, easy, different - not fussy,” she said. “This is a beach city with lots of culture and art. A great fit for Gioia!” She said winning Most Loved shows she is accomplishing her mission to enable women to feel beautiful and themselves in their clothes, no matter their age or body type.

Runners–Up BRAT

MUDRA

Nancy Kaufman

Jill Miller

1938 14th St (310) 452-2480 www.bratstore.com “Brat embodies the independent spirit that I've come to know while living, starting my first store Na Na, and raising my kids all in Santa Monica. We have a personal

touch helping people find and celebrate their individual style with a hand-picked selection of clothes for customers in every walk of life. Brat makes every effort to inspire customers to celebrate every moment of their lives and to make every event a memory to cherish.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

1400-B 3rd St Promenade (310) 576-7972 www.shopmudra.com “We are the cutest little independently owned boutique on the Third Street Promenade. We have over 40 years experience in the fashion industry and we offer affordable, up to the minute fashions, from local design-

ers, with a mix of trend setting pieces made only for us. Our customers can be sure that they will be able to maintain their individuality with our clothing since our items are not mass-produced. Being Most Loved is such an amazing honor! We have been on the Third Street Promenade for 25 years and the customer is what keeps us going.”

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MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

Russell Conte & Ivy Vining

SEWING ARTS CENTER

Winner 3330 Pico Blvd (310) 450-4300 www.sewingarts.com You might not expect the bookkeeper at the garage to rebuild a carburetor or the hostess at your favorite restaurant to own a sous vide machine. However, you can expect every employee at Sewing Arts Center, from the service technicians to the account, knows how to sew. In fact, the store's staff contains more than 200 years of sewing wisdom and knowledge they use to offer more

than 75 different sewing courses each trimester. If it uses a needle and thread, there's someone at the store who can teach it to you. “Everything needed to support that creativity is available in one place sewing, quilting, embroidery and overlock machines, fabrics and notions, sewing cabinets and furniture,” said owner Russell Scott Conte. From beginning sewing for fashion to pattern drafting, from children's summer sewing camps to fashion illustration, from beginning piecing and quilting to hand piecing, from home decora-

tor pillows to draperies, from shoes to leather purses, from sewing, embroidery and overlock machine instruction to machine embroidery software training, there's a class for everyone. The store also offers a full range of equipment for sale but staff said what draws customers to the store is the welcoming environment and commitment to creating a universal love of sewing. “There is nothing more magical than peeking into the classrooms to see men and women, boys and girls from every walk of life and ethnicity sharing their passion for sewing next to one anoth-

er,” said Conte. “That's inspirational!” He said the Most Loved award is humbling, gratifying and motivating. “It is humbling to have the community acknowledge Sewing Arts as a vital part of the community; gratifying to see our passion shared; and as a force of motivation - incredible,” he said. “Spurred on to provide an environment where folks from all walks of life can explore their shared sewing passion, we are honored to continue our service to the community, and to carry the passion of sewing forward.”

Runners–Up BRAT

ACCENTS JEWELRY DESIGN

Nancy Kaufman

Steven Hanna

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

2900 Main Street (310) 396-2284 www.accentsjewelry.com “We are a unique design studio where you can meet local jewelers, discover their newest collections, see their process in

action and even collaborate with them on an engagement ring or other special piece. We also curate over 25 other handmade lines in precious materials, mostly local, and a few national discoveries.”

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FITNESS/YOGA/ PILATES/DANCE STUDIO

Adam Kessel & Farren Byrnes

CYCLEPATHIC

Winner 720 Wilshire Blvd #100 (310) 917-1116 www.cyclepathicfitness.com Cyclepathic has rapidly earned its reputation as the most welcoming, inclusive and community-focused place to sweat profusely. Owner Adam Kessel said the intense indoor cycling and group fitness classes are a great way to transform your body to a leaner, stronger, healthier you but what separates the Cyclepathic experience is the camaraderie built inside the studio. The open and welcoming environment has translated into a Most Love

designation, something Kessel said reflected their approach to catering to everyone. “It's both humbling and an honor to have been voted ‘a Most Loved business’ since we are still new and building our clientele each week,” he said. “It's very gratifying to know all the hard work myself and my dedicated staff put into getting locals to notice us, seems to be paying off.” He said partnerships have developed organically throughout the community. The nearby Whole Foods has added a “Cyclepathic Smoothie” to their menu and Cyclepathic has hosted workouts for the store's employees.

Other groups have also gotten in on the fun. “One of my favorite Chamber of Commerce events is 'Workout Wednesdays' which invites Chamber Members and local business owners, whether their business is fitness related or not, to get to know each other on a personal level as we exercise and sweat together at various locations throughout the City, including at my Cyclepathic studio,” he said. Kessel said locals are welcome to bring friends, neighbors or out of town visitors down to experience the burn, especially those that might be enjoying the many eateries in town.

“To a tourist or out-of-towner I'd tell 'em that if they're seeking the ultimate fitness experience while visiting Santa Monica, they should definitely visit Cyclepathic where we offer intense indoor cycling classes along with a line-up of challenging group fitness classes that promises to torch calories and provide a great sweat,” he said. “Exercising at Cyclepathic is a great way to shed those extra pounds a visitor is likely to gain enjoying the many wonderful and healthy eateries in Santa Monica.”

Runners–Up PURE BARRE

ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO

Kayla Allen & Marni Rosenthal Chaikin

Joel Rieck, Gabriela Young & David Earl Woodbury

201 Wilshire Blvd (310) 395-3927 www.purebarre.com/ca-santamonica “Pure Barre is the largest and most recognizable barre workout nationally, and is starting to expand internationally as well. It is the most effective barre technique and is musically driven to motivating music that is

always changing. The specific technique and the motivating music are the main things that set Pure Barre apart from other barre workouts. Pure Barre is the barre innovator, and we are constantly advancing and expanding our technique in order to challenge ourselves and our clients.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

928 Broadway (310) 260-8886 www.dancingsantamonica.com “First of all, we are so excited and grateful! Everyone is talking about Arthur Murray Santa Monica. Being a Most Loved finalist is prestigious, fantastic, and an honor! We are privileged to have our school in Santa Monica, and Most Loved is helping get our

name out to the whole West Side. Our mission statement is ‘Changing Lives Through Dancing.’ We are reaching out to our city to give back some of the great energy that has been given to us! Thank you Santa Monica for making our dreams come true! ‘Santa Monica, The Place to Be!’”

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

FARMERS MARKET VENDOR

Jack Bezian

BEZIAN BAKERY

Winner Wednesday Downtown Market Arizona/2nd St 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. www.bezianbaker.com Established in 1994, Bezian Bakery is a favorite mainstay at the Santa Monica Farmers' Market. Specializing in healthy, gourmet sourdough breads with no added baker's yeast, the bak-

ery prides itself on being all vegan. “We avoid the hard and heavy crusts as that would be detrimental to digestion due to acrylamides and Pronyl Lycine development. We develop our crust to be best for health and taste,” said owner Jack Bezian. He said customers are curious about his methods and often ask about what makes his breads special.

“We're unique, no one else can do what we do,” he said. “Our sourdough recipe is our own, we created it, there are many things that no one else has done, among them, no one else ages dough before they bake it.” He said being recognized as a Most Loved business inspires him to work on new products for his customers. “Santa Monica loves my business,

we can see their smiles before they show up, they love coming to us … Children love our bread and we love their expressions when they bite into it.” Jack can be found personally manning his booth at the Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesdays, Pasadena on Saturdays and Hollywood farmers markets on Sundays.

Runners–Up COMMUNITY SEAFOOD

Sunday Main Street Market 2640 Main Street 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. www.communityseafood.com “We are a direct from your local fisherman boat to table program. We work with local fisherman in the Santa Barbara Channel to bring the most sustainable

freshest catch. We act like a fisherman coop. We provide direct access, you get it within 48 hours from boat to table. Santa Monica gave us our first foray into direct marketing in the LA area, it was our first farmer's market. It means a lot (to be Most Loved), our customers are everything, without our customers we wouldn't be here.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

HARRY’S BERRIES

Wednesday Downtown Market Arizona/2nd St 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. www.harrysberries.com “Santa Monica Farmer's Market is the best market we go to. They have been instrumental in connecting us with the food industry that buys our products. We've built

our reputation over the past 29 years by bringing our customers the best product Mother Nature will allow. We really value and appreciate the loyal customers from the community of Santa Monica who have supported us all these years, we cannot be who we are without them.”

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Restrictions and conditions apply; see your local representative for details. Cannot be combined with prior purchases, other offers, or coupons. No adjustments to previous orders. Offer not available in all areas, 20% discount applied by retailer representative at time of contract execution and applies to minimum purchase of 4 or more windows and/or 3 or more patio doors. Offer does not include bay/bow windows. Offer only available as part of our Instant Product Rewards Plan. As part of the Instant Product Rewards Plan, all homeowners must be present and must purchase during the initial visit to qualify. To qualify for 20% discount offer, initial contact for a free Window Diagnosis must be made and documented on or before 5/24/15 with the appointment then occurring no more than 10 days after the initial contact. 0% APR for 12 months available to well qualified buyers on approved credit only. Not all customers may qualify. Higher rates apply for customer with lower credit ratings. Financing not valid with other offers or prior purchases. No Finance Charges will be assessed if promo balance is paid in full in 12 months. Renewal by Andersen retailers are independently owned and operated retailers, and are neither brokers nor lenders. Any finance terms advertised are estimates only and all financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Renewal by Andersen retailers, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements. Renewal by Andersen retailers do not assist with, counsel or negotiate financing, other than providing customers an introduction to lenders interested in financing. CA License # 992285. License # 990416. “Renewal by Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are marks of Andersen Corporation. ©2015 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. ©2015 Lead Surge LLC. All rights reserved. †Summer values are based on comparison of Renewal by Andersen Insert double-hung window SHGC to the SHGC for clear dual pane glass nonmetal frame default values from the 2006, 2009 and 2012 International Energy Conservation Code “Glazed Fenestration” Default Tables.

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BUSINESS WITH THE BEST VIBE

Adam Kessel & Farren Byrnes

CYCLEPATHIC

Winner 720 Wilshire Blvd #100 (310) 917-1116 www.cyclepathicfitness.com When it comes to exercise Cyclepathic believes fitness is for everyone. The gym offers indoor cycling classes along with a line-up of challenging group fitness classes that promises to torch calories but the vision behind Cyclepathic is to bridge the gap between able-bodied and the differently-able to all work out together. To that end, they also offer adaptive

classes for athletes with spinal cord injuries and for every class purchased, the company will make a donation to Life Rolls On, a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives for young people affected by spinal cord injuries. Adam Kessel said the Most Loved award reflected their approach to catering to everyone. “It's both humbling and an honor to have been voted ‘a Most Loved business’ since we are still new and building our clientele each week,” he said. “It's very gratifying to know all the hard work myself and my dedicated

staff put into getting locals to notice us, seems to be paying off.” He said it's all about attitude inside the facility, an attitude that is as much about community as it is exercise. “There are lots of fitness options in Santa Monica but what separates Cyclepathic from the other options is our vibe, our exceptional customer service and the fantastic music mashups our highly experienced fitness instructors put together for each class,” he said. Kessel also credited the local business community for welcoming to

Cyclepathic's brand of inclusive exercise. “One of my favorite Chamber of Commerce events is 'Workout Wednesdays' which invites Chamber Members and local business owners, whether their business is fitness related or not, to get to know each other on a personal level as we exercise and sweat together at various locations throughout the City, including at my Cyclepathic studio,” he said.

Runners–Up SANTA MONICA SEAFOOD

ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO

Johnny Lozano, Kevin Cigliano, Michael Cigliano, Stefani Gianni & Yvette Solano

Joel Rieck, Gabriela Young & David Earl Woodbury

1000 Wilshire Blvd (310) 393-5244 www.www.smseafoodmarket.com “We're fishermen by trade, we got our start being fishermen and we're in our 76th year so we're very passionate about the

seafood industry. We've made our livelihood off the sea. Being fishermen that became businessmen gives us a special feel for our experience and expertise.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

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NATURAL/ ORGANIC/ HEALTH FOOD STORE/ JUICE BAR

Bruce Palma

CO-OPPORTUNITY

Winner 1525 Broadway (310) 451-8902 www.coopportunity.com Co-opportunity has been serving the Westside community since 1974, providing natural products, local foods and the area's only 100 percent organic produce department. As a Co-op, the business is owned by the local community with the focus on serving residents, not a distant corporate board. Access to the store's savings and quality products are not limited to its members. Bruce Palma, General

Manager, said the store is always open to the public as part of its commitment to growing the local economy, caring for the environment and increasing health and well-being for everyone. “We're an inspiring, socially-engaging, exciting shopping experience,” he said. “A great way to taste the flavor of Santa Monica in a retail environment. Our store is also a perfect way to experience another Santa Monica community hub, other than the Promenade. We're the best place to find a huge variety of healthy, organic produce, groceries and prepared foods.”

He said the store wouldn't be the same if it weren't for the Santa Monica community. “Santa Monica has a strong focus on local businesses, sustainability and health,” he said. “All of these are key qualities of our business. Since we're located in a southern California beach community, our customer and member base reflects this - many of our shoppers are very health conscious, focused on their bodies, exercise and physical fitness - and our community has always been at the forefront of key health and wellness trends, including raw foods, vegan and vegetarianism, yoga, etc.”

The focus on the local community is also reflected in the way the store sources products and conducts business. “We put a strong focus on supporting local, independent vendors,” he said. “Our size and business structure allows us to make decisions more quickly, since we don't answer to a centralized corporate office somewhere out-of-state. We care a lot about our staff, and work hard to treat them as fairly as possible, including providing great benefits.”

Runners–Up WHOLE FOODS

Left to Right:

Catherine Gray, Francis Mendez, Victoria Polakoff, Samantha Petty, Rocky Torres, and Ysenia Araujo

500 Wilshire Blvd 2201 Wilshire Blvd 1425 Montana Ave www.wholefoodsmarket.com “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much Santa Monica! It is truly an honor to be recognized as a Most Loved business. Santa Monica shoppers are hugely supportive of our efforts to raise the bar with industry standards and improving the

ONE LIFE

lives and opportunities of people in communities around the world where we do business. We at Whole Foods Market sincerely appreciate how much you all care about where your food comes from, what's in it, how it was raised, who raised it, how workers were treated, and the impact on the planet. You all help push us to do better, and we cannot thank you enough.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

3001 Main Street (310) 392-4501 www.onelifenaturalfoods.com For over 30 years, One Life Natural Foods has been providing the people of Santa Monica the best high-quality gro-

ceries, natural and organic foods, vitamins, supplements and herbs. The friendly atmosphere and warm, welcoming staff combined with the affordable prices make this a definite destination for healthy eaters.

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MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

SALON/SPA

Michael Schoenfeld

SALON TRU

Winner 614 Santa Monica Blvd (310) 394-0878 www.salontru.com/santamonica Tru Salon Santa Monica is a relative newcomer to the city by the sea but owner Michael Schoenfeld said the business has quickly earned a reputation for excellence within the community. “Salon Tru Santa Monica is the Premier Casually Elegant Salon in Santa Monica,” he said. “It's the perfect place to feel at home while on vacation. We work with most of the local concierges in the neighborhood who send clients to us for an up do,

make up, or cut and color before a night out on the town or a special event.” Their location in the city has also provided his stylists with the opportunity to showcase their work on Grammy winners, TV personalities and other celebrities. Those same stylists bring their professionalism to each and every client whether they are a standing appointment or first time visitor. All stylists are trained on the latest techniques and color trends. Those skills are put to use with a variety of professional products including plantbased lines from Aveda and Davines or the Mario Badescu skin care line.

“We also carry a vast array of travel hair products that tourists love to take home with them in their carry-on luggage. Plus, because we're an Aveda salon, we smell great,” he said. Schoenfeld said the Santa Monica location is a reflection of its clientele. From the color of the walls (painted to match the Santa Monica sky) to the most common cuts (beachy waves are popular), he said Santa Monica is a perfect place for the casually elegant vibe of his business. He said the Most Loved win comes on the heels of the store's one-year anniversary. “We are so happy that the residents

and employees of Santa Monica have embraced our salon with open arms. We feel that anyone that comes through our door is part of our family,” he said. “To be honored by our extended Santa Monica family means the world to us. We love living and working in Santa Monica and becoming an integral part of this great community. I'm also particularly proud of the Salon Tru team - the majority of them have been with us since day one. We're equally proud to be working along some of the best talent in L.A.”

Runners–Up NEXT SALON

BURKE WILLIAMS

Barbara Oneil, Had Dunn, Valentina Korolyov & Noori Daili

Teresa & Bill Armour

2400 Main Street (310) 392-6645 www.nextsalon.com “My clients greatly enjoy my open concept salon and often compliment the beautiful flowers and say how great it is that Santa Monica hasn't replaced it with a high rise building. As well as my open concept,

we are also optimally located just two blocks from the beach and we use the most organic products for hair and skin care. Our Stylists and Employees are friendly and multi-cultured with six different nationalities to better serve our clients and all textures of hair.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

1358 4th St (310) 587-3366 www.burkewilliamsspa.com “The quality of service that Burke Williams provides is unparalleled. We take great pride on exceptional attention to detail surrounding every guest's experience.

We are humbly grateful that the Santa Monica residents and visitors consider Burke Williams the Most Loved day spa. After being a part of the area for so many years, this is a truly wonderful recognition and we thank you.”

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

LIVE MUSIC/ ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

HARVELLE’S

Winner 1432 4th St (310) 395-1676 www.harvelles.com Harvelle's is the real deal. Serving authentic blues to Santa Monica and the Westside since 1931, this dark, sexy room is the perfect spot for hanging out and soaking up the best blues, jazz and rock, while sipping a cold libation or dancing the night away without a care in the world. If you're searching for a genuine vibe without the pretentiousness or

posing, look no further than Harvelle's, where the people are friendly, the drinks are strong and the music is loud. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica, this hidden gem is destined to become any true blues aficionados' regular haunt. In addition to a selection of beer and wine, Harvelle's serves a set of specialty cocktails and Cevin's Deadly Sins martinis. Don't forget, every Sunday is the Toledo Show featuring Toledo Diamond, the man the LA Times hailed

as “The coolest cat working in Hollywood.” Go check out Harvelle's unadulterated blues, jazz and burlesque performers. Among the services offered is Harvelle's Media Services, a division of Harvelle's Entertainment Corp., specializing in the production of film and video products specifically targeted at entertainers in the club and cabaret markets. HMS offers an economic method for bands, as well as solo performers, to create their complete media package,

including DVD's, videos, electronic press kits, website development, live concert performances, logo design, graphics packages and more. RedRoom Records recording services are also located on site. Combining the room's distinctive tonality, a 24 track digital recording studio and a knowledgeable staff, band’s demos, albums, or live albums can be brought to life at a competitive rate.

Runners–Up THE BASEMENT TAVERN

THE SANTA MONICA PIER

2640 Main Street (310) 396-2469 www.basementtavern.com Hidden under the Victorian restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica, the Basement Tavern is a welcoming hangout, a throwback to the speakeasies of yesteryear. The spectacular happy hour features well-crafted cocktails and drink specials. While the décor and atmosphere are worth the visit, it's the drinks, food and company that bring people back.

100 Santa Monica Pier (310) 458-8900 www.santamonicapier.org The Pier serves a lot of out-of-town visitors, but it's heart and soul comes from locals. From families who have been com-

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

ing to Pacific Park and the Aquarium for decades, to the local music fans spending Saturday night at Rusty's, and the friends who meet up every summer when the Twilight Concert Series begins.

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

RESTAURANT/ CAFE FEATURING LOCALLYSOURCED INGREDIENTS

Johnny Lozano, Kevin Cigliano, Michael Cigliano, Stefani Gianni & Yvette Solano

Winner 1000 Wilshire Blvd (310) 393-5244 www.smseafoodmarket.com The Pacific Ocean is integral to the City of Santa Monica, providing the backdrop for much of how the city defines itself. The ocean is also the foundation for one of the City oldest and most respected businesses, Santa Monica Seafood. The company began life in 1939 on the Santa Monica Pier and through a continued commitment to connecting fishermen to customers, they now source over 27 million pounds of

SANTA MONICA SEAFOOD seafood a year. “We're fisherman by trade, we got our start being fisherman and we're in our 76th year so we're very passionate about the seafood industry. We've made our livelihood off the sea,” said co-owner Michael Cigliano. “Being fisherman that became businessman gives us a special feel for our experience and expertise” Their products are available direct to consumers as well as supplying some of the nation's best restaurants. “We're a wholesaler, processor, distributor that makes its products available to the public in a retail and café

environment,” said Cigliano. He said buying from Santa Monica Seafood is a unique experience. “We get it right from the boat and sell it over the counter,” he said. “The quality is extraordinary, we probably have the largest variety anywhere in country and we have 64 feet of counter space to showcase and offer 80 different items. I think the variety, the quality, the over all expertise is something that when you come to by seafood is something you can't buy anywhere else.” Santa Monica Seafood is dedicated to the integrity of their products, from

catch to sale. They take pride in buying locally whenever possible and when dealing with internationally sourced fish, Santa Monica Seafood is recognized as an industry leader in sustainability. Cigliano said being recognized by customers is an acknowledgement of their hard work. “It's very rewarding. Being Most Loved tells us we're doing something right. Recognizing what we're doing incentivizes us to strive to be the best we can be.”

Runners–Up LOCANDA DEL LAGO

M STREET

Joe Matlock, West Hooker & Megan Heritage

Dan Evon & Jeff Mahin

231 Arizona Ave (310) 451-3525 www.lagosantamonica.com “Santa Monica has influenced our business both as a strong tourist community and by its environmentally conscience val-

ues. Being a business in Santa Monica means that you enjoy the benefits of the beach, the weather, the constant flow of traffic, the quintessential California lifestyle.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

2000 Main Street (310) 396-9145 www.mstreetkitchen.com “One of my favorite things about M Street and Stella Barra are the guests and the community. It is heart warming to be able to walk in at almost any given time and know so many friendly faces. We try to go above and beyond for our guests and pro-

vide the best food and hospitality we can. It is humbling and makes me very proud to be even nominated for Santa Monica’s Most Loved business. We love being a part of the Santa Monica community, it is a driving force behind our restaurants, so it is nice to hear that we are heading in the right direction.”

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

NEW BUSINESS (OPENED AFTER 2/1/14)

Kayla Allen & Marni Rosenthal Chaikin

PURE BARRE

Winner 201 Wilshire Blvd (310) 395-3927 www.purebarre.com/ca-santamonica The dancers' physique, defined by long lines and lean muscle, is a goal for many eager workout enthusiasts and thanks to the opening of Pure Barre on Wilshire, achieving that goal just got a little easier. Pure Barre is a workout utilizing the stationary handrail common in ballet training. The “barre” provides support during exercise and the Pure Barre gym capitalizes on the rail for low-impact, iso-

metric movements that are extremely effective and manageable for anyone. Kayla Allen, co-owner of Pure Barre Santa Monica, Brentwood and Woodland Hills, said their workouts maximize efficiency and are suitable for everyone, including pregnant women or those recovering from injuries. “In just 55 minutes you will achieve a full-body workout concentrating on the areas people tend to struggle with the most: hips, thighs, seat, abdominals and arms,” she said. “Each strength section of the workout is followed by a stretching section in order to create long, lean muscles without

bulk. The technique works to defy gravity by tapering everything in and lifting it up.” Those results have made Pure Barre the largest and most recognizable barre workout in the country. The business is starting to expand internationally thanks to the specific techniques and motivating music that have generated results for thousands of participants. Allen said it means a lot to achieve success in a fitness-focused community like Santa Monica. “With so many great workouts just a step away we felt so honored to become Santa Monica's favorite work-

out so fast,” she said. “And because Santa Monica is such a walking community, we always have people walking by and inquiring, which makes the community that much more fun as it is constantly growing at a rapid pace.” Allen said there are many fantastic businesses in the city and she appreciated the warm welcome. “We are beyond thrilled to be finalists in two categories: Most Loved Fitness and Most Loved New Business,” she said. “It is such an honor.”

Runners–Up DETHRONE

(Top) Nigel Skiathitis, Ian Armond, RaeAnn Vega-Camacho, Nick Andrade, (bottom) Karin Wandner, Leslie Dominguez, Bianca Tartaglia, Hector Hernandez & Jen Dapper (Not photographed)

1315 Lincoln Blvd (310) 451-2861 www.dethronebasecamp.com “Most of our competitors offer one type of class or format, which are typically an hour long. Our classes offer multiple formats and are 35 minutes. Members can choose from a

mix of offerings. All of this is offered in an unlimited access monthly membership. We pride ourselves on customer experience and a supportive environment. To be a Most Loved business would mean that we have succeeded in our goal to influence a community and change people's lives.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

FRAMED

Gwen Aatlo, Stacey (Rae) Barnes & Andi Scarborough

2821 Pico Blvd (310) 998-0021 www.framedsalon.com “Santa Monica embodies our favorite parts of Los Angeles; the therapeutic energy of the ocean combined with the glamour of old Hollywood. When we decided to

open our business here it was important for our salon to be cohesive to the unique vibe that is Santa Monica. Being nominated for Most Loved is profoundly humbling and reinforces our decision to open our business in Santa Monica.”

ALL OF OUR MEMBERS ARE OUR MOST LOVED!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA Thank you to all of our members who voted and showed their love for Santa Monica’s favorite businesses! www.smchamber.com l info@smchamber.com l (310) 393-9825 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

BIKE/ SURF/ SKATE SHOP

Teddy Vecchione

ZJ BOARDING HOUSE

Winner 2619 Main Street (310) 392-5646 www.zjboardinghouse.com ZJ Boarding House began life as a hole-in-the-wall hangout for locals in 1988, catering to those with a passion for surf. It didn't take long for the store's reputation and inventory to grow beyond the water to include skateboarding and snowboarding. Marketing Director Teddy Vecchione said the Santa Monica location, with its prime access to the beach and dense population of kindred spirits, has been

a boon for the store. “The City of Santa Monica has been a great place for ZJ to call home,” he said. “We are blessed to have lots of different, and at the same time likeminded, neighbors to share the lovely weather and beach with. The amount of tourists from all over the globe is also a plus. Santa Monica's place in the avant-garde of conservation and conscious living are the main inspirations for our business.” The store expanded in 2009 with Billabong and Hurley flagship stores catering to those specific brands.

Vecchione said the stores have a relaxed atmosphere that welcomes customers of all experience levels with a comprehensive selection of equipment, accessories and clothing. He said the in-store experience is defined by a welcoming attitude. “Our main goal is to make people feel good about coming in here,” he said. “Our customer service, knowledge and award winning smiles are what set us apart from other surf and skate shops where it can be difficult to get a 'hello' from the staff. We greet everyone and treat pros and amateurs

the same. Lots of good vibes in here.” Vecchione said employees ride or surf every day, maintaining a connection to the user experience. He said the Most Loved award reflected their commitment to their clients. “This is a validation of everything that we strive to do in the customer service aspect of our business,” he said. “It shows that we're doing something right!”

Runners–Up BIKE ATTACK

HELEN’S CYCLES

Andrew Smith

Jay Wolff

2400 Main Street (310) 581-8014 www.bikeattack.com “Santa Monica is a bike friendly city and we're a Santa Monica friendly business. We're a world-renowned, must visit bike

shop. We have unique customs and have done personal builds for customers around the world. I'm grateful to our customers for their loyalty and I want to continue that level of service.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

2501 Broadway (310) 829-1836 www.helenscycles.com “We have the largest selection of bicycles and accessories in the area, you should be able to find anything you are looking for. We have the best trained sales staff and

over 100 hears of combined trained mechanics to take care of your needs. We pride ourselves on selling an experience and being able to get the right bike, right fit at the right price so you can enjoy your bike riding right away.”

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

HAPPY HOUR

Johnny Lozano, Kevin Cigliano, Michael Cigliano, Stefani Gianni & Yvette Solano

Winner 1000 Wilshire Blvd (310) 393-5244 www.smseafoodmarket.com Santa Monica Seafood has an international reputation for providing some of the highest quality fish in the world. The company provides its ocean bounty to some of the nation's best restaurants but locals can skip straight to the source thanks to the Santa Monica café inside the Wilshire Blvd. location. Locals know it’s one of the best seafood eateries around.

SANTA MONICA SEAFOOD The menu offers American classics like Crab Louie salad, clam chowder (New England and Manhattan) and grilled salmon along side some traditional Italian dishes such as fusilli seafood pasta, panzanella salad and cioppino. Popular items include swordfish (grilled or served in sliders), grilled Mahi Mahi flat bread and Dungeness crab. The full service café offers a wide selection of fresh seafood dishes for lunch and dinner. Customers can take away or feel free to sit down and join

friends for great grilled fresh seafood, soups, sandwiches, salads, beer, wine and more An Oyster Bar featuring fresh raw oysters and clams, steamed lobsters and crabs and many other seafood favorites is also available on site. Their wine selection offers some of the best wines from around the world and they stock cheeses from some of the best producers in the world. Those that take their food to go can supplement from a market that offers fresh bread, marinades, sauces, let-

tuce, fruit, vegetables, beverages, soups - everything you need to make a complete meal. Regular customers know about their rotating weekly specials. The store offers a variety of seafood items at a special price and they also include specials on homemade deli selections, select wines, as well as weekly coupons. Every week there is something new and eager eaters can sign up for the latest news via their website.

Runners–Up LOCANDA DEL LAGO

M STREET

Joe Matlock, West Hooker & Megan Heritage

Dan Evon & Jeff Mahin

231 Arizona Ave (310) 451-3525 www.lagosantamonica.com “Santa Monica has influenced our business both as a strong tourist community and by its environmentally conscience val-

ues. Being a business in Santa Monica means that you enjoy the benefits of the beach, the weather, the constant flow of traffic, the quintessential California lifestyle.”

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

THANKS FOR ALL THE

MARKET CAFE

OYSTER BAR

L O V E

S A N TA MO N I C A ! F i n a l i st fo r . . . M o st Lo v e d Re sta u ra nt M o st Lo v e d H a p p y H o u r M o st Lo v e d V i b e

Check us out via social media! instagram.com/SantaMonicaSeafood twi er.com/SMSeafood facebook.com/SMSeafoodRetail

JOIN US FOR 2-2-5 Your favorite cafe items ranging from $2-$5 from 2pm to 5pm Monday through Friday $2 Shucked Oysters $3 Single Cannoli $5 Pacific Coast Ceviche $5 Calamari Fritti $5 Crab Cake $5 Fritto Misto (Fish, Calamari & Shrimp) $5 Alta Vista Chardonnay or Cabernet $5 Praga (Czech Pilsner) BAR ONLY 1000 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401 | Ph. (310) 393-5244 www.smseafoodmarket.com

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

ART GALLERY/ LOCALLY-MADE GIFTS SHOP

Marie Kelzer, Shawn Riley, Elaine Levi, Betsy Weston, Kathy Holgom-Black, Anthea Brame, Bibi Davidson, Linda Fenster, Fae Horowitz, Kara Walker, Monika Kwiet & Susan Haskell

10 WOMEN

Winner 1128 Montana Ave (310) 393-6254 2651 Main Street (310) 314-9152 www.tenwomengallery.com Ten Women galleries, located on Montana Ave. and Main St., are a unique artistic experience hosting diverse works by local artists. The business, established in 1994, provides customers with direct access to the creative individuals producing the work on display. “We are a cooperative art gallery owned and operated by our members,” said Ronna Schary. “The gallery is a not-for-profit business and the art

and gifts our customers buy from us come directly from our artists at very reasonable prices.” Mediums and artists currently part of the galleries include: Painting and Mixed Media - Aubrey Studebaker, Bibi Davidson, Cola SmithAdabachi, Karyn Raz, Mannig Gurekian, Robin Tripaldi, Pamela Harnois. Photography and Digital Art - Fae Horowitz, Ronna Schary. Mixed Media Assemblage - Anthea Brown, Kit Kalionzes, Mannig Gurekian, Sara Cron, Shawn K. Riley. Gourds - Karen Saviskas. Jewelry - Trace Palmer, Roz Brody, Sara Cron, Leisa Johnson.

Figurative Sculpture - Joann Libolt, Peggy McKeever. Ceramic Arts - Bettina Kleemann, Cola Smith-Adabachi, Kathy HolguinBlack. Art Glass - Betsy Weston, Philippa Rubell, Susan Haskell, Gina Michel. Fabric Arts - Monika Kwiet, Elaine Levi, Kara Taub, Margot Strong, Nola Hart. Mosaic and Beaded Functional Art Linda Fenster. In addition to providing a venue for showing and selling art, Ten Women Gallery is a community in its own right. The involvement and commitment of the members creates a unique and nurturing environment of support and

growth. New members are chosen by jury process. Applications for membership are available at the Gallery and can be downloaded from their website. Schary said each member has an equal share in running the business and that translates to everyone working in the retail stores every week. The direct contact with customers helps members understand customers and cater to their needs. As a business run by locals Schary said winning an award like Most Loved is particularly meaningful. “It means that our customers really appreciate our one of a kind art and gifts and the friendly service we give them,” she said.

Runners–Up ACCENTS JEWELRY DESIGN

BERGAMOT STATION

MINDFULNEST (tie)

Steven Hanna

Wayne S. Blank

2900 Main Street (310) 396-2284 www.accentsjewelry.com

2525 Michigan Ave Ste B104 (310) 829-5854 www.bergamotstation.com

2711 Main Street (310) 452-5409 www.mindfulnestonmain.com

“We are a unique design studio where you can meet local jewelers, discover their newest collections, see their process in action and even collaborate with them on an engagement ring or other special piece. We also curate over 25 other handmade lines in precious materials, mostly local and a few national discoveries.”

“It's a great honor and very much appreciated. It shows that for over 20 years people have appreciated our programming and have seen our work as contributing to the well-being and education of the city. It's very important for us to see that we have a positive impact on the community and the public. This type of recognition also allows us to continue doing business and to continue to reach out to the community. “

Mindfulnest is truly a shoppers’ heaven of locally made art, sculpture, jewelry, gifts and accessories. Step inside and you are immediately surrounded by the inspired work of almost 100 North American artists and artisans. The store, with its earthy colors, open beam ceilings and frosted skylights, will make you feel calm and welcome and the staff will, too.

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

Saulino Smith Salon is just steps away from Santa Monica beach, on the iconic Ocean Ave, located in the Paciﬁc Plaza. Owners Richard Saulino and Hilary Smith have a combined experience of over 20 years in the hair industry. After working together at Fred Segal Salon, they joined forces to create a modern, highend space where clients are provided excellent service, quality work, and the feeling of being at home. Hair is a canvas, and each talented stylist has the ability to create a work of art, customized to your speciﬁc needs. Our goal at Saulino Smith is for you to leave the salon feeling as gorgeous as you look! 1431 Ocean Avenue, Suite B, Santa Monica, CA 90401

(310) 451-4443 www.SaulinoSmithSalon.com

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

PET-CENTRIC BUSINESS

Leigh Layne

NATURE’S GROOMING

Winner 3110 Main Street # 1O4 (310) 392-8758 www.naturesgrooming.com Leigh Layne describes herself as professional canine stylist and while the dogs she serves technically belong to others, she considers every animal in her salon to be her own. “I’d say I take a lot of pride in my store and in taking care of my babies. Once a dog comes into my store, it becomes my client and in the groom-

ing room it becomes mine,” she said. Layne's exacting standards are clear throughout the process. Every animal receives three shampoo/rinse cycles. She clips and files the nails, cleans underneath the pads, cleans ears and then stuffs the ears with cotton prior to the bath. Optional hot moisturizing treatments and hot oil are available by request. In addition to a pre-bath brushing, her salon bans cage drying or sedation. She blow dries from the table with multiple attendants for each

animal. The process clearly leaves an impression on clients, both human and canine. The animals are more comfortable and happy with the stress free environment while the humans marvel at the quality of the work. Many of Layne's clients have been coming to her for years, but she said the recognition by the community as a Most Loved business was not something she expected. “I can't believe that I would be

nominated and so many citizens would vote for me because I keep pretty much to myself, don't get involved in drama that goes on,” she said. “I do talk to everyone, I love everyone and apparently it's coming back to me. It's an honor and I feel humbled that people would even think of me to do this because I'm just a dog groomer, not anyone famous, just a dog groomer.”

Runners–Up CENTINELA FEED

1448 Lincoln Blvd (310) 451-7140 www.centinelafeed.com Centinela Feed began in a small store on Centinela Avenue in Mar Visa in 1926.

The store has had multiple owners over the years and has grown from a single location to 15 retail outlets around the Los Angeles area. They carry a large selection of pet products and offer multiple pet services.

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA

HEALTHY SPOT

1110 Wilshire Blvd (310) 458-2004 www.healthyspot.com “We offer organic, vegetarian, grain free & raw dog food options, & the highest quality supplements, treats, toys, beds & fashion. Our services include Puppy

Preschool, small dog Daycare, grooming & massage therapy, anesthesia-free teeth cleaning, Reiki treatment and obedience training. We're also active in our community by hosting adoptions, partnering with humane societies and non-profits and host fun events at the store.”

KID-CENTRIC BUSINESS

Staff include:

Brynna Brown, Mohammad Khadembashi & Mikey Flaherty

SWIM WITH HEART 1238 7th Street (310) 625-2974 www.swimwithheart.org Swim with Heart (SWH) has been serving the community since 2010 as a non-profit organization specializing in helping kids with special needs realize their potential through aquatic activities. Founder Mikey Flaherty said the welcoming, supportive environment has allowed SWH to help kids learn to swim but also develop language skills, motor skills used for walking and develop personal confidence. “The approach is customized to the

kiddo, we work on all different skills such as socialization, making the body stronger, helping them to learn to breathe, making friends and learning personal responsibility,” she said. While the program has helped many special needs students, Swim With Heart caters to all swimmers of all levels providing year round training that competitive and recreational swimmers can use to increase speed, power and endurance. All classes are taught by experienced professional coaches and provide opportunities for all kinds of swimmers to mingle. “We have mixed classes that help in making friends and meeting new peo-

Winner

ple that would never interact with each other normally,” she said. They also offer private lessons Saturday through Thursday. SWH utilizes the Santa Monica Swim Center (2225 16th Street) where swimmers have access to heated pools, private showers, spectator tables, chairs and easy parking. Flaherty said the city has been incredibly welcoming to SWH and its mission and that's reflected through the donations that are essential to the group's continued existence. “We always need donations,” she said. “Whether it's individual donors and donations or business willing to

employ adult with special needs.” There are several levels of donation available to residents and there are options beyond simple cash. Residents can support the programs through joining themselves, donating gift cards, hosting fundraising events, providing moral support at events or volunteering. Flaherty said everyone involved with SWH has seen the benefits of aquatic programs on youth. “Our swimmers can do anything, they can accomplish anything,” she said.

Runners–Up BOOKS + COOKIES

2309 Main Street (310) 452-1301 www.booksandcookiesla.com Books and Cookies is a children's bookstore, enrichment center and event space. The unique design of the Books and Cookies space makes it a safe and relaxing environment for the whole family - with the

goal of bringing wonder and excitement back to reading and learning. The space is divided into three areas: The Bookstore/Interactive Reading Room, The Enrichment Center and new Indoor / Outdoor Learn and Play area and Event Space.

PEBBLES

2400 Main Street (310) 341-6472 www.pebblesclothing.com Pebbles is a small boutique that through organic growth and eclectic style, has become famous in circles of stylish women around Los Angeles as an undiscovered

treasure. Their design philosophy is inspired by the wonderful cultures around the world. Her clothes show a love of vibrant color, whimsical embellishments, and an unexpected mix of fabrics and embroidery.

MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA 2015

2015 MOST LOVED SANTA MONICA