Thanksgiving Spotlight: Mark Lipps

Name: Mark Lipps

Age: Mental or chronological?

City of residence: Manhattan Beach

Occupation: Local business owner

How long have you lived in MB? 17 years

What are some things that you like about MB?

Every excuse not to watch TV

A pedestrian city...In other words you can walk, run or bike to anywhere in MB.

Mainly no commercial zoning along The Strand. Keep it residential.

What don’t you like about MB?

Parking meters... but a necessary evil.

What will you be doing on Thanksgiving and whom will you be with?

 Our 16th Annual Sand Bowl at 26th St. beach, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. All are welcome. Many families join us and then head back to their homes for Thanksgiving. We do not have family nearby so we invite people who do not have places to go for Thanksgiving to join us. Some have been coming to our Thanksgiving for years.

What will your Thanksgiving meal consist of?  My chef wife (The Ripe Choice Catering Co.) prepares roasted turkeys, potatoes, Southern cornbread, dressing with sausage and apples. Our boys love her homemade pumpkin pies. Our guests are assigned side dishes and appetizers to bring. 

What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?  I make the oyster stuffing. 

Why is it your favorite? Because my mom made it every Thanksgiving. Usually a lot left over. I'm the only one who eats it.

What is your favorite thing about Thanksgiving? No presents.

What was your childhood Thanksgiving like? Lots of cousins, aunts, uncles getting together for the day. My kids have no idea what that is like to have lots of extended family at holidays. The neighbors are their family. 

What’s your favorite hang out spot in MB? OB's with owner Steve Delk.

How would you describe Manhattan Beach in three words? Comfortable, community, family.