Happy in Hermosa Beach

It was a memorable morning in Hermosa Beach. I awoke to the sounds of waves crashing and seagulls singing. I sipped coffee on a private balcony, overlooking the ocean and the sand. And I jogged along the beach, before enjoying a hearty Country Skillet breakfast with biscuits and gravy eggs, sausage and cheese at the Ocean Diner (www.oceandiner.com).
My getaway began at the Beach House Hotel, a charming ocean-front boutique inn, where all 96 rooms are designed with living rooms and bedroom areas that take advantage of the beautiful Pacific. Our luxurious suite was highlighted by a king bed, two large flat screen TV’s, a big electric fireplace, a kitchen sink and small fridge, and a huge Jacuzzi tub, the room was pure ocean-front comfort. Add to this a private balcony overlooking the Hermosa Beach boardwalk and the blue Pacific and it is easy to see why we never wanted to leave.
But it was a gorgeous Sunday in May and we had some exploring to do. We began with a walk down the Strand, the coastal path in front of the hotel, which features 26 miles of beautiful sandy ocean vistas. While strolling we watched volleyball players jumping and diving in the sand, joggers running past and numerous bikers enjoying the well-paved path.
After working up a sweat on The Strand we laid our towels in the sand and hit the waves for a brisk swim and some rays. We then walked over to Patrick Molloys Irish Pub on Pier Avenue, where we enjoyed a plate of fish and chips and a couple Guinness beers.
Back at the Beach Hotel, I took a bath in the giant Jacuzzi tub and then took a nap as the waves crashed just outside the window. For dinner we walked along Hermosa Ave to Chef Melba’s Bistro for a wonderful eclectic Californian dinner.
Set in an intimate dining room surrounded by windows and ambiance, the restaurant was packed when we arrived.
Our meal began with delicious Crispy Yucca, with pork belly and Curtido cabbage and tomatillo chutney; and a delightful Grilled Smoked Salmon Strudel, with lemon dill cream froth, red onions, spinach and capers.
While devouring these appetizers we met Chef Melba, who before opening her restaurant, studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, and created dishes at several Los Angeles restaurants, including McCormick & Schmick’s, where she rose to executive chef.
Chef Melba’s, who specializes in creative seafood dishes, is a constant at the restaurant. She says if she can’t behind the counter, cooking, the restaurant is not going to open.
For the main course at Melba’s I enjoyed Seafood Cioppino with crab, mussels, clams, white fish, prawns and calamari in a soothing broth. My friend had Tequila Braized Short Rib, slow-cooked style with Mestiza Sauce and vegetable rajas.
After dinner we walked four blocks to the Comedy and Magic Club (comedyandmagicclub.com). It was a Sunday night so that meant it the legendary Jay Leno was performing and luckily we had tickets.
The Beach House Hotel Hermosa Beach is located at 1300 The Strand, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. The hotel also offers Spa Treatments. For more info and reservations, call (888) 895-4559 or visit www.beach-house.com. For more info on dining at Chef Melba’s Bistro, visit www.chefmelbasbistro.com.

-Courtesy Photo

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