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Let me preface this review by noting how many restaurants in the city of Los Angeles that I've...
More 1 year ago
Let me preface this review by noting how many restaurants in the city of Los Angeles that I've tried; from five-star dining to the smallest hole in the wall, I've visited almost every small neighborhood in this city. Never have I had a meal that satiated every aspect of my hunger; until I ate at Violet. It's located in a quieter part of Santa Monica, allowing for a relaxed meal and enabling you to avoid an overly crowded restaurant or an excruciatingly long wait (such is usually the case in restaurants as amazing as this one). The service is incredible, and the staff is very friendly, helpful, and attractive (an added bonus). All of this is topped off with the most incredible, satisfying meal; Violet offers light dishes such as a frisee salad with a gorgonzola truffle dressing or a cold gazpacho soup, both simple and delicious. The chef pairs together flavors and textures that may evoke reluctance at first glance, however the intricate and often daring combinations prove to be carefully and successfully executed, such as the white chocolate mashed potatoes, or the vanilla risotto. The lamb chili and short ribs are among the heartier dishes on the menu. My personal favorite is the macaroni and cheese, Simons' (the chef and owner) signature creation; having tasted dozens of takes on the traditional dish, he prepares it with precision and incredible flavor, as well as beautiful yet simple presentation. The meal is finished off with an array of desserts, but don't fill up just yet: the check comes with a surprise plate of mini chocolate chip cookies and a small shot glass of milk. Simons certainly knows what he is doing; he seems to have a following of neighborhood locals who enjoy the family-friendly spot. However, it is equally appropriate for a date night. The atmosphere is fun, casual and a little punk rock, but the food rivals that of the most well-known restaurants in the city. It's a must try!
Pros: great prices, incredible food, no long waits, good service.
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the most amazing hair dresser on the planet... thats all i have to say.
2 months ago
the most amazing hair dresser on the planet... thats all i have to say.
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Lares Restaurant
Category:
Restaurants
2909 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica,
California 90405
(310) 829-4550
This place is highly recommended if you want a great meal with great service. There is an upstairs...
More 10 months ago
This place is highly recommended if you want a great meal with great service. There is an upstairs and a downstairs area (both are great), but no matter where you sit you get great service. I have been about 10 times now, and each time I am impressed. Any carnitas dish is excellent.
Pros: Great food, Great interior, great service
Cons: Starting to get crowded
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Lula
Category:
Restaurants
2720 Main St
Santa Monica,
California 90405
Rafi their Tequila Aficionado knows his way around the 300 Tequilas they have in stock. Authentic...
More 2 months ago
Rafi their Tequila Aficionado knows his way around the 300 Tequilas they have in stock. Authentic regional mexican food and some amazing original art by Eloy Torres (one of my favourite painters). I always meet someone I know here and make friends with at least one new person - fun, friendly, great service - we LOVE Lula's.
Pros: Everything! Happy Hour from 1-7pm and over 300 Tequilas
Cons: None
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Josie
Category:
Restaurants
2424 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica,
California 90405
(310) 581-9888
Flawless, impeccable fine dining. This is our go-to restaurant for any special meal. Everything on...
More 1 year ago
Flawless, impeccable fine dining. This is our go-to restaurant for any special meal. Everything on the menu is outstanding, including the venison a...
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Massimo recommended the Brazilian treatment for my hair because I have great wavy hair, and lots...
More 3 months ago
Massimo recommended the Brazilian treatment for my hair because I have great wavy hair, and lots of it, but it is very fine, and needed constant blow drying and curling to look great. Massimo promised that the Brazilian treatment would make my hair look great straight out of the swimming pool and shower without any touch ups at all...and he was right! I can go from the shower to an important event with nothing more than a brush through my hair and out the door. Cuts down on prep time dramatically given all I have to concentrate on is my make up and ensemble. My hair is already handled. And it has lasted for MONTHS! I am so so happy. Thanks Massimo.
Pros: Easiest hair Care ever
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El Cholo Cafe
Category:
Romantic Dining
1025 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica,
California 90401
I'm a huge mexican food fan and have tried almost all mexican restaurants in la & santa...
More 11 months ago
I'm a huge mexican food fan and have tried almost all mexican restaurants in la & santa monica. This is by far my favorite spot. Great margaritas (and variety), great food (my fave is the fajitas) and love the down to earth & traditional atmosphere.
Also, cheap valet ...but it does get full fast ...
Pros: Great food, great margaritas, great spot
Cons: valet gets filled up fast... come early
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A friend of mine recently introduced me to this gem of a restaurant in Santa Monica. Since we had...
More 1 year ago
A friend of mine recently introduced me to this gem of a restaurant in Santa Monica. Since we had nothing planned for New Year's eve (the holiday is overrated anyway), we decided to celebrate at Rustic Canyon with a small group of our closest friends. What a great time we had! We pigged out on eight exquisite courses -- including succulent oysters, fresh tortellini, and sinfully delicious dessert. Near midnight, the friendly (and good-looking) staff passed out tiaras, hats, horns, and of course flutes of champagne. We counted down and toasted to the ending of a crappy year and the beginning of a new year with promise.
By the way, my friend had warned me that the one downside to Rustic Canyon is that when it gets busy (and it's always busy), it is impossibly loud in there. But we were pleasantly surprised to see newly installed sound absorption panels on the ceiling. We had no trouble hearing one another on New Year's. Guess Rustic Canyon is pretty good at taking customer feedback, so speak up. I do!
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Zanzibar
Category:
Bars, Pubs & Clubs
1301 5th St
Santa Monica,
California 90401
I'm a big fan of Afro funke Thursdays so I checked the new Salsa night on Mondays. I have danced...
More 2 years ago
I'm a big fan of Afro funke Thursdays so I checked the new Salsa night on Mondays. I have danced Salsa a little before but I was a bit rusty so I took both lessons( 8pm-10pm). The instructor Cristian amazing... not only is he one of the best dancers I've ever scene, he is patient and teaches some really cool moves. The place was packed and now I know why. With the recession in full swing you can park your car (Free), get a 2 hr lesson (included in cover), and dance til 2am for only $5. The girl at the door says it's $10 when they have live music but the dance lessons are still included. This place is a steal of a deal.
Pros: Cost, Instructor,DJ's, parking , location
Cons: size
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Circle Bar
Category:
Bars, Pubs & Clubs
2926 Main St
Santa Monica,
California 90405
This place rules! Starting with cool and entertaining door men always willing to chat or light up...
More 1 year ago
This place rules! Starting with cool and entertaining door men always willing to chat or light up your smoke. Then as soon as you enter the swanky velveted wall classic bar, you are distracted by the gorgeous female bartenders eager to mix you your favorite cocktail. If you can pull yourself away from these gals you can make your way on to the dancefloor to mix it up to some of the spinnings of the hottest DJs on the west side. This place is a must visit; it has a ton of history because it has been around since the 40s and they can deliver a full bar to any party anywhere. Check it out.
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