Hello, Manhattan Beach! Sunshine, Surf, Holiday Fun, Philanthropy

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Beachside Manhattan Beach is bustling today as folks get out to enjoy fresh air, sunshine, scenic ocean views, and all that Manhattan Beach is! Just this morning, a socially distanced line wound down the sidewalk near Becker's Bakery and diners were out enjoying meals at Uncle Bill's Pancake House, Homie, The Kettle, Simmzy's, Manhattan Pizzeria, Ercoles, Sloopy's Beach Cafe, North End Caffe, OBs Pub & Grill, Wild Cafe and Pancho's.

Here are a few things going on in Manhattan Beach:

• Donate money online [as little as $5 will make a difference] or in person at Bella Beach Kids, 225 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in Downtown Manhattan Beach [near Simmzy's and Starbucks], today and tomorrow to help Bella Beach Owner Kris D'Errico, who grew up in Manhattan Beach, purchase toys for children of MB restaurant workers. D'Errico already has some of the toy manufacturers she buys from who have stepped up to donate toys and through tomorrow [Sunday, Dec. 20], 10% of all purchases from Bella Beach will go toward buying toys for these kids who range in ages from babies to 12 years old. Donation links, Bella Beach phone number in following post: RELATED: Bella Beach Toy Drive For Manhattan Beach Restaurant Workers Kids
• Today [Saturday, Dec. 19] is the last day to cast your vote online [and help raise funds for the Roundhouse Aquarium's marine science educational programs] for holiday decorated homes, businesses and vehicles. Link and information in this article: Vote For Best Holiday Decorated Homes, Businesses, Vehicles
• Today [Saturday, Dec. 19] is the final day of the 28th Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive which the cities of Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach are holding. Unwrapped new toys may be donated at two locations in Hermosa Beach this year since the police and fire departments lobbies in Manhattan Beach are closed to the public due to the pandemic. More details here: Manhattan Beach Givers: Annual Beach Cities Toy Drive In Progress

In other news, Downtown Manhattan Beach's longstanding quintessential gift and home decor shop is in its 8th Day of Deals today [Saturday, Dec. 19] with ornaments at 40% off and other special deals. Tune in to their Facebook page for the announcement of each day's deals during their 14 Days of Deals countdown. They offer gift wrapping, curbside pickup and a free delivery service within five miles of the store. Call (310) 318-3385 for details.

Gum Tree Manhattan Beach, which just won the Small & Mighty in the Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce's "Best of Manhattan" Awards, is also another great stop for gifts and home decor. They offer free South Bay Delivery and a curbside pickup service.

Other great Manhattan Beach merchants to visit include Two Guns Espresso [four locations in MB], The Source Cafe, the Original Rinaldi's, Fishbar, Hangar Inn, and GROW. Tow Guns is offering a special Holiday Blend coffee, The Source simply has delicious healthy food, Rinaldi's Boar's Head sandwiches are amazing, Fishbar offers great seafood and now has a Holiday Pop-Up Shop featuring Katella Bakery goods, Hangar Inn is a great hangout, and GROW is Manhattan Beach's best independent gourmet grocery store.

If you need a break from typical holiday fare, order some sushi from FanSea Sushi. They offer Teriyaki Bowls for lunch, tempura and popcorn shrimp, Brussels sprouts dishes, plenty of vegetable options and loads of sushi choices. "What sets us apart from other sushi is that we choose the fresh fish from our trusted suppliers for our sushi. We want people who eat to taste the freshness of the fish. We emphasize on 'less is more’ where less focus, minimal cooking [equals less sauce and less food waste] and more focus on the adventurous options of sushi, taste, and quality of the fish," said FanSea's owner. FanSea Sushi is located at 302 Rosecrans Avenue; (424) 398-0083.