Without a doubt, heading to the Santa Monica Pier is one of the top tourist attractions in Santa Monica. Made famous in countless films, the pier was originally built in 1909 which is defined as the pre-historic age for Los Angeles.
It's considered the final stop along Route 66, as anyone who saw the movie Forest Gump knows, and it houses a historic carousel ride, a ferris wheel *, a small aquarium, carnival games, tourist trap souvenir shops, a pub and a few restaurants.
Now, dining on the pier is not something we would ever do unless it was like on a triple dog dare or something, but if we had to dine in the vicinity of the pier the only place to do so is The Lobster.
If you're a regular reader of the weekly trashy tabloids (not that we are or anything), then the name Fred Segal should be very familiar to you. It's the trendy store where celebrities are always spotted buying new clothes, catching a bite to eat and staging some convenient photo ops.
Now, there are actually two Fred Segal stores--one on Melrose Avenue where most of the paparazzi camp out--and the more low-key one in Santa Monica on Broadway, just off the Third Street Promenade.
This is the Fred Segal that we prefer. Why? Well it's close to the beach, it's bigger (which means more merchandise) and the parking is way more manageable.
Only three restaurants in Los Angeles were awarded two Michelin Stars in the 2008 guide for the city and several were awarded one-star, including another Table Crashing fave, CUT.
So we decided to test out the one nearest to our abode--La Botte in Santa Monica which earned a one-star. The restaurant's location is a few blocks from the touristy Third Street Promenade, thankfully, as anything on the Promenade should be avoided.
Yet it's in the ground level of a modern-looking apartment/office building. This is both good and bad--good because you get a sort of tucked-away feeling but bad because who eats in the ground floor of an apartment/office building?
Nevertheless, La Botte has a cozy atmosphere once you step inside. Indeed the Michelin guide agreed:
It is difficult to imagine a warmer interior than in the homey yet fashionable place, which pays homage to Italian wine with its hardwood floors and walls crafted from the staves of oak wine barrels (a nod to the name, Italian for "wine barrel").
Earlier this month, we told you about the Singapore Flyer, the super Ferris wheel that's now the world's biggest. But height alone doesn't make an awesome ride, or at least that's what they're hoping at Pacific Park in Santa Monica.
Starting May 8, workers will put in a new, high-tech wheel with all sorts of wild lighting effects. (Think LED hearts for V-Day, an American flag for Independence Day, a wreath for Christmas.) The new 90-foot ride should be ready in time for the unofficial start of summer on Memorial Day.
Given how hot the Ferris wheel competition is getting worldwide, we figured we better map out your best options. If your top trips are all about getting high, here's where to go.
When we noticed a sign for a new restaurant a few months ago tucked behind other notable Santa Monica restaurants on Ocean Avenue (Ivy on the Shore, Tengu, Il Fornaio), we thought it read "Adobe." So we just figured it was some sort of casual Mexican cafe in the back and not really anything worthy of checking out.
But we were probably having a dyslexic moment because our friends started gushing about this new place called Abode. Then just last night, we were catching up on our Vanity Fair--the Nicole Kidman issue--and whaddya know? The mag mentioned it in their Fanfair section, calling out its "swingy, sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere."
Normally, we wouldn't pay much attention to a Vanity Fair plug but our friends loved it. They recommend doing a chef's table tasting with wine pairing ($135 per person) which includes a little bit of everything on the menu. Although the chef, Dominque Crenn, doesn't do the explaining, a waiter will.
Speaking of the menu, it's described as "artisanal, sustainable and seasonal" which basically means its organic done in a high-end way. Which isn't for everyone. Blogger The Delicious Life writes:
I wasn't paying much attention to whether ingredients were truly locally grown, seasonal to summer, or sustainably prepared. I was, however, paying attention to how everything tasted and whether they were worth Abode's fairly high prices, which is often inevitable with "eco-friendly" and an oceanfront address. They weren't worth it for me.
This place has become our new favorite brunch spot. Aside from delicious food and outdoor dining by the pool (it's a teeny pool, practically just for show), the place is never crowded. Which means there is no haggling for a table nor do you have to wait an hour to get seated. You can pretty much show up at prime brunch hour--10-11am--and eat right away.
So even if you are staying in the Travelodge by the Santa Monica Pier you can brunch in style at the Viceroy.
Insider Tip: If you are driving to the hotel, try to nab a metered spot in front to save yourself the $8 valet fee. Even better, if you are staying in the area in Santa Monica, rent a bike--it's the local way--and peddle over to the Viceroy instead.
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by juliana
