A2 Rating Scale (out of 5):
THE BASICS:
WHAT: Local Kitchen & Wine Bar
WHERE: Santa Monica (ish)? That’s what they’re saying at least. But if you’re thinking of that fun Main Street section then you’re way off — It’s in the more family friendly/less boozy brunchy area off Ocean Park Blvd and 17th St.
WHEN: Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. But after our visit the only time we’d consider going back is if we happened to be in the area during their daily 3-6PM Happy Hour.
WHAT TO ORDER: Alie liked the Bacon & Egg Brunch Pizza ($14) with Weiser farm potato, ricotta, Swiss chard, and parmesan. While it wasn’t the best ever, you can’t go too wrong with those basics (pizza for breakfast? with bacon and eggs? yes please). However, Alex thought it fell extremely short in both flavor and portion- bland and pretty tiny (if you’re going as far as pizza for brunch, you might as well go big…). On the other hand, Alex’s favorite of the outing was the Anson Mills Polenta ($18) with Anduja sausage, mushroom, soft egg, crisp kale and parmesan because it was the most unique. BUT it was Alie’s least favorite…can you say mush? I need some diversity in consistency people. So, WHO DO YOU TRUST MORE?!? Just kidding… we won’t ever put you in that sitch – order based on your mood and what you’re craving. All in all, if we ever return we’d completely switch it up.
WHAT TO SKIP: We never thought we’d say this but: The Avocado Toast ($10) with smoked king salmon, bruschetta, preserved lemon and herbs. We’ve tried hundreds of avo toasts around town (how are we not sick of this trend yet?) and while we were initially excited by the addition of smoked salmon, this take wasn’t anything to write home about. When we told the waiter that the three of us were going to split it, he should’ve given us a heads up that it would be IMPOSSIBLE considering how tiny it was. On second thought, maybe those are the kinds of portions we SHOULD be eating… Needless to say, we make a better version at home ourselves; the few times a month we’re not eating out serving you people and contributing to the economy.