Giving you all a quick break from Cuba and focusing on a cool SoCal city. Recently I spent a week in San Pedro, while i wasn't exactly a tourist, I did get to spend time in the area with quite a few of the locals. I have to say I've driven to this city several times on my pacific coast highway adventures. But this is the first time I really hung out in the area. Gaffey seems to be the main thorough fare from where the 110 ends at the coast. South of Gaffey seems to be a lower income area and flatter to walk. North of Gaffey you start getting more houses and less apartments, also at the top of hills up you can see the San Pedro harbor, I really never got tired of this view.
So I found out that there are lots of Italian and Croatian's living here, purely because at one time this was a fishing town. Back in the day there were up to 70 commercial boats in the harbor, now merely 12. So of course you'd expect to find some good fish in the area. Our friends took us to a place on Gaffey called Baja Fish, small place tucked in between a few other places. They had salmon and various fish tacos served with beans and rice, all very good. I'd go back to this place for sure, everything tasted fresh.
Baja Fish
611 S Gaffey St
San Pedro, CA 90731
While walking thru one of the neighborhoods I was startled to see a peacock on top of someones garage. Then they told me there are all over the area. This was so bizarre to me, but seriously I saw about 25 Peacocks mostly male but I saw a few females and their chicks. It was a bit misty in the area and their calls were haunting, I felt like I was at a wild animal park. The history goes that peacocks where gifted to the Vanderlip family and Estate which is in the area. There are quite a few in this neighborhood of San Pedro and Portuguese Bend in Palos Verdes.
Along with great fish in the area I also found an amazing Italian bakery. A few locals told me about the place. I went in and asked what the favorites were and they pointed to the treats below: Rum Ball, Almond Cresent and Cannoli.
Amalfitano
9111 S Western Ave,
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Oh my goodness, I took a bite of that rum ball on my drive home with
coffee and I have been dreaming about it ever since. Dark chocolate covered rum infused cakey texture with just enough to not get pulled over for a DUI. I can't wait to go back.
Walking again in another neighborhood one of the locals pointed out this Corner Store, she loves to go here for breaks and raves about the lemon bars. We took a quick stop had a few sandwiches, sodas and took some baked goods home. This is going to be a place I come to all the time, I would have never found it had I not been with a local. This is the best way to find out about these special little places. Some of my best dining experiences have been when I asked a local for a recommendation.
Corner Store
118 W 37th St
San Pedro, CA 90731
At the Corner Store they have live music. On this day these guys were playing a few old tunes. The harmonica player was funny, he stopped playing for a minute to tell me he liked my hot pink shoes.
Nothing fancy here, but feels like a family joint. Simple fair with an easy-going vibe.
We order the Italian Stallion: grilled chicken breast with provolone cheese, mayo, sicilian bruschetta on ciabatta roll. Tasty goodie.
Loved this view from the table.
They have a wide range of sodas in every flavor imaginable. You can even take some flowers home.
My friend insisted we take home some sweets, she order a Brownie, Apricot tart and Butterscotch Blonde. Wow were these delicious. Rob preferred the brownie. I was partial for the apricot tart, but the brownie was my second favorite. Again this is a place I'd returned to and hopefully very soon. Take a day and go explore this great little area. The views are great and I saw a few hiking trails along the coastal line with a historical lighthouse and park nearby. Enjoy!
