The Connection Warren-Watchung Edition Sept/Oct/Nov 2018

Dining Out PAGE 60 www.theconnectionsnj.com ! 777 &160538426,3(',0(30- &1/ # $/3(,& /$ )% 01 ** 6 3 (* !*$ .2/"' 0$ -% -/ +-/$ 5.(/$0 ,,-1 !$ "-+!(,$# 4(1' ,6 -1'$/ 0.$"( * .2/"' 0$ -% -/ +-/$ 5.(/$0 ,,-1 !$ "-+!(,$# 4(1' ,6 -1'$/ 0.$"( * .2/"' 0$ -% -/ +-/$ 5.(/$0 ,,-1 !$ "-+!(,$# 4(1' ,6 -1'$/ 0.$"( * .$&( #163 $5(3,0* 3'(34 )13 $,.*$5(4 $0' .. #163 $.. (.(%3$5,104 $.. 51 3'(3 #163 +,.'94 ($.5+8 60&+ 1 1 ! " A TASTE OF SANTA MONICA By: Linda Seigelman Spending time in the Los Angeles area visiting my daughter and her fami- ly, I have developed an enhanced appre- ciation of the city of Santa Monica. Until fairly recently, most tourists to Los Angeles would visit Santa Monica as a day trip – a chance to relax at the beach, swim in the Pacific, see the famous pier, rent a bike and ride the beach path – after which they would head back to town. Today, Santa Monica itself has become the primary destination. It has lovely neighborhoods, bustling shop- ping districts, a growing arts scene and great hotels and restaurants. And of course the biggest draws remain the huge beaches and the Pacific Ocean. In greater numbers each year, tourists base themselves in Santa Monica and drive inland to visit traditional LA attrac- tions such as Universal Studios, Hollywood Boulevard and Beverly Hills. Santa Monica has a lot to offer food- wise. New restaurants open regularly and well-known chefs are setting up shop in town. In addition, a big part of what makes eating in Santa Monica so interesting is the multi-ethnic food truck culture. Daily, a selection of 3 to 6 (usu- ally weekends and holidays) food trucks will park along Ocean Avenue just north of the pier. Besides the ever-present – and very good – taco truck, the mix of trucks might include Belgian waffles, French crepes, fish and chips, burgers, Korean BBQ, Peruvian ceviche, Thai rice dishes, Japanese ramen, wood-fired pizza, specialty coffees, ice cream and more. It’s a veritable international smor- gasbord. Food in hand, you can grab a seat on one of the benches overlooking the Pacific and enjoy every bite. Separate from the food trucks, there are many wonderful restaurants to explore in Santa Monica. Listed below are a few favorites. WHERE TO EAT Blue Plate Oysterette, 1355 Ocean Ave – an upscale oyster “shack,” out- door seating across from the ocean with perfect sunset views, small menu fea- tures daily oysters, salads, seafood and some meat too, all well-prepared La Vecchia Cucina, 2654 Main Street – located downtown, consistent- ly good, home-style Italian restaurant, big wood bar area, friendly service, love their chicken and the branzino Locanda Portofino, 1110 Montana Avenue – old school elegant Italian in lovely neighborhood, excellent food and service, outdoor seating, amazing clams in garlic sauce, eggplant parme- san, homemade pastas, veal, chicken, you can’t go wrong Plan Check Kitchen + Bar, 1401 Ocean Ave #104 – go for burgers with interesting toppings and sides, chicken, fish and salads too, casual restaurant with industrial vibe, all outdoor seating, and oh the special donut for dessert Santa Monica Seafood, 1000 Wilshire Boulevard – fantastic seafood market/restaurant combination, a bit off the tourist track but well worth it, clam chowder, salmon burger, and ciop- pino are highlights, but it is all good The Georgian Hotel, 1415 Ocean Avenue – the porch of this hotel across from the ocean is a perfect spot for brunch, lunch, coffee or drinks, excel- lent egg dishes, sandwiches and small plates too, fun cocktails The Lobster, 1602 Ocean Avenue – prime location next to the pier, giant glass windows with Pacific views, terrif- ic seafood, elegant setting and service, top-notch clam chowder, lobster rolls and fish specials, unexpectedly, the chicken sandwich at lunch is amazing Water Grill, 1401 Ocean Avenue – one of the most popular restaurants in town, window seats with ocean views are always filled, seafood tower draws locals and tourists alike, large menu with everything well-prepared, sophisti- cated but casual vibe