Santa Monica and the Beach Butler experience worth the trip

By Mike Cohen

Santa Monica: On our recent trip to the Los Angeles area we were like a lot of tourists. We wanted to spend time at the beach, but we did not bring our own towels, chairs or umbrellas. Friends recommended we spend time in Santa Monica (www.santamonica.com) and during my research I came across an outfit called Perry’s Café and Rentals (www.perryscafe.com). It has been an integral part of the Los Angeles beach scene and an icon in the community for over 37 years. With nine prime locations throughout Santa Monica and Venice beach, including four open air cafés, they possess a large array of amenities.

Perry’s offers an assortment of beach and bike rentals, delicious foods with fresh ingredients prepared daily, and a variety of items to satisfy your palate. You can relax at one of their lounge areas, eat with friends, get pampered by our Beach Butlers or simply enjoy a bike ride. Oh yes, the Beach Butler. We opted for the Custom Butler package – lunch, drinks, beach chairs, umbrellas, a wind block and a small table. For $100, not including tip, this was a real bargain. For an additional charge, you can also order items such as sunscreen, beach toys and a full array of rentals ranging from extra chairs to boogie boards. When you are ready to leave, there is no cleanup. Just pack up and go – but return the walkie-talkie.

Our Beach Butler, Matthew, attired in a golf shirt and bow tie, set us up comfortably and left an ice cooler with chilled waters and a walkie-talkie to reach him whenever we needed. He even provided his cell phone number, encouraging us to text him if need be. After reviewing the neat menu we communicated with him, ordering a couple of absolutely delicious sandwiches.

We were set up at the picturesque 2400 Ocean Walk location right near the water. The Beach Butler, attired in a golf shirt, bow tie and sun glasses, is a pretty neat concept. For reservations just call 310-303-8493 or via their website: www.perryscafe.com