Hot off the press! Buy Local Santa Monica Super Saturday participants + offers for October 3, 2009!

Buy Local Santa Monica Super Saturday is this weekend (October 3rd)! In celebration of Santa Monica businesses and Sustainability Week, over 60 businesses in Santa Monica have joined up to offer special discounts and savings to customers who are sustainable. Bring in a re-usable bag on October 3rd to these participating businesses and reap the benefits. Just flook for the flower!

A Song in my Heart, 2305 Main Street
http://www.songinmyheartsanctuary.com/
Bring in a reusable bag and get 25-40% off selected items. Food and wine (organic).

Agabhumi The Best of Bali, 2665 Main St. Suite A
http://www.agabhumi.com/
10% off any purchase made with a reusable shopping bag. With purchases $50 or more, you will receive a fully punched Agabhumi Frequent Shopper Card good for 20% off a future purchase. AND 50% off the Tie Dye Hobo Bags (regularly $18).

Artistic Picture Frames + Blue 7 Gallery, 3129 Pico Boulevard
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 20% off custom frames; 50% off metal frames. One free instruction on how to make a paper frame for photos.

Arts and Letters, 2665 Main St, Suite C
http://www.artsandlettersonmain.com/
20% discount to shoppers with a reusable bag (can not be combined with any other offer)

Bob’s Market, 1650 Ocean Park Boulevard

http://www.bobsmkt.com/
Receive a FREE re-usable "Bob's Market" bag when you mention "Buy Local Santa Monica!"

blue: the transit store, 223 Broadway
http://www.bigbluebus.com/shopblue/
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 40% off a toy Big Blue Buses (Limit one per customer, Please note our store is open on Saturday from 12 noon – 6pm).

Betsy & Tracy, 2929 Main Street

http://www.betsyandtracy.com/
15% discount storewide to shoppers who bring in a reusable bag! (Already reduced FRYE boots excluded).

Bikini by Diane's, 705 Montana Avenue
http://www.dianesbeachwear.com/
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 15% off any purchase (not valid on gift cards or towards previous purchases)

Cache Restaurant & Lounge, 3110 Main Street
http://www.cacherestaurant.com/
10% discount, excluding alcohol when you mention “Buy Local Santa Monica”
California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main Street
http://www.californiaheritagemuseum.org/
Free admission when you mention “Buy Local Santa Monica” and/or come with your reusable bag!

Cherry Picked Thrift Store, 2807-2809 Pico Boulevard
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 10% off everything, including current sales + summer clearance items!

Clark Adams Co/ Renewal by Anderson, 3215 Pico Boulevard
http://www.clarkadams.com/
We will have a special gift certificate worth $500 to new customers--our wonderful new Santa Monica neighbors!
Dhaba Cuisine of India, 2104 Main Street
http://www.dhaba.biz/
Free order of samosas (appetizer) with any purchase when you mention “Buy Local”
Diane's Beachwear, 620 Wilshire Boulevard
http://www.dianesbeachwear.com/
15% off any purchase (not valid on gift cards or towards previous purchases) for shoppers with their own bags
Downtown Santa Monica Farmers Market, Arizona + 3rd St (Info Stall)
http://www.smgov.net/
10% off SM Water Bottle to customers with a reusable bag
Eames Office, 85o Pico Blvd
http://www.eamesoffice.com/
10% discount on selected gift items for customers with a reusable bag!

Engler Bros Motor Parts, 2630 Pico Blvd
http://www.englerbros.com/
1 gallon of windshield washer fluid free with any purchase to customers who bring a reusable bag.
Euphoria Loves Rawvolution, 2301 Main St
http://www.euphorialovesrawvolution.com/
Special local, organic fruit salad 40% off when you mention "Buy Local"

Fifth Amendment Alehouse, 129 Broadway
http://www.pleadfifth.com/
$1 off every beer (except the $3 happy hour beers), from 2pm - 2am for customers who mention “Buy Local Santa Monica!”
FIG Restaurant, 101 Wilshire Boulevard
http://www.figsantamonica.com/
A complimentary bottle of organic California wine per reservation for diners who come in for dinner that evening and mention “Buy Local.” (Please note: There will be a $50 food minimum to receive the bottle).
Healthy Spot, 1110 Wilshire Boulevard
http://www.healthyspotla.com/
Bring in your own bag and receive 10% off entire purchase
JJ Design, 1307 Montana Avenue
25% off for customers who bring in a reusable bag and mention "Buy Local!"

Kreation Kafe, 1023 Montana Avenue #B
http://www.kreationkafe.com/

10% off and receive a coupon for 10% off for a future date
La Foto, 806 Pico Blvd
http://www.lafoto-usa.com/
Come to La Foto Studio on October 3rd with your reusable bag and receive FREE 50 Holiday cards when you book your holiday family portrait session. Bring a Friend and you will receive $50 discount certificate for future enlargments when your friend books her family portrait session with you. Your friend will also receive FREE 50 Holiday cards too. Offers valid only Oct. 3rd.

La Grande Orange, 2000 Main Street

http://www.lagrandeorangesm.com/

25% off breakfast, lunch or dinner when mention "Buy Local Santa Monica"

Library Alehouse, 2911 Main Street
http://www.libraryalehouse.com/
For Super Saturday, we're offering locals a 15% discount
Make Believe, Inc, 3240 Pico Boulevard
http://www.makebelieve.to/
10% discount on any purchase for customers who bring in a reusable bag
M'attias, 1403 Montana Avenue
http://www.mattiasfunwear.com/
Liat Zuckerman
10% discount (certain designers excluded) if you bring in a reusable bag
Melisse Restaurant, 1104 Wilshire Blvd.
http://www.melisse.com/
Free vanilla yogurt with strawberry sorbet for diners who mention "Buy Local" (open dinner only)
Michael's Restaurant, 1147 3rd Street
http://www.michaelssantamonica.com/
A free glass of Michael's world famous Malibu Vineyard Rambla Pacifico Pinot Noir 2005 with the purchase of any entrée when you mention “Buy Local.” (open for dinner only)
Mom's the Word Maternity, 910 Montana Avenue
Bring in a reusable bag and receive a 20% discount
Monkie, 2665 Main Street, Suite B
http://www.monkieboutique.com/
10% off all purchases + a free eco-friendly tote from eco-conscious line from Spain for customers who mention “Buy Local” and/or bring in their own reusable bag
Moondance Jewelry Gallery, 1530 Montana Avenue
http://www.moondancejewelry.com/
15% off PLUS a free gift with purchase for customers who bring their own bag

Moonlight Rugs, 2727 Main Street, Unit B
http://www.moonlightrugs.com/
50% off all non-sale items, and 10% off any item that's already on sale for customers who bring in a re-usable bag!
O'Brien's Irish Pub + Restaurant, 2941 Main Street
http://www.obriensonmain.com/
For customers who mention “Buy Local”--2 for 1 appetizers until 8pm on the regular or Happy Hour menu. Happy hour prices on food + drinks until 8pm!
PAINT:LAB, 2912 Main St
http://www.paintlab.net/
Shop with a reusable bag and receive a 15% discount on canvas and art supplies!!
Patagonia Santa Monica, 2936 Main St.
http://www.patagonia.com/
20% discount (some restrictions apply) to customers who bring a reusable bag
Pico Farmers Market, Virginia Avenue Park (Info Stall)
http://www.smgov.net/
10% off SM Water bottles for customers shopping with a reusable bag
Pizza Fusion, 2901 Ocean Park Boulevard
http://www.pizzafusion.com/
Mention to server "Buy Local" and get 10% off your meal (dine-on only)
Platino, 909 Montana Avenue
http://www.platino909.com/
15% discount to customers shopping with a reusable bag

Readers Fine Jewelers, 5th Generation, 331 Wilshire Blvd.
http://www.readersjewelers.com/
Come in with a re-usable bag and receive 15% off everything in the store, including repairs and special orders.
Rockenwagner Bakery/ Café, 311 Arizona Avenue
http://www.rockenwagner.com/
10% discount to customers with a reusable bag and/or mentioning “Buy Local Santa Monica!”
Rosemarie Mc Caffrey Antiques, 1203 Montanta Avenue
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 15% off anything in our store
Santa Monica Visitor Information Cart, 3rd St Promenade (between Arizona Ave & Santa Monica Blvd)
http://www.santamonica.com/

50% off Santa Monica logo-ed merchandise for those with their own re-useable bag!
Santa Monica Visitor Information Kiosk, 1400 Ocean Avenue
http://www.santamonica.com/
50% off Santa Monica logo-ed merchandise for those with their own re-useable bag!

Santa Monica Visitors Information Center, 1920 Main St
http://www.santamonica.com/
50% off Santa Monica logo-ed merchandise for those with their own re-useable bag!

T. Heritage Art Gallery, 3219 Pico Blvd
http://www.theheritage.com/
Bring in your reusable bag and receive 15% off everything

T-mobile, 335 Wilshire Boulevard
http://www.t-mobile.com/

Come by for a chance to spin our prize wheel…also receive free bonus minutes if you bring in a re-usable bag!
The Acorn Store Natural Toys + Treasures, 1220 5th Street
http://www.theacornstore.com/

10% discount for customer shopping with a reusable bag
The Daily Pint, 2310 Pico Boulevard
http://www.thedailypint.net/

10% off beer + Daily Pint Santa Monica tee-shirts to customers who bring in a reusable bag or mention “Buy Local”
The Doves Studio, 2000 Main Street
http://www.thedovestudio.com/
Come in with a reusable bag and receive 20% off on all retail products + a 40% off card for hair services on your first salon visit (excludes extensions + Brazilian straighteners)
The Green Life, 2409 Main Street
http://www.thegreenlifeco.com/
Bring in a reusable bag and receive a 10% discount
Three Bags Full, 716 Montana Avenue
10% off entire purchase when you bring in your own bag
Trendy Sunglasses, 2817 Main Street
Receive 25% off your next purchase (certain lines excluded) for customers who bring their own bags
Triathlon LAB, 3328 Pico Boulevard
http://www.triathlonlab.com/
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 10% off all purchases
UROBORUS, 2407 Main Street
Bring in a reusable bag and receive 20 to 50% off on most shoes and exciting styles of clothing PLUS hot coffee , tea + eatable healthy goodies!
Vidiots, 302 Pico Boulevard
http://www.vidiotsvideo.com/
Rent one DVD, get one free offer for customers who bring their own re-useable bag!
Virtual Snow, 3105 Pico Boulevard
http://www.virtualsnowla.com/
50% off an intro lesson; 20% off package lessons for customers who bring in their own bag and/or mention “Buy Local”
Whole Foods Market, 2201 Wilshire Boulevard
www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/santamonica

Free local fruit & samples for customers shopping with a re-usable bag

Oldies but Goodies....Buy Local recognizes businesses celebrating 50+ years!

Santa Monica is fortunate to have so many local, independent businesses that serve visitors and residents alike. The Buy Local Santa Monica campaign was launched earlier this year to help raise awareness of these businesses and tell their unique stories. Some of these local legends have been serving the community for 50 years or more. Here's a snapshot of some of our "oldies but goodies" here in Santa Monica.

DIYers look no further than Busy Bee, the classic hardware store that has been serving the Santa Monica community since 1914. Located at 1521 Santa Monica Boulevard, this one-stop shop has cut thousands keys for local residents and met our hardware needs with a personal touch.

For a different kind of hardware, visit Readers Fine Jewelers (1927, 331 Wilshire Blvd.), a fifth generation family business supplying local residents with everything from engagement rings to watch repair.

Bob Gabriel Company insurance agents opened up at 2325 Wilshire Blvd. in 1936. Santa Monica Brake (911 Santa Monica Blvd.) has more than 60 years under the hood serving both vintage and late model cars – they might shop at another Santa Monica institution, Engler Brothers Auto Parts and Machine Shop (2630 Pico Blvd.) Barrett’s Appliances (2723 Lincoln Boulevard), a community staple for over 63 years, is well known for its customer service and affordable range of products.

In the course of running errands, hungry shoppers with a sweet tooth have been hopping over to Callahan’s Restaurant and Vienna Pastry at 1213-1215 Wilshire Boulevard since 1957 for home-baked meals, tiramisu and canoli along with scrumptious deserts. It’s been reported that the head baker at Vienna has been there for more than 20 years.

Bay Cities Italian Deli and Bakery (1517 Lincoln Boulevard) has been a Santa Monica tradition since 1925, and it still has lines out the door of hungry customers waiting for scrumptious sandwiches, salads and fresh-baked breads. Santa Monica’s oldest restaurant and bar, The Galley (1934) serves up fresh seafood and steaks. This classic neighborhood haunt at 2442 Main Street is decked out with original WWII propaganda posters and memorabilia from the 1934 movie “Mutiny on the Bounty” (members of the cast were frequent visitors). And if it’s a traditional diner that you’re after, look no further than Rae’s Restaurant (2901 Pico Blvd), serving home-cooked comfort food since 1958.

After a bite at Rae's, stroll down to McCabe's Guitar Shop (3101 Pico), a wild and wonderful nirvana for music lovers. Since 1958, McCabe's has built an empire dedicated to "stringed things that make music" where one can buy anything from a guitar to fiddle, bouzoukis to an oud. On weekends, you can also catch some fantastic live acoustic concerts...Tom Petty, Liz Phair and Arlo Guthrie are just a few musicians who have passed through the doors of this Santa Monica landmark. And while we're on music, don't forget Harvelle's (1432 4th St), the oldest live music venue in Santa Monica (and in the westside), hosting some of the greatest legends in blues and jazz since 1931.

Even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you’re sure to have seen the iconic Doc’s Ski Haus sign on Santa Monica Boulevard. Outfitting California skiers and snowboarders for high-mountain fun, Doc’s celebrated both its golden anniversary and a grand opening this summer. In August, Doc’s moved a few doors down to 2929 Santa Monica Boulevard, a larger shop with more windows and parking.

Buy Local Santa Monica wishes to congratulate all these local gems and asks you to support them by thinking Santa Monica first – chances are we have it here, and it’s more fun to shop here than at the big box stores. Buying locally supports a sustainable Santa Monica. For more info on the Buy Local Santa Monica campaign and the City’s 6,700 businesses, visit http://www.buylocalsm.com/. Comment HERE to share some of your favorite local gems and also visit us on our new Buy Local Santa Monica Facebook page!

Pub Hopping on Main: Spotlight on O'Brien's

In our quest to discover the best of Santa Monica's "locals," we embarked on a pub hop down Main Street. This great stretch of Santa Monica indeed has something for everyone. We settled on O'Brien's Irish Pub, 2941 Main Street, to spotlight today. This cozy neighborhood pub was established in 1995 and is operated by publican Paul Diskin and his friendly staff. The pub has one of the best happy hours in town, with specials on food and drink daily from 12 noon until 7pm. They have a good range of beers and pour a proper pint for $4.50 (happy hour). If you stroll by on a Sunday afternoon, you can catch their traditional Irish Sessions being performed out on the outdoor patio, adding to the ambience of the pub and Main Street. It's also a decent place to watch sports, enjoy comedy nights or try your brain at trivia. This has become one of our favorite "locals." For more info: http://www.obriensonmain.com/. To check out all the Happy Hour on Main specials, visit: http://www.mainstreetsm.com/entertainment-nightlife/. Cheers!