Santa Monica Insider

Anisette Brasserie - Santa Monica Resaurant Review

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:31:00 +0000

Santa Monica has an ever changing and abundant mix of restaurants suited to satisfy every craving. There are a handful of landmark restaurants that have been serving the community for decades…and then there are those who pop up and then fizzle out soon after opening their doors.

In between those two extremes are the new and hip establishments with solid chefs who’ve set out to conquer the eclectic tastes of Santa Monica locals and visitors alike.

We were recently invited to Anisette Brasserie, a new-ish French restaurant in the heart of Santa Monica. Anisette opened its doors in 2008 with renowned chef Alain Giraud and top notch sommelier to offer high end French cuisine in authentic yet convenient fashion.

Upon arriving, we were greeted and promptly seated at a comfortable table near the front of the restaurant. After pleasant introductions with our server our seven course ‘tasting menu’ began.

I will start by saying that I am not big on seafood, but Mariah is and for the Insider…I will always give it a try.

To start with, Anisette has an exceptional wine selection and a great grouping of beer from different parts of the world...to suit any palate (if you are anything like me with wines make sure to flag down their renown sommelier for some help with the wine pairings.) I started with a Stella and Mariah sipped and swirled a robust glass of Cabernet Franc.

While taking in the exceptional interior architecture and authentic atmosphere, our first course of bread was delivered to the table. There were two very nice sliced table breads along with some extremely good...cheesy puff pastry balls that we could not help but to devour. A few moments later our waitress arrived with a large, iced, platter of oysters, king crab legs and shrimp. There were 6 oysters, two from each of three different regions. Mariah was ‘all about’ the slightly smaller ones from Prince Edward Island. There were four large king crab legs that (once we were able to pry them open) were quite good – even for someone who does not really like seafood. The shrimp, though large, were …shrimp. The platter was served with an extremely good Marie Rose (French vinaigrette sauce) along with the American traditional cocktail sauce.

After doing our best to clean up the first platter we had a short break before having two large proportioned plates of steak tartar set out before us. As Mariah had never had steak tartar before, and the concept was not one that appealed to her, it took me having a big bite and saying just how good it was before she attempted her first bite. We both really enjoyed this course. The steak was chopped and mixed with a delicious fusion of oil, vinegar, dijon, capers and spicy chopped pickles. As good as it was, the portions were a bit too big, in our opinion.

The next course was…yes, back to seafood….scallops. The pan seared scallops were very large and were served with a nice accompaniment of squash and a sherry au jus.

Once through most of the scallops, we moved on to the next course of roasted Idaho trout almondine. As someone who does not really like fish…I devoured this whole plate. The trout was delicious and now may be one of my favorite meats.

Before desert, we were served one last course…prime rib eye and potatoes. (A smile came to my face when I saw this beautiful plate of meat and potatoes coming.) The steak had a great taste to it, though I found it to be a bit fatty for my palate.

By the time desert came, we were both pretty much out of room. I had no intention of eating another ounce of anything that night. Then I saw the desert platter that our waitress presented to us. Without hesitation I plunged my spoon into the, incredibly good, vanilla bean custard and topped the night off with lemon madelines and a cup of espresso.

On top of the amazing food, it was nice to see (and hear) French people filling the tables around us and enjoying their meals as well. Anisette has an intimate yet friendly ambiance.

The quality of service and culinary perfection here convinced me to try five or six foods that I had never tried and never thought I would try.

I see Anisette being a Santa Monica culinary hot spot for years to come. If you have not been or are planning to visit our little community, make sure Anisette is on your list of places to eat. I’d rate the pricing as expensive…but well worth the expense.

Anisette online

Grand Opening of 14 Below - Santa Monica nightclub

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Being a lifelong Santa Monica resident has evoked feelings in buildings and places. 14 Below is such a place, not sure if it's because I hung out there as a teenager while watching my friend's band or because of the genuinly cool group of patrons that gravitated there.

14 Below is making a come back and bringing live music and the cheapest drinks back to the Westside!!

Personally I am very excited for the Grand Re-opening tonight, March 12th 2010, and I'm looking forward to hearing live music again.

Check out 14 Below for hours, location and for their exciting calendar of events featuring everything from punk rock to old school country music.

You can also follow them on Twitter for the latest information.

Santa Monica Restaurant Review - Warszawa Polish Cuisine

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Warszawa Polish cuisine located in the heart of Santa Monica!

From the outside Warszawa looks like a rundown little yellow house, but upon entering the restaurant you are instantly surrounded by pleasing aromas and friendly and attentive staff.

The back patio at Warszawa is fun, funky, trendy and upbeat! When we were at Warszawa they were showing extreme snow sports on their LARGE outdoor screen. When we saw LARGE, we mean LARGE, it was almost like a movie theater. The atmosphere was fantastic and the patrons were friendly and easy going.

We had the filet mignon and it was extraordinary, flavored with juniper and Cabernet lingonberry sauce, and your choice of mushroom or garlic butter sauce. It really was tasty!

You are in for a treat when you visit Warszawa, their distinctive flavors, foreign influences and abundant vegetarian dishes make this polish restaurant one of the best!

For reservations, hours and calander of events visitWarszama

Santa Monica Landmark Hotels - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:13:00 +0000

When visiting Santa Monica, two of the K Hotels' properties should be on the top of your list. Though a bit on the pricey side, I have to say that if I were visiting Santa Monica, I’d love to stay at the newly renovated Shangri-La, as it is central to everything that Santa Monica offers and is a beautiful building.

Overlooking the Pacific since 1939, the recently-renovated Hotel Shangri-La is an Art Deco Landmark located on Santa Monica’s gorgeous Ocean Ave. A stone’s throw from the beach, as well as the great shopping at the Third Street Promenade, the Shangri-La is a stylish haven to see and be seen. The hotel’s gourmet restaurant, The Dining Room, offers first-class and farm-fresh cuisine, while the rooftop bar offers great views and a tranquil atmosphere. The Shangri-La is located at 1301 Ocean Ave. Rooms start around $300.

The Ambrose is a uniquely-crafted 77-room oasis with refined modern style. Designed with their sustainable hospitality in mind, the Ambrose is the first-ever U.S. hotel to earn LEED-EB certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. The Ambrose also features in-room dining from Urth Caffe, Los Angeles’ premiere healthy eatery. The Ambrose is located at 1255 20th Street in Santa Monica. Rooms start at around $230.

Sun Protection Zone - UV Protective clothing

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0000

The California sun can be unforgiving and sometimes it’s almost impossible to keep the kids covered in sunscreen. Sun Protection Zone offers UV protective clothing, sunglasses and hats for both children and adults.

Their stylish rash guards offer more than the cute factor and for only $18.00 you can outfit your little one for a trip to the beach and protect them from Melanoma.

Sun skinz are tightly woven with proprietary high-density yarn.
Four way stretch fabric is comfortable to wear, dries quickly and stands up well to chlorine and salt water.

100 SPF / UPF 50+ Maximum Broad Spectrum UV Protection

Sun Protection That Doesn't Wash Off!

Available at Sun Protection Zone

Fat Girl Slim Cream -- Review

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:00:00 +0000

If you're traveling to Santa Monica this you'll want to check out Fat Girl Slim...

Fat Girl Slim is a lean, mean, skin firming, dimple diminishing cream.

•energizes the skin

•stimulates skin surface to firm and contour with caffeine

•visibly reduces the appearance of excess fluid retention in skin layers

This advanced-technology adipose antagonist (which, in layman's terms, means it visibly diminishes those dastardly dimples) features QuSome-encapsulated caffeine molecules for quick and targeted delivery of the skin-slimming stuff of choice of supermodels, spokespeople and other celebs.

clinical studies show:*

• 87% saw a firming effect

• 85% felt a slimming effect

• 73% noticed a reduction in the appearance of cellulite

*Results reported from an independent clinical study conducted over a 28 day period.

Fat Girl Slim is available at Bliss

Santa Monica Restaurant Review - The Tavern

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Suzanne Goin’s and Caroline Styne’s newest restaurant, The Tavern, is conveniently located in Brentwood, just a stone’s throw away from Santa Monica.

We met up with some friends for a night at The Tavern. The atmosphere is trendy and hip with candles, music and socializing going on around the bar. We were seated and immediately approached for our drink orders.

The Tavern’s menu is amazing!! I had a hard time deciding, but I went with the Salmon and it was fresh and bursting with flavors. I’d also recommend The Little Gems salad, it was delish!!

For more information about LA’s newest hip and delicious new restaurant, check out The Tavern it’s a must when you’re on the Westside and wanting to please your palette.

Bliss World Spa

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Whether you’re traveling to Santa Monica for a vacation or you are a resident here, Bliss World has something for everyone!!

At Bliss world you can pamper and rejuvenate yourself with a day at the spa.

Bliss World's Los Angeles location has packages that are sure to please, with something for everyone; Bliss World offers sports massages, body scrubs, manicures, facials, waxing, oxygen treatments, and more!

Visit Bliss World for their spa treatments and for their extensive beauty products which are available for purchase through their on-line store.

South Beach Skin Solutions - Review

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:10:00 +0000

When traveling to Santa Monica, you’ll want to make sure you and your body are beach ready. South Beach Skin Solutions offers a hip and trendy new way to lighten the skin around the sensitive bikini area. Their slogan is ‘Is your wink pink?’ The South Beach Skin Solution Gel has been used by tens of thousands of women all over the world. This quick drying and quick acting gel can also be used on face, underarm and other sensitive areas.

South Beach Skin Solutions also carries body milk lotion, deodorant and waxing prep solutions. At South Beach Skin Solutions you’ll find all you need to hit the Santa Monica beach scene.

Santa Monica Event - Enlightenment Made Fun and Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0000

March 23 (Tues) You Are What You Love: Enlightenment Made Fun and Easy.

(Book Signing & Free Workshop)

Vaishali will answer all your questions about higher wisdom with fun, light hearted practices instead of dry memorization and restrictive limitations. FREE. Mystic Journey’s Bookstore: Mystic Journey’s Address: 1319 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice CA 90291 310.399.7070. 7-9pm FREE.

About Vaishali:

The path to vibrant health and wellness begins by creating a right relationship with your mind and your body. Vaishali, who has healed herself from terminal illness twice without western medicine, prescription drugs or surgeries, shares natural health tips and practices that will improve your health and your mindset in ways that are practical, easy to implement and relevant to anyone with a human body.

Life Management Expert, Vaishali, is the author of "You Are What You Love"© and Wisdom Rising." She hosts a weekly talk radio show "You Are What You Love"© on KTLK 1150am Sundays from 11am-12pm PST / 2-3pm EST and can be heard on Contact Talk Radio® Fridays 1-2pm PST / 4-5PM EST. Vaishali is also a faculty member at The Omega Institute. She has appeared on national radio and network television programs including ABC TV, CBS TV & NBC TV and on The Dr. Oz Radio Show. Vaishali’s articles have been published in hundreds magazines worldwide, and she has been quoted on Oprah.com and featured on the cover of Awareness Magazine and in Yoga Magazine. Vaishali graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Francisco State University with degrees in both Philosophy and Religion Studies as well as Radio and Television. She is also a certified level two practitioner in Chi Nei Tsang.

Shutters On The Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

As one of Santa Monica’s premiere hotels, Shutters is a centerpiece for the local coastline. Located right on the beach, in between the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Boardwalk, guests at Shutters have the luxury of walking out one side of the hotel and stepping right into the sand or walking out the other side to Santa Monica’s eclectic collection of shops and restaurants. In my opinion, this property sits on the absolute best real estate in Santa Monica – for a hotel.

Featuring 2 restaurants, a bar, a spa, gift shop and luxury swimming pool, Shutters offers the finest of everything to those who like to be pampered in style. Though it boasts more than 175 guest rooms and suites, the hotel looks like a large beach-side manor from the East Coast.

One of the more pricey hotels in the city, Shutters is luxury at its finest.

Shutters on the Beach
One Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, California 90405
Tel. 310.458.0030
Fax 310.458.4589
http://www.shuttersonthebeach.com/
For reservations: 800.334.9000

H7KZNXHFH2FX

Aura Sprays and Relaxation Creams

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:00:00 +0000

Local Santa Monica resident brings unique Aura sprays to life through her company, Aunt Vi's Garden.
At Aunt Vi's you will find Aura sprays designed in several different colors which each have a distinct objective. You will also find face creams with azulene (blue chamomile) and pure herbal nutrition for your hair, but that's not all. At Aunt Vi's Garden you will find inner peace and unconditional love for yourself and for others. Visiting Aunt Vi's is like walking thorugh a rose garden while getting a massage and eating ice cream all at the same time.

Go visit Aunt Vi's Garden now, you won't regret it!

Who is Aunt Vi ?

My company is named after my wonderfully unique and beloved Aunt Vi who taught me to follow the path of my heart. She was the inspiration for this journey.

At AUNT VI'S GARDEN we believe that to look beautiful you have to feel beautiful. Our products utilize the natural gifts found within the plant world and mineral kingdoms to develop both our internal and external beauty.

Only by nurturing ourselves on all levels can we begin to lead more satisfying lives. Our wish at AUNT VI'S GARDEN is not only to assist but to inspire those that join us in this transformative journey.

Best Wishes,
Amanda Enclade

toll-free: (877) AUNTVIS

Santa Monica Nightlife - Harvelle's

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:21:00 +0000

Harvelle's!

Established in 1931, Harvelles is the oldest live music venue on the Westside. The intimate setting at Harvelle's is the perfect spot to dance, socialize, drink and enjoy local as well as International artists.

Harvelles is convenietly located at:

1432 4th St. (adjacent to The 3rd St Promenade)
310-395-1676

Calendar

Santa Monica Theatre

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0000

Whether you're visiting Santa Monica or you're a resident it's always fun to check out live entertainment and enjoy local talent. Below is a list of some of the talent that is located right in the heart of Santa Monica. You don't have to travel to downtown to enjoy some culture!

City Garage Theater
1340 1/2 Fourth Street (alley)
Santa Monica, CA 90406
ph: (310) 319-9939
Website

Magicopolis
1418 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
ph: (310) 451-2241
Website

Mi’s Westside Comedy Theater
1323-A Third Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
ph: (310) 451-0850
Website

Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 Fourth Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401-1391
ph: (310) 394-9779
Website

The Promenade Playhouse & Conservatory
1404 Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
ph: (310) 656-8070
Website

Santa Monica Restaurant Review - Monsoon Cafe

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:07:00 +0000

Monsoon Café located on The 3rd St Promenade offers an exciting menu where Pan-Asian lovers can savor the true aromas and tastes of Asia. This bustling eatery in Santa Monica offers delicacies in a trendy and hip atmosphere! At Monsoon you can get a tasty dish made fresh from the seasonal produce bought right at the Farmers Market in Santa Monica!!

We suggest The Monsoon Roll; the sauce in itself is enough to make you drool.

Happy Hour daily from 4-7pm

Monsoon Café
310-576-9996
1212 Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica, Ca. 90401

Art Show - Opening Night Reception - Reinterpret Fairy Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:13:00 +0000

Mercedes Gertz and Esau Andrade reinterpret fairy tales with photographs by Elizabeth Beristain
Opening Night Reception: Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 7-10 pm
The Avenue 50 Studio is proud to present “Cuentos de Hadas” (Fairy Tales), an exhibition of works by two contemporary Mexican artists. Through a narrative language, Gertz and Andrade portray the female vs. male versions of fairy tales. The exhibit opens with an artists’ reception on Saturday evening, March 13, 2010 from 7 to 10 p.m. and closes on Sunday, April 4, 2010.

Mercedes Gertz. Using humor and sensuality, Gertz’s fairy tale series asks us to consider where women are in the 21st century. Her heroines are unapologetic symbols of female confidence. We sense in them a comfort with the body, with play and decoration. They confidently own the sensual, and relish in being a woman in charge.

These … fairy or folk tales … recur over and over through millennia in the guise of innocent stories telling us time and again that the docile, young body gets the prince, that the girl brave enough to venture into the woods—the space of men--meets her fate at the hands of the big bad wolf. Peter Pan lives forever as a boy, Wendy must grow up--it is her calling, her duty, her essential nature. -- Marlena Doktorczyk-Donohue, Art Critic, Essayist, Poet
Esau Andrade. Following in the footsteps of the Latin American surrealists, Esau Andrade twists reality, creating canvases bursting with color that are pop in nature. He instills a childlike exuberance into his delightful paintings. Andrade comes from a folk art background, as both his mother Guadalupe Valencia and brother Raymundo Andrade are also artists. He is mainly a self-taught painter, although attended La Escuela de Artes Plasticas de la Universidad de Guadalajara.
Unlike the candy colored confections of his more stylized folk art paintings, these other works by Andrade place him firmly in the surrealist tradition shared by many Latin masters. He retains a naiveté and originality with quirky images that are both charming and serious, and also remain indebted to his rich culture for visual symbols that are vivid and intense. -- Kathy Zimmerer, Artscene 11/2004
Elizabeth Beristain. Elizabeth was born in Mexico City. A graduate of the Escuela Activa de Fotografia and staff photographer for “El Reforma,” one of the top national daily newspapers in Mexico, she moved to Los Angeles as a freelance photographer and later became Photography Editor for the cultural publication Latino Weekly Review. A product of her Mexican mother’s artistic sensitivity and her Portuguese father’s decidedly more adventurous side, this subtle mixture of Old and the New World influences are germinal elements of Elizabeth’s artistry. Additionally, in devising the art direction of her own work, a wider range of crucial creative features shine through, from the world of opera, painting, music, and cinema, in a vision where a unique sense of artistry never intrudes with a boundless appreciation of our common humanity. Elizabeth has participated in various collective and solo shows, both in Mexico and Los Angeles, where she lives with her husband, cinematographer Gabriel Beristain ASC, BSC, and their two children Max and Victoria. She is currently at work on her new series, entitled Crowned Nuns.
March 13, 2010 through April 4, 2010

Santa Monica Farmers' Market - Main st

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 21:18:00 +0000

The Santa Monica farmers' market on Main St. offers food, music, organic fresh produce, sophisticated cheese, and friendly funky people, but that's not all...

The Santa Monica farmers' market is the place to see and be seen.

Main Street FARMERS' Market

Located at 2640 Main Street:
Sundays, 9:30 am – 1:00 pm

With the feel of a street fair, the market includes live music, pony rides, face painting, celebrity sighting, and chefs serving breakfast, lunch and snacks. This is the only Famers' Market in Santa Monica to contain a large non-agricultural section. You can park on the surrounding street or at overflow parking at 2600 Barnard Way. Tell the attendant you're going to the Farmers' Market and validate your stub at the market information booth.

Glow Santa Monica

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:00:00 +0000

Glow is a participatory twelve hour event (from dusk to dawn) of lights and art that will once again be coming to Santa Monica beach on September 25th, 2010.

In 2008 downtown Santa Monica underwent a magical transformation when the Pier, beaches, and Palisades Park glowed with the sights and sounds of original contemporary art all night for the first Glow event in the United States!

Now, planning for the 2010 Glow is in the works.

Santa Monica Restaurants -- Cha Cha Chicken

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:45:00 +0000

Hidden, in plain sight, amongst Santa Monica’s hundreds of eclectic restaurants is the local favorite – Cha Cha Chicken.

Upon first look, this beach shack style restaurant looks like something that was transplanted from a seedy third world beach community…but once inside it is impossible to avoid the wafting aromas that make your taste buds kick into overdrive.

The décor is very unique but you can’t help but to feel comfortable and at home regardless of whether you are sitting inside at one of their massive ‘family-style’ tables or on the festive tiki patio.

I have to say that my favorite dish has to be the Jerk Chicken Enchiladas…or the Salmon Negril. Both are so delicious that it is hard to finish your plate without wanting to get up and order more. Any meal of the day Cha Cha is a top choice for those of us who love the sweet and spicy of Caribbean foods.

Both locals and tourists alike marvel at the mouth-watering goodness that emerges from this little Jamaican joint located just 2 blocks from the Santa Monica pier.

I would recommend everyone to go in, place an order and grab a table to enjoy the culinary masterpieces…but they also accept call-in orders, provide catering and even deliver.

Monday thru Friday
11;00 a.m- 10;00 p.m. Saturday &
Sunday from 10;00 a.m. ti'll 10;00 p.m

310 581-1684
1906 Ocean Ave.
Santa Monica Ca. 90405

Santa Monica - For Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:50:00 +0000

Scribbles on Montana is quickly becoming a favorite amongst locals and their children.

At Scribbles, your Scribbled words and pictures become a hardbound book that is sure to be treasured for years to come.

Two westside moms created a full art studio in Santa Monica where families can create memorable and lasting books, it's the first ever 'Make your own book' studio.

When traveling to Santa Monica, Scribbles would be a great place to jot down your trip details complete with illustrations and bring all the memories home to share with your family.

Visit Scribbles on Montana for good clean artsy fun!

Santa Monica Restaurant Review - Port Royal

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:10:00 +0000

Port Royal Jamaican food in Santa Monica was a let down, although the restaurant was cute and funky the food was just so so...

We ordered the Jerk chicken, it was spicy and the flavor was good but it was lacking the sauce. Jerk chicken should be shredded and dripping in jerk sauce. The rice and beans were dry and lacking flavor. They messed up our bill TWICE and gave me the wrong amount of change.

The only item on their menu that MIGHT have me going back was their beef patty appetizer which resembled an empanada with a tasty meat filling.

We're giving it a thumbs down.

Here's the LA TIMES Opinion

Santa Monica Restaurant Review - Bay Cities

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Bay Cities! The one and only true Italian Deli in Santa Monica! Bay Cities has sandwiches that are THE BOMB, plus hot foods, grocery items, gourmet cheese, a HUGE variety of olives, and wine that is sure to please the sophisticated as well as the casual wine drinker.

Bay Cities is located on Lincoln Blvd and can get pretty crowded during lunch time, take a number and be prepared to push your way up to the deli counter to instruct their team of sandwich builders on what you want. We suggest the Godmother sandwich (genoa salami, mortadella, coppacola, ham, prosciutto,provolone) and the traditional Poorboy (bologna, cotto salami, swiss cheese) with the works!

Grab one of these sandwiches and head to the beach! That's how we do it in Santa Monica!

Sandwiches and hot specials: $6-9

Closed Mondays
310-395-8279
1517 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, Ca. 90402

Malibu Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:19:00 +0000

The Best Beaches in LA County

Put an El or La Before Your Favorite Beach

When it comes to the beaches of Los Angeles County only three of the hundreds stand out to me. Not to say that I’ve been to them all; but El Matador, El Pescador and La Piedra are by far the best beaches that I have been to in the area.

Beach-going is one of those things where you strive to balance the attributes that are important to your enjoyment and relaxation. At any of the above beaches, you will find the perfect mix of; soft and clean sand, rocks to climb, privacy, clean water and plenty of “real estate.”

On most days that we go to the beach, it is El Pescador that wins. Parking is a small lot, right off PCH, where you unload and then hike down the cliff to the beach. It being a bit harder to access than many public beaches makes it one of those beaches that gives you a sense that you’re at a private beach.

Our last visit to El Pescador was the perfect example of why we love it so much. We arrived with a carful, 2 adults and 6 children (ranging in age from 3 to 15), after unloading our towels, food and water (none of which is available at the beach) we began our decent. Like a train of pack mules, we made our way down the windy path, through the brush and down the rocks until we hit the soft, warm sand. Looking down the beach we only saw about 10 or so other people set up for the day. We all smiled at one another as we set our blankets down in the perfect spot.

About 10 feet away from us was the ruins of someone’s make-shift lean-to made of rocks, bamboo, tree limbs, seaweed and leaves. Almost instantly, several of the kids began the renovation. We lay back on our blankets and watched as the kids wandered around collecting important items for their “beach house.”

Once completed, the kid’s creation served perfectly as a retreat from the sun, location for resting and storing all of the cool rocks, driftwood and shells that they found as well as a pleasing “work of art” for passersby.

This stretch of beach is about 300 yards, with rocks that come down to the water on either side. This makes it a great place to bring children as they can’t wander out of sight. As the day goes on there is a regular fluctuation of beach-goers coming and going…never getting too crowded.

The beaches, being in Los Angeles county, do enforce the county laws of no alcohol and no off-leash dogs…the only downside in my opinion.

Our tip for these beaches:

Bring plenty of sun screen, water and food. There are no vending machines or snack stands…although Wades market is just a few miles up PCH.

Details about the beaches:
Located between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of a number of cove or cliff-foot strands known as "pocket beaches" along the west end of the city of Malibu.

There are signs on Pacific Coast Highway with the names of the beaches: El Pescador, La Piedra and El Matador. Each of these three small beaches are a jewel unto themselves. These beaches can be crowded during the summer, however during the off season, they offer a perfect opportunity to experience solitude at its finest.
El Matador State Beach
location: 32350 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic sea stacks.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Encinal Canyon Road and Kanan
Dume Road.
El Pescador State Beach
location: 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.
La Piedra State Beach
location: 32700 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
description: Stairs leading to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach.
directions: On Pacific Coast Highway between Decker Road and Encinal Canyon Road.
MAP

Santa Monica Restaurants -- Fritto Misto

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:11:00 +0000

Santa Monica is well known for their restaurants, here in Santa Monica you can find almost anything your taste buds crave. Sometimes good old fashioned Italian does the trick and at Fritto Misto will will find resonably priced meals with perfect flavors!

Fritto Misto has a varied menu and a family friendly atmosphere that won't put a dent in your wallet.

The deets:
• Extensive Wine List--many wines available by the glass, 2.00 per person corkage if you bring your own.
• Create your own pasta option
• All pastas home-made fresh daily
• Sidewalk seating
• Lo-Carb Available
• Vegetarian Available
• High Protein Available
• Sunday Brunch

Reservations--Parties of 8 or more
Parking--Street or Lot in back
Children’s Menu
Payment Methods--Visa, Mastercard, Discover,Travelers Checks
Private Rooms --Yes - seats to 50

Hours:
Open 7 days
Monday - Thursday--11:30am - 10pm
Friday - Saturday--11:30am - 10:30pm
Sunday--11:30am - 9:30pm

Convenietely located at 601 Colorado Blvd within walking distance of The 3rd St. Promenade

More chatter about Fritto Misto:

"Fantastically good food at rock bottom prices"
- Zagat

“You’ll be tempted to try everything you
can at these low prices”
- Gayot

“The very essence of the Italian Cafe.”
- L.A. Magazine

“Vegetarians can delight in their
extensive meatless choices”
- Santa Monica News

“Top 10 - Moderately priced restaurant in L.A.”
- Marcellinos Guide

Topanga Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Santa Monica Insider) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:03:00 +0000

My parents had a beach house right on Topanga beach before the government took it over and bought them out, what a shame….I could have been living on the beach this whole time. Topanga beach is a fantastic surfing spot if you don’t mind the rocks, or the crowds. Topanga has a little bit of a “hippie feel” to it which, I think, adds to the charm. It’s not so great for a swim or for kids to play in the water because of all the rocks, but it is clean and fun with an eccentric atmosphere.

Location:
18700 PCH (just north of Topanga Canyon Road)
Malibu, CA 90265

Hours: Sun-up to sundown

Parking: The parking lot is located at 18700 PCH. It costs $2 (pay in slot) when parking attendant is absent. Parking costs $5 on weekends and busy summer weekdays. There is also a free handicap parking lot that is near the sand. Free parking is available on PCH north and south of the lot.

Phone: (310) 451-2906

Beach Information
Topanga Beach is one of the most popular surf spots in the area with a wide sandy beach perfect for sunbathing on hot summer days. There are a few restaurants and a market on PCH. The waves at Topanga Beach break over cobblestones and reef. Fun rights give surfers long rides into the bay.

Food/dining: There is a market across the street on PCH and various sit-down restaurants.
Nearby Restaurants: The Reel Inn and Pats Topanga Grill, across the street there is an amazing furniture shop and Malibu Feed, which has a small “petting zoo”

Restrooms: Restrooms with showers are available on the beach connected to the main lifeguard tower.