My memory may be fading (I am turning 40 this year after all) but of the many Taste of Pismo events my hubby and I have attended I think this year was unequivocally the best. Maybe it was the great “Farm Fest” Farm to Fork event that ushered in the Taste the Friday night before.…
Category: Five Cities
Carpet Cleaning, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Service
Jones Janitorial
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My family has known Dan Jones for as long as I can remember … the unassuming name of this family company — Jones Janitorial and Carpet Cleaning — downplays how well they do what they do. They are carpet and tile cleaning magicians! I knew Dan was great when I was new to real estate…
Dining, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Restaurants, Thai Food
Sister Kitchen Thai Food in Grover Beach
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There aren’t many restaurants that take a break during the holidays and go on holiday themselves… and there aren’t many restaurants that when they do take a break make my grown husband cry. It was so bad I even drove by during their break once to make sure they hadn’t returned early. This is what…
Five Cities, Mortgage Lenders
Justin Stearns – Mortgage Lender
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Justin and I first had the opportunity to get to know one another while he was working with another company within our office in Pismo Beach. He started with what appeared to be no leads from his parent company and not only won over the realtors working all around him, but simultaneously went out and…
Clothing & Handbags, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Retail
COACH in Pismo Beach
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Be still my beating heart …. the Coach store finally arrived with great anticipation throughout my circle and has sprinkled handbags everywhere! This is truly the dawn of a new day on the Central Coast. Ok, ok, I grew up here so I have a little more history with the shopping void that existed just…
American, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants, Steakhouse
Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach
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Being the Past President of the Rotary Club of Pismo Beach/Five Cities that has met for a decade in the beautiful banquet room downstairs at the now Ventana Grill, our little group of 60+ members had the unusual opportunity to watch the current management go through an extensive remodel of what had become a slightly…
American, Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants
The Lido Restaurant in Shell Beach
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Well I have never written a review of the Lido at Dolphin Bay because it had all of the makings of a fantastic restaurant … without the food, in my opinion. Partly because it was trying to be a little too “metropolitan” for the area, and partly because it ignored what is going on all…
American, Avila Beach, Dining, Five Cities, Restaurants
Woodstone Marketplace in Avila Beach
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Woodstone Marketplace has become our regular pit-stop as we chase our speed-demon four year old son down the Bob Jones Trail — either on foot, bicycles or scooter. It is like an oasis when we come up from under the bridge that gives us safe passage to the other side of San Luis Bay Drive…
Avila Beach, Five Cities, Hotel & Resort, Salon & Day Spa
Sycamore Mineral Springs and Spa in Avila Beach
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Being in my profession, you learn a great deal about amenities and upgrades in a home and their true value. Meaning, no matter what the price, if you don’t use it, it was too expensive. My parents’ trash compactor is just such an item …. a hot ticket in the 80s and 90s featured in…
Arroyo Grande, Five Cities, Insurance, Service, The Village
Osty Farmer’s Insurance in Arroyo Grande
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Linda Osty has been a cornerstone in our community for decades — even recently recognized as such this year by the Arroyo Grande Chamber of Commerce as it’s “Outstanding Citizen” award. She participates as an active member of our Rotary — as International Service Chair — and on many different organizations that send care packages,…
BBQ, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants
Mo’s Smokehouse BBQ in Pismo Beach
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Mo’s is one of those “hang-out” type places, decorated with old photos and rusting signs, and of course an amazing variety of pigs out of various materials, in various sizes. It is a no-nonsense rib joint, with a few other notable items on the menu. My husband loves the Philthy Phil’s Ribs and the Sampler…
Dining, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Pizza, Restaurants
Doughboy’s Pizzeria in Grover Beach
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Growing up on the Central Coast, we’ve had our share of Pizza Places come and go … but in the past few years there hadn’t really been one that stood out from the crowd. Then one night when Gather Wine Bar was just getting started — maybe even during her “Soft Opening” — Kari ordered…
Arroyo Grande, Five Cities, Service, Termites
MoJoe Termite in Grover Beach
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As a real estate team with a combined 33 years of service on the Central Coast, we have gathered a team of trusted inspectors, contractors, escrow and lending professionals. Although sometimes we are compelled to use another company by a request from the other side of a transaction, it only serves to solidify in our…
American, Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Hotel & Resort, Pismo Beach, Restaurants
Sea Venture Resort in Pismo Beach
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I have to admit that I am a fan … just like the four stars says. Right on the beach, this is a fantastic little boutique hotel that we often use for “Staycations” to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Birthdays and Anniversaries. From the moment you pull into the covered parking, you feel appreciated and well taken…
Arroyo Grande, Chinese Food, Dining, Five Cities, Restaurants
Chinese Food in Arroyo Grande
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I’m a Central Coast Native and small business owner… so there are very few restaurants in our area that I haven’t visited. However the owners at Golden Moon and their fantastic Chinese offerings are what keep me returning! Jack and his wife remember us by our phone number — even if it’s been months since…
Five Cities, Grover Beach, Retail, Salon & Day Spa, Service
Salon & Spa Services – Grover Beach
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When Tutta Bella Salon opened it’s doors in our area I couldn’t believe my eyes… it was a salon like those I had enjoyed living in Newport Beach during my ten years away from the Central Coast. I gave that type of full service salon with spa-like atmosphere up when I decided to return —…
Arroyo Grande, Five Cities, Performing Arts
Professional Performing Arts Center – Arroyo Grande
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I am an AGHS alum, so I remember the days when the Clark Center was just a grove of pine trees and grass with a large wooden thermometer sign showing how much more money was needed before a professional performing arts center would materialize in that spot. When I returned to the area after college,…
Dining, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Restaurants, Sandwiches
Best Sandwiches in Grover Beach
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If you don’t know what “show us your stacked” means, then you obviously haven’t sampled the scrumptious handcrafted sandwiches at this South County gem. I heard the rumors a few years ago that the “best” sandwiches were at Stacked. When I finally made it in, I fell in love! I have a tendency to always…
American, Dining, Five Cities, Mexican, Pismo Beach, Restaurants
Great Breakfast in Pismo Beach
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Nestled in the heart of Shell Beach, right on Shell Beach Road, you might drive by any day of the week and see a line on the sidewalk for this popular cafe. Originally just open for breakfast and lunch, they now serve dinner … which is always a great place to find yourself on a…
Arroyo Grande, CPA Tax Advisor, Five Cities
Tax and Business Advice in Arroyo Grande
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Brian Portesi is a CPA. We have been working with Brian and his staff for many years. Brian brings a fresh approach in working with individuals and businesses to provide great tax and business operational advice to all of his clients. Whether you are in need of a full service CPA firm to handle all…
Arroyo Grande, Five Cities, Hospital, Service
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital
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While I may not have the names of everyone that has helped me on our thankfully few visits, I can say that this entire hospital and it’s staff has grown and evolved with our community. I truly appreciate that we have this facility and it’s caring staff so close at hand. After returning to the…
Arroyo Grande, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Hardware, Retail, The Village
Amazing Hometown Service – Hardware
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Having grown up on the Central Coast, Miner’s is a fixture in our family. My parent’s have been loyal Miner’s customer’s for years, through projects large and small. My dad has always marveled at the wealth of knowledge found in the Miner’s staff. Men and women who seem to have every washer, nut, bolt and…
Arroyo Grande, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants, Sushi
Great Sushi in Pismo Beach
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As a busy family we frequently have to rely on take-out when the day becomes a little bit too hectic. Luckily, we have Yanagi just a few blocks from home and office. They are awesome when it comes to speedy and fresh take-out — everything from the true, quality Sashimi that my husband and son…
Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Service, Veterinary Clinic
Veterinary Clinic – Pismo Beach
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Growing up in a small town, it’s difficult to break the cycle of “going to the same vet your parents always did” etc., etc. However lately I was beginning to feel that no matter what was needed, a trip to my previous vet meant a $300 bill every time. It was beginning to be a…
Five Cities, Grover Beach, Nursery & Home Decor, Retail
Home Decor and Nursery – Grover Beach
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Ron’s Nursery is aptly named after it’s owner, Ron Carlock. This man is the human definition of why I love living and owning a small business here on the Central Coast. You will notice that many of my Yelps revolve around Customer Service. I believe that in many cases, great customer service is under-valued and…
American, Arroyo Grande, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants, The Village
Great Food Arroyo Grande – Alphy’s Broiler
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Two words: Oriental Salad. It’s heavenly. But just in case you think I am giving five stars based on a salad, don’t worry! They have a special Prime Rib Sandwich that makes my husband’s mouth water just mentioning it! And let’s not forget their Salmon Salad. Or how about their extra fresh, extra yummy Salmon…
Five Cities, Florist, Grover Beach, Nursery & Home Decor, Retail, Service
Amazing Floral Design in Grover Beach
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I first discovered Amanda by seeing her designs at the Dolphin Bay Resort … but did not really understand the full scope of her talent until I saw her beautiful arrangements for a charitable event that I attended. I was so in love with one of her donated arrangements that I ended up bidding on…
American, Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Grover Beach, Restaurants, Seafood
Fin’s Seafood Resaurant in Pismo Beach
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In Grover Beach, what folks must keep in mind when heading to Fin’s is that it’s a family restaurant with a seafood focus — It’s on the sand, folks, at the entrance to the beach at the bottom of Grand Ave. So, if you don’t like seafood or families, I would choose another restaurant! That…
Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Itialian, Pismo Beach, Restaurants
Rosa’s Italian Restaurant
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Rosa’s is one of our “go-to” restaurants. For date night, for business lunches, for their fun and fabulous annual (JUNE) fundraiser, the “Martini Shakedown” — we are at Rosa’s once a month on average. They have always had a fantastic menu, constantly updated by chef Doug MacMillan. My favorites are the Arugula Salad, Pasta California,…
Arroyo Grande, Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Pismo Beach, Restaurants, Steakhouse, The Village
Best Steak in The Village of Arroyo Grande – McClintock’s Saloon
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This is one of our favorite go-to restaurants with friendly staff and casual dining atmosphere. We go when we are bored with cooking and share an entree with additional side salads — the meals are more than large enough for doing this. Our son loves the “Rope and Ride” atmosphere and my husband like to…
Arroyo Grande, Bar, Dining, Five Cities, Restaurants, The Village, Winebars
Wine Bar in the village of Arroyo Grande, CA
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Warm, inviting, intelligent, metropolitan, chic and intimate … just some of the adjectives I would use to describe the most recent addition to the bright lights in the Historic Village of Arroyo Grande. Having lived on the Central Coast for 31 years, I am so excited to have a venue that offers a diverse menu…