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 

__________________________________________________________

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!

________________________________________________________

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!

________________________________________________________

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)

________________________________________________________

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 

__________________________________________________________

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!  

________________________________________________________

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) 

________________________________________________________

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!) 

________________________________________________________

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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 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.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 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

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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  ;)

Tapas! why have 20 bites of the same thing? Bite Bar & Bakery!

STATS:

• Restaurant: Bite Bar and Bakery 
• 3221 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 | (424) 744-8658 
• Category: French/American Tapas
• Situation: Dates, small group of friends, Business dinners
• Reservations: recommended for party's over 4 people
• Website: http://bitebar.com/
• Price: $$  Very reasonable,  High quality food (Average plate $5-$9) (3-4 recommended plates per person)
• Parking; easy on street/meter parking  no valet

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SO WHAT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

This is all about Variety! So I recently was introduced to the world of tapas.  I have to admit I thought it was some weird Mexican dish until my girlfriend filled me in (it's a style of eating that includes sharing many different dishes with small portions).  My favorite Tapas joint is on Pico in Santa Monica (Across from the Trader Joe's)  It's called Bite Bar + Bakery.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE PLACE/ATMOSPHERE

It has a small, quiet and relaxing atmosphere.  It has a full Bakery counter with different treats daily.  They are open for lunch and dinner weekly and breakfast on the weekends. My girlfriend has ordered their breakfast for pick-up once and really liked it but it has a small breakfast menu.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADULT BEVERAGES AND WOBBLY POPS?

Yes.  Beer and wine only.  Fancy beers (I drink the Bitburger) great wine selections. Had an amazing bottle of white wine for $25!  They also have cheap mimosa's

($5 corkage fee or free if spending $25+ per person)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW ABOUT THEIR MENU?

Their menu is always changing, adding new things, trying new dishes. Let's jump right into my favorites.

• *** Buttermilk Southern fried chicken bites with creamy Gouda grits, stewed tomato and okra ($8.50)     The chicken is very tender and grits are a great contrast in texture
• **** Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with chorizo and Manchego cheese ($5)  Fantastic sweet and salty combo. Not real cheesy good quality bacon
• **** Mini Andouille Corn Dogs with mustard and chipotle dipping sauces ($5)   Love being able to order corn dogs on a date! they're  small on toothpicks, dipping sauces on the side
• *** Jumbo lump crab cakes with chipotle honey corn mashed potatoes and remoulade ($7.50)   Cooked perfectly, soft, flavorful and plenty of crab!        
• ***  Pan seared shrimp + smoked gouda polenta shrimp cake topped w/ red bell pepper, corn + shallots ($7.50)  Not into crab cake? tries these instead.  Polenta cake is creamy and topped with a whole shrimp
• *** Mini Kobe applewood bacon cheeseburgers served on homemade brioche rolls ($9)   Extremely tasty meat,  cooked right! good roll

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHATS NEW ON THE MENU

Like stated before they are always tweaking and adjusting their menu for what's in season.

• **** Yellowtail fish’n chips served with homemade tartar sauce and malt vinegar ($7) East Coaster favorite... a few small bites of very tender fish an a couple perfectly seasoned fries
• ***  Pan roasted, sliced duck breast salad served on a potato-scallion pancake with frisee, ($7) super tender cuts of duck over a great fried potato pancake a new favorite!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WHAT ELSE?

they also have flat bread sandwiches, mac n cheese, devil eggs, meat and cheese plates etc.  Check out their full menu @ http://bitebar.com/dinner-bites.html   and don;t forget their amazing bakery for desert or to go!

BACON WRAPPED DATES

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN BREAST

DUCK