Best of the Year: The Whale and Ale in San Pedro, CA

Well, 2007 is definitely over! What a year... The Whale & Ale was graced with a visit from a former President and First Lady, - quite an honor, and were very proud to receive the coveted Best of LA award, (for our shanty singers), from LA Magazine.    
What does 2008 have in store? Well, it looks like being a bumper year thanks to the resurgence of quality retail businesses in old town San Pedro, not only Mischi's Strudel, Catwalk Shoes, Infected Clothing & many others, (here is a list of new businesses that just occurred to me!):

• Soluna 315 West 6th Street 310-619-4130; 
• Glamour Puss 317 West 6th Street 310-831-0332 Beauty Boutique; 
• Catwalk Shoes 319 West 6th Street 310-519-3410; 
• Under the Bridge 358 West 6th Street 310-519-8871; Latino Books & gallery; 
• Born to Party 411 West 6th Street 310-831-3950 Paintings by Rachel Leonardo & local artists; 
• Our Creations 416 West 6th Street 310-519-8231 Art & Craft Supplies for Special Occasions; 
• Z Fabrique 421 West 6th Street 310-547-1871 Gifts, folk art & more; 
• JD Hobby Center 455 West 6th Street 310-514-3702 Models; 
• OM Basics 461 West 6th Street 310-427-7517; 
• Bum Duck 301 West 7th Street 310-809-5070 Ladies Clothing; 
• Infected Clothing Store 331 West 7th Street 310-986-0111 Clothing; 
• Studio 347 Hair Salon 347 West 7th Street 310-809-6823; 
• Thomas Towne Reavey, Inc. 359 West 7th Street 310-514-1733 Local artists, Peggy Reavey; 
• The Hive Salon 367 West 7th Street 310-832-3836 Local artists; 
• Off the Vine 600 S. Pacific Avenue Suite 103, 310-977-7990 Fine wines - Your hosts: Michael Koth & Alison Shaw; 
• Haute Mer Imports 741 S. Pacific Avenue 310-833-2221 Indonesian rustic teak furniture, batik, paintings, carvings & home accessories; 
• 8th St. Lofts Corner 8th Street & Pacific Avenue 310-547-3334 boutiques, & local artists. 

The Whale and Ale is also proud to welcome:

• Mishi's Strudel Bakery & Cafi 309 West 7th Street 310-832-6474; 
• Nosh Cafe/Deli  617 S. Centre Street 310-514-1121 Breakfast/Lunch; 
• Gypsy Way BBQ 655 West 7th Street 310-832-0402 Persian Cuisine; 
• Port Town Caffe 800 S. Pacific Ave 310-547-0849 Coffee/Meals; 
• Crimsin Bar & Lounge 345 6th St., 310-833-8818... 

& there are probably others that I have not thought about. So much new retail business can only make this an even more interesting town to visit.