The Nook Neighborhood Bistro: Fantastic food, good prices

STATS 

Restaurant: The Nook Neighborhood Bistro
   11628 Santa Monica Blvd #9  Los Angeles, CA 90025

Category:  Bistro

Situation:  intimate date, small group

Reservations:  yes, but not necessary 

Website:  http://www.nookbistro.com/

Price: Small Plates $$,  Large Plates $$$

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So what are we talking about here? 

The Rundown: My amazing Girlfriend Meredith is always signing us up for email Discounts for local restaurant at Black Board Eats.com. This is how I find the majority of new dining places.  We recently had a Blackboard eats coupon to The Nook in West L.A.  It's called Nook cause it is in the corner of the strip mall and not easily found. The best thing about The Nook is their small plates menu.  Small plates are my favorite because it allows you to order many different thing and share them around the table.  I’d rater have 10 bites of 10 different food than 10 bites of the same dish.  This allows you to taste several different kinds of food and be adventurous.  So get out there and try some foods you normally wouldn't have.

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ABOUT THE PLACE

 The inside is simple. has a few bar seats, some small tables and one giant family style table in the middle.  The Waiters and Bartenders are super nice and helpful with wine pairing and food suggestions. 

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ADULT BEVERAGES AND WOBBLY POPS

Nook has an amazing wine list.  They do not have draft beers (boooo)  but they have a wide array of fancy bottled beers from around the world.  They do not have Liquor.

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HOW ABOUT THEIR MENU?

I suggest getting a bunch of their small plates. But They aren't very small! However we have shared some of their large plates and they are delicous! Here are some of our favorites

Small Plates

**    Kurobuta Pork Belly		$12.00
with tomatillo, black-eyed peas and shiitake.
***  New Zealand Green Lip Mussel Pan Roast		$13.00
w/ linguisa sausage, oven-dried tomato, garlic, herbs + white wine saffron broth.
**   Crispy Fried Calamari		$10.00
Tossed with citrus-soy vinaigrette and wasabi dipping sauce. **  Crabcake           $12.00 with macque choux and Tabasco vinaigrette. ***   Roasted Root Vegetable Salad $9.00 with wild arugula and pecorino cheese. ***   Baked Beluga Lentils and merguez sausage with salsa verde. $9.00 Large Plates ***   Spicy Gulf Shrimp & Grits $18.00 with Falls Mill Stone ground grits and linguisa sausage. **  Herb Roasted Pork Chop $20.00 with baby arugula, Asian pear, Stilton cheese, pine nuts, fingerling potatoes and apricot vinaigrette.

The New "Santa Monica Place": Don't be scared!

Welcome to 2011.. This is the year your going to get out and try new places and new foods.  This is a special edition where I'm reviewing Santa Monica Place!  If you haven't seen or heard about it, they tore down the old mall at the south end of the 3rd street promenade and built a modern open air structure.  Unlike the Promenade itself, this isn't built just for the tourists.  This is a great local spot not just for the high end retail stores, but it hosts a variety of fantastic restaurants! 

Santa Monica Place --  Great views, spectacular happy hours and foods from around the world!

 

Parking:   

The parking structure here is like something out of the future.  Besides having the out dated digital sign w/ the # of available spots on each level, there are lights that line the ceiling of the structure that show a green light if the space is available and red if it is taken..no more getting pissed when a friggin Mini is parked in the space hidden by the SUV that you thought was empty.  Also If you happen to have forgot where you parked, There is a machine on each level that allows you to type in your license plate and it will find you car and tell you where it is.   No joke it actually shows you a picture of the back of your car...kind creepy...kinda cool   you can usually enter from 4th, 2nd Colorado or Broadway.  I have seen some entrances closed when they are really busy, just circle it and you will find a entrance 

The Mall Itself:

Except for the stores, the whole mall is based outside.  Everything is based around a center courtyard that opens up to the promenade.  The last time I was they had someone plying the electric violin in the center.  It was really cool.  The center courtyard had several escalators which take you to the three different levels.  The third level is where most of the restaurants are.

Here is a brief Run down of the different Restaurant in Santa Monica Place

 Ozumo -- UNBELIEVABLE HAPPY HOUR DEALS, FANTASTIC SUSHI + SKEWERS! SUPER RELAXING ATMOSPHERE

 

STATS 

Restaurant: Ozumo   395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica CA 90401 | 424.214.5130

Category:  Japanese sushi + BBQ

Situation:  HAPPY HOUR, Date, Outdoor patio drinks w/ friends

Reservations:  yes, but not necessary 

Website:  http://www.ozumo.com/santamonica/

Price: happy hour  $$,  normal menu $$$

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BRIEF RUNDOWN

It was a blackboard eats special that brought us here. (www.blackboardeats.com)  It is in the far corner from the ocean of the 3rd story food level.  We came here with some friends for some happy hour treats.  We we taken back by the relaxing, open atmosphere inside.  It has a great bar/lounge area separate from their main dining.  With nice big bench style stool, you can belly up to the bar and get quick drink service :)  I suggest going here during happy hour.  They have an exclusive happy hour food and drink menu including small bites. Small bites are great because you can order many different foods for good prices.  Almost everything on the Happy hour menu us worth ordering and under $10 ..My favorite?  listed below

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Fried Calamari: Miso marinated Monterey Calamari tempura served with a good spicy tartar sauce



Tempura Shrimp:  Giant battered and fried shrimp... simple and delicious!

Salmon Skewers:  A MUST!  maybe the best salmon I've ever had.  Caramelized salmon cubes in a soy and Molasses sauce and served on a skewer with scallions

California Roll:  A great simple classic with delicious crab done right

Albacore Jalapeno sushi roll:  fresh spicy albacore,  w/ freshly sliced jalapeno on top

Garlic Edamame:  Tasty as it sounds!

Great Happy hour deals on Sapporo draft and Sake

They also have comfy outdoor seating with waiter service weather permitting!

SONOMA WINE GARDEN-- nice views, great outdoor seating + huge wine selection

 

STATS 

Restaurant: Sonoma Wine Garden   395 Santa Monica Place Suite 300, Santa Monica CA 90401 | 424.214.4560

Category:  French/ Wine Inspired

Situation:  HAPPY HOUR, Date,  Drinks w/ friends, Visiting Family

Reservations:  yes for formal dining room seating 

Website:  http://www.sonomawinegarden.com/

Price: $$$

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BRIEF RUNDOWN

Food looks good. They have a great outdoor bar and dining with a nice view. Going to have to revisit this one. Gotta be honest, I went in for a drink during happy hour but never ordered food. They have Weekday and Weekend Brunch and small bites...my favorite.

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Raw Oysters:  Sonoma, Carlsbad, British Columbia   $3.5



Truffle Fries:  With Parmesan and garden parsley   $7

Roasted Root Vegetable:  carrot, parsnip, turnip and celery root $6

Zengo -- Fancy indoor/outdoor Seating, good view of promenande..  but over priced.

  

STATS 

Restaurant: Zengo  395 Santa Monica Place , Santa Monica CA 90401 

Category: Latin /Asian Blend

Situation:   Visiting Family or Friends

Reservations:  yes but not needed for small party's 

Website:  http://www.richardsandoval.com/zengosm/index.htm

Price: $$$

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BRIEF RUNDOWN

This was my first dining experience at Santa Monica Place, and I wasn't impressed.  This is a tourist trap that has great outdoor seating and promenade views.  If you have people visiting from out of town or your not picking up the check, I'd maybe give it a try for Happy Hour Snacks. Sushi, Ceviche, Sea food,  Short Ribs etc. A lot of options but not quite worth the money.  I did enjoy the scallops though

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-- Scallops al mojo de ajo bacon-corn-edamame salsa / roasted garlic soy / aioli   $14










XINO (New take on classic Chinese Cuisine) Blue Stove (Located IN Nordstroms) la SANDIA (Upscale Modern Mexican Cuisine) and their first rate food court)




TILL NEXT TIME..TASTY EATING!


The Blue Plate Oysterette-- Quality Seafood even by New England standards

STATS 

• Restaurant: BLUE PLATE OYSTERETTE   1355 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90402 | 310.576.3474
• Category:  Raw Oyster + Clams,  Cooked Seafood
• Situation:  Casual, sit down, not very private,  front exterior tables, 
• Reservations:  Recommended for parties over 3
• Website:   http://blueplatesantamonica.com/bpo/home/
• Price: $$$  Raw Oysters ($3) + Clams ($1.5) Seafood Platter ($17) Fish Tacos ($14)
• Parking:  Limited on street meter parking, Expensive parking lot next door 

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SO WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

After several hours of apartment hunting with my girlfriend, Meredith, we found ourselves looking for a tasty place for lunch. We listed off all of our old favorites but nothing sounded good.  She had mentioned   The Blue Oysterette a few weeks ago, So we decided to go check it out.  Growing up a beach baby south of Boston, I am a big fan of seafood.  I don't eat a lot of seafood on the west coast.  It barely compares in quality to our fresh clams, scallops, oysters and Lobsters (w/ claws) in New England (If you didn't know West Coast lobsters don't have claws) So having said that I present you my humble opinion on The Blue Oysterette!

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ABOUT THE PLACE

This place is fairly unassuming from the outside.  However the location is nice, overlooking Santa Monica beach and pier.   It is small, has a few tables outside as well as inside and a couple of stools to belly up to the bar.  I prefer the stools, they over look the open kitchen and you can see them prepare the food.  It's it a bit expensive for such casual dining but the seafood is fresh and delicious and you get what you pay for!

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ADULT BEVERAGES AND WOBBLY POPS?

Beer, Wine, Champagne and Sake.  They have a few fancy micro brew beers on tap as well as the usual suspects in a bottle.  Their wine list is pretty good for a place this size.  

They also have Meredith's favorite, Mini champagne (Prosecco)

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HOW ABOUT THEIR MENU?

Plenty of options here.  Their raw bar includes Oysters from Maine, New Hampshire,  New Zealand as well as raw little neck clams.   Fried, baked, grilled or in a taco... however you take it they make it!

• *** Raw Bar Combo oysters on the half, ceviche, prawn cocktail, clams on the half (per person)  ($19)  Fantastic raw shell fish, you can order it individually
• **** Oysters Rockefeller  traditional (1/2 dozen $14  or a dozen $28)   Half order was plenty, very rich and cheesy I'd say it's a must

• *** Fried Seafood Combo  calamari, oysters, shrimp  ($17)   Great spread, 2 Huge shrimp, cooked perfectly
• *** Fish Tacos Grilled mahi mahi, cilantro aioli ($14)  Big piece of fish set out over a soft taco 

• *** Lobster Mac & Cheese | gruyere, herbs, truffle oil   ($18) 
  
  

Also serving up crab dip, artichokes, Steamers, Cornmeal crusted fried calamari, Ahi Sandwich,  Pesto Shrimp, 1/2 pound Kobe Beef Hot dog, Lobster roll, Old Bay spiced fries and more! 

Delicous, Fresh, Quick, and Cheap : "Tacos Por Favor!"

STATS 

• Restaurant: Tacos Por Favor!   1406 Olympic Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90404 310-392-5768
• Category:  Mexican
• Situation: To go, tacos and Beers with friends, casual 
• Reservations: No
• Website: http://tacosporfavormenu.info/
• Price: $   Burritos (Reg+ Breakfast) $5-$7  Taco $2-$4 Platters $7-$10
• Parking:  Limited on street meter parking 

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SO WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

So I have to start by admitting I'm not a huge fan of Mexican style food.  But as I grow up I'm slowly starting to get more comfortable experimenting with eating Mexican Dishes.  My girlfriend likes Mexican food so i brought her here after some friends recommendations.  Needless to say its our go to food stop for fresh, good food made quickly!  

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ABOUT THE PLACE

Tacos Por Favor has a bit of dark, dingy, old world feel.  No waitresses here, you order at the front cash register, you pay, and then they call your number.  There are table and chairs in a fairly good sized dining room.  The condiment section is a self serve which includes homemade red and green sauces, pickled peppers, fresh salsa and more.  (there are small to go condiment containers with lids) 

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ADULT BEVERAGES AND WOBBLY POPS?

Bottled Beer and Wine.   Fresh Horchata, water melon juice, ice tea and a variety of bottled sodas from Mexico...(mmmm real sugar!) 

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HOW ABOUT THEIR MENU?

Their menu is quite large so I'll just touch on some highlights.  However, whatever Mexican food you like, their fresh, top quality ingredients will keep you coming back!

• **** POTATO BREAKFAST BURRITO ($4.99) W/ Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, Rice & Beans

• **** HUEVOS RANCHEROS ($5.65) W/ Rice, Beans, Sour Cream, Salsa & Guacamole

• ***  MAHI MAHI SOFT TACOS   ($3.15) Green, Red Pepper & Onions, Sour Cream, Lettuce & Pico de Gallo

• *** WET CHILE VERDE BURRITO ($6.35) W/ Pork cooked w/ special green tomatillo sauce, Rice & Beans

They are also serving up Nachos, Sopas, Tostadas,Tortas, Quesadilas, Salads and more. Check out their full menu here:  http://tacosporfavormenu.info/

Food Trucks! the latest and greatest

I m just going to ease our way into the world of food trucks.  It can be a bit overwhelming.  So many choices.... So many types of foods...  Let's just start with where we can find the food trucks.

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 My favorite place to go for food trucks is right next to MTV and the Water Gardens at Pennsylvania Ave and 26th St.  in Santa Monica.   Mon -Fri every week there is at least 5-7 different trucks in a row from 11:30am-3:00pm.  I like to take a walk by all the trucks to see their menus and take in all the different smells in the air before I choose.  From sushi to Mexican to BBQ, they have it all.  Since the trucks change everyday you never know what you will find.  If you find a truck you like you can usually follow them on facebook or twitter to see where they will be.

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 Don't be scared to eat at these trucks, they have came a long way since the "Roach Coaches" we used to refer to.  Having these trucks around is exciting for foodies! A lot of the trucks have better menus and cooks than most restaurants do.  Some trucks are more expensive but the quality of food is high.
Some of the regulars are

• **** Baby's Badass Burger  Great Burger, juicy, excellent bun!  $$ 
• ** Barbie's Q BBQ  Pulled pork, chicken and beef on a baguette Wasn't my favorite but used the leftover for a kick ass hash the next morning  $$  
• *** Calbi Korean BBQ Fusion bbq, fresh ingredients, Tacos, burritos, etc fish or meat $$ 
• **** Dog Town Dogs  hot dog anyway you want it. tons of topping options  $$ 
• **** Jody Maroni's Mobile Kingdom All kinds of sausage and hot dogs, Louisiana red hot, Italian, chicken, kobe beef and more.  served on an amazing onion roll  $$ 
• ** South Philly Experience Cheese steaks, chicken steaks fries  with choice of cheese (American, Provolone or CHEESE WIZ) the steak was overly seasoned for me but everyone else seems to love it $$
•  ****Great Balls on Tires  my GF's favorite, meatballs any way you can imagine!
• ****The Shrimp Pimp Great beer batted shrimp, fish n chips and Shrimp and chips, Also have lettuce wraps and ceviche if you get there early enough)
• FishLips Sushi Truck
• The Grilled Cheese Truck
• No Reservations Catering
• Uncle Lau's Island BBQ  and may more

 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT ON FOOD TRUCKS YOU LIKE AND WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND

Fancy with everything but their prices! La Grande Orange

STATS:

• Restaurant: LA GRANDE ORANGE  2000 Main Street Santa Monica, CA 90405 310-396-9145

• Category:   American/Breakfast/Sushi (modern fusion)
• Situation: Causal-Modern Hip, Good for Dates, Groups,  GREAT HAPPY HOUR Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch and Dinner
• Reservation:  Recommended for groups of 3 or more or during peak times
• Website: http://www.lagrandeorangesm.com/
• Price: $$$:  Entrees reasonable,  $$ Cheap happy hour menu
• Parking:  easy on street meter parking (1 hour max every day) Also underground parking available off of Bicknell

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SO WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

• This is my new favorite place to get a meal anytime of the day.  I found this place after attending the Santa Monica food and wine festival a few weeks ago.  They were there giving out free slider burgers that were fantastic.  After looking at their website we decided to give the place a try.  They have a great breakfast menu and plenty of variety for lunch and Dinner.  Their happy hour is amazing. 4-7 every day.  $3 white and red Sangria's (Best I have ever had)  with many cheap drinks and food options!

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ABOUT THE PLACE/ ATMOSPHERE

There is a great dining atmosphere here.  A large outdoor patio with heaters overhead if needed.  Fresh salty ocean air!  The bright orange patio chairs and booths gives a cheerful welcoming as you enter the restaurant.  There are low and high table inside as well as a very comfortable but small bar to belly up to.  The kitchen is open and visible as you walk down the hall toward their full bakery.  Overall a friendly and inviting atmosphere to relax and eat in. Professional and kind wait staff!  (Oh and the Outside patio is friendly dog-- dog friendly)

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ADULT BEVERAGE AND WOBBLY POPS?

I said earlier about how great the happy hour is, but drinks are always cheap no matter what time it is.  Red and White Sangria's are $5, Mimosa and Blood Mary's $5 all the time!  They have a handmade margarita, Shakin' Lemonade, and punch.  Also they have a few bottle beers,  few draft beers, sake, and a huge wine list.

WHATS THE DEAL WITH THE MENU?

Tons of options and variety.   Breakfast: Egg's, Omelette's, Benedict's, Burritos,  Hash, Pancakes and French toast!  Lunch + Dinner:  Salads, hummus, Sushi Rolls, Enchiladas, Fish, Sandwiches, Burgers,  Taco platters

Here are some of my favorite for each meal of the day.

Breakfast

• ****Hash Browns Benedict w/ toast choice of ham bacon ($11) Like eggs Benedict but eggs and ham over a hash brown pancake instead of English muffins.

• ***Breakfast Tacos ($11) Fresh made corn tortilla, Scrambled Eggs,  Avocado, Cheddar, Chipotle Mayo.

• ***The Apple pancakes  ($12) Weekends only takes a little more time

• ***** French Toast ($9)  thick cut Brioche, Cinnamon and sugar crust.. Easily the best french toast I've ever had before!

Lunch + Dinner--- Huge variety of different style foods

• ***Steamed Mussels Half ($9) Full (18)  white wine and herbs.  Amazing broth, fresh and tender mussels.
• *** Sushi  Spicy shrimp and king crab (13) masago, Chile oil  yum yum!

• *** Filet Mignon Tacos ($19) grilled beef tenderloin

ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?

Yes, I can't say enough about how great their happy hour is!  4-7 everyday! and Last but NOT LEAST.. their bakery desserts.  Be sure to grab one of their homemade giant cookies on the way out.  The Chocolate chip cookie with sea salt on top is just insanely tasty! also good oatmeal apple cookie and english muffins! Enjoy... and If you see me there feel free to send me a red sangria over for the referral  ;)