The Year of our Discontent has mercifully come to a close and hopefully dawns the year of Redemption. For those of us who endured this past calendar year, it is a time we will be speaking of until the moment of our death. Never has our country lived through such a time; yes, we have survived Civil War, World War’s, The Great Depression, The Spanish Flu but in our history, 2020 stood out as unique. Hopefully, as time passes we will learn from this era and take what we have learned and progress.

But, onto a new year. I am optimistic and hopeful that we are in the 4th Quarter of this Pandemic and sunny days are ahead. I have heard doom and gloom and if you watch the news, that is all that is reported (a brief glimpse of a cute video does not change the overwhelming angst portrayed by the TV medium). I will continue to applaud a bar/restaurant every week and would implore you to visit these places and partake of their take-out as they survive these awful times.

BAR OF THE WEEK– HOP SAINT

The South Bay, in recent years, has become a hot bed for craft brewing and many brewers have become renowned. These breweries dot the landscape. Places such as Smog City, El Segundo Brewing Co., Three Weavers and Strand, have made a name for themselves. Tucked away on 190th Street in Torrance, is a hidden gem that is growing and will, potentially, be a break out star; Hop Saint.

I am proud to call Steve Roberts, guru of places such as Boogaloo Cafe and Charlie’s, a friend. He has put together a gem in Hop Saint and the place has become a personal favorite of my dad and mine. The motto of the place is right directly in the web site: “The Hop Saint is a team of people who really, really love great beer!!” And they make great beer. Under the guidance of Brewmaster Brian Brewer, Hop Saint has crafted award winning beers such as Pure Intention, which won the Gold Medal at the 2019 LA International Beer Competition.

But, my dad is not a beer drinker. We got to Hop Saint for the food. If you know Steve, you know he takes incredible pride is putting out the best and freshest product. Very few owners are willing to go to the lengths Steve does to grab the best produce. Farmers Markets and local purveyors know his name, as he is always on the scene. The impressive smoker behind the restaurant, smokes some of the best meats in the South Bay. I know many people who go to Hop Saint for the Brisket or their Sunday Chili. I, personally, have to order the Jidori Wings every time I go. They’re sublime.

Hop Saint, as with all of the other establishments I’ve written about, is the epitome of what we should support. Locally owned, locally sourced and crafted with love, this is the type of location we cannot lose. Please go there and order take-out and a Growler of one of their beers. Let’s keep places like this alive and well and build the South Bay back up.

This week’s Tip of the Cap goes to Stephen Curry who scored 62 points this last week in a game. As many of you know, I am a sports encyclopedia, and this might have been the best scoring performance I’ve seen since Kobe’s 81 point explosion. Yes, I know it’s not Wilt’s 100 but believe me, 62 is spectacular.

A Wag of the Finger and a hearty, ‘SEE YA’ to 2020. I accomplished as much as I could but this year saw COVID, an embattled country, disease and death like no other year I’ve seen. Let’s learn from this year and move on.

Well, that’s all from me this fine day. I wish you all health and prosperity. Please take care of your fellow man/woman and lets make this world a better place. Until then, my friends, take my advice; pull down your pants and slide on the ice.