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  ;)