The San Marino Real Estate Report, as seen weekly in the San Marino Tribune

George Banks, owner of San Marino Seafood, with his trusty side-kick Gabriel Mejia

San Marino is one of the most elite residential communities in the state of California and  has an outstanding reputation across the nation and even around the world.  Our well-respected school system, beautiful architectural homes, and well-manicured and scenic tree-lined streets make us a destination of choice for potential home buyers.  San Marino provides the whole package and has enjoyed an outstanding reputation for decades.

Part of San Marino’s charm has always been its quaint, small town atmosphere.  This is not the town for strip malls, fast food restaurants, or large international chain stores.  I am glad that San Marino now has a Starbucks, but I also value that our town is filled with owner-operated businesses.  Stores and restaurants like this provide personalized service, go out of their way to meet your needs, and make you feel connected to your community.  There is nothing like walking into a store or restaurant and being greeted by name.  In our fast-paced world, it is refreshing and uplifting to be known, valued, and remembered.

There are many very special businesses in San Marino, but I would like to highlight a few:

San Marino Seafood:

Founded in 2002 and located in a prominent Huntington Drive location, San Marino Seafood is an outstanding restaurant and fish market.  This is one of my favorite lunch spots, and I am particularly wild about the seafood sandwiches and the white clam chowder.  The food is fresh, healthy, and delicious, and the outdoor patio is a pleasure on a sunny afternoon.

What makes San Marino Seafood so special, though, is the friendly staff, led by the owner George Banks.  George, with his booming voice and hearty laughter, makes everyone feel welcome.  I have never had a bad meal at San Marino Seafood, and they go out of their way to make sure that the entire dining experience is enjoyable.

Huntington Pharmacy:

Even with the recent bad press and alarming rumors of impropriety, I have to give a nod to one of my favorite San Marino businesses, Huntington Pharmacy.  The owner, P.K. Lim, has shown immense kindness to our family through the years and gone the extra mile to ensure that all of our needs are met.  I will never forget an instance when P.K. came to the pharmacy on a Sunday in order to fill a particularly important prescription.  His staff is friendly and helpful, and I particularly appreciate the wonderful delivery service.  Huntington Pharmacy is also a great spot to pick up a large assortment of items, including birthday cards, gifts, makeup, or office supplies.

San Marino Toy and Book:

If I had to choose my very favorite store in San Marino, it would most assuredly be San Marino Toy and Book.  This fantastic store, owned by Betty Takeuchi, has been a San Marino fixture for decades.  I first stumbled upon the shop when it was located on the opposite side of Huntington Drive and my eldest daughter, Ellie, was a baby.  I carried Ellie (now 20) in a back pack, and I searched through the racks of beautiful books.  I was shocked to run into some old friends like “Curious George”, “Clifford the Big Red Dog”, and “The Little Fur Family”.  The memories of my mom reading me these time-honored books caused me to make reading aloud to my own kids a huge priority.

I probably have spent more money at San Marino Toy and Book than any other store in town.  During my kids’ young years, I made full use of all the store provided.  I brought the kids to book signings, attended workshops, and stood in line to enjoy the summer sale.  If San Marino Toy and Book doesn’t have what you need, they will order it, and they are the best gift wrappers around.

 Carrie Benuska, Teles Properties, 210 S. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena